One seemingly fine, September morning...
* * *
"James, sweetheart, I made an appointment with the pediatrician for Harry's ear ache. We have to be at his office at two today, which means we need to get a taxi. Can you call later?" Lily smiled sweetly as she placed Harry in a Muggle jumping contraption in the doorway and started on breakfast.
James looked up from the Daily Prophet. "Lil, why are you taking him to a Muggle doctor? You know my mum can fix just about any baby ache in a second. Its not a bad ear ache, anyway."
"I know, but I remember how good my doctor used to make me feel when I was a kid, and besides, I want Harry growing up with an appreciation for Muggles. After all, half of his family is Muggles."
"Like that scum of a sister you grew up with?"
Lily sat down next to him. "James... please. I know she isn't the most pleasant person to be around, but Petunia's got a good heart. She just... doesn't understand."
James sighed and kissed Lily's cheek. "I'm sorry then. Feel better?" Lily smiled and nodded. James sniffed the air. "Is something burning?" Lily jumped up.
"Oh, the bacon!"
James chuckled as a piece of bacon came flying towards him. It wasn't from Lily, however, but from Remus, who was climbing out of the fireplace in the kitchen.
"Someone order some burnt bacon?" Remus smiled and ruffled Harry's hair, who had started squealing and clapping when Uncle Remus had emerged into the kitchen.
"You let Rhia cook this morning?" James asked, handing Remus a coffee mug.
"Of course... she's trying to scrape the pans clean now. Personally, I think its a lost cause."
Lily laughed. "I keep telling you two you're welcome to breakfast over here any time, with the cooking skills you both posess."
"We might have to take you up on that offer - those were our last good pans!"
Another squeal from Harry announced the arrival of the mail. James collected the letters and began to read through them as Remus joined Lily at the counter, stealing bits of bacon and toast from under her arm. Rhia eventually joined them, smelling slightly of smoke and burnt metal. She picked Harry up and bounced him around the kitchen.
"You look so natural," Remus muttered in her ear as she passed him.
"It's a skill - help me improve it!" she shot back. They had been exchanging friendly banter about their future for a while now. The most Remus did was blush and smile; once he had actually told her to be patient, which made her think something was in store. She could barely contain herself, especially around baby Harry.
The morning progressed perfectly delightfully (AN: That sounds odd...) - until...
"Oh, Merlin..." James whispered, opening the last letter. Remus perked up.
"What is it, Prongs?"
James looked up into the concerned faces of his friends (and Lily). "I knew it was too good to last... it was just a matter of time."
"What was a matter of time?!" the ever-impatient Rhia exclaimed.
"You-Know-Who... he struck again..."
"What?" Lily whispered, sitting down next to him. Remus walked over to the fireplace, and Rhia hugged Harry closer to her.
"I've just heard from Dumbledore. He's calling the Order together for an emergency meeting today. He can't say anything in writing, it could be intercepted... oh, honey, you'll have to take Harry to the doctor yourself, I've got to go."
"The Order... so Sirius will be getting one too."
"Already did," a voice called from the fireplace as Sirius and Annie stepped through. Annie took Harry from Rhia as Sirius kissed Rhia on the cheek, then Lily. "Can Annie stay with you two today? I'm a bit nervous about this meeting, we don't know what could have happened."
Remus nodded. "Safety in numbers, after all."
Then the girls were kissed goodbye, Harry was tossed in the air a few times (to much dismay from Lily), and the boys disappeared through the fireplace.
* * *
"Alright Dumbledore, we're all here, what's this about?" Sirius asked for the fifth time. James placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Easy there Padfoot," he muttered.
"Wait, we're not all here. We're missing two - but who?" said McGonagall.
"The Longbottoms," said a shadowy voice from the corner. Snape emerged almost from nowhere to stand next to Dumbledore's chair.
"That's right. The Longbottoms aren't here... they were captured by Voldemort, and have showed up just on the edge of the forest. Unfortunately their memories have been broken into and modified again. There are signs that they were tortured, severely."
"What signs?" James asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "Complete memory loss. They have been reduced to the mentality of about a four year old... I'm afraid this means Voldemort's powers are growing. And that means we need ways to protect our side." With this, he shot a very pointed look at James. James nodded and gulped.
~*~
"Poor little thing," Rhia murmured, holding down Harry's flailing legs as Annie held onto his head and Lily put some drops into his ear, Harry wailing miserably all the while.
"Mummy knows, darling," Lily stroked his forehead and turned him over with great difficulty, putting drops into his other ear.
"A simple potion would clear it right up, Lily." Annie remarked.
"Yes, but Harry's going to be raised in both a muggle and a magical household, and that includes a pediatrician." Lily replied. "Besides, I don't want to chance giving Harry some faulty potion."
"I'm sure Severus Snape would whip up something for you." Rhia said with a slight smile that made Lily blush and hug her son tight to her chest.
"Sirius and I agreed that we'd raise Mira in a fully magical household." Annie said softly, playing with Harry's tiny hand. "The way we were both brought up."
Rhia patted Annie's hand sympathetically and said nothing, watching as Lily comforted the still-crying Harry.
"He wants his papa." Lily murmured.
"They'll be back soon." Rhia assured her.
"They'd better be." Annie replied. "Dumbledore's letter didn't seem to be written in high spirits."
"Maybe things are getting better," Rhia suggested, seeing the terrible worried look on Lily's face.
"Maybe." Lily said hopefully just as James emerged from the fireplace with Sirius and Remus hot on his heels.
"Dada!" Harry cried, holding out his small hands. James leaned forward and picked up his son, nearly crushing him in a bear hug.
"James?" Lily said in a worried tone of voice, touching the side of his face. "What's wrong?"
"It's the Longbottoms." Remus said quietly. "You-Know-Who erased their memories."
"And Dumbledore..." Sirius murmured. "Dumbledore thinks..."
"He thinks we need the ultimate protection." James said softly.
"Ultimate protection?" Rhia repeated.
"What does that mean?" asked Annie.
"He's going to tell us tomorrow night." Peter explained. "He wants us to meet at his office."
"His office? But why not here?" Lily asked.
"Dumbledore thinks we're being closely watched." James replied and none saw Sirius's eyes flick towards Remus. "He says there's better protection at Hogwarts."
"Tomorrow night it is then." Lily said.
"No, Lil, you are not going." James insisted. "You're staying here with Harry."
"And Annie and Rhia will keep you company." Sirius volunteered, ignoring the dagger-like looks they sent him.
~*~
"Don't touch that, Peter." Remus ordered as Peter began prodding Dumbledore's pensieve with his wand.
"I was only curious." Peter said, sticking his wand back in his pocket.
"Here, occupy yourself." Sirius handed him a thick book from Dumbledore's shelf entitled The Mystic Mermecolion. Peter grimaced and opened it, laughing at the pictures.
"He's late." James murmured, nervously stroking Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet pheonix.
"No, he's not." Remus retorted. "You're just tense."
No one spoke for a few minutes as Fawkes began singing a low mournful tune that seemed to calm everyone immensely until Dumbledore entered.
"Dumbledore, there you are." James said quickly, crossing to his mentor's side.
"Excuse my tardiness, gentlemen." Dumbledore apologized. "Alastor Moody and I were in a meeting."
"It's quite all right." Peter said and the others nodded.
"Come, I've something to show you." Dumbledore beckoned them all to the section of the room where his telescope was kept. An ancient looking book sat on a small pedestal near the telescope, and Dumbledore opened it, flipping through the pages.
"What is this, Professor?" asked Sirius.
"Have any of you heard of the Fidelius Charm?" Dumbledore asked in return.
The four Marauders exchanged somewhat confused looks.
"Doesn't it have something to do with secrets?" Remus recalled from their Defense Against the Dark Arts class so long ago.
"Yes, it hides a person's location within another, the Secret Keeper." He explained. "Whoever is under the Fidelius charm cannot be found. I believe that would be the best choice for you, James, along with Lily and Harry."
"Lily?" James repeated. "But.no! She doesn't have Gryffindor blood, she's not in danger!"
"She's your wife, James." Peter said to him. "Don't you want her with you?"
"I won't endanger her life!" he cried.
"James, if you can find someone to trust and hide long enough for Voldemort to be brought down, then none of you will be in danger." Dumbledore assured him. "All you need do is choose a Secret Keeper. Then you, Lily, and Harry must perform the charm, but I must urge you to do this with haste. Voldemort's circle is drawing closer around you every day."
James sighed and chewed nervously on his lower lip.
"James, Dumbledore has a point. I remember more about this charm now, and it seems like the best plan we have - considering the option of "Ambush Voldemort and hope we don't die" makes most of the Order a bit squeamish..." Remus pointed out, grimacing a little. "I don't like the idea of putting Lily in the middle. I love her, I need to protect her!" Dumbledore sat down behind his desk with a sigh. "I know James, but do you really think Lily is out of danger just because you're around to protect her? She's your wife, your weakness, and Harry's mother. Lily is in just as much danger as you and Harry, and needs just as much protection." "And anyway, how do you expect to keep her from harm if she's out in the world while you and Harry are hiding somewhere secret?" "Peter's right, Prongs," Sirius said, placing a hand on James' shoulder. He slumped down into a chair in front of the desk and covered his face with his hands. "Plus, I don't think Lily will take well to the idea of you hiding somewhere with her baby boy and she can't see him. Its a mother's instinct to protect their children. She'll fight, she'll be dragged off kicking and screaming and most likely cursing left and right if you try and leave her out of it." James nodded in his hands. He sat up suddenly. "But if I'm locked away in some secret place, how am I supposed to help with the Order?" "James, you don't need to worry about that. You have enough on your hands, worrying about your family. You don't need to worry about the rest of the world too, we can take care of it." Dumbledore smiled. "You always played the hero, but you have a son now. You need to set your priorities in order. And you need to think of someone you trust enough to be Secret-Keeper." "Simple - Sirius," he responded immediately, glancing up at his best friend. Sirius beamed. "I thought as much. But James - and don't get me wrong, Sirius is completely and totally trustworthy - don't you think choosing Sirius is a bit obvious? I would discuss this with Lily, if I were you." James nodded and grumbled. They talked for a few more minutes until the boys were ready to depart. Sirius hung back as the others left. "Sir, may I have a word?" he asked. Dumbledore nodded. "Of course. What's on your mind, Sirius?" Sirius gulped. "Sir, have you found out anything else about this alleged spy around James and Lily?" "Only that they seem completely updated on their movements. Why?" Dumbledore looked at Sirius suspiciously. "Do you know anything?" "Sir, I think... I think maybe the spy is in our inner circle." Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly. "You think the spy is one of your close friends? Who, Sirius?" Sirius looked down at the floor. "Well, uh... I think maybe it could be... Remus..."
"Remus?" Dumbledore repeated and Sirius nodded.
"Remember that night after Annie lost the baby?" he explained. "When I heard those people talking about me and Voldemort and...the werewolf?"
"But are you sure that werewolf they were talking about was Remus?" asked Dumbledore.
"It all fits, Professor!" Sirius cried. "A werewolf in our inner circle giving secrets to Voldemort! It has to be..."
Sirius's voice trailed off as he began pondering what he was saying.
"Sir, you don't think...?" He murmured quietly. "It just couldn't be...not Rhia?"
"There's nothing we're sure of." Dumbledore replied with a sigh.
~*~
"Dumbledore says there's a spy in our 'inner circle'." Sirius said to Annie as they climbed into bed later that night. "Someone's giving Voldemort-"
Annie cut him off with a wary look.
"Sorry- Someone's giving You-Know-Who information about James and Lily's every move." He corrected himself. "He thinks they'd have to be very close to them to play spy."
"Like who?" Annie wrinkled her brow in the darkness.
"I dunno." Sirius shrugged. "Someone from their neighborhood or at work. Maybe Peter. Or...Remus. Or Rhia."
"Sirius!" She sat bolt upright in bed. "You can't mean to think one of our friends would be working for He Who Must Not Be Named!"
"Maybe, Annie!" he retorted. "Someone's got to be doing it, and it could very well be one of them!"
"Remus would never!" she insisted. "I know my brother too well. And Rhia would get far too nervous if she were playing spy. As for Peter...he's much too dim to handle a load like that."
Sirius grumbled slightly, turned over to face the window, and, not hearing anything from Annie's side of the bed, fell asleep.
~*~
"I don't know, he just kept giving me these odd looks." Remus complained. He and Rhia had retired to bed some time ago, but he hadn't been able to sleep, the strange state of affairs with the Potters weighing on his mind.
"What do you mean, odd looks?" Rhia murmured sleepily.
"I told you, I don't know." He answered. "It was as if he was angry or something."
"Angry?" she repeated. "Did we forget his birthday?"
"Rhia," Remus chastised, "I really am worried about this. Maybe he thinks I ought to volunteer to be the Secret Keeper or something."
"Don't you dare, Remus Lupin." Rhia scolded. "Firstly, James and Lily have already picked Sirius, and secondly, I won't have you chancing anything like that. I love you much too much for you to go and get hurt. Now, stop thinking things like that and just go to sleep."
And in spite of all the troubles on his mind, Remus smiled, feeling as if he'd like nothing better than to have Rhia scolding him like that.
~*~
Lily was attempting to feed Harry his cereal (a very messy affair) a few weeks later when Sirius came swirling in through the fireplace, looking tired and pale.
"Morning, Sirius." She called, wiping some cereal from Harry's chin.
"Morning." He replied as he walked into the kitchen. "What's for lunch?"
"I've got some stew simmering if you'd like to help yourself." Lily nodded to a small cauldron on the stove.
"Great, Annie hasn't had time to cook anything decent, what with work and all." Sirius said as he spooned stew into a bowl, taking a large spoonful to his lips and scalding his tongue and throat.
"Careful, it's hot." She advised with a smile as he spit it into the sink.
"Should've warned me." He remarked, fanning his tongue.
"Siri!" Harry laughed and threw a handful of cereal at his godfather.
Ten minutes later, Sirius had been de-cerealized, Harry had been fed, and James came through the fireplace, looking tense.
"Is Dumbledore coming?" asked Lily as soon as he walked in.
"He'll be here any minute." James replied, putting the kettle on the stove. "Wants to make sure we're positive about our decision."
"Of course we are." Lily said steadfastly. "We won't have anyone but Sirius."
Sirius smiled weakly from his place at the kitchen table.
"Dumbledore keeps offering himself, good old soul." James added. "But I don't want him getting messed up in our affairs. What if something should go wrong with the Order while we're here? Or what if-"
"Don't, James." Lily ordered, and James promptly shut up. Dumbledore arrived a few moments later and joined all three Potters and Sirius in the kitchen.
"Have you made your final decision?" Dumbledore asked as he sat down at the circular table with the others.
"Yes." James nodded and reached across the table for Lily's hand. "We've decided we want Sirius for our Secret Keeper."
"He's our dearest friend." Lily murmured, holding James with one hand and little Harry with the other.
"And we won't have anyone but him." James added.
"James, Lily, I know you both have the utmost faith in Sirius." Dumbledore said. "But I again want to offer myself as your Secret Keeper."
"No." James shook his head. "I trust you greatly, Professor, but I would not put Lily and my son's lives in anyone else's hands but his."
"Of course, it is your decision to make, Sirius." Lily interrupted. All eyes focused on the young man, who twitched nervously under their gaze before coming to his decision.
"I...I want to." Sirius murmured.
"Sirius, by offering yourself as Secret Keeper, you are putting yourself at great risk." Dumbledore said heavily. "Voldemort knows of your close friendship with the Potters and will be sure to come after you first."
Sirius became very quiet, the only sound coming from him being his slow and steady breathing. It was a few minutes time before he looked up.
"I want to do it." he said. "I am willing to die for them...if that's what it takes."
Dumbledore clapped a thin hand onto Sirius's strong shoulder. "You understand that that may be what it takes?"
Sirius nodded, and Dumbledore did the same, placing a thick book on the table.
"Page 2849 has the Fidelius charm. Review it well, and owl me a few days before you decide to attempt it." He said.
"Thank you." James murmured hoarsely as Dumbledore clasped his hand, Lily's and Sirius's, chucking Harry under his small chin before leaving.
Sirius watched in silence as James buried his face in his hands, breathing heavily.
"Prongs..." Sirius reached out to touch and comfort him, but he wrenched away.
"James, please don't." Lily whispered, her voice full of tears.
"I'm not just putting my wife and son in danger, but you too!" James cried, standing up and pounding his fist onto the countertop, making everyone jump.
"James, we..." Lily tried to say something, but her lower lip began to tremble and she stood, rushing out of the room like wildfire with Harry clutched at her breast.
"See?" James muttered, watching them leave. "What can I do?"
"We'll think of something." Sirius assured him, though his mind was spinning.
If James was putting Lily in danger, then...
"James...."
"What?" James replied testily.
"If Lily's in danger, then what's going to happen to Annie?" he murmured, going very white.
James shook his head disgustedly. "Now her too."
"Is there nothing we can do?" Sirius whispered.
"I..." James racked his brain in hopeless pursuit. "I can't think of a damn thing. Except...if you left."
"Left?" Sirius repeated. "What do you mean?"
"Leave her." James murmured. "Leave her to save her. I'd do it to Lily if I could, but...Harry needs her. I need her."
"Just like I need Annie, James, I could never leave her!" Sirius insisted.
"How would you like it if you were the reason she died?" James cried, grabbing his best friend's shoulders and shaking him. "At least if Lily dies, I do too!"
And then, with one mighty blow, the words he uttered hit him and he hunched over, his shoulders heaving with dry, wracking sobs.
~*~
Annie rolled over in bed late that night, her hand reaching over the blankets to feel Sirius next to her, but instead of coming in contact with warm, friendly flesh, her hand met the cool sheets, lying unused. Her eyes fluttered open.
Sure enough, Sirius wasn't lying next to her, but sitting at the edge of the bed, silhouetted in the pale moonlight, making his features look sharp and angular. Annie sat up next to him.
"Sirius, what is it?" she asked, putting her hand against his face. Sirius wrenched away, hopping up from the bed.
He didn't want to do this now, he really didn't want to do this now...but both James and Lily (after a little arguing) had agreed that this was the best for her. They could be together again after Lily and James were out of the dark. Best to play it safe now and make Voldemort think he had severed ties with her, than to have her in danger.
"What is it? What's wrong?" she asked again.
This was for the best, he kept telling himself. Hurt her to save her, hurt her to save her.
"Nothing." Sirius spat, grabbing his trousers from the floor and putting them on. He summoned the bags he had already packed and walked into the living room. Knowing Annie was hot on his heels, he quickly thought of an excuse, any excuse, to give to her.
"Where are you going?" She grabbed his shoulder and turned him around to face her. Sirius glanced into her face and couldn't bear it. She looked so vulnerable, so pure, her hair mussed from sleep, his shirt she was wearing far too big for her. He stared at the floor, hating every inch of himself.
"I'm leaving, Annie." He forced himself to say. "It's over."
Hurt her to save her...hurt her to save her....
"Are you serious? After all we've been through?" Annie cried. "Where the hell is this coming from?"
Sirius sighed. On the outside, his face was stone, but inside, his heart was breaking. "I've just been thinking... you know, this thing we have, it's more of a schoolgirl crush, isn't it? I mean, this isn't real. You don't love me. I don't... I don't..." Sirius gulped.
Stay cool, stick to the plan!
"I don't love you."
Annie took a step back. "What?" she whispered.
"Listen - I'm sick of it, all of it. I'm sick of playing Prince Charming to you, and the brave sidekick to James, and the hero to the Potters - I'm done. Goodbye, Annie." Sirius picked up his bags and jumped through the waiting fireplace. Annie fell to the floor in tears.
"Did you do it?" James asked, moments later. Sirius didn't repond - he collapsed to his knees and buried his face in his hands.
Hurt her to save her...
* * *
"Morning." Lily said softly when Sirius came shuffling into the kitchen at dawn. "How did you sleep?"
"Horribly." He muttered, taking the coffee James handed him. "Couldn't sleep much."
"Well, get some sleep tonight." James suggested. "We're performing the charm tomorrow."
"James, about that..." Sirius murmured.
"Oh, Sirius, you don't mean to back out now, do you?" Lily whispered.
"I'm not backing out!" Sirius cried angrily. "I just have a better idea."
"And that is...?" James prompted.
"Don't use me." Sirius answered. "Voldemort's sure to come after me first, we all know that. Use me as a distraction, but not the Secret Keeper. I'll go first, and-"
"But who would we have in your place, Sirius?" Lily asked quietly.
"Peter."
~*~
"He's drifting." Lucius murmured to Crabbe, Goyle, and Peter as they stood about the large, green bonfire in the deserted house Lord Voldemort used for his gatherings. Severus stood a few metres apart, talking quietly with Mrs. Lestrange.
"Perhaps he's not to be trusted." Crabbe muttered dully.
"Exactly, Crabbe." Lucius nodded.
"But why?" Peter furrowed his brow.
"The exact same reason you aren't to be trusted around your 'friends', dunderhead." Lucius spat.
"Wormtail, come to me." Lord Voldemort beckoned to the young man with one of his abnormally long fingers. Peter, shaking from head to toe, walked towards him.
"Y-yes, Master?" he mumbled.
"Attention!" Voldemort called. The Death Eaters all silenced and turned towards their Master. "It seems we may have a little surprise soon."
"What is it, Milord?" asked Wilkes quietly.
"Wormtail has given me splendid news." Voldemort smiled. "It seems that the last members of the Gryffindor line are under the Fidelius Charm and their Secret Keeper is standing at my side."
Peter felt Voldemort's cold hand touch his shoulder gently.
"When shall we go after him, Master?" someone called out excitedly.
"Do not get your hopes up, Avery." Voldemort replied. "I want our surprise to be just that. A surprise. Now, Wormtail,"
He turned Peter to face him.
"You have given us a tremendous amount of information already. Have you any idea what day we should strike?"
"W-what do you mean, Milord?" Peter asked.
"I mean to say I want their death day to be remembered." He explained. "Is there anytime you can recall that is special and sacred to them?"
"N-not that I can r-recall, sir." He shook his head. Voldemort sneered and let him go.
"Does anyone know of anything?"
His eyes swept the crowd, finally landing on one sallow, hooked-nosed, gaunt-faced young man.
"Snape." He sauntered towards him, his arms outstretched. "You've been quite close to Mrs. Potter, have you not?"
"Not quite close, Milord." Severus stumbled over his words.
"You dare lie to Lord Voldemort?" His eyes narrowed to dark slits. "You lie to the greatest, most powerful wizard of your time?"
"No, sir, I-"
Severus's pleadings were drowned out as a rush of pain engulfed him and his words became a mindless agonizing roar. And then, all at once, the pain ebbed away and he was left on his hands and knees, bent over the floor, beads of sweat forming at his brow.
"The thirty-first is their second anniversary." He gasped, hating every drop of blood that coursed through his veins. Lord Voldemort smiled his sick smile once more and, with a flick of his wand, brought Severus to his feet.
"Very good, Snape." He said with a dry laugh. "And perhaps because you've helped us so, we'll spare the girl for you."
* * *
"James, sweetheart, I made an appointment with the pediatrician for Harry's ear ache. We have to be at his office at two today, which means we need to get a taxi. Can you call later?" Lily smiled sweetly as she placed Harry in a Muggle jumping contraption in the doorway and started on breakfast.
James looked up from the Daily Prophet. "Lil, why are you taking him to a Muggle doctor? You know my mum can fix just about any baby ache in a second. Its not a bad ear ache, anyway."
"I know, but I remember how good my doctor used to make me feel when I was a kid, and besides, I want Harry growing up with an appreciation for Muggles. After all, half of his family is Muggles."
"Like that scum of a sister you grew up with?"
Lily sat down next to him. "James... please. I know she isn't the most pleasant person to be around, but Petunia's got a good heart. She just... doesn't understand."
James sighed and kissed Lily's cheek. "I'm sorry then. Feel better?" Lily smiled and nodded. James sniffed the air. "Is something burning?" Lily jumped up.
"Oh, the bacon!"
James chuckled as a piece of bacon came flying towards him. It wasn't from Lily, however, but from Remus, who was climbing out of the fireplace in the kitchen.
"Someone order some burnt bacon?" Remus smiled and ruffled Harry's hair, who had started squealing and clapping when Uncle Remus had emerged into the kitchen.
"You let Rhia cook this morning?" James asked, handing Remus a coffee mug.
"Of course... she's trying to scrape the pans clean now. Personally, I think its a lost cause."
Lily laughed. "I keep telling you two you're welcome to breakfast over here any time, with the cooking skills you both posess."
"We might have to take you up on that offer - those were our last good pans!"
Another squeal from Harry announced the arrival of the mail. James collected the letters and began to read through them as Remus joined Lily at the counter, stealing bits of bacon and toast from under her arm. Rhia eventually joined them, smelling slightly of smoke and burnt metal. She picked Harry up and bounced him around the kitchen.
"You look so natural," Remus muttered in her ear as she passed him.
"It's a skill - help me improve it!" she shot back. They had been exchanging friendly banter about their future for a while now. The most Remus did was blush and smile; once he had actually told her to be patient, which made her think something was in store. She could barely contain herself, especially around baby Harry.
The morning progressed perfectly delightfully (AN: That sounds odd...) - until...
"Oh, Merlin..." James whispered, opening the last letter. Remus perked up.
"What is it, Prongs?"
James looked up into the concerned faces of his friends (and Lily). "I knew it was too good to last... it was just a matter of time."
"What was a matter of time?!" the ever-impatient Rhia exclaimed.
"You-Know-Who... he struck again..."
"What?" Lily whispered, sitting down next to him. Remus walked over to the fireplace, and Rhia hugged Harry closer to her.
"I've just heard from Dumbledore. He's calling the Order together for an emergency meeting today. He can't say anything in writing, it could be intercepted... oh, honey, you'll have to take Harry to the doctor yourself, I've got to go."
"The Order... so Sirius will be getting one too."
"Already did," a voice called from the fireplace as Sirius and Annie stepped through. Annie took Harry from Rhia as Sirius kissed Rhia on the cheek, then Lily. "Can Annie stay with you two today? I'm a bit nervous about this meeting, we don't know what could have happened."
Remus nodded. "Safety in numbers, after all."
Then the girls were kissed goodbye, Harry was tossed in the air a few times (to much dismay from Lily), and the boys disappeared through the fireplace.
* * *
"Alright Dumbledore, we're all here, what's this about?" Sirius asked for the fifth time. James placed a hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Easy there Padfoot," he muttered.
"Wait, we're not all here. We're missing two - but who?" said McGonagall.
"The Longbottoms," said a shadowy voice from the corner. Snape emerged almost from nowhere to stand next to Dumbledore's chair.
"That's right. The Longbottoms aren't here... they were captured by Voldemort, and have showed up just on the edge of the forest. Unfortunately their memories have been broken into and modified again. There are signs that they were tortured, severely."
"What signs?" James asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "Complete memory loss. They have been reduced to the mentality of about a four year old... I'm afraid this means Voldemort's powers are growing. And that means we need ways to protect our side." With this, he shot a very pointed look at James. James nodded and gulped.
~*~
"Poor little thing," Rhia murmured, holding down Harry's flailing legs as Annie held onto his head and Lily put some drops into his ear, Harry wailing miserably all the while.
"Mummy knows, darling," Lily stroked his forehead and turned him over with great difficulty, putting drops into his other ear.
"A simple potion would clear it right up, Lily." Annie remarked.
"Yes, but Harry's going to be raised in both a muggle and a magical household, and that includes a pediatrician." Lily replied. "Besides, I don't want to chance giving Harry some faulty potion."
"I'm sure Severus Snape would whip up something for you." Rhia said with a slight smile that made Lily blush and hug her son tight to her chest.
"Sirius and I agreed that we'd raise Mira in a fully magical household." Annie said softly, playing with Harry's tiny hand. "The way we were both brought up."
Rhia patted Annie's hand sympathetically and said nothing, watching as Lily comforted the still-crying Harry.
"He wants his papa." Lily murmured.
"They'll be back soon." Rhia assured her.
"They'd better be." Annie replied. "Dumbledore's letter didn't seem to be written in high spirits."
"Maybe things are getting better," Rhia suggested, seeing the terrible worried look on Lily's face.
"Maybe." Lily said hopefully just as James emerged from the fireplace with Sirius and Remus hot on his heels.
"Dada!" Harry cried, holding out his small hands. James leaned forward and picked up his son, nearly crushing him in a bear hug.
"James?" Lily said in a worried tone of voice, touching the side of his face. "What's wrong?"
"It's the Longbottoms." Remus said quietly. "You-Know-Who erased their memories."
"And Dumbledore..." Sirius murmured. "Dumbledore thinks..."
"He thinks we need the ultimate protection." James said softly.
"Ultimate protection?" Rhia repeated.
"What does that mean?" asked Annie.
"He's going to tell us tomorrow night." Peter explained. "He wants us to meet at his office."
"His office? But why not here?" Lily asked.
"Dumbledore thinks we're being closely watched." James replied and none saw Sirius's eyes flick towards Remus. "He says there's better protection at Hogwarts."
"Tomorrow night it is then." Lily said.
"No, Lil, you are not going." James insisted. "You're staying here with Harry."
"And Annie and Rhia will keep you company." Sirius volunteered, ignoring the dagger-like looks they sent him.
~*~
"Don't touch that, Peter." Remus ordered as Peter began prodding Dumbledore's pensieve with his wand.
"I was only curious." Peter said, sticking his wand back in his pocket.
"Here, occupy yourself." Sirius handed him a thick book from Dumbledore's shelf entitled The Mystic Mermecolion. Peter grimaced and opened it, laughing at the pictures.
"He's late." James murmured, nervously stroking Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet pheonix.
"No, he's not." Remus retorted. "You're just tense."
No one spoke for a few minutes as Fawkes began singing a low mournful tune that seemed to calm everyone immensely until Dumbledore entered.
"Dumbledore, there you are." James said quickly, crossing to his mentor's side.
"Excuse my tardiness, gentlemen." Dumbledore apologized. "Alastor Moody and I were in a meeting."
"It's quite all right." Peter said and the others nodded.
"Come, I've something to show you." Dumbledore beckoned them all to the section of the room where his telescope was kept. An ancient looking book sat on a small pedestal near the telescope, and Dumbledore opened it, flipping through the pages.
"What is this, Professor?" asked Sirius.
"Have any of you heard of the Fidelius Charm?" Dumbledore asked in return.
The four Marauders exchanged somewhat confused looks.
"Doesn't it have something to do with secrets?" Remus recalled from their Defense Against the Dark Arts class so long ago.
"Yes, it hides a person's location within another, the Secret Keeper." He explained. "Whoever is under the Fidelius charm cannot be found. I believe that would be the best choice for you, James, along with Lily and Harry."
"Lily?" James repeated. "But.no! She doesn't have Gryffindor blood, she's not in danger!"
"She's your wife, James." Peter said to him. "Don't you want her with you?"
"I won't endanger her life!" he cried.
"James, if you can find someone to trust and hide long enough for Voldemort to be brought down, then none of you will be in danger." Dumbledore assured him. "All you need do is choose a Secret Keeper. Then you, Lily, and Harry must perform the charm, but I must urge you to do this with haste. Voldemort's circle is drawing closer around you every day."
James sighed and chewed nervously on his lower lip.
"James, Dumbledore has a point. I remember more about this charm now, and it seems like the best plan we have - considering the option of "Ambush Voldemort and hope we don't die" makes most of the Order a bit squeamish..." Remus pointed out, grimacing a little. "I don't like the idea of putting Lily in the middle. I love her, I need to protect her!" Dumbledore sat down behind his desk with a sigh. "I know James, but do you really think Lily is out of danger just because you're around to protect her? She's your wife, your weakness, and Harry's mother. Lily is in just as much danger as you and Harry, and needs just as much protection." "And anyway, how do you expect to keep her from harm if she's out in the world while you and Harry are hiding somewhere secret?" "Peter's right, Prongs," Sirius said, placing a hand on James' shoulder. He slumped down into a chair in front of the desk and covered his face with his hands. "Plus, I don't think Lily will take well to the idea of you hiding somewhere with her baby boy and she can't see him. Its a mother's instinct to protect their children. She'll fight, she'll be dragged off kicking and screaming and most likely cursing left and right if you try and leave her out of it." James nodded in his hands. He sat up suddenly. "But if I'm locked away in some secret place, how am I supposed to help with the Order?" "James, you don't need to worry about that. You have enough on your hands, worrying about your family. You don't need to worry about the rest of the world too, we can take care of it." Dumbledore smiled. "You always played the hero, but you have a son now. You need to set your priorities in order. And you need to think of someone you trust enough to be Secret-Keeper." "Simple - Sirius," he responded immediately, glancing up at his best friend. Sirius beamed. "I thought as much. But James - and don't get me wrong, Sirius is completely and totally trustworthy - don't you think choosing Sirius is a bit obvious? I would discuss this with Lily, if I were you." James nodded and grumbled. They talked for a few more minutes until the boys were ready to depart. Sirius hung back as the others left. "Sir, may I have a word?" he asked. Dumbledore nodded. "Of course. What's on your mind, Sirius?" Sirius gulped. "Sir, have you found out anything else about this alleged spy around James and Lily?" "Only that they seem completely updated on their movements. Why?" Dumbledore looked at Sirius suspiciously. "Do you know anything?" "Sir, I think... I think maybe the spy is in our inner circle." Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly. "You think the spy is one of your close friends? Who, Sirius?" Sirius looked down at the floor. "Well, uh... I think maybe it could be... Remus..."
"Remus?" Dumbledore repeated and Sirius nodded.
"Remember that night after Annie lost the baby?" he explained. "When I heard those people talking about me and Voldemort and...the werewolf?"
"But are you sure that werewolf they were talking about was Remus?" asked Dumbledore.
"It all fits, Professor!" Sirius cried. "A werewolf in our inner circle giving secrets to Voldemort! It has to be..."
Sirius's voice trailed off as he began pondering what he was saying.
"Sir, you don't think...?" He murmured quietly. "It just couldn't be...not Rhia?"
"There's nothing we're sure of." Dumbledore replied with a sigh.
~*~
"Dumbledore says there's a spy in our 'inner circle'." Sirius said to Annie as they climbed into bed later that night. "Someone's giving Voldemort-"
Annie cut him off with a wary look.
"Sorry- Someone's giving You-Know-Who information about James and Lily's every move." He corrected himself. "He thinks they'd have to be very close to them to play spy."
"Like who?" Annie wrinkled her brow in the darkness.
"I dunno." Sirius shrugged. "Someone from their neighborhood or at work. Maybe Peter. Or...Remus. Or Rhia."
"Sirius!" She sat bolt upright in bed. "You can't mean to think one of our friends would be working for He Who Must Not Be Named!"
"Maybe, Annie!" he retorted. "Someone's got to be doing it, and it could very well be one of them!"
"Remus would never!" she insisted. "I know my brother too well. And Rhia would get far too nervous if she were playing spy. As for Peter...he's much too dim to handle a load like that."
Sirius grumbled slightly, turned over to face the window, and, not hearing anything from Annie's side of the bed, fell asleep.
~*~
"I don't know, he just kept giving me these odd looks." Remus complained. He and Rhia had retired to bed some time ago, but he hadn't been able to sleep, the strange state of affairs with the Potters weighing on his mind.
"What do you mean, odd looks?" Rhia murmured sleepily.
"I told you, I don't know." He answered. "It was as if he was angry or something."
"Angry?" she repeated. "Did we forget his birthday?"
"Rhia," Remus chastised, "I really am worried about this. Maybe he thinks I ought to volunteer to be the Secret Keeper or something."
"Don't you dare, Remus Lupin." Rhia scolded. "Firstly, James and Lily have already picked Sirius, and secondly, I won't have you chancing anything like that. I love you much too much for you to go and get hurt. Now, stop thinking things like that and just go to sleep."
And in spite of all the troubles on his mind, Remus smiled, feeling as if he'd like nothing better than to have Rhia scolding him like that.
~*~
Lily was attempting to feed Harry his cereal (a very messy affair) a few weeks later when Sirius came swirling in through the fireplace, looking tired and pale.
"Morning, Sirius." She called, wiping some cereal from Harry's chin.
"Morning." He replied as he walked into the kitchen. "What's for lunch?"
"I've got some stew simmering if you'd like to help yourself." Lily nodded to a small cauldron on the stove.
"Great, Annie hasn't had time to cook anything decent, what with work and all." Sirius said as he spooned stew into a bowl, taking a large spoonful to his lips and scalding his tongue and throat.
"Careful, it's hot." She advised with a smile as he spit it into the sink.
"Should've warned me." He remarked, fanning his tongue.
"Siri!" Harry laughed and threw a handful of cereal at his godfather.
Ten minutes later, Sirius had been de-cerealized, Harry had been fed, and James came through the fireplace, looking tense.
"Is Dumbledore coming?" asked Lily as soon as he walked in.
"He'll be here any minute." James replied, putting the kettle on the stove. "Wants to make sure we're positive about our decision."
"Of course we are." Lily said steadfastly. "We won't have anyone but Sirius."
Sirius smiled weakly from his place at the kitchen table.
"Dumbledore keeps offering himself, good old soul." James added. "But I don't want him getting messed up in our affairs. What if something should go wrong with the Order while we're here? Or what if-"
"Don't, James." Lily ordered, and James promptly shut up. Dumbledore arrived a few moments later and joined all three Potters and Sirius in the kitchen.
"Have you made your final decision?" Dumbledore asked as he sat down at the circular table with the others.
"Yes." James nodded and reached across the table for Lily's hand. "We've decided we want Sirius for our Secret Keeper."
"He's our dearest friend." Lily murmured, holding James with one hand and little Harry with the other.
"And we won't have anyone but him." James added.
"James, Lily, I know you both have the utmost faith in Sirius." Dumbledore said. "But I again want to offer myself as your Secret Keeper."
"No." James shook his head. "I trust you greatly, Professor, but I would not put Lily and my son's lives in anyone else's hands but his."
"Of course, it is your decision to make, Sirius." Lily interrupted. All eyes focused on the young man, who twitched nervously under their gaze before coming to his decision.
"I...I want to." Sirius murmured.
"Sirius, by offering yourself as Secret Keeper, you are putting yourself at great risk." Dumbledore said heavily. "Voldemort knows of your close friendship with the Potters and will be sure to come after you first."
Sirius became very quiet, the only sound coming from him being his slow and steady breathing. It was a few minutes time before he looked up.
"I want to do it." he said. "I am willing to die for them...if that's what it takes."
Dumbledore clapped a thin hand onto Sirius's strong shoulder. "You understand that that may be what it takes?"
Sirius nodded, and Dumbledore did the same, placing a thick book on the table.
"Page 2849 has the Fidelius charm. Review it well, and owl me a few days before you decide to attempt it." He said.
"Thank you." James murmured hoarsely as Dumbledore clasped his hand, Lily's and Sirius's, chucking Harry under his small chin before leaving.
Sirius watched in silence as James buried his face in his hands, breathing heavily.
"Prongs..." Sirius reached out to touch and comfort him, but he wrenched away.
"James, please don't." Lily whispered, her voice full of tears.
"I'm not just putting my wife and son in danger, but you too!" James cried, standing up and pounding his fist onto the countertop, making everyone jump.
"James, we..." Lily tried to say something, but her lower lip began to tremble and she stood, rushing out of the room like wildfire with Harry clutched at her breast.
"See?" James muttered, watching them leave. "What can I do?"
"We'll think of something." Sirius assured him, though his mind was spinning.
If James was putting Lily in danger, then...
"James...."
"What?" James replied testily.
"If Lily's in danger, then what's going to happen to Annie?" he murmured, going very white.
James shook his head disgustedly. "Now her too."
"Is there nothing we can do?" Sirius whispered.
"I..." James racked his brain in hopeless pursuit. "I can't think of a damn thing. Except...if you left."
"Left?" Sirius repeated. "What do you mean?"
"Leave her." James murmured. "Leave her to save her. I'd do it to Lily if I could, but...Harry needs her. I need her."
"Just like I need Annie, James, I could never leave her!" Sirius insisted.
"How would you like it if you were the reason she died?" James cried, grabbing his best friend's shoulders and shaking him. "At least if Lily dies, I do too!"
And then, with one mighty blow, the words he uttered hit him and he hunched over, his shoulders heaving with dry, wracking sobs.
~*~
Annie rolled over in bed late that night, her hand reaching over the blankets to feel Sirius next to her, but instead of coming in contact with warm, friendly flesh, her hand met the cool sheets, lying unused. Her eyes fluttered open.
Sure enough, Sirius wasn't lying next to her, but sitting at the edge of the bed, silhouetted in the pale moonlight, making his features look sharp and angular. Annie sat up next to him.
"Sirius, what is it?" she asked, putting her hand against his face. Sirius wrenched away, hopping up from the bed.
He didn't want to do this now, he really didn't want to do this now...but both James and Lily (after a little arguing) had agreed that this was the best for her. They could be together again after Lily and James were out of the dark. Best to play it safe now and make Voldemort think he had severed ties with her, than to have her in danger.
"What is it? What's wrong?" she asked again.
This was for the best, he kept telling himself. Hurt her to save her, hurt her to save her.
"Nothing." Sirius spat, grabbing his trousers from the floor and putting them on. He summoned the bags he had already packed and walked into the living room. Knowing Annie was hot on his heels, he quickly thought of an excuse, any excuse, to give to her.
"Where are you going?" She grabbed his shoulder and turned him around to face her. Sirius glanced into her face and couldn't bear it. She looked so vulnerable, so pure, her hair mussed from sleep, his shirt she was wearing far too big for her. He stared at the floor, hating every inch of himself.
"I'm leaving, Annie." He forced himself to say. "It's over."
Hurt her to save her...hurt her to save her....
"Are you serious? After all we've been through?" Annie cried. "Where the hell is this coming from?"
Sirius sighed. On the outside, his face was stone, but inside, his heart was breaking. "I've just been thinking... you know, this thing we have, it's more of a schoolgirl crush, isn't it? I mean, this isn't real. You don't love me. I don't... I don't..." Sirius gulped.
Stay cool, stick to the plan!
"I don't love you."
Annie took a step back. "What?" she whispered.
"Listen - I'm sick of it, all of it. I'm sick of playing Prince Charming to you, and the brave sidekick to James, and the hero to the Potters - I'm done. Goodbye, Annie." Sirius picked up his bags and jumped through the waiting fireplace. Annie fell to the floor in tears.
"Did you do it?" James asked, moments later. Sirius didn't repond - he collapsed to his knees and buried his face in his hands.
Hurt her to save her...
* * *
"Morning." Lily said softly when Sirius came shuffling into the kitchen at dawn. "How did you sleep?"
"Horribly." He muttered, taking the coffee James handed him. "Couldn't sleep much."
"Well, get some sleep tonight." James suggested. "We're performing the charm tomorrow."
"James, about that..." Sirius murmured.
"Oh, Sirius, you don't mean to back out now, do you?" Lily whispered.
"I'm not backing out!" Sirius cried angrily. "I just have a better idea."
"And that is...?" James prompted.
"Don't use me." Sirius answered. "Voldemort's sure to come after me first, we all know that. Use me as a distraction, but not the Secret Keeper. I'll go first, and-"
"But who would we have in your place, Sirius?" Lily asked quietly.
"Peter."
~*~
"He's drifting." Lucius murmured to Crabbe, Goyle, and Peter as they stood about the large, green bonfire in the deserted house Lord Voldemort used for his gatherings. Severus stood a few metres apart, talking quietly with Mrs. Lestrange.
"Perhaps he's not to be trusted." Crabbe muttered dully.
"Exactly, Crabbe." Lucius nodded.
"But why?" Peter furrowed his brow.
"The exact same reason you aren't to be trusted around your 'friends', dunderhead." Lucius spat.
"Wormtail, come to me." Lord Voldemort beckoned to the young man with one of his abnormally long fingers. Peter, shaking from head to toe, walked towards him.
"Y-yes, Master?" he mumbled.
"Attention!" Voldemort called. The Death Eaters all silenced and turned towards their Master. "It seems we may have a little surprise soon."
"What is it, Milord?" asked Wilkes quietly.
"Wormtail has given me splendid news." Voldemort smiled. "It seems that the last members of the Gryffindor line are under the Fidelius Charm and their Secret Keeper is standing at my side."
Peter felt Voldemort's cold hand touch his shoulder gently.
"When shall we go after him, Master?" someone called out excitedly.
"Do not get your hopes up, Avery." Voldemort replied. "I want our surprise to be just that. A surprise. Now, Wormtail,"
He turned Peter to face him.
"You have given us a tremendous amount of information already. Have you any idea what day we should strike?"
"W-what do you mean, Milord?" Peter asked.
"I mean to say I want their death day to be remembered." He explained. "Is there anytime you can recall that is special and sacred to them?"
"N-not that I can r-recall, sir." He shook his head. Voldemort sneered and let him go.
"Does anyone know of anything?"
His eyes swept the crowd, finally landing on one sallow, hooked-nosed, gaunt-faced young man.
"Snape." He sauntered towards him, his arms outstretched. "You've been quite close to Mrs. Potter, have you not?"
"Not quite close, Milord." Severus stumbled over his words.
"You dare lie to Lord Voldemort?" His eyes narrowed to dark slits. "You lie to the greatest, most powerful wizard of your time?"
"No, sir, I-"
Severus's pleadings were drowned out as a rush of pain engulfed him and his words became a mindless agonizing roar. And then, all at once, the pain ebbed away and he was left on his hands and knees, bent over the floor, beads of sweat forming at his brow.
"The thirty-first is their second anniversary." He gasped, hating every drop of blood that coursed through his veins. Lord Voldemort smiled his sick smile once more and, with a flick of his wand, brought Severus to his feet.
"Very good, Snape." He said with a dry laugh. "And perhaps because you've helped us so, we'll spare the girl for you."