A/N: Well, here's another fun chapter for all of you! Enjoy! Oh, and don't sue me… I really don't own any of this stuff…
Chapter 26: The Meeting
James spent most of the following day in his laboratory trying out various spells and potions. At times he felt like he was on the brink of insanity, given the number of spells and potions he had already tested. As of now, he was just trying anything he could think of, but even so, nothing would fight Avada Kedavra.
While James was busy frustrating himself downstairs, Lily was playing in the back yard with Harry. She had conjured up a magical play station for him that would make all sorts of noises and flash different colored sparkles if he tapped it in various places. This highly amused Harry, since he enjoyed shiny things very much. Both he and Lily were laughing and playing when a shadow was suddenly cast across them.
"Hi," said a voice from behind Lily.
Lily turned around to see who it was. "What do you want?"
"I came to say that I'm sorry, and to tell you goodbye." Jem looked down at the baby who was lying on the blanket on the grass. "Aaron and I are leaving for America tonight."
Lily shook her head. "I never thought that you would have been so narrow-minded… and now, now you're even taking Aaron away? Just think what that'll do to him, think what it'll do to Remus for that matter! No, never mind. I forgot. You don't care about Remus any more, you don't care about any of us." Lily picked Harry up and held him to her. "You're too selfish to. You only care about yourself. Goodbye, Jemina. Don't come back."
With Harry safely in her arms, Lily left a stunned Jem standing outside as she stormed into the house, and slammed the glass sliding door shut. Unfortunately the loud bang from the door caused Harry to start crying. Lily shook her head, silently disgusted with both Jem and herself, for sinking to Jem's level. "Shh… it's alright Harry, don't worry. Everything is going to be alright," she said soothingly. It didn't take long before Harry was drifting off to sleep, so Lily gently set him in his cradle for his afternoon nap. She then sat in the rocking chair in the nursery and closed her eyes for what she thought would only be a moment.
Suddenly there was a flash of light. Lily tried to scream, but she couldn't. She instinctually jumped up and tried to grab Harry, but her hands passed right through the crying baby. She looked down and saw her body lying across the floor, her emerald eyes still open and staring up at her amidst the rubble that was once Harry's nursery and her house. Through all this, there Harry was, still crying and, it seemed, reaching out for her. She then heard footsteps and muffled voices. She jumped in front of Harry, trying to hide him, but it was no use. A figure came into view, but Lily couldn't identify who it was – her vision had suddenly turned hazy. But a hand reached out to Harry and a what looked like a wand was pointed at her lifeless body.
"Lily? Lily!" someone shouted. "Lil! Wake up, baby!"
"Is she ok?" called another voice. "Lily?" They seemed to be mingling together with the other sounds in her head. Just as quickly as the flash of light had appeared though Lily felt herself return to her body, which was now shaking violently.
"James! Stop! That seems a bit uncalled for…" Lily said, brushing James's hands from her shoulders.
"Thank god!" he sighed. "Are you feeling alright?"
Lily flashed to the dream she had and then forced a smile deciding that it would be best not to worry her husband. "I'm fine. I was just tired I guess…"
"Lil, me and Sirius tried for like 10 minutes to wake you up."
"Well, I'm up now, and what did that accomplish?" she snapped. "Nothing. Instead of me being well rested, I'm very grumpy!" She smiled. She knew that James wouldn't resist her smile.
Very slowly, a smile crept across James's face as well. He shook his head. "What am I going to do with you, huh?"
"Catch me?" Lily offered, jumping out of the rocking chair and running out of the room giggling.
James made a mad dash after Lily, finally catching up with her downstairs. He grabbed her around her waist and threw her playfully onto the couch where he started to tickle her.
Lily was now wiggling, kicking, and laughing. "James, stop! Please!" she said between fits of laughter.
"I think I will in a sec… this is getting far too tiring. Accio wand!" he shouted.
"No! No, don't!" Lily pleaded through her laughter. But it was of no use. James used the tickling charm.
"What the hell is going on in here?" Sirius bellowed as he rushed into the room. He then choked on a laugh and grinned from ear to ear at the sight that met him. James had Lily pinned to the couch by her wrists in an attempt to restrain her reflexes, which were undoubtedly to hit him. "Really. Is this appropriate? My godson is right upstairs!"
Lily continued to laugh, but there was now an apologetic tone in her voice when she spoke. "It's all James's fault! Blame him!"
James looked at Lily as if he was deeply offended. "My dear, I would never cause such trouble!"
Sirius rolled his eyes. "You're both full of it." There was then a cry from upstairs. "And look, now you've gone and woken the baby. I guess I'll have to play the part of the responsible parent, again. Excuse me." Grinning once again, Sirius left the room and took the stairs two at a time on his way to Harry.
"He seems to be in an awfully good mood considering what happened yesterday," Lily said, having finally been released from the tickling charm.
"I know," James agreed. "That kind of worries me…"
"He never faces his problems straight off… it's strange, considering how confrontational he is." Lily was now sitting Indian style on the couch. "Maybe we should-" Lily didn't get the chance to finish her sentence. Instead, she was interrupted by the arrival of Dumbledore, which was announced by a popping noise as he apparated into the room. "Professor!" she exclaimed.
"Pardon my intrusion," Dumbledore said, "but it was my understanding that I was to arrive at 5:30, correct?"
Lily smiled. "Of course." She then got up off of the couch and crossed to him, giving him a welcoming hug. "It's good to see you," she said softly.
"It's good to be seen," he replied warmly. Once released from Lily's arms, he turned his head. "James," he nodded. "Making any progress?"
"I'm working on it, sir. Perhaps we could meet again? There are a few things I would like to go over with you again."
"Naturally. We will make the arrangements later tonight. For now, we will simply deal with the matter at hand. When are Remus and Peter to arrive?"
"They should be here in a bit," Sirius said, suddenly appearing with Harry in his arms.
"Ah, Sirius. I trust that you're well?"
Sirius nodded slowly. "I'm fine, really. There are plenty of things more important than my personal life to deal with right now."
Dumbledore sighed. "Alas, you are quite right. I do apologize."
"That's not necessary," Sirius told him. A smile then appeared on his face. "Care to say hello to my godson?"
The twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes as he took the small child in his arms. "And so we meet again, my dear boy," he whispered. "Great things are in store for you, it is written in the stars." He then raised his voice to a normal level so that everyone could hear him again. "If you are half as much trouble as your father, god help us all," he smiled.
Lily and Sirius both tried hard to stifle a laugh, as James spoke out in protest. "Do you really think that's necessary, Professor?"
Dumbledore laughed lightly along with the others. "Do you have any doubt about it?"
James began to smile as well. "I certainly hope that Harry is the little handful by the time he is at Hogwarts."
There was then a knock at the door and Lily went to answer it. "Why on earth didn't you just apparate here?" they could hear her saying.
"Well, I was going to, but this git decided he didn't feel like risking screwing it up again," they heard Remus say.
"Peter," James muttered, rolling his eyes. Dumbledore simply smiled.
Remus and Peter came into the room followed by Lily, who was also rolling her eyes.
"Sorry, we would have been on time, but Peter insisted on taking a car," Remus said. "Of course he neglected to mention that he doesn't know how to drive!"
"I t-t-told you that I was s-sorry. I j-j-j-just th-thought that it m-might be b-better."
"Never mind," Remus said waving an impatient hand. "What's going on with you two?" he asked James and Lily.
"Hello to you too," Sirius joked.
"Why don't we all sit down," Dumbledore suggested. Everyone nodded and did as he said. "There are quite a few things to be discussed, and Lily and James have requested that I be the one to inform all of you."
Remus looked from Dumbledore to Lily and James, and then back again. "Is it that serious?"
"I'm afraid so, Remus," Dumbledore said gravely. "There are many secrets in the house, and all seem to be sought after by Voldemort." Peter flinched at the mention of Voldemort's name, but nobody noticed. "As you all know, Lily and James have made use of the Fidelus Charm before, and I'm afraid that it might be time to perform it again."
"Why? What's happened?" Sirius asked.
"These," Lily said, producing some papers from an envelope she had been holding.
"What is that?" Remus asked.
"Death threats?" Sirius said. "I refuse to believe it…"
"Unfortunately, these haven't been the only ones," Dumbledore said. "There have been many others, all signed with the Dark Mark that you see on those."
"W-what is he after?" Peter asked.
"The Stone, you fool! Remember? The Sorcerer's Stone," James yelled. Harry let out a small cry just then, no doubt startled by the force of James's voice. "Sorry," he said meekly. Lily shook her head and went to pick Harry up from his bassinette.
"So the Stone is still in Lil-" Remus began, but he was cut off by Dumbledore.
"As of now, the Stone is still protected by those in this house, and therein lies the problem. I do not know how Voldemort found out about this, and nor do I think it is necessary at this time to find out. What we need to do is figure out a means of protection." He now turned to Lily and James, who were both on the couch, now with Harry as well. "Once again, I urge you to consider choosing another Secret-Keeper."
"I know," James said. "We have discussed it, but now is just not the time. We don't want Harry to be so…"
"Confined," Lily finished for him.
"Maybe you should both think about it again," Sirius said.
"Honestly," said Remus, "Think of Harry."
"We are. And that's why as of now, the answer is no. Steps will be taken for his protection, but nothing that drastic. At least not yet," James said.
"Don't worry, we have discussed the possibility of appointing another Secret-Keeper. It's not as though we refuse to entertain the idea," Lily said.
"In that case, I would like to volunteer for the role," Dumbledore said, surprising everyone in the room except for Lily and James.
"I appreciate that, sir, but you don't need to," James insisted.
"I hate to do this, James, but to be perfectly blunt, it might be best. Look at what happened with your last two prospects. I honestly believe, pardon the pun, that your secret would be safest with me."
"With all due respect," James said, "If we do decide to use another Secret-Keeper, we were hoping to have Sirius do it."
Everyone turned to look at Sirius, who simply nodded. "You know that I would die before telling anyone."
"I know," James agreed. "And, not to offend anyone here, but I trust you like a brother. I know you can handle this for us."
"You all do understand what is being asked of you now, don't you?" Lily said. "You need to keep this just amongst us… nobody can know…"
"Of course we understand, Lil. Don't underestimate the Marauders," Remus said, winking at her.
"Are- is- is that all?" Peter asked.
"I think so," James said.
"For now," Lily added.
"Then, I m-must be g-going. Meeting Augustus, you know. Remus, are you c-c-coming?"
"Um, I think not. I refuse to get back into that muggle contraption with you behind the wheel."
Everyone laughed, except Peter. He shook his head. "S-suit yourself. Goodbye, everyone. See you soon."
"Bye, Peter," Lily said. "Thank you for coming."
"Of- of course. Just l-let me know if there's anything that I can do for either of you, or H-Harry."
Once Peter left, Remus decided to follow suit. "I had best be going as well. Sirius, do you think you'll be able to convince Jem to let me say goodbye to Aaron?" His voice cracked as he asked the question.
"I doubt that she'll talk to me, but I'll give it a shot. Lily might be your best bet though for that one."
"I wouldn't count on that, Sirius. She came by here today, and, well, let's just say it didn't go so well."
"Lily, you didn't…" James said.
"I most certainly did! I gave her a piece of my mind, and I'd do it again if necessary… honestly, the gall of that woman! Sorry, Professor, but you have no idea! I can't believe that there are still people who believe all those horrible-"
"Lil!" James interrupted. "Calm down."
"Sorry." Lily sighed deeply and went back to bouncing Harry in her arms. Sirius and Remus couldn't help but smile.
"I'll come back by tomorrow and we'll talk more," Sirius said as he got up to leave with Remus.
"Sounds good," James said. "I'll see you then."
It took a few minutes more (Sirius insisted on saying a long goodbye to Harry), but finally the Potters were left alone with Dumbledore. Taking Harry in his arms, Dumbledore carried him downstairs to James's laboratory.
"Professor? You're going to perform the charm here?" Lily asked.
"Is that alright?"
"Yes, I suppose… I just mean, I just thought you would want to do it at Hogwarts."
"I must confess, Lily, the thought had occurred to me. But I do feel that performing it here will be satisfactory. Harry feels more at ease here, as it is him home."
"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not entirely clear on what you're doing to our son," James said, entering the laboratory.
"For Harry's safety, we will retrieve the Stone from him."
"But I thought that it was Lily…"
"It was, James. But, the gift is passed on from mother to child. That is the reason that you lost your first child."
James nodded, trying to fight the tears that were suddenly trying to surface. He remembered that fateful day all too well; he lost his daughter and almost his wife.
Dumbledore adeptly pulled his wand out from his robes and set Harry on an empty tabletop. Harry let out a small sound, most likely because the marble top was cold against his bare skin. Beyond that though, he was silent and very comfortable with his surroundings. Dumbledore then tapped Harry's forehead with his wand, followed by his shoulders and then his chest, just over his heart. He then smiled and tapped Harry's nose, which made the baby wriggle with glee.
"A sabedoria de Godric," Dumbledore said, tapping Harry's forehead again. "A força de seus antepassados," he said, tapping his shoulders. "E a ligação entre a mãe e a criança," he said, tapping Harry's heart. "Estes protegê-lo-ão. De sua proteção, libere o objeto."
Lily and James looked at each other and then to Dumbledore and Harry. They didn't understand what he was doing. He kept repeating the phrases as he tapped Harry with the tip of his wand, going faster and faster.
"What was that?" Lily whispered.
"It looked like some sort of light," James whispered back, in awe. Sure enough, that's exactly what it was. A beam of light was forming around Harry, connecting at the points that Dumbledore had tapped on Harry's forehead and shoulders. A second beam then came from each of those points and met at the final one, over Harry's heart.
It was there that something began to take shape… something solid was forming, hovering just over Harry's chest.
"What on earth…" James whispered, squinting his eyes to try and make out what it was.
"It must be-" Lily started.
"The Sorcerer's Stone," Dumbledore finished, picking up the stone with his free hand. Once he tucked it safely away in his robes along with his wand, he picked Harry up and handed him to Lily. "Good as new," he winked.
"Are you sure that nothing else needs to be done for him?" a worried Lily asked.
"I do wish that you would reconsider the notion of a Secret-Keeper, but beyond that, this is all I can do. Just make sure that nobody finds out what we have done tonight."
"What will you do with the Stone now?" James asked.
"I will return it to Nicolas so that he might prepare more of the Elixir for himself and his wife, but after that, I cannot say. You are all safer in not knowing."
"We understand," Lily said, hugging the baby to her.
A/N: How about clicking that nice 'review' button? Huh? Please? *sad puppy eyes*