***The Marauder Chronicles is a fan fiction. Events are not to be taken as true to the events leading up to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This story does not contain spoilers for Order of the Phoenix. Some characters and locations belong to J.K. Rowling, while original characters and the concept of the IWBI belong to me. No copyright infringment is intended. This is not the last chapter of this story.***

Author's note: this is not the last chapter of the story. I was planning on putting this with the last chapter, but it would have been 45-50 pages long. Call me crazy, but I think that's a bit long for one chapter. I'm working on the last chapter right now. I posted this here because it's been over a month since I last updated. I hope to have the last chapter to you soon, but it'll take me a while and a lot of emotional strength. Again this is not the last chapter of the Marauder Chronicles. Oh, and my editor is in Europe so I had to edit all by myself.

Nine: The Falling Pieces



The clouds in the sky didn't make the mood happy, nor did the crisp chilling breeze that hardened the white snow, turning it from a winter wonder land into a hard ice cap of the earth. It crunched under the two sets of feet as they made their way toward the house. Lily was holding a heavily clothed baby, who's green eyes were only visible through a slit between his wool hat and his thick scarf, which covered most of his face.

"Look at our new house, Harry," Lily said as they opened the door. "You like it?"

Harry gazed around but it was hard to tell what his facial expression was. Lily chuckled and took off his scarf.

"What do you think, Harry?" James asked.

Harry turned to face him and smiled. Then, as if embarrassed, he snuggled his face in Lily's shoulder.

It was a small one-story house with many windows, a light colored carpet, a nice size kitchen, and three bedrooms. The master bedroom was a good volume while the other two were moderate. Harry's new room, which was located in one of the corners of the house, had two windows.

There was a swing-set in the backyard, which was crusted with snow and frost. A fence surrounded the perimeter of the property.

James came up behind Lily and held her. "When do you want to move in?" he whispered in her ear. Harry reached out and grabbed his father's hair.

"Today," she answered, removing Harry's hand from James's hair. "We should call on Sirius and Jade so they can watch him as we move our stuff."

The actual moving process was as simple as several exuberant waves of a wand. In under five minutes all of the Potter furniture was in the house sitting sloppily in their rooms. It was Lily who did most of the work, not out of choice, but simply because James thought it funny to send chairs into the air in ballet-like motions. She took his wand away and sent him to his room where Sirius, Jade, and Harry resided.

"Having troubles with the Mrs?" Sirius asked as James strolled through.

"She's got no sense of humor. What's going on in here?" he asked, watching the three of them.

Harry was in Jade's lap, his head rested on her stomach, with his ankles in her hands. Sirius was throwing a ball at him and Jade was catching it with Harry's feet. He made a cooing laugh when he caught it.

"Maybe he'll be a Chaser," Sirius said as Jade tossed the ball back using Harry's feet.

James grinned and propped himself up against the doorway. "No, he's a Seeker. Aren't you?" He walked inside and hoisted Harry up in the air.

He grabbed his hair again and tugged.

"So how are the two of you?" James asked, prying Harry's fingers off.

"Fine," they both answered.

"I see. Have either of you seen Remus lately?"

Sirius looked down and shook his head. "No. He's with Sonja every waking minute."

"She's a bit... different," Jade said. "We don't get along to well, Sonja and I that is. Differing ideologies and such."

"That doesn't mean she's evil," James said. "You have a hard time getting on with anyone if they're too leftward."

"I know. Still, Remus was always the wiser among you four, the most stable. I mean, you and Sirius were always the perpetrators, Remus was research and analysis, and Peter was just... there. Sonja hardly even reads," she frowned as if it was a crime not to be big into reading, then stood up and started out of the room. "I don't know," she said, throwing her hands up in the air. "She just doesn't seem like his type." James watched her leave.

Harry started making "ah" sounds as if trying to sing, then rest his head on James's shoulder. His tiny hand grabbed a portion of his robes and clung on tight. James turned to face him and gave him a tiny kiss.

"Who'd a thunk it," Sirius said, pointing to Harry.

"Thunk what?" James asked in hushed tones.

"You with a baby. I mean I know you're a good father and all, but I can't ever stop seeing you as that silly love sick teenager, never having the nerve to ask Lily out. But here you are with her baby. It's amusing, that's all."

"I think you're the funnier one of us. You realize what Jade's doing don't you?"

Sirius straightened up. "No," he said. "What is she doing?"

"Lily told me. She's seeing how good a husband and father you might be. She's trying you out for marriage."

Sirius's face lost some color. "Really?" he said in a choked kind of way. "M-Marriage."

"Yeah, you know that thing where a man and a woman live together, sleep in the same bed, button up the hard to reach buttons, yell about finances and the baby. Marriage. It usually starts with a wedding."

"I know what it is!"

James suddenly became very buoyant. He started to sing as he left the room with Harry. "Sirius and Jade sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g, first comes LOVE then comes MARRIAGE--"

"-- And there goes James tumbling down a cliff because Sirius pushed him!"

* * * * * *

Moving had been completed, duties had been fulfilled, and intelligence gathering had occurred. The entire Order of the Phoenix, save Albus Dumbledore, had met in the Prewitt Warehouse in Diagon Alley many times over the past months. The purpose was to train up should any of them encounter a Death Eater. Professor McGonagall spoke in eerily silent tones to James and Sirius, who had taken to jinxing each other. She had said some rather harsh words, to James especially, mentioning his maturity in relation to him being a father.

"She was a bit touchy," James said and Sirius nodded in agreement. Lily, however, gave him a nasty look and rolled her eyes.

"This isn't a game. Both of you need to take this a bit more seriously than you are now. And she was right, James, you should live up to your responsibilities and try, at the very least, to mature." She walked off without him and started talking with Arabella Figg.

Sirius made a funny face behind her back then looked to James. "Has Mr. Potter been acting out of age?"

"I've been acting myself. If she doesn't like immaturity then she shouldn't have married me. Ah well," he said, throwing his hand out casually, "she's just tense."

"I have an important date tonight," Sirius mentioned casually, effectively changing the subject.

James grinned at him. "Oh really? You wouldn't be... gosh what's the way to say it, telling her the big three words that you've been carefully avoiding for years now?"

Sirius sighed heavily. "Maybe I shouldn't. Maybe she's not the one."

"Maybe she is and you're just a scaredy cat. At least you'll know she'll say it back. I know why you're worried though."

"Good for you," Sirius said. He ducked into a floral shop and started looking around. "I haven't got a clue which ones to get her."

"It's because you're having an internal argument with yourself, that's why," James said, pulling out a bouquet of roses which changed color. "These."

"Yelch," he said, putting them back. "She's not four years old. And I am not having an internal argument. I know when I'm having one of those. There are two distinct voices in my head bickering with each other and I watch from the sidelines. Maybe I should consult Lily about the flowers, huh? What's the point of having a woman as a friend if you never use her?"

"Lily would chose lilies, which are over there," James said, pointing to the far corner. "Anyway, you do love her. I can see it in your pathetic puppy eyes every time you stare at her. Even if you decide she's not the one, which you won't, you should still tell her you love her."

"I don't think this is a very masculine sort of conversation," Sirius said, examining some lilies. He pulled two out and held them side by side, comparing the colors.

"We're in a damn floral shop for heaven's sake. How masculine do you think a conversation can be in a place filled with flowers? Besides, it's the truth."

"What is?" he asked as he sniffed the flowers.

"You love her," he told him, looking slightly frustrated.

"I know that. This is a really dumb conversation," he said. "So what color? This orangish pink or white?"

"The orangish pink," James said.

"There is one very good recent development in the world of Jade and it's all thanks to you." He grinned and took the lilies to the front for purchase.

"Yeah? What's that?"

"She's been voicing her recent feelings about having a litter of children. Now she's talking about having one or two instead of six or seven. She says she never realized how hard the little brats are until you're with one for entire days at a time."

"Not that it matters to you," James mentioned, putting his hands in his pockets. "You're not having children with her, right?"

"I'm just saying," he explained. He gave the clerk the money for the lilies then left.

"Where are you taking her?"

"Why, you want to spy on me?"

James laughed. "It would be a challenge with a eight-month old and our only babysitter with you."

"Well, it's an overly priced, fancy restaurant with the perfect mood. I checked it out the other day and decided on it. It's called Gelletos or something. Hey," he said, looking around madly, "where did Remus go?"

"I think he was still inside the building when we left."

Sirius pursed his lips together and started back for the Prewitt building, when Remus was running up the street towards them. "I was looking all over for you two. Everyone left, it was just me and the Prewitts."

"We wanted to steer clear from task master McGonagall," James said. Remus joined their ranks as they started back up the main street of Diagon Alley. They began discussions on Quidditch when a violent tremor went through the earth, causing all three of them to involuntarily hit the ground. Everyone in the street did the same, screaming as they tumbled to the cobbled street.

"What the hell?" Sirius said, getting back up faster than he'd fallen. James and Remus did the same. Sirius walked down the street then walked around the bend, freezing in his steps. Once James and Remus rounded the corner they could see why.

The Prewitt Manufacturing building was up in a blaze; great fire balls the size of small houses were exploding from the roof. Tall flames leapt out of what used to be windows and doors. The billowing black smoke stained the sky. But as James looked up he saw something far more frightening. He elbowed Sirius and pointed skyward.

There, surrounded by the smoke as if it was avoiding its touch, was the dark mark. Livid and green it stood against the blackness, a snake protruding from its mouth. Neither of them spoke. Lily came running down the street and nearly knocked James to the ground, her face full of tears. She hugged him and sobbed into his neck, muttering about his safety.



It took hours, even with magic, to extinguish the flames. Once the Rescue Wizard Squad completed their job, however, not even the frame of the building stood. It was pure ash and soot and had the most putrid of smells, like burnt hair combined with car exhaust. There were, of course, no survivors. The Prewitts had been inside as well as most of their employees, which was estimated at around twenty-five. James read in the Evening Prophet.

They had not stuck around after the Rescue Squad arrived. Being seen would mean questions and questions of that magnitude would either require the truth or some very well constructed lies. Those choices were not good options.

James put down the paper and went to pick up Harry, only he wasn't there. James had just left him on the floor on a blanket with some toys, but now he was gone. He turned around frantically and stared about the room. He hit the floor and looked under the tables and chairs, but there was no sign of his son. James began to sweat. His heart pounded against his rib cage. "Harry?" he called, his voice shaking. "Harry come back here!" It sounded more like a request than an order.

"What are you doing?" Sirius asked as he entered the house. James leapt off the floor and closed the door behind Sirius. "What's the matter?"

"I-I-I lost him," he said. He searched the living room, tossing the cushions off of the couch out of sure panic.

"You lost him!"

"Uh huh," he said, opening cabinets in the kitchen. "Harry?"

"Where's Lily?" Sirius asked, searching the cabinets James had already checked.

"In the shower, preparing for my execution," he wined. "Harry, this isn't funny. Come back, you hear me?" He ran down the hall and opened all the doors, searching each room. "Harry? You listen to your father."

"How did he move, James?" Sirius asked, crawling on hands and knees, looking under the crib.

"Maybe he learned how to crawl," his voice shook. "Harry!" he yelled. He ran further down the hall to find his bedroom door was open just enough for an eight month old to go through. He pushed the door open.

On the floor was Harry, his small body was squirming towards the bathroom door. With a jolt of relief, James walked over to him and picked him up. "Don't you ever do that again," he told him. Harry was reaching toward the bathroom door still, screwing up his face in anger. Then Lily walked out, her hair wet and in her face. She had a towel wrapped around her.

"What's the problem?" she asked, looking from James to Harry, who was reaching out for her. She picked him up and he stopped his crying.

"He crawled in here," James explained. "I was worried sick about him. One second he was on the ground where I had put him and the next I knew he was trying to find you."

To his surprise Lily didn't scold him, yell at him, or even frown. Instead she smiled and looked back at Harry. "Did you crawl in here to find me?" she asked him as if he'd answer. He grabbed at her hair and tired putting it into his mouth.

"He scared me to death," James said, sitting on the bed.

"Did you find him?" Sirius asked, not coming into the bedroom.

"Yeah!" he yelled, then turning back to Lily he said, "So I guess we should be happy about his new skill. Crawling."

"He'll be walking in a few months."

"Then talking," he added.

"And starting pre-school," she mumbled.

"Hogwarts," he continued, his face elongating.

"Moving out of the house..."

"Getting married..."

"Babies."

They stopped, stared into each others eyes, and forced themselves to laugh, only they stopped abruptly. Lily spoke first. "We're being silly. Here," she gave Harry back to James, "take him out and watch him this time. I'll get dressed and join you."

He did as she asked, then walked back into the living room. Harry squirmed in his arms and made noises which signified his anger.

Sirius was sitting in James's favorite chair, stroking Artemis absentmindedly, completely zoning out. He broke his gaze when James sat down on the floor with Harry.

"What's the meaning of life?" Sirius asked.

James shook his head and shrugged. "I'm not really sure. It's a big circle if you ask me. History's always repeating itself... never taking a different route; always on the same track." He sighed. Sirius went back to gaping at the wall. "You're thinking about her?"

He nodded.

"You still on for tonight, even though..."

"Yes. That's actually why I came here. How did you say it? Before now I never realized how big and important this is. Saying it means huge commitment, emotional investment, personal obligation..."

"I know." James tilted his head towards Harry who was crawling towards the hallway again. He must have heard Lily coming down the hall, for she appeared in seconds. She smiled broadly at him then hoisted him up into her arms. He smiled back, giggled, then clung on tightly.

"Does he like her more than he likes you?" Sirius asked.

"No," Lily answered. "He just doesn't like being separated from me. I'm his mother," she said as if it wasn't obvious before. "Don't you have a date to be preparing for?" she said to him.

"You know about that?"

"Yes."

"Does she know what I'm going to say?"

Lily smirked. "She suspects it."

Sirius buried his face in his hands and groaned. "What am I doing?" He looked at the floor through his fingers, his stomach churning over.

"You're doing the right thing," Lily said. Harry started 'ahing,' as if singing.

"She'll start thinking about marriage," he moaned. He heard Lily laughing hysterically. He looked up at her. "What's so funny?"

"You don't have a clue about women. Sirius, you want to know when I started thinking about my wedding with James?"

He didn't know the answer to that. Or did he want to know? Was it too late to back out of this? Should he back out? He could hear his two 'inner Sirius' personalities preparing for a row inside his head. "When?" he asked.

"Right before he kissed me."

James whipped his head around to stare at her. "You're kidding!"

"Nope. Oh, I thought of my wedding in general since I was... nine. But right before I kissed James, then things started to get specific. After I kissed him I talked to my friends, well, all the girls in our house about the wedding."

"Did you know all of this?" Sirius asked James. But by the look on his face the question was unnecessary. He shook his head. "So you're telling me that Jade has our wedding planned already?"

She nodded with a satisfactory smile. "You want to know where you're going on your honeymoon? Sirius, don't look so pathetic," she commanded, eyeing Sirius panic stricken face. "All women are like this. We like to plan our weddings. It's something we do. Jade's had her eye on you for a long time."

"I've gotta go." Sirius stood up, braced himself on the furniture, and strode out the door to his motorcycle.

* * * * *

Sirius paced around his apartment, flowers in one hand, wand in the other. He was muttering to himself, though had someone been listening to him they wouldn't know he was speaking English. He didn't even realize he was sweating. Once he stopped pacing he drank a tall glass of water in one gulp and sat down.

"Get a grip, would you!" he told himself. "You've known her for years. Three little words and I'll be stuck with her forever. But I didn't want other women, I have to keep that in mind. She is extremely beautiful, she makes me laugh, and I want to be with her all the time. Still I'm twenty years old. I should be free and unattached. 'Course I was free and unattached, but lonely. I have fun with Jade. I can talk to her about so much, except my job, but I can't really tell anyone about that." He sighed. "Look at me. Now I'm arguing with myself out loud. What time is it?" He looked at his watch. "I should go now, Jade's anal about punctuality. She values her time and my time," he smiled to himself. "And I love her. I love her. I love Jade Yang. Jade," he said, looking at her imaginary projection, "I love you. Piece of cake." He got up and went to his motorcycle, then drove to her apartment building.

As he walked up the stairs, lilies in his hand, he kept repeating the same phrase. "I love you," he said firmly. "No, that's too harsh. I love you," he said softly. "Ew, too soppy." He knocked on her door. "I love you, Jade. Jade, I...Jade," he said as she opened the door.

"Come in," she said with her pretty smile. Sirius's insides flipped a little as he looked at her face. Once inside her place, where the light was sufficient, he got a better look at her.

He had always considered Jade one of the prettiest girls he had ever seen, but tonight she capped all the other women and pulled out for the lead. She wore a long, midnight blue gown, which was sleeveless, thereby exposing her strong, tan arms. Her thick, shiny black hair seemed to have grown, for it was nearing her lower back. Her teeth sparkled as she grinned at him, her dark eyes gave him a look of longing, and the silver necklace he had given her hung gracefully around her long neck.

"Wow," he said staring at her.

If possible she grinned wider. "You too," she remarked. "You want anything before we go? Water, juice, milk? I have such a wide range from which to choose."

"No thanks," he said. "We have reservations."

"Got it," she abandoned the kitchen, flicked her wand to extinguish the light, and walked over to him, taking his hand. "Ready."

The ride to Galletos was a chilly one, but Jade managed to keep warm by holding onto Sirius. The restaurant itself was very romantic. It was dimly lit with candles in the center of each table. They sat in the front near the string quartet, whose music was just loud enough to be heard.

"It's beautiful here," said Jade. Sirius took hold of her hands from across the table. "How did you find this place?"

"Magic," he told her.

"I see."

"Remember the first time we laid eyes on each other?" he asked. After he said it, he felt nauseated. What a soapy thing to ask.

"Yeah. You went introducing yourself to all the girls. I was standing with Lily and she was asking you about James. You really weren't that cute at eleven, you know," she said with a wry smile.

"No?" he asked, leaning a bit closer, running a finger over her soft hand.

"No. You developed over time, though, and you still are." She moved her leg so it touched his. His heart started to race again. Why did she look so calm? He felt like this was their first date or something. Why? It isn't fair.

"What would you like to drink?" the waiter asked. "White wine? Or some champagne?"

"Water please," Jade said. The waiter gave her a funny sort of glance, scribbled it down on some paper, then looked to Sirius. "Me too," he said. The man shook his head and left.

"I suppose it is funny, coming into such a nice place and asking for water. I just don't care to drink alcohol," she said.

But he didn't say anything. He continued staring at her, playing with her hands. She didn't seem to mind.

After they ordered they talked about the accident that morning, (Sirius wanted to tell her everything, but he wasn't even permitted to talk about it outside the Order meetings) then they mused over all the different ways they had tried to get Lily and James together over the years at Hogwarts. Laughter was the prevalent sound. After dessert and a discussion of politics and life stories, Sirius was given the bill. He still hadn't told her.

"Have I told you how beautiful I think you are?" he said. Jade tried hiding her smile, but blushed. "Because you are."

"Aw," she said, now grinning and almost red. "And I think you're devastatingly handsome," she replied.

"Do you want to dance?" he asked.

"But we've already--"

"Doesn't matter. Come on," he said, taking her hand. He lead her over to the wooden dance floor, where only a few couples swayed.

"I'm really not very good," she said as he put one hand on her waist and the other in hers. "I'm not good at all."

"The last time we did this was at our graduation. From what I remember, you were just fine."

"It's because you were dancing with Lily and when you danced with me we were acting like teenagers and kissed the whole time."

Sirius gazed into her smiling eyes and nodded. "Maybe that was it."

"It was a very good idea, but we're older now and more mature." She leaned her head towards his. Sirius pulled her closer to him.

"It's a terrible thing, growing up," he mumbled, his lips approaching hers.

"Isn't it?" she whispered.

"Horrible," he muttered, then kissed her, but I bet you saw that one coming.

* * * * *

He was spinning very fast, blue lights swirling all around him, a sick sensation was coming over him, then it all stopped. He was standing in a circular room with a blinding white ceiling and floor. The walls looked like black mirrors; he could see his reflection. Only it wasn't him... He walked toward the wall and stuck out his hand to touch it, only there was no hand, but a silver scaled claw.

He was a dragon. A sparkling silver dragon with treacherous claws, gunmetal wings, and blood red eyes. As he exhaled smoke left his nostrils and hit the wall. He backed away on his hind legs, swinging his club like tale. Then feeling quite frustrated being stuck in this form, he tried yelling for help only flames flew out of his mouth and burned the wall to ash...

"AAAAGGGGGGHHHHH!" Remus yelled, sitting up in his bed. His breathing was short and shallow; he was afraid he would hyperventilate. He felt his chest and his back, feeling for scales and wings, but he only felt sweat.

He jumped out of bed and went to his bathroom to examine his face. He looked thin and tired as always, but there was no sign of a metamorphosis. He splashed his face with water, walked back to bed and collapsed there, gazing at the ceiling. Remus couldn't ever remember being in such a room, nor having someone describe it to him.

"It was only a dream," he told himself, closing his eyes again. "...a simple dream." And before he knew it, he was asleep again.

* * * * *

It was ten o'clock when Harry finally slipped off to sleep. His mother had put him in his crib two hours previously, but he hadn't kept his eyes closed for more than a second. Instead, he reached out for his mobile, turned it a few times, and giggled. Afterwards he kicked the plush piano keys at the end of his crib, playing a tune. Then he looked at the shelf across from him and spotted the large snitch his father had given him months ago. It sat there. Alone. Not with him. With a look of deep concentration, Harry reached toward the snitch and, as if reeling it in with a fishing pole, it flew into his hand. He giggled, held it close to his chest, and nodded off into dream land.

James tiptoed in the room to check on him. He reached down to touch his head, then smiled to himself. "Goodnight, son."

"Is he asleep?" Lily asked, looking up from her book.

"Yes," he said. He crawled in bed beside her and rest his head on her shoulder. "How many more do you think we can handle?" he asked wearily as Lily stroked his hair.

"I think it's a bit too soon to be asking that question."

"What are you reading?" he yawned, closing his eyes.

"Medical charms. Just in case."

"Sounds fascinating," he whispered. Lily closed the book and tossed it aside. "You think Sirius has told her yet?"

"No. I don't think he will, either. Sirius isn't very good about telling other people how he feels, is he?"

James sat up and looked down into her eyes. "He tells," he said grimly.

"He tells you," she said, scooting down into the bed so her head was lying flat. "He doesn't tell anyone else. He talks about your feelings for me, and such, but he isn't too good about his own."

James opened his mouth to argue, but as he thought about it... "Maybe," he said. "I'm too tired to think about it."

"You're the one who brought it up," she said casually.

"Well I'm sorry I did," he replied, laying his head back down to her shoulder. "Turn off the light please." And in five minutes they were both fast asleep.

But high in the air that night, Jade and Sirius were certainly not sleeping, nor did the thought ever occur to them. After a romantic dinner and dancing, Sirius was flying her back home. The three little words still locked up tight in his chest. I'm running out of time, he thought as he escorted her back to her apartment door.

Then they reached the door. He was certainly going to have to say it now. He didn't know why it was causing him so much pain. It was a simple thing, really. He wasn't having any trouble with it before he saw her. He knew he loved her. He was sure of it. But why, then, was it so hard for him to say? She'd already told him about her feelings. She'd said she had loved him. It's not like he was going to be rejected and it wasn't as if this wasn't the perfect moment. There she stood as beautiful as a goddess, looking into his eyes as if waiting for him to spill... yet they didn't come.

After a long, passionate kiss which he regretted ending, Sirius bade her goodnight. He was disappointed when she didn't protest or ask him to stay. But the longing that she had in her eyes all night long, faded away as he left.

His feet pounded down the stairs, his head sunk to his chest, and for once he wasn't happy to see his motorcycle. He had been one of those guys people would look up to for his bold, assertive attitude. What did this mean? For the first time in his life he'd failed at achieving a goal. He could mock and hex Snape, but couldn't tell a woman he loved her?

He mounted his Harley, revved the engine, and looked up at her window. The lights were on but she wasn't looking out of it like she often did when he dropped her off. He kicked up the kick stand and drove off, cutting off cars has he left.

Sirius spent the entire night tossing and turning, getting out of bed and pacing, eventually facing up to the fact that he'd failed her. As he lay down for the seventh time, a sudden thought stuck him...

Maybe saying that simple phrase was too, well, simple? Sirius opened his eyes and sat up, fully awake now. Yes, it was too simple. A romantic dinner then popping it on her was something James would have done. He was romantic by Lily's standards, but unoriginal. Sirius was completely different. Saying 'I love you' isn't his style! Sirius grinned and leapt out of bed.



The sweet song of the birds drifted in through Jade's open window, along with the crisp, early morning breeze. She didn't notice any of it for she was sleeping, but the birds sang and the wind blew. Jade did stir when the soft sound of trumpets could be heard. She incorporated this sound into her dream, but then other instruments followed.

Jade opened her eyes. There were trumpets playing... a piano, and other instruments which she didn't recognize. She sat up and looked out her bedroom window, only nothing was there. She listened harder... The noise was coming from the other side of the apartment, so she followed.

As she pulled back the curtains she nearly fainted. Then she lift the window and looked down into the street.

Sirius, in all his glory, stood in front of a band with a microphone, which was plugged into to huge Muggle speakers. Once he saw her, he turned to the band and gave them the signal, then he sang, as best he could and with all of his heart:

"You're just to good to be true,

Can't take my eyes off of you.

You'd be like heaven to touch,

I want to hold you so much,

At long last love has arrived,

And I thank God I'm alive.

You're just to good to be true,

Can't take my eyes off of you."

Jade started to cry as she looked back at him. She collapsed on the window sill and stared at Sirius with starry eyes. He smiled during the pause, at which time the band turned it up a notch.

"Pardon the way that I stare,

There's nothing else to compare,

The sight of you leaves me weak;

There are no words left to speak.

But if you feel like a feel,

Please let me know that it's real.

You're just to good to be true,

Can't take my eyes off of you!"

he sang, pointing directly at her. The drummer banged his drums and the trumpet players stomped there feet as the moved into the most dramatic part of the song. Sirius walked up to the sidewalk and stared to sway on the spot.

"I love you baby, and if it's quite all right,

I need you, baby, to warm the lonely night.

I love you, baby, trust in me when I say:

Oh pretty baby, don't bring me down I pray,

Oh pretty baby, now that I've found you,

Stay and let me love you, baby, let me love you..."

She was now doused in tears...

"You're just to good to be true,

Can't take my eyes off of you.

You'd be like heaven to touch

I wanna hold you so much,

At long last love has arrived,

And I thank God I'm alive.

You're just to good to be true,

I can't take my eyes off of you...."

He held the last word for several beats then cut. The entire apartment building was applauding; the tenants were not upset that their morning had been interrupted, they were all cheering for him. It was the same up and down the street. Women were calling to him, men were cheering him on; even the members of the band were putting their hands together enthusiastically for him. But Sirius didn't turn his head. He didn't bow. He didn't smile to them. The only thing he did was stare into Jade's eyes and grin. It wasn't his cocky grin, nor the 'I know something you don't' grin. It was a smile she had never seen before.

It was the most romantic moment of her life, one that would never be reached by another man. She knew that now her heart belonged to him. And by the look of devotion and love on his face, he was giving his heart to her for safe keeping.

In nothing but underwear and an extra large t-shirt, Jade ran out of her apartment, tears streaming down her face, out of the building, and into his open arms. The street broke out in an explosion of applause, cheers, and other noises of pure entertainment and of happiness.

Jade clutched onto him with arms and legs as he spun them around on the spot. She pulled her head back to look into his eyes. Her face was now sparkling with tears, but her smile made them invisible.

"I love you, Jade," he said.

More tears rolled down her cheeks. "I love you back, Sirius." And she placed her hands on the sides of his face, pulled him to her and kissed him. Suddenly the cheering stopped, the wind ceased it's cold blowing, even the birds held off on their singing. But that was impossible... He knew it, but didn't think it. Once he felt her lips leave his, he slowly opened his eyes.

Everything around them was blurry. The sounds of the world were still there, only strangely distant. He could feel her heart beating in tune with his and a weakness in his knees. He felt as if he might fall, that his legs would give on him in a second. But they didn't.

"What's happening?" she whispered to him, looking around her at the blurred shapes.

He shook his head. "I hope it doesn't stop," he replied, kissing her again.

* * * * *

"You sang to her?" Lily asked, her hand to her heart, tears in her eyes, pink hue on her cheek. She was sitting on her sofa, James on her right, jiggling Harry on his knee.

"Yep," he said, kissing Jade's cheek as she sat in his lap.

"That is so sweet," Lily said. "Isn't that sweet?" she asked James.

"Oh yeah," he said, smirking at Sirius, "sweet." Remus, who was sitting on the other side of Lily, seemed to be working hard to hold back a laugh while Peter wasn't trying at all.

"Laugh it up," Sirius told him, kissing Jade again. "Look who has the most beautiful woman alive, then look at who has no one." Peter stopped laughing.

"Uncalled for," Remus said, "but it does seem a bit over the top."

For some strange reason, Sirius seemed very offended by this. His smile became very fixed as he stared at Remus. "Funny coming from you, don't you think?"

Remus gazed back at him. He wasn't faking a smile; he held his chin instead. "And what is that supposed to mean?" he asked. The room became quiet.

Sirius shook his head in a casual sort of way and looked around to James; his knee was still, Harry was not. "Nothing," he said, then continued. "It's just that you're girlfriend tends to be slightly over the top, that's all. It was an interesting statement coming from you."

The two glared at one another for what seemed a decade. It was only when Harry gave a resounding burp that they broke eye contact. James changed tracks. "So whatever happened to Liz?" he asked. Jade and Remus rolled their eyes, Sirius looked curious, Peter looked interested, and Lily answered.

"She sort of slipped of the map," she said.

James stared. "Meaning?" he asked, jiggling his knee again. Harry smiled back at him and made 'oh' noises so that they vibrated as he went up and down.

"It's a nice way of saying that she's been sleeping around to get around," Jade answered rather formally. "But she's always been a bit free about that kind of thing."

Sirius's face went slightly pink, but it was barely noticeable. "So you don't actually know where she is?" he asked. Jade glanced at Lily.

"Not really," Lily answered. "She sort of disappeared after Harry was born, but I hardly talked to her before that. She wasn't a big fan of kids. I mean she liked them, but not in that kind of way. Anyway, she's off somewhere with someone doing something."

"That's very specific," Jade said.

"I'm really glad you clarified that," Sirius told her. "Thanks Lily."

She nodded then went into the kitchen and pulled open the oven door. Smoke came billowing out of it, followed by her screeching, the extraction of her wand, and water issuing out of it and into the oven. Everyone seemed taken by surprise save James, who nodded to the others mouthing the words "Yet again."

"Lily?" Jade said gently.

"What?"

"Why don't you try some spell work for cooking?"

"Because it's cheating. Anyone can do that!" She then started mumbling to herself. "Smoke all over my house-- spells-- burned lunch -- never going to cook again."

"Why don't I go get something?" Sirius asked, pulling out his keys from his leather jacket. "I can just drive down somewhere and pick something up."

Lily made indignant noises, gave in to his 'demands' then marched off to her room, then back out again with a spell book. She began cleaning the oven. Harry squirmed his way out of his father's arms and crawled into the kitchen. He grabbed hold of Lily's leg and watched her wave her wand. He reached out for her wand with a wide smile.

"No, sweetie. You can't have that. One day mommy will buy you your own wand and you can help me."

But then he started to cry, pulling at Lily's pants and putting them in his mouth. "Hey Jade?" Lily said.

"What?" she asked, staring dreamily at Sirius.

"When do babies start teething?" she asked, putting her finger in Harry's mouth.

"Oh, about Harry's age. Why?" she said, kissing Sirius before he walked out the door. "OH!" she yelled, snapping her fingers. "You'd think I was blonde," she said to herself as she walked into the kitchen. "They're coming in aren't they?" Now James was up and in the kitchen.

"He's biting my finger like they are," she answered.

Jade reached down for Harry. "Let me pick him up so we don't all have to crouch down," she said, raising him to the counter. In seconds everyone there had put their fingers in his mouth, much to Lily's displeasure who pointed out, once again, that she abstained from caffeine, alcohol, and other such enjoyable pleasures while pregnant, so that Harry would be perfect. "And now here all you are," she said sighing, "sticking your germy fingers into his perfect mouth."

After a visit to the resident pediatrician, Lily and James confirmed the fact that Harry's teeth were erupting. At first they found this to be a good thing; Harry would start to eat solid foods. But when Harry would cry all the time or attempt putting anything in his mouth to mollify the pain, Lily admitted that breast feeding was far easier.

Once Harry got a teething ring in his mouth he kept himself busy, allowing the adults to continue with business.

Apparently Sirius was disturbed with the fact that Remus was the last one to leave the Prewitt building before it exploded. He let slip this concern one day at work to James, who had questioned Sirius about his rudeness to Remus. Sirius also shared the interesting fact that quite a few werewolves were vanishing from their places of employment.

"So what?" James said, but he knew exactly what Sirius meant. 'So what' was that because werewolves were persecuted and ridiculed for their lycanthropy (which wasn't their choice) several of them were going to the side who did not oppress them; Voldemort's side. In Sirius's line of work as an Analyst, cases kept coming up where more and more werewolves were being spotted in the ranks of Lord Voldemort.

James told Sirius time and again that Remus was not that kind of person. Sirius noted that Remus was passing an increasing amount of time with suspicious persons. Eventually, after debating the issue on a number of different occasions, they agreed that Remus was on their side. Sirius, however, continued an internal discussion with himself.



It was that time of year again when the flowers bloomed into a range of colors; when new fawns were striding along side their mothers in the meadows and forests. Nesting sparrows and other small house birds were rearing their newly hatched chicks, whose chirping calls drifted inside the house. Looking at the owl mobile which hung above his crib, Harry smiled as he heard those birds just outside his window.

There was a calendar on the other side of his room. A 'Quidditch Teams of Great Britain and Ireland' calendar which now showed the Falmouth Falcons for the month of June. Harry rolled over on his stomach, pushed himself up onto fours, then grasped a bar of his crib to hoist himself up into a standing position. Now the sun hit his round face, shining his tuft of jet black hair. He squinted a bit, then took hold of another bar with his free hand and began to shake the crib. He made an indiscriminate noise, like a holler, then waited.

When no one came into the nursery, he shook the crib again and hollered a bit louder. The door of the nursery opened. Harry smiled and giggled as Lily came in, completely dressed with her hair combed but back in a pony tail. "Good morning sunshine," she said in a bright voice. She lowered the one side of Harry's crib. Harry reached out for her and put his arms around her neck, she then picked him up and kissed him. "Can you say 'mama?" she said to him as she lay him on the changing station. "Say 'mama' Harry. Say 'ma - ma." But he only smiled at her and pulled his feet above his head. "Don't you want to say my name?" she asked, pulling off his dirty diaper and cleaning him up.

He cooed at her then laughed. She put on a new diaper then pulled a shirt over his head and put shorts on him. "Oh you're getting so big," she said, picking him up again and leading him out of the room. She pulled a comb out of her pocket and had a go at his hair, though it combing it was a very short process.

James was sitting at the table, toast on one side, the Daily Prophet on the other. He looked up when Lily came in with Harry on her hip. "There's my boy," he said, resting the paper back down. Lily slipped Harry into his high chair and put the tray in front of him. "Good morning, son," James said, kissing Harry's cheek. Lily walked into the kitchen, then James lowered his voice. "Say dada, Harry. Say da-da. Say-- " Lily came back over with baby formula, "you look beautiful today."

"I know what you were trying to do," she said, scooping up the formula into a spoon.

"Don't even tell me you're not," he responded, taking another bite of his toast.

"I wasn't going to. Open up Harry. Time for breakfast," she said, moving the spoon around his head. "Mmmmm, it's yummy," she said smiling.

"He's not stupid, he knows it's gross," James said. Lily didn't listen to him. She made helicopter sounds then tried to put the spoon in his mouth. Harry sealed it shut and frowned. "But it's so good," Lily said. She zoomed the spoon around again as James laughed. "Yum yum," she said, the spoon still in the air.

"Don't eat it Harry. It's disgus--" but the spoon was now in James's mouth. Lily sniggered.

"Look Harry, daddy likes it, doesn't he?" she asked. She pulled the now empty spoon out of James's closed mouth and smiled brightly. "Isn't it good, daddy? Harry's watching you."

James gave a feeble smile as he choked down the formula, which tasted like rubber and grass. Once he swallowed he mustered a "mmm" sound and smiled at Harry, who watched him with bated breath. "It's so good. Maybe mommy should try some."

Lily scooped up more formula and put the spoon in front of Harry. "Open up," she said. Harry looked at her then opened his mouth. "What a good boy," she said as he ate it. He crinkled his eyes and his nose; his lips went all funny. "Want some more?"

"Why can't you make that stuff taste better?" James asked, walking away from the table and slipping on his Bureau cloak. He whistled to Artemis, who came streaming into the room and landed on his shoulder. "He won't eat any more of that garbage."

But he was wrong. Harry kept eating it, repeating the same disgusted facial expression. Lily smiled at James and continued to shovel formula into Harry's mouth.

"I'm off," James said, checking to make sure he had his wand. "I'll be home around five or six." Lily went over to him to kiss him goodbye.

"Be safe. If you leave me alone to raise your son all by myself..." she shook her head at him threateningly.

"That won't happen. Love you," he said, giving her a long kiss. "Love you, Harry!" he called, waving to him.

Harry laughed and waved back, though his waving comprised of opening and closing his fist. James disappeared into thin air. Lily ran back to Harry's high chair saying "Mama. Say 'mama.'"



The Bureau these days was exceedingly busy. Employees from all over the globe were running around in a frenzy talking hurriedly in different languages. James took advantage of this by putting his translation amulet in his ear and listening to them. From the bits and pieces he heard, he found out that security was being tightened, suspected double agents were being thrown out, (without proof that they were actually moles) and security wizards were to guard all portal entrances. None of these measures hindered James or Sirius.

But the Bureau was preparing for something. James didn't know what, but something. When he walked into his office that morning, Ashika was lounging in his chair.

"There you are," she said snottily. "Thought you weren't going to come in."

He sat in the chair usually reserved for guests in his office. "Why are you here?"

"It's nice to see you, too," she said. James found it hard to be polite. She was in his chair. "It's about you're friends."

"What about them?"

"Seems some of them, or one of them, is spreading the word about you."

James narrowed his eyes on her. She sat up in his chair and leaned over the desk. "What do you me?" he asked.

"Dumbledore and I have been keeping up with each other. He has the spy. Mine won't go back. But I digress. Apparently someone is keeping an eye on you and your family. A close eye."

James sat back in the chair and eyed her warily. "Watching us?"

"And passing it on. Last week you and Harry went to Diagon Alley. You stopped by the Quidditch shop, Tiny Tots, where you bought new clothes for your son, then back home. The fact that Dumbledore knew that through his spy is not a good thing."

He gripped the arms of his chair and continued his gaze at her. "Why? I mean, why are they watching us?"

"I have some guesses. You're a member of the Order of the Phoenix, therefore defying Voldemort's actions. The Order has caused him some grief. The Prewitt building is gone. It was an easy strike for them, but I'm sure they were trying to kill whoever was inside. You, Black, Lily, and the wolf were all seen coming out of that building. Luck seems to be with you."

"How do you know that-- "

"That the Prewitts were involved? Dumbledore. He contacted me when it happened. He want's more security and surveillance. He knows that I can supply. Anyway, the members of the Order all received tighter security on their homes. That's how we know you're being spied on."

James heard what she said, but it wouldn't register properly. Someone, one of his friends, was betraying him. The first person who came to mind was Remus. Sirius had said his girlfriend was in Slytherin. James hated Slytherins. Werewolves were going over to the dark side. Remus acted strangely when Sirius questioned him...

"Who would do this to me?" he asked. Remus had been such a good friend in school, it couldn't be him.

"Anyone. Any of them could. We've been watching them. Lupin has been spending a lot of time with Woods. They go out nearly every night but not even we know where. She's shifty. Pettigrew spends a lot of time at his work, but his free hours are a mystery. Black's the same way. He's here, with your family a lot, then with Yang. But there are periods of time when he's on that motorbike, when we can't keep tabs on him."

"It's not Sirius," he said firmly. "We've been best friends forever."

"He tried to kill, who was it, Snape? School enemy of yours, right?"

"He was sixteen," he said, unaware that his voice was rising. "Snape was going to poison Lily!"

"And it could be her. Good disguise. She knows where you go and what you do."

He couldn't believe his ears. Was she insinuating that Lily was betraying him? "You're crazy. Lily is my wife. It's a little thing called marriage. And we have a son together. You're completely out of your mind!"

Ashika stood up. "Don't raise your voice at me, Mr. Potter. Remember I am still your boss." She crossed her arms and watched him take his seat. "I never said it was her. What I said was that it could be her. It could be anyone. What you need to do is keep an eye out. Our security is supreme, but if someone's spying on you from within, our security is worthless." She strode out of his office without another word. She walked briskly to her office, opened the secret passageway, and walked up to her room.

Everything was as she'd left it. She looked left then right just to be sure. "Music," she said and like magic, it played. There were even more books in here than usual. The Complete Genealogic Encyclopedia which she kicked aside; History and Magic of the First Millennium which she shoved off her desk; Who's Who? A Guide to Unknown Witches and Wizards which she threw into the empty fire grate.

"Screens," she said dryly as if she was quite bored. All three screens popped up with the same menu. "Great Britain." An image, not unlike a picture from a Muggle satellite, of Great Britain appeared. "England, Scotland, and Wales." Again, the corresponding image appeared on each of the screens. "Thirteen Willow Lane, Hogwarts, and... that's it."

The two screens to her left showed a small house and on the other Hogwarts Castle. "Well, Lily, what are you up to now?" She tapped her wand on one of the windows of the house so she could see inside.

Lily was kneeling on the floor, apparently at play with her son. Harry was sitting inside some sort of toy. It looked like a bicycle, only it had four wheels and Harry was sitting inside of it, not on top. He was using his legs to move the contraption, which operated on wheels.

"Audio," Ashika whispered.

"Come on Harry," Lily's voice sounded. "Come to mommy!" The wheels rolled along as Harry walked quickly to her; his smile lit up the house. His arms were outstretched toward his mother and when he reached her, Lily pulled him out of his transportation device and hugged him.

Ashika couldn't repress her small smile.

Lily attacked Harry with kisses; he giggled. When she stopped, he kissed her back then laughed again.

"Close," Ashika said abruptly. The Potter's living room disappeared from view. She rubbed at her eyes then turned to the other screen which showed Hogwarts. She stared at the castle for five minutes before leaving her desk and office. The two screens remained in action.



The moment he got home, James told Lily what Ashika had said. Lily didn't take it well. She was almost too cautious now; looking around corners, checking in closets and under Harry's crib for any sign of anything suspicious. James told her that it was a person who was spying on them, not the dust bunnies. She gave him a piercing look then trumped around the house, Harry crawling behind her.

When James informed Sirius about the matter, he seemed surprised but hardly. James knew exactly what he was thinking; it was Remus. But while James certainly denied this to himself, as the weeks passed and Remus became more scarce, he found himself giving credence to Sirius's suspicions.

"What you really need," Sirius said to him as July 3rd approached, "is time alone with Lily. When was the last time you two got out of the house and had some quality time together?"

James sent his brain on the mission to find the answer to this question. "A long time," he answered with a sigh.

"Just as I thought. How about I drop by your place on Lily's birthday and you two go out. I'll watch the kid."

James didn't jump at the idea, but it was appealing. "He get's a little cranky when Lily's gone. Are you sure you wanna deal with that?"

Sirius grinned. "Yeah. I can handle a baby, no problem. He's eating food now so Lily doesn't need to be there every waking moment, does she? Let me help out, James. You appointed me as his godfather. Let us bond."

James eyed him for a moment then nodded. "I'll talk to Lily about it." Sirius grabbed James's shoulders enthusiastically, causing him to grin.



The sky was hot pink, the clouds a soft yellow and very puffy. Sirius was speeding down a busy road, cars locked in the evening traffic. He laughed at all of them, swerving in and out of them on his motorbike. He finally stayed in the middle of two lanes and increased his speed. But when he crossed the intersection when he had a red light, a new sound reached his ears, and it wasn't idle car engines. It was a strange sound, one he'd never heard before. It was quite loud and terribly annoying. Sirius turned around to see where it was coming from only to find a black and white motorcycle following him with blue lights flashing. Sirius didn't know why that man on the motorcycle had this problem; if he wanted attention he could be a little less irritating about it. Making that racket was only causing Sirius to want to ignore him more. He geared up and increased speed.

But the man kept following him, even when Sirius turned onto a different street. "What is your problem?" Sirius asked as he looked in his mirrors. When the black and white motorcycle got closer, Sirius saw that words were spelled out backwards on that motorcycle, as to be read in rearview mirrors. Sirius scrunched his eyes to read the words. "Po-lice. Police. Police!" he yelled. "Bloody hell." He accelerated, tapping some of his special features into action. The Harley lunged forward as the speed doubled. The police officer seemed vexed. Sirius laughed as he flattened himself, like he was riding a broom. He zigged and zagged in between cars, people, and buildings, the police officer tailing him at a safe distance.

From experience, Sirius knew there was a hill up ahead which dropped suddenly. Yellow warning signs advised drivers to decrease speed so they wouldn't fly over the drop. Sirius ignored the warning. He yelled out a whoop for joy as he experienced the momentary weightlessness. When he landed back on the road he noticed the motorcycle was still behind him.

"Come on, man. I'm going to be late if I have to keep playing this game. Oh well. I hope you're ready to eat my dust." He twist down the hill, his jacket flapping right behind him, the police siren chasing him. Sirius put on the breaks, the tires screeched. An alleyway was at his right... his alleyway. The trailer was still slanted down, making the perfect ramp. The siren was getting louder. Sirius grinned, punched his gas pedal (though it didn't operate on gas) and sped towards the ramp just as the police officer turned the corner.

Sirius hit the ramp and flew into the air, only this time he didn't come back to earth. The police officer stopped his motorcycle and lowered his sunglasses. "Weird," he muttered to himself.

Now the sky was purple, a few stars came out to dance, and the once puffy clouds where now melting. Sirius sped through the clouds, watching the lights below him.

He slowed down then descended, hitting the street at a gentle speed. He drove through the neighborhood at a nice speed. Sirius pulled a comb out of his back pocket and passed it through his hair.

He parked in the unused driveway, stowed his keys in his leather jacket pocket, and knocked on the door.

"You're late," James said, opening the door. "But fortunately for you, so is Lily. Why do women take so long to get ready for dates?" He collapsed on the couch and examined his watch.

"Where's the kid?" Sirius asked.

"In his crib asleep. It's seven o'clock, Sirius, he's sleeps at seven."

"That's a horrible bed time," Sirius commented.

"He's not even one, seven isn't unreasonable. If in the strange event he does wake up, the formula is in here. Diapers are in his room under the changing tray. If you need us for any reason, touch this stone," he said, pointing to a large red stone which sat on the wall. "It'll ring us a message, clear?"

"Yes."

Lily came into the living room wearing robes of green, her hair was curly, and she looked slightly on edge. "Good you're here," she said, putting her earrings in. "He's just been fed, bathed, dressed, and put to bed. He shouldn't wake up but if he does the formula is in here. Diapers are located-- "

"-- under the changing table?" Sirius said. "James gave me the run down. I've taken care of him before, it's a cinch."

"No women over here," James joked.

"Darn. No actually I was planning this really big party with lots of strippers. It's a bummer you're not going to be here," he said, pointing at James. "Seriously, I thought Jade could swing by for a little dinner, then do a little dance, make a little love. You know, just get down tonight."

"No more Muggle music for you," Lily said. She walked over to him and held out her hand, palm up. "Hand them over."

Sirius pretended not to know what she was on about. "Hand what over?"

"You know. Give them here." She shook her fingers at him and waited. "I will not have my baby riding on that thing outside. Give me your keys."

Sighing with exasperation, acting as though he had no spine, and rolling his eyes Sirius handed over his keys. "It's like you don't trust me, Lily."

She snatched the keys out of his hands, slipped them in her robes pocket, and smirked at him. "Ready?" she asked James. He was smiling at her. "Yes," he returned.

"What time are you kids coming back?" he asked, throwing his jacket on the sofa.

"We aren't," said James with a casual hand motion.

"That's good. I'll be sure to see him off to school, I'll tell him all about the birds and the bees, the best places to pick up chicks... all that useful information."

"Thank you, Sirius," Lily said loudly, pushing James toward the door. They never opened the door, but held hands and Disapparated. Sirius turned on his heal and headed for the nursery. He opened the door a crack and peeked inside. Harry was fully awake, standing in his crib with one hand on the wooden beam, the other around a stuffed animal.

"Hey, Harry," Sirius said with a grand smile. Harry smiled slightly back, but looked nervous. "You know me, Harry," Sirius said making his way inside the room. "I'm Sirius. Can you say Sirius? Sir-i-us. Can you say my name?" Harry didn't so much as open his mouth. He sat back down and handed Sirius his stuffed snitch.

"Thank you, Harry. So are you as tired as they say you are?" Harry grabbed his blanket and covered himself with it. "Don't hide," Sirius said, pulling it off. "I'm your godfather, Harry. You and me are tight. We're like peas in a pod. Practically family, you and me. You want to go to sleep, don't you?" he asked in a defeated note. "That's all right. I'll just walk around aimlessly until those two come back." He started to walk backwards, Harry watched him then stood up again. "You're getting good at that standing thing. You'll be walking soon, won't you?" Now he was at the door, starting to leave. Harry reached out and made a noise. "Okay, you want out."

In five minutes time Sirius had the music playing loudly, Harry on his hip laughing. Sirius had managed to find some of Lily's records, so Sirius played some of them. Harry was having a good time as they danced around the house.

Jade dropped by at eight, but not for long. "I forgot I invited my parents for dinner," she sounded truly sorry. "They're at my place right now. I said I was going to get something from the kitchen, so I don't have long. Shouldn't he be sleeping?" she asked, pointing at Harry who was crawling all over the house.

"Technically. He was awake when I came. So you'd rather be with your stuffy, boring, crazy parents than with your man?"

"No," she said dully. "I really wish I could stay. Maybe we could do something tomorrow morning. You do realize that when Lily finds out Harry's been up all this time, she'll strangle you."

"You worry too much. I'll put him to bed as soon as you leave. That's not for a while, right?" he said, dragging her inside.

"I really wish I could, but my parents."

"I'm thinking about you," he said, leaning his forehead on hers. His fingers intertwined with hers. "I think about you a lot," he whispered.

"I love you," she said, stepping closer to him.

"Aw," Sirius replied, "we're in love. Kiss me before you leave."

"Gladly," she said before fulfilling his request.

Harry stood up and grabbed hold of a chair then he walked along the back of the it, holding on for support. Next, he took hold of the top dowels of the chair and pulled himself up. It was his laughter which made Sirius and Jade break apart and run over to him. Sirius dived and hit the floor just before Harry did. Jade stopped the chair before falling. Harry was still laughing.

"Yeah, that's funny," Sirius said sarcastically. "Your mother would claw me to death. Don't ever do that again. You hear me?" he said to Harry.

He responded by yawning.

"Okay, don't let him climb on anything. I've gotta run. Love you," Jade said.

"Love you." She left with a pop.

Sirius put on a slow music record and sat down on the couch. "I'm bushed," he said to Harry. "How 'bout you?" He yawned again. Sirius stretched himself out on the length of the sofa, Harry rest his head on Sirius's chest, clutching his robes with his tiny hands. He tucked his head under Sirius's chin and as he closed his eyes and headed for sleep, Sirius kissed him. As the minutes passed into hours, Sirius slowly joined Harry in the land of nod. One hand on Harry's back, the other just behind Harry's small head, Sirius let out a deep sigh and slipped into sleep.

Lily and James arrived home around one in the morning. They were tittering amongst themselves when they stumbled on the sleeping duo. Lily put her hand to her heart and looked at James, who wore a placid smile. "Take a picture," Lily whispered to him. James summoned Lily's camera and snapped two shots. The flash woke Harry, but Sirius began snoring. "Hello handsome," Lily said, picking up her son. "You want to go to bed?"

James bent over Sirius and shook him. Sirius opened his eyes a little, so they were slits, then jumped up and looked for Harry. "It's okay," James said, "Lily's taken him."

"Oh," he sighed, laying back down. "Time?" he asked.

"One fifteen," he told him. "Thanks for looking after him."

Sirius gave a tired grin. "We had fun."

"Yeah."

Lily came back into the room with Sirius's keys in her right hand. "He's sleeping again. Thank you so much for watching him."

He took his keys then got up. "Any time. He's a good kid."

"He'll grow out of it," James laughed. Lily slapped his shoulder.

"Probably," Sirius commented, earning him a motherly glare from Lily. "I'll see you around. Nighty-night."

* * * * *

It was halfway through July. The sun was relentless, the wind apparently on holiday, and the flies out in droves. Jade dressed respectively in accordance with the weather and set out for the library. She had to look up some historical facts for work; the books she had in her department were insufficient.

The Wizard Library of London was larger than any she'd seen. The bookshelves were around fifty feet high, barely touching the ceiling. Golden ladders rolled along the shelves so the seeker could find what she wished. Jade had been in this library on many occasions, but it's sheer size and volume always impressed her.

She set her bag down on one of the long tables then headed for the 'Historical Documents' section. She was running her finger on the spines of the books, searching for the right one, when her finger stopped. This shouldn't be in this section, she thought. She pulled the book from the shelf and set it on the table. She went back to scanning then had a double take.

Ancient Dragons now Extinct sat on her table. She pulled out a chair, didn't sit in it, and opened the book. It was very old. The pages were yellow, nearly brown, and it smelled musty. As she turned the gritty pages, her eyes landed on a drawing of the Silver Razor Back Dragon. Spikes protruded from it's winged back, it's eyes were completely black, and it had exceptionally long claws. She lowered her eyes to the description.

The Silver Razor Back Dragon was most commonly found in under ground caverns and caves of Northern England. In spite of his menacing appearance, the Silver Razor Back was considered one of the more docile of the dragon species. This played to his disadvantage. The Silver Razor Back was fairly simple to catch. The hunter would only have to lure him out of his cavern by leaving a pile of food.

While known to attack humans, this dragon avoided it whenever possible. No dragon can be domesticated, but the Silver Razor Back was used by wizard armies to penetrate impenetrable fortresses. The gleaming silver skin often left security wizards blinded. The dragon's shiny black eyes spooked most men into believing themselves mad. This dragon was unstoppable at digging tunnels, turning the strongest walls into ash, and slashing its victims to shreds.

The Silver Razor Back stands around seven feet tall; considerably smaller than most of its cousins. His scales are the toughest known to dragon kind, plated with pure silver. Length wise he is fifteen feet, from the tip of his snout to the end of his club tale. His wingspan is fourteen feet, making him fast and maneuverable but not meant for long distances.

The only known way to slay the dragon was suffocation. A tricky venture, it was rarely done. However, Dragon Slayers soon found ways to sneak up on him and kill him. The hide was most valuable and was used to arm soldiers of troll, giant, and goblin armies. Owning hide was considered illegal after the dragon became extinct in 708.

Jade examined the picture again. She had completely forgotten about Remus and the ring he'd seen. She said she'd look into dragons for him, but never really did. This was the one he was describing, it had to be. The Silver Razor Back.

Her work forgotten, Jade took the book and left the library. She marched down the stairs re-reading the passage when Sirius bumped into her.

"They you are," he said, grabbing her shoulders. "They said you just got here."

"Hey," she said, rather distracted by the book in her hands.

"I thought we could have lunch," he said, taking her by the hand.

"Lunch? All right."

Sirius looked in her dark eyes. "Is everything okay?" he asked, lowering his sun glasses.

"No," she said firmly. She wanted to tell him, why shouldn't she?

Sirius stopped dead in his tracks with a morose look. "No?" he repeated. "What is it?"

"Oh it has nothing to do with you," she said, smiling. "It's a long story but it has nothing to do with you."

Looking considerably relieved, Sirius grinned and walked her to the bike. They drove to a small café on a street corner where Jade unloaded everything. She told him about Remus coming to see her months ago, she showed him a sketch of the ring, her suspicions, and the book which connected the pieces.

"So you think," Sirius started, staring at the picture of the dragon and the sketch, "that this ring can penetrate an impenetrable fortress?"

"Yes," she said. "It's quite conceivable. If the ring is made from the dragon's scales, which is silver, then all that's needed is a spell to break in."

"Break in where?" he asked, but then he thought... "Hogwarts," he said aloud. He looked up at Jade and saw that she had the same expression as him. "It's Hogwarts."

"Because you can't Apparate inside. That's what it's for. But Sonja doesn't have it anymore. Remus told me a while ago that it was gone. He's looked for it."

"You've been talking to him in secret?" he asked.

"No," she said. "He went to you first but you sent him to me, remember?"

Sirius racked his brain for such a moment, then it filtered across his mind. "Oh yeah," he said distantly, "when he came to my place at night."

"So this ring is gone. We don't know who has it!" she said, throwing her hands in the air. "Someone has to warn Dumbledore that there's going to be a break in. Only why would they break in?"

The Order of the Phoenix, that's why Sirius thought. Voldemort knows about us. He knows and now he's going to kill us. First the Prewitts, now us. I have to tell Dumbledore.

"Good question," Sirius said after his silence. Jade didn't know about the Order, though he wanted to tell her. Maybe now that the Prewitts were gone, maybe because they were shrinking, maybe she could join...

"I mean there are only students, and it's summer now. What can possibly be of value? Dumbledore would kick ass if someone ended up there."

"Yeah he would," Sirius said, imagining someone like Remus trying to fight, Dumbledore cursing him to oblivion. "Kick his ass," he mumbled to himself.

"Where is he during the summer holidays? He's certainly not at Hogwarts." She took a sip of her water. "Why doesn't he get rid of You-know-who once and for all. It's not like he can't."

"No, it's not," Sirius muttered. "It is not."

Jade looked at her watch and jumped. "I've gotta go. I didn't do what I set out to do and now I've gotta go. See you later," she said and with a quick kiss, she left.

Sirius contemplated about Remus and this ring for hours. He came up with a number of different situations, many of them concluding with paranoia. Still, nowadays being paranoid was an asset, not a deterrent. Either Remus was in on it, or he was blatantly ignoring the issue. But Remus was smart, he had always been smart. He was the more grounded of the four of them. He knew what was going on... So Remus had to be in on it, unless Sonja didn't tell him what the ring was for. That was certainly a possibility. But if Remus was mister smart guy, went to Sirius then Jade with suspicions about this ring, continued his search for the ring, but still stayed with the woman...? Sirius concluded his thoughts on one thing: Remus was a spy.

As the end of July died away and the Order met on the first of August, Sirius pulled Dumbledore aside after the meeting to convey his doubts of Remus's integrity. Dumbledore seemed somewhat concerned, but did not react the way Sirius would have liked.

"We'll keep an eye on him," he said, leading Sirius out the main door.

"What about-- "

"I'll take care of that," he interrupted. He obviously wasn't aware of the danger. This was serious, and he was taking it so lightly. Sirius glared at Dumbledore then left, heading back with James and Lily. Remus, who asked them what their plans were for the evening, broke away and went home. Sirius wasn't sad to see him go.

"I think you are paranoid," Lily said after Sirius went into his mantra. But Lily didn't throw him off like usual. She looked back at Remus as he left, her tongue thoughtfully between her teeth.


"Can't take my eyes off of you." Written in 1967 by the Four Seasons. Performed by Frankie Valli.