The moving staircase carried the couple and their son up the way to the Headmaster's office. The Phoenix made Lily smile before she looked at James again. The smile fell from her young face at the sight of her husband's face. The sternness about it, the determined look there, he knew what this meeting was about. Why wouldn't he tell her?
"James, Lily," Albus Dumbledore greeted them. "Come in, both of you. Terrible weather outside, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful in the Hollow," Lily commented, stooping to take Harry's jacket off him. "There's still some good around us Albus, not all has gone bad."
"And the lady speaks the truth again," Albus smiled, watching Lily with her son. "And how has young Mr. Potter faired?"
"He's had an ear infection these last few days, but fine other then that." Lily sighed, taking a seat. "Now that he can walk, he's gotten into everything. From James' wand to the sink, he's gotten into everything."
"How old is he now, James?"
"Thirteen months, and still growing."
"And how along are you Lily?"
Silence followed. Lily had just found out about the next child the other day when she took Harry to see Poppy Pomfrey. She'd been worried of Lily's eating habits for the last month, and since the young mother had skipped again, the matron was positive. Lily had yet to still tell James.
"Thirteen weeks," Lily replied softly. "Just over three months now."
Silence ensued the trio again. James' mind was in a whirl wind. Lily was pregnant again? Another baby? The father of two?
"Is it a boy or a girl," James found the voice to ask.
"Poppy speculates a girl," Lily replied. She couldn't hide the smile from her face and eyes as she told of the new family member.
"Congratulations to you both, but there's something else we need to address here. What of you're fight against Voldemort? I think it's about time we cast the charm." Albus's voice was soft, much like the voice Lily knew and admired, but the worry in it scared her a bit.
"What charm," Lily asked, pulling Harry onto her lap.
"It's quite difficult-"
"Which spell, Professor?"
"Arabella informed me that Voldemort's ranks have grown immensely over the last small space of time. We all know he'll do anything to get to you and your friends for your work in the Order." The aging man's voice dropped to a whisper. He held the gift of holding attention without effort. "It's time you went into hiding, children."
"Which spell Professor?" Lily was being persistent. She knew most, almost all charms well from her study in school. There was something Albus wasn't telling her, James obviously knew, hence his silence.
"Professor Flitwick suggested the Fidelius Charm as our best chance."
"Fidelius, Professor? I don't think I'm aware of that one."
"It'd put us in hiding," James finally found his voice to speak. "It's somewhat complicated, using a Secret-Keeper to keep our where-abouts. No one would know us as the Potters but this Secret-Keeper."
"Voldemort could sit in your front room and never know, Lily." Dumbledore was speaking earnestly. "It's safe, as long as the Secret-Keeper you choose you know would never tell."
"If we do this, Sirius could do it. He would never tell a soul."
Lily nodded to agree.
"He's been thinking of going into hiding anyway, for some time now."
Albus looked at the young family with worry in his blue eyes. Pulling his half-moon glasses from his face, he looked on the two determined faces before him. The Potters had been loyal for years, and quite accepting of James marrying Lily, despite the bloodline disputes. Why now, when he needed the two young Potters to listen to reason, they wouldn't?
"I've been worried about Mr. Black for a while now," he started slowly, knowing he was treading on emotions considering friends.
"Sirius would never betray us, Albus."
"I know you think that James-"
"I know it sir."
"What about Remus?"
Silence took the men after Lily's question.
"I think we all know the answer to that. Werewolves are not held in very high esteem these days, Lily. What if Remus turns?"
"He wouldn't!"
"Maybe we should go, Lily," James said, standing. "We can come back and discuss this later, possibly tomorrow night?"
Albus stood as well, leaning over the desk on his knuckles. He watched as Lily put the jacket on her young son again and handed him to his father. Lily stood herself, fixing her cloak about her shoulders. Harry was then placed on the ground, hand held by his mother while James moved to the door.
"I'll do it," Albus finally spoke. "I'll be your Secret-Keeper, but please. James, for the safety of your family, reconsider using Mr. Black."
Lily looked at the Professor and then James who was still facing the door. She had never seen Albus look so upset over a decision made. James was looking ready to just leave without replying until he turned.
"All I ever think about is the safety of my family Professor Dumbledore," James said softly in a deadly voice. "We'll discuss more of this tomorrow night sir."
James opened the door and looked at Lily. Not saying a word, Lily moved, guiding Harry out of the open door. James only stayed a moment longer, looking to Albus with a small apologetic look. It wasn't held long before he also left, closing the door behind him.
Albus had sank into his chair, massaging his temples. Glasses laying on the desk, the elderly man looked at the door, wishing he had come across to the young couple better.
