Fine was somewhat an understatement. Everything seemed perfect. Despite the obvious loss of students, the remaining students seemed to be happy, or somewhat happy. There was one that stopped Lily and James, who was carrying Harry on their way, a seventh year that Lily barely recognized.

"Lily? James," the soft voice called, causing both Potters to turn to see who spoke to them. "Is it really you?"

The face was very familiar to Lily, one she saw often enough. The voice was one Lily recognized as one that had soothed her in times before while in school. It wasn't until the eye color had shocked Lily that she knew who it was. In complete disarray, Tianna Coldheart stood before her.

"Oh Ti," Lily smiled, gathering the girl in her arms. "Are you all right?"

"As fine as I'll ever be," Tianna replied. "Where were you two yesterday?"

Lily and James exchanged glances between them. How could Lily tell Tianna she wasn't allowed to come to her. That Lily couldn't help at all?

"We had other things to care for," Lily sighed softly. "But everything seems to be fine."

"Fine yes, but chaos has taken over now."

Lily couldn't leave Tianna there. So, as best as she could, with a small smile on her face, Lily put an arm around Tianna's shoulders and the group now started their way to Dumbledore's office again. The whole way, Tianna told of the massacre. The faces of any of the men, if she remembered any, the screams she remembered.

"But then," Lily started softly, "why does everyone seem so fine and smiling?"

"Cheering charms," was Tianna's simple response.

Lily had to leave Tianna at the entrance of Dumbledore's office. Another hug exchanged between the two, a one armed hug shared with James and Tianna left the small family to silence.

"Cheering charms," Lily asked, turning to James. "But why?"

James could only shrug.

The couple and son took the familiar ride again on the moving stairwell up to Dumbledore's office. This time, approaching the door, voices were heard. Lily exchanged glances with James only momentarily before knocking.

"That'll be them now," she heard Albus say and then the door opened.

The circular office held many people, all people James and Lily knew quite well. Minerva McGonagall, their old Professor, Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew, both very good friends of the couple's, even a tired looking Arabella Figg. Arabella squealed slightly at the sight of Lily, gathering the girl in a tight hug.

"Oh Lils, how long it's been," Arabella said softly.

"You need to write more Bella," Lily insisted.

Bella chuckled, turning to James. She gave him a small dirty look before she winked and accepted the one armed hug from him. Bella couldn't resist the oppritunity to coo at Harry either in the process.

"He's gotten so - "

Dumbledore had cut her off.

"We have important business to attend to tonight, and the night wanes quickly. We must move on, Miss Figg."

"Right," Bella nodded. "Give me a call, you two." Not saying another word, Arabella picked up her satchel and cloak and was gone out the door.

Silence engrossed the group, even little Harry, still in shock from Arabella, was silent. Looks were exchanged, although very forlorn the looks had been.

"What's going on," Lily was the first to speak.

"Mr. black and Pettigrew have been to see me about your Secret-Keeper. I have agreed with Mr. Black that Mr. Pettigrew would be your best choice, but still consider that I did offer to do this for you." Albus's voice was one of record still as soft as ever but you could hear the urgency behind it. The twinkle in his blue eyes were gone, a long time ago and no light ensued there. He still seemed apprehensive to use Peter, but less then he was of suggesting Sirius.

James looked to Lily who was already looking at him. Their eyes met, both asking the same question. What are we going to do? It was times like this that James could have sworn Lily could read his mind and that she knew him that well. The look on her face was enough to tell James she was scared but willing to pay the price. Whatever it may be at the time. James nodded, letting Lily make the decision. He was doing this for her ultimately.

Lily looked back at the group and her two friends. How could she choose? She loved both dearly and trusted them both with her life. How could she really choose. She looked back at James, her green eyes tearing over, begging him not to make her make this decision.

"James, Lily," Minerva asked softly, stepping towards Lily only to be stopped by Albus.

James took the initiative and set Harry on his feet on the floor. James hugged Lily tightly and kissed her cheek gently.

"I'll do what you want me to do," he whispered in her ear. "I trust you Lily. I trust you with everything."

"We'll use Sirius," Lily finally spoke. "I want Sirius."

A hush went over the already deadly silent room. Minerva nodded slightly while Albus looked a bit surprised by Lily's decision. Sirius looked slightly confused, mouthing to James while Peter looked troubled Lily hadn't pointed him out. Looks exchanged around the room, Harry happily at his parent's feet, unaware of the fate coming to him from this decision.

"Are you sure Lils," Sirius asked.

"Yes."

"But dear - " Albus started.

"NO! I want Sirius as my Secret-Keeper. I trust him nearly as much as I trust James with my life."

Peter sputtered at the comment.

"Then what am I? Nothing?!" He stood to leave. "Thanks again Evens."

"Potter," James corrected him.

"Whatever. Just get the hell out of my way."

James and Lily did just that, stepping to the right. Peter stormed from the office, slamming the door behind him in a huff of breath. Lily looked around the room with sullen eyes.

"I thought he would have taken that better," she apologized.

"No, he's right," Sirius spoke softly. "I'm so well known, it'd be better to use Peter." The look on his face was not one of a joking measure, rather of seriousness, rarely seen in Sirius' black eyes. "Bring him back in. Go find him."

"But,-"

"No James, just do it. Trust me this once Prongs."