"Claudia?"

"Yes, she was right here with me."

"There has been no one else up here other than you and I. What you think you saw was a manifestation of the mind," Victoria assured her. "What else did you see?"

"Well, there was a flash of gold light, and then the next thing I knew, I was lying on the ground right here," Lily said.

"My dear," Victoria said, helping Lily to her feet, "It sounds as though you have seen your heina. The next step is learning to control it."

James and Sirius had a very rough night ahead of them. By the time they had reached Remus, he had already transformed into his werewolf form, and unfortunately he had seen James and Sirius approaching in their human form. They did however manage to transfigure just in time to get him back in check.

Little did they realize though what the rest of the night would have in store for the three of them. Remus seemed to be having a particularly difficult night. He continually tried to attack his friends, and even succeeded in escaping from them once. Padfoot and Prongs raced out into the night after him, but, by the time they found their friend Moony, it was too late.

Blood was dripping from the werewolf's snout, and the body of an unsuspecting muggle was lying beside him. Padfoot and Prongs knew that they had to do something with the body, but they didn't have time right then. So, instead, they concentrated on re-catching their friend.

The rest of the night, while still a challenge, was much easier for the dog and stag. They were able to gather the werewolf up and lead him back to the safety of a nearby wood. When daylight finally broke, the three friends had changed back to their normal human forms.

"I'll go and see what I can do," Sirius said solemnly to James.

James nodded, and Remus started to look very worried. "What happened?" he asked in a whisper.

"There was an accident last night." Remus paled. "A muggle."

"Oh, god," Remus whispered.

"There was nothing we could do, we were too late. We had to get you away from people as quickly as possible. Sirius just went to check on the body. I'm so sorry."

Tears filled Remus's eyes. "I can't risk this every month! I thought we had things under control."

"I know, Remus. So did we," James said.

Just then, Sirius returned. "They found him already, the muggles. I think the Ministry is suspicious of something too, because there were a couple of wizards examining the area and talking to the muggle police."

"I should just turn myself in," Remus said.

"No! You can't do that!" Sirius told him.

"They'd kill you!" James exclaimed.

"That may be, but I don't think I have any other option." He paused thoughtfully. "Unless of course I just leave."

"But what about us? What about Aaron?"

"I know. I just need to consider this as an option. I mean, is it worth it for everyone? To risk another night like last night?"

"I don't know," James and Sirius said at the same time.

Later that morning, Lily found herself meditating yet again, and trying to figure out her heina.

"When you see it," Victoria told her, "You need to take a hold of it and direct it before it overpowers you. Once you can do that, you will be able to maintain your composure during your visions."

"Do you really think that I'll be able to?" Lily asked.

"I do not doubt it at all."

Lily began her breathing again and tried to concentrate on seeing her heina again. It could have been hours, or it could have been seconds that had passed, Lily didn't know. But she saw it, bright as day in front of her. She reached toward it and tried to catch it in her grasp, but it slipped through her fingers. Unfortunately, she then felt herself falling down, almost in a feeling of vertigo.

It was then that she saw it, but she had a sneaking suspicion that what she was seeing had already happened. She saw Remus, in his werewolf form, being pulled away from a dead body by Sirius and James. He couldn't have, she thought. He wouldn't. She closed her eyes, trying to erase the sight from her mind.

When she opened them again, she saw that her heina had returned. This time, it was even brighter than before. Determined not to let it get the better of her, Lily reached out for it again, this time securing it in her grasp. I'm not letting you get away this time. What is it that you want to show me?

The orb glowed in Lily's hands, and she peered into it, longing to shield her eyes from its bright light, but knowing that if she did, it would escape her grasp. It was not long before shadowy figures began to take shape within the heina. Lily couldn't believe her eyes.

Over the horizon of her vision, she saw, plain as day, the Dark Mark rising. As it rose, it continued to grow in size, and she could only assume, in strength as well. Next to the Mark though, lying on the ground, she saw a small bundle that was wriggling around. It was a baby wrapped in a pale blue blanket.

Lily tried to call out to the child, to somehow cause him to move away from the Mark, but it was of no use. And then, from the Mark, Lily saw what looked like a bolt of green lightning. It flashed, and hit the child. Lily cried out, but to her amazement, the baby seemed fine. It seemed to repel the bolt, which then flashed back to the Mark, causing it to break apart and disappear into a thick black smoke.

Before she could say or do anything else, Lily felt herself falling again. This time when she opened her eyes, she saw Victoria standing over her with a very concerned expression on her face.

"I did it," Lily told her. "The first time it didn't quite work, I couldn't control it. But then when I saw the heina again, I held it in my hands, and it showed me something. and then, I was back here with you."

Victoria sighed, relieved. "Very good, Lily. You will, of course, need to refine you skills, but for the first time, this was not bad at all."

"I can't believe that I actually did it."

"What did you see, child?"

The smile disappeared from Lily's face as the images returned to her mind. "First," she whispered, "I saw Remus with James and Sirius."

"And then?" encouraged Victoria.

"I saw the Dark Mark, Gran! It was rising before me. Next to it though. next to it was a small child, still a baby really. There was a flash of green light, but rather than killing the child, the light returned to the Mark. it was destroyed."

Victoria's eyes grew wide. "You are certain that that is what you saw?"

Lily nodded. "The boy though. I've seen him before. In other visions. I just know it."

It was nearly dusk by the time James had made it home. He had quite a few things weighing on his mind. First there were the events of the night before and what was to become of one of his closest, and dearest, friends. Foremost however, there was the unresolved issue of Lily. James had not seen or heard from Lily since he left her in the hospital. I shouldn't have done that, he thought. I shouldn't have left things like that. What if she doesn't come back? What if something has happened and she has no way of reaching me? God I'm a fool. He sat on the couch with his head in his hands, failing to notice Scarlet pecking at his shoulder.

Nearly 10 minutes went by before James finally realized that the snowy owl was perched behind him. She cooed and fluttered at him, waiting, rather impatiently now, for him to take the letter that she was carrying. When he finally did, he pet her head gently. Once Scarlet had flown off, James tore open the parchment envelope and hastily unfolded the letter from Lily and started to read it.

James,

"Oh god." James said out loud. "That's not a good sign if she's just addressing me as James." He sighed, shook his head, and continued to read.

James,

I'm not going to pretend that I'm not very upset with you still. I don't think I can ever convey to you how hurt I was, and still am, at your unfounded accusations against Severus.

James shuddered as he read that about Snape. "If only you knew, Lily."

You know that I love you more than anything, James. If I didn't, I wouldn't have married you. But you have to remember that there are forces out there, forces greater than you, greater than I. The only way for us to face those though, is if we work together. I realize that this sounds rather strange, and perhaps even cliché, but I believe it.

By now I'm sure that you've realized where I am staying. Yes, I am at the Palace of the Prophets with Victoria. I will remain here until I feel ready to come home again. I just wanted to write and let you know that I was alright, and to make sure that you were as well.

James, I think you are in very real danger, and I want to make certain that you are taking every precaution possible at work, and at home. I had another vision this morning, two in fact. In the first I saw you and Sirius and Remus. and what happened. I know you know what I'm referring to. The second vision however was even harder to take. Dark times are heading our way, and now I believe that I understand what Gran and Professor Dumbledore have been saying about you and I.but only time will tell for sure.

I cannot say more at this time, for fear of risking innocent lives and jeopardizing the future, but please know that I will return to you soon. Gran is working with me to enhance my seeing abilities, and I do think it will come in handy.

I'll be home when the time is right. For now I want you to know that I've requested for Angelica to be buried here, at the Palace. Please let me know if you would rather that this not be.

I love you, now and for always.

Your wife,

Lily Potter

"Well, that's something of a relief," James said to himself. He got up from his seat on the couch and walked to his study, where he pulled out a piece of parchment and a pen to respond to Lily's letter.

My Dearest Lily,

I cannot apologize enough for the way that I acted toward you in the hospital. I know that there is no excuse, but please, you have to understand. After everything that had happened with the birth and death of Angelica, Snape's arrival did little to calm me. There was something else about him though, and I am positive you know it too.

I wish that you would come home, but I understand that you need time. If you wish for Angelica to be buried there, that is fine. Let me know if you wish to have any sort of service for her.

For now I will leave things like this. With what is going on between us, and now with Remus I just don't know what to do. Baby, I can't live without you. I need for you to be here with me, but I know you're not ready for that yet. If you need to reach me, most likely I will be working. I guess it'll be an escape for me.

With undying love and affection,

James Potter

James folded the letter carefully and ran upstairs to send Scarlet out into the night.

Lily woke up to the sound of taping at her window. When she got up to see what it was, she smiled at the sight of Scarlet. She quickly opened the window and let the owl fly in. Scarlet swooped into the bedroom, did a quick circle around the room's perimeter, and then settled on the footboard of the bed.

"What have you got for me?" Lily asked, reaching for the letter Scarlet had attached to her. Handing Scarlet an owl treat, Lily took the letter, unfolded it, and read it.

Once she finished reading the letter, Lily sat down on the windowsill and stared out into the starry night. "James," she whispered into the night, "please be careful." A single tear streamed down her face, glistening from the light of the stars and waning moon.

In the days that followed, Lily and James remained apart. As he said he would, James spent almost every waking moment working. He was determined to expose Snape for what he was. In addition to this, James just couldn't shake the feeling that there were others he knew from Hogwarts who had joined the dark forces.

Lily, in the meantime, was learning very quickly how to sense when a vision was coming on, and then how to maintain control of the heina. Much to her relief, she had stopped having horrible visions. Instead, she saw herself back with James, living in their house, seemingly happy. She saw a boy being sorted into Gryffindor his first year at Hogwarts. I've seen you before, she thought, trying to get a closer look at him. She recognized James's hair and her own eyes. It's Harry.she smiled to herself.

It was early on the morning of June 8th when Lily awoke with a terrible jolt. "Something isn't right," she whispered. She looked around her room and saw that nothing was out of place, Scarlet was sleeping peacefully in her cage, and everything just seemed normal. Well, as normal as it could be considering she was still apart from James. Lily shook her head and tried to go back to sleep. Much to her dismay though, sleep was no longer an option. Instead, when Lily closed her eyes, she saw her heina hovering in front of her. When she took a hold of it, it didn't show her anything that she wanted to see. Not this time. Instead, Lily saw the Dark Mark rising before her again, but this time it was over a house. After taking a more careful look, Lily realized that she knew that house. All of the blood left her face.

"Marilyn!" Lily screamed.

Lily quickly scribbled a note for Victoria, which she hastily left of her bedside table before disapparating for the Potter home. By the time she got there though, it was too late. Wizards and witches from the Ministry of Magic were swarming all over the place, making detailed notes, taking photographs, discussing what might have happened. No one took notice of the frail Lily, who had fallen to her knees on the ground and begun to sob.

All of a sudden, Lily heard a click and saw a bright flash of white light. Someone had taken her picture!

"Great!" said a female voice. "Now let's try for an interview. Mrs. Potter, do you have anything that you would like to say? Anything at all regarding the events of last night?"

Lily looked up at her, very overwhelmed by the situation. "Pardon me?" she asked, choking on her tears.

"Rondah Lapine, Daily Prophet. You are Lily Potter, aren't you?" Lily nodded feebly. "Do you have anything to say about the death of your mother- in-law? Anything that our readers might enjoy?"

"She most certainly does not!" roared a voice from behind Rondah.

Before the reporter could say another word, James had practically flew around her, and gathered Lily up in his arms. "You would do best to stay away from her, and from me, if you know what's good for you, Miss Lapine."

"Well, I never!"

"Somehow I doubt that," hissed James, carrying Lily away and inside the house.

Lily was crying silently into James's shoulder until he finally set her down in a secluded bedroom. She rubbed her eyes, and took in her new surroundings. Next to the window, there was a family portrait of James, Claire, Marilyn and a man who Lily could only assume was William, James's father. There were various quidditch posters on the walls, with the players zooming around on their broomsticks. An old broomstick was lying on the floor next to the closet, and next to it Lily could see piles of goods from Zonko's (and probably other novelty/prank shops). "This was your room, wasn't it?" she whispered.

James nodded, looking around as well. "Yeah, it was."

Lily sighed. "I'm so sorry, James. I came here to warn her, but- but."

"This isn't your fault, baby. Really."

"But I saw it. I had a vision, but I thought it was just a warning of something to come. So I came here to tell her, to help her get away, but I was too late."

"Lil, there was nothing else we could do. I'm guessing you know how it happened."

"The Killing Curse," she whispered. James nodded solemnly. "If only I had known sooner."

"You know by now that visions don't work that way. They show you what you need to see, when you need to see it. There was nothing to be done."

"James, aren't you even the least bit upset? Your mother was just killed. Not only that, but she was killed by the same wizard that killed our child! Does that mean nothing to you?!"

"I'm trying, ok?!" James yelled back, pacing around the room. "It's just too much!" James paused, and took a deep breath. "Okay, Lil, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell. You just have to understand that I've been going insane! First, we lose our little Angelica, then I lose you, and now this. what am I supposed to do?"

Lily bit her lower lip and shook her head. "I don't know," she whispered. "But I wish I did."

James sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "Me too."

"What are we going to do now?" Lily asked.

"What do you mean?"

"James, on top of everything else, she was our Secret-Keeper. They had to have known. that's the only reason I can think of."

"But killing her wouldn't help," James said. "She would need to actually tell them where we were."

"Think about it, James. I'm sure they tried to get her to talk, and when she wouldn't, they. they-" Lily started crying again.

"Shhh," James tried calming her.

"Can I come in?" asked someone, knocking on the door.

James looked at the door suspiciously before saying "Yes?" He was very relieved though when his sister walked in.

"I just heard," Claire said, fighting back tears of her own. "Do they know anything yet?"

"It was Voldemort, or one of his followers. They used the Killing Curse, but that's all we know for certain."

Claire sat down next to her brother and sister-in-law on the bed. "What more is there? James, nowhere is safe anymore. Voldemort has his Death Eaters popping up almost everywhere! I've even heard rumors of them gaining strength places like Romania, trying to get access to the dragons."

James took his right arm from around Lily and put it around his sister. He sighed and shook his head. "Dark times are ahead, but I know it, I just have this feeling in my gut, that we will get through them. Something will get us through it."

"But what?" asked Lily, having the strange feeling that she already knew the answer.

"Before anything else happens though, I want to tell you both something," Claire said. "I want to take mum's place. I'll be your Secret-Keeper now."

"How did you know?" James asked.

"I just did, okay? Please, let me do this for you."

"We can't put you in that kind of danger though!" Lily insisted.

"I want you to. I need to do this. James, you're my only brother. If I can't look out for you now, then who will?"

"Are you sure?" James asked. Claire nodded, wiping a tear from her face. "Then I will agree, but only if you promise to be more careful than mum. We'll arrange for you to hide somewhere."

The family of three sat there on James's old bed for a while longer. Nobody knew what to say or what to do, so they simply sat in silence. In fact, it wasn't until their silence was interrupted by one of James's work colleagues that they even moved again.

"Potter! There you are," a tired, older-looking wizard said. "Oh," he said, obviously seeing Lily and Claire on either side of James. "I'm so sorry."

"What is it, Fudge?" James asked, rather impatient.

"Well, some of the boys were wondering, that is to say, we wanted to know, I mean, well, what would you like for us to do with your mother's body?"

James could feel the tears swelling from behind his eyes, but he refused to give in. He would not cry in front of his wife and sister, at least not at this time. "I'll take care of it," he whispered.

"You're certain that that's best?" Fudge asked.

"I said I would handle it," James told him, getting rather annoyed.

"Alright, James. If that's what you want. She's in the living room." And with that, Cornelius Fudge walked out of the room.

"God, I didn't even think about having to do this," Claire cried.

"I'll do it," whispered Lily. "I'll make the arrangements for the funeral."

"Really?" James asked.

"Yes," she replied. "We can do a joint service for Angelica as well. She never got one."

Chapter 18: The Grieving Period

Over the course of the next few days, Lily worked closely with a wizard by the name of Walter Minning who was one of the owners of Minning & Garner's Wizardly Endings, a funeral parlor that dated back to the 17th century. Lily wanted to be certain that every detail, from Marilyn's casket, to the flowers to the burial place was perfect. She would accept nothing less for the service honoring her beloved mother-in-law and baby girl.

By the time the day of the funeral arrived, Lily had moved back in with James, and Claire was staying with them until the time that the Fidelius Charm could once again be performed.

Lily woke up early on Sunday morning and dressed in her nicest black dress and robes. She then went downstairs and tried to make some breakfast for James and Claire, but ended up simply standing at the kitchen counter staring out the window. It was 20 minutes before James came downstairs and found her there.

"Are you alright?" he asked, very concerned for her well-being.

"Fine," she answered, blinking herself out of what seemed like a trance. "Do you want something to eat?"

"No thanks."

"Is Claire up yet? It's almost time to go."

"I think she is, I heard her moving around in her room. But I'll go check." James wasn't sure if it was a good idea to leave Lily alone, but he didn't see any other option. He quickly ran up to his sister's room and knocked on the door. "You decent?" he asked, trying to joke around.

"Not really, but it'll have to do," she responded, opening the door. "Is it time yet?"

"Just about," he said. "Come on." James headed back downstairs followed by his sister.

When the three remaining Potters arrived at Minning & Garner's Wizardly Endings for the service, they were very surprised to see what a large turnout there was. It seemed as though everyone from the wizarding world was present. There were nearly 100 representatives from the Ministry of Magic, Professor Dumbledore along with most of the Hogwarts professors, and members of nearly every wizarding family imaginable. Even Nicolas Flamel and his wife were present. Lily noticed that Victoria wasn't there, but this was of no surprise as she had taken a vow never to leave the grounds of the Palace of the Prophets. Lily was also consoled by the fact that Victoria had been there for her when they buried the small child on the Palace grounds.

With Lily and Claire on either side of him, James walked through the crowd of people and up to the front of the chapel area. The three of them sat in the first pew, and everyone filed in behind them. Fifteen minutes later, the service began.

Several witches and wizards took turns standing before the large crowd and saying nice things about Marilyn Potter. Once an old wizard by the name of Garwood Rood finished speaking, James stood up and silently took his place behind the lectern and next to his mother's casket.

"I would like to thank you all for coming today and supporting myself and my family in our time of grief," James began. "Times like this are never east. As you are all aware, nearly one month ago my wife, Lily, gave birth to our little girl, Angelica Potter. For whatever reason though, it was decided that she was too good to remain with us. Due to many complications, we lost our little angel too soon. At that time, one of the few people able to comfort me was my mother. And now, here I stand, grieving once again, but this time without that steady hand to turn to." Tears were now visible on James's face. "But, instead of telling you what an amazing person my mother was, how she lived her life for her family and friends, or how anyone who knew her was better off because of it, I would like to take this time to warn all of you. The world as we know it is in jeopardy. We all know this. It is because of this evil presence that my mother is no longer here with us. If you can do nothing else, please use this loss, my loss, as a reason to value every moment that you have with your friends and loved ones. There is nothing more important on this earth, and you never know when they will be taken from you. My mother never did anything to harm anyone. It wasn't in her nature. But that didn't stop her from being killed." James looked down at his mother's casket and then looked up to the sky. "Mum, I know you're up there watching over us, just like you used to. I love you, we all love you, and I hope that now you are able to take care of our little Angelica."

Stepping out from behind the lectern, James walked over to the casket, leaned down, and kissed his mother's cheek. "Bye, mum," he whispered. He then turned around and returned to his seat in between Lily and Claire.

A few other people spoke after James, but none had anything to say that was quite so moving, or real. After the service ended, there was a procession to the Potter family graveyard where the burial took place. Once this was done, there was a gathering held for everyone in attendance.

Once their guests had started to leave, Lily and Claire went to round up some of the Potter house elves to clean up the dishes and platters while James sat and talked to Sirius, Remus and Peter.

"How could he have known?" James asked.

"What do you mean?" Sirius said.

"Voldemort. He knew that she was the Secret-Keeper. He had to! Why else would this have happened."

"I wish that I had an answer," Peter said, taking a drink of his coffee.

"I wish we all did," Sirius added. "What are you gonna do now?"

"Get another one, I suppose."

"But why? What is it that Voldemort is after?" Remus asked.

James looked around cautiously. "Alright, listen. Lily didn't want me to say anything to anyone about this. But, since I would trust all of you with my life, I'm going to tell you."

Sirius, Remus and Peter looked at each other, unsure of what to expect.

"Voldemort is after the Sorcerer's Stone."

"What does that have to do with you?" Peter meekly asked.

"It's not me," James said, gesturing toward the next room where Lily was standing talking to Claire.

"Lily." whispered Remus.

"Exactly," said James.

"Why would you-know-who want the Stone though?" Peter asked again.

"Peter, don't you read anything? The stone can produce the elixir of life! It would make Voldemort all but immortal." Sirius said, suddenly understanding everything.

"So who are you going to use as your new Secret-Keeper?" Remus asked.

"I can't tell you, I think that both Lily and Dumbledore would kill me if I did."

"Why Dumbledore?"

"He's the one who performed the charm last time, and I'm sure he would like to do it again."

"But why not use him as the Secret-Keeper?" suggested Sirius.

"Something about it just doesn't feel right. I couldn't ask him to put himself into that situation."

"Oh, definitely," Sirius said sarcastically, "I mean, he is only one of the most powerful wizards in the world, and he is also head of the school that we all graduated from, which is one of the safest places in the world. I'm sure he wouldn't want to put himself at risk either."

"It's not like that, Sirius. Really."

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as Lily and Claire walked into the room. James shot murderous glances at his friends, and they understood that if they said anything about any of this in front of the girls, they were as good as dead.

Lily sighed and sat down beside James, while Claire sat down between Peter and Remus. "It's all done," Lily told them. "I don't know what else there is for us to do around here."

"We've just got the reading of the will coming up later this week, and then, well, you know." Claire trailed off.

"Yeah, it's going to be a tough one," James said, nodding. He sat with his arm around Lily's shoulders, and her head leaning on him.

"I'd better get going," Remus said. "I told Aaron I'd visit him at Jem's."

"Is he staying with her now?" Lily asked.

"Yeah, we all decided that it might be better for everyone if he did," Remus told her.

"Oh," Lily said, nodding in agreement. "I understand. Give him my love, won't you?"

"Of course."

It took a while, but gradually, Peter and Sirius each said their goodbyes and left the Potters on their own. Before leaving though, Sirius and James made arrangements to meet early at work the following Monday and get a head start on some things.

"When do we meet with Dumbledore?" Claire asked them once they were alone.

"First thing tomorrow," James replied. "You're still positive that you want to do this though?"

"I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

"Well, if you're sure, I've found a safe place for you to stay. Dumbledore has agreed to take you there himself, after he's performed the charm."

"Alright," Claire agreed.

"Claire, this really means so much to us. You've helped us through so much in this past year." Lily said.

"That's what sisters are for."

"I wish mine realized that," Lily told her firmly.

"Petunia isn't worth a second thought, Lil," James said. "She's not half the person you are." He then kissed Lily on the forehead. "We should all get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be another big day."

"Are you staying here? Or are you going home?" asked Claire.

"I think we're going to stay. it's just easier." James said, as Lily nodded.

"Alright then, I'll see you in the morning. Goodnight," Claire told them before heading up the stairs and into her bedroom.

"Come on, Lil. Let's try to sleep." James took Lily's hand and helped her up. They solemnly walked up the stairs together and to James's old room where they changed for bed. "Goodnight, baby," he whispered.

"Goodnight," Lily responded, kissing him. She then curled up next to him on the bed, and felt somewhat safer now that his arms were wrapped around her. It's been too long, she thought to herself just before drifting off.

The following morning, Lily and James woke up to the smell of fresh coffee and breakfast being cooked.

"I guess that Claire made some food," James said sleepily.

Lily took a deep breath before speaking. "Smells like it," she said. "Come on, let's get up." She pushed James's arm off of her and sat up on the small bed. "That's the last time I share a bed with you that's less than a queen size mattress," she laughed.

James groaned. "Well, I'm sorry, your majesty. Next time, I'll know." He then sat up and stretched, reached for his glasses, and got up.

Lily through a shirt at him, laughed again, and then ran out of the room. "See you downstairs!" she called back to him.

"Morning," Claire said to Lily when she entered the kitchen. "I didn't know what else to do, so I cooked. Have a seat."

"Thanks," Lily said, helping herself to some coffee and toast. "Ah, so you finally decided to join us, eh, Potter?" Lily joked as James walked into the room.

Ignoring her comment, James walked over to Claire and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Thank for cooking, sis."

Claire smiled. "Don't put me in the middle of this!"

"In the middle of what?" James asked innocently.

"Knock it off, Potter. You heard your sister," Lily grinned. Claire couldn't help but laugh.

James rolled his eyes and grabbed a cup of coffee. "All I said was 'thanks for cooking,'" he muttered.

"James, really," Lily said.

"Yeah, right." James shook his head. "I suppose we had best head for Hogsmeade after breakfast and then go up to Hogwarts from there. Dumbledore is expecting us at half-passed 11."

"That sounds good," agreed Claire.

The three of them spent the rest of the meal eating and drinking in silence. Once everyone was finished, Claire magicked the table cleared and they disapparated to Hogsmeade.

When James, Lily and Claire arrived in front of the Three Broomsticks, they looked around for Hagrid, the Hogwarts Gamekeeper, who was supposed to meet them and bring them up to the school grounds.

"He's probably inside having a drink," James said, turning to enter the tavern. "Wait out here, I'll be back in a minute."

"Alright," Lily and Claire agreed.

James entered the tavern and couldn't help but smile. He suddenly remembered how excited he had been the first time he set foot inside here, as a second year Hogwarts student. Technically, only 3rd years were allowed out on Hogsmeade visits, but with the aide of his invisibility cloak and his three best friends, who was going to stop them? Oh the trouble we planned in here, James thought. He saw the old table in the back that he used to sit at with Remus, Sirius and Peter and plan their next full moon adventures.

"James Potter!" shouted a booming voice. "Well, I'll be. There ye are! Was jus' enjoyin' a bit o' the finest mulled mead our Rosmerta 'as to offer!"

"It's good to see you again, Hagrid," James told him, extending his hand.

Hagrid shook it graciously. "I'm so very sorry 'bout 'vrything. Your mother was a fine woman."

"Thank you," James whispered.

"We'd bes' be off'n now, eh?"

"Yes, I suppose. Lily and Claire are waiting outside."

"Ah! Right you are! Mus' be off, Rosmerta! Official Hogwarts bus'ness to be taken care of!"

"Goodbye!" Rosmerta called after Hagrid and James.

"Ah! Lil' Miss Lily! Look at ye! Pur'tier that I coulda even imagined!" Hagrid said, hugging Lily to him.

"It's good to see you, too, Hagrid," Lily smiled.

"An' you! Claire Potter, all grown an' outta trouble, I assume?" Hagrid hugged her as well.

Claire laughed. "I've matured quite a bit since my time here, Hagrid!"

"I'll believe that when I sees it for meself!" Hagrid winked at her. "I think you passed all yer trouble-makin' ways to that brother o' yers, din't ya?"

Claire laughed again. "I had nothing to do with any trouble or crimes that my pest of a brother might have committed while he was at Hogwarts!"

"If'n ya say so!" Hagrid laughed. "Thar's a carriage waiting fer you folk, so let's be off."

Hagrid led them to the waiting carriage, and helped both Lily and Claire in. Once James entered it, Hagrid closed the door behind him and climbed up to the driver's seat.

When the carriage pulled up to the Hogwarts entrance, Professor Dumbledore was already there waiting for them.

"Thank you for bringing the Potters up to the castle for me, Hagrid. I knew I could trust you with something so important."

"Right you are, Professor." Hagrid smiled before walking off back to his hut.

"It saddens me to think of the reason for our meeting here today," Dumbledore began, "but if you will follow me, we shall press on with it."

James, Lily and Claire followed Dumbledore through the winding hallways of Hogwarts and up to his office. "Mars Bar" he said, allowing them access to the hidden stairs. Once they entered his office, he spoke again. "Claire, if you would please have a seat here, we shall begin momentarily."

Claire took the seat offered to her, which happened to be next to Fawkes, Dumbledore's pet phoenix. Once she sat down though, Fawkes began squawking nervously and flew out the window.

"Strange," Dumbledore muttered under his breath. He then nodded at the window and sighed. "Lily, James, if you would please join me out in the hallway for a moment. Claire, not to worry, we shall be right back."

"Of course, Professor," Claire said.

Dumbledore led Lily and James out of his office. But, they didn't stop there. He continued walking with them out of the passageway that led to his office, down a few more corridors, and into Gryffindor common room. School was out for the summer, so the houses were deserted.

"Why have you brought us here?" Lily asked, growing more concerned with every passing second.

"I cannot perform the Fidelius Charm for you today."

"But why not? Claire wants it to be done." James insisted.

"I'm sure she does, but that isn't Claire," Dumbledore told them.

"Wha- wh- I- I don't un- understand," stammered James.

Dumbledore shook his head and heaved a great sigh. "The woman who sits in my office does bear a striking resemblance to you sister, James, but I very much regret to inform you that that is not Claire Potter."

"Who is it?" whispered Lily.

"I honestly couldn't say. I had my suspicions about this alleged Claire earlier, and that is why I brought her to my office. Fawkes knew Claire in her time here, and I feel quite confident in telling you that he would not have reacted in such a way had that actually been her."

"But why? Why Claire?" asked James.

"Voldemort and his supporters will stop at nothing to get the Stone from you. You know that just as well as I."

"What do we do?" asked Lily, placing one hand over her heart as she lowered herself onto one of the common room couches.

"Now, we wait," Dumbledore told them. "Whoever it is will be forced to show themselves soon enough."

"What do you mean?"

"Just watch." Dumbledore waved his wand at the common room fireplace and the flames disappeared, only to be replaced by the image of his office. Lily and James could see "Claire" sitting in front of the great desk looking around her nervously. They then saw her pull something out of her handbag, a small vile. James squinted trying to get a better look at it. Dumbledore wasted no time. He quickly pointed his wand at the vile and said "Replacio a leu!" The imposter Claire looked around to make sure no one was looking, and quickly drank from the vile. Smiling to herself, she returned the vile to her bag.

It took a few minutes before anything happened, but when it did, neither James nor Lily could believe their eyes.

Claire began to transform before their eyes! No longer did they see James's beautiful sister, with her shoulder length brown curls and stunning blue eyes, but instead a strange woman was sitting there now. A woman with pale skin and pitch black hair.

"Who is she?" demanded James.

"Catherine Lestrange," said Dumbledore, barely able to believe his eyes. "I never would have expected this from her, to go over to the dark side."

"Why do I know that name?" Lily asked, racking her brain trying to find the answer.

"She was Head Girl in her time here at Hogwarts. One of the few ever to come from Slytherin."

"That's right."

"What do we do now?" James asked, growing very disgusted. He started to reach toward the fireplace, as if to grab this stranger, but Lily managed to pull him back.

"James, now is not the time," Dumbledore said. "Somehow, she has not yet realized that she transformed back to her own form."

"How did she do that though? Why would she mess it all up now?"

"The spell that I cast. I turned the potion to water, so that we could get a glimpse of our dear friend. Now please, do excuse me for a moment. I must contact the Ministry at once." He looked at James. "Do not try to apprehend her on your own. Do you understand?"

"No. Why shouldn't I?"

"Because we still do not know of your sister's whereabouts. She might very well still be alive, and there is no reason for you to jeopardize that at this moment. Now please, wait here and keep watch over her."

"But I don't understand why we have to handle this here, Albus," said a man's voice.

"Kenneth, have you not been listening to a word I've told you?" Dumbledore asked, obviously getting rather annoyed by his guest. "Phoenix feather!" he shouted, perhaps with a bit more force than he intended, at the Fat Lady, before the portrait swung open and Dumbledore stepped into the common room followed by a very huffy Minister of Magic.

"Mr. Turnipseed!" exclaimed James, jumping to his feet.

"Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, we meet yet again," Turnipseed sighed. He turned back to Dumbledore. "Well, where is she then?"

"I told you, Kenneth, she is in my office. There." He pointed to the fireplace. "Look for yourself. She appeared to be Claire Potter when we left her there, and now we suddenly have Catherine. What would you venture to say happened?"

The Minister stared into the fireplace for a moment longer, and then, without hesitation, made a startling declaration. "I will send for the dementors at once."

"You will do no such thing!" Dumbledore told him. "So long as I am headmaster of this school, there will never be such an occasion as to warrant the need for those creatures on the grounds. Ms. Lestrange will be apprehended by some of your best men, Kenneth, and set to trial as is customary. I refuse to allow you to take any other course of action."

"Bring the dementors! She deserves it for what she's done to my sister!" James cried.

"James, now is neither the place nor the time. You must wait."

Lily took a hold of James's arm. "Really, darling. Calm down, we'll figure all of this out. That's why Professor Dumbledore sent for Mr. Turnipseed after all." she whispered to him.

James shook her off of him though. "I don't care, Lil! Don't you see? Claire is the only family I have left! And now in all likelihood, I've lost her too!" He sat down in a chair and buried his face in his hands. Lily sat next to him on the armrest and put her arms around him. "Just do what you have to do to find my sister, please, Mr. Turnipseed, I beg of you."

"I shall do all that is within my power to bring this young woman to justice." Turnipseed then turned and exited through the portrait hole followed by Dumbledore.

James remained seated with his face buried, and Lily with her arms around him while she continued to look into the fireplace.

"James, look," she whispered.

Looking up just in time, James and Lily watched in awe as Ministry officials advanced on Catherine Lestrange. A great shadow had been cast across Catherine's face as she sat in Dumbledore's office. It looked as though something was blocking the window. She instinctually turned to see what it was, but as she was turning around, her gaze passed over a mirror. She screamed when she saw that the reflecting staring back at her was her own and not that of Claire Potter. Just then, the cause of the shadow was revealed. Two wizards entered the room through the window, while three others approached Catherine from the opposite side of the room. It looked as thought she was trying to disapparate, but she was unable to given that Hogwarts restricted such actions. Then, as if from nowhere, Catherine adopted a more confident air about her. It was as if something had swept over her, causing her to no longer fear the wizards from the Ministry of Magic. She simply smiled at them, and allowed herself to be led away in their custody.

Lily kissed the top of James's head. "They've got her," she sighed. "It's only a matter of time now before they find Claire."

James nodded, but didn't say anything. His gaze was fixed upon the fireplace which had since gone black and returned to its usual state.

The portrait suddenly swung open allowing Dumbledore to enter. This time he was accompanied not by Turnipseed, but Sirius instead.

"What are you doing here?" asked James.

"I was one of the Aurors sent for to catch Lestrange," Sirius replied.

"And?"

"They're taking her now to a holding area for questioning. Shulstad and Chisolm have already been sent to bring her husband, Edward, in. You know that we've been keeping an eye on them for a while, and this might be all we need to convict."

"Who are they?" Lily asked looking from Sirius to James and then back again.

"Who?"

"Well, all of them I suppose."

"Shulstad and Chisolm are Aurors that we've been working with on the Voldemort case," Sirius explained. "As for Catherine and Edward Lestrange, well, we've suspected of being Death Eaters for quite some time now, and this might just be the proof we needed."

Just then the fire began to glow again, only this time Chisolm's head appeared amidst the flames.

"Sirius?" he called. "Are you still there?" Everyone gathered in front of the fireplace. "Ah, James, you're there as well. You'll want to hear this, I'm sure."

"What is it? What did you find?" James asked anxiously.

"We got him, Lestrange. As of yet, they haven't said anything about Claire Potter's location, but I feel certain that we will make them talk. Just wanted to let you know."

"Thank you, Chisolm," Sirius said. "I'll meet you back at the office shortly."

"Right-o!" And with that, his image disappeared from the flames.

"I've got to get back to work," Sirius said apologetically looking from James to Lily. "I'll come 'round as soon as I can."

"Actually, if you don't mind, Lil, I think I'm going to go in with him," James said.

"No, that's fine. I understand."

"You'll be ok?" James asked, looking worriedly at his wife.

Lily forced a small smile. "Don't worry about me." She sighed. "I'll be fine."

"Lily and I actually have a bit to talk about, and this should give us quite the opportunity," Dumbledore told them.

"Well, if you're sure?" Lily nodded. "Alright then, I'll see you at home as soon as I can." James kissed his wife goodbye and then left the common room through the portrait hole followed by Sirius.

Chapter 19: The Dementors' Effects

Lily looked mournfully around the common room. "You know," she said, "I remember the first time I set foot in here. I was scared out of my wits."

Dumbledore smiled. "Many children are, when they first come to Hogwarts. They don't know what to expect."

"That was exactly it. I had no idea what magic was, beyond the magicians I saw perform at parties, and then here I was, suddenly a witch and able to learn how to do things I had only dreamed possible before." Lily smiled and even laughed a little. "I can't tell you how many nights were spent in front of that fireplace my first year here. being kept up against my will as James and Sirius explained the finer points of quidditch to me. And then that table is where the boys all taught me how to play wizard's chess." Lily now turned toward a small bench by the window. "It was right over there that James kissed me for the first time. And right over there," Lily pointed to one of the central couches in the room, "is where I first met Claire. Just over a year ago now."

Dumbledore walked over to Lily and held her in a warm embrace. "We will find out what happened to her, Lily. I promise you that," he said reassuringly.

"Thank you," she whispered.

James, meanwhile, rushed to the Ministry office as quickly as he could. As soon as he got there, he rushed right to Mr. Ocran's office.

"Where are they?" James panted.

"Calm down, Potter. This is an office, not a racetrack," Mr. Ocran told him. "But I do understand your situation, so I will tell you. The Lestranges are being held in the old owlry tower. Questioning is most likely underway, and I think it would be best if you did not take part in it. You may observe all you like, but I just fear that you might be a bit overly emotional else wise."

"I'll keep an eye on him, sir," Sirius said, coming in from behind James.

"Thank you, Sirius. I shall leave this matter in your hands then. Good day and good luck, gentlemen."

Sirius and James walked out of Ocran's office and headed for the old owlry.

"Sirius, I shall leave this matter in your hands then," mimicked James. "How the hell did you get in his good graces like that?"

"Never you mind, Potter," Sirius said, flashing him a devilish smile. He suddenly became much more serious. "We've got a lot of work to do."

"I will not tell you anything! You have no right to hold us here!" shouted Edward Lestrange.

"We would beg to differ, Mr. Lestrange," said Shulstad. "I, for one, think we have every right to keep you here until you tell us what you know."

"And just what is it that you are looking for?"

"The whereabouts of a certain wizard by the name of Voldemort and an innocent witch by the name of Claire Potter. Think you might know anything about either of those?"

"I will never tell you anything," Lestrange hissed.

"Well then, I suppose we'll just have to see what the Veritaserum does for you. Chisolm? If you please."

Chisolm walked over to where Lestrange sat, brandishing a crystal bottle in his hands. "You are aware of the effects Veritaserum can have on a person, are you not?"

"You are all powerless against the Dark Lord. He will rise above you all!" Lestrange declared. "You will cower before him when the time comes!"

"Where is the girl, Lestrange?" demanded Sirius upon entering the room.

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Don't lie to me," Sirius started. "The truth serum, please," he said, holding his hand out toward Chisolm.

While this was going on, James decided to take some matters into his own hands. He picked up Lestrange's wand that was sitting on the desk by the door and started to examine it. He then heard a voice from deep inside himself whisper: Check the wand. it's last spell. James then pulled out his own wand. "Prior Incantato!" he roared.

James held the two wands end-to-end, his hands shaking in anticipation of what might appear. Please not Claire. Please, dear God, not Claire, he prayed silently. Apparently he didn't pray hard enough though. In the faint smoke that appeared where the two wands met, James saw the lifeless body of his beloved sister gliding itself into a large stone fireplace, where it was engulfed by flames.

"No!" he shouted. After seeing this, James couldn't even be bothered to erase the ghost of a spell from the air; instead, he turned so quickly, and had such a murderous look in his eye, that he didn't even have to touch Lestrange. The man flew halfway across the room and slammed into the wall.

"Bastard!" James yelled. "Why her?! Why my sister?!" James made a mad dash toward Lestrange, but Sirius somehow managed to grab his robes just in time.

"No, James! Not like this," Sirius warned.

"You will rot in Azkaban for this!" James shouted, nearly choking on a silent sob. "I should kill you and your wretched wife with my bare hands!"

"James."

"But I won't. You don't deserve that, either of you. You both deserve far worse. You will both go to Azkaban and waste away, and if I have my way, you will receive the Dementor's Kiss."

"I would rather face 1,000 Dementors than betray our new Lord & Master."

"Careful what you wish for," sneered Sirius. He then turned to Chisolm. "Have Fudge or someone send for the Dementors at once. We don't need this trash around here any more."

Within the hour, several Dementors had arrived to take Edward Lestrange back to Azkaban with them. From the moment they entered the room, everyone could feel a slight chill going through their systems, but none more so than James. He could feel the happiness draining from his being as he heard voices screaming and echoing in his head. Take Harry and run! Run Lily! I'll hold him off!

"James!" shouted Sirius. "James! Are you alright? Come back to us, buddy, come on!"

James suddenly blinked and shook his head. He could feel that he had broken out into a cold sweat. "What- How did I end up on the floor?" he asked, taking hold of Sirius's extended arm and pulling himself up.

"It must have been the Dementors. that's the only thing it could have been."

"They've never affected me like that before though."

Sirius shrugged. "I don't know what else to tell you then." He put his hand on James's shoulder. "Come on, let's get you home to Lily."

James suddenly remembered the voices he heard. "Lily! Oh god, is she alright?"

"Why shouldn't she be?"

"No reason," James meekly replied.

The two friends walked out of the room and down the hallway back toward James's office so he could collect his things before heading home to Lily. Regrettably, this meant walking past their boss's office, which is where James saw something that upset him greatly. Sitting in front of Mr. Ocran's desk was none other than Catherine Lestrange.

"What the hell is she still doing here?" demanded James.

"Ah, Potter. How nice to see you," Ocran said, coming out of his office to join James in the hallway. He closed the door behind him.

"Why didn't the Dementors take her with them as well?"

"It's not that easy, Potter. We had hard evidence against Mr. Lestrange, but the Ministry is pushing for trial in her case."

"No hard evidence? It was not only me, but also my wife and even the great Albus Dumbledore who saw her transform from the shape of my sister to her own! What more could you possibly need? You have three eye-witnesses!"

"It isn't just the witnesses, Potter, you should know that. We didn't have a chance of breaking her husband, but perhaps we will be able to get information out of her," Ocran said. "Anything we can find out from her, even the slightest hint of Voldemort's whereabouts would be a help, don't you think? Then maybe we'd have a chance of preventing this from happening again."

James sighed and nodded grudgingly. "I suppose that you're right, but be careful with that one. Just come and get me if you need anything, sir."

"Of course I will, Potter, as soon as I find anything out."

"Thank you, sir."

Once James grabbed a few papers from his desk, he apparated back home where he found Lily pacing around the living room nervously. Jem was sitting on the couch watching her, while Remus was sitting in front of the fire with Aaron playing exploding snap, no doubt trying to distract him from Lily's nervous behavior.

"Hey," James said quietly.

Lily's eyes immediately met his, and she ran to him, threw her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. "Did you find anything?" asked her muffled voice. James sighed, and Lily could feel him nod. "Oh, god, James. I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry," she cried. "Why does all of this happen to us?"

James wrapped his arms tighter around Lily and stroked her hair with his hand. "I don't know, baby, I don't know." He kissed the top of her head and looked over at Jem and Remus who were now looking intently at them. Aaron was still engrossed in the game though.

"So Claire's.?" Remus whispered.

James lowered his eyes and nodded again.

"Are you going to do anything for her, have a service? Anything like that?" asked Jem.

"No, I don't think so. Things have been too rough already, and everyone has been through so much. We'll just have to come to terms with this on our own," James replied.

"You're sure?" she asked.

"I don't see us as having any other choice."

"What's going on?" asked Aaron, turning around to face the adults.

"Nothing, honey," Jem said soothingly.

"What's wrong with Miss Lily?"

"We've all had a very, very difficult day," James said as he continued to stroke Lily's hair.

"Why? What happened?" Aaron asked.

James sighed and opened his mouth to say something else, but before he could, Jem had gotten up, walked over to Aaron and led him out of the room, promising him an explanation.

Sirius suddenly apparated into the room, rather out of breath. "I've been looking everywhere for you, James!"

"Why? You knew I was coming home."

Sirius shook his head. "The trial is scheduled for day after next. Thought you might like to know."

James could feel that his lower lip was beginning to tremble, so he bit after muttering his thanks to Sirius. Lily turned around and released herself from James's arms and went over to Sirius, giving him a hug.

"I know you had a lot to do with this, and thank you for it," she whispered.

"You know I'd do anything for you guys, Lil," Sirius told her.

"We probably should discuss what you want to do as the next step," Remus said.

"I know, everyone seems to be wondering if we're going to get a new Secret Keeper, and to be perfectly honest, I don't think we need one," James told everyone.

"What?" Remus, Sirius and Lily said at the same time.

"Look at the good they've done so far. What's the point? I suppose we can just move to a new house and see how things work out from there, but I don't want to risk any more lives, not unless we absolutely have to."

"Do you really think that wise, James?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Lily? What about you?"

Lily looked as though she was considering the matter very seriously. She then sighed. "He's right. We can't go on living this way." She crossed back over to James and stood beside him. "We need to move on, and try to regain some normalcy in our lives, all of us do. It just can't be done living like this." James put his arm around Lily's shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

"You're sure about this?" Remus asked cautiously.

"As of right now, I think it's the best decision," James said. "Lily and I can handle things, especially with everyone, and everything that's on our side."

Lily looked up at her husband, a bit confused by his last comment. No matter, she thought. It must be something to do with the Ministry, or perhaps even Dumbledore. She suddenly shook her head, realizing how strange she must look to everyone in the room. "Sorry," she whispered.

Sirius laughed. "Well, it's nice to see that you can still mesmerize Lily so that she won't pay attention to anyone else in the room!"

"Oh, shove off," James smiled.

Chapter 20: The Unending Quest

"Well, Aaron is taking a little nap," Jem said from the hallway. "And it looks like things are already starting to get back to normal in here," Jem said upon entering the room. She walked over the Sirius, who took her in his arms and kissed her hello. "I was wondering if you were ever going to show up," she told him.

"For some reason I just can't stay away from you lot," he said, looking around the room at everyone.

Lily walked across the room and put her arms around Sirius and Jem. James joined her, putting his around her and Jem, and reaching around to Sirius. Remus then walked over and joined the crew, trying to reach his arms around all of them, while Lily put one arm out behind her hugging Remus into their circle. Everyone smiled.

"All of us, together still. Nothing will break it," Lily said.

"It's just not quite right though, we're still missing one," stated Remus. He sighed. "Our dear Wormtail."

Everyone nodded, which was really quite a comical sight given that their heads kept knocking into each other.

"Room for one more?"

Everyone turned around and was shocked to see Peter standing in the entranceway.

"Peter!" exclaimed Lily. "Come on." She smiled as the group made room for Peter to join their circle. "A full set now," she commented.

"Together we'll make it through anything," Sirius said.

"I'm sure of it," James added, roughing up Peter's hair.

It was very comforting for Lily and James to know that they had their friends to count on in these hard times. It was also rather convenient, seeing as how they had decided to move yet again. Staying in the Evans' house was a good idea at the time, but now it just seemed too easy a target, so Lily and James decided it was time to move to a smaller neighborhood, but still live amongst muggles. This of course meant moving as muggles do, with a truck and moving furniture and things by hand rather than magic, which is where their friends came into play.

"Please be careful with that desk!" Lily yelled after Sirius and Remus. "It was my grandfather's!"

"Don't get your knickers in a knot! It's not even heavy!" Sirius shouted back.

Lily appeared in the doorway. "What do you mean?" She knew full well that that desk weighed far more than she could even push.

"We used a weightlessness charm. Been using it on most everything, actually," Remus told her.

Lily shook her head. "So why are you both carrying the thing then?"

"Lily! I'm surprised at you!" Sirius declared, overplaying the role just a bit. "There are muggles out on the street! What if they saw us?"

"Right, right. Play it your way." Lily was now grinning. "I'm going to go finish packing up the kitchen."

Lily found that magic really came in handy for packing her house up. With a wave of her wand, all of the dishes and glasses flew into the boxes and wrapped themselves. She then did the same thing in the study for packing up books and little keepsakes. When she walked over to the desk, she started going through the drawers to make sure nothing had been left behind. It was there that she found a roll of parchment bound by a piece of twine. "What are you?" she asked, looking at the parchment quizzically. She carefully untied the twine and unrolled the parchment. Her eyes grew wide as the parchment glowed before her. She saw the image of a wand shooting out a green light toward a person, over and over again. The caption below the image read Avada Kedavra, Killing Curse. Lily gasped. She then noticed James's handwriting below that. No known counter- curse or means of blocking it. Must find a way to fight it. She then saw more scribbles, many of which were crossed out. Disapparate? Transfiguration? New spell? Brother wand? MUST BE SOMETHING. Simplest answer usually right.

"What are you doing?" James asked.

"What? Nothing!" Lily lied, quickly shoving the parchment back in the drawer.

James sighed. "I know, Lil." He extended his hand to her and she slowly pulled the parchment back out and handed it to him.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"Don't be. you might as well know. I'm just trying to figure it out, that's all. Maybe there is some way out of it that nobody has discovered yet."

"Or maybe it's just wishful thinking, James."

"Either way, I'm still going to try," he said in such a way that Lily knew not to press it any longer.

"Well, everything is all loaded up from the rest of the house, should we grab these boxes and things?" Sirius asked before noticing the tension in the room.

"Yeah, right, go ahead," James said, not taking his eyes off Lily.

"Um, okay." Sirius cautiously said. He pulled out his wand and levitated a few things out of the room and into the hallway where Remus and Peter were waiting to grab them and put them on the truck. "I'll just get out of your way now."

"James, why are you doing this?" Lily asked once they were alone.

"Because I think I have to. That curse killed both of my parents! Did you know that?" Lily shook her head. She had only known how Marilyn had died, but not William. "Yeah, that's right," James continued. "My dad was one of the first people to encounter Voldemort's wrath, even before he started gathering the following he has now. My dad knew him for what he was, and that didn't really go over so well. And then. then my mum faced it, she faced it for us, Lily!"

"I know she did."

"Well, I was doing some research on it, and I know that we would each face it for our own child, but what if we didn't have to?"

"That would require the use of very powerful magic, James."

"Yeah, I know. But something in my gut tells me that there is a way, and if there is, I'm going to find it."

Lily closed her eyes for a moment and nodded. It all started to come together for her in her mind. Her first vision, the night the Dark Mark appeared on her skin. she was running away from the Killing Curse, trying to save her child. It wasn't simply a nightmare, she thought, it was a warning of things to come. but how could James know.

With the help of Sirius, Remus and Peter, Lily and James found themselves all moved into their new house later that day. With the wave of a wand, everything was in its place and looked perfect.

Peter collapsed onto the couch with a cool lemonade in his hand. "It's about bloody time," he said.

"Oh, come off it," Remus said, taking a seat. "It wasn't that bad, really. I mean, it's not like we had to carry the things at their actually weight or anything."

"Yeah, but our dear, delicate Peter over here isn't used to physical labor of any sort, are you, buddy?" Sirius prodded, standing behind Peter and placing both hands on this shoulders.

"Don't be such a prat, Sirius," said Peter as he swiped at Sirius's hands.

Lily and James couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle.

"Thanks so much for helping us, guys," James said, looking around their new living room. The house was slightly smaller than the ones the Potters had previously inhabited, but it was comfortable and cozy nonetheless. "Just remember what you agreed to do," he warned.

"Don't worry, we won't say anything about where you are now," Sirius assured him. "But honestly, I still thing the best idea would be to get a Secret Keeper. You know I'd do it for you in a heartbeat."

"I know, old Padfoot, I know," James nodded.

Sirius looked up at the clock on the mantel. "Oh no!" he exclaimed.

"What is it?" asked a concerned Lily.

"Nothing really, I've just got to get to the office. I'm late for a meeting with Ocran and Crouch."

"Crouch? What's Crouch coming in for?" James asked. Bartemius Crouch was the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement where both he and Sirius worked as aurors.

"I don't know, but Moody certainly isn't very happy about it, whatever it is."

"Alastor had it in for Crouch since he was appointed to Head of the Department though," James pointed out.

"Ah, office politics. There's nothing quite like it," Remus said, feigning a dreamy sigh.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "I've got to go. Be back later, if I can, to let you know what happened. Otherwise I'll just talk to you tomorrow."

"Thank you," James said, just in time given that Sirius disapparated a second later.

"So now what?" Peter asked, surveying the crowd.

"Now it's time for me to say adieu as well," Remus stated. "I promised Aaron that I would stop by and take him to dinner."

"That's sweet of you," Lily smiled.

Remus pretended to blush. "I do try, you know." He winked at Lily. "I'll see you all later!"

"Bye Remus," said Peter and James.

"Tell Aaron and Jem that I said hello," Lily said.

"Will do! Later, people!" and with those words, he too disapparated.

Lily then turned to Peter. "Have you any plans for tonight?"

"Not really, just need to get some work done for that damn Lockhart. You wouldn't believe some of the things that man does." he trailed off, shaking his head.

James grinned. "That's what you get for getting mixed up with a fool like that. He's more concerned about how his hair looks than anything else."

Peter nodded. "You're right, I'm thinking of just quitting him. Although something tells me he was getting ready to sack me anyhow."

"Really? Why?" Lily seemed genuinely worried.

"It's nothing really, we just disagree about some of personal policies, moral standards, things like that."

Lily was impressed. Peter actually seemed to be standing up for himself and his beliefs for once. "Well, good for you then, and good luck with whatever you do next."

"I'm actually meeting a friend for lunch tomorrow, says there might be an opening in his department at the Ministry."

"Really? Where?" asked James.

"Department of Mysteries. Augustus Rockwood. We'll see if anything comes of it though."

"Don't think I know him," James said.

"Not many do, outside his office," Peter said. "But he was at Hogwarts with us." The second he heard himself say it though, he regretted it, knowing the inevitable question that would follow.

"Which house?"

"Slytherin, actually. He was a year or two ahead of us, of course."

"And why were you hanging around with a Slytherin?"

"Really, James. Is this necessary?" Lily asked.

"Yeah, I think so."

Peter shook his head. "Not that it should matter, but when I was having trouble in a couple of classes, I met him in the library. He helped me out with homework and things like that," he said, quickly adding, "When you were all busy."

James shook his head. "If you say so."

"Well, I guess that I should go. Busy day tomorrow, and all, you understand."

James gave Peter a quizzical look, but quickly changed his expression. "Right, see you then."

"Peter, good luck tomorrow," Lily said, smiling at him.

"Have a good night," Peter told both of them. "Just going to go by floo," he said as he nodded in the direction of the fireplace.

"Um, you really can't do that, Peter."

"Why not?"

"We're not connecting it to the Floo Network. Too risky."

"Oh, alright then. Suppose apparation will have to do. Cheerio!" he said as he disapparated out of the Potter house.

"Alone at last," James said, advancing toward Lily.

Lily immediately noticed the troublesome twinkle in his eyes and smiled at him. "Oh, no you don't, Potter!" she exclaimed as she leapt over the couch and started backing away playfully.

"Don't call me 'Potter,' Potter," James said in a mock-warning tone. He then made a dash for the couch, but when he jumped over it, it was too late. She had already run away and into the kitchen.

"Catch me if you can!" she called out to him.

"Oh, you better believe I will!" he called back, heading toward the kitchen. He jumped into the doorway. "Gotcha!"

"Nice try!" Lily shouted. She had already escaped from the kitchen.

James could tell her voice was coming from the den, so he carefully crept toward that doorway, which was the only entrance/exit for the room. He suddenly appeared in the doorway. "A-ha!"

"Looking for me?" Lily asked innocently. She was standing behind him.

"How?"

Lily shook her head, smiling all the while. "You should know better."

James once again made a move toward her and she once again backed away.

"No, no, please don't, James," she pleaded while laughing. "You love me! I love you! No, don't!" She couldn't stop laughing.

This time though, he was backing her where he wanted her to end up: right back in the living room. Lily was backed against the couch when James finally spoke again. "Any last requests?" he asked.

"Just one," she said. He looked at her waiting for her answer. "You." Lily reached out and pulled James too her. The couple kissed passionately, ending up in a fiery embrace that led them over the back of the couch and onto it, landing James on top of Lily. James pulled away from Lily for a moment and smiled at the situation he suddenly found himself in. He was about to say something, but Lily reached up and roughly pulled him back down to her. Needless to say, it was a long and enjoyable night for Lily and James Potter.

Chapter 21: Confirming the Worst

When James woke up the following day, he was pleased to find that Lily was still asleep in his arms, her head resting gently on his chest. He was, however, a bit surprised at first by where they were: under chenille throw and lying on the living room carpet. That only lasted for a fleeting moment, for then James recalled the events of the night before. He grinned to himself, kissed the top of Lily's head, and while stroking her hair gently, tried to go back to sleep. Unfortunately, this did not seem to be a feasible option for at that moment, the fireplace started roaring and the head of none other than Bartemius Crouch appeared before him and the sleeping Lily.

"Potter!" barked Crouch in a very exasperated tone. It was instantly apparent to James that Crouch hadn't even gone to bed the night before.

"Yes sir, Mr. Crouch."

Crouch looked somewhat shocked by the scene that lay before him, he shook his head and muttered something to himself. "I have a serious matter to discuss with you, Potter."

James silently prayed that Lily would stay asleep, but of course that would have been against her character. At that exact moment, Lily began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open, and much to James's mortification, she tried to kiss his lips, but he turned in time, leaving her to kiss his cheek instead. He could sense that she was about to sit up and yell at him, so he quickly grabbed her in a tight grasp, making sure the blanket was covering her completely from neck to toe.

"What is wro-" Lily began, then noticing James's frantic eye movement toward the fireplace. She turned her head, and when she saw Crouch there, she screamed.

"I'm terribly sorry, Mrs. Potter, to catch you and your husband at such a. err- inopportune time, but there is a matter of great importance to be discussed, and it does involve you both," Crouch said.

Lily could only nod in response, but James actually spoke. "What is it sir?"

Crouch took a deep breath and then began speaking. "Catherine Lestrange has escaped." Both Lily's and James's eyes grew wide at these words. "As of right now, we don't know how, but the only possible way is that it was an inside job. This means that someone from our very own Ministry helped her. Now, due to this and many other events, I have a request for you. I am going to ask for your resignation as Auror."

"What!" James exclaimed. He couldn't help it. This was too much.

"Potter, it is far too dangerous and risky at this time for you to continue in this line of work. We shall keep you on as a Ministry worker, but I ask that you continue to work from home. No doubt you have been able to conclude the same as I that Voldemort and his Dark supporters are looking for both you and your wife. You must be kept safe." Before waiting for another response, Crouch continued. "Now, I must return to the Ministry as there is much work to be done. I will expect your letter on my desk by the end of the day. Good day to you both."

Once Crouch had disappeared from their fireplace, Lily and James just continued to lie there on the floor, perfectly still, staring into the dying flames unable to believe what just happened. After a while, in an attempt to break the silence, Lily simply said "Accio robe!" and waited as her robe came flying down to her. She grabbed it and pulled it on, careful not to face the fireplace, for fear that another person might make a sudden appearance. She then got up and went into the kitchen to make them some breakfast. James however, was still sitting there stunned.

"Was I just fired?" he whispered, shaking his head.

"James, I really don't think it's like that," Lily said, handing him a cup of tea.

"That's what it sounded like to me! They don't want me to work as an Auror any more! What else is there?"

"Darling, honestly, I think this is for the best. I hated the idea of you going out there everyday risking your life, amongst others, when you and I are in actual danger." Lily shook her head. "It's not as though money is an issue. You have the money that was left to you from your mother and sister, and I have some from my parents. Now we have the money from the sale of the house as well."

"It's not just an issue of finances though! Lily, I was out there making a difference. Helping people, saving people."

"Well, what if you're one of those people that needs to be saved?"

"What are you talking about?"

"James, you know. You know one thing that Voldemort is after, and that he'll stop at nothing for it. It's already cost you your parents and sister. Who else has to die for you to see?" James stared at her wide-eyed. He couldn't believe that his own wife had just said that to him. How can I make him see? thought Lily.

"What?" he asked.

Lily took a deep breath. She had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but apparently it had to. She had to tell James at least something about her visions. "James, do you remember the day you proposed to me?" He nodded. "And remember what happened that night?" James nodded again, this time with an angry look appearing on his face.

"That bastard." he whispered.

Lily gave him a warning look, but continued anyway. "And do you remember what happened to me? When the Mark appeared on my skin? What I saw and what I told you?"

James looked down at the floor for a minute and scratched his brow. He then looked up and nodded. "You said that he killed me. but that wasn't real. It was just a dream! Wasn't it?"

Tears filled Lily's eyes as she shook her head. "James," she whispered, "I've had the same vision several times, and I think that Gran has had it too."

These last words felt like the executioner's sword. James knew that if a Prelate had a vision it was a virtual certainty that it was only a matter of time before it happened. "How?"

"I think you know."

James nodded slowly. "The Killing Curse."

"That's why I was so taken aback when I saw those notes of yours in the den. There's just one thing I couldn't figure out. how did you know?"

"The dementors."

Lily looked at his quizzically. "What do you mean?"

"They had never really had any effect on me before. But, for some reason, when they came to take Edward Lestrange away. something happened. I passed out or something, because I guess that I saw something. I know it was Voldemort, I just know it! I can barely remember what exactly it was now, though."

"Try, James, please try to."

James rubbed his temples, concentrating very hard. "I was yelling for you to run, trying to hold him off so you could escape. and then there was a flash of green light, and I woke up to find Sirius helping me up off the floor. That's all." He paused for a minute to reflect upon what he had just said. "I knew the flash though. Only one spell can create that."

A pounding at the door interrupted the serious moment. "Hey! Let me in!" shouted Sirius.

Lily flicked her wrist and said "Alohomora," before calling back to Sirius, "Come in, it's open!"

Sirius came inside the house and at first glance was surprised to find his friends not dressed yet, but instead still in their robes. He smiled slyly for a split second, and then shook his head thinking better of it. "I heard what Crouch told you. I'm sorry, James."

"I'm not going to do it. I don't care who he is," James stated.

"Are you insane? You have to!" Sirius said. "James, he's right. It's too dangerous. You should stay here with Lily."

"We'll drive each other mad!"

"Thanks," Lily whispered.

"You know what I mean," he said, his eyes meeting hers. Lily nodded.

"Well, I think it's what's best. You know I'll keep you informed of everything that goes on," Sirius said. "Besides, Moody already recommended someone to replace you."

"Great. Now Alastor is in on this too?"

"Don't be such a child, James. You need to grow up and understand how things are working now."

"God, Sirius, not you too!"

"He is trying to fucking kill you and Lily! Don't you even care? Or are you to selfish to see that?"