Together at last

by nymagirl

A Lily and James fic extending from their 7th year till Harry's 7th year.COMPLETED! REVIEW!

7. chapter 7

Chapter 26: The Meeting

James spent most of the following day in his laboratory trying out various spells and potions. At times he felt like he was on the brink of insanity, given the number of spells and potions he had already tested. As of now, he was just trying anything he could think of, but even so, nothing would fight Avada Kedavra.

While James was busy frustrating himself downstairs, Lily was playing in the back yard with Harry. She had conjured up a magical play station for him that would make all sorts of noises and flash different colored sparkles if he tapped it in various places. This highly amused Harry, since he enjoyed shiny things very much. Both he and Lily were laughing and playing when a shadow was suddenly cast across them.

"Hi," said a voice from behind Lily.

Lily turned around to see who it was. "What do you want?"

"I came to say that I'm sorry, and to tell you goodbye." Jem looked down at the baby who was lying on the blanket on the grass. "Aaron and I are leaving for America tonight."

Lily shook her head. "I never thought that you would have been so narrow- minded. and now, now you're even taking Aaron away? Just think what that'll do to him, think what it'll do to Remus for that matter! No, never mind. I forgot. You don't care about Remus any more, you don't care about any of us." Lily picked Harry up and held him to her. "You're too selfish to. You only care about yourself. Goodbye, Jemina. Don't come back."

With Harry safely in her arms, Lily left a stunned Jem standing outside as she stormed into the house, and slammed the glass sliding door shut. Unfortunately the loud bang from the door caused Harry to start crying. Lily shook her head, silently disgusted with both Jem and herself, for sinking to Jem's level. "Shh. it's alright Harry, don't worry. Everything is going to be alright," she said soothingly. It didn't take long before Harry was drifting off to sleep, so Lily gently set him in his cradle for his afternoon nap. She then sat in the rocking chair in the nursery and closed her eyes for what she thought would only be a moment.

Suddenly there was a flash of light. Lily tried to scream, but she couldn't. She instinctually jumped up and tried to grab Harry, but her hands passed right through the crying baby. She looked down and saw her body lying across the floor, her emerald eyes still open and staring up at her amidst the rubble that was once Harry's nursery and her house. Through all this, there Harry was, still crying and, it seemed, reaching out for her. She then heard footsteps and muffled voices. She jumped in front of Harry, trying to hide him, but it was no use. A figure came into view, but Lily couldn't identify who it was - her vision had suddenly turned hazy. But a hand reached out to Harry and a what looked like a wand was pointed at her lifeless body.

"Lily? Lily!" someone shouted. "Lil! Wake up, baby!"

"Is she ok?" called another voice. "Lily?" They seemed to be mingling together with the other sounds in her head. Just as quickly as the flash of light had appeared though Lily felt herself return to her body, which was now shaking violently.

"James! Stop! That seems a bit uncalled for." Lily said, brushing James's hands from her shoulders.

"Thank god!" he sighed. "Are you feeling alright?"

Lily flashed to the dream she had and then forced a smile deciding that it would be best not to worry her husband. "I'm fine. I was just tired I guess."

"Lil, me and Sirius tried for like 10 minutes to wake you up."

"Well, I'm up now, and what did that accomplish?" she snapped. "Nothing. Instead of me being well rested, I'm very grumpy!" She smiled. She knew that James wouldn't resist her smile.

Very slowly, a smile crept across James's face as well. He shook his head. "What am I going to do with you, huh?"

"Catch me?" Lily offered, jumping out of the rocking chair and running out of the room giggling.

James made a mad dash after Lily, finally catching up with her downstairs. He grabbed her around her waist and threw her playfully onto the couch where he started to tickle her.

Lily was now wiggling, kicking, and laughing. "James, stop! Please!" she said between fits of laughter.

"I think I will in a sec. this is getting far too tiring. Accio wand!" he shouted.

"No! No, don't!" Lily pleaded through her laughter. But it was of no use. James used the tickling charm.

"What the hell is going on in here?" Sirius bellowed as he rushed into the room. He then choked on a laugh and grinned from ear to ear at the sight that met him. James had Lily pinned to the couch by her wrists in an attempt to restrain her reflexes, which were undoubtedly to hit him. "Really. Is this appropriate? My godson is right upstairs!"

Lily continued to laugh, but there was now an apologetic tone in her voice when she spoke. "It's all James's fault! Blame him!"

James looked at Lily as if he was deeply offended. "My dear, I would never cause such trouble!"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "You're both full of it." There was then a cry from upstairs. "And look, now you've gone and woken the baby. I guess I'll have to play the part of the responsible parent, again. Excuse me." Grinning once again, Sirius left the room and took the stairs two at a time on his way to Harry.

"He seems to be in an awfully good mood considering what happened yesterday," Lily said, having finally been released from the tickling charm.

"I know," James agreed. "That kind of worries me."

"He never faces his problems straight off. it's strange, considering how confrontational he is." Lily was now sitting Indian style on the couch. "Maybe we should-" Lily didn't get the chance to finish her sentence. Instead, she was interrupted by the arrival of Dumbledore, which was announced by a popping noise as he apparated into the room. "Professor!" she exclaimed.

"Pardon my intrusion," Dumbledore said, "but it was my understanding that I was to arrive at 5:30, correct?"

Lily smiled. "Of course." She then got up off of the couch and crossed to him, giving him a welcoming hug. "It's good to see you," she said softly.

"It's good to be seen," he replied warmly. Once released from Lily's arms, he turned his head. "James," he nodded. "Making any progress?"

"I'm working on it, sir. Perhaps we could meet again? There are a few things I would like to go over with you again."

"Naturally. We will make the arrangements later tonight. For now, we will simply deal with the matter at hand. When are Remus and Peter to arrive?"

"They should be here in a bit," Sirius said, suddenly appearing with Harry in his arms.

"Ah, Sirius. I trust that you're well?"

Sirius nodded slowly. "I'm fine, really. There are plenty of things more important than my personal life to deal with right now."

Dumbledore sighed. "Alas, you are quite right. I do apologize."

"That's not necessary," Sirius told him. A smile then appeared on his face. "Care to say hello to my godson?"

The twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes as he took the small child in his arms. "And so we meet again, my dear boy," he whispered. "Great things are in store for you, it is written in the stars." He then raised his voice to a normal level so that everyone could hear him again. "If you are half as much trouble as your father, god help us all," he smiled.

Lily and Sirius both tried hard to stifle a laugh, as James spoke out in protest. "Do you really think that's necessary, Professor?"

Dumbledore laughed lightly along with the others. "Do you have any doubt about it?"

James began to smile as well. "I certainly hope that Harry is the little handful by the time he is at Hogwarts."

There was then a knock at the door and Lily went to answer it. "Why on earth didn't you just apparate here?" they could hear her saying.

"Well, I was going to, but this git decided he didn't feel like risking screwing it up again," they heard Remus say.

"Peter," James muttered, rolling his eyes. Dumbledore simply smiled.

Remus and Peter came into the room followed by Lily, who was also rolling her eyes.

"Sorry, we would have been on time, but Peter insisted on taking a car," Remus said. "Of course he neglected to mention that he doesn't know how to drive!"

"I t-t-told you that I was s-sorry. I j-j-j-just th-thought that it m- might be b-better."

"Never mind," Remus said waving an impatient hand. "What's going on with you two?" he asked James and Lily.

"Hello to you too," Sirius joked.

"Why don't we all sit down," Dumbledore suggested. Everyone nodded and did as he said. "There are quite a few things to be discussed, and Lily and James have requested that I be the one to inform all of you."

Remus looked from Dumbledore to Lily and James, and then back again. "Is it that serious?"

"I'm afraid so, Remus," Dumbledore said gravely. "There are many secrets in the house, and all seem to be sought after by Voldemort." Peter flinched at the mention of Voldemort's name, but nobody noticed. "As you all know, Lily and James have made use of the Fidelus Charm before, and I'm afraid that it might be time to perform it again."

"Why? What's happened?" Sirius asked.

"These," Lily said, producing some papers from an envelope she had been holding.

"What is that?" Remus asked.

"Death threats?" Sirius said. "I refuse to believe it."

"Unfortunately, these haven't been the only ones," Dumbledore said. "There have been many others, all signed with the Dark Mark that you see on those."

"W-what is he after?" Peter asked.

"The Stone, you fool! Remember? The Sorcerer's Stone," James yelled. Harry let out a small cry just then, no doubt startled by the force of James's voice. "Sorry," he said meekly. Lily shook her head and went to pick Harry up from his bassinette.

"So the Stone is still in Lil-" Remus began, but he was cut off by Dumbledore.

"As of now, the Stone is still protected by those in this house, and therein lies the problem. I do not know how Voldemort found out about this, and nor do I think it is necessary at this time to find out. What we need to do is figure out a means of protection." He now turned to Lily and James, who were both on the couch, now with Harry as well. "Once again, I urge you to consider choosing another Secret-Keeper."

"I know," James said. "We have discussed it, but now is just not the time. We don't want Harry to be so."

"Confined," Lily finished for him.

"Maybe you should both think about it again," Sirius said.

"Honestly," said Remus, "Think of Harry."

"We are. And that's why as of now, the answer is no. Steps will be taken for his protection, but nothing that drastic. At least not yet," James said.

"Don't worry, we have discussed the possibility of appointing another Secret-Keeper. It's not as though we refuse to entertain the idea," Lily said.

"In that case, I would like to volunteer for the role," Dumbledore said, surprising everyone in the room except for Lily and James.

"I appreciate that, sir, but you don't need to," James insisted.

"I hate to do this, James, but to be perfectly blunt, it might be best. Look at what happened with your last two prospects. I honestly believe, pardon the pun, that your secret would be safest with me."

"With all due respect," James said, "If we do decide to use another Secret- Keeper, we were hoping to have Sirius do it."

Everyone turned to look at Sirius, who simply nodded. "You know that I would die before telling anyone."

"I know," James agreed. "And, not to offend anyone here, but I trust you like a brother. I know you can handle this for us."

"You all do understand what is being asked of you now, don't you?" Lily said. "You need to keep this just amongst us. nobody can know."

"Of course we understand, Lil. Don't underestimate the Marauders," Remus said, winking at her.

"Are- is- is that all?" Peter asked.

"I think so," James said.

"For now," Lily added.

"Then, I m-must be g-going. Meeting Augustus, you know. Remus, are you c- c-coming?"

"Um, I think not. I refuse to get back into that muggle contraption with you behind the wheel."

Everyone laughed, except Peter. He shook his head. "S-suit yourself. Goodbye, everyone. See you soon."

"Bye, Peter," Lily said. "Thank you for coming."

"Of- of course. Just l-let me know if there's anything that I can do for either of you, or H-Harry."

Once Peter left, Remus decided to follow suit. "I had best be going as well. Sirius, do you think you'll be able to convince Jem to let me say goodbye to Aaron?" His voice cracked as he asked the question.

"I doubt that she'll talk to me, but I'll give it a shot. Lily might be your best bet though for that one."

"I wouldn't count on that, Sirius. She came by here today, and, well, let's just say it didn't go so well."

"Lily, you didn't." James said.

"I most certainly did! I gave her a piece of my mind, and I'd do it again if necessary. honestly, the gall of that woman! Sorry, Professor, but you have no idea! I can't believe that there are still people who believe all those horrible-"

"Lil!" James interrupted. "Calm down."

"Sorry." Lily sighed deeply and went back to bouncing Harry in her arms. Sirius and Remus couldn't help but smile.

"I'll come back by tomorrow and we'll talk more," Sirius said as he got up to leave with Remus.

"Sounds good," James said. "I'll see you then."

It took a few minutes more (Sirius insisted on saying a long goodbye to Harry), but finally the Potters were left alone with Dumbledore. Taking Harry in his arms, Dumbledore carried him downstairs to James's laboratory.

"Professor? You're going to perform the charm here?" Lily asked.

"Is that alright?"

"Yes, I suppose. I just mean, I just thought you would want to do it at Hogwarts."

"I must confess, Lily, the thought had occurred to me. But I do feel that performing it here will be satisfactory. Harry feels more at ease here, as it is him home."

"I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not entirely clear on what you're doing to our son," James said, entering the laboratory.

"For Harry's safety, we will retrieve the Stone from him."

"But I thought that it was Lily."

"It was, James. But, the gift is passed on from mother to child. That is the reason that you lost your first child."

James nodded, trying to fight the tears that were suddenly trying to surface. He remembered that fateful day all too well; he lost his daughter and almost his wife.

Dumbledore adeptly pulled his wand out from his robes and set Harry on an empty tabletop. Harry let out a small sound, most likely because the marble top was cold against his bare skin. Beyond that though, he was silent and very comfortable with his surroundings. Dumbledore then tapped Harry's forehead with his wand, followed by his shoulders and then his chest, just over his heart. He then smiled and tapped Harry's nose, which made the baby wriggle with glee.

"A sabedoria de Godric," Dumbledore said, tapping Harry's forehead again. "A força de seus antepassados," he said, tapping his shoulders. "E a ligação entre a mãe e a criança," he said, tapping Harry's heart. "Estes protegê-lo-ão. De sua proteção, libere o objeto."

Lily and James looked at each other and then to Dumbledore and Harry. They didn't understand what he was doing. He kept repeating the phrases as he tapped Harry with the tip of his wand, going faster and faster.

"What was that?" Lily whispered.

"It looked like some sort of light," James whispered back, in awe. Sure enough, that's exactly what it was. A beam of light was forming around Harry, connecting at the points that Dumbledore had tapped on Harry's forehead and shoulders. A second beam then came from each of those points and met at the final one, over Harry's heart.

It was there that something began to take shape. something solid was forming, hovering just over Harry's chest.

"What on earth." James whispered, squinting his eyes to try and make out what it was.

"It must be-" Lily started.

"The Sorcerer's Stone," Dumbledore finished, picking up the stone with his free hand. Once he tucked it safely away in his robes along with his wand, he picked Harry up and handed him to Lily. "Good as new," he winked.

"Are you sure that nothing else needs to be done for him?" a worried Lily asked.

"I do wish that you would reconsider the notion of a Secret-Keeper, but beyond that, this is all I can do. Just make sure that nobody finds out what we have done tonight."

"What will you do with the Stone now?" James asked.

"I will return it to Nicolas so that he might prepare more of the Elixir for himself and his wife, but after that, I cannot say. You are all safer in not knowing."

"We understand," Lily said, hugging the baby to her.

Chapter 27: The Holiday Season

September quickly faded into October, and before Lily and James knew it, Halloween had arrived. Harry was now three months old and had taken to grabbing any object placed near enough to his out-stretched hands. Unfortunately he didn't seem to have any interest in the rattle (or other toys) that his parents would offer; instead he preferred to steal his father's wand, trying to put it in his mouth.

"Harry, no!" Lily said for what had to be the fifth time that day. She very quickly took the wand from Harry's hand (and mouth) and replaced it with a pacifier. "James, would you please try not to leave your wand lying around? He had it in his mouth again."

"Oh, calm down, Lil. It's not as though he knows how to use it yet, do ya buddy?" James said, tickling Harry's tummy. "I'll pick up a fake wand for him to play with, okay?"

Lily sighed. "I suppose. although I really do wish he would just take his toys rather than that. next thing you know he'll go after your Winged Mercury 15." The Winged Mercury 15 was one of James's most cherished possessions, his broomstick that was, of course, up to International Quidditch Racing Broom standards.

A smile crept across James's face. "That would be wonderful. I just know that he's going to be a genius on the quidditch field, I can tell already."

Lily rolled her eyes. "James, he's three months old. Let's not-"

"He'll play for England's national team one day," he said dreamily. "I can see it now." He picked Harry up and held him above his head. He then started running around the room with the baby, making various whooshing sounds, obviously pretending that Harry was flying. Harry seemed to be enjoying himself very much for he couldn't stop smiling and gurgling.

"James, you're going to make him sick."

"No I'm not."

"You will. Put him down, come on. Please? You're making me nervous."

"Who thinks mummy should stop nagging?" James held Harry against his chest with one arm and raised his other. He then raised one of Harry's arms. "Two to one. We win," he beamed, winking at her.

"James!"

"Who thinks Harry should fly around the room and have a good time practicing his quidditch skills?" He then did the same voting concept. "Once again, you're outnumbered!"

Lily sighed and shook her head. "Fine. Do what you want. Just don't come running to me if he spits up on you again." Lily brushed her hands together, smiled, and went upstairs.

The smile faded from James's face as he watched her walk away. He then looked down at Harry. "Well, that was enough flying for today. how about we just play on the floor for a bit?"

When Lily returned downstairs, she couldn't help but smile at what she saw. James was lying on the blanket that they left on the floor for Harry. Harry was lying on James's chest. They were both fast asleep, only Harry was rising and falling with James's chest as he breathed. Lily shook her head and then bent down, carefully lifting Harry off of James and setting him in his playpen. James, however, she left on the floor to sleep. She did summon a blanket though and tucked it over him. Lily then curled up on the sofa with a scrapbook she had been putting together. It had pictures of her family in addition to those of her and her friends from Hogwarts.

Harry slept through the night. James, however, didn't. He woke up and nearly had a heart attack when the clock read 3:47am. After making sure that he hadn't crushed Harry in his sleep (as he had no recollection of him being moved), James noticed that Lily was fast asleep on the couch. He stood up and lifted her in his arms, carrying her upstairs to bed. When he picked her up from the couch though, the photo album slipped from her hands and hit the floor. This caused her to wake up slightly.

"Mmm? James?" Lily mumbled.

"Go back to sleep, baby," he whispered, kissing her forehead. He then set her down on the bed and pulled the covers up over her. "I'll be back in a minute, just going to move Harry."

"Mmm hmm," she nodded sleepily before drifting back off.

It seemed that in every day that passed there were more and more stories in the Daily Prophet about attacks on muggles and magicals alike. Nowhere was safe anymore, and Lily and James were growing more and more concerned for the safety of themselves and above all, Harry. Their anniversary had come and gone, but they took no notice other than a few cards that arrived by owl post. There had actually been an attack that very day in which nearly a dozen people were killed.

It was now early in the afternoon one day in December. Christmas was fast approaching, and Lily and James were looking through a catalogue trying to decide what to get Harry for his first Christmas. They were sitting together in the big armchair in their living room, leaving Harry rolling around happily on the floor when it happened.

"Well, maybe he'd like that?" Lily offered, pointing something out in the catalogue.

"No, I think that's too girlie," James said.

"Oh, it is no such thing. It's adorable."

"What about the baby quidditch set?"

"James, he can barely sit up by himself on level ground. How is he going to sit on a broomstick?"

The catalogue suddenly jolted toward them. "What the." James trailed off. He pulled the catalogue up, and to his surprise, Harry was sitting right below them, reaching up. "How did you get over here?" he asked. Harry just giggled in response.

"Did he just.? Lily asked.

"I told you our boy is a genius!" James exclaimed. He picked the nearly 5- month-old Harry up and set him down on the other side of the room. He then walked back to the chair. "Come to daddy!" Sure enough, Harry pushed himself up onto his hands and knees and, although he did seem to be stumbling over himself, he began to crawl very slowly across the floor. "He's mobile!" James shouted with glee.

"And nearly two months early!" Lily added, grinning from ear to ear.

Soon enough, Christmas was upon them. Lily had made arrangements for everyone to meet at their house for Christmas dinner, everyone being Sirius, Remus and Peter, that is. After a brief exchange of presents next to the Christmas tree and plenty of pictures of Harry in his new Christmas suit amongst his new toys, Lily busied herself in the kitchen preparing the meal while James played with Harry and his new toys. Lily wasn't quite sure who was more excited about the baby's playthings, father or son.

At four o'clock, on the dot, the doorbell rang. James got up to answer it, taking Harry in his arms. As James opened the door, Harry reached up and started pulling at his glasses. "Harry, no! Leave daddy's glasses alone!" he said just as Sirius, whose arms were stacked with presents, Remus and Peter all shouted "Happy Christmas!" When they saw James and Harry though, they all burst out laughing, and continued to do so as they walked into the house.

"Happy Christmas, Lily!" Remus called into the next room.

Lily then walked out, wiping her hands off on the apron around her waist. "Happy Christmas to you, too," she smiled. She then kissed each one of them on the cheek.

"I hope Harry hasn't tired of getting presents yet," Sirius said, looking at the shreds of wrapping paper around the living room and smiling.

"We should be so lucky," Lily said. "He's figured out how to rip the paper, and ever since, he's been more fascinated by that than anything else we put in front of him."

"That's my godson! The smart little bugger!"

"I b-b-brought a b-bottle of wine," Peter said.

"That was sweet of you! I'll just take it and open it up, shall I?" Lily said.

"I'll do it," James said. He then took the bottle from Peter and walked into the kitchen only to reappear with 5 glasses and a corkscrew.

"Come here, Harry," Sirius said, squatting down on the floor. "Who's your favourite? Who is it?" He smiled as Harry crawled toward him. "That's right! It's Sirius! And look at what I have for my favourite godson!" He pulled the stack of gifts next to him. "All for you!" Harry smiled and clapped his hands together. "Shall we open them? Yes, I think we should. Why don't we open this one first?" He pulled out a rather large box and began to unwrap it.

"Sirius, you really didn't have to." Lily said.

"Nonsense! He is my godson, and I will spoil him as I see fit!"

Remus rolled his eyes. "He has been talking about that all week. You should have seen him wrapping everything. He actually insisted on doing it himself, saying that nobody else would do it right. Sirius. Doing manual labo-"

"Silencio!" Sirius bellowed, pointing his wand at Remus. Remus tried to continue talking but no sound would come out. "That's better. Look at that Harry! A new teddy bear! Just for you! And look, he'll even hug you back."

"That's really cute, Sirius," James said.

"I do try, you know," Sirius grinned. He then pulled out a large package and set it in front of Harry, who was barely sitting up on his own and who had already thrown the bear aside. "Time for the next one, it looks like!" Together, well, more Sirius than Harry, they unwrapped the gift to reveal a large box with the label My First Magic Kit.

"Oh no!" Lily exclaimed. She practically flew over to Sirius and Harry and snatched up the box. "He is FAR too young for that."

Sirius smiled and shrugged. "Well, kiddo, I tried."

Harry didn't seem to mind though. He was playing happily with the wrapping paper and ribbons that were all over the floor.

Lily and James assisted in the opening of Harry's remaining eight presents from Sirius, and once that was done, everyone settled down to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, everyone that is except Lily. After cleaning the mess of wrapping paper, much to Harry's dismay, Lily excused herself and went into the kitchen to finish working on her masterpiece that was Christmas dinner.

About an hour later, everyone sat down to an enjoyable meal. Unfortunately, though perhaps inevitably, despite the joyous occasion the topic of conversation did turn to that of Voldemort.

"I really w-wish that y-you w-w-wouldn't say the n-name of you-know-who," Peter said, shaking nervously.

"Oh, honestly Peter, come off it. The bastard," Sirius said, and Peter flinched unnoticed, "has a name, and I'll be damned if I don't call him by it. Voldemort," he said, looking directly at Peter, who flinched more noticeably this time. "Voldemort," Sirius said again. Peter was shaking his head in disbelief. "Voldemort, Voldemort, Voldemort, Volde-"

"That's quite enough out of you," Lily cut in. "These are very dark times and you are not helping matters." She turned to Peter. "You should know better than to pay him any mind, but even so, it's Christmas," she now turned to Remus and James, "can we please speak of something a bit lighter?"

"You're right, Lil," James said.

"Sorry," Sirius muttered.

"Thanks," said Peter. Lily simply nodded in response. From that point on, the friends went back to their happy-go-lucky Christmas celebration.

"James, are you sure that Harry will be alright if we leave him?" Lily asked nervously.

"For the millionth time, yes," James assured her. "It was bound to happen sooner or later."

"But he's just five months." She paused thoughtfully for a moment. "I know! We can take him with us!"

"Lily, we will do no such thing. Honestly woman, a baby at that party? He will be perfectly fine with Arabella for New Year, I promise."

"But what if-"

"Arabella Figg has been a good friend of ours for years. She even used to baby-sit for me and Sirius when we were younger, and look how well we turned out!" Lily gave him a skeptical look, causing James to sigh and shake his head. "Come on, Lil. baby, we need to go out! It's New Year! And we haven't spent two hours away from Harry since he was born."

"So? He needs me."

"Lily, please. I'm begging you. It's my New Year's wish. Just one night - you and me, without the baby. Please?"

Lily opened her mouth as if to say something, but then closed it again. Very slowly, she nodded. James grinned from ear to ear.

After dropping Harry off with Arabella, Lily and James disapparated to the Leaky Cauldron where they were to meet Remus and Sirius before joining the muggle festivities on the streets of London.

"Well, there one is," James said, pointing across the room. "Oy! Padfoot! Where's our dear Moony?"

Sirius pointed to a cloaked figure in the shadows who coughed loudly. "He insists on wearing that getup until we're with the muggles," Sirius said, rolling his eyes. Remus hit his shoulder. "He's worried someone will recognize him from that day."

Lily nodded understandingly. "Come on, let's go," she said.

"Where's Harry?" Sirius asked as they exited the Leaky Cauldron and stepped out onto the busy streets of London.

Lily shot James an angry glance and he shook his head. "Arabella is watching him."

"How did you manage to pry Lily away from him long enough to drop him off?"

This earned Sirius a smack upside the head from Lily. "I am not that bad!"

"You can be rather overprotective," Remus said before quickly ducking behind Sirius.

"Let's just say that even after all this time, Lily can't resist the old Potter charm," James said, grinning. Lily smacked his shoulder.

"Tiger in the sack, eh, Prongs?" Sirius laughed.

Lily stared at him in disbelief. "Next subject, please."

It was nearly dawn when James carried Lily into bed.

"Harry," Lily mumbled.

"I'm going to get him now. or at least try to. provided that Arabella is still awake," James said, even though it wasn't necessary. Lily was already passed out cold.

Lily sighed and stared out into the snowy backyard. The tree that James had planted for her was now covered in icicles that reflected tiny rainbows onto the clean white snow. Harry was playing happily with his new baby broomstick. Ever since he could sit on his own, James insisted that he have one. Hovering on the broom seemed second nature to Harry, but it still worried Lily. She always insisted that he have some sort of padding underneath him in case he should fall off, and although she was somewhat distracted today, she still managed to catch Harry sliding onto the broom in time to summon the mat to follow him around.

After finishing her morning coffee, Lily turned back to Harry and lifted him up. He cried for a minute, but stopped when she started talking. "Happy Valentine's Day, Harry." Lily forced a smile and set Harry down in his highchair. "You'll be my Valentine, right Harry?" she asked before muttering "Lord only knows when your father might grace us with his presence again," under her breath.

"Da-da-da-ma!" Harry said proudly. He held a toy wand in his little fist and began hitting it against the table.

Lily couldn't help but smile. "Want a Valentine's Day chocolate? Sweets?" she asked. Harry continued to babble and bang the wand happily, so she took that as a yes. "Here you go, baby," she said, setting a small piece in front of him.

Something outside suddenly caught Lily's eye. Leaving Harry at the table, Lily cautiously walked over to the window and peered outside. "What in the world." It looked like a pair of yellow eyes was staring right back at her from behind the bushes. The eyes then disappeared just as abruptly as they had appeared. And then, from behind those very bushes, a dejected James walked out.

"It's nice to know that you don't want to even face me," Lily said as James walked in through the backdoor. "Checking to see if the coast is clear now before you'll even come inside? Isn't that just wonderful."

"Lil-"

"Don't even. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to talk to you. I honestly think that if I talk to you, I will hit you, and I do not want to do that in front of Harry. So please," Lily said, "just go upstairs, take your shower, go to bed, go to your lab, I don't care. Just leave me alone."

"But-"

"Don't. I'm taking Harry to see Gran today anyhow. She wasn't expecting us, but she won't mind. It's not as though I had anything else to do today. The house is yours. Do what you want, have anyone you might want over. No need to go elsewhere." Lily was now carrying Harry and bundling him up to face the cold. "In fact, I'll even send an owl ahead to let you know when we're coming home. give you some fair warning. Have a wonderful time," she said icily. She then grabbed everything she would need for Harry and left, slamming the door behind her.

"Happy damn Valentine's Day," James muttered to himself.

"Gran, I just don't understand," Lily was saying through her tears. "He has hardly been home at all for the past 3 weeks, and then, when he does come home, it's always near dawn. I can't even tell you how many times I've caught him trying to sneak into bed without waking me. What if - what if he's seeing someone else?" Lily choked on the words as she said them.

"Darling, do you really think that he would do such a thing?" Victoria asked, sitting with her arms around Lily trying to comfort her.

"I wouldn't have, but you haven't seen him! We don't talk, and then when he comes home, I can smell some sort of perfume on him!"

"Are you sure?"

"I wish I wasn't," Lily cried.

"Ma-ma-re-da!" Harry said, crawling over to Lily and sitting at her feet expectantly. She wiped her tears and picked him up.

"And what about Harry? How can he do that to our child? After everything else."

Victoria shook her head sadly. "I am sure that there is an explanation. There has to be. James loves you with every fiber of his being, both of you. He would not wish to jeopardize that."

Lily sighed deeply. "I wish I could believe you."

"I will agree that things don't look good for James, but really, Lily, I can't imagine him being unfaithful to you."

"I really hope not. I mean, I know that I should trust him, and I always have. something has to be going on though! There is no other way to explain everything."

"Why don't you go talk to him, you might be surprised."

Lily looked up at Victoria. "I'm scared of what he might say."

"You have to try. Just remember that I will be here if you need anything," Victoria said. She then hugged Lily goodbye and kissed Harry before they disappeared by floo.

"She suspects something, and I don't know what to do. I don't want to lie," James said to someone in the fireplace and then he heard the door open. "Oh no, I've got to go, she's here," he whispered. "I'll get in touch with you again soon. I promise."

Unfortunately for James, Lily was standing in the doorway of the kitchen and heard what he had just said. She was staring at him wide-eyed with disbelief. She tried to speak, but no words would come out. After a few minutes, Harry began to cry. Lily was holding him very tightly in her arms, clenching her fists without realizing it.

"Lily, put the baby down," James said calmly, never breaking eye contact with her. It was almost as if he was talking to a snake. Still maintaining eye contact, James moved closer to her, inch by inch, not wanting to move to fast almost scared that he would frighten her away. Lily was frozen to the spot. Once he reached Lily though, he reached out and very carefully began to pry the crying Harry from her grasp. He then set Harry down on the floor, allowing him to crawl into the living room and find his toys.

"Sit down? Please?" James asked. Lily silently nodded and did as he said.

"Who is she?" Lily suddenly whispered.

James seemed taken aback by the question, but shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Who is who, baby?"

"You know what I'm talking about," she said flatly. "Who is she?"

James put his hands up to his mouth, looking almost as though he was praying. He lowered them slowly and started to say something but changed his mind. He licked his lips and rubbed his chin (which was begging to be shaved). "What do you want to know?"

"Why?" Lily whispered, silent tears beginning to fall. "Why are you doing this? Don't you love me any more? Don't you love Harry? Does our family mean nothing to you?"

"Lily! Our family means everything to me!"

"Then why are you sleeping with some cheap hussy! Who is she, James? Huh? Who?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I know there's another woman. Just fess up now, spare me the details. no, on second thought, I want to know. I want to know everything, everything that you don't want to tell me. Say it."

"Lily, I." James took a deep breath. "I can't tell you everything."

Lily bit her lower lip and nodded thoughtfully. She then jumped up and out of her chair, causing it to fall backwards onto the floor. Before she could say anything, she walked over to James with such anger in her eyes that he didn't know what to expect. She slapped him across the face.

"Be sure to give the little bitch her half of that," Lily hissed.

James brought his right hand up to his jaw and tried to reposition it. "What the hell was that for?"

"Excuse me?"

"I don't think that I've done anything to warrant that!"

"Oh, you don't? Well then, tell me. What has the great and powerful James Potter been sneaking around doing behind his wife's back?"

"Do you really want to know?"

"Yes, I really want to know!"

"Are you sure?"

"Would you quit stalling!"

"I am not stalling!"

"James Potter, if you don't start talking within the next 30 seconds, I am going to pack up everything, take Harry and walk right out that door, not even bothering to look back twice."

"Arabella," James said simply.

"The babysitter!" Lily looked disgusted.

"Lily, it's nothing like that, I swear it. I swear it on Harry's life. It's not what you think."

"Then what? What is it James?"

"We've been working on something together. even Dumbledore is in on it. He's been supplying us with what we need." Lily looked at him skeptically. "Listen, you can ask him if you don't believe me. You know he wouldn't lie to you. I just can't go into all of it, I swore that I wouldn't. But, I will tell you this much. it's to try and help us, to fight Voldemort."

"James, I don't know." Lily sat down again and buried her face in her hands.

"Don't you see? I'm doing this for you! And for Harry. we've got to make sure that he's as safe as possible. Voldemort's attacks are getting closer and closer; it's only a matter of time."

Lily looked up and nodded again, this time with great understanding. She wiped the tears from her eyes, all the while nodding. James walked over to her and knelt beside her, wrapping his arms around her body. "I swear, baby, I swear. I would never do anything to hurt you. You are my life and I only want you to be safe. You believe me, don't you?" He raised her chin with his finger and smiled hopefully.

"I love you so much," she whispered.

"I love you too," James said. He then gave her a gentle kiss before hugging her to him.

Chapter 28: "Qit-itch"

For the next few weeks, James made an effort to be at home with Lily and Harry more. Sometimes Arabella would come to their house to work with James in his laboratory, and every so often, Dumbledore would as well. In fact, it wasn't until Dumbledore started coming to their meetings that Lily dropped any remaining suspicions she had about James and Arabella, actually beginning to feel guilty about having them in the first place.

"Da-ba-baaaaal!" Harry cried.

"Alright, it's okay, mummy's here," Lily said, rushing over to him, a bottle in her hand.

"He's become quite demanding, hasn't he?" Dumbledore asked one afternoon as Harry began drinking hungrily from his bottle.

Lily smiled. "You don't know the half of it!" She laughed. "He's started following me everywhere I go around the house, always underfoot. Sometimes now he'll walk along the furniture, using it for support."

"Children. They grow up so fast." Harry suddenly started tugging on Dumbledore's robes. He reached down and picked Harry up in response. "Hello my dear boy," he smiled. Harry yawned. "It looks as though someone is ready for their nap, a fine idea if you ask me. The adults in this world seem to have forgotten the simple joys of a daily afternoon nap!"

Lily laughed again. "James certainly hasn't, but excuse me for a moment. I'll just put Harry down."

"Of course," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.

"Professor?" Lily asked as she came back into the room.

"Lily, how many times must I tell you. There is no need to be so formal anymore. Call me Albus, please."

Lily smiled and shook her head. "I know, I'm sorry. years of habit I suppose."

"Don't worry about it," he said. "You had a question for me?"

"Yes, that's right. What is it that you are all working on? James said that it had to do with Voldemort, but other than that, he's been so vague about it. I don't think he's even said anything to Sirius."

"And that is what is best for us all. It is in relation to Voldemort, but, my dear, you are much safer not knowing."

Lily lowered her eyes and nodded. "James said the same thing."

"I do hate to leave things like this, but I must return to the school grounds. In these times, I do not like being away from Hogwarts for any longer than can be helped."

"I understand. Do tell everyone that I say hello."

"I will be sure to. Please send Scarlet or contact me by fire if you need anything, anything at all."

"I promise," Lily said, hugging Dumbledore farewell. "Until next time."

"Goodbye, Lily. Keep watch over the little one, and the bigger one, come to think of it," he smiled. He then disapparated.

Remus had been out of the country for nearly two months now. He just didn't feel comfortable enough to stay somewhere that everyone knew his horrible secret. He chose, instead, to travel around the globe, trying to learn and experience those things he may have missed out on due to his condition. He still kept in touch with his friends though, mostly by owl.

It was one of these owls that caught Lily and James's attention one evening in June.

Dear Prongs & Lilz,

I do hope that this letter finds you both well. I am currently on my way back to England after my journeys through Albania. There is much to discuss, and I am afraid that it might be better to do so in person. I have heard many things during my travels though, many rumors about Voldemort. Everything that I have heard though seems to have a common theme: your family.

I should be back home by the 14th, but I will send word if that changes. In the meantime, please be very careful. It is hard to say whom you can trust these days. See you both soon!

Sincerely,

Moony

P.S. I have contacted Padfoot and Wormtail as well. We should all meet when I get back.

"Oh God, James. What do you think it is?" Lily asked uncertainly.

"I don't know, baby, but it looks like we'll find out soon enough." James kissed Lily's forehead. He was right, June 14 was only two days away. Lily hoped that everything would be alright until then.

The next two days went by far more slowly than either James or Lily would have liked, but, as days have a tendency to do, they finally passed and the 14th arrived. Lily kept pacing around the house, peering out of the windows every time that she passed them. Harry was constantly underfoot, and she nearly tripped on him several times. She finally couldn't handle him being there anymore, so she picked him up and handed him to James.

"Just, amuse him, please. I'm going to end up hurting him by accident if he keeps trying to follow me," Lily said anxiously.

"It's alright, Lil, really. Just calm down," James said, bouncing Harry on his knee.

"How can you just sit there? Did you even read what he wrote? James, we're known all over the world! And why? There's no reason, but rumors are spreading. Voldemort is after us, and you're just sitting there like it's another day! Why aren't you concerned?" Lily was now biting her nails in anticipation. She looked out the window again. "Where is he?"

"He'll be here, don't worry. There's no point in getting all worked up until we know exactly what is going on."

"Hello? Anyone home? Prongs? Lil?" called a voice from the back of the house.

"Moony? That you?" James answered.

"Yeah, c'est moi!" Remus said, entering the living room. Lily ran to him and gave him a big hug, which startled him for a minute. "Good to see you too, Lil," Remus said cautiously. Meanwhile, he gave James a puzzled look. James rolled his eyes in response. "Um, Lily? Can- Can we sit down maybe?" Remus asked, trying to release himself from her grasp.

"Oh, right! Sorry," she said sheepishly.

"Where are the others?" James asked.

"Should be here in a bit. Sirius had to go collect Peter."

Lily resumed her pacing. "I wish they would hurry."

"Please, Lil. Sit down, have something to drink. Just don't pace anymore. you've started to make me nervous too," James said.

"Good," Lily said, refusing to sit.

It took about 20 minutes, but Sirius and Peter finally arrived at the Potter residence.

"Hi, nice to see you, sit down, let's start talking," Lily said in a matter of about five seconds.

"Whoa, slow down there, Lil!" Sirius laughed.

"She's right though," Remus started. "We should get all of this unpleasantness out of the way."

"W-w-what have y-you heard?" Peter asked.

"Well, we all know that Voldemort has long since been interested in the whereabouts of you, Lily," Remus said. Lily nodded. "And now I've heard things about him wanting to get his hands on Harry, and he will do anything that he can to get him and the Stone." Lily and James exchanged a glance at this; neither had told their friends about the charm that Dumbledore had performed. "Well, I don't know what it's worth, but it seems that someone has been passing information to the Dark Lord for some time now. That is how he is getting closer and closer to finding you. There have been rumors of a spy, it could be anyone."

James set Harry down on the floor and he started crawling around the room happily. "I just wish that there was something, anything that would explain all of this. I just hate living like this," James said glumly.

"Unfortunately, the way things are going at the Ministry, it doesn't look like they're any closer to catching him, either," Sirius said. "Well, hello there, Harry," Sirius said looking down at the child who just crawled over to him. "What have you got there?" Harry was clutching his broom in his tiny fist.

"Qit-itch!" Harry said proudly.

"What was that?" Sirius asked surprised.

"Qit-itch!" Harry yelled again.

"Oh, my God!" Lily exclaimed. "His first real word!"

"That's my boy!" James grinned, jumping up from his seat and sweeping Harry up into his arms.

"Qit-itch! Qit-itch! Qit-itch! Qit-itch!" Harry repeated over and over again.

"Well, if there was ever any doubt about Harry being James's child." Remus laughed.

"Remus!" Lily exclaimed.

Any of the tension that had been in the room during their conversation about Voldemort was now gone. Harry was excited to be the center of attention, clapping his hands together and shouting "Qit-itch!" as he laughed with everyone else. The evening turned out to be far more enjoyable than any of the friends had originally anticipated. When Sirius, Remus and Peter left it was with the understanding that they would meet again, in two months time (if not sooner).

"Come on, Harry," James said. "It's bedtime!"

Harry shook his head violently. "Qit-itch!"

"I'll read you a story." James coaxed.

"Qit-itch!"

James sighed and turned to Lily for help. She rolled her eyes. "Alright, I'll get him ready for bed, but you had better teach him some new words soon!"

Once Harry was in his pajamas, James walked into the nursery only to find Harry standing in his crib, banging on the rails and, naturally, shouting "Qit-itch!" at the top of his lungs.

"I have just the book for you, son," James said, lifting Harry from the crib and sitting down in the rocking chair placing Harry on his lap.

"Qit-itch," Harry said quietly.

"That's right! It's Quidditch Through the Ages," James said. "This is one of my favorite books, and I hope it will be one of yours too."

"James I thought I said to teach him new words."

"Now, Harry, I want you to just ignore mummy. You learned one of the most important words in the world." And with that, he began reading.

Before Lily and James could tell where the time had gone, July 31 had arrived and it was time to celebrate Harry's first birthday. It was only going to be a small gathering, just some friends and their children playing on the lawns of the Palace of the Prophets. After all, that was the only way that Victoria could be there to take part in the joyous occasion.

"Oh my God," James said as he and Lily walked into the front gardens swinging Harry between them. "Those have got to be from Sirius."

"He has gone too far," Lily said breathlessly.

"Harry! Happy birthday!" Sirius shouted, opening his arms so that Harry could run into them. He then swept Harry up into a big hug. "Getting much better at the walking thing, I see," he said, winking.

"Sirius, that is too much!" Lily said pointing at three tables piled high with presents.

"Well, they're not all from me," he responded. Lily and James both sighed with relief. "One or two might be from Remus."

"You're kidding, right?" James asked.

"Nope, not at all," Sirius grinned.

"You're spoiling him too much," Lily said.

"It's his first birthday! How many first birthdays do you get? Only the one! And besides, like I told you before, he's my godson and I'll spoil him as I see fit."

Before Lily could protest again, Victoria walked over to her. "How does it feel?" she asked smiling.

"What do you mean, Gran?"

"It's been a whole year. How does it feel?"

Lily smiled. "Wonderful."

"Our little Harry has grown so much," Victoria said.

"I know," Lily agreed.

"And he learns so fast. He will go far, you may rest assured of that. He has a bright future ahead of him."

"Thank you," Lily whispered. She was now watching Harry playing with Daisy, Virginia's daughter who was about his age.

"Harry!" James bellowed. "Come to daddy!"

Harry obediently toddled over to where James was standing with Sirius and Remus. "Daddy!" he laughed, lifting his arms. "Up!"

James laughed and picked his son up. "Are you ready for your first birthday present?"

Harry was laughing and clapping his hands excitedly. Of course it was hard to say if this was because of the prospect of presents, all of the attention he was getting, or the bright yellow and orange butterfly that had landed on his nose for a second before taking flight again.

Lily excused herself from Victoria and made her way over to her husband and son. "Are we starting already?" she asked.

"Just with the big one," James grinned.

"Are you sure?"

"Positive!" James set Harry down in front of a large present on the lawn. "Go for it, buddy!"

Harry tore into the present, flinging wrapping paper all over the place. When all the paper was gone, he looked at the large box quizzically. "Wha da?"

"Harry!" James said. "It's your first quidditch set!" Sure enough, the box was labeled My First Quidditch Set, but it seemed that Lily was the only one who took notice of the smaller print below it, For Ages 2 and Up.

"Prongs! You didn't!" Sirius shouted.

"I most certainly did!" James answered. "Why shouldn't I?"

Sirius sighed and shook his head. "That's why," he said, gesturing to a box behind one of the tables piled with presents.

Remus couldn't help it. He burst out laughing. "The most expensive present he could possibly get. and he's got two of them! Way to go, Harry!"

The other children had already torn into the box and Harry was now riding around the gardens happily on his new quidditch broom chasing the beginner's snitch, which while still gold, was the size of a baseball and didn't move nearly as fast. The set also came complete with bludgers that were also chasing Harry around as two other children hit them gingerly in his direction.

"Michael!" April shouted. "Stop that!" He was aiming one of the bludgers directly at Harry's head.

James laughed. "It's alright, really! They're padded!"

"James!" Lily shouted. "He could get hurt!"

"Nonsense! Look at him on the broom!" It was true. Even though he couldn't get higher than 3 feet off the ground, Harry could fly. He was learning quickly to avoid the bludgers and keep his eyes fixed on the (large) golden snitch, which he snagged a moment later. "What did I tell you? Our boy's a natural." James was beaming with pride.

"Hello, hello!"

"Arabella! Hi," Lily said, smiling.

"You made it," James said. "Oy! Sirius! C'mere!"

"What do you want?" Sirius asked, running over to James and Lily.

"Look who's here," James grinned.

"Well I'll be damned. It's been years, Arabella!" Sirius extended his hand to her.

"It's good to see you too, Sirius Black, but I'd rather not shake hands with you. God only knows what pranks you might be ready to pull."

Lily nearly spat out her drink. "Oh, how well you know them," she laughed.

"I learned very early on never to trust Sirius," she nodded. "James however, well, yes."

James looked at her, a puzzled expression on his face. "Huh?"

Lily laughed. "I understand perfectly," she said.

"Anyhow, I really can't stay. I just wanted to drop by and give Harry his present, if you don't mind."

"Of course not!" Lily exclaimed. "Harry?" she called. "Come to mummy!" Almost immediately Harry appeared at her side and she lifted him up. "Guess what! Because you are such a special little birthday boy Ms. Figg has brought you a present!"

"Now, I didn't clear this with your mum and dad, Harry," Arabella began, "but my mum really wanted you to have this." She waved her wand and a small carton appeared on the grass. Lily set Harry down and he toddled over and started poking at it. Arabella knelt down and pulled the lid off revealing a beautiful tabby cat with a ginger coat and bright green eyes. "One of mum's cats just had kittens, and he was the pick of the litter." She turned to Lily and James. "I hope you two don't mind."

"How could we?" Lily asked. "He's beautiful!" She was now kneeling next to the box and pulled the small kitten out for Harry to pet.

"Lily's a sucker for kittens," James said, smiling. "Harry, be careful. You don't want to pet him to roughly."

Sirius snickered. He was never too fond of cats. Especially those that Mrs. Figg had, and she had had a lot of cats during her time. "Well, at least his fur almost matches your hair, Lily."

"Oh, stop it Sirius. You're just jealous because the focus isn't on you," Lily said, sticking her tongue out at him.

"What should we call him?" James asked.

"Erimentha," Lily said.

"Bless you?" Sirius said.

Lily rolled her eyes. "Erimentha," she repeated. "It means Collector of Thoughts, or Determined Protector, in Greek."

"Eri!" Harry shouted.

"Well, Harry seems to like it, so I suppose that Erimanta-"

"Erimentha," Lily corrected.

"Yeah, whatever," James smiled. "I suppose that that'll be his name."

For the next two weeks, Harry and Erimentha were inseparable. Wherever Harry went, Erimentha followed. When Harry would fly around pretending to play quidditch, Erimentha was right there with him, running underneath the broomstick and batting at the snitch. If Harry was sleeping in his crib, Erimentha was curled up right next to him.

One afternoon Lily woke Harry and Erimentha from their nap earlier than usual. "It's time for you to eat, and then we're going to visit Uncle Sirius!" Lily said brightly.

"Eri!" Harry called out, reaching for the kitten.

"Don't worry, baby. We'll take him with us. Now let's get you ready first, and then we'll deal with waking daddy up."

It took about an hour, but Lily finally got Harry, Erimentha and James ready to go and over to Sirius's apartment.

"It's about bloody time!" Sirius bellowed as he opened the door to let the Potters in. Lily shot him an angry glance. "Sorry," he muttered. "Oh, good. You brought that blasted cat."

"Siri!" Harry said.

The expression on Sirius's face softened. "How's my littlest godson?" he asked, lifting the child up off the floor.

Harry hugged Sirius around the neck and then turned around in his arms. "Eri!" he called, throwing his hands forward reaching for the cat.

"Oh, no you don't, Harry," Sirius said, but Harry looked up at him, tears filling his eyes. "Fine, fine." James grinned and took Erimentha out of his carrying case, setting him carefully in Harry's arms. "Well, we might as well all sit down and wait for Remus and Peter to get here."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Thank you, Sirius. You are quite the gracious host."

Sirius flashed her his winning smile. "I do try, my dear. I do try."

Remus arrived about 10 minutes later, followed almost immediately by a very nervous looking Peter. The instant Peter apparated into the room, Erimentha leapt in front of Harry and arched his back, hissing and spitting at the small man.

"W-w-what is w-wrong w-with th-that darn c-c-cat?" Peter stammered, backing away slowly.

"Maybe he senses what a rat you are, Wormtail," Remus laughed.

Peter forced a small laugh. "R-r-right." He then backed into a chair, moving his legs as far away from Erimentha as possible.

"I'll lock him in the kitchen," Lily said, rising from her seat on the couch. "He probably would like something to drink anyhow." She turned to Sirius. "Have you any milk?"

"Yeah, in the icebox," he said. Lily nodded, picked the cat up and walked him into the kitchen, followed closely by Harry. "That's probably for the best," Sirius said. "I mean, if Harry stays in the other room too."

"Why?" James asked.

"Wait for Lily." A moment later, Lily returned, cat & childless. "Alright. The reason that I thought we should all meet is of course regarding Voldemort."

"S-Sirius, please. D-d-don't say his n-name," Peter pleaded.

"Peter, I'm not going through this again. Let's just move on, shall we?" Remus, Lily and James all nodded. "I spoke to Moody this morning," Sirius began. "He overheard a conversation that Crouch was having. About the new measures aurors are to take when apprehending death eaters."

"What new measures?" James asked. He was, of course, very curious about any new developments regarding his old job.

"He's giving aurors permission to use the Unforgivable Curses."

"What?" Lily gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"He wouldn't!" Remus said.

"Oh, he would," James said. "I'm surprised it took him this long to make that decision."

"B-b-but they're f-f-forb-bidden," Peter said, looking around the room apprehensively.

"Oh, well, since they're forbidden. you're right, Peter. We'd best not use them," Sirius said angrily. "Maybe you'd like to be the one to hunt down Voldemort to remind him that they're forbidden and ask him to please stop using them for that reason." Peter paled at this. Sirius shook his head. "Sorry, it's just that - well, I'm really worried. Moody also overheard Crouch saying that you," he looked at James, "and Lily are-" he paused.

"That we're what?" Lily asked, uncertain if she wanted to hear the answer.

"That you're top priority on Voldemort's list. According to some of the death eater's the Ministry has caught, they're after you, and Harry."

"How close are they?" James asked, a sudden seriousness in his voice.

"It's hard to say. Like Remus said before though, there are rumors of a spy. it could be anyone."

"Sirius is right," Remus said. "I think you've waited long enough. We need to take action for your protection."

James nodded somberly. "You're right," he whispered. "All of you. I was just hoping that it wouldn't come to this."

"My offer still stands," Sirius said. "I will serve as your Secret-Keeper, if you still want me to."

"Yes, I think that would be best," James told him.

"We need to notify Dumbledore," Lily said absently.

"I agree," Remus said. "Let him know of the decision. But, if you're willing, I'd like to be the one to perform the charm. That way it will be kept just amongst us."

James nodded. "Thank you, Moony."

Chapter 29: Godric's Hollow

And so it was decided. Remus would perform the charm, making Sirius the Potters' secret keeper. The potion required for the spell would take some time to brew, but everyone agreed that if Lily and James had made it this long on their own, another month wouldn't do them any harm. As an added safety precaution though, Lily did manage to obtain permission from Victoria for herself, along with James and Harry, to stay on the grounds of the Palace of the Prophets. It had been centuries since a man was permitted to remain on the grounds, but even Victoria agreed that under such circumstances, and given that it was on a temporary basis, an exception must be made.

During their time at the Palace, Harry and James were free to roam the grounds, but only during daylight hours. Once the sun had set, they were confined to the living quarters set aside for the Potters' use. The reason for this was simple: Victoria wanted to retain as much normalcy for the other residents as she possibly could. They were used to having the occasional male visitor during the day, but never had one been allowed on the grounds at night.

One of these visitors was Dumbledore. He was a frequent guest at the Palace before, but now that James and Lily were staying there, he came by nearly daily to check on them and make sure that everything was going according to plan. It was during one of his visits that Lily walked in on a heated debate between him and James.

"Is everything alright here?" Lily asked cautiously.

"Yes," James said quickly, shoving some papers out of sight.

"I suppose so," Dumbledore said. He then looked down at his watch and sighed deeply. "If you will not listen to reason, perhaps Lily will tomorrow. I shall see you both then, but for now I must return to Hogwarts."

Lily was wearing a very confused expression, but she nodded nonetheless. "Tomorrow then, Albus."

Dumbledore smiled weakly. "Until then. Adieu." He then disapparated.

Lily turned to James. "What on earth was all of that about?"

James shook his head. It was obvious that he didn't want to tell Lily something. "There is a lot to it," he said. "But, Dumbledore seems to think that he should act as our Secret-Keeper instead of Sirius."

"Well, maybe he's right, James."

James stared at her with disbelief. "Lily, how can you say that? It's Sirius. He would die rather than betray us."

"James, I know that. But think about it. Having him do this for us is putting him in an awful lot of danger. Look at what happened to your mother. and to Claire."

James looked at Lily, this time with the most serious expression she could ever recall seeing on him. "I love my family more than anything. You and Harry are my entire world, and nothing is going to take either of you from me. Sirius must be the one. It's the only way. If he steps down, then, and only then, should we consider asking someone else, but he has already shown that he will do everything that he can for us. All of our friends have. They are my family too, Sirius, Remus and Peter. We will stick together as we always have."

Lily nodded and gave in to James as she always did. After all, she knew that he was right. If Sirius couldn't be trusted, then there was no hope for any of them. He had always been there for James, and there was no reason to start doubting his loyalty now, or that of any of their friends.

By the time September rolled around, rumors were beginning to fly about the whereabouts of the Potters. Some said that they had joined forces with Voldemort, while others insisted that they were in hiding, fearful for their lives. Everyone now knew where Lily and James had lived, and needless to say, it was not safe for them to return there. It is for that reason that Sirius took the liberty of securing them a new home, the location of which would be kept amongst the friends and Dumbledore. This house was in Godric's Hollow.

Lily, James and Harry moved into their new home in the middle of the night on October 1, hoping that nobody would notice them. Sirius and Peter both helped them with the move, but unfortunately, Remus was unable to due to the full moon out that night. Once the family seemed settled in, Sirius and Peter left; only on the understanding that they would return the next day and that none of the Potters were to leave the house at all.

Things returned to a semi-normal state for the Potter family. No matter how worried Lily and James might have been for themselves and for Harry, neither of them showed it to the child. Harry would sleep through the night, and play happily during the day with Erimentha or his toys. None of them ever ventured outside for more than a few minutes, and even then it was only into their backyard. Going out in front of the public's watchful eye was too risky. Instead, anything that they might need, Peter would bring to them.

At long last, the potion was ready and it was time for the Fidelius Charm to be performed. Lily was busy preparing the basement for whatever incident might occur during the casting of the spell while James kept Harry busy upstairs.

"Well, everything is ready downstairs for tomorrow," Lily said, dusting her hands off.

"Good," James said, nodding. "The sooner we get this over and done with, the better."

Just then Lily and James heard a popping sound in their kitchen. "Prongs? Where are you?" called Sirius's voice.

"Living room!" James answered. Sirius entered the room panting. "What's wrong?"

"Death Eaters."

"What?" Lily asked, her eyes wide with concern as she lifted Harry up off of the floor. "Where?"

"Near my house." Sirius was now shaking his head. "They know," he whispered. "It's the only way."

"What do you mean?" James asked.

"They at least have some idea that I might be your Secret-Keeper. That means that someone has told him. There has to be a spy."

"What can we do?"

"Not to worry, I have an idea. We'll call their bluff. Just change the Secret-Keeper to someone that they wouldn't expect."

"But. who?" James said.

"Peter."

"You're joking," Lily said flatly.

"I am as serious as I've ever been, Lil," Sirius said, looking her straight in the eyes.

"But, Peter wouldn't last 5 minutes with something like that."

"We'll just have to take certain precautions. I've found a hiding place for him, and all should be well."

"What about Remus?"

Sirius took a deep breath. "What if he's the spy?"

"Dumbledore?" Lily asked hopefully.

"He's done enough for us," James said quietly.

"I don't like this," Lily said softly, shaking her head.

"I don't either, but Sirius is right, baby," James said. "Nobody would ever expect us to use Peter."

"Good. I'll send an owl on to Remus telling him that the charm has already been performed. It will be best that he thinks I am still your Secret- Keeper, and then tomorrow I will perform the charm on Peter. Are we agreed?"

Lily and James looked at each other and then nodded reluctantly.

The following day, Peter seemed just as nervous about becoming Lily and James's Secret-Keeper as they were for having him in the role. From the moment he arrived at their house, he was constantly twitching and looking about nervously. Lily didn't speak at all, and James would only talk in short phrases. Sirius was the only one who seemed perfectly comfortable with the situation. He was trying his best to assure everyone that this was the only, and safest, way both before and after he performed the charm.

"Alright," Sirius said once everything was said and done. "It is definitely best that everyone believes that I am still the Secret-Keeper. And Lil, that includes Dumbledore." Lily lowered her eyes and nodded her head. "It's safer that way, for both your family and for Peter."

"You're right, Padfoot," James said. "Thank you for everything." James and Sirius then embraced, finally patting each other on the back and separating.

"Come on, Peter. I'll take you to the place we discussed," Sirius said.

"Yeah, right, sure. Just coming now," Peter said mindlessly.

"Thank you both," Lily whispered.

"Anytime," Peter said.

"I'll be back to check on you," Sirius said, kissing Lily's cheek. He then patted Harry's head and left.

"James?"

"Yes, baby?"

"We did the right thing, right?"

"Yeah, baby. We did."

Lily took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, we did."

It had been a long week, and an even longer day, by the time the Potters had finally settled down for the night. Sirius had decided to go check on Peter; just to be sure that he was still safe in his hiding place, should Voldemort or any of his death eaters be getting too close to snuffing out who the Potters' new secret keeper was. Lily and James were relaxing happily in front of the fire, Lily trying to convince Harry to play with his new toy, but it wasn't really working. He still missed his cat who had run away earlier that week.

"James, we're going to have to find Erimentha sooner or later. Harry obviously misses him something awful."

"I know, and we will. I'm sure he's just out hunting mice or something. Maybe along with Scarlet," he said, winking at her.

Lily laughed and shook her head. "You're right, I know." She turned to Harry. "How about playing a little game of quidditch?"

"Qit-itch? Insi?" Harry asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Yes, Harry. Just this once, you can play quidditch inside."

James seemed excited by the idea too. "Really, Lil?"

"Oh Lord, what have I gotten myself into?"

A sly grin crept across James's face. "You have no idea." he said devilishly.

The game was well underway, and Lily, James and Harry were each having far more fun than they had for a while. But then, as if from nowhere, they heard the pounding of footsteps outside, closing in on their front walk. James rushed to the living room window and peered out. He turned quickly back to Lily and Harry, the color drained from his face.

"What is it?" Lily asked nervously.

"It's Voldemort! Lily, take Harry and go! It's him!" He shouted, his hands shaking as he spoke. "Go!"

Lily did as she was told. She swept Harry up into her arms and ran for the stairs. The front door then burst open. "James, come on!" she yelled back.

"Run!" James shouted again. "I'll hold him off!"

Harry was now crying, reaching his arms around Lily, wanting his father. "James," Lily kept repeating. "James! Come on!" The tears were now streaming down her face as well. She quickly ran into Harry's nursery and locked the door, frantically looking for a way out. She knew that she couldn't apparate, not with Harry. That meant that there was only one option remaining: escaping out the window and on foot. But she wouldn't leave yet, not without James.

And that's when she heard it. Cold, maniacal laughter seemed to be saturating the air around her, only to be followed by the two words she had been dreading since her first vision. "AVADA KEDAVRA!" A cold voice yelled, followed by a soft thudding sound.

"No." Lily whispered, still holding Harry tightly against her.

Seconds later, before Lily could do anything about it, Voldemort entered the nursery where Lily had given up trying to climb out of the window with Harry in her arms. She was now backed against the crib, holding Harry to her, tears streaming steadily down her face. Voldemort's wand was drawn and aimed at the baby.

"Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry! Please! I'll do anything." Lily was pleading, shaking her head.

"Stand aside, you silly girl. Stand aside."

Lily set Harry down behind her (in the crib), still holding him with one hand as she fumbled for her wand with the other. "Not Harry," she continued to beg. "Please, no. Take me, kill me instead." Lily knew that she would die to protect her child, just has her husband had done.

"Foolish girl," the icy voice said, "It's not you I want, just the boy."

"No! Not Harry! Please. have mercy. have mercy."

"We'll have it your way," Voldemort hissed. "Avada Kedavra!"

"James?" Lily whispered, feeling a familiar hand on her shoulder. She turned around and almost screamed. She saw what looked like a ghost of James nod. "What's going on?" she asked, frightful of the answer. James didn't say anything. He just simply nodded to his right. Lily could see Voldemort advancing on Harry, who was sobbing loudly and calling out for her. "What can we do?" she asked hysterically.

"Nothing," James said sadly. "Nothing but watch." Silent tears were not flowing down his face as well.

"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort hissed, once again. A green flash of light erupted from his wand and toward Harry. It touched his forehead, and the small child cried out in pain. Immediately after coming into contact with Harry though, the light ricocheted and hit Voldemort himself, who disintegrated into a cloud of smoke.

Chapter 30: Mother, Father and Son

"It is never easy to say farewell, so instead I will tell all of you what a privilege these past seven years have been. While I do hope that all of you have learned a thing of two about magic in your time here, I feel confident in saying that you have taught all of the professors here, myself included, many valuable lessons as well. We have witnessed the rise and fall of the Dark Lord Voldemort, something which many never even dreamed possible. We have seen his supporters brought to justice, and those wrongfully accused pardoned. But let us not forget why we are here today: to celebrate the end of another year, the graduation of another class. Let it not be said that hard work and determination go un-rewarded. It is now my honor to present to you this year's class valedictorian, and Head Girl, Hermoine Granger!" Dumbledore declared, countless cheers around him.

"Come on, Ron," Harry said. "Just one game of chess before we catch the train?"

"For the last time, no!" Ron said, grinning from ear to ear under his flaming red hair. "I just know that you charmed your chess set so that you always win. Your queen and knight are in league with each other!"

"Ron, you are such a bad loser," Hermoine said, sitting beside him on a couch in Gryffindor common room.

"I am not," he muttered defensively, causing Harry to snicker.

"Yeah, and I'm the Queen of England!" Harry said.

"Your majesty," Ron grinned, standing up and bowing before Harry, who rolled his eyes.

"Grow up!" Hermoine said, pulling Ron back onto the couch, but causing him to bump his knee on the coffee table.

"Ow! Watch it!" said Ron, rubbing his knee.

"Sorry," Hermoine told him, kissing his cheek.

Harry sighed. "You just have to rub it in that Ginny left already, don't you." Harry had been dating Ron's younger sister, Ginny Weasley, for the last year, but she had left Hogwarts earlier that day with her family.

"Oh, fine," sighed Ron. "We can play a game of chess." Ron knew that only two things could cheer Harry up now: quidditch or chess. And since quidditch wasn't a feasible option right now, he settled for the latter of the two.

About half way through the game, the portrait hole swung open and Dumbledore entered, looking quite pleased with himself. He was not alone though, Fawkes, his faithful phoenix was resting on his shoulder, and Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House, was right behind him, with Sirius Black trailing at her heels.

"Headmaster?" Hermoine asked. "Is - is something wrong?"

"Quite the contrary, Hermoine," Dumbledore said with that familiar twinkle in his eye.

"Sirius!" Harry called out joyfully. "You made it!"

"Wild hippogriffs couldn't have kept me away," Sirius said, winking at Harry. "As if I would miss my godson's graduation from Hogwarts! And before you ask, Remus - I mean Professor Lupin," he said with mock seriousness, "is here as well. He is waiting for us in Hogsmeade."

"Harry," Dumbledore said, "I have something here for you. What you do with it is your decision, and I have the utmost faith that you will choose wisely."

Harry exchanged a confused look with Ron, who shrugged. "What is it, sir?"

"This," he said, pulling a wand out from his robes. "The brother wand of your own, that which belonged to Voldemort."

Ron clapped his hands to his mouth and Hermoine gasped. Harry just stared pointedly at the wand. He then reached out and took it from Dumbledore's outstretched hand. Not waiting for a second thought, or perhaps even a first one, Harry instinctually snapped the end of the wand and retrieved the phoenix feather from its core. Harry knew that this feather came from Fawkes and must have once been a beautiful array of colors, but it was now black with age and residue from the dark magic it was used for.

Harry then set the feather down next to the chess set on the table in front of Fawkes, who cocked his head to the side, staring at his charred feather. The phoenix then turned to Dumbledore, who smiled knowingly and nodded, before focusing back on the feather. He then let out a shrill note, sending tingles down the spines of everyone in the room, before shedding a single tear onto the feather, which instantly melted into its original form. Fawkes then took the feather in his beak and flew over to Harry, perching on his shoulder. All eyes were now fixed on Harry and Fawkes.

"What is it, Fawkes?" Harry asked curiously, petting the phoenix's head.

Fawkes opened his beak, it looked as though he was going to reply, but instead he simply released the rejuvenated feather, and everyone now watched as it floated down and onto the chessboard, landing between Harry's queen and knight. What happened next, only two people in the world could explain, and it was clear that one would not say without the other. First the chessboard began to rattle, and then the table it was sitting on. The floor began to shake next, causing the furniture in the common room to, in addition to everyone present.

The lights in the room flickered and eventually went out. Everyone was grabbing hold of the piece of furniture nearest to them, trying not to fall. Everyone, that is, except Harry.

"What's going on?" Ron shouted above the racket.

"Earthquake?" Sirius shouted back, looking toward Dumbledore.

"Doubtful," Dumbledore said, looking as though he was enjoying himself.

"Harry, be careful!" Hermoine yelled, clinging to Ron for support. Even Crookshanks, Hermoine's cat, was digging his claws into a sofa, hoping, no doubt, not to be thrown across the room.

Harry didn't hear her though. He was reaching out for the feather. The instant he touched it, something happened. The shaking stopped, and the purest of white lights shot out from the feather on the tabletop, and illuminated the room. White sparks seemed to be flying from each individual line of the feather, and in every direction.

Two of these sparks circled the room, and then both met at the same destination: Harry's queen. Immediately following them was another set of sparks, this time meeting at the knight. Each chess piece levitated above the board, hovering for a moment, before they began to grow in size, taking more of a human shape.

Everyone was staring at the spectacle wide-eyed, with a sort of dumbfounded expression on their faces. Harry could feel his heart racing as he watched intently as what were once his chess pieces, a gift from none other than Dumbledore himself on his 16th birthday, grew limbs and hair. The queen, Harry noticed first, began gracefully stretching her arms as they appeared, finally running her hands through her long, auburn tresses that fell to the small of her back before landing gently on the ground, her face hidden behind her hair. The knight stretched his aching limbs as well, but made no effort to touch his recently sprouted black hair, although he did reach in his pocket for something that he placed on his face. He landed on the floor as well, only somehow managed to catch himself standing. He then reached his hand out to help the nearly middle-aged woman up. They now stood together, facing everyone, his arm around her shoulder, her hand in his.

"Oh my god," whispered McGonagall, bringing her hand to her mouth. Dumbledore nodded to her, and very quietly, led her out of the common room despite her silent protests.

"It's not possible." Sirius muttered.

Harry was at a loss for words. He could feel tears stinging at the back of his eyes, but he did his best to fight them. He opened his mouth trying to force some sort of sound to come out, but it was of no use. He couldn't do it!

"He looks just like you, James," the woman whispered, wiping a tear from her face.

"And with your eyes," James said, his face slowly breaking into a smile.

Harry choked on his attempted words once again, but finally managed to find his voice. "Mum? Dad?" he asked in disbelief. Lily bit her lip and nodded. "Mum! Dad!" Harry shouted it this time, jumping over the coffee table and across the room; into his parents' open arms for the first time in over 16 years.

"My little baby," Lily kept repeating over and over, hugging Harry close to her, rocking gently back and forth. Under normal circumstances, someone treating him in this childish manner would cause Harry great anger, but he found it to be very calming right now. He cried tears of happiness into his mother's shoulder, as she did the same into his.

Other than that, the room was silent. Well, until Ron finally broke it. "Fred and George are not going to believe this," he said stupidly. It was true though. Ron's twin brothers had idolized Harry's father and his friends, known as the Marauders, during their time at Hogwarts.

"Ron!" Hermoine hissed, hitting his chest with the back of her hand.

Harry quickly turned to face everyone again, smiling wider than he ever had before. He was even laughing. James and Lily turned as well, finally taking in their surroundings.

"Padfoot, you old devil," James grinned.

"Prongs, you've done it again," Sirius said, smiling and shaking his head. "And Lily- God, it's good to see you both again. but, how?" Lily looked from Sirius to James and shook her head. Sirius laughed a little as he saw the familiar troublesome grin growing across James's face. "I should have known."

"What on earth.?" Lily said, feeling something rub her ankle.

"Crookshanks!" Hermoine said. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I'll take him upstairs, he really didn't mean any harm, sorry if he hurt you, really-"

"You'll have to excuse her," Ron said. "She gets a little, er- chatty when she's nervous. Especially when it has to do with that mad cat." Ron, of course, had not stopped referring to Crookshanks as that, despite the fact that the cat had good reason to chase after his former pet rat, Scabbers, seeing as how he wasn't a rat at all, but an illegal animagus wizard.

"It's no bother," Lily said kindly, leaning down to pick up the now purring cat. She looked into the cats green eyes as she held him in her arms, and gasped. "Erimentha!"

"What?" James asked, sounding shocked.

"You're joking!" Sirius said.

"No, I swear it. Look, James. It's Erimentha!"

Erimentha. Erimentha.Harry thought. Why do I know that name. It sounds so familiar. Harry wracked his brain, trying to think of why he knew the name, when it suddenly struck him. "Eri?" he asked quietly.

Lily smiled proudly. "Yes, yes, Harry, that's right. Eri."

Ron pulled a face. "Who's Eri?"

"My kitten that ran away. just before. just before." Harry choked again.

Just then the portrait door swung open and Dumbledore returned to them. "A pleasant reunion, I trust?" he asked, smiling widely.

"How could it be anything else?" Sirius asked jovially.

Lily pulled herself away from James, Sirius and Dumbledore, who were now in serious discussion (catching James up on all that had happened over the years) and stood to the side, her arms around her fully grown son. "And who have we here, Harry?" she whispered in his ear.

"Oh- Oh! Mum, these are my best friends. Hermoine Granger and Ron Weasley," Harry said, grinning from ear to ear, no doubt very excited at the prospect of his friends (and himself) finally being able to meet his family.

"It's nice to meet you," Ron said, extending his hand to Lily.

"Mrs. Potter?" Hermoine asked.

"Lily."

Hermoine smiled. "Lily," she said, starting again. "I just, well, that is to say, I don't understand. We are always taught that you can't bring people back from the dead, no offense."

"None taken," Lily smiled.

"But how is it that you've come back? It just doesn't seem logical."

"And quite right you are, Hermoine," Dumbledore said, opening up their conversation. He then turned to face Lily. "Our Miss Granger here is quite like you were in school. Head Girl as well, and always trying to keep the boys out of trouble." This caused Hermoine to blush.

"Honestly, Hermoine, I've no idea." Lily said.

James coughed loudly. "I might be able to help explain," he said. "Provided that Albus helps me."

"Naturally," Dumbledore said. Everyone found seats around the common room, waiting anxiously to hear how it had all happened.

"It all started with the rogue present from you, Sirius, and Remus and Peter," James said.

"What present?" Sirius asked.

"The Mirror of Erised." Harry's eyes grew wide. He too knew of that mirror, having lost many a nights sleep thinking of what he saw in it, unquestionably the scene he now found himself in. "More than anything I wanted to find the means of deflecting the Killing Curse. after all, it had claimed the lives my remaining family, my mother and sister. I just couldn't quite figure out how to use the Mirror to my advantage. until we were at the Palace of the Prophets.

"Your Gran," James was now nodding at Lily, "Victoria, she told me something, gave me a clue. The next time I looked in the Mirror, I knew what I was looking for. The question now became how to achieve it."

Lily looked up at Dumbledore suddenly. "Gran! How is she?"

Dumbledore smiled. "She's just as feisty as ever, and anxious to see you all again."

"She hasn't even seen Harry since he was just a baby." Lily said, wiping a tear from her eye.

"I have-" Harry started, but Lily cut him off.

"We'll discuss it later," she whispered quickly. She then looked to James. "Continue."

"Well, it finally occurred to me, the one thing to counter a curse of death would be a spell of life. I know it doesn't sound as though it makes much sense, but Albus and I worked together and finally, it all came together. If you charmed the wand, it would not kill. The charm was only temporary, but it was a risk I had to take. Lily," he said with an apologetic tone, "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you, but you have to understand, if word had gotten out about it. we could have been in even more danger." Lily smiled slightly and nodded, letting James know that she understood.

"But then, Mr. Potter- er- James, well, what happened if you didn't die?" Hermoine asked.

"The wand was able to take our lives from us, but not kill us. Instead, our essence. our souls were trapped within the wand, until their release. Harry, that is why we were able to appear. why you saw us that night." Harry nodded. He remembered the day as if it were yesterday. He had been trying to win the Tri-Wizard Tournament when he was transported to the rebirthing of Voldemort. It was the echoes of his parents, and the others killed by the wand, that had allowed him to escape. "The rest though, well, that was all the genius of Albus." James said, smiling.

"Oh, as flattered as I am, it was still your idea, James. But, I shall continue the story. Once Harry was safe, I returned to Godric's Hollow to retrieve you both from the remains of your house, transfiguring your bodies into a more er- discreet form. Knowing how fond you both were of playing wizard's chess, I thought it was only appropriate. And then, when the time was right, I transferred you from my care to your son's until such a time as he was able to release you from your state." He gestured toward Harry.

"Wait until Snape gets a look at you," Sirius laughed.

James quickly whipped his head around to face Sirius. "Snape? What about Snape?"

Harry laughed. "That's the same reaction Sirius had!"

"Severus is a professor here, James, and he has been for a number of years," Dumbledore told him as a sly grin appeared across James's face. "And whatever you do with that bit of information, promise me one thing." James nodded. "Never tell me what you are thinking at this moment, for I believe it is best that I not know." This caused everyone in the room to start laughing.

"Remus!" Sirius shouted all of a sudden.

"What? Where?" James said excitedly.

"Not here, you prat. He's been waiting on us at the Three Broomsticks. well, on me and Harry, Hermoine and Ron. Oh, he's going to throw a fit at not being here."

"Well, perhaps it's time to pay dear old Moony a visit," James said. "Just as soon as I-"

"James!" Lily said. "You are a grown man! There will be no pranking!"

"But, Lil. come on, really. think about it. he'd never see it coming."

"Yeah," Sirius said. "Think of the possibilities."

"James, Sirius. Leave. Severus. Alone. This is a time for family and friends, not to settle a grudge."

"I think she should let them at him," Ron whispered to Harry, who couldn't help but laugh. Even Hermoine nodded slightly at the idea.

"Let's just go and meet Remus, alright boys?" Lily said, standing up and taking James's hand in hers.

"Sure, sure. Snape can wait."

"James!"

"Only joking, baby. Only joking." James winked at Sirius who nodded.

"Shall we then?" Lily asked. Everyone agreed and started shuffling about the room getting ready, except Dumbledore who excused himself saying he had some work to attend to. They all exited through the portrait hole, the Fat Lady expressing her extreme surprise and joy at seeing Lily and James again, and headed for Hogsmeade.

"This place will never change," James said absently, looking at the moving staircases and down the various hallways. Lily simply smiled and sighed contentedly, James on one side of her and Harry on the other.

The motley crew made their way into Hogsmeade and down the main street, with a minimal number of people turning and staring or pointing at Lily and James walking with Harry. They finally arrived at the entrance of the Three Broomsticks, and Sirius threw the door open.

"Oy! Remus!" Sirius bellowed.

"Well, it's about bloody time you all get here!" Remus shouted. "I've been waiting for nearly two hours! What the he- holy God!" Remus blinked and rubbed his eyes, making sure they were not deceiving him. "James? Lily?" he choked. Lily and James each smiled and nodded excitedly. "Lily! Prongs!" Remus shouted this time, full of joy. He rushed over to his old friends and embraced them as everyone in the tavern watched with shocked expressions on their faces.

"You little sap," Sirius laughed.

"Get over here, you great git," James said, creating an opening for Sirius to join them.

"My troublesome Marauders, back together again," Lily smiled.

"How? Why?" Remus said, struggling to find the words. "How on earth did you manage to pull this off?"

"That, my dear Moony, is an excellent question, the answer to which is a very long story," James said, leading everyone to a large table in the back of the tavern. "And it all begins with your stolen present."

"No," Lily laughed. "It all begins with James's obsessive nature." And so the story was told once again, only this time with more detail. Harry learned more about his parents' lives than he could have dreamed of before, and, even so, couldn't wait to hear more.

The end.