Chapter Two Summer 1980
For a meeting of so many people, the atmosphere was solemn and dry. As the Wizards and Witches arrived at Hogwarts and found their way into Headmaster Dumbledore's office.
"Lily! You look ravishing!" Alice Longbottom approached her.
Lily blushed, never having taken compliments that well, "Alice, you look good yourself. How much longer do you have?"
"Three weeks, and you?" The two ladies found cushiony seats.
"Three weeks as well. Amazing that we're going through this together," Lily giggled. "How are you holding up?"
"Well, Frank is driving me insane of course. Insists that I rest more than anything. But I can't just sit around, you know?" Alice laughed. "How is James with you?"
Lily smiled, admiring her husband from across the room. He was in conversation with a few other Order Members, no doubt discussing how to react when Sirius arrived. Sirius's younger brother had recently been found murdered- and as far as their information supported, it was on orders from his own Master, Voldemort.
"He's wonderful, Alice. I can't explain it," Lily said.
Alice beamed, "I'm so happy for you Lily. It just seems like you and James are finally going to get that life together that the two of you deserve."
Lily, in her hormonal state, could feel the tears forming at the edge of her eyes, "I hope so Alice. But don't count us out for the fight. We aren't going anywhere."
"And that's why the two of you are two of the most amazing women I've ever met," a smooth, handsome voice from behind came.
"Remus!" Lily, to the best of her ability jumped from the couch to give her old friend a hug. "When did you get back?"
"About five minutes ago," Remus Lupin laughed.
He smiled at her, rubbing a hand along her swollen stomach, "And how is junior doing?"
Lily laughed. The Marauders were convinced that the child she was carrying would be the beginning of the next generation to carry on the pranks and fun at Hogwarts someday.
"The baby is fine, how did everything go for you?" Lily asked, getting serious.
Remus sighed with a nod. He glanced at both women in front of him, amazed by the fierceness for life they both held. To stop and enjoy the beauty of the world for a moment in these times and to have the faith to bring a child into the world was enough to bring a warm feeling to the sensitive man's heart.
"It went as expected, a few causalities certainly. The only ones being on the other side, but I'm afraid we got little to no information," Remus answered.
"Yeah, well the Ministry isn't doing too much better, Reme, so don't feel too down," James walked over. He wrapped one arm around his wife and put a hand out to slap with his friend. "Glad you made it back Moony."
"Has Sirius arrived yet?" Remus asked, looking around.
"Not yet, neither has Pete actually," James mentioned. "I was talking to Benji and some others; they saw Dumbledore when they arrived and said he looks rather gray."
Lily sighed and closed her eyes, "I can't take more bad news."
"Unfortunately, the world is full of it, young lady," Mad-Eye Moody walked passed the group.
Remus and James exchanged a glance with a sigh. James smiled at his wife, "Sit down, Love, I'm going to go talk."
Lily nodded as James squeezed her hand and walked off. Remus winked at her and followed James. Lily sat down once again with Alice.
"It's got to be over soon, Alice," Lily sighed, laying her head back against the wall.
Alice took her friend's hand in her own and nodded, "Let's hope."
* * * * *
Sirius picked up a handful of dirt and threw it with all his might at nothing in particular.
"Padfoot, calm down," Remus sighed.
"Calm down? Remus, are you numb? This world is just so-"
"Nothing we can control, Hun," Lily took one of Sirius's hands in her own and pulled him to her for a hug. "All we can do is what we can. There's no point in getting frustrated over it. You heard what Albus said."
"And so did you Lils," Sirius argued, looking at James over Lily's shoulder. "I'm not about to let anything happen to your child or Frank and Alice's. This prophecy has to be wrong…"
James sighed, "We'll just do what we have to do, Sirius. He hasn't held us down yet, and I'll be damned if he scares me now."
"I'm still in shock that he had your brother killed," Lily said quietly.
Sirius shrugged, "Yeah, fine time for him to come to the light, aye?"
"Well, it's just a reminder of what we're up against," Remus sighed.
"As if any of us need reminding," James mumbled as the four began their decent to Hogsmeade.
"Dinner, anyone?" Sturgis Podmore asked, catching up with the group. "No matter what news we hear, we still need food, right?"
Kingsley Shacklebolt pat James on the shoulder, "Come on, mate. Let's get some grub from Rosemerta."
James smiled and nodded, "Come on, they're right. Let's get something to eat. Whether we eat or not, it won't change the world."
Sirius sighed, "Can't say no to food, now can I?"
* * * * *
That night, just as Lily and James were getting ready for bed, Lily's mood stiffened. She lay on the bed just staring at the ceiling.
"What is it, Love?" James asked, lying down beside her.
Lily sighed and turned her face towards James, "The prophecy didn't specify that it's us and our baby, though. Right, James?"
James sighed, "Not that I'd want it to be Frank and Alice's baby anymore than ours."
Lily let the tears roll down her cheeks, "Isn't there anyone else who's survived him three times?"
James looked at Lily, not hiding his worry. He wiped her tears from her cheeks, "I guess it's not always a good thing to be the best, huh?"
Lily couldn't force the smile that she so desperately wanted to deliver. She clung tightly to James; fearful of what tomorrow may bring.