Hello, my lovelies. Yes, it is finally me with an update. ::hangs head in shame:: I'm terrible, aren't I? Here I was saying I had lots written and it STILL takes me a month to update. I'm so sorry. It's been a busy time. But never fear! Here I am with an update. It's a bit of a short chapter, but the next few get heatedly more interesting. ::winks::

I know I usually like to thank everyone individually, but I'm going to keep it short so I can go back to more writing. ::wiggles eyebrows:: SO. THANK YOU everyone for reading. I do appreciate it more than I can express. You all rock so much, you don't even know. And to all those catching up, when you get here, THANK YOU extras for taking the time. Anyone reading, and NOT reviewing- please! Drop me a line, even if you want to slash at me! LoL. I'll take it. But, seriously. Thank you all.

::cough:: And I'll just say this- I have smart readers. =D

Extra shout out to Lizaloo! Keep me on my toes, babe! Love you! Thank you and all that sappy jazz. ;) Seriously everyone, Liz keeps me together on this, so she deserves a special shout-out.

Okay- Blah, blah, blah, the usual disclaimer of this not being mine but it is, so no one sue me or anything. Props to JKR. But the song at the end- It belongs to the Calling. So credit goes to them.

On with the story. ::passes out popcorn, cookies and soda::

Chapter 10 – August 1980

'Days Worth Living'

The sun bore down warm and bright rays onto the green lawn of the Potters' household. With only a few fluffy clouds in the sky, it was the perfect day for the welcome party to take place.

The welcome party for one Harry James Potter.

He was a jolly, chubby, ball of fun, even at a week old. What raven black hair he did have was as wild and untamable as his proud father's. He had a smile that would light up the whole room he was in, and his emerald eyes were as sparkling as the red-head he'd inherited them from.

James and Lily Potter couldn't have been beaming brighter, smiling bigger, or happier than they were holding baby Harry. The love that had brought these two together had made this wonderful being- someone to carry on their love.

"He's going to make a fine Marauder, Prongs," Sirius laughed as he played with his godson. Harry seemed to get into a smiling fit every time Sirius would look at him. He was busy flailing his arms around as Sirius tickled him under his arms.

Laughter echoed across the lawn. It was quite a sight to see- the Marauders with a child. The Marauders being gentle and loving, serious and…happy.

"He's a fine young lad," Albus Dumbledore smiled at Lily. "I'd take the guess that he's got every good quality of the both of you."

"Great, so we're going to have a male version of Lily," James teased his wife.

"James, you've plenty of good qualities I'm sure Harry is going to inherit," Lily laughed and gave him a quick kiss.

Remus chuckled, "So he'll be able to fly on a broom and annoy Minerva to her grave."

Minerva McGonagall's straight lips formed a small smile, "I look forward to teaching him. Perhaps with his mother's blood, he'll be more attentive than his father ever was."

Sirius and James smiled at each other, laughing and remembering.

"The good ole days," Sirius sighed. "Harry, it's up to you now. Carry on in true Marauder fashion."

"Well, we've plenty of years to teach him opposite then, don't we?" Isadora Lear swat at Sirius as she took baby Harry into her arms. "He's the most adorable thing."

"Well, while Harry is being entertained, you two boys are coming with me," Lily grabbed James and Sirius's hands and pulled them to an interesting looking contraption. It was about waist-high and was shaped like a bowl on the top. Lily poured charcoal in it and placed a grill over the rocks. She looked up and smiled at the two. "You two, are going to grill meat an old-fashion muggle sort of way. On a fire."

Remus, watching from afar laughed, "Are you sure having those two so close to fire is a good idea, Lils?"

Lily smiled, "Dealing with food, yes. They wouldn't let their dear meat fall to any sort of sad ending."

"'Ello?" Came a voice from 'round the fence.

Lily jumped with excitement as Peter opened the gate for the Longbottom family. The Potters' guests filed around to see the other newest member to their ever-growing family tree, Neville Longbottom- a boy who was twice as chubby as Harry. He didn't hardly have any hair yet, which Sirius found quite amusing.

Alice punched Sirius lightly in the arm, "You leave my baby alone." She ruffled Sirius neatly kempt hair, causing him to shriek, and the rest of the yard to laugh.

"Come, meet Harry," Lily ushered her newest arrivals to the shade tree where Isadora still stood rocking Harry.

"Oh my, Lily, he's adorable. Looks just like a Potter but with your eyes," Alice smiled.

"What do you say, James? Our boys will grow up well together!" Frank yelled across the yard to James.

James laughed, "The Longbottom boy and the Potter boy! Wizards and Muggles alike will be running the opposite direction!"

"Have you seen the Wesley's latest little boy?" Alice smiled. "His hair is as red as all the others.

"I heard Molly's due again," Lily gossiped. The ladies chattered with each other, admiring the babies while the men entertained themselves near James and Sirius' 'cooking' event.

"You need to turn the meat, mate," Kinglsey Shacklebolt laughed while watching Sirius attempt to flip the meat over.

"What is this?" Sirius whined. He glanced towards the ladies, who weren't paying attention, and pulled out his wand.

"Sirius-" Dumbledore started.

"I'm a legal of-age wizard, D, you can't stop me," Sirius said, not letting Dumbledore finish. He charmed the meat and made it done, sizzling and all.

"Prat!" James bonked him on the head. "Meat doesn't finish on the grill that fast, now it's going to burn while we 'wait' for it."

Sirius shrugged, "Oh. Well…" Another flick of his wand and the fire was out.

The men were laughing while James was burying his head in his hands, "She can still be an emotional tyrant, Padfoot, she is Lily Evans Potter."

"Aye, mate, she's a Potter," Sirius ignored the situation at hand. "Who would have thought we'd have a day like this. Celebrating Lily and James's son-"

"That they had together," Peter laughed.

"It was quite a shock, Lily Evans giving in to the conceited wanker James Potter. I'd guess that James must have charmed her!" Sirius winked at James.

"Oh, that's it, Padfoot, you're askin' for it now," James threatened.

"Oh yeah? What are you gonna to do?" Sirius snickered, in ready-position.

"What are BOTH of you going to do?" Screeched an exasperated Lily from behind. "I ask you one simple thing to do for me today and you can't even do it! It's not that hard! You're always asking me questions about Muggles, Sirius, and here I give you the chance…" Lily went on and on berating Sirius. James was able to sneak away after a few minutes, all the while Sirius was getting one of his favorite things; A Lily Lecture.

Eventually things settled, and food was finally prepared (under Lily's most watchful eye, of course). Their group of friends all considered family now, enjoyed idle chat and reminisced of fun times from the past while admiring Harry and Neville.

"Merlin, you boys can eat," Alice laughed at the second helpings the Marauders were helping themselves to.

Sirius smiled, "I'm a growing boy, Alice."

"Yes, one of my greatest fears is the day Mr. Black considers himself an adult," Albus winked, causing great laughter.

"Bet I can eat it faster, Padfoot," James challenged Sirius.

"Oh, you think so, do you?" Sirius took him. The two started to gobble their food down like the beasts they could change into, causing laughter and groans.

"Grow up, will you?" Lily swapped James on the arm.

"Rirly, 'e augreed," James argued with a full mouth.

Sirius swallowed and gave James a disgusted look, "Prongs, that was disgusting, no one wants to see your food."

The next thing everyone knew, they were running for cover as the two started a full-fledged food fight. Somehow, they even managed to pull Peter into it, Remus narrowly escaping with Harry in his arms.

One way or another, Lily and Alice managed to stop the trouble-makers and force them to clean their mess up. And not without a smile from Albus; complementing Lily on her talent of managing the Marauders, a task that even the great Headmaster of Hogwarts had never managed.

As the sun began its late descent in the western sky, the friends gradually left, leaving their love and small tokens for the two boys. Little did they know, as they cooed and gurgled at all the funny looking faces, the fate of their own world, and perhaps even the whole world, was resting on their small little shoulders.

"Another butter beer, Kings?" James offered, as the men were standing afar, watching the girls gossip once again.

"Sure, thanks, Potter," Kingsley accepted. "Albus, you read the headlines today, I gather?"

Albus nodded, "I'm afraid I did. Mad-Eye was on the scene."

James, in his own world at the moment sighed, "You know what I'd like to do when this is all over? Lily's always wanted to travel. I'm going to take some time off and take my family on holiday. Paris, Rome, the states…everywhere."

"James," Sirius cleared his throat. "What do you suppose, I mean with the way the prophecy stated- I mean…how much longer do you think-"

"Merlin, look at her," James pretended not to hear a word Sirius had spoken. "She's so beautiful…so content and happy. She's glowing. Just look at her."

Silence overtook the men for a moment, James's comments sinking into their souls. The thought that it could never happen, his vision of a happy life, all teasing at their wishes for him to give Lily the life she wanted.

"If I ever come face to face with that bastard again…" James shook his head, downing the rest of his butter beer. "Damn him…damn him for ever being born…"

"James! Look! He's cuddling with me!" Lily beamed across the yard, a smile big enough to spread joy across the Atlantic on her face.

James smiled back at her; silently cursing the man he was forced to live his life on the edge for, the man who'd taken his innocence away so many years before.

"James, I'm gravely sorry, but I must be off now," Albus broke the uncomfortable silence. "He's a lucky youngster; he'll grow to be everything you want and more."

James nodded politely at his mentor, "Thank you, Albus. Thank you for coming, too."

"Where're you off to, old man?" Sirius, as always, turned the atmosphere light.

Albus smiled, "Some important business to take care of, I'm sure you understand."

Sirius winked, "If she's a red-head, I won't question you again."

The men laughed as Albus made way to say goodbye to the ladies. Remus patted his friend on the shoulder and nodded.

"He's a Potter, Prongs. He'll make it, no matter what."

James, ever so grateful for his friends at his side, smiled a true smile again, "Not a doubt in my mind, Moony."

Slowly, the rest of the guests began their departures, leaving the Potter's alone, making themselves comfortable in their new routine. Neither James nor Lily ever wanted to put baby Harry to bed; they couldn't bear to tear themselves away from him very long.

They sat on the couch, Lily holding the sleeping Harry, her head against James's shoulder. The clock in the hall struck ten, and James turned his favorite muggle contraption, the television, on to watch a show.

He sighed, as he wrapped his arm around Lily tighter; these were the days he fought for.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

The dimly lit bar was crowded with smoke but not patrons. Dumbledore found the tavern easy enough; drunken muggles clamoring out, laughing and stumbling over themselves.

He'd chosen this dank spot for the meeting with less fear that anyone from the Wizarding world would find them. He'd not told anyone about this; it was a confidential meeting. A tad worried for his own safety, Dumbledore held his wand near and kept looking over his shoulder.

Upon finding an empty table near the back in a corner, Dumbledore accepted a drink of ale, ignoring the funny looks he was receiving. His eyes twinkled, knowing the intoxicated customers were making up tales of their own to explain his funny clothes and odd beard.

The door opened and closed, a warm night breeze flowing through the clouded atmosphere. Dumbledore, feeling slightly jittery, sat straight while he watched the hooded man approach his table.

"They'll only stare until they get another drink," Dumbledore spoke, as the man took a seat across from him.

"Staring is rude," he simply replied, nodding to the bartender for an ale himself. He glanced around, no doubt checking for suspicious looking identities. Once accepting that they were the only wizards there, he relaxed a bit; until he looked his old Headmaster in the eyes.

Dumbledore read his expression- the nervousness, the anxiety, the fear and the regret. He watched as the man sipped his drink, thinking of the right words to say. He hadn't changed much; his looks much the same. His eyes, Dumbledore noted, now held more though. They held stories unbearable to tell. They held emotions not wanting to ever be felt again. They held a life, a choice that this man wanted to leave behind.

"There is no way of just leaving," the man proclaimed. "He kills anyone who tries to defy him. Anyone who speaks of mutiny or anyone who has a thought of fear."

"May I ask, then, why you feel you have a chance?" Dumbledore asked, curious to how this young man's mind was working.

"Occlumency," the man simply stated. "It's kept him from entering my mind thus far and knowing my thoughts of…becoming a traitor to him."

"And what has made you come to this decision? What can you offer that gives me no doubt you would not be a traitor to me?" Dumbledore got straight to the point.

The man had a crooked nose and stared down it looking at Dumbledore hard before answering, "I-I can only assure you, Headmaster…that I've seen the wrong in my ways. That I alone can tell you things that you'd never imagine and that my ways of which were wrong are past me in a sense that so is half my life."

Dumbledore nodded, "May I ask what caused this loss?"

"Too many things of which I can not bear to repeat even in my own mind." His eyes roamed the room once again, eventually falling on the dirty window. The reflection from inside the bar showed the eerie light producing shadows that made the man tense.

"You had a part in it, didn't you?" Dumbledore spoke quietly and slowly. "I only ask to understand, Severus. You can not be expected to join the Order with out hesitation from the members."

He nodded, understanding the wise man, "I had a part in it more than I wish I did. But yes, in reference to what you speak of, I did."

"They have a child now, I'm sure you know."

Severus Snape took a long drink of his ale before acknowledging Dumbledore's words, "I know all too well."

"Life is only what we make of it, Severus. The ghosts of our past are with us as long as we fear them, as long as we allow them to haunt us. Sometimes our ghosts haunt others, making it difficult to forget them. This will be no easy task, and I fear for the safety of all who will be involved."

Severus looked at Dumbledore, his face cocked to one side, "You accept, then?"

"As I said, it will not be easy."

"Nothing in life ever is, sir."

"You will be on the same side as those you've detested for much of your life, you realize?"

"I'm quite aware."

Dumbledore nodded, "Very well. We shall meet two blocks over the night from tomorrow. Now if you'll excuse me, I've had quite a busy day and need my rest."

Snape stood as the Headmaster excused himself from the bar. His robes flowing around him as he sat again, thinking.

The past, the present, the future; they were all foes in his mind. Always connected to one another, he was never able to escape. He wished not for pity, but…

He never could finish that thought. He did not know what he wanted. Things had gone too far, the moment he felt it coming on, he knew it should have been too late. If he'd not mastered so many spells at such an early age, he'd not be sitting here now, he knew that.

And what he knew…the things he had seen, had heard…they could save lives.

His mind rushed, his thoughts a blur. He would never be able to tell all that he knew; what he'd grown up knowing. His secrets, they'd always be just that.

His secrets.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

"WHAT?"

"You heard what I said, Padfoot. Dumbledore told me this morning," James sighed and leaned across the fence looking out at the field.

"You are not serious! Is Dumbledore getting that thick in his old age to think we could ever trust a sorry-excuse for a wizard like Snivellus?" Sirius was taking the news just about as well as James had earlier that day. Remus stood silent.

"But we can't share this information with anyone. Albus doesn't want everyone to know, seeing as they'd take it like we would. He just wanted me to tell you two," James explained. "I think a few others are going to know, but that's it. I can't even tell Lils."

Remus nodded, "It's understandable. He knew you'd tell us anyways."

The three were standing in the Potter's back yard, waiting for Peter to join them for a boy's night out. The Marauders wanted to celebrate in their own way with James on the birth of Harry. A little mischief making never hurt anyone.

"What about Pete? We can't tell either of them? Izzy? Doesn't the whole Order have the right to know about his?!?" Sirius asked in a furry.

"It's not our decision to tell, Sirius," Remus sighed. "It's Dumbledore's choice. The whole deal is. If he thinks we can trust him…well, then, I guess we should."

"I'll never trust that git," James snarled, his anger coming through. "He's a Death Eater. He's been one for years, ever since Hogwarts days. That…that will never be forgiven. Or forgotten."

"Not to mention he's a greasy slime ball," Sirius added.

Remus rolled his eyes, "Look, all I'm saying is we're here to back Albus. We've respected his choices so far, why wouldn't we now? He did, after all, give me a chance."

"Yeah, but Moony, being a werewolf once a month is hardly comparable to being a slimy wanker every day of your life," Sirius pointed out, very seriously.

This actually cracked a smile from James and Remus, who simultaneously smacked Sirius up the back of the head. The boys were starting to laugh and argue just as Lily walked out of the house, baby Harry in her arms, leading Peter out.

"Wormtail! We were wondering where you were! What you took so long, mate?" Sirius poked at Peter. As the years had come and gone, Pete's chubbiness had stayed.

"Oh, I was…uh, I was eating," Peter nodded.

"Aren't we heading out to the Leaky Cauldron? Why'd you eat already?" Remus asked him as James ran to Lily to give her a goodbye kiss.

"I'll eat again," Peter smiled.

"I'll be back in a few hours, babe," James kissed his wife. He tickled his son and made a face at him.

"Stay out of trouble," she swatted him on the behind as he ran off to his friends.

"I can't help it if trouble finds us," he winked at her.

. . . .

The boys went out for dinner, having a marvelous time celebrating with James the birth of the future Marauder. After they ate and had a trip through the Alley, they headed back to the Potter's where they found Lily and Isadora chatting in the kitchen.

"You're back earlier than I expected," Lily smiled as the Marauders arrived.

James swept Lily from her chair, dipped her back and kissed her. He was smiling as she laughed and attempted to regain her composure.

"Missed you and Harry too much," he winked and then nodded at the boys as they headed for the backdoor. "Come on, mates."

"Where on earth are you going now?" Isadora rolled her eyes.

Remus smiled, "A late night, four person version of Quidditch apparently."

"Those boys will never grow up," Lily sighed, sitting back at the table, sifting through the Muggle magazines she and Isadora had been looking at.

"Nah, but they always know how to enjoy themselves," Isadora added. "They never seem to forget what the fight is all about."

Lily smiled as she looked out the kitchen window to the field behind the house. James and Sirius were arguing over positions and Merlin knew what else. Remus and Peter stood, rolling their eyes, but with smiles on their faces.

Lily would sleep happy tonight. Knowing wizards like her friends were fighting the good fight.

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

Our Lives

Is it love tonight
When everyone's dreaming
Of a better life
In this world
Divided by fear
We've gotta believe that
There's a reason we're here
There's a reason we're here

'Cause these are the days worth livin'
These are the years we're given
And these are the moments
These are the times
Let's make the best out of our lives

See the truth all around
Our faith can be broken
And our hands can be bound
But open our hearts and fill up the emptiness
With nothing to stop us
Is it not worth the risk?
Is it not worth the risk?

'Cause these are the days worth livin'
These are the years we're given
And these are the moments
These are the times
Let's make the best out of our lives

Even if hope was shattered
I know it wouldn't matter
'Cause these are the moments
These are the times
Let's make the best out of our lives

We can't go wrong
Thinking it's wrong
To speak our minds
I've gotta let out what's inside

Is it love tonight
When everyone's dreaming
But can we get it right?
Yeah but can we get it right?

'Cause these are the days worth livin'
These are the years we're given
And these are the moments
These are the times
Let's make the best out of our lives

Even if hope was shattered
I know it wouldn't matter
These are the moments
These are the times
Let's make the best out of our lives

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

-Hugs n Cookies!-

missers©