I have somethingsto announce before I get on with my lovely thank-yous. :D I finally got a beta reader. The lovely Mari is now beta-ing for me so you don't have to read all my idiotic mistakes. She always wishes to taunt you because she gets to read the updates before you.
Riku kiji – Thank you love, I need all the luck I can get. ^^
Amanda Marsters - Wow, I'm veruu honored. ^_^
Mondlicht
NoeName - D Hahaha, starting me evil slash-worshipping empire…
Elusive - Erm. I'm probably like really bad or something, because I actually love writing the traumatic parts like when Remy is told that Sirius is the "spy". And when Lily and James died. Fun stuff for me to write.
Babysb – Yes, yes, the Head Boy issue. I actually do know that in the first book Hagrid says that James Potter was Head Boy, but my reasoning for not putting it in Future Legends, is that in book five when Sirius was talking about how Remus was a prefect, why didn't he mention that James was Head Boy? And can you even be Head Boy if you weren't a prefect? If that's true, then it's not possible that James was Head Boy. I also was on a very accurate site about Harry Potter that believes that statement in the first book may have been a plot hole since what we've seen of James Potter's character (acting like the Weasley twins D) there's no way he could have been Head Boy. Just my reasoning for why I didn't put him in there, though he could be.
Arathin
Reireeii - ::whimpers:: Don't go insane… ;; Though it is good fun. D
Lady Serpentine
Ronda-Silverpaw - Thank you hun, I'm veruu honored. :D
Drama-queen8- Well that is the Siri we know and luff isn't it?
Loupetchien - Meep, I'll be writing forever then. XDKATE!
A week after Harry's birth, Ryan Bones's body was found. In the pocket of his robes, there was a note that ordered that the Potter baby be destroyed. And that this was the last warning.
Lily and James were horrified. James was removed from the Order work he had been on, and the two were put under protection spells.
Peter, Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore were the only four that were allowed to visit the tiny Potter family.
James became very withdrawn at the loss of Quidditch; he had just been picked for a professional team, and was now unable to play.
Lily was busy with Harry, but was also feeling the loss of the rest of the world.
Over the next few months things became more and more precarious as members of the Order seemed to disappear twice as fast. No more threats were left, but every one knew that the Dark Lord was searching for the Potters.
Remus and Sirius visited Lily and James as often as they could, and were delighted to watch Harry grow. His eyes were amazingly like Lily's, and the little hair he had was obviously James's jet black.
By now Harry could recognize the two and would giggle happily every time either walked into the room.
One memorable time, Sirius had taken Harry out on the motorbike, while Lily nearly had a stroke.
Harry's first birthday came quickly. It was a small celebration, but a very joyous one none the less.
But danger was growing even closer.
Very close to the end of October, Dumbledore called Lily and James to Hogwarts for a secret meeting. It was to tell them about the Fidelius Charm.
James and Lily were rather surprised by the whole thing. They had never even heard of such a charm existing, but agreed to let it be performed. The Headmaster offered to be their Secret-Keeper, but the two insisted on having Sirius be their Secret-Keeper.
That night a rather stunned Sirius came home to Remus.
"What's wrong?" Remus questioned from wearing he was cooking dinner, as Sirius came in.
Sirius walked in shaking his head, and running his fingers through his hair.
"Remus...."
"What?" Remus asked, looking concerned as he put a plate of food in front of Sirius.
"I have to go into hiding." Sirius whispered softly.
Remus dropped a plate as he was bringing it out of the cabinet. It crashed on the floor.
"Remus." Sirius frowned, as he stood to help.
"I got it," Remus responded, hiding his eyes from Sirius, as he gathered up the broken glass.
"It's to keep Lily and James safe. And Harry. We're performing something called the Fidelius Charm" Sirius whispered.
Remus nodded, fighting back tears.
Suddenly there was a sharp "oh!" as Remus cut himself on a shard.
Sirius sighed, as he picked Remus off the floor, setting him on the counter top. Silently he washed out the cut.
"I'm sorry." Sirius whispered, as he kissed Remus's hand. "I don't want you to be alone, but it will be safer for you here."
"I understand," Remus said with a false smile.
Sirius hesitated.
"We have to postpone the wedding too."
Remus nodded understandingly, as he brushed his hand threw Sirius's hair, and rubbed his cheek.
"Just keep yourself and Lily and James safe, understand? I can manage,"
"I love you." Sirius added fiercely, as he kissed Remus.
"I know." Remus smiled.
*~~~~~~~~*
Sirius packed very little and then rode his motorcycle to the Potter's.
Dumbledore was already there, waiting.
"Sorry," Sirius said quickly as he hurried in.
Harry giggled happily when he saw his godfather.
"Hey kid," Sirius grinned.
Harry continued to look at the door, as though waiting for Remus to come in.
"Sorry, he's not coming." Sirius whispered, and Harry gave him a look that almost made Sirius think he understood...
But Dumbledore cut off Sirius's thoughts as he launched into a lengthy explanation of the plan.
Less than an hour later it was done. Dumbledore went back to Hogwarts, and Sirius was left with the Potters.
"How's Remus?" Lily asked, as she began to feed Harry.
"He's... taking it okay. I know he's upset, but he wouldn't admit it." Sirius answered with a lonely smile.
"Thank you..." James whispered.
"Hey, don't get all sappy on me." Sirius responded with a grin. "Remy and I do what we can. We do any best friend would do."
"No." Lily shook her head firmly. "You two go way beyond the definition of best friend for James and I."
Harry cooed and caught a strand of his mother's hair.
"And Harry." Lily added. "We couldn't survive without the two of you."
Sirius shrugged.
"You would do the same for us."
"None the less." James responded, hugging Sirius. "Have a safe flight, all right?"
"Will do." Sirius answered as he headed for the door, but then hesitated. "James... I'm just not sure about this plan though."
"What?" Lily asked in surprised.
"Dumbledore's told the Order." Sirius stated flatly. "That I'm your Secret-Keeper."
"So?" James questioned.
"There is a spy in the Order, we all know it..."
Comprehension dawned on Lily and James's face.
"You want to switch." Lily spoke, clearly surprised.
"If we did... And didn't tell. The spy would tell Voldemort that I'm the Secret-Keeper. He would come after me. You would be safe."
"I won't have you sacrifice yourself." James stated firmly.
"I won't be. I'm going into hiding also." Sirius reminded him.
"But who would we switch to?" Lily asked.
"Someone they would never suspect." Sirius replied.
"Peter."
*~~~~~~~~~~~*
Sirius lay under the blanket of stars, shivering in a quilt he had grabbed from the flat. The switch had been performed flawlessly, and he was now in hiding.
Well... that was one way of putting it. He was actually living in a group of caves in his Animagi form.
Sirius finally gave up the idea of sleep, and paced the cave restlessly, growling to himself. He was worried none the less. What if something had happened to Lily and James?
The black dog glanced at the motorcycle that was carefully hidden in the corner of the cave.
The animal gave what could be called a sigh, and shifted into his human form, taking a few steps towards the bike.
He would just check on Lily and James. What harm could that bring?
*~~~~~~~~~~*
Peter bit down on his nails nervously. Tonight was the night. His Lord would destroy the Potter family. The blame would fall on Sirius.
'Stupid Sirius.' Peter half laughed to himself.
And he, Peter, would be honored in the Inner Circle of the Dark Lord while still being able to pass information from the Order. Things would be so much simpler. Especially when everyone believed that Sirius was the spy.
After all, Sirius had insisted on not telling anyone about the switch of Secret-Keepers. And Peter would be sitting right in Order Headquarters while the murder of the Potter's would occur. He would have solid alibis!
Peter smirked somewhat to himself. This spy role wasn't too bad after all.
*~~~~~~~~~*
James stepped into the living room, where Lily was resting on the couch. He was nervous for some reason tonight. He couldn't exactly lay his finger on it though... Something just seemed wrong.
Harry was staring at James, and James started a bit when he saw the infant.
"Why aren't you sleeping, huh?" James asked, as he walked over and took Harry out of the sleeping Lily's arms.
Harry suddenly started to whimper in his father's arms.
"What's the matter?" James questioned, suddenly feeling very afraid himself.
The back door suddenly banged open, making Lily wake.
"J-James?" she muttered.
"Crucio!"
The spell bounded quickly into the living room, barely missing James.
Lily was on her feet in an instant. James whirled on his heel, thrusting Harry into her arms.
"Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off-"
James didn't even bother to finish his sentence. He doubted he would survive, but there was one other thought going through his mind: Peter was the spy. Not Remus. And not Sirius who he knew was going to be blamed.
Lily didn't even reply, she stumbled from the room, leaving James, as she heard a high-pitched voice from behind her.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Lily bit back a cry as she knew only one thing could have happened.
James was dead.
Lily didn't know what to do. How could she possible escape from this? Harry was clinging tightly to his mother, but he hadn't uttered a sound.
Lily looked down at him, feeling tears rushing to her eyes at the fact that she couldn't save him.
She turned into her's and James's room and began to frantically search for the extra wand they had kept. Harry lay on the bed, his eyes wide and frightened.
But she was out of time. There was a swish of cloak behind her, and she turned to see that monster of a wizard advancing on here son.
"Not Harry! Not Harry! Please - I'll do anything-" Lily screamed, trying to pick him up again.
"Stand aside. Stand aside, girl!" the Dark Lord ordered, but Lily continued to flail.
"Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!" Lily pleaded, as Harry's hand suddenly brushed against her's.
"Stand aside, you silly girl....stand aside, now...."
"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead-"
She was so close, so-
But suddenly the Dark Lord propelled her against the mirror that had stood in her's and James' bedroom. It shattered and Lily screamed, as the Dark Lord laughed.
He took Harry into his arms, and aimed the wand at the child's forehead.
"Not Harry! Please... have mercy... have mercy..." Lily cried, struggling to stand.
Lord Voldemort had had enough. He aimed his wand at Lily's thin frame.
"Avada Kedavara." he whispered silkily.
Lily collapsed, her life leaving her instantly.
Then he turned his wand to Harry...
And created the legend of Harry Potter.
*~~~~~~~~~*
Sirius stared open-mouthed in horror at the scene that met his eyes when he entered the house. The kitchen had been torn to shreds.
Panic was beginning to fill Sirius's body. What had happened?
Then he saw...
James... He was lying there on the ground.... Still. Too still. Sirius rushed forward with a hoarse cry, tears spilling down his front as he gathered James's body in his arms. It was already cold...
"Oh God James... What have I done?" Sirius whispered, as he sat back on his heels, realizing what his best friend had realized only an hour before.
Peter was the spy.
Sirius swallowed hard. But no one else knew that. Except for him, and Peter...
He was as good as dead.
No one was going to believe him. All the evidence pointed clearly against him.
Sirius lowered James's body slowly.
"Rest in peace my friend." he whispered, as he stood.
He was all set to walk out of the house. There was no chance that Lily or Harry had survived... When he heard something. It sounded like a cry...
Sirius frowned, and grabbed his wand, as he headed cautiously up the stairs.
He threw open James's and Lily's bedroom door, wand outstretched, ready to attack, when he saw it...
"Harry." Sirius whispered in disbelief.
The child was alive.
Harry's eyes were tearstained as he stared at his godfather. He picked his arms up, signaling for Sirius to pick him up.
Sirius stepped forward, taking his godson into his arms, when he saw Lily.
"Good God..." Sirius muttered, feeling sick, as his knees went weak.
Sirius hurried down the stairs, not letting go of Harry. He'd be damned if he let anything happen to the child.
"Sirius Black!" a gruff voice suddenly called.
Sirius turned; wand outstretched, but then saw it was only Hagrid.
"Hagrid..." Sirius breathed a sigh of relief.
Hagrid nodded, as he took Harry out of Sirius's arms.
"Lily an' James..." Hagrid murmured, his eyes red. "Neva' thought I'd live ter to see th' day..."
Sirius nodded, feeling his throat close up. Harry was staring at him from where he was now in Hagrid's arms. Sirius suddenly felt tears flood down his face again.
"God... Life.... Is Cruel." Sirius whispered.
"Ther', ther', Sirius." Hagrid muttered. "At least... He's gon' for now."
Sirius looked up in surprised.
"Voldemort?" Sirius gasped.
Hagrid shivered for a moment, and then nodded.
New hope bloomed in Sirius's chest...Maybe then...Just maybe....
"Hagrid." Sirius said, trying to regain himself as they walked out of the house. "I am Harry's godfather. Let me take him."
Harry reached his arms out towards Sirius.
"'Fraid I can't do that." Hagrid replied. "Th' Headmaster wishes for me to bring Harry to 'im."
Sirius felt his heart plummet in his chest once more. Then it was all over. Dumbledore believed him the traitor.
"Take my bike Hagrid to get Harry there then." Sirius whispered.
"What?" Hagrid burst out in surprise.
"I...I won't need it anymore." Sirius whispered, as he fled into the night, casting a final glance at his godson, whom he wouldn't see for another twelve years.
*~~~~~~~~~~~*