Chapter 9- A year ago
The big ordeal of Claire and Remus' break up took a few weeks to mend the rift. Claire and Remus weren't talking.
James and Remus weren't talking.
Sirius ad Peter were staying with Remus, looking after him and making sure he wasn't about to do something stupid like kill himself or anything.
Lily was taking care of Claire and Harry (Who had been playing up more recently.) She was also the messenger who would have to go between the two residencies sorting everything out.
James was working hard in his job. Voldemort was becoming more active.
About a week before Harry's first birthday, Sirius popped over to Godric's Hollow for a private chat with James.
"Mate, I have a problem." He started.
"Whats wrong? Sirius you know I'll always be here for you, whatever. Like even if you murdered someone or something." Sirius grinned at his mate.
"Yeah like that'll ever happen. No seriously, I feel awful."
"How?"
"You know I loved Andi, right?" James nodded. "And I'll always love Andi." James smiled and nodded again. "Well you see, when I went back to work. One of my colleges came up to me and she gave her deepest condolences." James was confused as to where this was going. "Anyway, she offered to spend some time with me and talk with me and stuff. Cause, well she lost her fiancée the same sort of way. And I mean at first it felt weird so I declined. But as I moved on in my mourning I needed to talk about it... with... someone who understood. So we went out for dinner. And we just chatted and you know what it felt so much better once I knew I wasn't alone. So we went out again, the again. And then last night we kissed? And I mean, I still love Andi, but Sasha, I don't know what I feel for her?" James looked at him startled; he didn't know anything about any of this.
"Mate, Andi would've wanted you to move on, I mean it's overall year ago it happened. And she knows you've never been one to sit still. And maybe you should just take things really slowly with Sasha. You've both suffered a horrific loss. You need to ask yourselves do you like each other like that or is it just because you understand each others pain and this is a way to relieve it." Sirius nodded.
"You're right. We need to talk. Thanks mate." He hugged his best friend and apperated away.
Lily came in from behind James. "Wow." She smiled. "It's great he's moving on."
James took her into his arms.
"I could never get over you." She frowned at him.
"But I would want you to. I wouldn't want you to be alone. I'd want you to be happy."
"If I wasn't with you, I'd never be happy."
Lily closed her eyes and leaned towards her husband's lips.
He smiled as they softly touched.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Came from the near by bouncer.
"Has my little soldier woken up?" Lily cooed moving from James who sighed.
"Perfect timing as usual." He smiled.
"I can't believe it was exactly a year ago today that you were born." Lily said to her son.
He was holding her finger using it for balance as he walked very unsteadily into the living room with his mother.
James was already in there holding a wizeding video camera. When Harry entered both Lily and James began singing.
"Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Harry,
Happy birthday to you!"
James swung the camera round to show all the presents laid out for his little soldier.
Lily sat and helped him unwrap them, constantly telling James off for filming her in her nighty.
The presents almost seemed wasted on Harry, as most one year olds, Harry was more interested in the wrapping paper.
About an hour later, Lily and James were crawling around on the floor playing with Harry's new toys, trying to get him interested in them. But he still played with the wrapping paper. Everytime Lily attempted to take it off Harry he started crying. So in the end she gave up. Claire came into the room, dressed and made up looking at her brother and sister in law crawling around in their pyjamas still.
She cracked a smile and discretely picked up the camera, which had been put to the side.
"Here Harry, look at mummy. Look!" Lily said as she shook a small glittery rattle above her head.
And James was trying to get into the plastic toy car, which Lily had insisted would help Harry to walk and use his legs more. It was muggle and Lily remembered how she used to love the one she had as a child.
James couldn't understand why it didn't move on it's own or fly or something.
But anyhow, he had managed to squeeze into the toy car meant for children between 1 and 6. His legs were sticking out of the windows, as were his elbows and his head out the sunroof. When he noticed Claire was recording him he tried to stand up, but ended upside down in the car kicking his legs trying to turn himself up right again.
Either way it had the desired effect, Claire was laughing so much she had to stop filming.
Claire gave Harry her present and helped him unwrap it, whilst Lily helped her husband untangle himself from the toy.
"James I told you it was too small." She said sternly.
"Yeah bet Sirius does exactly the same thing when he comes round later."
Claire and Lily looked at each other shaking their heads.
This was the idiot who would be helping prepare for the party.
Claire was pinning up banners, Lily was feeding Harry and James was pinning up balloons. They were getting ready for the party.
Suddenly there was a
*POP* Followed closely by a
*BANG*
"Jesus James!" Sirius said. He had apperated into the room obviously scaring James enough to slip with the pin. "You scared the living daylights out of me!"
James got up off the floor, where he had fallen backwards.
"Yeah mate cause I just did that on purpose." He replied sarcastically.
"Why would you do that?" Sirius asked seriously.
James just punched him playfully.
"Where's the birthday boy?" Sirius said turning to Harry.
Harry loved his Godfather and started jumping up and down excitedly in his high chair. "Look what daddy number two has got you." He exclaimed revealing quite a big package.
Sirius picked Harry up, out of his chair and helped him unwrap his present. It was a mini replica of his motor bike. It even raised off the ground a couple of inches.
"Sirius, do you know how dangerous that is?" Lily worried like a mother.
"What are you on Lil's?" James stated. "It's great." He finished with a giant boyish grin.
Lily turned to Claire for support.
"Sorry Hun, but I agree with the boys." Lily sighed.
*DING*
"Ow, my cakes done!" James exclaimed.
"You let him bake?" Sirius laughed.
"Yeah he's a good chef." Lily smiled. "He has cooked me many a romantic meal." James winked at he seductively.
"Bet you cooked him something nice after in return." Sirius joked.
This time it was Claire who punched him.
Soon enough the guests started arriving.
Frank, Alice and Neville.
Molly, her husband Arthur and their kids; Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and their newest arrival baby Ginny.
A few other families arrived followed by Peter.
Peter had gotten Harry a toy broom, which like Harry's bike, flew.
The boys also managed to enchant Harry's car to fly and allowed Fred, George and Charlie Weasley to have races, achieving (what Lily thought was impossible) to make more mess then the Marauders.
James had also, it seems, managed to put a little too much sugar into his cake. Thus making most of the children go hyper from a sugar rush.
The smaller children had had their cake mushed for them.
Remus arrived later. He gave Harry his present. There was a little tension between him and Claire. It was the first time they had been in a room together since THAT DAY.
But Remus had to be invited- they were all still friends.
As Harry's present was opened, Lily was gobsmacked.
It was a set of prank items for one year olds.
It included a screwdriver (Think Rugrats) many items which made loud noises and some things to throw.
"Remus, I thought I could rely on you to get him something sensible! Those two morons," She pointed to Sirius and Peter, "get him something he could easily fall off and break his neck. You encourage him to become a fellow prankster and that idiot, who Harry has as a father gives all the kids a bloody sugar rush!"
Remus chuckled. "You know what they say Lil's, once a Marauder, always a Marauder!"
"Here here!" The four boys raised their glasses.
"We're Infamous!" Sirius announced.
"Mummy, whats a 'Bloody sugar rush'?" Little Bill asked Molly.
Lily blushed as the whole room looked at her, laughter in their eyes.
"Never you mind dear." Molly replied.
Later on they played a few party games. Sirius insisted on joining in the pass the parcel. He also showed off when he didn't win it. But the games were quite wasted on the majority of children- they weren't really aware of what was going on at that age.
Slowly, everybody started leaving. It didn't really notice until the Weasly's left as they made up most of the children there. Finally it was left with the Marauders Claire and Lily. Oh and of course Harry.
They all helped tidy up. And Lily took her son and put him to bed. He was worn out after such a busy day.
Finally after an hour of clearing (Mainly the living room) they all sat down. Lily brought them in some drinks and some tea. They just sat around talking, once more like the group they used to be.
"That's a pity to hear Pete." Sirius said to his mate.
"Yeah things just weren't working out." Peter smiled.
"Ow well you'll find another girl you'll get on better with." James comforted.
"So, Remus how's the work front?" Lily asked changing the subject. He grimaced. "Not to good, I mean I've had a good look around and theres not many places I'm allowed to work. Plus I've heard they might bring in another law. One which means I'll have to tell my employer of my position before I start. No one's going to want a werewolf working for them." Lily looked at him sympathetically. He dared a glance at Claire, but she was looking at the floor.
"Ow, I've got an idea." Lily exclaimed. "Remember when I worked at the Hog's head pub? Well the manager, um, Adam. He never asked to many questions, just kept himself to himself. We had all sorts come in. But the wage was excellent. You could see if he needs any new employees. I'd be more then happy to vouch for you." Remus smiled at her.
"Yeah Lil's that'd be great. I desperately need a wage to come in. I mean Living with you guys." He turned to Sirius and Peter. "Is great, but I want to beable to make my own way. I don't want to have to sponge off you guys forever. I mean what if I didn't have anyone to help- then how would I cope?"
"Hey guys, I'm tired I'm going up to bed now." Claire said leaving the room.
A few minutes later Remus went up after her.
As she heard the door of her guestroom she knew who had come up.
"Remus, I really don't feel ready to talk to you yet." She said feeling herself close to tears. His face appeared at the door.
"Sorry." He said turning. "I just wanted to see if you were ok."
"Thanks." She replied softly.
There next meeting would be tragic. It would bring them closer and make them realise that life is too short to not be talking.
Later on when everybody had left and Lily and James had gotten into bed. James voiced the thought which had been in his mind for a while now.
"Lily, I love Harry right."
"Right." Lily looked at him weirdly.
"So I was thinking, well I wondered. Do you want to try for another." Lily smiled adoringly at her husband, but didn't answer. "I mean if we're going to have at least six, we need to make a good start on it." He continued. Lily laughed at him and how awkward he was.
"I love you." She laughed ruffling his hair. "And yes of course I want another." She leant in kissing his lips.
The next day Lily and James received a very urgent owl from Dumbledore. They had no choice but to go and see him at his current location, which even though it was the summer holidays, was Hogwarts.
They asked Sirius and Claire to look after Harry for the day.
They walked up the steps to the Entrance and the doors swung open dramatically. Dumbledore stood facing the couple who stood hand in hand.
His expression was sad and tired. The most worried they had ever seen him.
"Sir?" James started.
"James Lily, I think you'd be best to come to my office. This will be hard to take in."
They followed Dumbledore to his office, the journey seemed long and daunting.
As they went through the corridors, they saw Mcgonagall, who nodded at them gravely and Hagrid who smiled weakly. It seemed so long ago now that they had pranked these members of staff.
They followed Dumbledore into his office and sat opposite him.
"Albus... what is it?" Lily asked weakly. "You're worrying me."
James put a comforting hand on her knee. He gave he an encouraging smile which said 'Don't worry what ever it is we will get through it.'
"Listen. This is not going to be easy to tell you, so I'm just going to get to the point. I have a few spies, and one of them is in Voldemorts inner circle. He has informed me that since the last time you escaped him, he has become obsessed with your defeat. He is formulating plans, he's making new spells, and he's even improving on old ones. He has become very strong, stronger then I fear Grindleward even dreamt of."
Lily gasped.
"So... so what are you trying to say?" James asked.
"What I'm saying is I'm scared for your safety. We've already had a number of members of the order go missing. I can't afford to lose you two. I want you to seriously consider going into hiding. And I don't want you to tell anyone, unnecessarily of your were abouts. My spy has told me of Voldemort having his own spy. A spy who is close to you and telling him of your positions."
"None of my mates would betray me." James stated arrogantly.
"James, I know you bestow your trust in all of your friends, but someone is passing information. It's not coincidence that Voldemort has known exactly when and where to attack you before hand."
"Why? Why is he focussing on us? we're just an ordinary family." Lily said tearing up.
Dumbledore shook his head sadly.
"Lily, as you know James is the heir of Gryffindor. He is from a long line of powerful witches and wizards. He also defied his father, who he knows was an alliance of the dark lords. But it's not just James he's after. Lily, you're a very powerful witch. At Hogwarts even before you came out of your shell, we could see you would be powerful. That's why we put you as prefect. And when James came along and started helping you, developing your powers, I saw it. Rowena Ravenclaw never reproduced. Though it is said that in times of grave need a powerful figure can choose an heir. Lily you were chosen as Ravenclaw's heir. And just as those thousands of years ago, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw fell in love. Like The founders, the heirs are very, very powerful, even more so when they work together. And Harry, little Harry, he will have powers that you combined will never have. He is more powerful then imagined. That is why Voldemort is focused on you. He wants to put a stop to all three of you before you become a serious threat to his power. But you also have the one power that he has never understood, the one thing that he can never have. That's love. Think about it. You have love for each other which is the most powerful thing you could use. Always bear that in mind. By love alone we can beat him."
"Wow." Was all Lily could reply with.
"He fears us?" James asked still taking all of this information in.
"Yes James. In the days of the founders, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw defeated Slytherin, but also to the demise of Ravenclaw. They were never able to marry like they had wanted to. Through the generations the heirs have grown stronger. I don't want you to fight Voldemort yet though. I want you to go into hiding."
"How can we hide from the most evil person alive though?" Lily questioned.
"The fideleaus charm. It is a charm where those using it are hidden from everyone and everything, the only way someone would beable to find those under the charm would be if the person they chose to be their secret keeper told them. I think you should go into hiding and I will be your secret keeper."
Lily nodded.
"No, I want Sirius." James protested. "He's the only person, other than Lily, that I trust faithfully and he has been there for me in every aspect of my life. I know he would never betray me."
"James are you sure? This could cost you your life." Dumbledore reasoned.
"I'm sure. If one of my close friends were turning me into Voldemort, it would never be him."
Dumbledore bowed his head gravely. James would never be swayed.
"I think it's right to." Lily backed her husband up. Sirius would never betray them.
"Talking of Sirius I have some one who has recently joined my staff. She would very much like to meet young Mister Black. Or should I say revisit him." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mysteriously.
James ran into his house.
"SIRIUS!" He yelled. "SIRIUS WHERE ARE YOU?" Claire came out of the living room laughing and holding the wizarding video camera.
"A little help!" Sirius said as James and Lily entered.
They began laughing. Sirius was in Harry's car and him being just a little taller than James was having a little difficulty getting out of it.
"See I told you he would do it to!" James exclaimed. Lily shook her head pityingly, then saw Harry.
"No Harry don't put that in your mouth!" She cried and ran forwards pulling Sirius' wand from his chubby little hands.
James smiled sadly at his wife and son.
"Sirius, Dumbledore has someone you would want to meet- believe me you'll like her. And then I have to talk to you about something." James was trying to smile, he knew his beat friend would appreciate this Suprise, but he couldn't help but feel sorry for himself. You would too if you were told one of your best friends was a traitor and the deadliest man alive had a personal grudge against your family and wanted to kill you.
Sirius didn't know whom James wanted him to meet so badly, but he rushed to Hogwarts anyway. parking his motor bike outside Hagrid's cabin he walked the well-known route to Dumbledore's office. Being sent there for so many detentions seemed to have paid off.
Dumbledore made him take a seat whilst he went to get the mystery person. o Sirius just sat there thinking.
He drifted off to a fond memory of his third year.
* * *
He and James had been bored and so had broken, just a couple of rules. Mr Pringle the current caretaker hadn't been able to handle them, so he had taken them to see Dumbledore. Dumbledore, like this current time had left, so James and Sirius decided to have a little tamper with the sorting hat. Let's just say the next sorting was quite humorous.
In his mind he heard Mcgonagall saying his name.
"Sirius." He smiled.
"Sirius." It sounded so familiar.
"Sirius." Wait that wasn't Mcgonagall anymore.
"Andi?" He turned around but nobody was there. It must have been the wind.
"I just wanted to say goodbye." The voice in his mind said.
"Andi?" He questioned.
"Sirius." The voice replied.
"Andromeda Black, show yourself!" Instantly a ghost appeared in front of him. And a very angry one at that.
"You Know I hated that name." His late wife said sternly.
"Andi." He ran to hug her, but instead feel straight through.
"I'm a ghost Sirius." She said grimly.
"Yes you're a ghost, but you're still here." Sirius smiled.
Andi shook her head sadly.
"Sirius, I asked to see you because I wanted to say goodbye... forever."
Sirius looked at her sadly.
"You're still here though? Why are you here?"
"Sirius, When a person leaves the world of the living and re-enters as a spirit it's because they weren't happy with the life they had lived. Because they didn't enjoy it or they missed out on a certain aspect."
"You weren't happy with your life?" Sirius asked hurt.
"Of course I was Sirius, I loved my life. Especially living it with you. But There was something I wanted, something my life was missing."
"Children." Sirius whispered looking into what used to be dark Hazel eyes, but were now a transparent shade of grey.
Andi nodded. "Yes children." She whispered staring back at him.
"Andi, I would've caved in. Eventually we would have had a child... I mean Lily and James have Harry and I love him to pieces and... and I..."
"Shhh, Sirius I know." She comforted him. "I love you and had I not been k... killed, I would still be with you. But we have to face up to the fact I'm dead and you can't be in love with a ghost."
"I can, I will love you till the day I die and then I will become a ghost as well and we can haunt the others together." Sirius said excitedly, though even he didn't believe what he was saying.
"No Sirius. Go live your life be happy. That is exactly what I wanted to do at first. I wanted to be by your side even in this state. I followed you whilst being invisible, I saw you cry, speak at my funeral. Sirius I know you love me I never even doubted that. Then I realised that you had to move on and me being there with you wouldn't help. So I did the only thing I could think of. I went to ask Professor Dumbledore what to do. He didn't tell me what path to take, but he asked me why I wanted to stay as a ghost, and I replied because I missed out on having the fulfilment of children in my life. Being a ghost I'm guessing that I can't personally have children. So he suggested that I stay here at Hogwarts, become a resident ghost and help look after the kids."
"So so so... what?" Sirius asked.
"So I'm no longer Andromeda Black. As much as that will always be in my heart. I am now the Grey lady, Ravenclaw's resident ghost. I will be helping the prefects of my old house Ravenclaw. I will beable to guide younger children to go there way in life." She smiled at him weakly, and implied she would take his hand if she could. "Sirius, I want you to move on in your life, I want you to meet someone else, have children with them. And I am expecting to meet them here in Hogwarts and look after them. Sirius we will always love each other and you can always come here and talk to me. But we can't be together." Sirius walked up to her and placed his lips up to hers, making sure he didn't go through her. He kissed her, although it felt like he was kissing air, very, very cold air and he pulled away, grateful that he got this opportunity to meet her one last time.
"I understand." He whispered sorrowfully.
"You have to remember that I have and never will blame you for what happened. I suppose we were just never meant to be." Their gaze linked for another second, then Sirius stood up.
"You're right, I love you." He said.
"I love you too. Say hi to everyone for me and congratulations to Lily and James."
Sirius nodded and left. He wished it could've been different but he knew that was the last conversation he'd ever have with his wife. He was just glad that he got a second chance to say goodbye.
Sorry for the time it's taken me to update- I think the chapter is longer than my usual amount. Anyway Thank you all for your reviews. Hope you enjoy this one. Next chapter will be very sad. Luv ya Jessie xxx
The big ordeal of Claire and Remus' break up took a few weeks to mend the rift. Claire and Remus weren't talking.
James and Remus weren't talking.
Sirius ad Peter were staying with Remus, looking after him and making sure he wasn't about to do something stupid like kill himself or anything.
Lily was taking care of Claire and Harry (Who had been playing up more recently.) She was also the messenger who would have to go between the two residencies sorting everything out.
James was working hard in his job. Voldemort was becoming more active.
About a week before Harry's first birthday, Sirius popped over to Godric's Hollow for a private chat with James.
"Mate, I have a problem." He started.
"Whats wrong? Sirius you know I'll always be here for you, whatever. Like even if you murdered someone or something." Sirius grinned at his mate.
"Yeah like that'll ever happen. No seriously, I feel awful."
"How?"
"You know I loved Andi, right?" James nodded. "And I'll always love Andi." James smiled and nodded again. "Well you see, when I went back to work. One of my colleges came up to me and she gave her deepest condolences." James was confused as to where this was going. "Anyway, she offered to spend some time with me and talk with me and stuff. Cause, well she lost her fiancée the same sort of way. And I mean at first it felt weird so I declined. But as I moved on in my mourning I needed to talk about it... with... someone who understood. So we went out for dinner. And we just chatted and you know what it felt so much better once I knew I wasn't alone. So we went out again, the again. And then last night we kissed? And I mean, I still love Andi, but Sasha, I don't know what I feel for her?" James looked at him startled; he didn't know anything about any of this.
"Mate, Andi would've wanted you to move on, I mean it's overall year ago it happened. And she knows you've never been one to sit still. And maybe you should just take things really slowly with Sasha. You've both suffered a horrific loss. You need to ask yourselves do you like each other like that or is it just because you understand each others pain and this is a way to relieve it." Sirius nodded.
"You're right. We need to talk. Thanks mate." He hugged his best friend and apperated away.
Lily came in from behind James. "Wow." She smiled. "It's great he's moving on."
James took her into his arms.
"I could never get over you." She frowned at him.
"But I would want you to. I wouldn't want you to be alone. I'd want you to be happy."
"If I wasn't with you, I'd never be happy."
Lily closed her eyes and leaned towards her husband's lips.
He smiled as they softly touched.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Came from the near by bouncer.
"Has my little soldier woken up?" Lily cooed moving from James who sighed.
"Perfect timing as usual." He smiled.
"I can't believe it was exactly a year ago today that you were born." Lily said to her son.
He was holding her finger using it for balance as he walked very unsteadily into the living room with his mother.
James was already in there holding a wizeding video camera. When Harry entered both Lily and James began singing.
"Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Harry,
Happy birthday to you!"
James swung the camera round to show all the presents laid out for his little soldier.
Lily sat and helped him unwrap them, constantly telling James off for filming her in her nighty.
The presents almost seemed wasted on Harry, as most one year olds, Harry was more interested in the wrapping paper.
About an hour later, Lily and James were crawling around on the floor playing with Harry's new toys, trying to get him interested in them. But he still played with the wrapping paper. Everytime Lily attempted to take it off Harry he started crying. So in the end she gave up. Claire came into the room, dressed and made up looking at her brother and sister in law crawling around in their pyjamas still.
She cracked a smile and discretely picked up the camera, which had been put to the side.
"Here Harry, look at mummy. Look!" Lily said as she shook a small glittery rattle above her head.
And James was trying to get into the plastic toy car, which Lily had insisted would help Harry to walk and use his legs more. It was muggle and Lily remembered how she used to love the one she had as a child.
James couldn't understand why it didn't move on it's own or fly or something.
But anyhow, he had managed to squeeze into the toy car meant for children between 1 and 6. His legs were sticking out of the windows, as were his elbows and his head out the sunroof. When he noticed Claire was recording him he tried to stand up, but ended upside down in the car kicking his legs trying to turn himself up right again.
Either way it had the desired effect, Claire was laughing so much she had to stop filming.
Claire gave Harry her present and helped him unwrap it, whilst Lily helped her husband untangle himself from the toy.
"James I told you it was too small." She said sternly.
"Yeah bet Sirius does exactly the same thing when he comes round later."
Claire and Lily looked at each other shaking their heads.
This was the idiot who would be helping prepare for the party.
Claire was pinning up banners, Lily was feeding Harry and James was pinning up balloons. They were getting ready for the party.
Suddenly there was a
*POP* Followed closely by a
*BANG*
"Jesus James!" Sirius said. He had apperated into the room obviously scaring James enough to slip with the pin. "You scared the living daylights out of me!"
James got up off the floor, where he had fallen backwards.
"Yeah mate cause I just did that on purpose." He replied sarcastically.
"Why would you do that?" Sirius asked seriously.
James just punched him playfully.
"Where's the birthday boy?" Sirius said turning to Harry.
Harry loved his Godfather and started jumping up and down excitedly in his high chair. "Look what daddy number two has got you." He exclaimed revealing quite a big package.
Sirius picked Harry up, out of his chair and helped him unwrap his present. It was a mini replica of his motor bike. It even raised off the ground a couple of inches.
"Sirius, do you know how dangerous that is?" Lily worried like a mother.
"What are you on Lil's?" James stated. "It's great." He finished with a giant boyish grin.
Lily turned to Claire for support.
"Sorry Hun, but I agree with the boys." Lily sighed.
*DING*
"Ow, my cakes done!" James exclaimed.
"You let him bake?" Sirius laughed.
"Yeah he's a good chef." Lily smiled. "He has cooked me many a romantic meal." James winked at he seductively.
"Bet you cooked him something nice after in return." Sirius joked.
This time it was Claire who punched him.
Soon enough the guests started arriving.
Frank, Alice and Neville.
Molly, her husband Arthur and their kids; Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, Ron and their newest arrival baby Ginny.
A few other families arrived followed by Peter.
Peter had gotten Harry a toy broom, which like Harry's bike, flew.
The boys also managed to enchant Harry's car to fly and allowed Fred, George and Charlie Weasley to have races, achieving (what Lily thought was impossible) to make more mess then the Marauders.
James had also, it seems, managed to put a little too much sugar into his cake. Thus making most of the children go hyper from a sugar rush.
The smaller children had had their cake mushed for them.
Remus arrived later. He gave Harry his present. There was a little tension between him and Claire. It was the first time they had been in a room together since THAT DAY.
But Remus had to be invited- they were all still friends.
As Harry's present was opened, Lily was gobsmacked.
It was a set of prank items for one year olds.
It included a screwdriver (Think Rugrats) many items which made loud noises and some things to throw.
"Remus, I thought I could rely on you to get him something sensible! Those two morons," She pointed to Sirius and Peter, "get him something he could easily fall off and break his neck. You encourage him to become a fellow prankster and that idiot, who Harry has as a father gives all the kids a bloody sugar rush!"
Remus chuckled. "You know what they say Lil's, once a Marauder, always a Marauder!"
"Here here!" The four boys raised their glasses.
"We're Infamous!" Sirius announced.
"Mummy, whats a 'Bloody sugar rush'?" Little Bill asked Molly.
Lily blushed as the whole room looked at her, laughter in their eyes.
"Never you mind dear." Molly replied.
Later on they played a few party games. Sirius insisted on joining in the pass the parcel. He also showed off when he didn't win it. But the games were quite wasted on the majority of children- they weren't really aware of what was going on at that age.
Slowly, everybody started leaving. It didn't really notice until the Weasly's left as they made up most of the children there. Finally it was left with the Marauders Claire and Lily. Oh and of course Harry.
They all helped tidy up. And Lily took her son and put him to bed. He was worn out after such a busy day.
Finally after an hour of clearing (Mainly the living room) they all sat down. Lily brought them in some drinks and some tea. They just sat around talking, once more like the group they used to be.
"That's a pity to hear Pete." Sirius said to his mate.
"Yeah things just weren't working out." Peter smiled.
"Ow well you'll find another girl you'll get on better with." James comforted.
"So, Remus how's the work front?" Lily asked changing the subject. He grimaced. "Not to good, I mean I've had a good look around and theres not many places I'm allowed to work. Plus I've heard they might bring in another law. One which means I'll have to tell my employer of my position before I start. No one's going to want a werewolf working for them." Lily looked at him sympathetically. He dared a glance at Claire, but she was looking at the floor.
"Ow, I've got an idea." Lily exclaimed. "Remember when I worked at the Hog's head pub? Well the manager, um, Adam. He never asked to many questions, just kept himself to himself. We had all sorts come in. But the wage was excellent. You could see if he needs any new employees. I'd be more then happy to vouch for you." Remus smiled at her.
"Yeah Lil's that'd be great. I desperately need a wage to come in. I mean Living with you guys." He turned to Sirius and Peter. "Is great, but I want to beable to make my own way. I don't want to have to sponge off you guys forever. I mean what if I didn't have anyone to help- then how would I cope?"
"Hey guys, I'm tired I'm going up to bed now." Claire said leaving the room.
A few minutes later Remus went up after her.
As she heard the door of her guestroom she knew who had come up.
"Remus, I really don't feel ready to talk to you yet." She said feeling herself close to tears. His face appeared at the door.
"Sorry." He said turning. "I just wanted to see if you were ok."
"Thanks." She replied softly.
There next meeting would be tragic. It would bring them closer and make them realise that life is too short to not be talking.
Later on when everybody had left and Lily and James had gotten into bed. James voiced the thought which had been in his mind for a while now.
"Lily, I love Harry right."
"Right." Lily looked at him weirdly.
"So I was thinking, well I wondered. Do you want to try for another." Lily smiled adoringly at her husband, but didn't answer. "I mean if we're going to have at least six, we need to make a good start on it." He continued. Lily laughed at him and how awkward he was.
"I love you." She laughed ruffling his hair. "And yes of course I want another." She leant in kissing his lips.
The next day Lily and James received a very urgent owl from Dumbledore. They had no choice but to go and see him at his current location, which even though it was the summer holidays, was Hogwarts.
They asked Sirius and Claire to look after Harry for the day.
They walked up the steps to the Entrance and the doors swung open dramatically. Dumbledore stood facing the couple who stood hand in hand.
His expression was sad and tired. The most worried they had ever seen him.
"Sir?" James started.
"James Lily, I think you'd be best to come to my office. This will be hard to take in."
They followed Dumbledore to his office, the journey seemed long and daunting.
As they went through the corridors, they saw Mcgonagall, who nodded at them gravely and Hagrid who smiled weakly. It seemed so long ago now that they had pranked these members of staff.
They followed Dumbledore into his office and sat opposite him.
"Albus... what is it?" Lily asked weakly. "You're worrying me."
James put a comforting hand on her knee. He gave he an encouraging smile which said 'Don't worry what ever it is we will get through it.'
"Listen. This is not going to be easy to tell you, so I'm just going to get to the point. I have a few spies, and one of them is in Voldemorts inner circle. He has informed me that since the last time you escaped him, he has become obsessed with your defeat. He is formulating plans, he's making new spells, and he's even improving on old ones. He has become very strong, stronger then I fear Grindleward even dreamt of."
Lily gasped.
"So... so what are you trying to say?" James asked.
"What I'm saying is I'm scared for your safety. We've already had a number of members of the order go missing. I can't afford to lose you two. I want you to seriously consider going into hiding. And I don't want you to tell anyone, unnecessarily of your were abouts. My spy has told me of Voldemort having his own spy. A spy who is close to you and telling him of your positions."
"None of my mates would betray me." James stated arrogantly.
"James, I know you bestow your trust in all of your friends, but someone is passing information. It's not coincidence that Voldemort has known exactly when and where to attack you before hand."
"Why? Why is he focussing on us? we're just an ordinary family." Lily said tearing up.
Dumbledore shook his head sadly.
"Lily, as you know James is the heir of Gryffindor. He is from a long line of powerful witches and wizards. He also defied his father, who he knows was an alliance of the dark lords. But it's not just James he's after. Lily, you're a very powerful witch. At Hogwarts even before you came out of your shell, we could see you would be powerful. That's why we put you as prefect. And when James came along and started helping you, developing your powers, I saw it. Rowena Ravenclaw never reproduced. Though it is said that in times of grave need a powerful figure can choose an heir. Lily you were chosen as Ravenclaw's heir. And just as those thousands of years ago, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw fell in love. Like The founders, the heirs are very, very powerful, even more so when they work together. And Harry, little Harry, he will have powers that you combined will never have. He is more powerful then imagined. That is why Voldemort is focused on you. He wants to put a stop to all three of you before you become a serious threat to his power. But you also have the one power that he has never understood, the one thing that he can never have. That's love. Think about it. You have love for each other which is the most powerful thing you could use. Always bear that in mind. By love alone we can beat him."
"Wow." Was all Lily could reply with.
"He fears us?" James asked still taking all of this information in.
"Yes James. In the days of the founders, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw defeated Slytherin, but also to the demise of Ravenclaw. They were never able to marry like they had wanted to. Through the generations the heirs have grown stronger. I don't want you to fight Voldemort yet though. I want you to go into hiding."
"How can we hide from the most evil person alive though?" Lily questioned.
"The fideleaus charm. It is a charm where those using it are hidden from everyone and everything, the only way someone would beable to find those under the charm would be if the person they chose to be their secret keeper told them. I think you should go into hiding and I will be your secret keeper."
Lily nodded.
"No, I want Sirius." James protested. "He's the only person, other than Lily, that I trust faithfully and he has been there for me in every aspect of my life. I know he would never betray me."
"James are you sure? This could cost you your life." Dumbledore reasoned.
"I'm sure. If one of my close friends were turning me into Voldemort, it would never be him."
Dumbledore bowed his head gravely. James would never be swayed.
"I think it's right to." Lily backed her husband up. Sirius would never betray them.
"Talking of Sirius I have some one who has recently joined my staff. She would very much like to meet young Mister Black. Or should I say revisit him." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mysteriously.
James ran into his house.
"SIRIUS!" He yelled. "SIRIUS WHERE ARE YOU?" Claire came out of the living room laughing and holding the wizarding video camera.
"A little help!" Sirius said as James and Lily entered.
They began laughing. Sirius was in Harry's car and him being just a little taller than James was having a little difficulty getting out of it.
"See I told you he would do it to!" James exclaimed. Lily shook her head pityingly, then saw Harry.
"No Harry don't put that in your mouth!" She cried and ran forwards pulling Sirius' wand from his chubby little hands.
James smiled sadly at his wife and son.
"Sirius, Dumbledore has someone you would want to meet- believe me you'll like her. And then I have to talk to you about something." James was trying to smile, he knew his beat friend would appreciate this Suprise, but he couldn't help but feel sorry for himself. You would too if you were told one of your best friends was a traitor and the deadliest man alive had a personal grudge against your family and wanted to kill you.
Sirius didn't know whom James wanted him to meet so badly, but he rushed to Hogwarts anyway. parking his motor bike outside Hagrid's cabin he walked the well-known route to Dumbledore's office. Being sent there for so many detentions seemed to have paid off.
Dumbledore made him take a seat whilst he went to get the mystery person. o Sirius just sat there thinking.
He drifted off to a fond memory of his third year.
* * *
He and James had been bored and so had broken, just a couple of rules. Mr Pringle the current caretaker hadn't been able to handle them, so he had taken them to see Dumbledore. Dumbledore, like this current time had left, so James and Sirius decided to have a little tamper with the sorting hat. Let's just say the next sorting was quite humorous.
In his mind he heard Mcgonagall saying his name.
"Sirius." He smiled.
"Sirius." It sounded so familiar.
"Sirius." Wait that wasn't Mcgonagall anymore.
"Andi?" He turned around but nobody was there. It must have been the wind.
"I just wanted to say goodbye." The voice in his mind said.
"Andi?" He questioned.
"Sirius." The voice replied.
"Andromeda Black, show yourself!" Instantly a ghost appeared in front of him. And a very angry one at that.
"You Know I hated that name." His late wife said sternly.
"Andi." He ran to hug her, but instead feel straight through.
"I'm a ghost Sirius." She said grimly.
"Yes you're a ghost, but you're still here." Sirius smiled.
Andi shook her head sadly.
"Sirius, I asked to see you because I wanted to say goodbye... forever."
Sirius looked at her sadly.
"You're still here though? Why are you here?"
"Sirius, When a person leaves the world of the living and re-enters as a spirit it's because they weren't happy with the life they had lived. Because they didn't enjoy it or they missed out on a certain aspect."
"You weren't happy with your life?" Sirius asked hurt.
"Of course I was Sirius, I loved my life. Especially living it with you. But There was something I wanted, something my life was missing."
"Children." Sirius whispered looking into what used to be dark Hazel eyes, but were now a transparent shade of grey.
Andi nodded. "Yes children." She whispered staring back at him.
"Andi, I would've caved in. Eventually we would have had a child... I mean Lily and James have Harry and I love him to pieces and... and I..."
"Shhh, Sirius I know." She comforted him. "I love you and had I not been k... killed, I would still be with you. But we have to face up to the fact I'm dead and you can't be in love with a ghost."
"I can, I will love you till the day I die and then I will become a ghost as well and we can haunt the others together." Sirius said excitedly, though even he didn't believe what he was saying.
"No Sirius. Go live your life be happy. That is exactly what I wanted to do at first. I wanted to be by your side even in this state. I followed you whilst being invisible, I saw you cry, speak at my funeral. Sirius I know you love me I never even doubted that. Then I realised that you had to move on and me being there with you wouldn't help. So I did the only thing I could think of. I went to ask Professor Dumbledore what to do. He didn't tell me what path to take, but he asked me why I wanted to stay as a ghost, and I replied because I missed out on having the fulfilment of children in my life. Being a ghost I'm guessing that I can't personally have children. So he suggested that I stay here at Hogwarts, become a resident ghost and help look after the kids."
"So so so... what?" Sirius asked.
"So I'm no longer Andromeda Black. As much as that will always be in my heart. I am now the Grey lady, Ravenclaw's resident ghost. I will be helping the prefects of my old house Ravenclaw. I will beable to guide younger children to go there way in life." She smiled at him weakly, and implied she would take his hand if she could. "Sirius, I want you to move on in your life, I want you to meet someone else, have children with them. And I am expecting to meet them here in Hogwarts and look after them. Sirius we will always love each other and you can always come here and talk to me. But we can't be together." Sirius walked up to her and placed his lips up to hers, making sure he didn't go through her. He kissed her, although it felt like he was kissing air, very, very cold air and he pulled away, grateful that he got this opportunity to meet her one last time.
"I understand." He whispered sorrowfully.
"You have to remember that I have and never will blame you for what happened. I suppose we were just never meant to be." Their gaze linked for another second, then Sirius stood up.
"You're right, I love you." He said.
"I love you too. Say hi to everyone for me and congratulations to Lily and James."
Sirius nodded and left. He wished it could've been different but he knew that was the last conversation he'd ever have with his wife. He was just glad that he got a second chance to say goodbye.
Sorry for the time it's taken me to update- I think the chapter is longer than my usual amount. Anyway Thank you all for your reviews. Hope you enjoy this one. Next chapter will be very sad. Luv ya Jessie xxx