McGonagall and Dumbledore didn't seem that surprised when they were told who was to be a father, but they were almost horrified to find it was me James had duffed up. They came later in the evening when James had come back from playing Quidditch with the boys. I hoped our child would inherit James' love and talent of the sport. . . it was a Potter tradition after all.

We decide to keep it a secret as Madam Pomfrey said there was an illusion charm I could use to hide my bump, but I just had to look forward to the aching back and swollen ankles. She also told us that I would be due around early August. I couldn't wait. James left with the headmaster as he had something he wanted to discuss, while Professor McGonagall stayed. Madam Pomfrey also made a hasty exit.

'Lily, how long have you been seeing James?'

'Since July 30th.'

'Well, I believe you have finally achieved what all the teachers have been trying to do for years.'

Again I was confused. I hate that.

'You've made him grow up, and most importantly, this has made him realise that he has to be responsible. He's going to be a father now.'

'And a very good one at that.'

She raised an eyebrow.

'He was very close to his younger sister, she was like a daughter to him. He took care of her, protected her. That's why he felt even worse when she was killed. He wasn't there to protect her, to do whatever it took to save her.'

The stern woman agreed and stayed with me giving me hints, and (too my horror) I wouldn't be given too much work as it wasn't good for me to be under too much stress. Also James would have had a fit at the teachers.

I was let out the next day and I soon found TJ and Mara (who had decided to stay at the last minute) sitting by the lake with the Marauders. They were all being loud, alone with he rest of the school. They were all taking advantage of the snow that had fallen during the night.

Everyone saw me walk over to the group by the lkae. I heard snippets of conversation along the way;

'-Wonder what Potters' done now-'

'-Why do they hare each other?'

-No idea-'

'They've had a grudge for 7 years now-'

'-Pathetic-'

There was a shocked silence that fell over the grounds when James saw me, as he stood up and gave me a tight hug like an old friend. I hugged him back just as tightly. We sat down next to each other and he put his arm around me as I shivered. I knew I shouldn't have been outside, but – well—I'm stubborn.

Everyone stopped and stared. Their mouths open wide, eyes the size of tennis balls.

'What!'

James looked around, trying to look confused. I was just getting annoyed.

'Hey, we're friends, so shut your gobs, close your eyes and bloody continue with what you kids do to entertain them selves. Nosey gits!!!'

I felt sorry for James; he'd have to cope with more mood swings than normal.

All felt the crack of a whip behind my words and quickly carried on, conversations just as loud as before. I turned back to my best friends.

'When did this happen?' Mara was staring at me as if she'd only just seen me, like I had just appeared out of thin air.

'What? Us becoming friends?'

She looked like she was going to say something else, but changed her mind.

'Look, guys, when my family was killed, Lily was the only person who knew what I was going through. She knew what it felt like to be a victim of Voldemorts cruelty, so naturally I turned to her. We found out stuff about each other and we found that we actually enjoyed each others company. We also get on really well, so we decide to give friendship a go.'