TISSUE WARNING! I mean it!

Sorry for the long wait but I did what I promised, I wrote ten pages instead of my usual 3-4 page. I hope this chapter is worth the wait!

Oh, and a few Questions and Answers that you may have about this chapter are at the bottom of the document.

Chapter Five

A Mother's Sacrifice

They Apparated outside Godric's Hollow, the ancestral home of the Potter's since thefifteen hundreds. Everyone in James' family had once lived in the noble and ancient household that had been built and lived in by Godric Gryffindor. It was one of the last pieces of evidence that truly showed the magnificence of the Four Founders. The front of the house looked old and worn, with plants growing up the side of it to give it an old fashioned look. Lily, herself, had planted them.

A garden path led to the front to a red door, symbolising Gryffindor, with the words 'Godric's Hollow' emblonised on the door.

Sirius raised a knuckled hand and knocked three times, and then twice more after three seconds. It was the Marauders secret knock and one they had used frequently when at Hogwarts when Peter had forgotten the password and neither of the others were with him.

There was a rustle of feet, a shout of 'Harry! No!' and then the pattering of small feet and a loud thump. Sirius exchanged glances with Remus.

Finally the door opened, and James Potter stood staring at them. His mouth fell open. "What are you two doing here"

"News from Dumbledore." Remus said, before Sirius could get a word in.

"Well, come on, in then." James leapt aside, and the two Marauders swiftly walked inside. James shut the door, locking and bolting it.

"Daddy." a small voice piped up.

Sirius looked down and saw Harry standing, staring at them with wide, green eyes. Harry had certainly grown in the seven months he hadn't seen him. Harry had been very small, now he was bigger and taller, and a coat of bushy black hair fell in strands about his face. He was a baby James. He was nearly two years old. In two months he will be two.

"He's grown, Prongs. Looking like you everyday" Remus said. He hadn't seen Harry for eleven months, mainly because he had been out of the country avoiding the suspicion that had been pinned on him before. At least now that would stop now that Peter had been found as the traitor.

James smiled at the compliment and bent down to lift Harry into his arms. The small boy wriggled, but his father held him tightly in his grip. "Do you really think you're going to get away so easily? You little monster."

"No fair..." Harry said. He had been speaking for a while now. Back in October 1981 when the Fidelius Charm had been performed Harry had only been saying 'ma' and 'da', now he was able to say more words and construct sentences out of them. But then, having James and Lily as parents probably helped him in his development quicker then any other baby, Sirius mused.

"Who is it James" Lily called out.

"Sirius and Remus" he called back.

Lily Potter walked out into the hallway, smiling in greeting. She held out her hands, and Sirius kissed both, making her blush. Remus shook her hand. She was quite surprised to see him.

"What do you want, anyway" James asked.

"We've got bad news for you, James." Remus said"It's about Peter."

James exchanged a glance with Lily. However only they knew the significance of that look.

"Tell us" Lily instructed, and she led them into the lounge where the two men sat down on the settee. Harry and James made themselves comfortable on the floor, though only to the benefit of Harry who was busily trying to reach his favourite plush toy of a dragon.

Sirius sighed. He put his hands through his hair and then spoke in a quiet voice. "Peter found me in a town called Crief which is in Scotland. He suddenly appeared from an alleyway and became all friendly as if there was no problem of stepping in front of me and demanding how I was. I was suspicious..." he halted, not sure how to say this"but Peter is a Death Eater. He led the enemy to my flat where they attempted to capture me. I escaped by jumping out of the window and transforming."

James was white, though he already knew of Peter. He couldn't believe that Peter would willingly do that to a friend: lead Death Eater's. He shook his head. "Dumbledore knows"

Remus answered"Yeah. We told him about the Animagi thing as well. He knows Peter is a rat - literally - and he also knows about Prongs, Padfoot and Moony, the full story instead of the abbreviated version."

"I can understand why" James said "I think it's for the best. Especially with Peter on the loose." Question is, now that he's betrayed us, what do we do about it?

The three friends were summoned to Hogwarts to speak to Dumbledore. Harry was left with Lily who was only too happy to spend some quality time with her son without James around to give him bad habits. Of course, James never did anything bad around Harry, but she did suspect that Harry would eventually grow up to be just like James in the department of pranking. She surely hoped he wouldn't but with Sirius and Remus as his uncles, it was inevitable that he would.

It was two days later since James had received the news of Peter's betrayal. Sirius and Remus had remained at Godric's Hollow as they had no where to go and besides they knew Dumbledore could easily contact them if they were in the same place.

Walking through the corridors once again brought James back to happy memories. He smiled as he remembered:

"Potter, what do you think you are doing" Prefect Lily Evans stood in front of him, green eyes blazing in fury as she stared at James. He hastily put his wand away to make himself look innocent. The Slytherin on the floor - Snivellus - moaned but James did not care. Lily mattered. He had to impress her, show here what he could do, show that he was worthy of her.

"Nothing." he replied.

"Nothing" Lily asked incredulously"NOTHING" her temper flew into a rage. "HOW COULD YOU HONESTLY SAY YOU WERE DOING NOTHING! YOU ARE A ARROGANT BULLY, POTTER! GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK HEAD FOR ONCE! WHY DON'T YOU LEAVE PEOPLE ALONE"

James put on a cocky smile, but Lily only got madder.

"Come on, Evans, I'll stop it if you'll go out with me. Just once."

Lily exploded. "DO YOU REALLY THINK I WOULD BELIEVE THAT YOUR PROMISES ARE WORTH KEEPING POTTER! YOU ARE NOTHING! I HATE YOU, I ALWAYS WILL! NOTHING WILL CHANGE MY OPINION ON YOU! EVER"

James was shocked. Lily rarely lost her temper and when she did it was wise to not interrupt her or make her madder. However James had not yet learnt that lesson. "Lighten up Lily." he said, calmly, flashing her another grin that would've melted other girls on sight. But Lily was immune to this tactic.

"LIGHTEN UP LILY" she spat"I'LL ONLY LIGHTEN UP WHEN YOU LEARN THAT HEXING PEOPLE AT RANDOM WILL NOT IMPRESS ME! I MEAN IT, POTTER! One more offence and I'll go to the Headmaster"

"She got you there, Prongs" Sirius spoke up from the side, who was struggling to keep himself from laughing. It was humorous to see James - Hogwart's most talented Quidditch player and most sought after boy (save for Sirius) - was getting told off by a Muggleborn Witch. Even Remus and Peter were struggling to keep the smiles off their faces. The crowd on the other hand just laughed but whether it was at Snape, James or Lily, neither could tell.

"Just shut up, Padfoot." James hissed. He turned back to Lily. "Okay, I'll leave him alone."

"Promise"

"Yeah, I promise." James replied; he couldn't bear not doing something for Lily. He loved her.

Lily walked forwards and knelt down beside Snivellus. "Here, let me help you."

"Shove off, Mudblood." he hissed angrily.

James had just been walking off when he heard those words. He turned around but Lily's voice cut him off. "Don't you dare, Potter."

He glared at Snape. "Don't insult Evans again"

"I'll say what I like" Snape replied. "I'll get you back Potter! Just you wait"

"Prongs." Someone was shaking him, and James sunk out of the memory surprised to find himself walking down the corridor where that memory had occurred. "Prongs, are you there"

He shook his head.

"Does that mean you're not there" Sirius asked, grinning.

James rolled his eyes. "I'm here."

"What were you thinking about" Remus asked.

James smiled. "Lily. The day she shouted at me to stop tormenting Snape."

"Which day was that"

"When we were in the corridor."

Sirius laughed. "That was so funny. And you did exactly what you were told."

"Only for a month though. I didn't torment Snape for a whole month." James remembered.

"We're here." announced Remus as they stopped in front of the secret door leading to the Headmaster's Office.

There was a knock on the door.

Natalie Potter glanced at Christopher. "I wonder who that could be."

Both elderly Potters were wary. Any visitors they got came through the Floo or Apparated, never by the front door. The took their wands, positioning themselves on opposite sides of the door. Christopher reached out, grasped the handle and wrenched the door open.

Lily Potter stood outside, holding their grandson in her arms. Immediately both wands went down.

"Lily" Natalie exclaimed"It's wonderful to see you after so long"

Lily smiled. "Sorry if I startled you, but James has gone to speak to Dumbledore. I thought I'd come and visit you with Harry."

Christopher hugged Lily. "It's good to see you. I'm glad you haven't forgotten us."

"I wouldn't." Lily smiled.

They led her through the house, to the living room, where Lily placed Harry on the floor. He began to crawl around.

The three Potter's chattered together, exchanging news, completely unaware that someone was watching them. Unaware that their lives were about to end in a most drastic manner.

"Peter was here?" James asked, surprised.

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes. He tracked Sirius here. I have spoken to him."

"I sure hope you turned him over to the proper authorities." Sirius mumbled, his face darkened. He felt a fool for leading Peter to Dumbledore.

"No, I didn't."

Sirius was speechless.

"You didn't?" Remus asked, throat parched.

"I gave him a chance."

"What chance?" Sirius' eyes narrowed.

"A chance to get somewhere in the world. A chance to become famous."

"What do you mean?"

"Peter wants to be an Auror." Dumbledore stated.

James felt his mouth drop open. "But he can't. He hasn't got the skill...or even the grades to become an Auror."

"I know, however I was hoping that between the two of you" here he indicated Sirius and James"that you would train him yourselves. Give him proper guidance. I know that you might hate him for what he has done, but he wishes he could change it. Peter is powerful but he hasn't the confidence in his abilities. Help him with that and he'll be great one day, but only through the support and love of his friends."

"Brothers." James whispered.

Remus nodded, agreeing.

"WHAT!" Sirius shouted in disbelief. "How can you say that James?"

"Because" he replied, firmly and calmly"Peter is our friend and brother. No matter what his choices were in the past. He has chosen to change who he is. We haven't always be there for him and we promised we would always be there for each other. Peter became a Death Eater because he was asked to and because he was led to believe that it was the right thing to do. Any of us would do the same if given good enough reasons. No matter what Peter has done in his past, it can be righted by what he does in the future." James turned to Dumbledore"I am willing to help Peter become an Auror, if he truly wishes it."

Sirius remained silent, thinking. He didn't know what to say. True Peter was a friend and a brother, but he was a Death Eater and had betrayed him. Did Dumbledore truly think he would put aside that? He sighed in desperation. How could he not say yes?

"Peter is a friend" Sirius began, "I never thought he would betray us. I thought he was too weak to follow but I see now that he went for the side that is most likely to win in his eyes. It's our fault in a way he isn't much like us. He was a good friend...a good brother..." he cast eyes round at the others"...and he will remain my brother."

"And?" James prompted, heart hoping. He wanted Sirius to except.

"I will help you, James, train Peter to be an Auror. But I still have my doubts."

"That is all I could ask for." Dumbledore replied, a wide glint in his eyes.

"Natalie, can I have a word with you?" Lily asked "alone?"

Natalie nodded, and followed Lily out of the lounge and into the kitchen leaving Christopher to play with Harry.

"What is it?" Natalie asked, apprehension evident in her eyes.

"Someone followed me here." Lily whispered.

Natalie pulled her wand out of her pocket. "We'll fight them."

"No." Lily shook her head.

"What can I do then? I'd die for Harry and you."

"I know." Sadly, Lily pulled a bottle out of her pocket. "Did Dumbledore contact you about this?"

Natalie nodded. "It's time." she said strongly.

"Yes. I'm sorry Natalie. I came earlier so that you could spend time with Harry before it happened, but its the only way for Harry to grow up with James and I and face this Prophecy. We've put it off long enough."

Natalie sighed. "I never told Christopher about this."

"He's not meant to know." Lily said "but whatever happens I'll be thankful to the two of you, especially if this works."

They hugged.

Time was running out.

Voldemort was coming.

"Where do you suppose Peter is, now?" Remus asked.

James shrugged. "Dumbledore said he'd contact him."

"I can't believe that you did that, James." Sirius said.

They were walking across Hogwarts grounds, towards the gate. Dumbledore had told them that he would contact Peter and sort things out with the Ministry. Dumbledore held a high influence within the government but he rarely used it because he disliked such things, but because he had promised Peter he would get him the job he wanted, Dumbledore was willing to bend this rule to do so.

"I can't believe you accepted, either, Padfoot." Remus remarked.

Sirius puffed. "Well, I really had no choice, but I'll give him a chance. If, and I mean this James, that Peter decides to betray any of us again, then I will not be held responsible for my actions, do you understand me?"

"Yeah, we understand." said James.

"Good."

They walked in silence. Finally Remus asked"Prongs, are you worried about something?"

"Sort of." he finally replied,

"You know something is going to happen, don't you?" Sirius said with concern.

"What gives you that idea?" James asked sharply.

"Nothing." Sirius replied.

James looked at him suspiciously but then put it aside. In truth he was worried. He knew what Lily and his mother were doing now. They had discussed it with them ever since Harry had been born, but it had taken a long time to come about. James knew he would never see his parents again, he had visited them this morning, but had not said anything leaving that to Lily. After all, it had been Lily's idea way back in seventh after their return from the future.

He only hoped that everything would go to plan. He wanted Lily and Harry - and his parents - safe.

The three Marauders continued in silence.

No more then two hours after Lily and Natalie had said their final goodbyes, Voldemort attacked. The two woman remained in the kitchen talking (as that was part of the plan) and Christopher (oblivious to it all) played with his grandson. He loved Harry and wished him well in the world.

Voldemort struck swiftly, breaking down the door with his wand, marching into the house, his robes flowing around him. Christopher acted quickly, whipping his wand out and shouting out a random spell. Voldemort blocked it, laughing.

"Child's play." he hissed.

"I won't let you get Harry."

Voldemort's red glowing eyes turned into slits. "Then you'll die."

Christopher shouted over his shoulder as he saw Lily bound out from the kitchen. "Lily! Take Harry and go"

Lily grabbed Harry picking him up and rushing into the hallway.

The Dark Lord made a move to follow but Christopher cast 'IMPEDIMENTA!' knocking his enemy away.

With a swish of his wand Voldemort cast the Killing Curse that hit Christopher on the chest, sending him crashing to the ground. He was dead, his wand still clutched tightly in his fingers.

Harry was crying. He was scared. Lily rushed out into the hallway, turned right and ran into the dining room. She placed Harry down on the floor, telling him to be a brave little soldier, and then placed herself in front of him, raising her wand. She could easily escape, but that was not meant to be. It was part of the plan.

Voldemort strode into the room, so sure of his victory he was that he was smiling.

"Move aside, Mudblood."

Lily grimaced. If only he knew who he was really talking to.

"No."

"Move and you won't die today. You'll see precious James again."

"But Harry won't." Lily replied.

"Some things must be sacrificed for the pleasure of others."

"I will not step aside so a monster like you can kill my son."

Voldemort glared.

"I tell you to move aside, Mudblood! Or you can join your son in death"

"I'd rather die defending him then stepping aside. I will never abandon the ones that I love."

Green eyes focused on Voldemort's red ones. "Never. Not Harry, not James, not even my sister."

"They will all die."

"Not today." Lily smiled, knowing that this was the end.

"So be it. I gave you the chance but now it is gone." he raised his wand.

Lily stood firm above her son watching the Dark Lord. The last thing she saw was her son's frightened eyes and teary face as Voldemort turned the wand on him. The life fled from her body.

"James?"

Alastor Moody walked towards him, and James knew that it had happened. Sirius and Remus stood beside him. It was rare for the Aurors to come and deliver news to Godric's Hollow. Usually it was Dumbledore.

"Yes."

"I have some bad news for you."

James exchanged a glance with his friends. "What is it?"

"It's your parents. They're dead. Killed this afternoon by Voldemort. Lily and Harry were there to."

James' throat tightened. "What about Lily and Harry?"

"They are fine. They survived the attack."

"Thank god, he fell for it then."

"You knew?" Moody asked.

"Yeah. It was Lily's idea. My parents died for a reason."

"What was it for" Remus asked. He and Sirius looked confused.

"I think we'd better go to their home. It'll be better if Lily explains it." James instructed.

"Oh, god, Lils, you're alright." James hugged his wife, happy to have her in his arms.

"And here's Harry for you." Lily said, holding their son up. "He's already been checked by the medi-wizards. They say he'll be fine."

James brushed the black hair out of his son's face. He jerked back in surprise. A lightening bolt scar resided on the right-hand side of his head. The mark of darkness. The mark of a failed curse.

"It happened"

"Yeah." Lily replied.

"Exactly what has happened?" Sirius asked. James had completely forgotten that Sirius and Remus had followed him.

"Lily" Remus beckoned. "James said you'd have answers."

"I do," Lily answered "Before Voldemort attacked I took Natalie aside. She already knew what she had to do to save Harry. She was willing to do it for us. I gave her Polyjuice Potion to look like me. I stayed hidden. Christopher was killed. In fact we hoped he wouldn't be, but he was. He died saving Harry to. Then Natalie, posing as me took Harry and defended him from Voldemort. Her willingness to die for her grandchild was strong enough to save his life. Harry has a part of her blood and it saved him. She gave her life to let Harry keep his. If I had done the same as her, Harry would still be alive."

"And Voldemort's gone where?" Sirius asked.

"He's gone. Not dead, but he's no longer much of a threat. He has no body, no wand, nothing. He can't fight this war. We've won...until he finds a way back."

"One thing I don't understand, is why Mr and Mrs Potter had to die. What has made Harry important enough so that Voldemort wanted to kill him?" Sirius asked.

"We can't tell you that." James replied. He was reeling from the loss of his parents, but he was also happy that his wife and son had survived.

"Maybe one day when things become clearer, but at least, please trust us on this decision."

"I do." Sirius mumbled "it's just strange."

"I know." Lily whispered.

She glanced at James, who hugged her. "At least we are still alive. We've defied Voldemort four times now Lily. He thinks he's killed you, but he hasn't."

"I'm just glad that Harry is safe and sound. I'm glad I can be here with him through this burden of his life."

"Me too," James agreed.

They sobbed together, memories washing over them.

TBC

What did you think? Am I evil?

Thank you for the reviews so far! They make my day!

Questions and some Answers

Is Lily dead? (just in case you don't understand exactly what happened)

No, she's not. She and Natalie swapped places by using Polyjuice Potion. Natalie died protecting her grandson so the 'love' charm still works because she is a part of Harry through James. Her love for Harry is a lot because he is her only grandchild. All her love goes to him.

Is Harry the boy of the Prophecy?

Yes, Harry is. The scar is evident of this.

Will Peter betray them again?

You'll have to wait and see!

Will Harry remember the attack?

He will have a better memory of this one as he is nearly two years old.

Will Peter become an Auror?

Maybe…

Who else am I planning to kill?

No one at that moment.

How many chapters is this fic going to be?

At the moment ten, but it could get less or maybe more. It depends what else I decide to put in.

Next chapter coming soon!