YES I am ALIVE! In case anyone was wondering why I didn't update last weekend. Well I do have a valid reason: I tried my hardest to update last weekend on the Saturday but was down and I tried all day, but kept failing. On the Sunday I went away with my parents to our boat for a whole week where there is no Internet (or computer) available so I was unable to update anyway. Yesterday we left the boat to go to my brothers house (and he does have a computer and Internet) however I find it rude to use other peoples things for my own personal happiness (and I didn't have the next chapter with me anyway). It's Sunday 10th April now, and I am back at home and able to update. So here is the chapter that you've waited for, two weeks now, and for that I am very sorry.

If anyone is still reading this story then proceed.

WARNING: This chapter has one 'bad' word.

Prongs Rides Again

Chapter Sixteen: James' Memories (Umbridge's Plot)

Days later, James made his way down to breakfast, Sirius at his side, barking at several of the students. Since Dumbledore had warned James that Umbridge would be giving him a potion at some point, he had been on the alert, however nothing had happened. It had been almost two weeks since term had started.

Entering the great hall, James found his eyes scanning it for his son. Finally he spotted a tuft of black hair sticking up from the very middle of the Gryffindor table. He was chatting with Ron and Hermione, pouring over the Daily Prophet. James sighed, as he sat down at the staff table. A few days ago the Prophet had reported Fudge's actions in appointing Dolores Umbridge, the High Inquisitor. She now had the ability to inspect teachers and have them suspended if they didn't meet the necessary requirements. Thankfully James hadn't been inspected yet, though he realised it would only be a matter of days before Umbridge made herself present for one of his lessons…and he was betting it would be when he was teaching Harry.

"Professor Potter."

James looked up and saw Professor Umbridge standing next to his chair, smiling an awfully false smile.

"Good morning, Dolores." James answered, picking up his fork to dig into the food. This was it. She would only be sitting next to him if she had the potion required to make him show everyone the truth. Even if this worked and he proved that he was James Potter, he doubted she would believe him.

"How are your classes?" Umbridge asked.

James hesitated before answering. Is she trying to be civil to me? "They've been fine. The lessons are challenging, but I am finding that the students are willing to listen to what I've got to say." he chose his words carefully, and even then he wasn't sure that what he had said was adequate.

He turned away to look in the opposite direction, but kept a tiny watch upon his adversary's actions. There! He watched as the Witch poured a small green potion into his glass. He was right. This was it. Time to show her up. He turned back and she hastily pulled her hand back hiding the vial in her robes with skill.

He waited for five minutes, watching as Umbridge grew more anxious. At last James took up the goblet and drank the liquid down deeply. It tasted completely normal, as if nothing was wrong with it, but he felt a change brewing inside him. His mind became hazy; his hands shook and then he gasped, falling from his chair and landing hard on his shoulder.

He heard the rushing of teacher's footsteps but Umbridge's voice rung clearly: "Stay away from him. I am proving to you that he is an imposter!"

James convulsed. He vaguely saw the shape of Sirius' Animagus form being dragged back by McGonagall. And then all went blank as he relieved his memories, knowing full well that those in the Great Hall could see them to.

He was eleven years old. His parents stood beside him as he opened up his letter, his stomach shaking as he wondered if he truly had been accepted or not. James read the letter through twice, before looking up at his parents, his eyes shining.

"I've been accepted," he whispered, "I'm going to Hogwarts!"

His mother leapt forward, hugging her son. "I knew you would, James!"

"I'm proud of you." his father replied, ruffling his hair.

Second year. Twelve years old. His hair a bit longer, falling about his face in strands, James stood with three other boys, two of which were holding their wands at the other. James stepped forward, his eyes looking hurt, as if what he was about to say couldn't be true.

"Remus," James said, lowering his wand, "please tell us the truth." He shivered. "Are you a werewolf?"

Silence in the dormitory. Remus' eyes flew over his companions but finally he nodded, knowing full well he couldn't keep the secret any longer. He hated lying to his friends. He felt that each time he did, he hurt them more then he meant to. He wished that things didn't have to be this way…

"Why didn't you tell us?" James whispered.

"Who'd want to be friends with a werewolf?" Remus asked, shocked that they were still speaking to him.

"I do." James answered. "You may have lied to us but you had a good reason."

"You thought that we would abandon you over this?" Sirius asked, obviously astounded that Remus would consider such a thing.

Remus nodded. "No one has ever wanted to remain friends with me after they knew."

"I do," James answered, holding out his left hand. "Friend's forever."

"Brothers." Sirius answered, laying his own hand on top of James'.

Then Peter followed. "Always."

Lastly Remus laid his hand on top of there's. "Thanks for understanding."

"What are brothers for?" James grinned.

Remus smiled lightly, pleased that he had found friend's loyal enough not to abandon him over something so trivial as the werewolf curse. Even though they accepted him, he could not bring himself to tell them about how it happened for many weeks. When he did, their bond as brother's grew stronger then it had ever before.

"Lily! Wait up!" James called.

The red-haired, fifteen year old beauty, turned on her heels and gave James a cold stare. Even that made him melt. "What is it, Potter?"

"I was wondering," James began, struggling for words, "that is, if you would concede, if you would like to go to Hogsmeade with me?" he hoped that he hadn't offended her.

Lily stared at him but her lips moved before she could prevent them. "No. I do not want to go out with you. I've told you before, Potter, we are not meant to be, even if you think we are."

James' heart fell. "Okay. I won't ask again. I just thought…maybe you would…you know…give me a chance to prove to you that I can be a nice guy."

"Change who you show yourself to be, James, and then maybe I'll reconsider." She walked off, leaving James standing alone, wondering what she meant.

The four boys were standing in an unfamiliar room, notes spread out on a table and complex diagrams sitting on a board. Remus was frowning, and James was lounging in his chair, smiling.

Remus took a deep shuddering breath. "Right here we go." He spread his hands wide. "James, you first."

James stood up, brushing the crinkles out of his robes. He tossed a grin at Sirius. He stepped into the center of the circle that was in the centre of the room. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and began the transformation. His limbs changed, his head lengthened, and suddenly he was a Stag. The question was: could he sustain the transformation? He didn't change. He had succeeded!

Panic suddenly rose in his chest. He couldn't transform back! His heart beat fast and he felt precipitation trailing down his face. Then he felt magic pulsing through him. His body was changing back; relief spread through him. Once he was back in his human form he turned to Remus, who was grinning broadly.

"You did it, James."

"Yeah," he replied, "I guess I did."

Remus turned to Sirius. "All right, Padfoot, it's your turn."

Sirius stepped forward, his eyes gleaming. "If James can do it, so can I."

James grimaced. Yes, Sirius was always competitive. James stepped aside as Sirius took his place in the center of the room. He began the transformation. Black hair sprouted, and as the other three boys watched…

Something clicked in James' mind as he lay watching the memories pass him by. He couldn't let them know about Sirius, otherwise they would guess….Panic erupted through him. Conserving his strength and suddenly letting it go, he managed to block off the memory of Sirius' transformation, but it left him drained of power, and all he could do was sit back and watch as more memories passed through his system.
James was pacing in the Head-boy compartment. He had read through his instructions and was waiting for his partner to arrive. Whoever it was, would change him, he just didn't know how much. The door opened and Lily Evans walked in. she stopped in her tracks, surprise and then anger evident in her features.

"POTTER! What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"I'm Head-boy." James replied.

"You?" Lily spluttered, unbelieving.

James nodded. "Yes. Look before you argue with me, I think I can do this. I've got a position to uphold and I mean to do it. I may have been an idiot before, but I want to prove that I am worthwhile. I can do this job, if only you believe that I can and don't bite my head off over it." he sighed, "I'm willing to work with you and drop all the bad habits…heck…even tormenting Snape. I never thought I'd get this position, but I have, and I mean to prove to the school who I really am."

Lily was speechless. She nodded her approval. "Then James, I will be here to support you, as long as you support me."

James smiled. "I will be." Mentally, he vowed: I will show you who I really am.

She was trembling. Tears gathered in her eyes, but was it tears of love or denial? James had no clue. He looked into Lily's eyes, seeing love mellowing deep within them.

"James," she lifted a hand to touch his cheek, "Do you really mean that?"

He nodded, brushing a hand on her cheek. "Yes, Lily, I do." He got down on one knee, "Lily Evans, will you marry me?" Was he really doing this?

A faint smile lifted Lily's face up and she pulled James into a hug, whispering: "Yes, James, I will marry you."

James couldn't help laughing, as he pulled Lily into a hug and then kissed her firmly on the lips. He was really going to marry Lily! He had never thought she'd say yes. After all they had only been out of Hogwarts for four months. Her commitment to him must mean that she loved him more then he thought possible.

He couldn't wait to let the guys know.

"James!" Lily cried, happy tears running down her cheeks.

"What is it?" James asked, standing up from the table, in which he sat around with Sirius, Remus and Peter playing cards.

She placed a hand on her abdomen. "I'm pregnant."

"What?" James gasped. Silence from the table. But then a wide grin spread to consume his face. "That's brilliant!"

"We're going to have a baby." Lily squealed.

"Hah!" James laughed. "This is great! I know my parents will be dying to know about this!"

Lily smiled, glad that James was happy about this. They hadn't planned for this but with the war going on, who knew when it would be possible to have a child in a safe environment?

James turned to the guys. "Can you believe? I'm going to be a father!"

Sirius was the first to jump up and clap James, and carefully hug Lily. "When is the little Potter due?"

"Beginning of August." Lily said.

"That's ages! Can't it come a little sooner?" Sirius asked.

Lily burst out of laughing. "Sirius, it takes nine months for a baby to grow and develop! I'm only nine weeks in!"

Sirius shrugged. "Congratulations. You'll make great parents…I just know it!"

Crying. James struggled to push the covers off him, as he stumbled in the darkness of his room.

"Lumos!" Lily muttered.

With light projecting from his wife's wand, James crossed the room more efficiently and quickly, coming beside his son's crib. Baby Harry was brawling. He wasn't hungry, as he had been fed just two hours ago. It was a nightmare of some kind that had frightened the four month -old baby.

"Come on, little guy." James whispered, picking up his son and settling him in a more comfortable position in his arms.

He began humming, a tune that his mother had sung to him as a little boy. A few minutes passed and Harry's crying began to cease and the small child began to fall asleep in his daddy's arms. James carefully pulled a bit of black hair out of his son's face and grinned happily. He couldn't believe that his little bundle was his son.

"Is he back to sleep?" Lily asked, yawning. They took it in turns to get up for Harry. Obviously it was James', but he didn't mind. He didn't want to miss being with his son.

"Yeah, he is. I'll put him back to bed." Carefully James laid the tiny boy in his crib and covered him in blankets. He slid into bed next to Lily and kissed her. "Sleep, my princess."

Lily's head obediently fell back onto the pillow, sleep overpowering her. James watched her.

December roared in and coming with it was heavy snow. The lake near to where they lived was covered in ice. Using magic James strengthened it so that it was capable to hold human weight and then taking Lily by the hand, they were skating. Little snowlets dropped from the sky causing the scene to become more romantic then it already was.

Sirius stood at the edge, holding Harry, and talking to him in a baby way, pointing out James and Lily.

The two skated for hours, just enjoying the time they could have on their own.

"What was that?" Lily jumped, her bright green eyes searching for the source of the disturbance.

James lifted his wand and muttered a dark detecting spell. His eyes widened. "Oh god."

"James?" Lily asked tentatively.

"He's here." James stated. "Lily, go. Get Harry and run!"

Lily made a run for the stairs.

"I'll hold him off!" James shouted up to her. He had to give Lily sometime to get Harry to safety. He was important. It suddenly struck him that he would never see his wife and son again. Then the door blew open and Voldemort stepped into the house.

James let off a stream of curses but the Dark Lord blocked them all, laughing, his red eyes gleaming in satisfaction.

"Expelliarmus!" the Dark Lord bellowed.

James dodged the spell, rolling to the side and letting off another stream of curses. One got through, and Voldemort screeched in pain.

"POTTER!"

James swallowed, defiance evident in his features, his stature and his eyes, no matter how afraid he felt inside. He was going to die, he knew that much. Wormtail had betrayed them. Why? What had made him do it?

"CRUCIO!" Voldemort shouted.

SHIT! James thought but too late. The curse struck him and he screamed in pain as agony tore through him. He didn't know how long it lasted but all he knew was that he wanted it to stop. His wand cluttered to the ground. He fell half-against the wall, barely managing to stand on his feet.

The curse was withdrawn.

Red eyes met his own, and a cruel smile pulled at the merciless features. "You have been a thorn in my side for far too long, James Potter." her raised his wand. "And now you die."

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

Unable to avoid the curse, James stood his ground. As it hit him he felt fire racing through his body, his mind fleeing from his body and his consciousness faded into nothingness. He fell to the floor, traces of pain wracking through his battered body and then he was gone…

Voldemort's voice echoed as he faded… "Your pretty Mudblood wife is mine…"

The memories stopped. Relief spread through him. Carefully he opened his eyes to find Dumbledore standing over him.

"Rest James." The headmaster said.

As he closed his eyes, James saw Umbridge having a shouting contest with Professor McGonagall. Obviously the potion had failed to prove that he wasn't James Potter. It made him feel good inside, knowing that he had won. It was the peace that he needed as darkness claimed him.

Throughout this entire performance the whole hall had been silent. As the final memory vanished, students turned to look at Harry, who was equally stunned at what he had seen. What had happened? He glanced at Hermione, who seemed to be thinking, her brow creased in concentration. Mutterings began through the hall, but suddenly stopped as Umbridge began shouting, obviously not pleased with what had happened.

"I tell you, he is not James Potter!" she shrieked, "He must've got those memories else where!"

"Prey tell us, Dolores, how it is possible for him to acquire James Potter's memories if you say he is not James? According to you, he has been dead since October 31st 1981, yet you just saw his death. No one was there that night save for Lily Potter, Harry, James and You-Know-Who." Professor McGonagall reasoned.

"I don't know!" Umbridge replied, "He probably took his memories! There is prove there that he is not James Potter!"

"How?"

"He deliberately ended a memory so we could not see the outcome! That means he was hiding his true self!" Umbridge declared, feeling that at last she had won the battle.

"Perhaps it was merely a secret about his friends." Professor Dumbledore said, stepping into the conversation.

Umbridge lowered her eyelids, making herself look menacing, however the headmaster chose to overlook that.

"You got what you want Dolores. You saw his memories. There is more then substantial proof to show that he is the real James Potter. Now…lets leave this matter behind us…and let us get back to our daily activities. If you choose to believe that James Potter is not who he says he is, then I will accept that, but I firmly believe that, due to the evidence presented just now, he is James Potter."

Umbridge glowed in anger but did not speak. Her eyes glared dangerously, but then she stomped off, hands clenched in fury.

Dumbledore smiled at McGonagall. "Hopefully she will not try anything else to prove her incorrect theories." He clasped his hands together. "Now, I need to speak to James. If you'll excuse me."

The Gryffindor fifth years made their way to the common room. Harry was silent, his mind worrying about his father and wondering what exactly had happened. Dean and Neville were talking animatedly about the memories, while Seamus seemed to be ignoring them. Hermione had not spoken since.

When they reached the common room, Hermione took Harry and Ron aside. "I think I know what happened down there."

"What?" Ron asked. Harry glanced at her.

"Well," Hermione began, "I remember reading about a potion that allowed anyone to see memories of that person's life. Obviously, Umbridge put that potion into James' goblet, so when he drank it, everyone in the hall could see his memories."

"What was the purpose for it?" Harry asked.

"To prove to us that James is a traitor and someone in disguise. However that potion has proved that he is your father." Hermione explained with relish. "No one would have access to the memories that James showed us."

Harry nodded. "I bet Umbridge still doesn't believe it."

"Probably not." Hermione answered. "She is - and if I dare say it - a bitch. James doesn't deserve to face this. He's been through so much…I can't bare to see him in pain."

"Neither can I." Harry answered.

Silence followed. After a minute or so, Harry got to his feet and headed towards the portrait hole.

"Where are you going?" Ron asked.

Harry glanced over his shoulder. "To see my dad. Make sure he's all right after what the old toad put him through." He left before the others could reply to his statement.

"Lily…No…not Lily…please don't hurt her…I'll do anything!"

"Awaken!" a calm, wizened old voice said, as a cool hand rested upon his forehead.

Slowly the world slid into focus, and James grudgingly opened his eyes to see Dumbledore looking down upon him, a slight smile of concern flitting on the edge of his lips.

"Hey, Professor." James smiled tiredly.

"I'm glad to see that you are awake. You gave Umbridge quite a shock with the memories."

James smiled again, glad that he had secured some victory. "But she doesn't believe it though, does she?"

Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "Unfortunately she thinks you got the memories else where. There is no way we can convince her of the truth unless Cornelius Fudge believes it. He doesn't even though he has made the announcement."

James growled underneath his breath. "I just wish they could accept the fact that I am real."

"They will in time, James. Give them a chance. You'll be able to prove who you are at a later stage. I do not know when or how but it will come, and when it does they will accept all what you have to say. "

"I hope you're right. I don't want to live the rest of my life as a liar. I can't bear they would see me like this."

"People will one day see the truth." Dumbledore answered. "I guarantee that."

"Harry is here to see James," Madam Pomfrey said.

The headmaster moved away from the bed, stepping towards the door. He passed Harry, avoiding his eye contact.

James brightened visibly when he saw Harry. "Hey kiddo."

"Dad." Harry inclined his head. "I'm glad you're awake. I was pretty worried that Professor Umbridge had done something really bad to you."

James shrugged. "I knew about it already, I just didn't know when she would attempt to do it."

Harry brushed his hand through his hair. "What exactly did she do? Hermione said that she used a potion to make us see those memories."

"That's true." James replied. "It's the only way to prove that I am who I say I am."

"I don't need convincing." Harry smiled warmly, laying a hand on his father's shoulder. "When I first met you, I didn't know what to think. I was unbelieving, unsure of whether I should truly hope that you were real, or if it was just some trick of Voldemort's. But you convinced me when you spoke of Lily…of mum. No one would fall apart like you did, especially if you loved her so much. It was in that moment, that I realised I had a family, someone who I could rely on to protect me. I've never had that before, and now you are here, it's hard to let go." Harry bit his lip. "I wanted to help you. I didn't want to see you suffer. I could tell that you were in pain. I sort of…felt it…in my heart. Whatever pain you go through, dad, I do to. We're connected in more ways then one. I wish that others could see you for who you really are instead of some mad-man in a James Potter look-alike suit."

James ruffled Harry's hair, pulling his son into a hug. Harry responded, wrapping his arms round James. They found comfort in each other. That was enough in its self to prevent any worries from entering either Potter's mind.

TBC

Well, what did you think of James' memories?

Thank you's go to the following people: silverbluenchantress; Kim Kotchanski; LiLy MaLfOy13; IamSiriusgrl; thinkingpink (I really don't like the new ratings, I don't understand them!); shazia)Riavera; queen-of-monkey-magic; DementorIceCream; the 1 hp fan; Loonie Potter; Eric2; dweem-angel; Barbossa'sApples; Crazy-Physco; Inumaru12; PrincessSkywalkerOrgana; ismesimine; zippyfox (yes, all my work is driving me mad!); luna-rocker; amrawo; supernova8610; FutureGoddess; squiddie03; Pure Black;emuerz;magicgirl45852; Japanese-jew; Silverspecter (I'll review your story later); Shalaren; Smorefan; iblameteraspawn; and Jb.

ambereyes2873: I hope to include Remus in the upcoming chapters, but I'm not sure if I can put him into the story as well as I have managed with James.

Dracis Tran: Sorry about Snape not being in character. I have no idea how to write him. I'm trying to delve into his thoughts concerning James. I mean, you can't hold a grudge forever, can you? Well, you could, but I think since they are basically on the same side they would try and work together for the benefit of the school.

HarrysGrrl: I have two exams this year (ones a retake as a failed it first time). Harry has been in the 'I will not tell lies' stage for two weeks as he got another set of detentions as well. We're in to the third week of term. Did you like this chapter?

LiLaZnGrLy: Another reviewer who goes insane…(I have to admit those reviews are the best as they make me laugh). Thanks for pointing out the mistake. I always make at least one mistake in every chapter. I was re-reading through the first chapter, and it was so awful. What was I thinking when I wrote that! Two typos! DOH! I read through my work but it never clicks - I'm glad that someone tells me these mistakes so at a later stage I can go back and correct them! And the five minutes of insaneness was fine! I have no problem with it!

Lady Taliesin: HIYA!I hope James was up to standard for you, especially in the memories. I am experimenting with different aspects of James' life. I hope they came out all right. Okay, onto your review. I have seen Monty Python and the Holy Grail but that was a long time ago. I liked the film a lot and if your brother didn't like it…then he might not understand the humour of it. James as King Arthur (mental image appears of him standing on top of a hill holding a flag and holding his chin high and looking at his three friends, one of which is cowering a mile away; the other is in the process of turning into a werewolf; and the other is playing pranks on the enemy: Snape.) Sorry, I'm in a rather weird mood as I write this. Hehe…I do think Prongs needs a hug. He won't get that many…WOW, you thought that I did a great job with James' emotions when talking to Harry? Thanks! You know what? I think I should assign you to be James' therapist, maybe it would knock some sense into him, and turn him back into a proper Marauder! More funny/insaneness! Heh, I loved that one! James making a doggy collar for Snuffles and taking him down to see Snape! Maybe I should write something (a humour story like that) and title it 'How James Potter tortured Severus Snape a hundred times in one day with Snuffles doggy collar!' or something…blurgh…I'm now officially going insane. James does trust Sirius, he just knows he is an impulsive idiot who would do anything without consulting someone about it first. And he doesn't want to lose his best friend either. Oh, I'll join all three of those 'I-hate-clubs!'. I dislike all of those characters, but Umbridge is the worst. Yeah…about Snape smiling, I figured he would smile at least once in a while, he can't be a slimy old git all the time, can he? And he is trying to get over his grudge with James. I hope you liked this chapter! I'll e-mail you later when I have time. I've got to look at my e-mails now!

Next Chapter: The High Inquisitor - in which James has another encounter with Umbridge when she comes to inspect his class! Will be available, hopefully, on the 16th April 2005!

Thank you for reading!

MissBlackPotter