A/N: I'm so sorry, guys! I thought I'd have this chapter done before the end of break, but obviously, that didn't happen. So, I'm back in Spain, and we're back to the sporadic updates. I'm going to try for updates every Friday like I did before, but as I'm now starting a mini-thesis and closing in on finals, I'm not certain that it will be possible. So, please bear with me and have patience! Believe me, I want to update even more than you want me to – it all comes down to how much time I have to write. On the plus side, this is a very long chapter, so maybe it'll hold you over for a little while!
I do want to clear up one point that I think confused a lot of people – Harry is only one month old. The birthday that they celebrated was his one-month birthday, not his one-year birthday. They'll have a considerably larger party for that one! Sorry if I confused you!
Thanks for reading and reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
I don't own Harry Potter.
Turning Points
Perfect by nature,
Icons of self-indulgence
Just what we all need
More lies about a world
That never was and never will be
Have you no shame?
Don't you see me?
You know you've got everybody fooled
Without the mask
Where will you
hide?
Can't find yourself
Lost in your lies
I know the truth now
I know how you are
And I don't love you anymore
- Everybody's Fool, Evanescence
Sirius, James and Lily were still sitting in the living room when Sirius's fireplace jumped to life. They all sprang to their feet, pulling their wands up in front of them. Sirius, who had been holding Harry, practically threw him at Lily.
"Go hide," he commanded. "I'll take care of whoever it is."
Lily instantly obeyed, taking the baby out of the room. She had only made it into the hall when she realized that James wasn't with her.
"James, come on!" she yelled.
"Get out of here, Prongs," Sirius said earnestly.
"I'm staying with you," James said stubbornly, holding his wand steady in front of him.
"Don't be a prat, Potter!" Sirius spat. "They've already tried to kill you once today. Don't make this easy for them! Leave it to me!"
"This is my family, Sirius!" James exclaimed. "I want to defend them."
"What makes you think they'd hesitate to kill you?" Sirius said. "I can take care of myself. This is what I get paid to do everyday."
"I know how to duel, too, you know. In case you've forgotten, I did all that Order training with you."
"James, please," Lily begged from the archway that divided the living room from the hall that led to the bedrooms. "Please, come with Harry and me. We don't want to lose you."
James turned to face her, ready to refuse again. But, when he looked into her eyes that were shining with tears, he knew he couldn't make her hide alone. Not when she was so scared. Not when she asked him to come with her with tears in her eyes like that. He slowly lowered his wand and nodded.
James had no sooner agreed than the figure in the fireplace became visible, spinning closer and closer. Sirius gripped his wand firmly, ready for battle.
"Run!" he said insistently.
James ran to join Lily and Harry. They rushed down the hall and into James's old bedroom, slamming the door shut behind them. Lily performed the five strongest locking charms she knew, one right after the other.
"How did they find us already?" she asked in a shaky voice as she lowered herself onto the bed.
"I don't know," James said, shaking his head. He sat down next to her, and took her hand in his.
They fell silent, expecting to hear the shouts of curses and spells being exchanged. They never heard them. They listened carefully, more terrified by the silence than they would have been by a loud battle. The first thing that they did hear made them exchange a look of disbelief.
"Lils, undo this locking charm," Sirius said with laughter in his voice. "We were wrong, James. Your mother is no threat to any of us."
"My mother?" James said, jumping to his feet.
Lily quickly undid the locking charms, and the door sprang open. Sirius and Mrs. Potter were standing together in the doorway. While Sirius was laughing at their mistake, Mrs. Potter's face was ashen. She crossed the room quickly, and pulled James into a crushing embrace.
"Thank God," she muttered. "Thank God." She released him, and frowned up at him. "Didn't it occur to you to let me know that you were all right?"
"What?" James asked blankly.
She shook her head. "I'll take that as a no. James, all I heard was that your house had been destroyed! No one that I talked to knew anything about you, or Lily, or the baby! I thought that you were all dead! I came here hoping that Sirius might know something, given that he's an Auror." Her voice became more agitated with each word. "Thank goodness I did! I might have started planning your funeral before you thought to let me know that you were safe!"
"Mum, I'm sorry," James said softly. "I didn't think – "
"That's rather obvious."
James shook his head, and hugged her again. "I'm fine," he said. "Lily and Harry are fine, too. We were at the park when they hit the house."
"Thank God," Mrs. Potter said again.
She stepped away from James, and crossed to Lily. She touched Lily's cheek, smiling at her, and then took Harry from her arms. She cuddled the baby close, kissing the top of his head.
"I can't believe this happened on his birthday," she said. "One month old, and he's had his first attempt on his life."
James and Lily looked at one another nervously. To date, Sirius was the only one who knew about the prophecy. What would make her suggest that this was an attempt on Harry's life?
She watched them closely, and nodded. "All right, out with it. Why did this happen?"
"Mum . . ." James said slowly.
"Don't 'Mum' me like that," she angrily. "It's obvious that you two knew that something like this would happen. This is more than just being Order members. If that were the case, you wouldn't be at Sirius's house right now – if they're after Order members, he's in as much danger as you are. I want to know why your house is in ruins. What aren't you two telling me?"
James sighed, and ran his hand through his hair. "You'd better sit down."
Mrs. Potter obediently sat down. She arranged the baby in her lap, and looked up at her son expectantly.
James pulled out his desk chair, and sat down facing his mother. "Harry's in danger, Mum."
"Harry?" she asked with a frown. "But he's just a baby."
"He's potentially a very powerful baby," James said. "Dumbledore told us of a prophecy that was made about a month before Harry was born, saying that the one with the power to defeat Voldemort would be born at the end of July."
"James, over a hundred babies were born in London alone at the end of July," Mrs. Potter interrupted. "What makes you think that our Harry is this one that the prophecy names?"
"The prophecy said that this baby would be born to parents who have defied Voldemort three times," James clarified. "That brings the number of possibilities down to two."
Fear filled her eyes as she thought of all that her son and daughter-in-law had done to fight Voldemort before their son's birth. "Harry and . . .?"
"Neville Longbottom."
"Frank and Alice's son?"
"Yes."
She exhaled slowly, and ran her hand over Harry's head. "But which of them is it?"
James shrugged. "The prophecy said that Voldemort has to mark him as his equal. So, whichever one he picks."
"Apparently, he's picked Harry," Mrs. Potter said nervously, pulling the baby closer.
Lily shook her head. "He doesn't know that part. He only knows that Harry and Neville are threats to him. So, that means that at this point, he's probably trying to . . . hurt both of them."
Mrs. Potter closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. She shook her head as though trying to ward off what she was hearing.
"I'm sorry we didn't tell you sooner, Mum," James said softly.
"How long have you known about this?" she whispered, opening her eyes again.
"Dumbledore told us earlier this month," James admitted.
"And you're just telling me now?"
"We didn't want anyone to know, really," Lily said. "We wanted to try to keep it from Voldemort for as long as we could."
"But now he knows."
"Now he knows," James agreed.
"What have you done to protect Harry?"
"I'm going to protect our new house with as many security charms as I can," Lily replied. "But the most important thing we've done is to give Harry a godfather who will protect him to the death – one of the most powerful wizards we know."
Mrs. Potter looked up at Sirius, who nodded.
"They asked me right after they found out," he affirmed. "You can trust me to protect Harry."
"I know I can," she replied. She lifted the baby up to kiss him. "There's no one I'd rather see as his godfather. I know you'll do everything you can for him, Sirius."
He smiled. "I love him like he's my own son."
"And that's why we trust you," Lily smiled.
"All right," Mrs. Potter said at last. "I can understand why you didn't want to tell me. That's fine. But we need to make sure you're safe right now. Let me take you home with me. You can stay with me until you find a new house. Goodness knows I have the room."
"We're going to stay here with Sirius, Mum," James said.
She looked surprised. "You've already made arrangements?"
James smiled. "Well, we didn't reserve a room or anything, but Sirius has offered." He paused. "We don't want to put you in danger, Mum, and right now, wherever we live is not the safest place in the world. I'd rather know that we're here and that you're safe."
She shook her head. "If you're sure it's what you want to do . . ."
"We're sure."
"All right," she agreed. "But you have to promise to check in with me every day. I need to know that you're safe, James – all of you."
"We will," James grinned. "I promise."
"Laura, there's been another attack. We need someone to collect statements from the witnesses. Can you go?"
Laura looked up at Sean Davies, her supervisor, who was standing in the doorway of her office. "I suppose so. What happened?"
"A house was destroyed. We don't have word other than that."
Laura sighed, wishing they knew more, and nodded. "All right, then. Where am I going?"
"It's in the residential section of Diagon Alley," he replied. "I have the address here." He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket, and began reading off the address he had written down.
Nothing could have prepared Laura for the shock of hearing Sean give her James and Lily's address. She gasped, and her face blanched white. She was thankful she was sitting down at her desk. She was certain that she would have fallen if she had been standing.
"Are you all right?" Sean asked with concern, watching her reaction.
"That's my friends' house," she said in a strangled voice. "I can't – I don't – I'm sorry, but do you mind if I sit this one out?"
"No, that's fine" Sean replied, flinching slightly. "Do you want to go make sure your friends are all right?"
"We don't have any details about survivors?"
"Nothing yet."
Nothing. Tears filled her eyes, and she bit her lip. "Can I go check on them, then?"
"Take the rest of today off," Sean said instantly. He hesitated, the continued. "If – if it's not the outcome you were hoping for, take as much time as you need."
"Thanks," she said, jumping up from behind her desk. She had to find Remus. He would know what had happened.
"Laura," Sean said suddenly.
"Yes?" Laura asked as she grabbed her Floo powder.
He looked at her with eyes full of compassion. "I'm sorry."
She smiled sadly. "Hopefully I won't need the sentiments, but thank you."
Without waiting for a reply, she ran all the way to the Ministry fireplaces. She raced to the first open one, screaming her own address as she threw the glittering powder into the grate.
Within moments, she was climbing out of the fireplace in her kitchen. Coughing, she brushed the soot off her robes.
"Remus?" she yelled. "Remus, where are you? Remus!"
When she didn't receive an instant response, panic seized her. She began to run through the house.
"REMUS!" she yelled over and over as she passed from one room to the next.
"Laura?" Remus came in through the back door just as Laura re-entered the kitchen, brushing dirt from their garden off his hands. "What are you doing home?"
"Where are James and Lily?" she asked without answering his question.
Surprised crossed his face. "I don't know. Should I?"
"Sean just tried to send me to their house. They've been attacked."
"What?" Remus whispered. The color drained from his face, and he grabbed the back of the nearest chair to keep him on his feet. "James and Lily . . . How is that possible?"
"I don't know," she said, nearly in hysterics. "Sean didn't have any details – What if – Oh, God, Remus, we have to find out what happened!"
"All right," he said softly, crossing to hug her close. "We'll find out. Come on. Let's get over there. Even if – even if we can't find them right away, Sirius and Olivia will probably be there with the Aurors. They'll know what's going on."
Laura nodded her agreement. "We can't Apparate. I'm just – I can't do that right now."
"All right," Remus said again. "Let's Floo to Sirius's place, then. We can go from there."
"All right," Laura agreed. "Let's go."
"Again?" Sirius asked in shock as the fireplace again jumped to life.
"I don't know how much more of this I can take," Lily said shakily. "My nerves are pretty well shot."
Sirius picked up his wand. "Go," he said in a voice that invited no dispute.
Without even pausing, James picked up Harry from his blanket on the floor and followed Lily down the hall to the bedrooms. Sirius waited, facing the fireplace with his wand drawn. As the first person stepped out of his fire, he lowered his wand.
"Remus," he said with a smile. "I thought you were a Death Eater."
"Where are James and Lily?" Remus asked, terror written on his face.
Laura clambered out behind him, her own countenance equally horror-struck. "Are they all right?"
"Why are you here?" Remus asked. "Shouldn't you be out looking for the people who attacked them?"
"Which question would you like answered first?"
Laura and Remus looked at each other, and reached out to take one another's hands.
"Are you trying to tell us to prepare ourselves?" Remus asked.
Sirius shook his head. "James, Lily and Harry are fine," he said soothingly. "They're here – when we saw someone Flooing in, I sent them to hide."
"They're all here?" Laura repeated.
"They're all right?" Remus asked again.
"Let me show you," Sirius said. "Come on."
He led them down the hall to James's former bedroom, and knocked on the door.
"False alarm," he called. "It's Remus and Laura."
They could hear Lily's voice removing locking charms, and the door opened to reveal Lily standing in front of it with her wand in her hand. James was on the bed, holding Harry. Laura gave a glad cry at the sight of them, and threw her arms around Lily.
"Good lord, James," Remus smiled, coming forward to shake his friend's hand, "you nearly scared us to death."
"I'm sorry," James said. "We didn't think to tell anyone what had happened. I guess news travels fast, huh?"
"You could say that," Remus said, leaning down to kiss Harry. "Laura heard about it at work."
Laura joined James and Harry. "What happened, exactly?"
"We don't know," Lily said, hugging Remus. "We were out with Harry, and when we came home, our house had been destroyed."
"Moody told Liv and I, and we went to help," Sirius added. "Unfortunately, I left the scene, so I don't know anymore than the rest of you do."
"Where is Liv?" Remus asked.
"Still there," Sirius said. "She stayed to help with the investigation."
Remus nodded. "Do you think you were targeted because you're Order members?"
James and Lily exchanged a look.
"No," Lily said slowly. "We think it's because of Harry."
"Harry?" Laura asked blankly, running her hand over the baby's head. "Why?"
James sighed, and explained the prophecy for the second time that day. Remus and Laura listened in silence, their faces stricken.
"So you're telling us that Harry will be the one to defeat Voldemort?" Remus asked at last.
"He's got a good shot," James said. He shook his head, and looked down at the little boy who had fallen asleep in his arms. "It's really tough to believe, but if Dumbledore is willing to buy it, we have to be, too."
"True," Remus said. He looked at Sirius. "You knew about this?"
Sirius nodded. "James and Lily have asked me to be Harry's godfather," he said slowly.
"Oh," Remus said, trying desperately to think of something else to add. "Well, congratulations."
"Don't be offended that we didn't ask you, Moony," James said earnestly. "It's just – when it comes down to it, I think you have a lot on your plate right now with everything that's going on with Laura. Look, I know she's going to be fine again long before Harry's grown up, but I also know that you've been talking about having children of your own, and – well, if anything does happen to Lily and I, Harry's guardian is going to be a serious target. We can't ask you to put your life on the line for us like that – not when you want to start your own family."
Sirius grinned. "I, on the other hand, have nothing to lose."
"Sirius," Lily said in exasperation.
"No, I know what he's trying to say," Remus said slowly. "I know what you're both trying to say."
"You understand, then?" James asked anxiously.
"Yes," Remus smiled. "I understand."
"We still want you to be a major part of Harry's life," James said. "I mean, you're one of my best friends, Remus. You've been with me since the beginning and – "
"James, it's all right," Remus interrupted, smiling wider. "I really do understand."
James put the baby down on the bed, and stood up to hug Remus. "Thank you," he said.
"Thank you," Remus said, returning the embrace. He released his friend, and smiled at him. "You'd better let Dana and Peter know that you're all right. Like you said, news travels fast."
Peter looked up as an owl flew into the shop. He put down the boxes he had been carrying out of the storeroom, and watched as the bird landed on the counter. He recognized it at once as Owl, James's aging bird.
"Hey, Owl," he smiled. "Did you bring me a message from James?"
He took the letter from the bird, and it took flight again. Peter opened the letter, and began to read.
"Hey, Peter,
"I don't know if you've heard anything about it yet, but our house was attacked by Death Eaters today. Lily, Harry and I are fine, so please don't worry about us. We weren't even home when it happened. The house is destroyed, though. We're going to have to start looking for another one tomorrow. I don't want to say where we're staying, just in case this is intercepted, but please know that we're fine.
"I'll be in touch.
"James."
Peter's hands shook as he read the message for a second time. He had done this. Even if he hadn't been a part of the actual attack, he had given the Dark Lord their address.
"But they're fine," he muttered to himself. "They weren't even there. They're fine."
Smiling to himself, he put the letter in his pocket. They were fine, and now he didn't even know where they were. If the Dark Lord asked, he could honestly tell him that he had no idea where to find the Potters. He smiled wider. He had nothing to worry about.
Both Sirius and James went to work the next day. They offered to stay home with Lily and Harry, but she refused.
"I can take care of myself and the baby," she said. "James, it's your first day of school. You can't miss this."
"The kids won't be there until this evening," James protested. "I can stay home with you for most of the day."
"No," she insisted. "I know how much work you have to do. Just go to Hogwarts – at least I'll know that you're safe there."
"But how will I know that you're safe?" James asked.
"I'll stay home with her," Sirius said at once.
"No, you won't," Lily replied. "You're both overreacting. Harry and I will be fine!"
"Lil, have you already forgotten that you were nearly killed yesterday?" Sirius asked in exasperation. "You're in a very dangerous place right now!"
"They're not going to find us this quickly," Lily said dismissively. "We'll be fine."
"You're not going to let us try to help you, are you?" Sirius asked in defeat.
"No," Lily smiled.
Sirius looked from her to James. "You know, ever since you guys started dating, I thought that you two proved the 'opposites attract' thing. Now, I can see how similar you are – you're too of the most stubborn people I know!"
"Should I be insulted?" Lily laughed.
Sirius looked over at Harry, who was lying on a blanket on the floor. "I sincerely hope that you haven't inherited that from Mum and Dad, Harry, but I'm afraid that you might have. With two parents this stubborn, you're doomed."
They all laughed, and the two men grudgingly agreed to go to work. They both kissed Harry and Lily goodbye.
"I have to stay for the opening feast, so I'll be home late," James cautioned. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."
"I'll be fine," Lily insisted. "Harry and I will find plenty to do today."
And so they left Lily and the baby alone. Lily looked at her son and sighed.
"We really need to talk to Father O'Leary," she informed him. "What do you say we go over to the church today?" She lifted the baby into her arms, and kissed his cheek. "We need to get you baptized."
Peter didn't even flinch when he felt the burning pain in his arm, summoning him to the Dark Lord. Perhaps he had been expecting it. This time he felt extremely confident about their meeting. He knew that he had no information that would help the Dark Lord find his friends. Without thinking twice, he Disapparated.
"Peter," Voldemort said softly as he appeared in the office, "it has come to my attention that your friends are still alive."
"Yes, my Lord," Peter said slowly. "From what I understand, they were out when their house was attacked."
"Yes," Voldemort agreed. "But this puts me no closer to eliminating their son. Where can I find Harry Potter right now?"
"I don't know," Peter said.
"You don't know?" the Dark Lord repeated incredulously.
"No, I don't," Peter insisted.
"Well, I find that hard to believe. Why would they not tell a good friend such as yourself where they are?"
"They haven't told anyone, to my knowledge. They wanted to keep themselves safe."
It was the wrong thing to say. Voldemort's eyes narrowed; he waved his hand, sending Peter hurtling across the room. He hit a wall with a sickening thud, and slid down to the floor.
"Where are they, Peter?" the Dark Lord asked again.
Peter coughed, and reached up to touch the ribs that he was sure were broken. "I don't know," he nearly sobbed. "They didn't tell me!"
"Someone must know!"
Voldemort waved his hand again, and Peter was overcome by a wrenching pain. It wasn't the same pain as that of the Cruciatus curse; it was awful in an entirely different way. He screamed in pain, feeling the tears pour down his cheeks. What would he have to do to make it end?
"Are you ready to talk now?"
"I don't know where they are," Peter said again.
"Peter, do not make me kill you," Voldemort said in a low, threatening tone. "If you do not know where they are, then give me the name of someone who does."
Peter looked at him blankly. Who would know? He had to give him a name – anything to stop this torture.
"Sirius Black," he said finally. "Sirius Black will know where they are."
"Very well," Voldemort said, sitting back with a smile. He snapped his fingers, and another Death Eater entered the room. "Bring me Regulus Black."
"Yes, my Lord."
He turned back to Peter with a benign smile. "Thank you, Peter. You may go."
Still coughing, Peter struggled to stand. As he Disapparated, relief flooded through him. Thank goodness it's over. They're safe. Sirius would never tell the Dark Lord where their friends were hiding. He could do what Peter could not – he could resist the Dark Lord.
When Sirius came home, he found Lily at work in his kitchen, making dinner. He smiled at her, and began lifting the lids of the pots on the stove.
"What's all this about?"
"Welcome home," she smiled. "Since I'm not doing anything else right now, I thought I'd make dinner for us."
Sirius grinned. "Taking care of Harry isn't enough work for you?"
"Harry's napping right now," Lily replied. "And, if I'm honest, I was really just excited to have someone to have dinner with. James doesn't always stay for dinner at school, but he's always there for the feasts. September first is a sad and lonely evening for me."
"Well, then, I'm glad to have you here," Sirius grinned. "But you know, next year at this time, you'll have Harry to eat dinner with you." He frowned slightly. "He'll be able to eat solid foods by then, right?"
"Definitely," Lily smiled. "And that's a good point. I guess I will have him to eat dinner with me for awhile. But when he starts at Hogwarts, I'm right back to where I was last year – both of my men will be at school."
Sirius grinned. "Poor Harry. That kid won't be able to get away with anything – James already knows every trick. He'll catch him every time."
"Good," Lily laughed. "I don't want my baby to be a troublemaker."
"What, like James and I were?" he teased.
"Exactly," she grinned as she began stirring the contents of the pots.
Sirius watched her for a moment. "Can I do something to help?"
"You can set the table."
"No problem."
Within fifteen minutes, Sirius and Lily were seated together at his kitchen table. Harry was with them, bouncing in the baby seat that Sirius had purchased the week before in an effort to have some baby things in his house to welcome Harry when he came to visit.
"So, what did you do with yourself today?" Sirius asked.
"I went to church."
Sirius's eyebrows shot up. "You left the house? Lils, do you realize how dangerous that was?"
"Yes," she said. "But I had to do it. I needed to talk to Fr. O'Leary."
He shook his head. "Sometimes you amaze me. You risked both your life and Harry's to talk to a priest?"
"I did it to save Harry's life," Lily said softly. "I went to make arrangements for his baptism."
"His baptism?" Sirius repeated, raising his eyebrows. "And?"
"Well, it took some fast talking. We're supposed to go to the baptism classes before the actual event, but I convinced him to let us take the classes afterward. We've scheduled the ceremony for Saturday," she said. "Are you working?"
"In the evening."
"Good. We have to be there at nine in the morning. He's getting us in before the morning wedding."
"Does James know?"
"I sent him a message with Owl. He wrote back to say that he's fine with it."
"Good."
"You'll need a letter from the pastor of your church saying that you're Catholic," Lily added.
Sirius grinned. "Just don't tell my mother that – she'll find a way to prove to him that I'm not."
"Wasn't she at your baptism?" Lily giggled.
"And my First Communion and Confirmation," Sirius grinned. "But the woman is evil. She can do anything if she puts her mind to it."
Lily laughed. "I hope my son isn't talking about how evil I am when he's our age."
"He won't be." Sirius exhaled slowly. "Lil – are you sure you want to do this? You're sure you want me to be Harry's godfather?"
"I couldn't be more sure," she said firmly. "I agree with James – I trust you above nearly everyone I know." She paused, and looked deeply into his eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Positive," Sirius said without hesitation. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
"Then we agree," Lily smiled. "Saturday it is."
"You wanted to see me, my Lord?"
"Yes," Voldemort said slowly. He leaned forward, studying Regulus carefully. "I have a mission for you."
"I'll do anything I can to help the cause," Regulus said eagerly.
The Dark Lord smiled. "Good. I want you to kill Harry Potter."
Regulus frowned. "Harry Potter?" he repeated. "James Potter's son?"
"The very same."
"But he's just a baby, sir."
Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Are you questioning me?"
"No, sir," Regulus said quickly. "I'm just surprised, that's all. Where will I find him?"
"Ask your brother."
"Sirius?"
"Yes, Sirius. From what I have been told, he will know where to find the Potter child. Go to your brother, find out where the child is, and kill him. You have seven days."
Regulus swallowed, knowing the consequences would be dire if he refused. "Yes, my Lord. I will do it."
Voldemort nodded. "You may go."
Regulus stepped out of the room, and walked down the long corridor that would lead him out of the Dark Lord's headquarters. His orders tumbled around in his mind. How would he ever be able to carry this out? Finding Sirius would be easy. Getting him to share the Potters' whereabouts would be more difficult.
Even more difficult was the idea of killing Harry Potter. Regulus had never murdered anyone; he hated the idea of his first victim being a baby. But it was too late now. He had given his word to the Dark Lord – there was no backing out at this point. He'd just have to go to Sirius, find out where the Potters were, and kill the baby. He had to go through with it. He had no choice.
Extreme confusion reigned in Sirius's flat on Saturday morning. Harry had awakened them all before six, which Lily pointed out wasn't necessarily a bad thing, considering that they had to be at the church by nine. They spent the intervening time running through the flat, trying to get themselves and the baby dressed and ready for the baptism.
At precisely nine o'clock, they walked into the church sedately, their serene appearance belying the hours spent straining to be there on time. Father O'Leary smiled as he watched them coming.
"Hello, Lily, James," he smiled, shaking their hands. He put his hand on Harry's head. "How are you today, Harry?"
The baby looked up at him solemnly with eyes that were starting to change from their initial blue to another yet-undefined color. He blinked, and Fr. O'Leary smiled. He looked up from the baby to Sirius.
"You must be the godfather," he smiled.
"I am," Sirius said, reaching out to shake his hand. "I'm Sirius Black."
"It's wonderful to meet you," Fr. O'Leary replied as he shook his hand. "You have the letter from your pastor?"
"Right here," Sirius replied, pulling the sealed envelope from his jacket pocket.
"Perfect. Thank you." The priest looked around as though searching for someone. "Is Harry's godmother on her way?"
"He doesn't have a godmother. It's just going to be Sirius," Lily said. "That is all right, isn't it? We just – we just wanted Sirius to be here."
The priest nodded slowly. "Yes, that's fine. Well, shall we begin?"
The ceremony was short, but poignant. As Sirius traced the sign of the cross on Harry's forehead, tears gathered in his eyes. He had meant the promises that he had made to James and Lily. Although he would fight for their lives with everything in them, he was ready to become Harry's guardian, should the need arise.
When it was over, and Harry was crying from the sudden rush of cool water that had hit his head, Sirius stepped away from the group. He went to the first pew, and knelt down on the kneeler. He slowly crossed himself, and bowed his head.
"I never thought I'd be a godfather," he prayed. "I never thought I could handle the responsibility. But now I know that I can, because I have to. God, I love this little boy so much, but I pray that I'll never need to step in as his father. Please, God, protect James and Lily. Keep them safe, and let them live to raise their son."
He raised his head, and looked to where his friends where playing with Harry, trying to make him stop crying. He sighed, and bowed his head again. "They love him so much, Father. Don't tear this family apart." He paused, and drew a shaky breath. "But, if you must, give me the strength to be the godfather that he needs. Give me the strength to – not to take their places in his life, but to raise him as they would have. Let me be the parental figure that he deserves to have in his life." He exhaled, feeling somehow calmer, and crossed himself again. "Amen."
"Good morning, Godfather Sirius."
Sirius smiled. "Good morning, Mummy Lily," he replied. "You seem happy this morning."
"I am," Lily smiled as she sat down across from Sirius at the table. "I feel so much better today, now that we have Harry baptized." She smiled, and touched his hand. "Thank you for doing this for us."
"You don't need to keep thanking me, Little Flower" Sirius smiled. "I want to do it. Besides, he's an easy baby to love."
"You obviously have a silencing charm on your room," James said as he came into the kitchen, having heard Sirius's last comment. He yawned. "Didn't he wake you up at exactly midnight, ten thirty-one, two thirteen, and five twenty-five?"
Sirius laughed. "Way to convince me to have children, Prongs."
"Do you have silencing charm on your room?" James asked again.
"That's a credit to my ability," Sirius grinned. "The last time I put one up was before Remus moved out, and he's been married awhile now."
"You're good, then," James agreed as he dropped himself down into a chair. "Have you made coffee yet?"
"Yes."
"Brilliant. You always make it strong." James waved his wand, summoning a cup of the warm, caffeine-loaded beverage to him. He took a sip, and nodded. "I love this stuff."
"Well, I aim to please," Sirius laughed. "What are your plans for today?"
"Actually, we're going to look for a new house," Lily said.
"Really? Where?"
"Not Diagon Alley," Lily said at once. "I can't handle the idea of living here anymore – not after what's happened."
"We're thinking of Hogsmeade," James said. "It's bigger, and more people live there, so it'll be easy for us to blend in." He grinned. "And, with my own personal gain in mind, it's closer to Hogwarts, so I can walk to work."
"It'll be better for you to be closer to Dumbledore, in any case," Sirius added. "And Remus and Laura live there, so you'll have friends close." He nodded. "You should definitely start there. That's what you're planning to do today then?"
"Yes," James said, "if we can enlist you for your first official duty as godfather."
"What would that be?"
"Can you babysit Harry while we're gone?"
Sirius grinned. "I'd love to."
"Perfect. We're going to leave right after breakfast, then."
Regulus stood outside his brother's flat for a full fifteen minutes before knocking on the door. He truly didn't know how to ask him for the information he needed. Finally, summoning all his courage, he raised his hand to knock on the door.
Sirius opened it slowly, his wand held up in front of him. He lowered it as he recognized his brother. "Regulus," he said with a slight smile. "This is a surprise. Come in."
Sirius opened the door wider, and Regulus stepped into his brother's flat. He looked around curiously, surprised to find that not much had been changed since his last visit. He turned to Sirius with a smile.
"You're looking good," he said. "How have you been?"
"Fine," Sirius replied. "How about you?"
"Good," Regulus smiled. "It's been too long, Sirius."
Sirius nodded, and waved his hand at the living room. "Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"
"No, I'm fine," Regulus said as he sat down on the couch.
"All right." Sirius sat down across from him, and studied him for a moment. "Are you sure you're all right? You look a little off."
"Well, that's a nice thing to say to your brother."
"It's an honest thing to say," Sirius shot back.
"You always were too honest for your own good."
"I'm not quite sure how to take that," Sirius grinned.
The cry of a baby broke the silence that fell after Sirius's comment. Regulus jumped a foot, and looked at Sirius in shock.
"Maybe I didn't realize how long it's been," he said. "I didn't know you had a baby."
Sirius grinned as he stood up. "I don't. That's my godson. I'm babysitting today. I'll go get him, and you can meet him."
"Great," Regulus said, swallowing hard.
As Sirius left the room, Regulus clasped his hands together nervously. What if . . . No, it was impossible. Sirius's godson couldn't be . . .
Sirius walked back into the living room with the now-calm baby in his arms. He beamed at the little boy, then looked at his brother.
"This is my godson, Harry Potter," he said proudly. "Harry, this is my brother, Regulus."
Harry regarded Regulus solemnly. Regulus swallowed again, and forced a smile.
"Well, he's clearly James Potter's baby," he said. "He looks quite a bit like him."
"James's mum said that he looks almost exactly like James did when he was a baby," Sirius replied. "He's a good little guy. Would you like to hold him?"
"Er – all right," Regulus agreed hesitantly.
Sirius grinned. "He won't bite – he doesn't even have teeth yet."
"I've never held a baby before," Regulus said as he took the baby in his arms.
"Never? Not even Nymphadora when she was a baby?"
"Andromeda's little girl?" Regulus asked as he adjusted the baby in arms. "No. I've actually never met her."
"You should," Sirius grinned. "She's a sweet little thing. She's about eight now."
"Have you met Narcissa's little boy?"
"Narcissa had a baby?" Sirius asked, raising his eyebrows.
"You didn't know?"
"I'm not exactly in the family loop anymore," Sirius replied.
"Oh, I guess you're not," Regulus conceded. "Well, she and Lucius just had a little boy, Draco – he's about six months old by now."
"Draco," Sirius repeated, shaking his head. "What a name."
"And Nymphadora is so much better?"
"Not at all," Sirius grinned. "Our family has some naming issues." He reached out to touch Harry's tiny hand. "This one, on the other hand, has a brilliant name."
Regulus smiled again, and looked down at the baby. "How old is he?"
"Just over one month," Sirius replied. He smiled. "He's turning me into a family man. Do you see the baby things in here? I actually bought them myself – his parents didn't bring any of this over except the stroller."
Regulus looked around the flat again, this time noting all that his eyes had skimmed over the first time – the baby swing suspended in the archway between the living room and kitchen, the playpen tucked in the corner, the toys scattered throughout the room. Everything – everything in this house spoke of how much his brother loved this little baby. He swallowed hard.
"I didn't think you were the family sort," he said slowly.
"I never was, but with Harry . . . I don't know, Regulus. He makes me want to have kids of my own someday. He's such a great kid. I'm so proud to be his godfather."
Regulus swallowed again. The fact that he had promised the Dark Lord that he would eliminate this child didn't matter anymore. He couldn't do it. He couldn't kill his brother's godson. He couldn't break Sirius's heart like that. He just couldn't.
When he left Sirius's house, Regulus Apparated to Voldemort's headquarters. He would not wait for the Dark Lord to summon him. He would face him like a man.
He walked into the office without knocking, and found the Dark Lord talking to Severus Snape. They both looked up at him in surprise as he entered.
"Regulus," Voldemort said, folding his hands together, "your presence here suggests that you have brought me news. Have you managed to destroy the child?"
"No," Regulus said, summoning all the courage he possessed – all the courage that had made the Sorting Hat consider putting him in Gryffindor during his first year at Hogwarts.
He thought back to that moment when, as a scared eleven-year-old, he had refused the Hat's suggestion. He had wanted to be in Slytherin, and into Slytherin he went. Now, for the first time, he began to wonder if he should have listened to the Hat's advice and wisdom.
"No?" Voldemort repeated. "Why have you come into my office, interrupting my meeting, only to tell me that you have not yet achieved you mission?"
"I've come to tell you that I will not be completing my mission," Regulus said bravely. "I can't do it, sir."
"What did you just say?" Voldemort hissed, his face contorting into a terrifying scowl.
"I cannot kill my brother's godson," Regulus said. "Harry Potter means the world to Sirius. I can't do this to him. I can't take that little boy away from him." He drew a deep breath. "If you want Harry Potter dead, sir, you're going to have to find someone else to kill him for you."
"And that is your final decision, then?"
"Yes, it is."
"Very well."
Regulus's eyebrows shot up. He had never expected that this would be so easy. He smiled.
Voldemort picked up his wand from his desk. "Avada Kedavra."
Regulus barely had time to register the green light before the curse hit him. Snape watched in horror as his childhood friend fell to the floor. He couldn't tear his eyes away from those of his friend, which were open wide in shock.
Voldemort shook his head. "Pity. He's always been a faithful Death Eater. Severus, get rid of the body."
Snape barely heard the command, but he did as he was told. He levitated Regulus's body out of the office, into the corridor. He took it to the building's morgue, leaving it on a cold slab.
"My God," he muttered. "He killed you for trying to defend your brother – for not killing James Potter's son."
Snape's face twisted as the full weight of what he had just seen hit him. Everything he had heard recently – the prophecy, the struggle to uncover which child would be the one to vanquish the Dark Lord, the command to kill Harry Potter, Regulus murdered for his refusal to do so . . . As he thought of all that had happened, it all fell together. Severus's eyes widened as the realization struck him.
"Harry Potter is the one with the power to destroy the Dark Lord," he whispered in shock. "Regulus was killed for defending him. Harry, James, Lily – they're all in danger."
He didn't know if he was supposed to return to the Dark Lord's office. In that moment, he didn't even think about it. He knew whom he needed to talk to. He didn't hesitate another moment before he Disapparated.
"We have a house!"
Sirius, who was lying on the couch with Harry asleep on his chest, smiled. "Where?"
"Hogsmeade," James replied as he dropped down into the loveseat across from the couch. "It's great. It has two floors, three bedrooms, and a huge yard for Harry to play in. We may even have to get him a dog to play with in all that space!"
Sirius grinned. "It sounds perfect. Is it officially yours?"
"Not yet," James admitted. "We have to go talk to the bank about a new loan tomorrow."
"With a name like Potter, it shouldn't be a problem," Lily said as she entered the room. She sat down with James, smiling at the picture of Harry and Sirius lying together. "How was Harry?"
"Fine," Sirius grinned. "He's a good kid."
"So you two had a good time together?"
"Yeah, we did." Sirius frowned slightly. "We did have an unexpected visitor, though."
"Who would that have been?"
"Regulus."
"Your brother?" Lily frowned.
"The very same," Sirius said.
"Why was he here?" James asked.
"I have no idea," Sirius said. "He said something about it having been too long since we had seen one another."
James looked uncomfortable. "Sirius, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but do you think that he was here for . . . less than honorable reasons?"
"Such as?"
James shrugged. "He's a Death Eater, Sirius. He wasn't here for Harry, was he?"
"Harry? No, there's no way," Sirius said quickly. "He didn't even know that I'm Harry's godfather. He was shocked to find out that I had a baby here."
"He saw Harry, then?" Lily asked.
"Yeah, he woke up and started crying right after Regulus got here. I introduced them, of course. Regulus liked the little guy." He sighed. "I don't think he was here to kill Harry. Believe me, he had the opportunity."
"All the same, I don't like the idea of a Death Eater knowing that we're here," James said uncomfortably. "No offense, Sirius, but the sooner we're moved into our new house, the better."
"Professor Dumbledore, do you have a moment?"
"Of course." Dumbledore put the parchment he had been writing on aside, giving his guest his full attention. "How can I help you, Severus?"
"Sir, I just saw something that greatly disturbed me," Snape said as he entered the Headmaster's office fully. "I'd like to tell you about it, if I may."
"Does in concern the students?"
"No," Snape replied. "It concerns the war and the Potters."
Dumbledore nodded, his face giving nothing away. "Very well. Go ahead."
"Sir, you know what I am," Snape said a bit uncomfortably. "You know what I've done in my life."
"Yes, Severus, I am aware that you are a Death Eater," Dumbledore said quietly. "While I cannot support your decision, and I pray that you will change your mind, I know too that you are an excellent teacher, and that I cannot deny my students your expertise."
Snape nodded slowly. "After what I saw today, I may be changing my status as a Death Eater."
"Oh?"
Snape nodded. "I saw a man killed for standing up for what he believed in."
"Isn't that what this war is all about?"
"Yes – but, normally those who are killed die at the hands of their enemies."
"And this man did not?"
He shook his head. "Regulus Black was ordered to kill Harry Potter." He paused, and looked into the Headmaster's eyes. "You know that Harry will be the one to defeat the Dark Lord?"
"I know that he is potentially the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord, yes," Dumbledore agreed. "Voldemort knows of this as well?"
"Yes. As I said, he ordered Regulus to kill the boy. I was in the Dark Lord's office when Regulus came in to report to him today."
Dumbledore's eyes opened wide. "Has he killed Harry Potter?"
"No," Snape said quickly. "He came in and said that he could not kill his brother's godson. He refused to kill the boy because he had seen how much Sirius loved him."
"And this cost Regulus Black his life?"
"Yes." Snape swallowed, seeing his friend's body falling lifelessly to the floor again in his mind. "He told the Dark Lord that he would not kill the boy, and he was killed for it."
"And this has disturbed you?"
"Yes. Regulus was my friend – he has been my friend ever since his first year at Hogwarts. And Harry . . ."
"And Harry?" Dumbledore prompted.
"James Potter did one decent thing in his life, and that was to come to my rescue when Sirius Black tried to kill me," Snape said, his anger simmering just below the surface. "Even though every other thing he did demonstrated his arrogance and his self-righteousness, that one thing has bound me to him. If that means that I am also bound to his son, then so be it."
"What are you trying to say, Severus?" Dumbledore asked softly.
"I want to help you defend Harry Potter," Snape said firmly. "I want to help you keep the Potters alive. I am will to leave the Dark Lord's legion to do that."
Dumbledore looked at him for a long minute. "Are you absolutely sure this is what you want to do?"
"Yes."
He nodded. "Severus, I am going to ask you to think this over for one week. Right now you are still reeling from seeing your friend die. If you do want to join us, I will be more than thrilled to have you, but I want to be sure that this is truly what you want. Do you understand why I am asking this of you?"
Snape nodded. "Yes, sir, I understand."
"Good." Dumbledore looked away from him for a moment, then turned his eyes on the professor again. "Severus, I believe that you are a very accomplished legimens?"
"Yes, sir, I am."
He nodded. "We can use that to our advantage."
"Sir?"
He smiled. "I will explain when we speak next week. Just be sure not to sever your ties within the Death Eater organization. They may become useful in the future."