A/N: I know, I know. Believe me, the entire "Remus is the evil spy" thing is killing me, too! But that's the way it happened . . . and far be it from me to change it. I hope you like this chapter!

Mirrorbay2000: I wasn't sure exactly how old they were supposed to be, only that they died young. Right now, they're 22 or 23.

Tears 4 Sirius: Just wanted to say thank you for the sweetest review I've ever gotten! You truly seem to love my characters as much as I do – you're the best!

Highlandhottie: I loved the hook ups! Harry's was my favorite, but I loved the Ron/Hermione tension, too. And his other relationship was just hysterical!

Reader: Tonks and Lupin rock!

Irish Silhouette: They're not dead yet . . . keep reading. I'm definitely going to do an epilogue – I think you'll like the way I have it planned!

BendYourArmsToLookLikeWings: Of course he'll laugh. It's what happened. I'm going to write it so that it fits, so no worries!

Thanks for reading and reviewing, everyone! Enjoy!

I don't own Harry Potter.

The Last Chance

Dear Mrs. Dursley,

I am not certain you will remember meeting me on the day of your marriage; though if a lack of memory is the case, I am sure that you will agree that it was in no way related to any action on my part. I am Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School, which your sister, Lily Potter, and her husband James attended. I know that you and I met under the most horrible of circumstances, but the fact remains that we did meet, and that an agreement was struck between us on that day.

As I am sure you will recall, our agreement allowed you to retain your memories of your wedding day and your parents' tragic deaths in exchange for my protection. This agreement also stated that I have your permission to add conditions as I see fit. The time may well be approaching when I will add a condition.

You may already be aware of the danger that surrounds your sister and her family. Her son is currently a target of Lord Voldemort, the most evil dark wizard our world has seen in several decades. Lily, James and Harry are planning to go into hiding in order to remain safe. However, if Voldemort is able to achieve his goal, they will all lose their lives. Any and all measures are being taken to prevent such a tragedy. Even so, a chance exists that your sister and her husband could lose their lives in the impending battle, leaving young Harry an orphan. While they would like to have him raised among his peers in the wizarding world, that is, to send him to live with James's mother in the event of their deaths, it is possible that responsibility for his care will fall on your shoulders.

I would hope that you would care for Harry as your own son because he is your nephew and your sister's child. However, if that is not enough enticement for you, I would like to remind you of our agreement. Should it be necessary that you take Harry, rest assured that the protection surrounding your family will be multiplied.

I hope that I will not need to contact you again about this condition; if things work out as they should, Harry will have his parents to raise him for a great many years to come. I will be in touch as the situation dictates.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Dumbledore read over the letter to Petunia for a second time and nodded. He would send it as a precaution. While he hoped that he would never need to take Harry to live with his aunt, he felt it better if she was prepared for the worst-case scenario. The headmaster nodded a second time, and sealed the parchment scroll. He attached it to his owl's leg and carried him to the open window to release him. He stood and watched as the bird flew away, growing smaller and smaller in the distance. As the owl disappeared from view, he sighed. If only none of this were necessary at all.

"James? Lily? What's going on?"

James and Lily both jumped up from the couch they had been sitting on as Peter and Sirius Apparated into the living room. Sirius was grinning broadly, but Peter looked completely confused. Lily gave Sirius a look of exasperation.

"You didn't even tell him what this is all about?" she hissed.

"I figured this was the best way to make sure he came," he replied, his grin holding no apology. He shrugged. "We can all tell him together."

"What's going on?" Peter asked again.

"Pe-ter!"

Peter looked down at Harry, who was bouncing his lion against the floorboards. "Hi, Harry," he said with a smile. He looked from the baby back to his friends. "Is someone going to fill me in?"

"Look, Peter, we have a huge favor to ask you," James said. "Do you remember what we said yesterday about the Fidelius Charm?"

"Of course. I'm guessing you haven't done it yet?"

"No, we haven't," James said. "And that would be because Sirius had a huge brainwave around two in the morning, and decided he doesn't want to be our Secret Keeper anymore."

"What?" Peter asked in shock. "Sirius! How can you say no at this point? Why did you change your mind?"

"I'm too obvious," Sirius said without any trace of guilt or shame for bringing his friends to this crisis. "I'd be killed within days, and where would that leave Lily and James?"

"Would that remove the protection?" Peter asked uneasily.

"The thing is, we don't know," James said. "But Sirius doesn't want to risk it."

"I think they'd be better off with a different Secret Keeper," Sirius said.

"Oh," Peter replied. "Well, thanks for letting me know the plan is changing. Does Remus know yet? Is he going to be your Secret Keeper now? Or is your mum?"

"Actually, Peter, we want you to do it."

"Me?" Peter squeaked. The color drained from his face. "No way. No. Sorry. You'll have to ask Remus. I can't."

"Of course you can," Sirius said bracingly. "There's nothing to it! Lily's going to do all the work."

"No, no, I'm sorry, but I just can't."

"Peter, don't be a wimp," Sirius said, his face contorting in annoyance. He couldn't believe Peter would refuse. "You're going to be their Secret Keeper. Don't you see? It's perfect! Everyone thinks that I'm the Secret Keeper, so all the attention will be diverted away from you. You won't be in any danger."

"That's easy for you to say!" Peter said, his voice still oddly high-pitched.

"Look, Wormtail, it's easy," Sirius said, trying for a more cajoling tone. "You'll stay in the hiding place I had arranged for myself. Even if someone thinks to look for you, chances are that they'll never find you. You don't have to do anything. Lily will do the Charm, then they'll be safe and you'll get to be their protector. All the glory is yours!"

"Glory," Peter repeated faintly.

"Come on, Peter, Sirius is right - it's easy," James said, jumping into the struggle to convince Peter to help. "Like Sirius said, Lily's going to do all the hard work. We just have to sit back and let it happen." He glanced at Lily. "I don't think it'll hurt."

"As long as I do it right it shouldn't," she smiled. "Please, Peter, will you do this for us? It would mean so much to me, to James, and even to Harry. We need to stay safe for his sake, and you're the only one who can help us."

"Why can't you ask Remus?" Peter protested feebly.

Sirius's expression darkened. "I think Remus has already helped Lily and James quite enough."

"What are you saying?" Peter asked, looking between his friends. Understanding dawned as he took in their angry expressions. "You think Remus is the spy?" he whispered.

"Something like that," James mumbled. "Look, forget about Remus. He's not important right now. You are. Are you in? Will you help us? Will you be our Secret Keeper?"

They trust you. Peter shook his head slightly. How could he do this? How could he betray his friends' trust? They wanted him to help them – they were begging him. And he wanted to help them. He truly did. But if he did this, how long would it be before the Dark Lord realized that he was their Secret Keeper and the key to the Potters? How long would it be before he was forced to betray their trust? They had been his friends – his best friends – for so long. How could he destroy them now?

You've been destroying them all along. Every time you gave the Dark Lord information about them, you were destroying them. Just finish it, Peter. End it now.

He could finally end this torture, this act as a double agent and informant. This was his way out.

"All right," he said at last. "What do I need to do?"

"Thank you, Peter!" Lily exclaimed. She crossed to hug him, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "I knew you'd help us!"

"Thanks, Peter," James said, shaking his hand. "We won't forget that you did this for us."

"It's not a big deal," Peter mumbled.

"Yes, it is," Sirius said. "You're doing the right thing, Peter. Thank you." He, too, shook Peter's hand. "I'll make sure you stay safe, okay? I won't let them hurt you."

Peter smiled sadly. Sirius had no idea what he was promising. "They" had already hurt him far more than his friends would ever know – and "they" would continue to be a part of his life into the indefinite future.

"Okay," Sirius said, rubbing his hands together, "let's get this going. Lily, do you need anything?"

"Just my wand," she said, taking it out. "James, hold Harry. Okay, now we all need to stand together – James, Harry, Peter and I."

They all stepped close together, and she waved her wand, drawing a glittering golden circle on the floor. She looked up at Sirius with a smile.

"The circle will disappear once the charm is completed."

"Fair enough," he grinned.

"We all need to stay inside the circle the entire time I'm doing the charm," she informed James and Peter. "If one of us leaves it, I'll have to start over. So, no moving until it's done. James, make sure you keep a tight hold on Harry."

"No problem."

"Okay," she said, pushing her hair out of her eyes, "here goes."

She began to wave her wand in complex figure eight-like motions, muttering the ancient words under her breath. Their names were all intertwined with the words of the incantation. Watching her, Sirius realized for perhaps the first time why James had fallen in love with her. There was so much more to Lily than her teasing, cheery exterior. She was more than a good friend, a good wife, a good mother, or a good student. The true depth of her character was apparent as she performed the most complicated charm Sirius had ever witnessed. He had always known that Lily would work hard to accomplish anything she put her mind to – now he knew that she would achieve it.

A bright red light appeared from the tip of Lily's wand, dancing as she continued to move the thin strip of wood. The light splintered and softened, forming a red-gold sphere that encompassed them. Lily waved her wand one last time, making the light reflect in each of their faces. Harry screwed up his face, trying to shield his eyes from the bright light. James murmured something to him, running his hands over the baby's head. Then, as the light faded away, James, Lily and Harry faded from Sirius's vision. He gasped.

"Where did they go?" he asked.

Peter frowned. "You can't see them?"

Comprehension dawned. "That's the point, isn't it? Can you tell me where to find them?"

"Sure." Even though James and Lily had never told him the address, Peter knew it. Marveling at Lily's ability with Charms, he scribbled their new address on a piece of parchment and handed it to Sirius.

As soon as he had read and memorized their new address, James, Lily and Harry appeared before him again. Sirius grinned as he used his wand to burn the parchment bearing their address.

"Little Flower, that was brilliant!"

"It worked, then? You couldn't see us?"

"Not at all," he grinned. "I don't know how you did it, but it was incredible!"

Lily smiled, flushing slightly. "It took a lot of work to get it that way."

Sirius shook his head, still clearly impressed. "Come on, let's get you moved into your new house. Oh, and Peter, I want to take you to your new hiding place."

Peter nodded. "I'll need to pack up my stuff."

"Will your mum be okay with you moving?" James asked.

Peter nodded. "I've been working lots of hours recently. I'll just tell her I'm leaving so that I won't disturb her so much, but that I'll come back when my schedule settles down again. She should be all right with that."

Sirius grinned and shook his head. "You should have fed her that story ages ago. You could have moved in with me before!"

Peter looked at Sirius, whose entire face was shining with happiness. He was so totally sure that his brilliant plan would work, and that James and Lily would be safe. Peter swallowed hard.

"I'll be back in a bit. I just need to pack and talk to my mum."

"I'll wait for you here," Sirius said. "Good luck with your mum."

"Thanks," Peter said with a smile. I'm going to need the luck with far more than my mum.

James and Lily spent the majority of the day arranging their new house. While it was smaller than their house in Muggle London, it was, as Lily described it, "sweet." The front door opened into a small foyer that led to the stairs. A living room was to the right, with the dining room directly behind it. A hall that led out of the foyer led to the kitchen and a small room that Lily had decided would be Harry's playroom. This room had a fireplace that had access to the Floo network. A second Floo-equipped fireplace was found on the second floor, in the master bedroom. The second story also held two smaller bedrooms. The larger of the two was chosen for Harry, while the second would serve as a guest room.

"Not that we'll have many guests," James commented as he waved his wand to assemble the guest bed. "No one can even find us!"

"Maybe Sirius will stay overnight sometime," Lily said as she hung curtains in the window. She glanced around the room. "Where's Harry?"

"I don't know," James said uncertainly. "Did you put up the charms to make sure he can't fall down the stairs?"

"No, I haven't had a chance yet," Lily said nervously. "But we would have heard him fall, right?"

"I think so," James said, sounding rather unsure. "Let's go find him."

They left the bedroom and began walking through the house, calling for the baby. Just as Lily was starting to panic in spite of herself, she heard James laugh.

"Come down here, Lil," he called. "I've found him."

Lily rushed down the stairs, following the sound of James's voice to the back room that would soon become a playroom. James was standing next to an open box of toys with a grin on his face.

"Look at this," he said softly.

Lily crossed to join him, and looked down. The box was one that she had opened in preparation for arranging the playroom, but had left to make dinner. Harry had found the open box and dug through it, scattering his toys all over the floor. He had managed to find his favorite lion and dog, which he was now curled up with, fast asleep. His head was pillowed against the lion's stomach, and the dog that looked so like Sirius's Animagus form was held tightly against his chest. Lily felt her panic melt away as she looked down at her sleeping son.

"I suppose we should have been paying attention to how late it is," she whispered. "Look at the poor little guy. He's completely exhausted."

"Moving and becoming completely untraceable are tough," James grinned. He bent down to scoop the baby up into his arms. "Let's take him up to bed."

They both went upstairs to Harry's new bedroom, Lily carrying the toys that Harry had been sleeping on. They changed the baby into his pajamas before putting him in his bed. His eyes fluttered, but he never truly woke. Lily put the toys into the crib as James laid the baby down. Harry rolled over, but didn't try to grab his stuffed animals. Lily and James watched him for a moment, then stepped quietly out of the room.

"I feel like an awful mother," Lily sighed. "I can't believe I didn't realize how late it was. He should have gone to bed ages ago."

"He's fine," James smiled, taking her hand and lacing his fingers through hers. "No one has ever died from staying up too late."

Lily looked at him in disbelief and rolled her eyes. James laughed.

"We'll make sure he gets to bed on time tomorrow."

"I suppose that will have to do," Lily replied. "Do you want to finish the guest room?"

"I'd much rather just spend some time with you," James grinned, kissing the hand he held. "We have forever to get the house perfect. Let's go downstairs and take some time just for us."

"Time just for us," Lily smiled, looking up at him with starry eyes. "We haven't done that in so long."

"The downfall of being parents," James laughed.

They went into the kitchen, where Lily waved her wand to heat some apple cider. James laughed when she gave him a steaming mug.

"Apple cider? That's not exactly romantic."

"But it is seasonal," Lily said, putting a cinnamon stick into each of their mugs. "Do you realize that Halloween is at the end of this week?"

James nodded, taking a sip of his drink. "I'm really going to miss being at work for that."

"Ah," Lily nodded. "The feast was always the best part of the holiday."

James nodded again as he led her from the kitchen to the living room. They sat down together on the couch, and, putting their drinks on the coffee table, laced their fingers together again.

"Are you going to miss it terribly?" Lily asked after a moment of silence.

"The feast?"

"Hogwarts. Your job."

James didn't speak for a moment as he considered his answer. "You know," he said at last, "I never knew what I wanted to do with my life. I pretty much fell into this job without knowing what I was getting into or ever even thinking that it was something I'd want to do. But, now that I can't do it for a little while . . . Yeah, I'm going to miss it."

"I'm sorry, James," Lily said quietly.

"I'll go back to it when things calm down again," he shrugged.

"But still . . ."

"You gave up your job ages ago," he said softly. "I suppose it's time that I had to face what you've been facing since Harry was born." He sighed. "But if it keeps Harry safe, I will never once complain about a day's missed work."

"Anything for Harry," Lily agreed.

"Right," James smiled. He kissed her cheek. "What happened to taking time for us?"

"Everything goes back to Harry, doesn't it?" Lily grinned.

"He's an incredible little guy," James grinned. "Even Dumbledore thinks so."

"Everyone does." She shook her head. "We're still on Harry."

"Well, I guess there's only one way to fix that."

"Oh? What's that?"

James grinned at her, and leaned over to capture her lips with his. They kissed for what felt like forever, sinking lower and lower on the couch. James finally pulled away, and Lily smiled up at him.

"That was incredible. Why did you stop?"

"Time for a change of scenery," James replied, standing up.

"What?" Lily asked, struggling to sit up straight again. "What are you talking about?"

James grinned and held out a hand to help her to her feet. "What do you say we go upstairs and break in our new bedroom?"

Lily giggled and accepted the offered hand. Once on her feet, she leaned up to kiss him again. James grinned against her lips, and pulled her closer, kissing her deeply. When he pulled away, he looked down at her with shining eyes and a soft smile.

"Come on," he said, taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

"My Lord, we have been unable to locate the Potters for two days now."

Voldemort slammed his palm down onto the top of his desk. "How is that possible, Snape? How can you have lost them so easily?"

"It's not just that they are 'lost,' my Lord," Snape replied smoothly. "We have reason to believe that they have used a Fidelius Charm to make themselves invisible to us."

"A Fidelius Charm," Voldemort repeated softly. "That does not make them invisible, it merely makes them more difficult to find. The question that remains is the identity of their Secret Keeper. Who do you think they may have chosen?"

"The obvious choice is Sirius Black, my Lord," Snape replied. "He is James Potter's best friend, and both Potters trust him beyond reason."

"Black," Voldemort nodded slowly. "Yes, he is a possibility, but perhaps too obvious a choice. Who else might they have used?"

"Perhaps Dumbledore?" Snape said, hoping that he was wrong. The last thing he needed was for Voldemort to go to Hogwarts on his information.

"Dumbledore . . . yes, he is another they may have used. But have they no family?"

"Lily's family are Muggles," Snape replied. "They could not be used for the charm, my Lord."

"No, they could not use Muggles," Voldemort agreed, his face contorting as he said the word. "What of James? Does he have family still living? I know we were able to destroy his father, but what of his mother?"

"She is still living, my Lord."

Voldemort nodded, his red eyes gleaming. "Find her for me. She will lead me to her son."

Margaret Potter had become accustomed to eating alone. During those first horrible days after her husband's death, she had flat-out refused to eat, not willing to do so alone. But James had been wonderful, coming to see her so often, always during mealtimes, that she had had no choice but to eat. But his visits had tapered off with time, and she had been left alone to struggle through eating by herself. For several months, she had only eaten in the sitting room, unwilling to eat in the dining room, as their family always had. Then, she had progressed to eating in the kitchen with Hetty. It wasn't until after Harry's first birthday that she had been able to eat in the dining room again.

Once she had eaten one meal alone in the dining room, Hetty would not hear of her eating anywhere else. The elf had seemed relieved to have some return to the life she had always known. More to keep Hetty happy than for any other reason, Mrs. Potter continued eating in the dining room. Now, three days after James and his wife and son had gone into hiding, she finished her solitary dinner and stood to her feet. She started to gather the plates, only to have a small elf looking at her reproachfully.

"Mistress knows that Hetty will carry the dishes," Hetty said, giving her a mild scolding.

"Oh, Hetty, you know just as well that I'm going to help you whether you like it or not," Mrs. Potter smiled. "Here, you carry half and I'll carry the other half."

Together, the woman and her house-elf carried the dishes into the kitchen, where they began cleaning up together. Hetty had been forced to accept more and more help from her mistress following Mr. Potter's death. The extra hours without anyone else in the house meant that Mrs. Potter spent more time in the elf's company. Because Hetty was always working, the easiest thing for Mrs. Potter to do was to assist her. Even though Hetty was disturbed that they had crossed this master-elf barrier, she had come to understand that it was part of their life together without Mr. Potter.

Footsteps sounded outside the house, coming up the back walk. Mrs. Potter frowned slightly.

"Hetty, I didn't tell you that I was expecting company this evening, did I?" she asked.

"No, Mistress!" Hetty exclaimed. "Could it be Master James?"

"No, James and Lily would certainly have told me if they were coming to visit. It could be Sirius, though. Go and see who it is, will you, Hetty?"

"Yes, Mistress!"

Hetty flung the door open, and a high-pitched cackle met her ears. Her eyes widened at the sight of the man on the doorstep, whose red eyes shone from the depths of a black hooded cape.

"A house-elf. How utterly charming. Avada Kedavra."

Mrs. Potter shrieked as Hetty's small body fell to the ground. Her eyes flew from the lifeless body of her beloved house-elf to the man wielding the wand that had killed her.

"You!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for your grandson," Voldemort replied as he entered the house, stepping over Hetty's body. "Where is he?"

"You're going to have to keep looking," Mrs. Potter replied bravely, pulling her wand from her pocket. "He's not here."

"I'm sure he's not," Voldemort replied. "But I'm sure you can tell me where to find him and his parents."

"No, I can't," Mrs. Potter replied, relief flooding her body. She didn't care if this man killed her, but she was incredibly grateful that James had not asked her to be their Secret Keeper. The fact that she could not tell Voldemort where to find her son's family would be the very thing that would keep them alive.

"What do you mean?" Voldemort snarled. "Do not play games with me, Mrs. Potter. Tell me where your grandson and his parents are hiding, and I will leave you in peace. You will remain unharmed."

"I'm sorry, but that's not a deal I'm willing to accept," she replied angrily. "Sell out my grandson, my son and my daughter-in-law to keep myself safe? Oh, no, I don't think so. Even if I could tell you where they are, I certainly wouldn't accept such terms!"

"Who wouldn't accept those terms?" Voldemort asked softly. "Who would not choose life over a potentially painful death?"

"Anyone who is being asked to trade the lives of those they love above all others for their own."

Voldemort gave a screech of rage, and waved his wand. "Crucio!"

Mrs. Potter shrieked in pain as she fell to the floor. Even after Voldemort lifted the curse, she continued to shake.

"Are you ready to tell me where they are now?"

"Bastard," she replied. "Haven't you been listening? I don't know where they are! I couldn't tell you even if I wanted to!"

"I know that they are being protected by a Fidelius Charm," Voldemort said. "And I know that you are their Secret Keeper."

"You have been desperately misinformed," she replied, clambering to her feet. "I am certainly not their Secret Keeper."

"Oh, really?" Voldemort looked deeply into her eyes.

She glared at him as she blocked his access to her mind. He laughed softly.

"You think a small amount of talent with Occulmency makes you impervious to my abilities? You are quite wrong."

He delved into her mind again, strengthening his spell. She again blocked his efforts; he retaliated by working stronger against her. At last, his ability overcame hers; he was granted access to her thoughts.

"You have been honest with me," he murmured, breaking the connection.

Mrs. Potter looked at him, her eyes glassy. "Are you happy?" she asked, her voice raspy from the effort of blocking Voldemort from her mind. "Will you go now and leave me in peace?"

"Oh, no, I'm afraid I couldn't do that," he said with a twisted smile. He raised his wand.

"Stupefy!" she yelled.

He laughed as he deflected the spell. "You shouldn't fear death, you know," he said. "After all, it is only a matter of time before I discover your son's hiding place. You will die today, but you will be joined by your dear family before long."

She looked at him with pure hate. "Crucio!"

This spell had the desired affect. Surprise mingled with the agony on his face as he yelled in pain; perhaps he had not thought her capable of casting the Unforgivable Curse. He was able to throw it off after a moment, and gave her a look of loathing.

"You and your family have been problems to me for far too long," he hissed. "Avada Kedavra!"

As she saw the jet of green light speeding toward her, she reached up to grasp the necklace that she always wore, the one that her husband had given to her on their last Christmas together. Her last thought before the green messenger of death hit her was of her husband, and her love for him.

She was still clutching her necklace as her lifeless body fell to the ground.

Voldemort gave a shriek of rage as he Apparated back into his headquarters. A masked Death Eater was sitting outside his office, awaiting an audience with his master.

"My Lord," he said, scrambling to his feet, "if you have but a moment . . ."

"I do not," Voldemort hissed. "Leave me."

"Yes, my Lord," the man said, turning to walk away.

"Wait," Voldemort said after a moment's pause. "Come here."

The man turned again quickly, stepping closer to the Dark Lord. "Yes, my Lord?"

"Give me your arm."

"Are you planning a meeting, my Lord?" he asked as he pushed up his sleeve to reveal the Dark Mark that had been branded into his skin.

"No, I only need one Death Eater now," Voldemort replied, pressing his fingers into the Mark. "I need Peter Pettigrew."