The Legacy of Two Generations

by LadyoftheLake

Lily and James started dating in their last year at Hogwarts, but that is only the beginning. Now, what will happen to their notorious son? Rated PG13 for some language. Harry's 6th year has begun & new adventures. PreHBP. Please r&r :ON HOLD! For the

35. Part II Chapter 11

A/N: Thank you all for waiting, I have here the last chapter of Part II of my story. I hope you like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that has to do with HP, only some of the minor characters.



Chapter 11 ~ Is it time?



The end of May had arrived when Mrs. Evans received some news in the mail.

All the ladies were sitting in the dinning room, eating breakfast, when Roberts approached her with a silver platter on which a couple of letter were presented.

"Thank you Roberts." Mrs. Evans said with a smile.

"Ma'am." Roberts said with a bow before turning to the other ladies with another platter on which their correspondence were kept.

As the notes were read and the Daily Prophet discussed, Mrs. Evans read her letters. One was from her solicitor with news about her house in London. The other was kind of a surprise for her. It was from Petunia.

Lily noticed her mother looking curiously at one of the letters she received and craning her neck, noticed that it had come from her sister. She sat back and waited for her mother to share the news.

"Well, you have a nephew." Mrs. Evans said as she put the letter aside.

"Oh! I'm so happy for her. When was he born?" Lily asked happily.

"A couple of weeks ago. They named him Dudley." Mrs. Evans replied.

"Dudley?" Asked Mrs. Potter with a laughing face.

Mrs. Evans smiled. "Indeed. Funny name isn't it? But it seems that it is a common name in Vernon's family."

"Well, it makes no matter. They must be happy." Lily said.

"I'm sure they are dear." Said Mrs. Evans.

"Should we go and give them a visit?" Lily asked turning to her mother.

"I'm not sure it would be wise dear, you are so close to your time and your back has been troubling you lately, you should rest. A note will suffice." Mrs. Evans quickly said. The letter had been short and curt. It was obvious that while she was welcome to meet her grandson, Lily wasn't and she didn't want her daughter to be hurt.

Lily nodded, for didn't contradict her mother. She had a good idea what made her mother feel concerned for her. She knew how her sister felt about her. She had hoped that those feelings would change and allow her to be part of her life, but it didn't seem to be happening. And probably not for a long time.

Nobody said a thing as James came into the room whistling.

"Hello ladies." He greeted them as he went around the table kissing each cheek and giving each a flower. Lily was the last one to be kissed. "Feeling better dear?" He asked somewhat concerned.

"Oh much. You were out rather early." Lily said as she looked at the orchid in her hand.

"Hmmm - The tenants had started to gather some of the fruit in the greenhouses." He said and he happily served himself.

"I gather we have a good crop this summer." Smiled Mrs. Potter, looking fondly as James sat at the head of the table.

"Oh yes. We had really good luck with the fruit plants." He said.

"I'm sure Otty will be quite happy to hear that." Said Mrs. Potter.

"I'm sure he will." James said before turning his attention to his food.

It was a warm day. Summer was upon them and the air seemed to be peaceful and cheerful. The atmosphere around the house had become one of expectancy. Everybody was looking forward for the time to come for the new Potter to arrive.

Everybody kept an eye on Lily at all times. Lily was quite exasperated by this because she knew that James was the one responsible for it. There was always a maid or a footman nearby to help her. Roberts and Mrs. Nichols were often bringing her platters of snacks, fruit and tea. And the older ladies were not far behind. Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans kept her entertained. If she groaned, everybody asked what was wrong, she would roll her eyes and just say that she was uncomfortable or that she just needed to move a bit.

Lily was not too happy with this constant attention, she still had six weeks to go and everybody was acting as if the baby would be born at any second. Her favorite time of the day was when she sat in the baby's room. She sat on a rocking chair and spoke softly to her child as she stroke her stomach. Sometimes James would join her and together they made plans for their child. Other times, James would stand in the doorway, happily watching his wife.



It was early on a June day when Sirius ran into the breakfast parlor where the family was assembled.

"Sirius, what is wrong?" James asked the moment his friend stumbled into the room.

"Dum - Dum - " Sirius panted.

"Take deep breaths Sirius." Said Mrs. Potter as Roberts gave Sirius a glass of water.

"Take your time." Said Lily.

"No time.we have to go.now." Sirius managed to say.

"What happened?" Asked James.

"Explain - on way - have to go." Panted Sirius.

James threw his napkin on his plate and led Sirius out of the room.

"I wonder what is wrong." Said Mrs. Evans.

Lily looked worriedly at the door.



"All right, talk." Ordered James as he and Sirius made their way our of the estate.

"A group of Death Eaters is going to attack Hogsmeade. It's a Hogsmeade weekend James!" Sirius exclaimed.

"How do you know?" James asked.

"Dumbledore. One of his spies told him and he sent as many owls as he could." Sirius said.

"I didn't get one." James said.

"Neither did I, he appeared in my fireplace half an hour ago and told me to get you. How long will the blocking charm be on your estate? Apparating in the next town and running to the Manor is a lot of work." Sirius exclaimed.

James laughed. "I don't know for how long, but I was told that it usually works for a year or so."

"Oh, so it's not permanent." Sirius said.

"No charm or spell is permanent Sirius, you should know that." James said.

Sirius shrugged. "There might be some that are permanent, you never know."

"Tell me what else Dumbledore said." James urged.

"He said that one of his spies had made known to him that there would be an attack on Hogsmeade today and to keep the students away. Dumbledore said that it was a Hogsmeade weekend and most of the kids had left the castle by the time the message was received. He sent the professors to get them back and sent an owl to the Ministry for help." Sirius explained.

"What else did he say?" Asked James as they approached the place where they would dissapparate.

"Nothing more, he was about to but someone entered to talk to him, he just said 'get James, get here quick' and he disappeared." Sirius said.

"What do you reckon happened?" James asked as they entered an obscure alley.

"I reckon the Death Eaters made an appearance." Sirius said with a sigh.

James nodded. A moment later, the alley was empty once more.



Hogsmeade was in complete chaos. Students running from one place to the other screaming or crying, some were huddled together behind tables or crates trying to hide. Smoke and fire filled the air, stores and houses were being shut tight, the owners stumbling as they tried to protect their property. Hogwarts' professors were in the scene as well. Professor McGonagall led the others, ordering students to run toward the lane leading for Hogwarts were the horseless carriages waited. Dumbledore was also there, accompanied by Ministry wizards and friends.

James and Sirius ran to Dumbledore.

"Professor." They greeted him.

"James, Sirius, glad to have you here. We have cornered the Death Eaters in that alley." He said pointing to a wide alley nearby. Flashes of light and screams came out of it.

"How many are there?" Asked James rolling the sleeves of his robes and taking his wand out of his pocket.

"We are not sure." One of the Ministry agents said.

"Are we ready?" Asked Sirius.

Everybody nodded, and as one the whole group entered the alley.

They found a group, cloaked in black standing by the back wall. A small group of Ministry wizards were fighting with them. Some turned to look behind them when they sensed a presence behind them and sighed with relief as they saw reinforcement coming to help.

One of these agents ran toward Dumbledore. "Glad that you are here. We have them cornered and placed a blocking charm around the alley, they cannot go anywhere." He said.

"Very well." Said Dumbledore with a nod and an expression full of determination.

The group made its way to the other group trying to evade the curses and hexes that the Death Eaters threw their way. They hid behind boxes and crates and trying to defend themselves as they cursed and hexed in return.

The battle continued for a moment, before Sirius started to pull James' robes trying to get his attention.

"Sirius, don't you see I'm busy?" Snapped James before he ducked to evade a curse.

"Look at the center of that lot." Sirius said before popping up and sending his own wave of hexes.

James looked toward the Death Eaters and tried to see among all the bodies to determine what had gotten Sirius attention.

Then he saw it. A blond haired woman, standing in the center of the group, protected from being hit behind the bodies of her companions.

"Jezebel." Exclaimed James.

"A pity isn't it." Said Sirius.

"I feel sorry for her, in a way." James said.

"So do I. Tricked to think that her father was killed by the Ministry and now led to her death." Said Sirius.

James nudged Sirius to look at the group of Ministry agents as they huddled and nodded among each other.

"What do you think they are planning?" Asked Sirius.

"I don't know, but I hope it will bring an end to this." Said James as ducked once more to avoid being hit.

"I'm glad Katie wasn't home when I got Dumbledore's message. I don't think I could handle this if I knew she was here, in danger." Sighed Sirius.

James nodded. "I know the feeling. Thank God Lily is pregnant, otherwise she would've ran after us."

Sirius shuddered at the thought.

A wave of curses flew from the Ministry agents as the Death Eaters tried to protect themselves. Suddenly a thick green smoke surrounded the Death Eaters and started to spread to the Ministry agents.

The curses continued flying, the smoke seemed to be harmless. When it finally dissipated, the Ministry agents were unhurt and the Death Eaters lay lifeless on the ground.

Dumbledore and his friends, along with the Ministry wizards, approached the huddled group on the ground.

"Arabella my dear, feeling better?" Dumbledore asked.

Everybody was surprised at this and turned to look at a small older lady standing by the bodies on the ground. Nobody had taken notice of her and were wondering where she had come from.

"Indeed I am." The old lady smiled.

"Come then, I think we all deserve a feast. I'm sure the Great Hall will be large enough for all of us." Said Dumbledore motioning for the others to follow as he helped the witch he called Arabella to step over the dead bodies. "Arabella my dear, I have a perfect place where you can settle down." He was saying.

The witch was looking at him with surprise. "You do?"

"Oh yes, and I have a special mission for you." Dumbledore said.

James and Sirius approached Dumbledore and the group that had surrounded him.

"Professor, I do not think I will stay for dinner. I'm sure my mother and Lily will be very concerned, specially if this is printed in the evening version of the Daily Prophet." Said James.

"Oh, of course. What about you Sirius?" Asked Dumbledore.

"I will go as well. Katie wasn't home when I left, she must be wondering where I am." Sirius said.

"Very well. Let me introduce you to our group before you go. This is Mundungus Fletcher, he led the Ministry agents, and this lady here is Arabella Figg, without her we wouldn't have been victorious today." Dumbledore said as he motioned to the Ministry agent that had met them when they entered the alley and the older lady standing beside him. "These two young men are James Potter and Sirius Black."

"Thank you for your help young men, I'm glad to see that the young are eager to help in the defense of the innocent." Said Mundungus Fletcher.

"Indeed." Said Arabella with a nod.

James looked at the lady with care, he had the feeling that he had seen those pair of eyes very closely before. He shook his head. He was becoming fanciful, he thought. He shook hands with those around him and started walking out of the alley, Sirius walked right behind him.



Lily sat the whole day by the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of her husband when he arrived. She was very worried. She had heard rumors of an attack and she was sure that if it was true, he would be involved in it.

"Oh God, please keep him safe for me." She prayed.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans had tried to keep her entertained but it had all been in vain as they were quite worried as well.

It was later in the day when they had news of what had happened that morning.

They were sitting in the parlor room, trying to keep their minds off their worry when Roberts arrived with a copy of the afternoon edition of the Daily Prophet. He placed it by the mantel, where it was usually placed, to await James' arrival.

"Do you wish for some refreshment Mistress Lily?" He asked, bowing to Lily.

"Bring some tea please, I'm feeling a bit parched." Lily said.

"Of course Ma'am." Roberts said and left the room.

"How long do you think James will be away?" Lily said trying to get up from her chair.

Mrs. Evans quickly helped her up. "Maybe it won't be long." She said.

"I hope so, I'm very worried." Lily exclaimed.

Lily walked around the room, trying to get her nerves to settle down. She spied the newspaper and with a sigh she took it. Maybe there was something there to entertain her, she thought.

She gasped as she saw the cover story.

"Attack in Hogsmeade"

It read. "Oh no!" Lily exclaimed.

"A Hogsmeade weekend is eagerly awaited by all students in Hogwarts. Today promised to be a very fine day. But it was not to be. A group of Death Eaters apparated in Hogsmeade today, Staff from Hogwarts soon followed to keep the students out of trouble and lead them to safety.

Ministry agents and concerned citizens joined the fight. Some of the Death Eaters were cornered in an isolated alley and after a hard struggle they were killed. No casualties were reported other than the Death Eaters. Damage was done to some of the buildings in the village and students were hurt. Not much information is available at the moment. Reports will follow on the incident."

"What happened dear?" Asked Mrs. Potter.

Lily shoved the newspaper to her while she silently sobbed. Mrs. Evans went to her daughter and consoled her while Mrs. Potter read the article.

"Is it bad?" Mrs. Evans asked. Lily topped sobbing but she stayed within her mother's arms, it made her feel safe and loved.

"Doesn't say much. It just says that a group of Death Eaters apparated in Hogsmeade this morning. Unfortunately, it was a Hogsmeade weekend and several students were in town. Dumbledore and his staff was on hand trying to lead the students to safety and the Ministry sent agents to help. It says that the Death Eaters were cornered and after a battle, they were killed." Mrs. Potter said, looking through the paragraphs hoping to see James' name printed. "It says there were no major casualties, except for the Death Eaters." She said with a sigh full of relief.

At that moment there was a commotion in the Hall and steps walking toward the room. The door opened and James walked into the room.

"Oh James!" Lily exclaimed and threw herself against him.

James tried to keep his balance as he held his wife tight against him. "I'm all right sweetheart." He said kissing her hair.

"Are you sure? I was so worried, and when that article appeared in the paper I was quite beside myself." She sobbed.

"I'm here Lily, I would never let anything happen to me while you are here with me." He whispered in her ear.

"Promise?" She whispered back.

"Promise." He replied.

"Did everything went as it says here?" Mrs. Potter asked holding up the Daily Prophet.

"Let me see." James said. He sat Lily in one of the chairs before turning to get the paper.

He read it carefully and nodded as he read.

"Well, most of it was as it is printed here, but no students were hurt nor any of the buildings burned to the ground. There were a few scrapes and bruises among the students but Hogwarts' professors got them out on time. There were a few fires, but nothing big enough to cause major damage." James said.

"Oh I'm glad." Said Mrs. Potter.

"What about those Death Eaters, were they all killed?" Asked Mrs. Evans.

"Well, that is the trouble. You see, when we were fighting Sirius told me to look among the group, both of us saw Jezebel Robinson among the Death Eater but when the bodies were removed, she wasn't there." He said with a troubled tone.

Lily gasped. "Did you tell Dumbledore?"

"We did, but he didn't think it was so, he made it seem as if we had imagined the whole thing and she hadn't been there at all." James exclaimed.

"Could she have dissapparated?" Asked Mrs. Potter.

"No, there was a blocking charm around the alley, it was the first thing the Ministry did as soon as they cornered them. Nobody could've escaped." James said.

"Maybe you did imagine it James, perhaps it was somebody similar to her." Mrs. Potter said.

"No, she was there, I know it." James said.

"Well, don't worry about it dear, maybe they haven't found all the bodies yet. Maybe hers was blown out of the alley and it will be found somewhere else." Said Mrs. Evans.

"It is possible." Said James with a thoughtful expression.

"Why don't you go and freshen up, dinner will be ready soon and I'm sure that you are very hungry." Said Lily shooing him out of the room.

James laughed. "Oh I am. I'll be back soon." He said kissing her cheek before walking out of the room.

"Oh, thank God, he is safe." Lily exclaimed as soon as James had left the room.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans nodded their agreement.



Later that night, James and Lily lay on their bed. Her head against his chest as he stroked her hair.

"Do you think that now that Jezebel is dead, they will bring Emma back?" Lily asked.

"I doubt it. If it was indeed Jezebel we saw today, then the knowledge of all the research has been lost to Voldemort. The other person we know that has knowledge of that information is Emma. She is in more danger now than ever." James said.

"I had hoped that she would meet our son." Lily whispered.

"I know. She will meet him someday." James said before kissing her head and both settled down to sleep.



The days after the attack passed with no new information. James checked the paper everyday to see if any mention of Jezebel was found. Sirius had gotten in trouble with Katie for leaving without a note and letting her be worried.

This morning James and Sirius were sitting in the bookroom. James was scanning through the paper once more while Sirius sat brooding on an opposite chair.

"Well, there is no mention of her. How can this be Sirius, both of us saw her, she cannot just cease to exist." James exclaimed.

"Didn't they print the names of the Death Eaters?" Sirius asked.

"Only of some, not all of them." Sighed James.

Sirius shrugged. "There is nothing that we can do about it, she was there or she wasn't. Why do you care anyways?"

"The suspense is just driving me mad." James exclaimed.

"Just let it be." Sirius said.

James sighed and put the paper aside.

"Is Katie still angry at you?" He asked.

"Yes. What was I supposed to do? It was an emergency!" Sirius exclaimed.

"She will get over it." James said.

"I hope so." Sirius sighed.

"Is she with Lily?" James asked, not really caring for the answer.

"Yes. She wanted to see how the baby room is looking." Said Sirius with a shrug. "How are you holding up? Is Lily giving you any trouble?"

"Not lately, her cravings seemed to have ended and her mood swings are not as bad. She is having some back pain, but the doctor said it was normal." James said with a thoughtful expression.

"How much longer?" Sirius asked.

"The doctor said three weeks." James said with excitement.

"My aunt said that firstborns are either early or late." Sirius said.

"Somebody told us the same." James sighed.

"What do you reckon? Early or late?"

"I hope he is early, I don't think I can't handle any more weeks." Exclaimed James.

Sirius laughed heartily, he could well imagine what his friend was going through.

Lily was in the parlor surrounded by her mother, mother-in-law and friend. They were quietly looking at magazines for knitting patterns or toys.

"What about this? It's cute." Katie said as she sat beside Lily showing her the catalog she had been looking through.

"No, I don't like it. I don't want any more balls in that room. The poor kid will damage his eyes with all those balls near him." Laughed Lily.

Katie laughed along with her.

"I suppose that's why James has glasses." She said with a chuckle.

The older ladies smiled indulgently as they heard the young women laugh and chat. Lily had been out of sorts lately, and it was a good think to have somebody her own age to keep her entertained.

The girls continued talking and giggling among themselves, while the older ladies studied their knitting patterns. It was almost time for luncheon and they hadn't seen the boys.

"I wonder what they're doing? James is usually here by now." Lily suddenly exclaimed.

"They are probably in the stables or at the orchards." Said Katie with a shrug.

"Nope, we are here. Did you want something my dear?" Said James coming into the room and kissing Lily's cheek as a greeting.

"No, just wondering where you were." She said with a smile.

"We were in the bookroom, reading the paper." Said Sirius leaning against the mantle.

"Anything newsworthy?" Asked Mrs. Potter as her son kissed her forehead.

"No, just the same things." James said.



In another part of the country, in an isolated house at the end of a darkened lane, several mysterious men appeared now and then. The people of the town looked askance at the new lodgers of the old house, but nobody went anywhere nearby to meet the new members of the community.

The house had been empty for as long as the people in town remembered. The owner of the house kept it in order and in good shape, but nobody had lived there.

On this afternoon, several cloaked men had appeared in the house. A sense of dread and malice had filled the air and many of the inhabitants of the town had locked themselves in their houses and looked constantly out the window.

Inside the house a man lay huddled in the floor panting as several others surrounded him.

"You were the one who told!" One was screaming.

"We knew you would betray us, why our master wishes to keep you on we don't know." Hissed another as he kicked the sobbing man still on the floor.

"I said nothing, I didn't know." The man was sobbing.

"Thirteen of our members were killed that day." A cold voice said. "I don't think he has the brains to have pulled it off. But there is the question of who betrayed us."

"Do you really think so Severus? Do you really think he had nothing to do with it?" One of the men said.

"I do Lucius. He wasn't present on the meeting where the attack was discussed." Severus Snape said looking at the man standing beside him.

"Then who did? Most of those present on that meeting are dead." Another man said.

"Except Lucius and I." Snape said with a cold expression.

The others looked nervously at each other. "Well, we know that neither of you could possibly have done so." One of them finally said.

"Glad to see that you don't doubt us." Leered Malfoy.

"I suppose that means, that somebody overheard the plans." Somebody said without meeting Snape's nor Malfoy's eyes.

"Or the fools said something to someone who shouldn't have known." Another man said.

The man on the floor continued panting and sobbing as the other spoke. Glad that they stopped torturing him. His body felt as if it was on fire, as if pins had been stabbed in every inch of his flesh.

"Get up Pettigrew. You are in the way." Snape said as he stepped over him.

The others leered and hissed as they passed him.

'I'll show them.' He thought. 'A time will come when I will be greater than any of them.'

The small house was soon emptied. Popping sounds were heard through out the establishment as the men disappeared from sight. Peter stood slowly to his feet, he was really in no shape to try apparating anywhere. He opened his robes and took a small bag from within its folds. He opened it and threw the powder into the fireplace. Green flames sparked, and he slowly walked into them.

In a darkened part of the room a pair of shadows detached themselves from the wall.

"Do you really think he had nothing to do with the attack?" One of them asked.

"Yes, he couldn't have found out about it in so short a time. We hadn't even discussed the time and place of the attack during that meeting. I got the owl, hours before the attack was to take place." The other said.

"I didn't even take notice of it." The first man said.

"Lucius, your wife was giving birth, of course you would take no notice of it." The other said.

"What about you Severus, why didn't you make it?" Lucius said.

Snape shook his head. "Couldn't get there in time, by the time I got there the Ministry and Dumbledore had their people all over the place, there was no way I was going to stay."

"Humph! That would've been suicide." Lucius Malfoy said.

"Indeed." Snape responded.

"Must go, Narcissa is returning home tonight." Malfoy said.

"Congratulations. A son, I presume." Snape said looking at his companion.

"Indeed." Marlfoy said with a smug smile and dissaparated.



Darkness had fallen over the land. The heat had made the flowers in the house wilt and die. Lily sat in the baby's room looking around with happiness. Everything was in order and soon a new member of their small family would join them.



For the next couple of weeks James stayed near the house. He made sure that Roberts or Mrs. Nichols knew at all times where he had gone so they could send for him if necessary. Lily laughed at his antics, but at the same time, she was happy to know how worried he felt about her, it made her feel that she didn't need have fear herself.

She was quite nervous as the time drew closer. She had heard the other women in the village talk about their pregnancies and she was very apprehensive. Some had said that it hurt so much it just put them off from having any more children. Some said that it had been a breeze and it had been the best time of their lives. Others had told how much problems they had during birth and had gone into detail about the surgeries and procedures they had gone through to have their children born. Lily had horrible nightmares that night and James had console her and soothed her, trying to tell her that their child was healthy and no problems would ensue.

"But what if the cord is around his little neck? He will choke to death." Lily had sobbed.

"That is not going to happen Lily, you saw the image, the doctor said everything was fine." James said.

"What if there is a something that he didn't see. What if our baby will need surgery after he is born?" Lily countered.

"If he does need medical attention, he will have the best." James said. "He won't need a thing."

"I'm scared James." She whispered.

"I know sweetheart. I am too." He replied.

"You are?" She asked.

"Yes. What if I'm not a good father? What if I do something that will scar him for the rest of his life?"

"You won't do that. You will be the best father ever." Lily exclaimed.

"You are just saying that." He said kissing her hair.

"No I'm not, you will be the best. You will teach him how to play Quidditch, and will help him with his transfiguration, and when the time is right, you will teach him how to take care of the estate." Lily said.

James smiled. He had achieved his purpose; Lily had forgotten about her fear and was now much calmer.

Eventually they had fallen asleep.

The next day, James had taken her to see the doctor. The doctor understood the fear that the new parents were going through and explained what was going to happen when the time came. The baby was healthy and everything was as it should be.

Lily had felt much secure and James had gotten a good night sleep.



Late on a night of the second week of July, James was woken by Lily as she shook him.

"James! James!" She was saying.

"What?" He groaned.

"It's time." She hissed.

"Time for what?" He sighed as he snuggled deep into his pillows.

"What else? James get up!" Lily said with exasperation.

"Lily! I'm trying to sleep!" James hissed.

"And I'm giving birth to your son, you clod. Now get up!" She said as she pushed him off the bed.

"Umph! Are you sure? Is it time?" James asked getting up from the floor as quickly as he could.

"I think so. It feels like contractions." Groaned Lily.

"Oh Lord! Oh Lord!" James was praying as he ran getting his pants and robes on.

"Hurry!" Lily groaned from the bed.

Fortunately, Lotty appeared, his eyes bloodshot and looking tired. "Do you wish for something Master James?" He asked.

"Wake everybody, Lily is having the baby!" He screamed.

Lotty's eyes grew round and hurried out of the room. Minnie soon appeared with a bowl of water and towels. She ran to the bedside and served Lily some ice.

"Thank you Minnie. The pain seems to have gone." Lily sighed.

"How far apart are they?" James asked, kneeling on the floor looking for his shoes.

"I don't know. I didn't time it." Lily said with a sheepish expression.

"Well, no matter, we'll time the next one." James said trying to put his shoes on.

Running footsteps were heard on the hall. The door opened and Roberts and Mrs. Nichols came in, carrying blankets, and pillows.

"Here dear, just lean back on these, it will help with the pain." Said Mrs. Nichols as she put the pillows on Lily's back.

"Thank you Mrs. Nichols." Lily said with a sigh settling back on the bed.

"Sir, I have sent Martin to bring Doctor Pomfrey. They should be on their way." Roberts said.

"Thank you Roberts." James said, panting on the floor, he had managed to put his shoes on but found that he had put them wrong.

The door burst open once more and Mrs. Evans entered, closely followed by Mrs. Potter.

"Oh my dear, how are you doing? Remember your breathing now." Mrs. Evans said sitting on the bed beside Lily.

"I'm fine mum. The pain is gone." Lily said.

"For now." Said Mrs. Evans, making sure the pillows were plump and comfortable.

"Here Lily. Take this, it will help." Said Mrs. Potter handing her a glass with ice.

"I already have some. Minnie brought it to me." Said Lily putting the ice aside.

When the doctor arrived at the Manor, he found every room in the house lighted. Servants were cleaning and putting things in order, still in their pajamas, looking up trying to keep sight of everything that was going on. The twins were in their nightgowns, running and jumping around the corridors, nobody was paying them enough attention to tell them to stop. And Lily's room was full of people, all speaking at once.

"Ahem!" He cleared his throat.

"Doctor, quick." James said flailing his arms above his head.

"I need to examine her first. I will appreciate it if everybody leaves, except for James of course." Said the doctor.

Everybody looked at each other with worry and slowly left the room.

"Very well. Let's see how everything goes." They heard the doctor say before the door closed behind them.

James stayed by Lily, nervously looking at the doctor take his instruments out of his bag.

The examination lasted a couple of minutes before the doctor started to put away his things once more.

"Now, there is nothing to worry about. It's just a false alarm." He said.

"A false alarm?" Both Lily and James exclaimed.

The doctor nodded with a smile. "You remember I told you about them."

"But it felt so real." Lily said with a whisper.

"I know, that's why they are called false labors." The doctor said patting Lily's hand lying on the bed cover.

"How many of these will she have?" James asked with a sigh.

"We never know. There are some that only have it once before the real birth time comes. There are others that have one every single night before birth, and there are some that don't have one at all." The doctor said.

James groaned. He didn't think he could handle another night like this.

"Do they usually come at night?' James asked.

"No, it could happen during the day as well." The doctor said with a smile.

"Thank you anyways doctor, I hope I could tell you it won't happen again, but I cannot guarantee it." James said with a smile.

"Not to worry, just call if you feel anything. Don't worry my dear, it happens all the time. Ask your mother in law, she had ten false labors before young Elizabeth was born." The doctor said kindly to Lily.

"Thank you doctor." She said with a small smile.

"I'll accompany you doctor. Everybody might be out there waiting for news." James said.

The doctor nodded and with a final pat on Lily's hand he left the room with James.

Lily sighed tiredly and settled into the pillows to relax.

"You are very stubborn aren't you? Just like your father." She said patting her stomach.

The hall in front of Lily's and James' room was full of people, pacing as they waited. When the door opened and the doctor stepped out with James, they all turned to hear what they had to say.

"I'm sorry, it was a false alarm." James said.

"Oh dear." Said Mrs. Evans.

"It happens." Said Mrs. Potter with a sigh.

Those around the hall slowly went to their beds and resumed the dreams they had put on hold. The doctor was taken back to his house and James had gotten back into the room.

The sky was starting to get light, soon, it would be time for everybody in the estate to be up and about doing their chores.

James snuggled back into the bed after undressing once more.

Lily watched him in silence, stroking her belly as she made room for him in the bed.

"I'm sorry." She said when he slid into the bed.

"Don't worry about it, you heard the doctor, it happens all the time." James with a smile as he put his arms around her shoulders.

Lily settled back against his chest with relief. She had been afraid that he would be upset.

"Maybe it won't happen again." Lily whispered.

"Humph! With our luck, you'll probably have one every day until the time comes." James laughed.

Lily smiled. She was glad that he could see the funny side of things, it made her feel calmer and without worry.

"Now close your eyes, we have to rest. You have to rest." James said and hugged her tight.

Minutes later, Lily smiled as she heard the snores coming from her husband. It was then that she sighed and fell asleep.



It was late the next morning when Lily and James left their room. James still felt tired and thought that it might be a good idea if they had a nap in the afternoon, they might have to go through the same thing all over again.

Luncheon had been pushed back and breakfast was still being served in the breakfast room. Roberts was there as always, bags underneath his eyes and a listless expression on his face. Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans were also there, both trying hard from yawning.

"Good morning." James greeted them as he and Lily sat on their seats.

"Did you get enough rest?" Mrs. Evans asked, looking at Lily with worried eyes.

"Just a bit." Said Lily with a smile.

"Maybe it would be a good idea if everybody had a nap this afternoon." Said James.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans nodded their agreement.



For the next week James was awoken in the same manner. His days seemed long and tiring. On this afternoon, he walked toward the family parlor room. He had been out roaming the estate, hoping that the fresh air would clear his head.

He entered the parlor to find Lily alone.

"How are you feeling dear?" He asked kissing her brow.

Lily turned to look at him with a sad smile. "I'm sorry James, I really thought it was time." She said.

"I know. Don't worry. The doctor did say that it could happen." He said sitting beside her and putting his arms around her.

"Oh, I know the doctor said so, but James, our baby was supposed to be born last week!" Lily exclaimed with worry.

"Well, the doctor said that as well. He said that most firstborns are either late or early. Ours just happen to be late." James said.

Lily groaned. "I don't want to feel this way anymore James, I don't like it." Lily said with a pout.

James smiled. "I know darling. Not to worry, Baby Harry, will come soon enough."

"Well, I hope it's sooner than later." Lily grumbled.

James leaned in to look at her stomach. "Now listen here young man, this is your father speaking. It's time for you to come out, you are making your mama upset. Now I know that you are warm and cozy inside but that is no excuse to make your mother sad. We are all eager to meet you, there is no need to be afraid." James said. Lily laughed. "There, that should get him out." James said to Lily.

Lily chuckled. "I think he heard you James." She said taking his hand and putting it on her stomach. "Do you feel it, he is moving." She said happily.

James smiled brightly, his son was moving. He was eagerly waiting for the time to come to make his acquaintance. "Now Harry, hurry up." He whispered.

Lily laughed. James smiled down at her and kissed her tenderly.

Giggles were heard from behind them. James sighed and stopped the kiss to peer behind the couch. Lily chuckled and looked back as well. Two dark- haired faces with round blue eyes peered at them.

"And what are you doing there?" James asked his two nieces.

"Nothing." The two girls said.

"Indeed, and that is why you are hiding there." He said with skepticism.

"You are funny, Uncle James." The two girls said before giggling once more.

James sighed and rolled his eyes, while Lily giggled along with the girls.

"Come around you two." He said and the two girls did as he said and walked around the couch and stood in front of him.

"When is cousin Harry going to come out?"

"Is it going to take long?"

They asked looking James and Lily.

"Not long." Lily said. "He is just taking his time." She smiled.

"Oh!" The girls exclaimed. They scrambled to sit beside Lily, one at each side.

"Harry!" They whispered at Lily's stomach.

"Hurry up."

"Come out."

"Uncle James is not so bad."

"And Aunt Lily is not either."

"You will like them."

"You will like the grandmothers too."

"Otty makes lots of nice desserts."

"He will make pies, and cookies if you ask nicely."

"You will like that."

James laughed at this. "Don't try to bribe him." He said.

"Will he like cookies and ice cream?" Francesca asked turning to look at her uncle.

"I'm sure he will, but when he gets older." James said.

"What do you mean? Won't he like them right after he comes out?" Asked Cassandra disappointed.

"Not right away, he will be too little to eat them." Lily explained.

"Will he play with us?" Francie asked.

"He will, when he is old enough." James said.

The girls frowned. "Then what can he do?" Cassie asked.

"Well, nothing much at the beginning." Lily said with a chuckle.

"He will be boring." Said Francie crossing her arms. Cassandra nodded her agreement and crossed her arms too with a pout on her face.

"Well, yes, perhaps. But won't you like to help with his caring? He will need his bottle and his nappies changed. And he will like to play, but only baby games." James said.

The girls seemed to be thinking about it for a moment. "What kind of games?" Cassandra asked.

"Well, he will like you to sing to him, and read, and play with his balls, and with his bears. Oh, there are lots of things that you can do to keep him entertained." Lily said.

"Oh, all right." Said the girls smiling.

"Hear that Harry."

"You will be able to play after all." The girls squealed.

James laughed and Lily chuckled.

"Now run along, I'm sure that you are supposed to be studying." James said shooing the girls out of the room.

"Yes Uncle James." The girls said and ran out of the room as fast as they could.

"Poor Harry, he won't know what to make of his cousins." James said, patting Lily's stomach.

"I'm sure he will love them all the same." Lily smiled.

James smiled back at her.

"Happy?" He asked.

"Very. You?"

"Very." He said. And resumed the kiss that his nieces that interrupted earlier.

It was much later when James helped Lily from the couch and led her into the dinning room for luncheon, both happy and enjoying their lasts moments alone. They knew that once their son was born, their time alone would be limited.



The whole Manor was in a state of expectation. The tenants came everyday to ask for news, just as the neighbors did. The neighborhood ladies visited Lily often trying to give her advise and trying to assure her that it wouldn't be long. Their husbands and sons were much more circumspect and joined James on his rounds around the estate, keeping him company.

Sirius and Katie had come to stay with them. They were eager to help out as much as they could as they waited.

Remus and Peter owled everyday for news, and waited eagerly for the birth of the next generation of Marauders.

"It's a pity we don't have the map anymore." Said Sirius one afternoon as he and James sat in the bookroom trying to keep out of the ladies' way.

"Indeed. I'm sure Harry would've enjoyed it." James replied.

"Maybe we can do another one, we could teach him how to do it." Sirius said.

"Hmmm - we could, and I'm sure he will enjoy that." James said after a minute.

"Of course he would, and by then he is sure to have brothers and sisters to share it with." Sirius said.

"Not to mention your own kids." James laughed.

"Well, I'm not sure of that, but it's possible." Sirius said.

"Oh, I'm sure that by next year there will be one on the way." James said.

"Humph! Don't let Katie hear you say that." Sirius replied.

James laughed once more.

"Did you hear from Remus and Peter?" Sirius asked, trying to change the subject.

"They owl everyday to ask if Harry is here yet." Said James.

"Oh, and what do they have to say about themselves?" Sirius queried.

"Remus is in South America, doing some research. It seems that there had been reports that a cure has been found for his condition. Peter is back with his mother, she became ill once more." James reported.

"I hope those reports are true and they can help Remus. But Peter seems to have the worst luck." Sirius responded.

"Indeed. The poor fellow won't be able to get away for some time." James shook his head sadly.

"How long will Remus stay away?" Asked Sirius.

"Don't know, he didn't mention it." James said.

"Not too long, that last message took a couple of weeks to get here." Said a voice from the door. The two young men turned to look at the speaker with surprise.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Exclaimed James.

"You should've said something." Sirius said.

Remus laughed. "I wasn't sure when I would be back. Besides the owl would've gotten here after I did."

"Most likely." Snorted Sirius.

"How long are you staying?" James asked, motioning Remus to sit.

"Only for a month or so. Time enough to greet Young Harry." Remus smiled.

"Well, tell us, what did you find out about this supposed cure." Sirius asked with curiosity.

"Hmmm - it's not a cure really, I mean, it doesn't seem to stop the transformations every month, but it does relieve the pain, id it seems to have a side effect." Remus explained but stopped to accept the glass that James offered.

"What kind of side effect?" James asked.

"Well, it seems that by relieving the pain, it clears the mind. Thus, if the potion is drunk before the full moon, the person changes into a wolf but remains with a human mind, and it's less dangerous that way." Remus said.

"Wow, that is a just good isn't it? It's not a cure, but it sure gives hope." Sirius exclaimed.

"Indeed it does. It is used widely through out South America, but our Ministry is wary to allow its use here without some investigation." Remus continued.

"Humph! What else should we expect? Do you know who are up for Minister? Cornelius Fudge and Bartimus Crouch, not a decent candidate in the lot." Sirius scoffed.

"Both are as close-minded as a Dementor. The Ministry is certainly falling into despair." James said shaking his head.

"Well, what do you expect, with the situation as it is. People just have lost faith in the Ministry. Look at all that the Death Eaters and Voldemort have done, and the Ministry has done nothing to make things better." Remus said with a saddened tone.

"Well, the media gave good reports of what happened at Hogsmeade some time ago." Sirius said.

"But it wasn't the Ministry they applauded, but Dumbledore and his staff for being the first on the scene and getting all those students to safety with no injuries reported. The Ministry wasn't too happy about that." James said.

Sirius snorted. "Of course they were not happy, the press made it look as if the Ministry cannot do a thing without the help from Dumbledore."

"Well, it certainly looks that way, doesn't it? I mean, people have noticed that, owls are sent from the Minister to Dumbledore more often than to any other person." James said.

"He started doing so since your father's death James, before that, he was the one giving him advise." Remus said.

The three young men were silent. The windows were open and the warm breeze made the curtains move in front of the windows.

They were too lost on their own thought that they didn't even notice the owl that had come to rest on the desk looking at the three young men trough round eyes.

Remus was the first to notice the owl as it cleaned its feathers with its beak. After they sat thinking for some minutes, Remus left his chair to fill his glass once more. As he turned to look back at the others to ask if they wanted more drinks, he spied the owl on the desk.

"You have an owl James." He said with surprise.

"Hmmm - what?" James asked snapping out of his deep thoughts.

"You have an owl, on your desk." Remus said nodding toward the desk in front of the windows.

James turned to look. The owl seemed to take no notice of them, he continued cleaning his feathers as if it had all the time on the world, and no important news to carry.

"How long has it been standing there?" James asked leaving his chair and walking up to the desk.

"Don't know, it was there when I turned." Remus said with a shrug.

"Why don't you ask it?" Said Sirius.

"Really Sirius!" Exclaimed James as he reached for the parchment tied to the owl's leg.

Remus shook his head as Sirius asked. "What?"

The moment James took the envelope, the owl spread his wings and swiftly left through the open window.

James frowned and looked down at the parchment as he opened the note.

"It's from Dumbledore." He said.

Sirius groaned. "Now what? Don't tell me there was another attack."

"No, just says that he is coming for a visit tonight and that he wishes to speak to me and Lily." James said.

"He just wants to see you before the baby is born to wish you happy." Said Sirius.

"Of course. Nothing to worry about." Remus said.

James nodded. It was possible, but somehow, he felt that it wasn't to congratulate them the reason Dumbledore was coming, something had happened.



The household was assembled in the family parlor. Lily and Katie had cornered Remus the moment he had entered the room with the others and were trying to find out everything he had done while he was away.

"Remus, why do you insist in dressing so shabbily? You have enough money to buy new robes." Katie said looking down on the shabby set of robes Remus wore.

"Because it's such a waste Katie, I'm ripping them every month, if I have to replace every set of robes I damage, then all my money will go to waste." Said Remus.

"But how long are you going to continue wearing these?" Katie asked looking at the robes with disgust.

"When they are so bad that I can't repair them. Then, I'll get a new set of robes." Remus said.

"Oh Remus." Katie exclaimed.

"Leave him alone Katie. It does make sense. Can you imagine how expensive it would be for him to be buying robes all the time?" Lily said coming to Remus' rescue.

"Thank you Lily, knew one of you would understand." Remus said.

"Really!" Katie exclaimed.

"He didn't mean anything by it Katie." Lily soothed her friend as she frowned at Remus.

"Yes well, Sirius is wanting me to join him. I'll see what he wants." And Remus rapidly made his escape.

"I suppose I do understand why he doesn't want to spend so much money replacing his wardrobe every month." Said Katie grudgingly.

"Indeed. Not even we do that every month." Lily said.

"Oh well." Katie said with a shrug putting the matter out of her mind.

Lily looked toward her husband. James stood at the other corner of the room. Sirius and Remus were with him. The three of them had a drink in their hands. They looked so relaxed and happy. She smiled.

"How much longer do you think you have to wait?" Asked Katie looking down at Lily's round body.

"Well, I'm not sure. He was supposed to have been born last week. The doctor is coming for an examination tomorrow morning." Lily said patting her stomach.

"Is it very uncomfortable?" Katie asked.

"Very." Lily said with a smile.

"I'm glad Sirius does not wish for children yet, I don't think I could handle it as well as you do." Katie said with a shudder.

Lily laughed. "I'm sure you will become accustomed to it once the time comes."

"Perhaps." Said Katie somewhat skeptical.

"It is a wonderful feeling." Lily said.

"I'm sure it is." Katie said with a lift of her brow. "Let's see if you say the same when you are in labor."

"Oh, I'm sure that I will curse James to the devil when that happens, but I'm sure it will be worth it once I have Baby Harry in my arms." Said Lily with a sigh.

"We'll see." Katie said.

Before Lily could say another word, the door opened and Roberts stepped across the door. "Professor Dumbledore, Sir, Ma'am." He announced.

"Thank you Roberts. Welcome Professor." Said James as Roberts stepped aside and Professor Dumbledore came into the room."

"James, Lily my dear, you look radiant." Dumbledore said leaning to kiss Lily's hand as he approached her seat.

"Thank you Professor. I hope your trip was good." Lily said motioning the old gentleman to sit.

"Indeed it was. Thank you Mr. Potter." Said Dumbledore as he accepted a drink from James.

"James said that you wished to speak with us. Do you prefer to do it now, or after dinner?" Asked Lily, motioning to Roberts to wait for a moment.

"After dinner, I think. Don't want to spoil dinner, and let it get cold." Dumbledore said with a smile.

Lily nodded to Roberts, who soon departed closing the door behind him.

"Dinner will be served soon. Perhaps we should start toward the dinning room." Lily said to the group assembled in the room.

"Of course dear." Said James as he helped her up from her seat.

Dumbledore led Mrs. Potter, followed by Remus and Mrs. Evans and Sirius and Katie closely behind them.

The twins were already in the dinning room. Both watching closely as the footmen brought in the trays with food and placed them on the table on one side of the room as they waited for Lily's signal to start serving.

Dinner was a quiet affair. The twins kept the family entertained with stories of their adventures and their plans for Baby Harry.

James and Lily kept looking at each other across the table with happy smiles.

The meal didn't last long. As soon as dessert was eaten, the twins were taken by Minnie to the nursery and the adults started to pile back into the parlor.

"Professor, if you wish, we can move to the bookroom for our talk." Said James as soon as the others had passed through the door leading to the parlor. Only Dumbledore, James and Lily were left behind.

"It would be preferable." Dumbledore said.

The trio made their way to the bookroom slowly, giving time for Lily to catch her breath as they went along.

"I swear, I'm looking forward to seeing my feet again." Lily exclaimed as soon as she sat on one of the couches in the bookroom.

Dumbledore chuckled. "I imagine you are."

"Something to drink Professor?" Asked James walking toward the decanters.

"Thank you James, don't mind if I do." Said Dumbledore with a smile.

James soon joined them with three full glasses of cider.

"Mmm - I always enjoy your homemade cider, it is the best I have tasted." Said Dumbledore after drinking some.

James smiled with satisfaction.

"Now, what I have to say is very important and it must be kept a secret." Dumbledore said very seriously.

"Of course." James nodded.

"Do you remember some of the lectures from History of Magic?" Dumbledore asked.

James and Lily looked at each other with surprise.

"I'm sorry Professor but I really didn't pay much attention in that class." James said sheepishly.

Lily giggled and Dumbledore chuckled.

"What exactly are you asking for Professor?" Lily asked.

"About the early history of magic, my dear." Professor Dumbledore said.

"Oh, I know about that, well, not everything but I know about the myths of course." Said James.

"What do you remember about those myths?" Dumbledore asked.

"Let me see. According to early stories, some thousands of years ago there was a place in the South of England where the land was fertile and the food aplenty. The people served and worshiped the land and the mother goddess, they believed to be the creator of the land. From among these people a child was born, a little girl, with great power and supernatural talent. The people believed she was a physical manifestation of the mother goddess and worshipped her as such. The child grew and eventually had children of her own, all with talent just as hers, except that not as evolved, they needed to use objects to project their power, they were the first magical beings in the world." James said.

"Good. That is indeed the myths of the beginning of magic. This little girl who grew up to be the mother of all magical people had great power, she had no need for an object to project her power with, as her children did. Those objects eventually were replaced with wands of course. But this woman used her body and mind to project and use her powers. She was the matriarch of her family, the people of this small isle considered her a goddess. She became ruler of the land - "

As James and Lily met with Professor Dumbledore in the bookroom, the others kept themselves entertained in the parlor room.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans had retired early, as it had been several nights that they had a full night's sleep.

"Wondering what they have to talk about." Said Sirius, sprawled on one of the couches, sitting next to Katie.

"I just hope it won't take long." Sad Katie.

"I doubt they will tell us what the subject is about." Remus said.

"Do you think it is something to do with Voldemort?" Sirius asked.

"I doubt it, if it was he would've asked us to join them." Remus replied.

"But it must be dreadfully important." Katie exclaimed.

"Oh, of that there is no doubt." Sirius said.



" - That is why we need your help. For the charm to work, an innocent soul is needed. A person with no fear and guilt. The only being incapable of those emotions is a child." Dumbledore was saying.

James and Lily had stayed silent through Dumbledore's explanation of his problem.

"Will he be in any danger?" Lily asked putting her arms protectively around her stomach.

"Only if Voldemort finds out. But the charm works as a protective charm, it will become weaker as time passes, but during his first two years it will be very strong." Dumbledore said.

"He will be safe as long as Voldemort doesn't find out. How many people will know of this?" James asked.

"The three of us and a couple of people from the Ministry." Dumbledore said.

"Are they trustworthy?" James asked.

"They are." Dumbledore replied.

"How long will this charm work?" Lily asked.

"The last time it was done it lasted for more than a thousand years." Said Dumbledore.

"Did it have any side effects?" James asked.

"None that were hurtful to the child." Dumbledore responded.

James and Lily looked at each other for a moment. It seemed as if they were communicating to each other their thoughts and worry. After Lily nodded determinedly at James, he turned to look at Dumbledore.

"When do you want to do the charm?" James asked.

"We will wait for one month after Young Harry's birth." Dumbledore said.

James nodded.

"It is the best way to protect our magical world. If we fail, all the magic in the world will be destroyed and Voldemort will be more dangerous than ever." Dumbledore said to the young couple.

"Is he back then? The last time we spoke about him, you said that he had disappeared and that not even his Death Eaters knew where he was." James said with a troubled tone.

"He was spied for the first time since then, this afternoon. I'm sorry to say that he is much worse than before." Dumbledore sounded saddened.

"Why do you say that Professor?" Asked Lily with worry.

"He appeared in a small town in Dorset with a large number of his Death Eaters. The whole village was destroyed. One hundred and fifty people dead." Dumbledore reported.

Lily gasped in horror while James cursed.

"All were muggle?" James asked.

"They were. We had no report of the attack until after it occurred. There was nothing that the Ministry could do, and there were no survivors." Dumbledore said.

"Oh dear." Lily said, her eyes tearing up.

"I must leave, there are many things to do about this situation, and they don't know how the muggle media will explain this." Dumbledore said coming to his feet.

"Thank you for coming Professor." James said, shaking hands with the old gentleman.

"Thank you for having me and considering my proposition. Think closely about it. There is no need for you to feel obligated." Dumbledore said peering deeply at the young couple.

"We will discuss it." James said.

Dumbledore nodded and left the room.

"Do you think we are doing the right thing James?" Lily asked as soon as the door closed behind Professor Dumbledore.

"I think we are. If this is what we must do to protect our world Lily, we must do it. The future of Harry and all our children depend on this." James said, sitting beside her and hugging her as close as he could.

"I'm worried James." Lily whispered leaning against him.

"I know sweetheart, so am I." James whispered back.



Lily woke early on this July day. It had been a few days since Professor Dumbledore came to the Manor to speak with them and she couldn't shake off the feeling that something big was going to happen.

The day after his visit, James had taken Lily to see the doctor. Lily had been very worried that a week had passed after her due date and the baby had not been born yet.

"Are you sure that everything is fine?" She had asked after the examination.

"Yes, my dear. Everything is fine. That little rascal is just taking his time, don't worry, he will come when the time is right." The doctor had said with a smile.

Lily was still skeptical, she was sure something was wrong.

This morning was just the same as the previous one, she woke up stroking her stomach and hoping that today was the day.

"Don't worry Lily, he will come out soon." James mumbled at her side.

"I didn't know you were awake." Lily said with a smile as she watched James roll over to his back.

"I can't sleep once you are awake, I'm afraid that the time will come and then you will scream at me for being asleep." He said.

Lily giggled, she had done that so often during the last couple of weeks.

"Yeah, it's funny to you but I didn't get enough sleep." He grumbled.

"I'm sorry." She said kissing his brow softly.

"Humph!" He snorted.

Lily chuckled.

"The doctor wanted to go see him today didn't he? Or is it tomorrow?" James asked.

"It's today." Lily said.

James groaned. "All right, I'm up."

Lily smiled as she watched James drag his feet toward his dressing room.

"Your father is rather grumpy in the mornings Harry." She whispered to her stomach and giggled.



A few hours later, James and Lily were waiting for the doctor after the examination was done.

"Well," the doctor said as he reentered the room, "everything seems to be fine, but that kid is almost ready, I would not be surprised if I'm not called to your bedside in a matter of days."

"Oh really doctor?" Lily said excitedly.

"It certainly looks that way. Your son will join you soon." The doctor said with a smile.

"Did you hear that James? Any day now." Lily exclaimed.

"I heard." James said with a smile.

"Yes well, I will urge you to stay in bed and rest my dear, you might feel somewhat uncomfortable until the time comes." The doctor said looking at Lily with a serious expression.

"Of course doctor." She nodded.

"I'll make sure she stays quiet." James said.

"Good. Now, if you feel any pain at all, just make sure to call." The doctor said as he and James helped Lily from the bed and led the young couple toward the door.

"I will doctor, thank you." Said Lily with a huge smile.

Martin was waiting for them in front the clinic. James helped Lily into the car and soon were off toward the Manor.

"Can you believe it James, our son will join us soon." Exclaimed Lily.

"I know." James said hugging her tight.

Lily sighed and settled against his chest, trying to get comfortable.

"Now, I want you to promise me that you will stay in bed and rest, I don't want you getting up and trying to walk around the house." James said.

"I'll try. But you put in the lift now, there is no need for me to go up and down the stairs." Lily replied.

"No matter, I want you to rest." James said.

"Very well. I'll stay in bed." Lily sighed resignedly.

James took Lily to their room the moment they returned. Minnie was there to help.

"Now Minnie, I want you to stay here with her and make sure that she doesn't leave that bed." James ordered.

Minnie looked at James with her round eyes wide open and frightened. "Yes Master James, Minnie will keep Mistress Lily in bed." She nodded energetically.

"Good, see that you do. Now Lily, just stay here and rest, I'll come and keep you company later if you want me to." James said leaning down to kiss Lily's brow.

"All right, but you are overreacting James." Lily complained as she tried to move all the pillows that were on the bed.

"No I'm not, I'll ask Mrs. Nichols to bring you a tray. Something to munch on will be good for you." James pulled the covers over Lily.

"Oh, all right." Lily finally said trying to keep James from putting another blanket over her.

"I'll see you later." James said and left the room.

"Men are so insane." Exclaimed Lily.

Minnie looked quietly at Lily, her expression one of worry and surprise.



Sirius and Remus kept the ladies company as they waited for James and Lily to join them.

"Wonder what the doctor will have to say." Said Sirius.

"The same he has been saying the past two weeks, that the baby is healthy and that he is not ready to come out." Said Remus.

"Poor Lily, she is really wishing for the baby to arrive." Said Katie.

"Not to worry, it is very common. Petunia was three weeks late." Mrs. Evans said.

Mrs. Potter nodded her agreement. "My Elizabeth was one week late, but James made up for it by being two weeks early." She laughed.

"Oh, Lily was right on time." Mrs. Evans reported.

James came into the room in that instant and everybody turned to look at him questioningly.

"Well?" Asked Sirius.

"The doctor said that Baby Harry is healthy and it would be any day now." James said with a smile.

"Any day now?" Asked Katie.

"Uh-huh. He said that soon we will meet him." James said happily.

"Oh dear, Lily must stay in bed." Mrs. Evans said with worry.

"She is in bed now, the doctor told her to rest." James replied.

"Oh good, we should go and see her Rose, we must keep her entertained." Said Mrs. Potter putting her knitting things together in her sawing basket.

"Indeed. She must stay in bed." Mrs. Evans said.

Both ladies quickly left the room whispering among themselves.

"Well, congratulations old boy, you will soon be a father." Exclaimed Sirius.

James smiled smugly at his two friends.

Katie rolled her eyes. "I think I will join the ladies, I might get an intelligent conversation for a change." She said and walked to the door.

"Hey!" The young men exclaimed.

Katie didn't turn back and left the men behind.

"Come James, let's go to the game room, you need a distraction as well." Said Remus and the three went looking for a way to entertain themselves.



During the rest of the day the household was kept busy trying to keep Lily and James entertained. Mrs. Nichols kept the ladies watered and fed, while Roberts took care of the young men.

Everybody in the house now knew that Lily was soon to deliver and they happily kept up their chores and kept looking in on Lily making sure that the time had not arrived yet.

Lily happily stayed in bed, and didn't really feel like breaking her promise to James. She was feeling tired and a little rest did her good.

It was late in the evening when Lily was left on her own. Time for dinner had arrived and James had come to tell everybody to go and eat. He would keep his wife company, he said.

"Hungry?" James asked as soon as they were left alone.

"Not really, Mrs. Nichols has been bringing tea and platters of food through out the day." Lily said with a smile.

"Do you mind if I do ask for a try to be brought up? I am a little hungry." James asked hopeful that Lily would say yes.

"Of course. I don't mind." Lily said with a smile.

A tray was soon brought up with enough food for two people.

Lily drank a little of the tea that had been brought up, and after watching James eat, she decided that she was a little hungry after all.

"Knew you would get hungry." James laughed.

"Seems that Harry got hungry after all." Lily giggled.

It was a quiet time for both of them. Both knew that it might be one of the last moments that they would be alone before the baby was born.

The others joined them after dinner. Every candle in every scone on the wall had been lit. The room was bright and the company was entertaining.

The others stayed with James and Lily for a couple of hours only, soon they retired to their respective rooms.



James was tranquilly sleeping. He mumbled and snored while Lily lay awake beside him. She turned to look at the clock beside the bed. It was after midnight. Lily sighed. She then turned to look at the calendar that decorated one of the walls. It was a large calendar, it looked more that an object of art than a calendar, it was that reason why Lily liked it so much. It was a magical calendar, it changed months automatically and the numbers and letters were scribed in golden letters that blended perfectly with the colorful background. She looked at it closely, following the lines and colors as they blended and sparkled in the moonlight. She smiled as she noticed the date. It was July 31.

"July is almost gone Harry." She whispered as she stroke her stomach. "It seems that you don't like the month at all. Do you like August best? Is that why you are waiting? Don't worry, it will be time soon."

Suddenly she gasped. A sharp pain went through her back. She waited to see if it would come again, but it didn't. She sighed with relief and snuggled deep on the bed.

She closed her eyes and let her body relax.

She was woken abruptly some time later. The pain in her back had returned, but this time it was a little sharper. She waited again, and again it didn't come back. She frowned. Had she imagined it? She shook her head and closed her eyes once more.

Once more, she woke abruptly. The pain had returned. She looked at the clock. How long ago was the previous one? She asked herself. She didn't close her eyes this time, she tried to relax her body and hoped that the pain would not return.

But it did. Half an hour later.

Lily sighed and smiled. It seemed that Harry liked the month of July after all.

She waited a little longer. She wanted to be sure before she woke James up.

Half and hour later, it returned. She was sure now.

"James!" She whispered as she nudged him.

"Hmmm." He groaned.

"Wake up!" She nudged him again.

"Stop that, I'm sleeping." He mumbled.

"Wake up James!" She hit him this time.

"What was that for?" James exclaimed sitting up on bed.

"It's time, I'm sure now." Lily said excitedly.

"Time?" James asked rubbing the sleep of his eyes. "It's almost three in the morning. Did you wake me up just to ask what time it is?" He snapped.

Lily sighed with exasperation. "That's not what I said you ninny! I said it's time, we have to call the doctor."

"Oh!" James said snuggling back on the bed.

Lily looked at him with surprise, but before her anger rose, he jumped out of the bed.

"It's time? Are you sure?" James screamed.

Lily nodded.

James ran out of the room, wearing only his boxers, screaming down the corridor. Lily giggled but gasped as the pain returned once more. She groaned loudly.

"Are you all right, does it hurt much? Do you know the charm for pain relief? Where is my wand? I can't find my wand!" James was yelling as he stumbled around the room in the dark.

"It would probably help if you get a light. And your wand is probably by your side of the bed." Lily said, trying to be patient.

She reached for her own wand and whispered "Lumos." The tip of her wand shone brightly. James blinked a couple of times and slowly made his way to his side of the bed. Lily had been right, his wand was on the nightstand on his side of the bed.

"Thanks." He said and with a swish of his wand every candle was lit.

As he reached for his robe, they heard running footsteps coming toward them.

"What happened? What is wrong?" Panted Mrs. Evans as she ran into the house.

"What is the screaming? James did you do anything to Lily?" Mrs. Potter asked coming in behind Mrs. Evans.

"Besides the obvious of course." Said Sirius strolling with Katie right behind the older ladies.

Lily gasped and groaned.

"What is it? Lily, are you all right?" Asked Katie with worry in her voice.

"She is labor, what else? Will somebody go downstairs and wait for the doctor? Roberts has sent for him." James said above the whispering and the chatter.

"I'll go." Said Remus who had been standing behind Sirius.

As Remus left the room, James turned on the others. "And will you leave Lily alone? If you do not know what to do, leave this instant!" He ordered.

Sirius laughed and pulled Katie out. "Are you coming James?" He asked slyly. "You know nothing about this either."

Lily grasped James' arm. "Don't go. Please James, stay here with me." She pleaded.

"Of course darling, I'm not leaving you." James said as he sat beside her on the bed.

Sirius left the room laughing as he pulled Katie along.

"But Sirius, she is in pain." The others heard Katie say as she and Sirius left the room.

"Here Lily, let me help you sit up, you will see that it will help with the pain." Said Mrs. Evans.

"Thanks mum." Said Lily.

"Here take this. When the pain is really bad, take one of these blocks of ice and chew on it. You don't want to hurt yourself." Said Mrs. Potter using her wand to summon some ice.

They heard footsteps coming down the corridor. They all turned to look at the door as it opened and Roberts walked in.

"The doctor is here Sir." He said. Lily giggled at the sight of the butler. He was wearing a black night robe with white slippers on his feet. His hair was messed and his nightcap was still on his head, but somehow, he still looked imposing.

Roberts stepped aside and the doctor walked in.

"Well, it seems that the time has come. I will need you all to leave while I make my examination." The doctor said.

Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans left and Roberts closed the door behind him.

The doctor approached the bed and looked down at Lily as she held on to James' hand.

"Don't worry my dear, that little rascal will be with us soon enough." He said.



Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans waited in the corridor as the doctor finished his examination. Katie paced across the floor. Remus and Sirius had gone in search for chairs to put along the wall. If they were going to wait in the corridor, they might as well do so in comfort.

They had returned with several chairs when the doctor left the room. He had removed his cloak, and the sleeves of his robes had been rolled up high on his arms.

"The contractions are getting nearer. It will be a matter of hours for her to go in complete labor." He announced.

"Do you need help doctor, I could help." Said Mrs. Evans.

"No thank you ma'am, my daughter is visiting, she should be coming soon." The doctor said.

"We will be looking for her then." Said Mrs. Potter.

"I'll appreciate it. She is bringing all the instruments we will need." The doctor replied.

The others nodded and the doctor returned into the room.

He found James trying to help Lily breathing.

"Come Lily, hold on, it will pass in a moment." James urged her as she grabbed his arm and held tight as a wave of pain passed through her body.

"I will not go through this again. Next time, you are going to have the baby." She groaned.

"I would if I could dear." He said. James turned to look at the doctor as he approached the bed. "Don't you have something to relieve the pain?" He asked hopefully. He thought the bones in his hand were probably broken. He was sure he heard them crack as Lily was pressing them tight.

"There is a charm we can try, it will not take away the pain completely, but it will manage it." The doctor said.

"Give it to me." Lily growled.

"Give it to her, give it to her." Screamed James as another contraction took hold of Lily.

Lily groaned loudly.

As the painful spasm passed the doctor took his wand and whispered as he pointed his wand to her stomach.

Lily sighed with relief.

A squeak sounded from below the bed.

"You can come out now Minnie. She won't throw a shoe at you anymore." Said James.

"Is Master James sure?" Minnie asked, her small face peering out cautiously.

"Yes, I am." James said.

"I'm sorry Minnie, I didn't mean it." Lily said looking apologetic.

"Does Mistress Lily hate Minnie?" Asked Minnie as she came out from under the bed looking sad.

"No, I don't hate you, I was just in pain and said things that I regret now." Lily explained.

"Why don't you go and get more ice Minnie." James urged and the little elf quickly disappeared from the room.

"You were really mean to her." James said putting his arms around Lily.

"I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Lily said. A sniffle escaped her.

"Oh, don't cry my dear. Harry will be scared if you cry on his birthday." James said.

"I'm sorry." Lily said taking deep breaths.

"Yes, that's it. Take deep breaths now." James urged.

The door opened once more and a slim lady with black robes came into the room. She was carrying a large bag.

"I'm here father." She said putting the bag down and discarding her cloak.

"Thank you dear. The time is near, so we'll have to scrub." The doctor said.

"You can use either of the restrooms." James said motioning to both doors on the adjacent walls to the bed.

"Thank you. Keep helping her with her breathing, the contractions will start to get closer together." The doctor ordered as walked toward one of the restrooms.

"Oh no. I don't want to have more contractions." Moaned Lily.

"I know dear, but the charm will help." James said patting the hand he had clasped in his own.

The doctor and his daughter returned to the room. While the doctor made sure all the instruments were prepared, his daughter started to take out some of the equipment. When she neared the bed with the muggle equipment she had shrunk to carry and placed it by the bed, James turned to look at her.

"Hello Madam Pomfrey, didn't know you were in town." James exclaimed. Lily turned to look at the stern woman standing by the bed.

"Mr. Potter. I'm glad that this time it isn't you in need of attention because of some adventure or other of yours." She said.

James smiled. "Nope, it's Lily's turn now."

"Only because of you. It's your fault I'm here." Lily pouted.

James chuckled and kissed her brow.

"Here Mr. Potter. Make yourself useful. Use this towel to keep her brow dry." Said Madam Pomfrey giving him a small towel. She then turned to help her father with the rest of the instruments.

"Oh James, here comes another one." Lily groaned and grasped James' hand.

"Keep breathing Lily." James said.

Those outside waiting in the hall were rather impatient.

"What is keeping them so long?" Katie exclaimed.

"Labor takes time my dear. I was in labor for ten hours when James was born." Mrs. Potter said.

"Petunia took six hours." Mrs. Evans said.

"I hope it doesn't take that long." Sirius said.

"It has been only a couple of hours." Remus replied.

"That is enough." Said Sirius.

Every room in the Manor was lit, and it was obvious that everybody was busy with one thing or another.

The servants were all up. Roberts and his footmen were in the entrance hall dusting and sweeping. The maids found dusting and cleaning to do in the same wing as Lily's and James' room. In the kitchen, the elves and Otty were busy preparing the menu chosen for that day. And Mrs. Nichols kept checking with Mrs. Potter if they needed refreshments.

Dusk was approaching and the tenants were starting to get prepared for the upcoming day.

"Ok Lily, you are all ready. You are completely dilated and this kid of yours is eager to join us. When the next set of contractions start, push." The doctor ordered as everybody in the room got ready to deliver the baby.

"All right." Said a panting Lily.

"I'm here sweetheart." James whispered in her ear as he dried her forehead.

"Hold my hand James." Lily said.

"I'm not going to let you go." James replied.

"Here it comes." Warned Lily.

"Push my dear." Ordered the doctor.

"Push Lily." Said James.

A string of curses were heard coming from Lily. James chuckled as he heard them. The doctor and Madam Pomfrey didn't seem disturbed by it.

"JAMES POTTER, IF YOU EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN I'M GOING TO HEX YOU ALL THE WAY TO HADES." Screamed Lily.

James chuckled. "I won't touch you again then." He said.

The contraction passed and Lily relaxed.

"Is he out yet?" Asked James.

"Not yet." The doctor reported.

Lily groaned.

The screams and curses could be heard in the corridor. Sirius had laughed as he heard them. Mrs. Potter and Katie giggled.

"I used much stronger words." Laughed Mrs. Evans.

"Poor Lily. It must hurt horribly for her to scream like that." Said Katie with a shudder.

Another scream and another string of curses were heard.

"Maybe we should've used a silencing charm." Said Remus.

"We really didn't think about it." Said Mrs. Potter with a sigh as the screams ceased.

Inside the room, James was trying to keep his ears from ringing.

"Ok, Lily, I can see the head." Said doctor.

"GET HIM OUT OF ME!!!!!" Screamed Lily.

"Here comes the head." Exclaimed the doctor.

James moved to see. "Lily I can see him." He screamed.

"GET HIM OUT! GET HIM OUT!" Lily panted.

"Ok, Lily. One more push." The doctor ordered.

"Oh no, I can't." Panted Lily.

"You can do it Lily. I know you can." Said James as he dried her brow.

"Here it comes." She gasped.

After some vociferous moments, the cry of an infant was heard.

Lily sighed with relief.

"Congratulations." The doctor said as he and his daughter cleaned and examined the baby.

"Oh give him to me." Pleaded Lily.

Madam Pomfrey approached the bed. A bundle of blankets on her arms. "Here you go." She said with a smile as she put the bundle into Lily's arms.

"Oh James, look." Sobbed Lily.

"He is perfect." James said.

Baby Harry yawned. "Hello Harry. I'm your mum." Whispered Lily.

"And I'm your daddy." James whispered.

Baby Harry opened his eyes and looked at the two faces above him.

"He looks like you James." Lily smiled turning to her husband.

"But he has your eyes." James smiled back and leaned in to kiss her softly.





A/N: Harry is finally here and this part of the story is done. The next part will not be as long as either of the previous parts as it will deal only with Harry's first year until Voldemort attacks Godric Hollow. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, sorry it took a while.

Kirbee, you are right, my sn in HP site is ilialexalop and the title of my story is the same, maybe I'll see you around sometime.

Thank you to all of you who have reviewed, I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far. : ) (I know some of you had questions about what is going to happen after Voldemort's attack, well, I can't really say because it would spoil the surprise, but I'm sure that you will enjoy it.)