Lily and James smiled down at their son. His first birthday was fast approaching. All of the Marauders and a few Hogwarts teachers, including Dumbledore, had promised to come. Lily was just about to put Harry down into his bath when he said his first word.

"Dadeee."

Lily gasped. "James! James, come here!"

James barreled into the room. "What? What happened, are you okay?"

Lily smiled, "We're fine, but I think Harry has something he wants to say."

James's eyes widened as he looked at his boy. "Hiya Harry!"

"Dadeeeee."

Lily laughed as James picked up the boy and swirled him around. The child just giggled and laughed.

"Alright, James. It's time for Harry's bath. He has a big day tomorrow." Lily said finally. James handed him over and kissed her cheek.

"I know, but I thought we were supposed to be giving the gifts."

"Well, not this time." Lily said, beaming fondly at Harry. James nodded and hurried downstairs to finish preparing for the party.

"Happy birthday to you!"

The entire house was singing to the delighted boy. The place was full. Remus, Sirius, and James stood close as Lily brought the cake out. Professors McGonagall, Dumbledore and Flitwick stood nearby. Slughorn hadn't been able to make it. The room, however, was packed thanks to a half-giant. Hagrid was beaming at the small child and laughing as he giggled and cooed.

Lily, smiling, brought out the cake. She saw a camera flash and looked at Sirius. He had gotten very good at bringing a camera with him everywhere, not that she minded. She placed the cake on the table in front of her son. A couple of people gasped as Harry reached for it, then sighed with relief as Lily had placed it just beyond his reach.

"No, no, no, Harry. We have to share." She said softly, looking at James to cut it. He got the plates, forks, and ice cream out. Sirius took ice cream duty and Lily handed Harry to Hagrid when he asked to see him. The party went on for hours, people leaving every now and then. The Professors had to get back to the school to continue preparing for the next school year. Dumbledore was the last to leave and the Marauders sat down to play with the 1 year old.

Lily looked pointedly at James who nodded before she left to clean up. James got up and left Sirius and Remus to play with his son as he sat on the sofa next to Peter.

"Hey, Wormtail! Not going to join us on the floor?"

Peter laughed, though not much. "Nah. He's getting plenty of attention."

"Yes, I suppose he is," James muttered as he watched Sirius turn into a dog and Remus set Harry on his back, conjuring a seat for the little one.

There was silence, so James tried to direct approach.

"Are you doing okay, Peter. You don't seem yourself."

Pettigrew tensed. "Really? I'm just tired and I haven't been feeling well lately."

James nodded, not really convinced. "Well, you know you can go up and rest for awhile."

Peter really did look tired. He refused, but James insisted. He finally had to pull out his wand and order Wormtail to bed before the man would move. Lily took him upstairs and returned to the living room. Remus was now tickling Harry, who screamed with laughter. "Daddee!" he cried. Remus paused, smiling up at James, before launching another attack.

"Daddy's coming, Harry!" James said, swooping his son into his arms.

"Daddy! Daddy!" The boy cried happily.

"I see he stopped dragging the word out," Lily laughed.

"Mommy!" Lily gasped with delight and took her baby from her husband. The four continued to talk after Harry was put down for his nap.

"Peter is still asleep. He seems exhausted! Do any of you know what he does all night? It's like he never goes to sleep!" Lily said, very worried.

"I think he's trying to find a job." Remus said. "I've seen him going from place to place, even seen him go down Knockturn Alley."

James and Lily seemed shocked. "Knockturn Alley? There wouldn't be a place down there that would hire him... I don't know what we could do to help him."

"There's nothing you can do, I'll find one." Peter said from the stairs. The four jumped and turned.

"Are you sure you're alright Peter?" Lily asked.

"I'll be fine, Lily. I think I'll just go on home and rest though." Lily and James nodded.

Peter left and James noticed Sirius frown. "Padfoot? Whats up?"

"Huh? Oh, just thinking." Sirius said, feining unconcern. James didn't push and Sirius was glad. He too had been noticing Peter acting odd. He never used their nicknames anymore and never wanted to play with Harry. It seemed like he didn't want to get close to the boy and was distancing himself from the others. But why? They had always been a tight group of friends. What could be going on?

Sorry that it's so short. I'll update again soon! Thanks again for all those who read and a hug to those who review!