One

There was a light on in the room above the Leaky Cauldron. July Merriwether sat on the edge of the bed glancing constantly at the clock on the wall, her hand clutched tightly on her wand. It had been two years since she left Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and she'd had little contact or no contact from her old friends. Until now.

The previous evening July had received an urgent owl from Remus Lupin, someone she hadn't spoken to since the end of her sixth, and final year, of school. It struck her as odd that Remus would contact her now, or at all for that matter. They both had their reasons for staying away from each other, and she knew that it must be important for him to get in touch with her. She hoped it wasn't any more condolences; she had grown sick of hearing other people's sympathy for her.

Her twin sister April, her best friend, her other half, had been killed the year before. Voldemort had been rising into power since they had started school, but had posed no true threat until recent years. Her parents had been involved in the fight against Him and his followers, which had ended in their demise. She and April had also joined the cause, joining what Professor Dumbledore called The Order of the Phoenix. July was still a member and did what was needed of her though she did the best she could to avoid meetings. The only people she kept in touch with were the Weasley family; a couple she'd met when the Order had first been established. Arthur Weasley worked in the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Department of the Ministry of Magic. Molly was a homemaker who was busy raising four young boys but still managed to make a large breakfast for whoever was present during Order meetings.

July's thoughts wandered back to the reason Remus was asking her to come to the Leaky Cauldron now. If it was to offer his "deepest sympathies" over her sister's death then she thought she might just up and walk out. She remembered briefly reading that some others were expected also, but she already suspected who that was. It would be James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew. She hadn't really spoken to them since she and April had left school and assumed that they would have most certainly kept in touch.

July looked the same as she did in school for the most part. At eighteen, she hadn't changed that much physically. She still had the same shoulder-length pale blonde hair that hinted at being silvery and her normally-pale skin was tanned lightly from outdoor work. She looked her reflection over in the full-length mirror, saddened a bit by the fact that her emerald eyes had lost a certain spark in the past couple years. But between the deaths of her parents and her own twin, who could blame her?

With a final sigh, July concluded that she'd stalled long enough. It was time to face the past.

Downstairs, Remus Lupin was smoking a cigarette, a habit he'd picked up since he'd left school. He flicked the ashes off the end and into an ashtray on the large table in front of them. He hoped that at least one person showed up today. There was something to this meeting besides just getting everyone together again. Some horrible things had happened the past year and it had driven the Marauder's apart. The Merriwether twins hadn't even shown up for their seventh year and that had been completely unexpected. Then halfway through their final year, news of April Merriwether's death had reached the school. Remus only regretted not being there for July, but they'd split up by then.

Then of course the school learned that their classmate had been killed at the hands of a Death Eater; one of Lord Voldemort's followers. The new dark lord had been wreaking havoc continuously for the past couple years and got stronger with each passing day. The Order of the Phoenix was the strongest resistance that existed right now, stronger and more powerful even than the Ministry itself.

Remus had been a part of this organization from the start and at his youthful age of eighteen had seen more than he should have. The sound of a door opening and wind howling loudly from outside which was followed by an icy breeze brought Remus's attention the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.

James Potter, wrapped in a thick black wool coat, holding the collar up to shield his face from the blistering snow, entered The Leaky Cauldron right on time. He guessed that he was just precise like that. He took a quick scan of the room, eyes narrowed, and making sure that it was safe to be there. Upon spotting Remus Lupin his hazel eyes lit up in amusement before being masked by something else: suspicion. Why, after a year of not speaking, would Remus send him an owl requesting that he appear at The Leaky Cauldron the following morning?

Without another moment's hesitation, he approached his friend who was looking at him, having seen him enter. James knew that Remus would be trusted for he was a fellow member of the Order. So he took a seat across from his friend and steepled his fingers. "Hello Remus."

"Hello James," Remus responded, not sure if James was very happy to be there, Remus offered the first grin. "How've you been?" It was sad that they had this formalness between them.

James smirked. "Good as it could be. Haven't seen you since the funeral. Well we've seen each other off and on during Order meetings but that about sums it up." The funeral he'd been talking about was April's and it made him sick to his stomach to even go back and remember it.

Remus nodded, "Well, I've been busy. We all have. How's Lily doing?" He paused at the end of that question seeing a cloud come over James's expression.

"Wouldn't know, myself. Haven't spoken to her in awhile. It's a bit rocky between us right now. She lost April, well we all did, but then she lost a Muggle friend of hers in an accident that she assures everyone is related to Voldemort and his followers." He shrugged. "That was over six months ago though, things aren't that great."

"Sorry to hear that," Remus awkwardly stirred some sugar into his coffee. He didn't look James in the eyes when he spoke next. "Er, I owled Lily also, she should be here soon."

"She's already here," a soft voice answered in reply to Remus. Lily Evans stepped into view at that point, having been there since James arrived. She'd hung back for a few minutes, debating whether or not to turn and leave or face James. She'd been debating repeatedly over the night since she'd received Remus's summons to The Leaky Cauldron and had finally concluded that since she was already here it would be cowardly to go now. So, she'd stepped out of the shadows.

Lily looked older than she had at school. Her auburn hair was wavy and ended at her shoulders, and her green eyes looked wary but completely aware.

"Lily! Oh it's good to see you," When James made no obvious effort to stand; Remus took the main hand and offered her a seat. "I hope the traveling was okay, the weather's horrible. Seems to have gotten worse overnight."

"Nice to see you also, Remus." Lily replied, looking down to avoid James's stare that she could feel burning into her. Already this was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for her and she was regretting not leaving when she'd had the chance to.

James remained quiet until a question sparked in his mind. "Hey, Moony," he started, using the old nickname unconsciously. "Have you gotten a hold of Sirius, July?"

"I sent the owls out to each of them last night so they should come." He shrugged. "Sirius has been very quiet, I haven't even seen him at Order meetings."

"Neither have I," Lily put in. "But I did spot him a few weeks back at Gringotts. He didn't notice me and I felt it best to mind my own business. He never really liked me that much." She said it wistfully, remembering their years at Hogwarts.

James frowned, wanting to comfort her but knowing he couldn't. Not yet. "Right so where are they then?"

At that moment, the front door slammed open again but the figure that walked in didn't bother closing it behind him. Instead the young man, a helmet in hand and boasting a leather jacket walked over to the group, taking off shades that weren't really needed outside in the first place. It was the face of Sirius Black and caused all three jaws to drop that sat before him.

"Sirius!" James exclaimed. He had to admit, and was confident in his sexuality enough to comment on, that his friend looked quite well compared to the lot of them. His jet-black hair was messy but not overly-so like his own. His face was clean shaven and free of any blemishes, and the guy looked in shape. The only hint to Sirius's inner feelings was through his eyes. The gray orbs were missing the mischievous twinkle they'd held when they'd been in school. James was surprised that his old friend hadn't had two girls on his arms when he's walked in.

"Yes it's me," Sirius said, his voice low and strained almost. He looked to the three sitting before him. He'd kept a low profile the past year and was only a bit frustrated that Remus was dragging him out of his hole. He'd bought a motorcycle after school had got out and it was the best way he knew how to get rid of any stress. But the ride here hadn't let up any stress and it felt as if a weight was sitting on his chest.

"Lovely evening, Padfoot, eh?" Remus said, also automatically using Sirius's personal nickname.

Sirius decided that being nice would be the best way to get this little reunion over with. He was about to respond when his throat closed up on him. He'd noticed someone on the stairs and was waiting for them to take a turn so he could see it for himself again.

James and Remus, noticing their friend's sudden distress, followed his gaze to the staircase where July Merriwether was making her way downstairs. James winced, looking back to Sirius, knowing it wasn't July he was seeing. Remus was simply staring; it was the first time he'd seen her in over a year. His throat felt dry, and felt like he couldn't speak if he tried.

July made her way across the room after seeing the small group grouped near the fire. She could see James' untidy hair falling into his eyes, and Sirius' helmet lying nearby, and she couldn't help but smirk. At least some things hadn't changed. She could feel all of their eyes upon her and her cheeks flushed. Unlike her sister, she had always hated being the center of attention.

It was Lily who stood first grabbing July into a hug. "It's been forever Jules, how have you been?"

July returned the hug briefly before letting go. She forced a smile, "I've been okay." She lied. "You?"

Lily shrugged, "Alright I guess."

James shifted uncomfortably in his chair but said nothing. Instead he looked at July, "Good to see you again."

"You too James you look good," She smiled lightly taking a seat between Lily and Remus. She had avoided looking at Remus for the most part but knew the time would come eventually. Her eyes switched to Sirius, who was leaning on the back two legs of his chair and staring into the fire. She couldn't help but smile at his now even more handsome face. "Well you haven't changed at all."

Reluctantly, Sirius looked away from the fire and into July's face. The eerie resemblance between July and her late twin made his stomach churn.

"I've tried my hardest not to, love."

July only smiled, and the awkward silence once again fell between them. Knowing she couldn't avoid it, any longer she looked at Remus. His expression was stoic.

"Why did you call us all here Remus?"

Before Remus could reply to that, the front door swung open, causing the four friends to look at the door, each looking back to Remus.

"Remus, did you invite anyone else along?" James asked, peering over. Sirius had his wand out and on the table in front of him just in case.

"No, there wasn't anyone else to invite."

The figure was slim and stepped through the doorway, obviously hesitant. She was dressed, in July's opinion, rather trashy and revealing especially in this blizzard. The figure obviously belonged to a woman and a young one at that, judging from her in-shape figure and slim legs. It was the outfit that had July wincing. A black miniskirt was wrapped tightly around her legs and the top only reached just above her hips. A taut, tanned stomach was revealed for her blood-red shirt ended above her navel. Over the red tube top a black leather jacket was worn unzipped and as July's gaze slid upwards, she noticed tired eyes surrounded by black eyeliner and dark eye shadow. Bright red lips looked glossy and were a bit pouty on her tanned face. Straight black hair reached just past her shoulders.

July bit her lip, embarrassed for the girl herself, as she noticed the fishnet tights and knee-high, leather, high-heeled boots. The young woman seemed to be lost as if she didn't know where she was going but because she'd entered The Leaky Cauldron, July knew she had to be a witch. She heard Lily's sharp intake of breath at seeing a hooker walk into the small bar and lounge.

James whistled low under his breath, earning glares from the two girls. He merely shrugged. "Wonder what someone like that would be doing here?"

"Maybe she wanted a drink, Potter. You shouldn't judge people," Lily piped up, narrowing her eyes at James. He returned the glare and Remus sighed, sitting back.

Sirius smirked. "I'd bang her." He shrugged when Lily and July glared at him. "What? I would…"

"You really have not changed a wink." July said, grinning slightly herself.

April Merriwether walked into The Leaky Cauldron for the first time in over two years. She wished badly for a cigarette right about now as she surveyed the large room. She was still unsure as to whether or not the owl had been legitimate or not. After all, no one was supposed to know she wasn't dead. In fact, she'd been able to keep the secret very well for the past year, though it wasn't easy. She smirked wondering what July's reaction would be to her outfit; by wondering she was avoiding reality and it had kept her alive so far, so why not continue now? She'd gotten the owl only an hour before, in the middle of a job for the Order that no one but herself, Albus Dumbledore, and very recently Cornelius Fudge, knew about. She was currently undercover in a bar in southern England and the choice of dress wasn't something she'd normally choose to wear. But she did what she had to do.

Her heart stopped when she saw the group sitting at the table. Her sister was the first one she noticed. She felt her eyes water but didn't allow any tears to escape at seeing her for the first time in a year. She was only doing her job and telling herself that made her feel less guilty. Her gaze drifted to Sirius Black next and she couldn't even look at him for more than a minute. It wandered to Lily and James who seemed to be distant from each other and finally to Remus who had supposedly sent the owl. Not wanting to blow her cover, though she knew she stood out in the small inn, she took a seat at the bar, not looking back at the group and debating if she should come out for the first time in a long time.

The group back at the table shrugged and turned back to their conversations. July looked back at the out-of-place girl once more before joining the conversation that had drifted from the previous question asked to Remus. She tried to stay focused on the discussion of what had been going on in the Wizarding world lately, but found her attention drifting back to a girl that for some reason she thought she might know. She shook off the notion though because she knew she wasn't acquainted with anyone who dressed like that.

"So, she looks a bit suspicious don't you think?" James offered motioning with a bottle of pumpkin juice towards the bar. The girl had been there for about an hour now while the group had done some small catching up. She hadn't ordered a drink and she hadn't turned to talk to anyone. She was simply sitting there and seemed to like the quietness of her surroundings.

Remus shrugged it off. "Leave her be, Prongs. These days anyone could be sitting there, if only for a bit of solitude."

July nodded her agreement and looked over at Sirius, giving him a quizzical look. "Haven't said much, have you? What have you been up to lately?"

Sirius avoided the question and shot it back at her. "What have you been up to lately?"

July smirked and shrugged. "Many things."

"Okay this little meeting is dying, Remus. Just like when you tried to get us to have group discussions in school," James said laughing lightly at the memories.

Even Lily remembered those. "Yeah, I remember I felt sorry for you Remus. You used to get everyone together and try to get something started and no one would pay attention."

"That's only because Sirius would get bored and drag April off to some closet," Remus said. He winced when Sirius narrowed his eyes, his gaze still directed downwards. Remus frowned. "Sorry mate. It's been a year and a half, didn't think you would still get upset talking about her. But we should try to remember the good times we did have rather than dwelling on her death."

Sirius shot him an icy look. "Well so sorry for not wanting to discuss this certain subject. Not all of us have had the best year."

"Sirius, we know that. It's been hard on all of us. We haven't even seen each other since her funeral."

"Can we just drop it!" Sirius insisted, not wanting to be reminded of that day. "I don't want to talk about April anymore." He said this a bit louder than before and crossed his arms over his chest, looking down again.

April heard her name from the bar and turned around, ready to respond to whoever had said it. She caught herself before she spoke up though and quickly turned around again. She winced, knowing she'd locked eyes with James very quickly. But she hoped the split-second they'd looked at each other he hadn't noticed anything. Not that he would with the way she was dressed.

James narrowed his eyes. Facing the bar from his own seat, he'd seen the hooker girl turn and look at the group. He'd also seen her just as quickly turn back around again. He knew she'd seen him looking at her for they'd locked gazes for a mere second before she'd turned around. He nudged Sirius who was sitting next to him. "The hooker's eavesdropping."

This observation had Sirius looking over to the girl also who was now being approached by a man in a long black trench coat. He watched along with James as the man leaned against the counter, obviously enjoying the view, he was receiving. The girl turned her face to the side and struck Sirius being familiar but he ignored the feeling and watched her run a finger down the man's coat, a small smile playing on her bright red lips. He felt angry all of a sudden and couldn't quite place why.

James motioned for Remus to look over, which also had Lily and July following suit. The man in the trench coat appeared to be giving the girl a hard time now. She had run her finger down his coat-sleeve in a flirtatious manner but now seemed to want him to leave. He grabbed her arms, pulling her to her feet and caged her in with his hands against the counter. The Marauder's, July, and Lily watched as she tried to push him away but to no avail. The man simply pushed her arms down.

April felt the bad taste in the back of her mouth that she recognized as panic. The bar that she'd been undercover at had been trashy and had people like this but most were drunk enough to fight each other off someone looking like she did. But this was London; this was The Leaky Cauldron. People minded their own business in a place like this and she wasn't enjoying the attention she was receiving now.

She tried to push the man away but he'd grabbed her and trapped her between himself and the counter. Now she was working out a way to get him away from her before something worse happened. She'd just finished a nine hour shift at the bar she was undercover at and the scene she was waiting to happen hadn't occurred. She was exhausted her stressed, believing that the Death Eater's that were supposed to be meeting at that bar had gotten suspicious, deciding not to show at all. She was supposed to be there now but the owl had seemed urgent so she'd dropped everything without thinking.

For now, her thoughts were on getting this guy away from her. The fresh taste of fear in her mouth had her making clumsy moves for she knew that the bartender at The Leaky Cauldron, and it's customers, wouldn't interfere in another's business. Especially these days when any meddling could result in their death. The man was smiling at her while she struggled against him, finally getting sick of being pushed around, and grabbing her wrists with one of his large hands. He leaned his head down to her ear and she could smell the whiskey on his breath when he spoke.

"Come on, darling. You should be used to this, and you should like it. Why don't you come along with me, honey, and we can go somewhere a bit more… private." He laughed lightly. He wasn't an older man; he couldn't have been more than twenty-five. Because of his age, April was a bit more frightened.

"Get your hands off me you good for nothing scoundrel!" She whispered it angrily, not wanting to cause a scene in which she could be discovered. But it was too late for that and she knew it was over when he spoke next.

The young man grinned, forcing a kiss on her. With both of her wrists in one of his hands, and a hand still free, he forced her mouth open by yanking her chin down painfully.

April winced in slight pain as he roughly forced her to open her mouth for his kiss. A kiss she didn't want and suddenly became very angry about. Because of his drunken state, she felt that she owed him one more chance to leave her be. Raising her knee, she brought it slowly to his crotch, grinning slightly when he pulled his mouth away from hers and narrowed his eyes.

"I'll do it. One wrong move and you won't have to worry about making the same mistake twice. You won't be able to move."

The man simply laughed in her face. "Calm down. You're pitiful threats don't mean a thing." He lowered his voice to a barely audible whisper. "I know who you are and what you do. Be careful how you speak to me."

April's face paled to almost a pure white color. She felt the sweat beading on her hairline. Her worst fear had come true: She'd been discovered. Her eyes darted to the group, her sister and closest friends, and prayed that they wouldn't be caught also.

She didn't know if she'd be able to live with herself if they were caught.