James stumbled when he apperated to the outskirts of town. Remus had been going homeless taking shelter and work where he could. James had known for a long time where he was, at least the approximate location of where Remus had been staying. At that point James felt like he could collapse right where he stood, but he knew it was not safe there.

Remus had been staying in the rougher parts of town and this is where James stood. It was until recently that Remus would every once-in-a-while seek shelter with James and Lilly or with Sirius. Then all of a sudden Remus cut off all contact, he wouldn't be at Order meetings, his actions were suspicious. Sirius was the first to say something along the lines of Remus being a traitor, but James wouldn't hear of it. Peter was next to agree. James wasn't convinced, until he caught Remus on the wrong side of a raid.

"A man's got to eat," defended Remus as James and Sirius cornered him against the wall.

"And you couldn't come to one of us?" demanded James.

"Like either of you trust me," answered Remus breaking out of his temporary prison that James and Sirius created.

James and Sirius exchanged looks, trying to come up with a response.

"There is no need," continued Remus reading their faces, "We all know it's true. Don't think I haven't overheard your accusations."

"You could have proven them wrong," interjected Sirius pointing an accusing finger at Remus.

"Prove you wrong? Ha! Once either of you especially you Sirius make up your minds there is no changing it."

"My question is," James countered, hurt present in his voice as he ruffled his hair out of his face, "Why were you stealing dark artifacts?"

"As I said before, a man's got to eat."

"There is a difference between stealing food and stealing dark artifacts, Mooney," explained Sirius, beginning to grow outraged.

"The job paid well."

"You realize the work came from Voldemort?" demanded Sirius.

"In a world like mine it doesn't matter who offers the job as long as it pays well."

"Then you aren't who I thought you were," remarked James with disappointment.

"Count yourself lick that I don't curse you where you stand," growled Sirius.

"Then I had better be going before you change you mind."

After that incident friendships were never the same. Of course what Remus had said was not true. Dumbeldore explained that Remus was to an extent playing the part of a double. Remus was taking jobs where he could withholding information and items, that way if a raid fails at least the dark side is not getting as much as they could.

Now James stood in Remus' shoes or rather his body now playing the part of the traitor. James made his way through some of the back alleyways, areas where both Muggle and wizard a like do not care to tread. James was ultimately able to scrounge up some used newspaper for a bed and a spot behind a dumpster. The place reeked and it was filthy, but James was so tired that it did not matter to him. He instantly collapsed and was out, to fight the wolf even on the subconscious level.

Remus sat in the Order Meeting next to Sirius. As Moody went on about Aurora business, Sirius leaned over to Remus and said, "Hey James, I've got an idea to help protect Lilly and Harry."

"Sounds great," answered Remus, "Tell me after the meeting."

"I'll be over later tonight," agreed Sirius as Moody finished his report.

After the meeting Dumbeldore pulled Remus off to the side, "James, I wanted to forewarn you, that Lilly is well aware of our discussion this evening. I'm not too sure she is pleased with the decision that was made."

Remus nodded as Dumbeldore gave a reassuring wink.

"What was that about?" asked Sirius.

"I'll tell you later," answered Remus before apperating away. Remus felt that familiar squeezing sensation and found himself in the Potter house.

"James or Remus?" asked Lilly from behind Remus.

"Remus," he answered as he turned to see Lilly rocking Harry to sleep.

"I can't believe you agreed," remarked Lilly, "Then again, you always follow James' plans no matter how half brained."

"Dumbeldore agreed," answered Remus.

"It doesn't matter what Dumbelfore thinks, his only concern is Harry's protection."

"And Harry's protection is not important?" asked Remus.

"Harry's protection is important, but there is a thing called a family unit that shouldn't be disturbed. James should be the one protecting Harry."

"That's why James asked the Vissitudo to be preformed to protect Harry and you," explained Remus.

"You don't get it," exasperated Lilly.

"What don't I get?" asked Remus just as the doorbell rang.

"Who's at the door?" asked Lilly.

"It's probably Sirius," answered Remus.

"You're as bad as James," retorted Lilly.

Remus heaved a sigh of frustration as he went to answer the door, "Padfoot, Wormtail? What are you doing here?" demanded Remus.

"Well, you should know why I am here, Prongs," answered Sirius, "As for Wormtail here, he's the part of my plan I was telling you about."

"What plan would that be?" asked Lilly walking to the door with Harry in her arms.

"That's what I'm here for, to explain my plan."

"And what exactly is this plan?" prodded Lilly as everyone entered the living room.

"As we have collected from out spies the enemy knows about the Fiddelus charm."

"Not to mention that is was the most logical option," added Remus.

"Of course," shrugged Sirius, "It is also obvious, that I would be your first choice for the charm."

"Obvious," echoed Remus.

"What if you went for something unobvious?"

"Meaning?" asked Lilly.

"Peter," explained Sirius, "No one would expect him; no one would go after him. They would go after me."

"We trust you with our lives," remarked Remus, "You would never give us up."

"I would die first," agreed Sirius, "but Voldemort has his ways."

"Don't say the name," shuddered Peter.

"You have a point Sirius," thoughtfully nodded Lilly ignoring Peter, "What do you think James?"

"It sounds good to me," answered Remus as James.

"Great!" grinned Sirius, "Peter and I will take care of it all."

"That works fine," nodded Lilly, "I need to put Harry to bed."

"See you Lilly," called Sirius as Lilly left the room, "See you at the next Order meeting Prongs."

"See you," nodded Remus.

Sirius and Peter stepped out. Remus sat quietly, after a few moments two faint pops were heard.

"It's done," remarked Remus.