Thrice Defied: The Marauders' Tale

by helenaravenclaw24

Follow Lily and James after Hogwarts as they fall in love, fight Voldemort, and experience unimaginable loss. This story features the romance of Remus and Marlene McKinnon, Sirius and Fabian Prewett, and Andromeda and Ted Tonks. It also includes the struggles of Wormtail, Snape, and Regulus Black. (I tried to stay true to the books, but some of the timeline might not be perfect)

Thrice Defied

Part 1 ~ The First Defiance

Chapter 1 - The Marauders

July, 1978

Lily Evans sat deep in the musty, old armchair in the tiny London flat she shared with her three best friends. Her long, dark red hair hung like curtains on either side of her slim, pale face as she read an Ancient Runes textbook entitled The Rise and Fall of Wizards in Ancient Rome: What Runes Tell Us. Lily was so absorbed that it seemed as though Mary played Debussy from a great distance. In reality, she was just playing on the slight out-of-tune piano in the front hall. She had just gotten to the page which illustrated the runes describing Hannibal, when Dorcas and Marlene walked into the flat in their typical flurry of chaos. Mary stopped playing the piano.

"What took you so long?" asked Mary. "I'm starving."

Dorcas entered the kitchen which Lily could see from her seat in the living room. She was carrying a single brown paper bag, from which she proceeded to unload a copious amount of groceries—far more than it seemed possible to fit. But Dorcas was a master of the Extension Charm. Dorcas was a master of most spells, for that matter. A tall woman, Dorcas Meadowes was equal parts intimidating and beautiful. She had dark brown skin, golden eyes, and shoulder-length black curls.

"Dorcas got side-tracked, of course," said Marlene, making pots and pans shoot out of cabinets with a swish of her wand.

Marlene was a pretty girl with olive-toned skin, black eyes, and wavy golden hair. She was always excellent at household spells, and just as good at instigating trouble.

"Sirius, again?" asked Mary, striding into the room. "Seriously, Dorcas. Why don't you just talk to him? Ask him what he's up to?"

"He's not exactly the talkative type," replied Dorcas. "At least, not with me."

Mary rolled her blue eyes. Of all the women, she was by far the most petite. Thin and willowy, she only came up to Dorcas' shoulder. However, her stature didn't stop her from assuming the role of "mother-hen" amongst the newly graduated girls. Her long, light brown hair was in a bun at the nape of her neck and she stood in the kitchen with her hands on her hips.

"Honestly, he doesn't even sound like that great of a guy," said Mary. "I don't know why you're dating him."

"Honestly, he's not," agreed Dorcas. "But he's far more interesting than most men."

"You always love a good mystery," said Lily, giving up on the finishing the Runes book tonight and going to help in the kitchen.

Dorcas smiled mischievously.

"That's why tonight we're going to go investigate what it is those guys get up to for three days out of the month," said Marlene. "So hurry up and eat. We have to get going before the sun goes down."

"I've kept track of their behavior for six months now," said Dorcas. "Their little rendezvous always seems to coincide with the full moon."

"Maybe they're selling illicit potions that can only be brewed at the full moon?" suggested Mary.

"Or," began Marlene with the air of someone stating the obvious, "one of them is a werewolf."

Lily felt uncomfortable. She was almost positive that Remus Lupin was a werewolf, but didn't want to expose him without his permission. On the other hand, she didn't think it was a good idea to let her friends walk into a situation that might result in a werewolf attack.

"Well, maybe we should stay away then," said Lily. "Just in case. I mean, no one wants to risk a werewolf bite for a boy, right?"

Dorcas rolled her eyes. "Marlene was kidding, Lil. Honestly. Besides, unless they're all werewolves, I highly doubt they'd all take a group trip for that sort of thing."

Lily felt she should try harder to talk her friends out of this plan, but she couldn't help feeling exhilarated by the adventure. In fact, she could feel her stomach twisting in knots at the prospect of seeing those four boys again, although she didn't entirely care to admit the reason to herself. After all, it had only been one date. And he had never contacted her after they'd left school. There was nothing between her and James Potter.

"All right you lot. C'mon," Dorcas said, after taking her last bite of eggplant parmesan. "Disillusionment Charms all around."

James Potter resisted the urge to reach into his bag and pull out the Marauder's Map to look for Lily Evans' name on it. For one, he no longer had the map. It had been confiscated from him just before he'd left. Secondly, he wouldn't find the name he'd become so accustomed to staring at on it either. She, like him, was no longer at Hogwarts, he reminded himself. He rumpled his jet-black hair in frustration and impatience and his eyes wandered around the Remus' one-room flat through his thick, round glasses.

Why had Lily Evans never tried to talk to him after their date? Why had she never sent him an owl or come over when Dorcas visited Sirius? James had thought the date went well, but perhaps not. Perhaps she was only doing it out of some weird obligation to leave Hogwarts on good terms. That seemed like the sort of thing she'd do.

"Why so sulky, Prongs? This is our first night of freedom to go wherever we want with Moony!" said Sirius. "Wormtail's mapped out the perfect spot and we'll get to party the whole weekend away."

"Not wherever we want," said Remus tensely.

Sirius waved him off. He was the tallest of the four boys, with sleek dark hair that hung in loose, waves around his distinctly handsome face. He had grey-blue eyes that currently twinkled with mischievous delight.

"It's gonna be great," said Sirius. "Don't tell me you're still hung up on Lily Evans?"

James shrugged.

"Want me to ask Dorcas what her deal is?" said Sirius.

"No," said James, firmly, then got off the couch where he had been lounging. "No, you're right. It's time to have some real fun."

Remus rolled his eyes. "Yes it's all very fun for you, isn't it."

Remus was almost as tall as Sirius, but much thinner to the point of looking slightly unhealthy. His pallid complexion that was usually marked with scars from past transformations did nothing to improve this impression. However, his chestnut brown hair and hazel eyes gave him a soft, kind appearance which made him more approachable than he might have been.

"Where's Wormy, anyway?" asked Sirius.

As if in response, there was a knock on the door, which opened to allow Peter Pettigrew inside. He was much shorter than any of the others and a bit plumper as well. He had sandy-blonde hair and small, pale blue eyes surrounded by pinched facial features.

"I'm here, I'm here," Wormtail squeaked and wheezed. "I've found a good place, I think. It's where I used to go camping with my Uncle Phibius."

"All right, let's go!" said Sirius, immediately bounding towards the door like an over-excited labrador.

The three others followed after Sirius, running down the street until they found a deserted alleyway where it was safe to apparate. Suddenly, James had the distinct impression they were being watched. But as he looked around, he saw no one else in the alley with them.

"To Babbling Creek Hill, then," said Wormtail and the four boys disapparated to land in a marshy field.

"Ugh, Wormtail, you camped here?" said Sirius.

"It's as good a place as any for our purposes," said Remus, who had begun to have the downcast and nervous look he always got right before the transformation was set to begin.

"Which are what, exactly?"

Four young women appeared in their midst, seemingly from nowhere. Dorcas Meadowes, Mary MacDonald, Marlene McKinnon, and (James's heart leapt into his throat) Lily Evans. The words, however, had come from Dorcas.

"What are you doing here?" said Sirius, accusingly. "Are you following us?"

"A little bit," said Dorcas, shrugging. "We wanted to see what you were up to every month."

Mary and Marlene looked smug, but Lily, James noticed, looked tense. Was it his imagination or was Lily looking at Remus more often than was natural?

"Well, mystery solved!" said Lily, suddenly. "They're clearly just camping and now we can go—"

"What's the rush?" said Dorcas, still sounding suspicious. "It's not like we can't have fun all together, right?"

Sirius looked from Dorcas to James. Peter looked nervous enough to have a panic attack.

"No," said Remus, gritting his teeth. "You have to go."

"Why?" asked Marlene. "Is there something you're hiding?"

"Please, let's just—" Lily began, but suddenly Remus let out a terrible scream, causing the four women to jump in shock, all mirth gone from their faces.

"Get out of here!" yelled James. "Lily—go! Now!"

Then, right before her eyes, James transformed into a massive and magnificent stag. Momentarily frozen in shock, Lily watched as Sirius also transformed, becoming a large, bear-like, black dog and Peter shrunk down into a fat, grey rat. Meanwhile, Remus was changing too. Howling and screaming, his face elongating, dark grey fur sprouting from his pale, sweaty skin. Then, as quickly as it began, the transformation ended. Before them, stood a fully-grown werewolf.

Chapter 2 - Death Eaters

"Oh my—" croaked Mary.

The black dog immediately started running circles around the werewolf, guiding it away from the women. The stag cantered to stand in front of Lily, shielding her from the werewolf. It stared down into her eyes and she stared back. Slowly, she reached out a hand to touch the sleek fur on its neck. The stag closed its hazel eyes briefly, nuzzling slightly into Lily's hand. Then, it cantered into the shack with the werewolf and the black dog.

"Will they be okay?" Mary whispered.

Lily chewed her lip. It seemed to her that if the three of them came with Remus for his transformation every month, they must know what they're doing. Lily knew that werewolves were no threat to animals, especially not ones that big. But still, she felt a pit of worry in her stomach. What if something happened to one of them?

Before Lily could decide what to do, however, she saw something moving on the ground. At first she thought of the rat Peter had transformed into, but to her horror she saw snakes of all sizes and varieties coming towards her feet. Marlene screamed, Mary squeaked, and Dorcas cried "bloody hell!" A howl and a bark came from the shack and, upon hearing human voices, the wolf burst forth, closely followed by the dog and the stag. But Lily couldn't help but follow the progression of the many serpents which slithered down the hill and down the cliff. She peered below and what she saw frightened her as much as any werewolf. At least 20 people stood in pitch-black cloaks around a blazing fire, their skull-like masks illuminated by the flames.

"Death Eaters," Dorcas growled with loathing.

At the head of the circle stood a man with a waxy face that was a horrifying pattern of pearl white and shadows in the flickering flame. Lily knew, without ever having seen him before, that it was He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The group appeared to be in the midst of some sort of ritual, but upon hearing the snarls, screams, and howls, had turned their heads towards the cliff face.

"We can't just leave them," said Lily. "We have to warn them—they'll be killed if they're found."

Faces set, the others nodded. They turned back towards the stag which looked as though it were trying to herd the werewolf.

"James," Lily called, throwing caution to the wind. "There's Death Eaters! Down below!"

"Lily, they're coming," croaked Marlene.

Sure enough, many of the Death Eaters were walking towards the cliff. You-Know-Who waited below, his face now completely in shadow.

"They're stuck here," said Lily with horror at this realization. "They can't leave without Remus."

"Then we'll have to stay, too," said Dorcas. "To help fend them off."

"Can't we contact any of the Order or the Ministry—?" suggested Mary.

"There's no time," said Lily. "And they're going to need all the help they can get."

Stuck between a werewolf and You-Know-Who, Lily felt that it would be a miracle if they all made it out of this alive. But she knew she would die fighting and somehow that made it seem worth it. She would take down as many Death Eaters as she could. Suddenly, James was at her side, fully returned to his human form.

"James—what are you doing?" cried Lily. "If Remus attacks you—"

"Don't worry. Sirius can handle him better than anyone," said James, gripping his wand tightly. "I have to keep these scums at bay. You lot need to get out of here, though."

"We're not leaving you," said Lily. "You'll never be able to fend them off by yourself."

"Is that a challenge, Evans?" said James, and winked at her.

"You are unbelieve—" Lily started, but then Dorcas yelled.

"Here they come!"

"We have the advantage," said James. "Stun them as they climb."

"Stupefy!" Lily cried, knocking the quickest ascending Death Eater to the ground.

James and the others did the same. However, once the Death Eaters realized they were under attack, some began firing curses back up at them. Lily ducked as one grazed the side of her cheek. She felt blood, but ignored it, shooting another stunning spell into the onslaught.

"Are you all right, Evans?" James shouted above the roar of curses.

"I'm fine," replied Lily. "Just keep stunning!"

Suddenly Marlene screamed and fell backwards. She had been stunned by a Death Eater below.

"There are too many of them!" Lily cried.

"Lily, please go," James shouted. "You can make it out of here before they get up here."

"I'm not leaving you!" shouted Lily, angrily. "Impedimenta! Stupefy!"

"You—Stupefy!—are so stubborn!" James exclaimed.

A sudden yelp from behind them told them that Sirius was losing the fight with the werewolf. The Death Eaters were upon them now. Just as they came over the hill, Lily saw the werewolf lunge for them out of the corner of her eye.

"Get down!" cried James and his arm came around her to pull her to the ground. Lily saw Dorcas and Mary crouch down to protect Marlene's unconscious body.

The werewolf soared over their heads and at the Death Eaters, immediately biting one. The Death Eaters screamed with surprise and fear to see this massive werewolf attacking them. It was clearly more than they bargained they'd find on the cliff-top.

"We have to figure out a way out of here!" said Lily. "While they're distracted!"

"But what about Remus?" said James.

"I have a plan for that," said Lily. "Just figure out a safe place we can bring him."

"The Shrieking Shack," said James, immediately.

"Take Marlene and go!" Lily shouted at her friends. "We're disapparating, too."

She watched them disapparate with a sigh of relief. Then, You-Know-Who himself rose up in the sky before them. He raised his long, slender wand and Lily knew he intended to kill the werewolf attacking his Death Eaters.

"Sirius, Peter! To the old place! Now!" James cried.

"Incarcerous!" Lily yelled at the werewolf, who was instantly bound and tethered to Lily's wand by tight, thick ropes.

Shrieking Shack, Lily thought and she and the wolf were pulled into space together.

Chapter 3 - The Shrieking Shack

She landed on a cold, dusty floor and her ears were immediately assaulted with the sound of pounding hooves, snarls, growls, and howls. Lily got up quickly and scrambled towards the door, knowing it would be better for her to be out of the room. She ran out of the creaky old shack as quickly as possible and into the warm, summer's night air. Towards the east she could see the rooftops that made up the little village of Hogsmeade. Towards the north, she could see Hogwarts silhouetted against the night sky.

Lily took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her and whipped around, wand drawn. But it was only James.

"I come in peace," said James, hand raised in mock-surrender.

"How's Remus?" Lily asked.

"We had to stun him," said James, brow furrowed. "I hate to do it, but he was too frenzied. And he has some injuries from the Death Eaters. We won't know the extent of the damage until he changes back again, though."

"Have you ever had to do that before?" asked Lily.

James shook his head. "No, I feel awful about it."

"You had to do what you had to do," said Lily, earnestly. "Or else he could have hurt himself more."

"Or you," said James.

"Or you," Lily countered.

"Nah," James waved her off. "I've been doing this a long time. I know how to handle him. Usually it's quite fun, actually."

Lily raised her eyebrows. "Fun?"

"Oh yeah," James nodded, sitting down on a rock, staring towards Hogwarts. "We'd run around these grounds for three nights in a row like wild animals. It was great."

"Speaking of wild animals," said Lily, sitting beside him. "How long have you been an unregistered animagus?"

"Not gonna turn me in, are you, Evans?" said James, smiling at her.

"I'm an accomplice now," Lily replied, winking.

James felt his stomach turn over and his heart race, but he tried to focus on the conversation.

"So, uh, how long? Well, we first figured out Moony's deal in second year, started the learning process in third year, and finally managed to do it in fifth year."

"And that prank you pulled on Severus?" said Lily, the truth dawning on her. "You were trying to lure him towards Remus?"

"Nah. Well, I mean, yes. Sirius thought it would be funny 'cause he kept snooping around. But none of us thought he'd go through with it," said James, shame-faced. "Well, we stopped it just in time."

Lily looked disapprovingly at James.

"Sorry," he said. "I know you were friends with him. Not that I understand why. And, for what it's worth, I'm really sorry about all that stuff that happened in fifth year. You know, with me harassing you to go out with me and stuff."

"You were a bit of an idiot," Lily agreed. "And I certainly underestimated how… misguided Severus was. But you can consider yourself forgiven."

James smiled, then frowned.

"You're bleeding," he said, pointing to her face.

Quick as a flash, he conjured a handkerchief from the end of his wand and tenderly dabbed at Lily's wound.

"Thanks," said Lily, taking it from him. "It doesn't hurt though."

They sat in silence for a while before Lily spoke again.

"Can I ask you a question?" she said.

"Sure thing," said James.

"Why did you never contact me after our—our date? You never sent me an owl or said anything before school ended—?"

James stared at her incredulously.

"You mean to tell me that you wanted me to talk to you?" said James.

"Yes. Why wouldn't I?" said Lily, confused.

James laughed out loud.

"This whole time I thought you were avoiding me. But it turns out we were avoiding each other."

"What?" said Lily, still confused.

"I thought you didn't want to see me again after our date," James admitted. "I did kind of coerce you into going."

"Yes, but I enjoyed myself," said Lily.

"And you'd want to do it again sometime?" said James, hopefully.

"Yes, I think so," Lily said, smiling.

James hesitated for a moment then, slowly, raised his hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind Lily's ear. They stared at each other.

"I like you a lot, Evans," said James quietly.

In response, Lily leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. She could taste the sweat from the exertion of that evening. He opened his mouth to her kiss and soon they found themselves locked in a tight embrace, the adrenaline rush of everything that had happened surging through them more powerfully than ever.

There was a sudden bang and they split apart. Sirius stood at the door of the shack, human again.

"Someone should go tell the Order of the Phoenix what happened," said Sirius. "They may want to investigate that area."

"Right," said Lily, standing up, her face flushed. "I should go anyway. I want to make sure Marlene is okay. But I'll go to the Order first."

"Good," said Sirius. He wasn't smiling at her like he usually did. "Make sure you go straight to the Order, not the Ministry. I've heard they're almost completely infiltrated now. Spies at every level."

"All right, then," said Lily, turning to James in embarrassment. "Um, bye."

"Yeah, bye," said James, awkwardly and he watched her disapparate.

A moment passed where there was silence between the two best friends. Then James spoke.

"You prat!" he said. "Couldn't you see we were—we were having a moment?"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "The world doesn't stop for your moment, mate. Now c'mon. Moony's bound to wake up soon and Wormtail is getting antsy."

James shoved past Sirius and Sirius watched him ascend the stairs regretfully. He didn't know why he had done what he had just done. Why should he be jealous of Lily? James had wanted to go out with her for so long, he should be happy for them. But he felt nothing but a cold, emptiness in his chest. Who was he without his best friend by his side?

Remus Lupin awoke in a state of pain which he hadn't felt in a long time. He felt beaten and bruised all over and congealed blood made his skin taut. He opened his eyes. He was in the Shrieking Shack which, at first, made sense. But then he remembered that was not where he had transformed. He sat up, felt dizzy, then laid back down.

"Look who's awake!" said Sirius, jubilantly.

"How're you feeling, mate?' asked James.

"Like—" Remus croaked. "Like I have the world's worst hangover. And like I've had the shit kicked out of me."

"Sounds about right," said Sirius.

"We had to stun you," said Peter, nervously. "We had no choice."

"Stun me? Why?"

They explained the whole story, from the Death Eater attack to the Shrieking Shack.

"So… they all know now?" asked Remus. "Lily and Marlene? Dorcas and Mary?"

"Yes," said Peter.

"You're awake! Oh thank goodness."

It was Lily Evans, who swept into the room, her long dark red hair flowing around her face and she glided into the room. She wore a light green blouse that matched her eyes perfectly.

"I've got some medicine for the pain and antidotes for your wounds," she said, kneeling beside him.

"Why?" said Remus, groggily.

"Because you're hurt," said Lily, perplexed.

"But why aren't you running away from me in disgust?" said Remus.

He felt her cool hand on his forehead.

"There's nothing to be disgusted about," she murmured. "What happened is not your fault. Now, drink this."

Remus lifted his head slightly with the aid of Lily's hand to support him and drank a cold, fresh-tasting potion. He felt a gentle numbness spread through his core and limbs.

"Thank you," he said. "You even made it taste good."

"A bit of peppermint," she explained. "It increases the natural healing properties, too."

She went about tending his wounds next, overlooked by James. Sirius and Peter had moved outside.

"Did you catch the Death Eaters?" asked Remus.

Lily shook her head. "I told Dumbledore and we've got that site on watch now but I doubt they'll use it again."

"We're going to have to find a new place," said Remus to James.

"We've got a whole month to worry about that," said James.

"Lily, please tell the others I'm sorry—" Remus started, but Lily cut him off.

"There's nothing to be sorry about," she said. "They don't blame you in the slightest. It's really our fault for being there."

He stared at her and found he couldn't find the words to describe how grateful he was to her. As he watched her, he felt his heart begin to race. She was so beautiful and kind. But… no. He couldn't think that. James had liked her—he'd always been interested in Lily. Besides, it didn't matter. He could never be with anyone anyways.

"We could never have made it out of there alive without your help," said James. "We owe big time."

"Well, I think I got most of it," said Lily. "Rest for an hour and then you'll be ready to apparate."

"Lily—thank you," he said, earnestly. "Thank you for keeping my secret, too."

"Yeah, I guess we're all Marauders now," said James.

"I guess so," said Lily, standing and facing him.

James met her eye and they walked out together, leaving Remus alone in the dusty shack, full of regret and longing for a life he would never have.

Chapter 4 - The Rat

"I'm here to give a report before I go back," said Dorcas Meadowes.

"And?" prompted Albus Dumbledore.

"The Death Eaters are planning a major attack on a Muggle flat building right near Parliament. It's a warning to comply with demands… or else."

Dumbledore nodded slowly.

"I shall speak to the Prime Minister personally and tell him to evacuate the area," said Dumbledore, after a pause. "And confund some officials to believe that there is a gas leak in the buildings."

Dorcas nodded, then looked out of the window and onto the darkening Hogwarts grounds. The sun had nearly set behind the mountains.

"Are they having another meeting tonight?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes," replied Dorcas. "Apparently we're inducting some new members so I'll have more information about who's joining the ranks next time we meet. Also…."

"What is it?" he asked.

"You-Know-Who wants me to join his inner-circle. As a Death Eater," said Dorcas. "It will mean being branded with the Dark Mark."

Dumbledore nodded.

"How much further you wish to take this mission is entirely up to you," he said, then paused. "But I want you to know how very valuable your information has been."

"I'm willing to go as far as it takes," said Dorcas, her chin held high.

Dumbledore smiled, almost sadly. "I thought you might be."

Dorcas left Dumbledore's office and headed out of the castle towards Hogsmeade. How many times had she taken this walk out onto the ground with Marlene? Arm in arm, usually taunting some boys? Or with Lily and Mary as they prattled on about homework and exam results? She smiled at the memories.

It had been three months since their encounter with the Death Eaters. Marlene had just received a promotion at the Daily Prophet. Lily was working for the Wizengamot Administrative Services Department while Mary had just switched from a job at the Experimental Charms Department to the Goblin Liaison Office. As far as Mary and Lily knew, Dorcas was just doing small jobs for the Order but mostly working to pass her Auror's Exam. While it was true that she had ambitions to become an Auror, the Order always came first and she spent most of her days on undercover missions for Dumbledore who had agreed to train her himself after he'd seen her performance on her N.E.W.T.s. Marlene was the only one who knew about her work for the Order. She could always be trusted with a secret.

Dorcas had long since broken up with Sirius, as he had very little interest in anything except getting into trouble with his friends. She didn't need that kind of attention when she was trying to be as incognito as possible.

As soon as she stepped into Hogsmeade and it was safe to apparate, she did so and arrived in a grimy little alleyway on the outskirts of London. Inconspicuously, Dorcas tapped on the bricks in the correct order. Behind them was revealed to be a large stadium, invisible to Muggle eyes, as well as enemies of the Dark Lord. Currently, Bellatrix Lestrange was giving an impassioned speech about the pureblood marriages and the disgust she had for inter-marriages between muggles and purebloods. Bellatrix herself had made a perfect pureblood marriage, but Dorcas had heard rumors that her sister was seeing Ted Tonks—a muggle-born. Perhaps the affair had inspired Bellatrix's fervor.

Bellatrix's lecture finally came to a close and then Voldemort came to the forefront. He stared down at all of them with his pallid, dead-pan face. Dorcas had heard he had once been handsome. She couldn't imagine how he had gone from that to this. Could just being evil really make a person so hideous?

"Welcome, welcome, to my Death Eaters and supporters alike," said Voldemort, raising his arms to greet his crowd. "We thank you for joining our cause. Your bravery to evoke change in our world is most admirable and you shall be rewarded here on this day with the protection and loyalty of your fellow wizards and witches.

"Ah, I see some new faces here before me," Voldemort continued, looking at the crowd. "And who might you be, young man?"

A handsome, dark-haired man stepped forward.

"Regulus Black, my Lord," said the boy. He looked nervous, but determined.

"Ah, a prominent pureblood family," said Voldemort. "Related, no doubt, to my loyal Death Eater, Bellatrix?"

"Yes, my Lord," said Regulus. "She is my cousin."

"Excellent!" Voldemort hissed. "Welcome to our family, Regulus."

Dorcas watched regretfully as Regulus smiled at Voldemort and then sat back down. What would Sirius make of the news that his brother, who was supposed to be still finishing his seventh year at Hogwarts, had become a Voldemort supporter?

"Ah, and who is your friend, here?" said Voldemort. "Don't be shy, my boy. Come forward and greet Lord Voldemort."

A short, blonde man stepped forward towards Voldemort, trembling slightly.

"And, what is your name?" Voldemort asked.

"P-Peter Pettigrew," said the man, shakily.

"Welcome Peter," said Voldemort.

It took everything in Dorcas' power to not give herself away with a gasp. It was one thing for Sirius' misguided brother to join ranks with Voldemort, but Peter? Sirius, James, and Remus' best friend?

"Peter, you have nothing to fear, here," Voldemort was saying. "We are loyal to one another and will protect you like a brother while we fight to make the world a better place for all wizard-kind."

Cheering and applause rose up. Dorcas joined in, but with less fake-gusto than usual. She felt an icy chill run down her spine. How could Peter do this? As the meeting was called to adjourn, Dorcas grappled with what to do, moving numbly through the crowd. Finally, she decided to confront Peter—to hear his side of the story. So, Dorcas waited around the corner from the alley until Peter came out, looking as nervous as ever. She pulled out her wand.

"Muffliato," Dorcas whispered at Peter, and then grabbed his arm. He yelled, but no one heard him. Then, she dragged him into an alley across the street.

"Dorcas!" Peter gasped. "I—I didn't know—didn't see…. What are you doing here?"

"I was about to ask you the same question," said Dorcas, holding Peter by the shirt-sleeves against the slimy brick wall. She was at least a head taller than the little man.

"I—I—it was an accident!" said Peter. "I didn't mean to go to the meeting but I was talking with Regulus and he suggested we go and—"

"You spineless bastard," growled Dorcas. "You'd be talked into anything to save your own skin, wouldn't you? Why didn't I see if before?"

"Well what are you doing here, then?" accused Peter.

"I'm doing work for the Order, you slimeball," spat Dorcas.

"You w-won't tell them w-w-will you?" stammered Peter.

"You are unbelievable," said Dorcas, finally releasing him. "You really are a little, filthy rat."

Dorcas stormed off down the alleyway.

Peter was shaking all over. He felt sick. If the Order found out that he had been consorting with Death Eaters, he would go to Azkaban for sure. He couldn't let that happen. He wouldn't go to the Dementors.

Peter walked back the way he had come and into the auditorium. The Dark Lord was still there. Peter knew that this was his best chance. Hadn't he promised him protection?

"What do you want, boy?" demanded Bellatrix Lestrange.

"I—I—I needed to speak to the Dark Lord," said Peter, trembling all over now. "To tell him that one among his supports is an—an Order of the Phoenix spy. She has threatened to tell them that I have shown support for you, my Lord."

Voldemort stared at Peter for a moment, tilting his head ever so slightly, red eyes staring into his soul.

"And do you support me, Wormtail?" he said in a voice that was barely above a whisper.

Peter gulped. How had he known he was called that?

"Yes, my Lord," he said.

"Then you have my protection, so long as you are a faithful servant to our cause," said Voldemort. "A spy for a spy on the Order of the Phoenix."

"M-my allegiance is to you, my Lord," Peter assured him.

"Then who is the spy hidden amongst our ranks?" Voldemort asked.

"Dorcas Meadowes, my Lord."

Voldemort stared at Peter, again penetrating him with his blood red gaze. Then he turned. He looked angry, but his voice was even.

"What a pity," he said softly.

"My Lord, allow me—" Bellatrix began, but Voldemort held up a pale, spider-like hand to silence her.

"I will take care of this traitor myself."

Dumbledore was due to meet Dorcas at the Leaky Cauldron, but had been delayed so Dorcas went home instead. Lily was out on a date with James and Marlene was visiting her parents' house, but Mary was home, playing the piano as she so often did. Dorcas was about to take a shower when she heard the lock in their door click. Although it could have been Lily returning home early, the sound sent chills down Dorcas's spine and she ran into the hall. Mary had stopped playing the piano and was looking curiously at the door. Then, the world exploded around them.

Dorcas was thrown backwards, coughing and spluttering amongst the debris. She could just make out Mary, unconscious and hidden under a pile of rubble. Suddenly, she felt herself being dragged upwards, as if on strings and pinned against the wall. As the smoke cleared, Dorcas found herself staring into the scarlet eyes of Lord Voldemort, his face not two inches from her own.

"Hello, Meadowes," he whispered. "I do apologize if I am interrupting something important." He threw her body into the kitchen with a wave of his wand. Dorcas screamed in pain as she smashed into the counter. "Such as a meeting with Albus Dumbledore," said Voldemort in his silkiest, most dangerous voice.

Dorcas stared up at him in defiance, panting and trying not to show the terror she felt. How could she have left her wand in her bedroom?

"Nothing to say in your defense?" said Voldemort. "Perhaps I need to loosen your tongue— Crucio!"

Pain ripped through Dorcas and she screamed in agony.

"Please!" she heard herself saying. "Please!"

"Please, what?" said Voldemort, calmly, removing the curse.

Thinking fast, Dorcas tried to make a run for it to her bedroom, but Voldemort bound her in ropes and dragged her backwards.

"Did you really think you could lie to Lord Voldemort?" he asked her, standing over her as she struggled against her bindings. "Talented as you are, no one lies to Lord Voldemort and lives."

She was going to die. She could see it in his pitiless eyes.

"One day," she said, her teeth gritted against the pain the increasingly tightening ropes were now causing. "One day, you will get what you deserve. One day, you will be destroyed and the world will rejoice."

Voldemort stared at her for two heartbeats more, then raised his wand.

"Avada Kedavra!"

Chapter 5 - The Death of the Spy

James held Lily's hand as they walked back to her flat. They had been dating for three months now, although they couldn't see each other as often as they liked with James studying to take the exam to become an Auror and Lily kept late most nights at the office of the Wizenagamot. But James had finally passed his Auror's examination and they had spent the night celebrating. As they turned the corner on the way back to Lily's flat, however, they saw smoke issuing from somewhere on Lily's block. Lily and James looked at each other then, without saying anything, ran towards the fire, wands drawn from their pockets. Lily screamed as she saw her building alight with flames.

"Mary was supposed to be home tonight," she cried.

"I'll get her out," said James and the sound of firetrucks whirled up the narrow road.

"I'm coming with you," said Lily and tore after James.

Both of them held their wands aloft to issue a stream of water. They got to Lily's flat and, through the smoke, they saw a huge hole had been blasted where the door had once been.

"Lily!" a voice cried from within and James and Lily surged forward.

Mary lay next to Dorcas' body, sobbing.

"I can't carry her," she cried. "My leg—"

"Let me," said James. "Lily, can you help Mary walk?"

"Yes," Lily said, coughing slightly. "C'mon Mary."

As James lifted Dorcas, he could tell she was dead. She was heavy and stiff. He could feel no heartbeat, no breath rose in her chest. Mary continued to sob as she hobbled, supported by Lily, down the stairs.

"Mary, it's okay," said Lily, as she settled her friend on the sidewalk away from the building. "It's okay, you're out now. You're both safe."

Mary sobbed harder than ever. Lily looked at James who was laying Dorcas tenderly on the ground. He stared at her for a moment, then looked at Lily. There was something strange about the way he looked at her. Lily moved forward slowly, reaching for Dorcas. She kneeled beside her friend.

"No!" she cried and buried her face in her hands.

"What has happened here?" said a sharp, familiar voice.

"Dorcas—she's been killed," said James.

Suddenly Albus Dumbledore was beside Lily, examining Dorcas' body.

"She was cursed," said Dumbledore. "There are marks consistent with the Cruciatus Curse on her body."

"She was tortured?" gasped Lily, in horror.

"It was—it was—" Mary said between sobs. "It was You-Know-Who!"

Dumbledore, James, and Lily stared at Mary.

"I saw him leaving," said Mary. "Right before he set our flat on fire."

"Voldemort? In person?" said James. "But why would he come to kill Dorcas?"

Dumbledore stared blankly at the dead girl, the twinkle in his eye gone.

"She was working undercover for the Order of the Phoenix," said Dumbledore. "As a spy. Her identity must have been divulged."

Chapter 6 - The Best of Us

Marlene McKinnon could feel the physical presence of Dorcas' death with every breath she took, as though it sat on her lungs like a demon trying to suffocate her. Throughout the funeral, she could not focus on the words of the little man at the podium. Nor could she look at the casket that held her best friend's body. Instead, she stared directly at Albus Dumbledore who sat in the aisle next to theirs. This was his fault. He let Dorcas go undercover when it wasn't safe. Then, he was supposed to meet her and didn't show. If they had met, Voldemort wouldn't have found Dorcas. She might have survived long enough to realize her cover had been blown. She could have gone into hiding, instead of in the ground.

When the funeral ended, Marlene stood up, ignoring Mary's inquiries as to where she was going. She followed the tall man with the long silvery hair across the graveyard. He talked to a few people, but eventually walked towards the wooded edge. Marlene followed him and, eventually, he stopped and turned towards her.

"You are angry with me," said Dumbledore, his voice heavy.

"Where were you?" said Marlene, voice trembling. "Why didn't you meet with her that night?"

"I was… visiting an old friend," said Dumbledore. "I lost track of time, as happens to the best of us."

"The best of us?" repeated Marlene. "How could you send her out there, Dumbledore? How could you let her be a spy? We're only 18, for Merlin's sake! You're supposed to be the best of us, Dumbledore. Be better."

With that, Marlene strode away, fly-away strands of her dirty blonde hair clinging to the tears falling fast down her cheeks.

Dumbledore stared after her, letting a single tear fall from his own eye. Marlene was right. It was his fault. He put a very young, innocent girl's life on the line to gather information on the Death Eaters. Was her life equal to those she had saved with her information? Did Dorcas feel it was? Dumbledore thought she would, but he would never know now. Was this Fate's punishment for visiting Grindelwald in Numergard? His whole life had been shaped by innocent lives lost that he felt he could not save, but perhaps it was the payback he deserved for all the bad he had done.

Chapter 7 - After the Funeral

Mary was in a state of shock, unable to cry anymore. That was when she saw Peter crying silently, looking down at his shoes. The funeral was breaking up and Mary moved towards him. As she approached he saw her and looked startled, almost guilty, as though caught in a shameful act.

"It's okay, Peter," said Mary. "It's okay to be sad. We all are."

Mary hugged him, gave him a smile, and then walked away to see Sirius and Remus.

Further down the row of chairs, Lily cried quietly, but James still saw the tears stream down her face as she stared at the spot in the ground where the casket had just been lowered. He put his arm tentatively around her and she leaned against him.

"I can't believe she's gone," Lily whispered. "I can't believe she had this secret life with the Order and now… now she's gone. And I can't even be mad at her for not telling me about it."

"Death's annoying that way sometimes," said James.

Lily let out a small laugh and then hiccupped. She sat up and looked at James.

"She was so brave," said Lily. "She did all of that, going undercover and everything—for the Order. To help the cause."

"She was amazing," James agreed.

"I think it's time I start taking a more active role in the Order," said Lily, wiping her eyes. "Carry on Dorcas' legacy."

"You're not scared?" James asked.

"Of what?" retorted Lily. "Of dying? People die everyday, James. Because of him. It needs to stop. And I plan on doing everything I can to stop him—Voldemort."

James stared into her bright green eyes which were alight with equal parts passion and pain.

"I love you," he said. He hadn't intended to say it, but came from his lips as natural as an exhalation.

Lily stared back at him, then kissed him—urgently, passionately.

"James Potter," she said. "I love you too."

Part 2 ~ The Second Defiance

October 1978

Chapter 8 - The Black Family

Andromeda Black walked towards the ancient manor on Babble Brook Lane with her head held high and her fists clenched. She had come here to ask—no, to tell her mother about Ted Tonks. Teddy. The man she loved. When she thought of him, her heart soared. When she thought of her mother's reaction to finding out the man she loved was a Muggle-born, she felt her heart sink into her stomach and her veins turn to ice.

Her entire childhood had been filled with rhetoric and propaganda about Muggle-borns being magic-stealing fiends who could never understand their way of life. As she got older, it became clear that her parents expected her to make a match with another pureblood family, just as Bellatrix had done and just as Narcissa was planning to do with Lucius Malfoy. In fact, her family had been pushing her towards a match with Lucius' older brother, Acrisius. Andromeda shuddered at the very thought of that man, a well-known Death Eater. But then, her family had no idea who she was and what her beliefs were.

"You say you love me," Ted had been saying, "but you won't even tell your family that I exist, let alone that you're in love with me. And you claim to be against the Dark Arts and Voldemort and all he stands for—yet you go to all those little Death Eater parties with your family while Malfoy flirts with you the whole time—"

"They are not Death Eater parties," Andromeda had retorted.

"What else do you call a party with a bunch of Death Eaters," Ted had said. "Look, all I'm saying is that you need to be honest with them and you need to be honest with yourself. Until that happens, you'll never be able to live your own life and find out who you really are."

Now Andromeda was here outside the door of the dark, looming mansion—the place that had been her childhood home, her teenage prison. She knocked three times and the door opened. She walked forward into the hall and then left towards the drawing room where her mother would be having tea. Sure enough, when Andromeda entered she saw Druella Black, dressed in a bulky, old-fashioned maroon cloak, having tea poured by a house elf.

"Hello, Mother," said Andromeda.

"Ah, Andromeda, please sit," she said, motioning to a winged-back armchair across from her. "There is something I wish to discuss with you."

Ominous as that proclamation seemed, Andromeda sat.

"So, I heard that you ran into Acrisius Malfoy in Diagon Alley on Sunday," she began, hastily pouring her daughter tea. "He told his mother that you spurned him."

Andromeda raised her eyebrows. "Spurned?"

"Indeed," Druella continued briskly. "And then your sister—Bella, that is—tells me that she sees you at the Fire Whiskey every friday night with a young man from a background which is quite inappropriate given your name and your standing in the magical community."

Andromeda felt as though she had something caught in her throat. She could not speak.

"So let me make one thing quite clear," Druella went on, staring at her daughter full in the face now. "Theodore Tonks is not an option for you. You will not dishonor the family. You will marry Acrisius. Is that understood?"

At first, out of habit, Andromeda found herself nodding. Then she shook her head.

"No, Mother," she said. "It isn't. I love him. I want to be with him. I don't care that he's—"

"A mudblood?" Druella supplied.

"Don't say that," Andromeda said, but her voice sounded weak even to herself. "Don't—"

"Are you truly willing to lose your whole family for this young man with no prospects and no magical heritage?" demanded Druella.

"I don't want to give up my whole family," whispered Andromeda, distraught.

"Good, I'm glad we agree then," Druella concluded, standing up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need to write an owl to Mrs. Malfoy to confirm the second happy union between our two families."

Druella strode, business-like, from the room, leaving Andromeda with a heart full of grief and dread. Slowly, she got up and walked towards the door when her younger sister, Narcisssa walked in. Although many considered Andromeda beautiful, with her long, dark hair, big, brown eyes and heart-shaped face, Narcissa was the true beauty of the family. She was petite with blue eyes, wavy blonde hair, porcelain skin, and perfectly pink lips.

"I do not wish you to leave the family," said Narcissa, formally. "Perhaps you don't want to marry Acrisius, and that is fair. But you must marry a pureblood so that we do not lose you as a sister."

"As if Bella would care about losing me," Andromeda sniffed.

"I would," said Narcissa. "Please make the right choice. Families stick together."

Then, with a gracious little nod that almost bordered on deferrance, Narcissa walked out of the room.

Chapter 9 - The Proposal

The Fire Whiskey Pub was a shabby little bar that was a haven of young witches and wizards fresh out of Hogwarts. Although it didn't have the historic charm of the Leaky Cauldron, it had very good music most nights and even hosted the Weird Sister on a few occasions.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet me," said Andromeda to the handsome young man across the table.

"Anything for my favorite cousin," said Sirius, smiling. "What have you been up to? How's the old Black family doing?"

"They're not very pleased with me at the moment," said Andromeda, staring down down at her glass of sherry.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "'Dromeda, they're never pleased. They're a bunch of grumpy old bastards who hate how the world is changing and are still angry that they can't hunt muggles for sport anymore. The question is: when are you going to stop trying to please them?"

"I don't know what to do, Sirius," said Andromeda, putting her head in her hands. "I'm in love with Ted Tonks."

"Really? Great bloke! Congratulations," said Sirius, then paused. "He's muggle-born."

"Yes," said Andromeda. "And obviously I don't care, but—Mother…"

"You're not seriously going to let old Druella get in the way of your happiness are you?" said Sirius, incredulously.

"It's not just her. If it was, maybe I wouldn't care. But it's Narcissa, too," said Andromeda. "She doesn't want to lose me as a sister and I don't want to lose her either. I feel like… like I need to protect her. She's marrying Malfoy, a well-known Death Eater. And then there's our other dear sister, Bellatrix. I'm worried what Cissy will get herself wrapped up in if I'm not there."

"She's marrying a Malfoy," said Sirius. "Honestly Cousin, I don't think there's much more you can do for her. You need to live your own life. Find your own happiness. That's what I did and it was the best decision I ever made."

"You don't miss them?" said Andromeda. "You don't feel… lost without a family?"

"I felt lost in that family," said Sirius, firmly. "Now, I can be who I was always meant to be. And… if you're worried about being lost without a family, remember that you can start one of your own. With Ted, if you love him as much as you say."

Andromeda smiled. "I really do."

"Then go get him!" said Sirius, jubilantly.

"Thank you, Sirius," said Andromeda. "This has really helped me out but before I go I want to know how you've been."

Sirius' face fell slightly.

"Well, you heard about Dorcas Meadowes?" Sirius asked.

"Of course," said Andromeda. "Such a tragedy…. She was quite an incredible witch from what I heard. And… you two dated for a while. That must have been hard."

"We were just friends," said Sirius quickly. "But yes, it was hard."

"Do you have anyone special in your life?" Andromeda inquired.

"Nah," said Sirius, off-handedly, although she could tell she hit a nerve. "Still figuring myself out."

"Take your time," said Andromeda. "The right person will come along."

Later that evening, Ted came over to Andromeda's flat. Before she could confide in him any of the day's events, he spoke in a rush.

"Look, I'm sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have pressured you into telling your family. It's just that I love you and I'm afraid every single day of losing you. Do you know how many ways I could lose you? I count them every day. Maybe you find me boring or sloppy. Maybe you finally realize that I am way out of your league looks-wise. Maybe you decide your parents are right or maybe they force you into some terrible marriage and that's it. Then, every day people are killed, 'Dromeda. Every day. And before it was sad, but now I can't stop thinking about what if this is the last time I ever see you and—"

Andromeda pulled him to her, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him so he could speak no more.

"You're not going to lose me," she whispered in his ear. "It's done now. I'm done with them—my family. I'm all yours now."

Ted stood back and looked her full in the face as though he could not believe what he was seeing.

"What's more," Andromeda continued, "we're going to start a family of our own quite soon."

"Are you… are you saying—?" he breathed.

"I'm pregnant."

"Bloody hell," Ted whispered, but his face broke into a huge smile.

Andromeda kissed him again, forcefully this time. They moved deeper into the flat, bodies crushed together, giggling as they tripped over shoes and banged against table edges as they fumbled desperately towards the bedroom.

"I want you to marry me," said Andromeda.

"I'll marry you in a heartbeat," said Ted. "Name the time and place. Here, now— I'll do it. I'll do anything to be with you."

"Hmm, maybe not right now," said Andromeda, chuckling.

"Okay, you're right," said Ted. "First things first."

The two fell on the bed, laughing and fumbling their clothes off their bodies. Ted was kissing her all over, his hands everywhere, as though he couldn't get enough of her.

"Don't make me wait," she teased him.

"Never, darling."

The next morning, Andromeda put quill to parchment to send her mother the following letter:

Dear Mother,

I will not be marrying Acrisius Malfoy nor any other man you chose. I am marrying Ted Tonks and am pregnant with his child. I love him. I hope that you can see how important this is to me, for I do not want to lose my family. You are, of course, invited to the wedding. Please respond to this post if you wish to attend.

With Love,

Andromeda

She watched the tawny owl carry the letter away without regret.

Her mother never replied.

Chapter 10 - The Attack

Although the only member of Andromeda's family to attend her wedding to Ted was Sirius, she found that she did not care. Almost the entire Order of the Phoenix had showed up to celebrate with them and Andromeda was thrilled. She had just married the man she loved and, amidst the darkness that so often shadowed the world lately, they had created a happy moment amongst their friends and family.

James, Lily, Remus, and Marlene stood in one corner drinking champagne, smiling together for the first time since Dorcas' death. Marlene had noticed that Remus kept glancing and blushing in Lily's direction and laughing far too loudly at her jokes. How was it that Lily had managed to get not one, but two good looking guys to like her and Marlene couldn't get any? Perhaps Marlene should lay off the sarcasm, but she wasn't sure it was worth it.

"Hey where did Mary run off to?" asked Lily.

"She was talking to Emmeline Vance about a potential job offer in the Magical Law Enforcement Department," said Marlene, "but then she got wrapped up in some discussion about Goblin rights with this guy named Reg Cattermole."

She rolled her eyes.

"Speaking of missing people, where are Padfoot and Wormtail?" said James.

"Wormtail is puking in the bathroom after he lost the drinking contest to Sirius," said Remus.

"Why would he even try?" said Marlene, an eyebrow raised.

"And I think Sirius may have challenged one of the Prewett brothers to a duel," he finished.

"Welp, if they ever come back, we'll be on the dance floor," said James, and then held out a hand to Lily. "Evans?"

Lily smiled and allowed herself to be led onto the dancefloor. Remus watched them go, mournfully.

"C'mon it's not all bad," said Marlene, nudging Remus playfully with her elbow. "There are plenty of other bowtruckles in the tree, as they say."

"Is it that obvious?" Remus muttered.

"Oh, very," said Marlene. "But probably just to me. And luckily for you, I'm very good at keeping secrets."

With a pang, Marlene suddenly remembered that the last person to entrust her with a secret was now dead.

"I know it's wrong," said Remus. "I know that she's James' girl and I'm happy for them. But she's one of the kindest, smartest, most beautiful women I've ever met. And not many people have been kind to me in my life."

"Well, I'd like to think that I haven't been unkind," said Marlene, slightly hurt.

"Oh no, you have!" said Remus, quickly. "I'm sorry that was a stupid thing to say."

"You're forgiven," said Marlene. "But I don't think there's any reason for us to sit here and sulk like a couple of goldless nifflers."

Marlene held out her hand.

"So let's dance, Moony."

Remus hesitated at first, and then put his hand in Marlene's. She pulled him onto the dance floor.

Sirius watched his friends from afar. First, Lily and James joined the dancefloor, then Remus and Marlene. Even Peter, slightly green still, began to do an awkward waltz with a dumpy little witch from Ted's office. Sirius knew, if he wanted to, he could find a girl willing to dance with him. Already, there were a couple of girls smiling at him from across the room. But he didn't have the energy for pretense tonight.

He had just beat Gideon Prewett in a recreational duel outside the wedding tent. That was when he saw Fabian. Although they were identical twins, there was something different about Fabian Prewett. His hair was longer and he had a swagger and a twinkle in his eye—all things that led Sirius to feel as though his heart was pounding in his ears. Sirius didn't understand what he was feeling. Or rather, he did, but didn't want to. It frustrated him that, after all these years and after all the encouragement he had given to Andromeda, his parents' beliefs still had a place in his mind. A nice pureblood marriage to a woman to create more little pureblood brats—that's what they wanted for him. Well he wanted none of it. He wanted—

"I've never seen someone use a wand quite like that before," said a voice behind him.

Sirius turned around to see the freckled face and long, flaming red hair of Fabian Prewett.

"Oh that was nothing," said Sirius. "I was only getting warmed up."

"How exciting," Fabian said, winking. "I'd love to see what you could do if you were really trying."

Sirius' heart raced.

"I'd love to show you," he replied in a low voice.

Fabian took his hand and led him outside, beyond the tent and towards the tree line of the little garden. No one else was out there. Once beyond the treeline Fabian let go of Sirius' hand and kissed him. He felt his stomach flip as he kissed him back, pressing him firmly against a nearby tree. Their passion grew more restless, more impatient.

"Don't stop," Fabian breathed as Sirius moved his lips down his neck.

"Never," Sirius moaned, his hands all over Fabian's body.

Fabian began to unbuckle his pants, but Sirius pulled away.

"I've never done this before," he said.

Fabian pulled him close again. "Just do what feels good."

Sirius moaned as he fell upon Fabian, holding him tightly to his body as he moved inside him. He got off easily, almost instantly. They stood there for a moment, panting. Fabian turned and kissed him again, softer this time.

"How was that?" he asked.

"Amazing," Sirius panted. "I've never… I've never felt this way before. I want to know you. I want to get to know you more."

Fabian smiled. "I'd like that."

The music had slowed and Lily and James' bodies were pressed together as they swayed. James every so often pressing his lips against her cheek, her forehead, her lips while Lily ran her hands through his hair.

"I wish we could stay just like this," said James. "Forever."

"Mm," Lily agreed, her eyes closed in contentment. "Although at some point we might need to rest."

"I wouldn't mind taking you to bed," said James, his tone full of mock-innocence.

Lily pulled back and tried to look disapproving, but ended up snorting with laughter at the look on James' face.

"To sleep of course," said James.

"Of course," Lily rolled her eyes.

In truth, they had yet to have sex. Lily felt nervous about it. She had never had sex before and was afraid she would do something stupid—she wasn't used to lacking knowledge in a subject. James, on the other hand, was worried about bringing up sex for fear of driving Lily away. This meant that neither one had broached the subject to the other. However, Lily was beginning to wonder if she wasn't being stupid and if this might be the perfect time to bring it up when a sudden rattled caused everyone to stop dancing and look up. It almost sounded as though someone had landed on the roof of the tent. Then the world exploded around them.

Screams rent the air in a cacophony of continued explosions. Lily had somehow ended up on the floor, although she wasn't sure how. She could hear James calling her name and another voice that sounded like Marlene's.

"I'm here!" she yelled and James grabbed her hand and pulled her from the rubble.

In the darkness, flashes of light exploded around them. Remus and Marlene came to their sides, wands drawn. Death Eaters were all around them, dueling wedding guests, smashing tables, and destroying food. From the other end of the tent, Lily could see Sirius dueling a couple of Death Eaters with Fabian Prewett. Mary and the man named Reg were dueling one thick-set man who was throwing curses without any aim.

"Stupefy!" Lily shouted, hitting the man squarely in the back. He crumpled to the floor, instantly.

And so they went forth, battling the Death Eaters who outnumbered them 2-1. Lily saw Andromeda whirling in her beautiful white dress, cursing Death Eater after Death Eater in a kind of passionate frenzy. People were dropped all around them. Friends or foe, none of them had time to spare a glance as they fought hard, dodging curses all the while.

Then, suddenly, a voice resounded throughout the tent in a high-pitched, snake-like hiss: "The union between magical and non-magical blood is an abomination against wizard-kind."

The tent had gone momentarily silent at the sound Voldemort's voice. Then Lily heard Ted Tonks shout: "Oh yeah? Well come out and fight us yourself, ya bloody coward!"

A beat. Then in a sudden whoosh of black smoke, Voldemort appeared in their midst. Next to him was a woman with thick-dark hair and heavy-lidded eyes. She was Andromeda, but darker and not as pretty, and she stared her sister down with a look of pure loathing.

Voldemort raised his wand and pointed it at Ted Tonks.

"No!" screamed several people, but it was James that jumped to action, shooting a stunning spell at Voldemort, which he deflected easily. The battle recommenced more brutal than ever with Voldemort amongst them. Lily and James rushed forward to defend the newlyweds against Voldemort and Bellatrix, but he threw them off. Finally, Voldemort sent an explosion rocketing through the tent. More screaming, more chaos, more debris flying everywhere. Then—a sudden silence fell upon them. The Death Eaters and Voldemort had gone.

Chapter 11 - Something for the Pain

James and Lily left together after most of the destruction had been cleared up. James sporting a wounded ankle and Lily with a gash on her cheek. They passed Sirius who was staring at the body of one of the Prewett twins, as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.

"How are you?" Lily said, pausing by Sirius. "Are you hurt?"

Sirius looked up at them, startled out of his thoughts.

"We were dueling the Malfoy brothers and Dolohov together—I recognized them because their hoods fell off," he said.

"I'm sure you did everything you could, mate," said James. "There were just too many of them."

Sirius nodded, although his eyes were still glazed.

"I should go find Remus," said Sirius. "And Peter."

"They've both gone home," said James. "Why don't you do the same. Get some rest."

Sirius nodded again, although he did not move. James and Lily walked away. They decided to go to James' house to treat his ankle wound, as it was closer. It was a spacious, handsomely furnished home on the outskirts of London—a reminder to Lily that all James had he had because his parents had died of Dragon Pox the previous winter.

"Sit down," said Lily as they entered the living room. "I'll check to see if it's broken."

"Don't you need something for your face?" asked James.

"It's just a scratch," said Lily and then rolled up James' pant leg to examine the bruised ankle. "Good news. It's a clean break. I can mend it right now, if you'd like."

"Nah, I thought I'd walk on it like this for a few weeks—try for something different," said James sarcastically.

Lily rolled her eyes and pulled out her wand. "Cruso Emendo."

James winced as the bone snapped back into place, but swallowed his gasp of pain so Lily wouldn't think he was a weakling.

"And now," said Lily, rummaging in her bag. "Something for the pain?"

"Isn't that what Fire Whiskey is for?" said James, just as Lily pulled out a small bottle of the stuff from her delicate lavender handbag.

James burst out laughing. "I love you," he said.

"I love you too," said Lily and handed him the bottle.

He took a swig, shuddering as it burned down his throat and warmed his entire body.

"Thanks," he said. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Evans."

"You'd definitely be a total loss," said Lily. "Are you going to share or keep that to yourself all night?"

James handed her the bottle and she took a swig, too. They sat in silence for a moment before Lily spoke in a quiet voice full of pain.

"All those people," she said, her voice trembling. "Dead."

James pulled Lily to him so that her head rested against his chest.

"I know," he said. "I know. That's why we have to keep fighting."

Lily sat up and looked him in the eyes.

"It could have been us," she said. "Me or you. We could have died tonight. One curse, one hit. That's all it would've taken."

"But we didn't—" began James, not even wanting to consider the possibility.

"But we could've," said Lily, fiercely. "And it made me realize—I don't want to take one second with you for granted."

Then, she kissed him, holding his face tightly in her hands. She moved closer to him along the sofa so that her body was pressed against his. James moved his hands to her waist and pulled her on top of him so that she straddled his lap. She moved against him, their mouths and hands moving more urgently. Lily pulled off his dress shirt and he unzipped her dress, feeling—for the first time—the warm, soft skin of her back. He buried his face in her neck and she leaned her head back, running her fingers through his hair as he kissed her there.

"James," she gasped. "I need you."

He pulled back and stared at her, his heart pounding.

"I want you," she told him.

She stood up and shimmied out of her dress until she stood completely naked before him, her porcelain skin glowing in the candlelight.

"Let's not waste another second," she said, her voice rough and desperate. "I love you, James. I want you and I need you."

"I love you, too, Lily," James replied, breathlessly. How many times had he fantasized about this moment? And yet she was more beautiful than he ever could have imagined.

He stood up and moved towards her, placing his hands on her waist. He kissed her again, softly, and together they moved into the bedroom. On his large bed, he laid her down gently. He removed the rest of his clothes, then moved on top of her, every movement cautious, tentative. He stared into her eyes as he moved slowly inside her. When he saw her wince, he stopped.

"What is it? Are you hurt? Should I stop?" he asked. "I've never done this before."

"Neither have I," she said. "But from what I've heard that's normal. It's okay, James. Keep going."

Swallowing hard, he moved again. Slowly at first, but as Lily began to gasp and moan in his arms he moved more quickly. They were kissing again, wanting to be connected in every possible way. She pumped her hips against him, desperate for him, clinging to his body as his pace quickened. Finally, in a wave of pleasure, it ended. Panting, he rested his head on her breasts as she stroked his hair and he regained himself.

"How was that?" he asked. "For you?"

"Perfect," Lily replied and held James closely to her.

Chapter 12 - An Old Friend

The aftermath of the attack on Ted and Andromeda's wedding was devastating. Andromeda sobbed in her new husband's arms, wondering how her own sister could do something like this. Meanwhile, many wedding guests were found dead, including Gideon and Fabian Prewett, Maisle Tonks (Ted's muggle sister), and Benji Fenwick, whom they only found bits of.

The attack wrought a change in the Marauders, as well. Peter looked close to having a nervous breakdown every day. Sirius had begun drinking heavily, although he'd deny that anything was wrong. James barely left Lily's side. Remus was the only one who seemed to maintain a level of calm although, Lily noticed, he had gotten closer with Marlene, which she felt was good for him.

One evening, a week after the wedding, a screech owl pecked at Lily's bedroom window. Lily and James were lying in her bed together—Lily reading The Ancient and Noble History of Magical Law for the fourth time while James read the latest issue of Witch Broomstick?. Lily was surprised to be receiving the post because everyone she was close with in the wizarding world either lived with her or stopped by the flat at least once a day. She let the bird in. It dropped a letter on the bed and then flew off again.

"Who's that from?" asked James curiously.

Lily picked it up and instantly recognized the miniscule, squashed handwriting.

To Lily Evans.

"It's from Severus," she said, brow furrowed. "But what could he want?"

"Snivellus?" said James, jolting immediately upright and glaring at the letter as though it had insulted him.

"James, please don't call him that," said Lily. "He was my friend. Once."

"Yeah and he called you a Mudblood," said James, hotly. "I think that's pretty much worse."

"Two wrongs don't make a right," said Lily sagely, then tore open the letter.

Dear Lily,

I realize that it has been a long time since we have spoken and that we did not, I regret, end our friendship on good terms. However, given recent events, I hope that you would consent to meet with me. I worry for your safety and wish to help you in any way I can. I hope that our childhood friendship stands as a testament to my sincerity.

Yours,

Severus

"He's raving!" said James. "Like you'd go and meet him? I heard he's joined up with the Death Eaters."

"That's just a rumor," said Lily. "Just because of who he hung out with at school—"

"Which should tell you the type of person he is, Lily," said James.

"I know. That's why we're not friends anymore," said Lily, slightly annoyed by James' overbearing reaction. "But… I know he was a good guy, at heart. He's just always been a bit… misguided. And you and Sirius torturing him for years didn't help."

"Hey, he got us, too," said James, defensively. "The hatred was mutual. But the difference is I hated him for loving the Dark Arts and he hated me just because I was good at Quidditch."

"And because you were an arrogant shit," said Lily.

"Why are you dredging this all up again, anyway?" asked James, angrily. "It's not like you're going to agree to see him."

"Oh, I'm not?" said Lily, eyebrows raised. "And since when did you start telling me what to do, James Potter?"

"I'm not—it's just—ugh!" he jumped up from the bed. "This is just crazy! I can't believe you're even considering seeing him."

"Well, given that he has been close with people who are known Death Eaters, he might have some information that's valuable to the Order," said Lily.

"No, no way," said James, shaking his head. "It could be a trap."

Lily rolled her eyes. "You're being ridiculous."

"I won't allow it!" James said, his voice raised.

Lily went pale, but her eyes narrowed and her chest swelled with rage.

"Get out," she said. "Now."

"Lily, I'm sorry—" James started.

"Go!" she cried.

With one last look at Lily, James left her bedroom.

Lily met Severus in the Hog's Head. When she first arrived, she did not immediately see him there. So, she ordered a butterbeer from Aberforth, who greeted her with a stiff nod, before seating herself a dusty, rickety table in the corner of the small bar. She waited ten minutes and began to wonder if Severus had decided not to come after all. Then the door opened and she saw him walk in.

He was dressed all in black, just as he had been when they were children. She could not imagine him in any other color. His hair was shoulder-length now and, although he still looked young, there was a certain tightness around his eyes that suggested recent stress. When he saw her, he looked shocked, as though he could not believe she had actually come.

"You're late," said Lily coldly as he sat down.

Despite their childhood friendship, and in spite of all she had said to James, Lily wasn't sure she could get past the Severus Snape who had called her a Mudblood, nor the Severus Snape who was associated with muggle-haters.

"I know, I know," he said, shifting guiltily in his seat. "I'm sorry."

"Why did you ask me to come here, Severus?" said Lily, cutting to the chase.

"The Hog's Head is a good spot for… private conversations."

"No, not here," said Lily, rolling her eyes. "I meant… why did you ask to see me?"

"Oh, right," said Severus, blushing slightly. "Well, I saw you at… at the wedding."

It took Lily a full minute of loaded silence to comprehend exactly how Severus had seen her at Andromeda and Ted's wedding.

"You were one of the Death Eater's behind the masks," hissed Lily, her voice full of venom. "So you are in You-Know-Who's inner circle? Unbelievable, Sev. I can't believe I used to think you were a decent person. And I thought our friendship actually meant something to you."

"That's why I'm here!" said Severus desperately. "As you know, the Dark Lord is taking over everywhere. There is nothing to be done. This will end his way and it could be bad for you unless you take measures now."

Lily's eyebrows had risen so high they almost touched her hairline.

"What measures?" she spat every syllable with fury.

"Come with me. I can protect you," said Severus. "The other night was a close call but you don't have to be afraid anymore. All you need to do is pledge your allegiance to the cause of the Dark Lord. He is very understanding—"

Lily stood up so abruptly her chair fell backwards and the table shook.

"I would rather die than pledge my allegiance to that monster," said Lily, seething. "How dare you! He killed my best—"

Lily stopped mid-sentence, a realization dawning on her.

"It was you, wasn't it?" she whispered. "You betrayed Dorcas to Voldemort. You knew she was friends with us and you blew her cover."

"What? Dorcas? I didn't—I wouldn't—" Severus stammered.

"Don't lie!" shouted Lily. "Of course it was you. Bet it got you into his good books, huh? Now you come to me like it's nothing to pledge my allegiance to the man who tortured and killed my best friend because she was nothing to you. Her life was meaningless to you. And for the life of me I can't see why my life would mean any more—being muggle-born. Don't you hate muggle-borns?"

Severus made a strange twitching motion somewhere between shaking his head 'no' and shrugging. Lily grabbed her purse, making to leave.

"One day, you'll see where all this violence leads you," she said coldly. "One day, you'll wake up and realize that it's ruined your life and there'll be no turning back."

Then, she stormed out of the bar, leaving Severus stricken in his seat.

Chapter 13 - All Is Fair

"After the last year, with so many of our members lost to the cause, we are happy to be able to, at least, end this meeting with some good news," Emmeliene Vance was saying to the attending members of the Order of the Phoenix at their headquarters in Godric's Hollow. "First, that Andromeda and Ted Tonks are delighted to announce the birth of their baby girl, Nymphadora."

Applause swelled around the room.

"Second," Emmeline continued. "That Antonin Dolohov, the Death Eater responsible for the murders of Fabian and Gideon Prewett, has been apprehended by Aurors."

There was clapping and whooping around the room in response.

"You mean he was caught by you, Emmeliene," said Lily, smiling at the young, and yet slightly intimidating witch.

Emmeline smiled sadly at her. "I've been trying to catch him for months. I just wish I had gotten to him before it was too late."

"You did the best you could," said Lupin, fervently. "Now he won't be able to murder anyone else."

"When will he be tried?" asked Sirius. Remus noticed that he was the only one who hadn't applauded or cheered after the news of Dolohov's capture was announced.

"He won't be," said Emmeliene, a slight crease between her eyebrows. "The latest order from Crouch's office decrees that if the person captured is a Death Eater they are immediately sentenced to a lifetime imprisonment in Azkaban."

"Without a trial?" said Remus, raising his eyebrows in surprise.

"He deserves it," said Sirius harshly. "They all do."

"Well, that's all for today," said Emmeliene. "Unless anyone else has anything to say, this meeting is adjourned."

There was a slight scuffle as everyone rose from their seats at the long table and moved towards the door.

"Hey Remus, Sirius!"

Marlene came over to them, cool and breezy as usual, but Remus noticed the gleam in her dark eyes as she looked at him.

"We're going to celebrate Dolohov's arrest—Mary, Lily, and I—down at the Lagoon," she said. "Please come. And feel free to bring Potter with you as well. Lily has been miserable since their fight and it's about time they made up."

With that proclamation, just moved away from them, brushing delicately against Remus as she did.

He gulped, staring after her.

"What do you think?" Remus asked Sirius.

"I think she wants you to fuck her," said Sirius, blandly.

"No—what? No, I meant about going to the Lagoon tonight," said Remus, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.

"Sure, why not?" said Sirius. "Any excuse to drink. Especially since it's still two weeks 'til the full moon."

Remus rolled his eyes, but did not reply. His heart was still beating rather fast from Sirius's comment. Did he really think Marlene was interested in him in that way? Sure, she had danced with him at the wedding, but he hadn't thought much of it—just two friends having a good time. Besides, how could any woman possibly be interested in him?

That night, they met up at the cabin where once a month Remus transformed into a werewolf. Given their various Order duties and jobs, it wasn't always relied upon that all four friends would be together, but at least one of the three animagi was usually able to get away for a night or two. The girls had taken to repairing the cabin after each full moon, making it a comfort and safe space for all of them to meet when they needed to get away for a bit.

When they arrived, the girls had already poured shots of Firewhiskey, which Sirius downed upon entry. James stood in an opposite corner of the room from Lily, glaring at his shoes while she pretended to read a book. James was reluctant to come, but Remus agreed it was time he and Lily made up. He had been in a foul temper for weeks. Peter, meanwhile, was nervous and twitchy, as he was most of the time these days. The result was that the atmosphere in the cabin was less than celebratory.

"I'm going outside for some fresh air," said Marlene, abruptly, and walked out into the night.

"Don't let that opportunity slip, mate," Sirius growled low under his breath.

Without responding, without really thinking about what he was doing, Remus stepped out of the cabin after Marlene. He did not initially see her in the darkness, until movement under the light of the half moon drew his eyes towards the lake.

"What are you doing?" asked Remus, walking forward, then stopping abruptly. He could see her bare shoulders and knew she must be naked beneath the cold water.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" she replied.

"You must be freezing," said Remus, concerned.

"A warming solution is the perfect thing for a midnight dip anytime of the year," said Marlene. "There's some by the tree stump there. Just rub it on your chest in a circle three times and you'll feel warm all over."

She leaned her head back and began to do slow, lazy backstrokes, exposing her breasts to the moonlight. Remus immediately looked away, embarrassed, aroused, and ashamed all at the same time.

"Well? Are you coming?" she asked.

"Do you want me to?" said Remus, his voice cracking. He couldn't believe this was happening. She knew what he was and yet she was acting as though she wanted him.

"No, I was just asking to be polite," said Marlene, her voice heavy with sarcasm. "Of course I want you."

Looking over his shoulder to make sure that everyone else was safely inside, he began to remove his clothing layer by layer. Marlene, he saw, had averted her eyes to look out over the lake. He rubbed the warming solution on his chest, then stepped into the water. He swam out to her where she stood, her feet just touching the soft sand beneath. When she heard him swimming towards her, Marlene looked around, smiling at him.

"That's better," she said, her voice lower and quieter. "How does it feel? The water?"

"Excellent," said Remus, his heart pounding. "Really excellent. That warming solution…"

He stopped talking, his words jamming in his throat as Marlene swam closer to him and then stopped only a few inches from him.

"I really like you, Remus," said Marlene boldly. "I know you like Lily but, let's face it, there's no hope there for you. And, as for me, I'm taking every opportunity life throws at me. Look at Dorcas. Look at all the people who died at the wedding. You never know when your last moment is going to be."

"I don't like Lily," said Remus. "Not like that, I mean. She was kind to me, that was all."

"I can be kind," said Marlene, her voice rough and low, her face very close to his now. She kissed his cheek lightly and his face burned where her lips had touched. Then she pulled back to look into his eyes.

"Why would you want me?" asked Remus, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Knowing what I am?"

"There are far worse things a man can be, Remus," said Marlene.

Now she was touching him. He could feel her bare breasts against his chest, her legs intertwining with his. She kissed him again, this time on the lips. He kissed her back and slowly moved his arms under the water so that they were around her waist. Then, as though some beast had awoken in him, he pressed her body tightly to him, moving himself against her while they kissed passionately.

Suddenly she moved her legs under the water so that they were wrapped around his waist. One hand still draped over his shoulder, holding herself above water, she moved the other hand down. It found his erection and he gasped. Without a word, she moved it towards the soft opening between her legs. He moaned as he entered her, burying his face in her breasts as he held her, moving in and out of her.

"I want you to fuck me," she panted in his ear. "I don't want you to hold anything back."

As fast as he could under the weight of the water, he thrusted into her. She cried out, clawing greedily at his back. He felt himself climax as her teeth bit down on his neck. He cried out and so did she, not caring that their moans of pleasure echoed off the trees, not caring about the tension in the cabin beyond the lake, not caring that their world was at war.

"Fuck this," said Sirius abruptly after his third shot of Fire Whiskey. "This isn't a party. James, Lily — just make up already. We could all be dead tomorrow. Life is too short to waste a minute of it."

On that enigmatic note, Sirius drained the last of his fourth Fire Whiskey, slammed the glass down onto the table, and stormed from the cabin. Peter looked nervously from Lily to James, then met Mary's eye.

"Shall we—?" said Peter, his eyes flickering meaningfully to the door.

"A walk would be brilliant," said Mary, catching on quickly. The two of them left, arm in arm, to find a strange scene outside. Remus and Marlene were half dressed and soaking wet. Sirius, meanwhile, was laughing his head off and yelling jubilantly. Mary tried to catch Marlene's eye but she refused point blank to make eye contact with anybody. Even in the darkness, Mary thought she detected a deep blush in her cheeks.

"Well, you two can't be the ones who have all the fun," said Sirius, still laughing slightly. "C'mon Wormy!"

Sirius half-dragged a still fully dressed Peter into the lake.

"Oh, all right then," said Remus resignedly, and he joined Sirius and Peter in the water, leaving Mary and Marlene alone at the water's edge.

Mary moved towards her friend, still wet with her soaking wet hair clinging to her forehead and cheeks at odd angles.

"So, having fun?" said Mary, nudging her friends.

"So what if I am?" retorted Marlene, but she was smiling.

"Then I congratulate you," said Mary. "As Sirius was just saying, we could all die any day now."

Suddenly a jet of water hit Mary square in the face. The boys laughed from the lake as she spluttered.

"You— you—!" Mary stammered angrily as Sirius roared with laughter, his wand still raised, threateningly.

"C'mon you lot! Get in here!" he said.

"You're going to get wet either way, I'm afraid," said Remus, smiling.

"Oh—fine!" said Mary, taking off her shoes and robe, revealing only a camisole and skirt. Sirius wolf-whistled.

"Ready to get revenge?" murmured Marlene in Mary's ear.

"Oh definitely," said Mary.

Together, the girls ran into the lake like children, water splashing about them, wands raised for retaliation.

Meanwhile, Lily and James sat in silence in the cabin, listening to the commotion outside, not looking at each other.

"Sirius is right," James said finally, sighing heavily. "We shouldn't be arguing. Life is too short."

"He's right about that," said Lily. "I don't want to fight with you, James. But I also cannot spend my life with someone who will try to control what I do. Life is dangerous right now, but I am not a girl who will sit on the sidelines. Do you understand?"

James did not immediately reply. He was staring at Lily, his eyes wide, his mouth slightly open.

"What?" said Lily, slightly annoyed. "Have you been Confunded or something?"

"You said you can't spend your life with someone who will try to control you," he repeated breathlessly.

"Yes, James," said Lily, impatiently. "And if that's not something you can agree to—"

"You want to spend your life with me?" he said, still dumbstruck. "I mean, it's something you've thought of?"

"Well, I mean, I guess," said Lily, taken aback. "We've been going out a year now and… I guess the thought has crossed my mind. But as I said, I won't be with someone who—"

Before Lily could finish her sentence James had fallen to one knee before her. He took her hand and she stared at him in total shock.

"Lily Evans," he said, "I swear to you I would never try to control you. I know to sit on the sidelines is not who you are and I love you desperately for it. You are the bravest, kindest, most intelligent and most beautiful woman I know and I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. Marry me. Marry me and I promise we can get through anything together."

Outside, the rest of the Marauders were drying themselves with their wands, still laughing and panting from their excursion into the lake. Suddenly, the door of the cabin burst open, flooding the tiny beach with light. James stood at the threshold, holding a bewildered but beaming Lily to him.

"We're getting married!" he exclaimed.

Marlene gave a small shriek of happiness while Sirius whooped estactically. Then the group converged on their friends, hugging them and congratulating them. No one had any doubt that these two were meant to spend the rest of their lives together.

Part 3 ~ The Third Defiance

November 24, 1979

Chapter 14 - The Wedding

"Lily darling, you look beautiful," her mother said to her as she stared at herself in the full length mirror in her white gown.

"Thank you, Mom," said Lily, smiling at her reflection. "Did… did Petunia say why she wouldn't come?"

Jane Evans' beaming face fell slightly. She looked a lot like Lily except with blue eyes instead of green, her red hair faded slightly with age.

"I expect she's quite busy," said her mother after a pause. "She and Vernon just bought the new house and…"

"And what?" said Lily, turning to face her mother.

"And… she's pregnant, Lily."

Lily nodded, trying hard to suppress the anger and sadness surging through her now.

"First the secret wedding, now the secret baby," she said, bitterly. "Of course, not entirely secret. Just a secret from me."

"I know you and your sister… haven't always seen eye to eye," said her mother, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. "But I beg you not to let it spoil your happiness today."

"Of course not," said Lily, immediately. "Why would it?"

Suddenly the door of Lily's childhood bedroom burst open and her two best friends flew inside, aglow with happiness and giggles, both in their emerald green bridesmaid dresses.

"Oh, Lily," Marlene gasped, placing a hand over her mouth in awe as she stared at her best friend.

Lily's wedding gown was simple and yet so elegant with lace sleeves and mother-of-pearl buttons up the back.

"You are so beautiful," sighed Mary. "James is going to fall over."

Lily smiled, then she saw the tears in Marlene's eyes.

"What is it, Marlene?" she asked, although she already knew.

"I… I just wish Dorcas was here to see you," she said in a constricted voice.

Lily walked towards her friend and hugged her. Mary threw her arms around the two of them and for a moment the three girls felt the absence of Dorcas all around them. Then they broke apart.

"Hey now, this is a wedding," interjected Donald Evans, walking into the room in his muggle tux. "This is no time to cry."

The girls broke apart, laughing and crying at the same time.

"Sorry, Dad," said Lily.

"Are you ready, sweetheart?" he asked in a soft voice.

Donald Evans was a balding, gangly man with amber eyes which sparkled with delight at the sight of his daughter.

"I am," said Lily, confidently.

In a tent in the Evans' back garden, James and Sirius waited at the end of the aisle. James was fidgety and couldn't keep still. Sirius normally would have made fun of him for this behavior, but kept his thoughts to himself in this instance, merely smiling at his friend. Remus and Peter, both groomsmen, were sitting in the front row looking very smart in dress robes — although Remus's were a bit faded and Peter's were overlarge. Had he lost weight, Sirius wondered? Certainly he had seemed more stressed of late, but they all were with Voldemort on the rise and no sign of relent. Before he had time to contemplate this further, however, the music swelled and the crowd stood.

James turned so quickly, he almost lost balance. However, it didn't matter. No one was looking at him. Everyone was staring at the beautiful woman walking down the aisle. She was walking down the aisle towards him. Lily Evans, the most beautiful and intelligent and amazing woman in the world, was walking towards him, beaming with happiness, about to marry him. He couldn't believe it. It seemed impossible that this woman would have ever even given a moment of her time to him, never mind agree to spend the rest of her life with him. Yet here she was, taking his hand, her green eyes shining with tears of happiness.

"All right, Evans?" whispered James, breathlessly.

"Oh, I'm all right," she said, her voice shaking but her smile never wavering.

"We are gathered here today," began the wispy little wizard officiating the wedding. "To celebrate the union of these two faithful souls…"

Behind Lily, both Mary and Marlene sniffed intermittently. Behind James, Sirius smiled, truly happy for the first time since the fateful night of Ted and Andromeda's wedding. Remus smiled too, and kept sneaking glances at Marlene who looked radiant in her bridesmaid gown. Peter alone looked unhappy at the festivities.

The ceremony concluded in an explosion gold sparks and a passionate kiss shared between Lily and James. Then, the party commenced. Champagne was served. An emotional toast was given by the father of the bride, welcoming James into the family. A toast made by Sirius and Marlene had the wedding guests doubled over with laughter. After a small dinner, James obligingly honored the muggle tradition of feeding one another cake — to his peril as Lily smashed cake all over his face. This received much applause from Sirius and Remus. Finally, the dancing commenced in spectacular fashion. Lily saw Remus and Marlene dancing together, Remus staring into her face as though he still couldn't believe his luck. She saw Mary dancing with Reg Cattermole from the Department of Magical Maintenance. Sirius, she saw, was entertaining a crowd of some old schoolmates with some sort of amusing story, no doubt. Meanwhile, Lily swayed contentedly in her new husband's arms. That was until she saw Emmeline Vance striding purposefully towards her.

"James," Lily murmured in his ear. "Emmeline's here."

"That can't be good," said James, turning to face her. "Hello Emmeline, I didn't think you would be able to make it."

"Congratulations to you both. I'm so sorry to interrupt," she said, hurriedly. "But something terrible has happened. We need all Order members and we have to act fast."

Lily's blood ran cold.

"What's happened?" said James sharply.

"The muggle Prime Minister has been kidnapped by Voldemort."

Chapter 15 - Preparations

"Help me, Marlene, we have to hurry," said Lily, tugging her pearl-white heels off.

With a wave of her wand, Marlene undid all of the buttons on Lily's dress.

"Thanks!"

Jane Evans stood in the corner of her daughter's old bedroom, looking helpless.

"Lily, I don't know what this mission for the—what is it called? Ordered? I don't know what it's about but I don't see why it can't wait until after the wedding."

"I'm so sorry, Mom," said Lily pulling on a sensible black robe over her white slip. "But this is an emergency. I have to go."

She kissed her mother swiftly on the cheek and ran out to meet James who was already ready to go at the end of the driveway. He was shaking Donald Evans' hand hurriedly, but looked anxious to leave. Sirius, Remus, and Mary were already at headquarters.

"Ready?" said Lily as she approached James.

"As always," he said, although Lily could tell he was nervous.

"Let's go then," said Marlene.

With a final kiss on her father's cheek, Lily disapparated along with James and Marlene.

Headquarters was abuzz with commotion but as soon as everyone saw the newlyweds arrive, silence fell and Dumbledore began the meeting.

"As you all know by now, the Prime Minister has been taken by Lord Voldemort," said Dumbledore, a shudder rippling through the crowd at the name. "Luckily, we know the location where he is being kept due to an inside source who will remain nameless for their own safety."

"Where is he?" asked Emmeline.

"He is being held captive at Meraclus Castle," answered Dumbledore.

"The Lestranges's home," said Andromeda, her face expressionless although her voice was brittle and her knuckles were white.

"Precisely," said Dumbledore, nodding gravely. "This will be an incredibly dangerous mission for Meraclus Castle is bound to be protected by all the Darkest enchantments known to our kind. Once within its walls, we will be faced by some of the most ruthless Death Eaters there are."

"We're ready," said Frank Longbottom.

"We're with you," said James.

"Emmeline, will you present our line of defence?" asked Dumbledore, standing aside and allowing Emmeline to take hold of the meeting.

"We will need three teams," Emmeline began briskly. "The first team, named the 'Breakers' will have the task of breaking all curses and enchantments barring us from entering. This team will be led by Amelia Bone and will consist of Elphias Doge, Mary MacDonald, Lily Ev- sorry, Potter—" she gave Lily a small smile, "and Remus Lupin. The next team, named the 'Fighters' will be our main offense against all Death Eaters inside the castle. This team will be led by Dumbledore and will consist of myself, Alastor Moody, Frank Longbottom, Edgar Bones, Marlene McKinnon, Andromeda Tonks, James Potter, and Sirius Black. Finally, the 'Rescuers' will be led by Dedalus Diggle and consist of Alice Longbottom, Sturgis Podmore, Mundungus Fletcher, Ted Tonks, and Peter Pettigrew."

As everyone formed their teams, it became clear one of their number was missing.

"Where's Wormtail?" Lily asked Remus.

Remus scanned the room, his brow furrowed.

"I'm not sure…" he said. "Did you see him leave the wedding?"

"No," said Lily. "The last time I remember seeing him was at the ceremony."

"We'll have to go without him," said Emmeline, distractedly. "Here's the plan. Breakers will move in first to undo as many enchantments as possible. Then, upon Amelia's signal, the Fighters will apparate directly into the castle for maximum impact. The Breakers will await the arrival of the Rescuers before storming the castle through the front doors, allowing a diversion for the Rescuers to seek and find the Prime Minister. Any questions?"

Everyone nodded solemnly. James moved towards Lily and kissed her quickly and passionately. Lily tried not to let fear overtake her as she stared into his eyes, knowing that he was going to be fighting some of the most notorious and ruthless Death Eaters there were.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you," he said and then walked towards Sirius who was attentively listening to Dumbledore and Moody strategize.

Amelia Bones came around and placed Disillusionment Charms on each of the Breakers. Lily felt the familiar feeling of an egg being cracked on her head as her body became transparent around her.

"All right, team," Amelia began. "You've been chosen to be Breakers because you are considered to be the most intelligent members of the Order. Our mission will not be simple. We must undo as many of the protective and defensive enchantments as possible without being detected. Understood?"

They nodded. Lily could tell Mary was trembling next to her.

"On the count of three, disapparate," Emmeline told them.

"One…two…three!"

The Breakers left with a violent crack and the Fighters assembled, ready to leave as soon as Amelia's Patronus came, signalling that they had broken through the enchantments. James paced anxiously back and forth. What if they were caught? Captured? Torturd? Killed? Lily—

"Maybe we should go with them, just in case—" said James, frantically.

"We will wait for Amelia's signal," Dumbledore replied calmly, then continued, "it is natural to be afraid for your new wife. But Lily is an incredibly accomplished witch. I have no doubt that she will be able to take care of herself."

They waited in a tense silence for Amelia's signal. Ten minutes passed. James watched Marlene biting her nails. 15 minutes passed. He saw Alice and Frank Longbottom locked in a tense conversation. They were usually such a happy couple, he wondered what they were arguing about. More to distract himself than anything else, he moved a bit closer.

"—just don't think it's a responsible thing to do," Frank was saying.

"And you think it is responsible to do nothing and bring a baby into a world where You-Know-Who has taken over?" Alice retorted, her round, usually kindly face flushed.

"Of course not!" said Frank. "But perhaps it would be better if you, well, sat this one out—"

"We're already missing Peter. The Order can't afford to lose another Rescuer, Frank."

"Please just take care of yourself," said Frank, fretfully. "Take care of both of you."

He placed his hand on Alice's stomach and her face softened.

"Of course I will," she said. "And you take care of yourself, too. Don't try to play the hero too much, all right?"

So, Alice Longbottom was pregnant? Well, James didn't blame Frank for not wanting Alice to come on this mission. Of course, Alice also had a point. The Rescuers really couldn't lose another member. Where was Peter? Why hadn't he come? Surely he hadn't bailed because of cowardice? He wasn't the bravest Order member, that was true, but it was unlike him to hang behind by himself either.

Suddenly a Patronus came through the open window. An luminous eagle owl spoke one word: "Ready."

Chapter 16 - The Fight

Severus Snape was reading alone in his dingy flat when he felt the mark burn red hot. He was being called to the Dark Lord's side and he did not hesitate in his departure. Immediately he disapparated and landed in the midst of a heated battle at Meraclus Castle. Spells flew in great flashes of light all around him. He immediately jumped into action. He saw James Potter and Sirius Black in battle with Malfoy, Avery, and Crabbe. Seething at the very sight of them, he ran forward to join the battle and seek his revenge. Wearing his mask, they did not know it was him, but that did not matter. He would show them today—show them who the righteous winner would be once and for all—

Suddenly the castle doors flew open and more Order members ran into the fray including, unmistakable by her dark red hair, Lily Evans.

"No!" he gasped, before he fell to the floor, Stupefied by James Potter's wand.

James had seen Lily enter and his heart raced with panic, but he forced himself to focus. It was imperative that he fight his hardest not only to take down as many Death Eaters as possible, but also to allow the Rescuers enough time to find the Prime Minister without detection.

Then, something happened that made all battling cease for just a moment—the arrival of Voldemort. He had apparated into the center of the room, right in front of Lily. Without fully realizing he was doing it, James ran forward towards Lily as she raised her wand against Voldemort. Voldemort was about to curse her, a cold smile on his pale, waxy face. But James raised his wand.

"Impedimenta!"

Voldemort stumbled backwards, a look of bewildered fury on his face as he stood before Lily and James now. This time, he recognized them. They were the two foolish children who had dared challenge him at the mudblood's wedding.

"You performed admirably last time we met," he said in his cold, high voice, carelessly blocking a hex from Lily. "I daresay you possess skill and power. Why not join me and exercise your skills for our cause?"

"Never!" they shouted together.

Voldemort frowned at them.

"Such a pity," he said. "Such a waste of magical blood."

Then he dealt a deadly blow that almost struck James had it not been for Lily's fast-acting hex which singed Voldemort's sleeve. James knew, however, that they were no match for Voldemort alone. Just as he was beginning to fear they would be murdered here together, Dumbledore joined them, wielding his wand in a manner so swift and powerful, no one would guess his advanced age. Fear briefly flashed in Voldemort's scarlet eyes, but he quickly threw himself into battle with the old, powerful wizard.

Lily and James moved to help Andromeda and Sirius against Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange.

"Oh look! The Mudblood's come to help!" screeched Bellatrix with derisive laughter. "Where's your Mudblood, sister?"

"Don't you dare—" Andromeda shot a curse at her sister, which narrowly missed "—call him that!"

"How's the little half-blood brat?" spat Bellatrix.

Andromeda screamed with rage and fought Bellatrix harder than ever. Lily dealt a blow which rendered Rodolphus unconscious, causing Bellatrix to scream with fury equal to her sister's. It was only out of the corner of her eye that she saw the signal—a Patronus in the form of a gopher which bellowed loudly: "It's over!"

Lily turned to James to take his hand and disapparate when suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her chest and knew no more.

Chapter 17 - As the Seventh Month Dies

The next thing that Lily knew were the white walls of St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. She stared around, bleary eyed and confused, unable to remember how she'd come to be there. Then she found James's face. He was pale, his eye bloodshot as though he had gotten very little sleep for a long time. She sat up and then winced, feeling a stinging sensation on her chest. She looked down to see a large scar just below her collarbone.

"Don't get up," James croaked. "Just rest. I'll let a Healer know that you're awake."

"Wait, don't go," Lily said, her voice hoarse. "What happened? Is everyone okay? Did the Prime Minister get out safely?"

"Yes, the Prime Minister is safe," said James. "He's shaken, of course, but safe. Everyone is okay. There's been a few injuries. Remus is here too with a couple of broken ribs and Alastor Moody lost an eye—"

"Lost an—" Lily began horrified.

"Please don't worry," said James, trying to calm her immediately. "The point is everyone is alive and safe. We accomplished the mission. We escaped Voldemort."

"But what happened? How did I get here?" Lily asked. "How long have I been asleep?"

"A couple of days," said James. "You were hit in the chest with some sort of curse by Avery. It knocked you out right away. You wouldn't wake so we took you here and they realized…"

But James stopped, looking stricken. He stared into her eyes as if he couldn't find the words for what he had to say next.

"What?" Lily asked, and when he still didn't respond Lily said, "what is it James? You're starting to scare me."

"They realized you're pregnant," said James in a hoarse whisper. "You almost miscarried. But they were able to save it. Save the baby, I mean."

Lily stared at him, her mind a swirling chaos but with no actual thoughts penetrating the shock of what she had just heard.

"Pregnant?" she repeated in a gasp.

James nodded, watching her reaction.

"I'm pregnant? Me?" Lily repeated, stupidly.

James nodded again, now looking worried.

"Are you okay? I don't mean to shock you like this after everything that's happened—"

Lily shook her head, then nodded, then shook her head again as though trying to clear it.

"A baby," she said finally, looking down at her stomach through the clean, white hospital sheets. "Our baby."

James smiled. "Our baby."

Nine months later Severus Snape sat in the Hog's Head where he often spied for any news of Dumbledore—not that he ever got much information. However, that day, he thought he might be in luck. Dumbledore had arrived at the Hog's Head and, after sharing a few words with the bartender, went upstairs. Could this be a secret Order meeting? Severus caused a bottle to explode behind the bartender so that he would be distracted as Severus sneaked past him and crept up the stairs to listen at the door which Albus Dumbledore had just gone through….

—

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, Lily Potter groaned in pain, clutching her huge belly, as her husband looked on fretfully.

"What can I do?" he asked for the millionth time.

"Nothing," gasped Lily. "The Healer will be here soon. Then it'll all be over."

There was a knock at the door.

"That's the Healer," said James, immediately hurrying to the door. Sure enough, when he came back, he was accompanied by Healer Schultz—a kindly woman with iron gray hair and matching eyes.

"Oh, Lily you look marvelous!" said the Healer.

"Ha-ha," said Lily dryly, wincing slightly and clutching her stomach as another contraction surged forth.

"Here, take this," said the Healer, handing her a vile of lavender liquid. "It will ease the pain and calm the nerves. Then we will move up to the bedroom and see how the baby is progressing."

—

Albus Dumbledore was smiling amicably at Sybill Trelawney, but it was already clear to him that the continuation of Divination was a moot point. If Sybill, the great-granddaughter of an accomplished Seer could not shed light on the importance of the subject, then he doubted anyone would change his mind about it. He was just about to rise from his chair, thank her for her time, and head back to Hogwarts when something strange occurred. Sybill went rigid in her seat and her eyes rolled. She grasped firmly to Dumbledore's arm and spoke in a strange, hoarse voice—

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…"

—

"All right, Lily, you're doing beautifully," said Healer Schultz. "I can see the baby's head. Oh, he's got quite a bit of dark hair!"

Lily screamed and clung to James' hand tightly. James looked positively terrified.

"A few more pushes, my dear…"

—

Dumbledore watched Sybill, transfixed. Was this a real prophecy? Or a dramatic finale to their lackluster interview?

"—born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not…"

—

"One more push, Lily! You're almost there!"

Lily screwed up her remaining strength and screamed until, finally, the shrill sound of a health baby's cry filled the room.

"It's a boy!"

—

"—and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…"

Sybill Trelawney fell slack then, panting slightly. Then her eyes focused on Dumbledore.

"I'm so sorry, Professor Dumbledore," she said. "I'm afraid I'm a little faint—haven't eaten much today."

"That is quite all right, Sybill," said Dumbledore, regaining his composure. "I'm delighted to say that the position of Divination Professor is yours."

A few minutes later, Dumbledore walked down the crooked, dusty stairs of the Hog's Head, his mind full with the words Sybill Trelawney had just spoken when his brother's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Thought you ought to know there was someone spying on that meetin' of yours," said Aberforth.

"Someone spying?" said Dumbledore, sharply. "Who?"

"Some greasy, black-haired kid," said Aberforth. "Comes in here from time to time but I won't be lettin' him back in no more. I threw him out, see."

"So he didn't hear everything," said Dumbledore, his heart racing now.

"Don't know what he heard or didn't, do I?" said Aberforth, shrugging unconcernedly. "Just thought you ought to know."

"Yes," said Dumbledore, distractedly. "Thank you, Aberforth."

Chapter 18 - Harry Potter

"My Lord, I have news of the utmost importance," Severus Snape began, kneeling before his master. "As you know, I was positioned at the Hog's Head to spy on Albus Dumbledore. Last night he arrived at the Hog's Head and had a meeting with someone in one of the rooms upstairs. I followed him and listened at the door and heard a woman speaking—it sounded as though she was making a prophecy."

"A prophecy?" Voldemort repeated, his face smooth. "And what exactly did this prophecy entail?"

In a swift motion, Snape pulled the memory from his mind with his wand so that a hoarse, raspy voice reverberated around the room.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…"

Voldemort said nothing, but stared at Snape, trying to determine the truth in this pronouncement. Meanwhile, his heart raced with cold fear and fury. The power to vanquish the Dark Lord? Impossible. No one has gone as far to push the magic boundaries as he has. And yet…

"Was that all?" Voldemort asked Snape.

"That was all I heard, My Lord," said Snape, "before the barman apprehended me."

Voldemort stood suddenly. Snape looked momentarily frightened.

"You have done well to tell me this, Snape," said Voldemort. "We will track down the child that has been born and destroy it before it has a chance to grow powerful. If anyone knows of such a child, come forward now."

There was silence when Travers stepped forward.

"My Lord, I have heard from the spy, Pettigrew, that the Potters have had a child—a son. His name is Harry. Harry Potter."

"Potters?" said Voldemort.

"Lily Potter—a mudblood. And James Potter—a pure blood," Travers explained. "They fought us at the Tonks wedding and the Lestranges's castle. The woman has long red hair and the man has black hair and wears glasses—"

Voldemort raised a pale, long-fingered hand and Travers fell silent at once.

"I know of who you speak," Voldemort said in barely a whisper. "They have, indeed, escaped my wrath three times. And they shall pay the ultimate punishment now."

"My Lord, I must speak," Snape interjected, looking frantic. "It is not necessary—that is, I mean to say, you must kill the boy, of course. And the father, if you must. But the mother need not—need not—"

A dark man at the back guffawed with laughter.

"After all these years, Severus, you still have a crush on that filthy Mudblood?" sneered Mulciber.

"What is this, Snape?" said Voldemort coldly. "You lust after a Mudblood?"

A few more people laugh.

"I-I—" Snape stammered, but Voldemort interrupted.

"Might I remind you that the mixture of magical and muggle blood is abhorrent and goes against everything we stand for," Voldemort said. "However, we all have lapses in judgement. You will do better next time, will you not?"

"I—yes, My Lord," said Snape, but he was shaking.

"You may go," said Voldemort carelessly. "Travers—find me Pettigrew."

Severus Snape's mind was made up before he had even reached the door to leave. He must, at all costs, save Lily Evans.

"Oh Lily, look at you!" Marlene said as she and Mary entered the room where Lily sat in bed with her three-day old son in her arms. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Still tired, but we're settling in—aren't we?" she said, smiling at her sleeping son.

"So, what have you decided to name him?" asked Mary.

"Harry," said Lily. "Harry James."

The women cooed appreciatively.

"So, what's new with you two?" asked Lily. "I feel like I've been so out of the loop."

Marlene nudged Mary who grinned shyly.

"Well, Reg has popped the question," Mary said. "And I said yes!"

"Oh Mary! Congratulations!" said Lily as loudly as she dared for fear of waking Harry.

"Thanks, thanks," said Mary, blushing.

"Yes, yes everyone's settling down, getting married, and having babies but me," Marlene rolled her eyes.

"Still no commitment from Remus?" said Lily, frowning.

"Oh, you know him," said Marlene. "It would go against his self-deprecating addiction to let himself be happy for once. And he likes to pretend I don't know my own mind. I've always known he was a werewolf and have I ever cared? No!"

Marlene finished looking sulky.

"I'm sure he'll come around, Marlene," said Lily.

"Yeah, give him some time," said Mary. "He can't hold out on you forever."

Suddenly the sound of a doorbell interrupted the conversation.

"Who could that be?" Lily wondered. "Mom and Dad just left. Sirius is on a mission for the Order, Peter just came yesterday, and Remus, well—"

"It's his time of the month," said Marlene, smiling wryly.

Then the three of them heard the sound of Albus Dumbledore's voice.

"I must speak to you and Lily," they heard him say.

"Why's Dumbledore here?" asked Mary.

"No idea," said Lily, shrugging. Harry stirred slightly, but then fell still again.

There was the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs and then a knock on the door.

"Come in," said Lily, still looking bewildered.

James entered, closely followed by Dumbledore who looked grave.

"Ah, Ms. McKinnon, Ms. MacDonald," Dumbledore inclined his head to each of them. "It's lovely to see you, as ever, but I'm afraid I need a private word with Lily and James."

Mary and Marlene exchanged a look and then left the room, closing the door behind them. James sat down on the bed, next to his wife. They both looked up at Dumbledore worried.

"A prophecy has recently come into existence," Dumbledore began. "A prophecy which states that a boy born at the end of July, to parents who have thrice defied Voldemort, will be the one to destroy Voldemort."

A deafening silence followed these words until Lily inhaled sharply.

"You don't mean—" James said, shaking his head and then looking at his son, as if to make sure he was still there.

"I have great reason to suspect that Harry may be the child to which the prophecy refers," said Dumbledore gravely. "It could be only one other. Neville Longbottom—Alice and Frank also had their son in the early hours of July 31st."

"Then it might—" James began, hopefully.

"But I am afraid," Dumbledore continued, heavily. "That Voldemort has heard tell of the prophecy and marked Harry as the child to which the prophecy refers."

"I want to hear it," said Lily in a strangled prophecy. "The prophecy. All of it. The full thing."

Pointing his wand to his temple, Dumbledore dragged the swirling figure of Sybill Trelawaney who chanted the prophecy in hoarse echoes. Lily stared at her revolving figure with something that looked like fury in her eyes.

"'Powers the Dark Lord knows not'..." James repeated. "What powers? Does Harry have special powers?"

"That remains to be seen," said Dumbledore. "The most important thing now is to act quickly to protect yourselves and your child. You must go into hiding. I suggested a Fidelius Charm. I, myself, can act as Secret Keeper if you wish."

"No, Sirius will do it," said James immediately. "He's the only man I trust enough to do this job. He's Harry's godfather."

"Very well," said Dumbledore. "Do you have a place in mind?"

"My grandfather's old cottage," said James. "In Godric's Hollow. He gave it to me in his will. I haven't been there in years."

"Then you should leave for that place as soon as possible. I'll contact Sirius to come help you. Marlene and Mary, I am sure, will be happy to help as well."

Dumbledore stood and made for the door, but turned just before leaving. Looking directly at Lily, he said, "I am truly sorry for bearing this terrible, terrible news."

Part 4 ~ Marked As His Equal

July, 1981

Chapter 19 - The Dark Mark

"Well, I just wanted to see how you were getting on," said Marlene, standing from the little round table in the kitchen at Godric's Hollow cottage. "And, of course, give my godson his early birthday present!"

Marlene tickled the almost-one-year-old's feet while he giggled in his mother's arms. Lily watched her best friend sadly, wishing she never had to leave. Marlene noticed this and frowned at her.

"I'll come by to visit again soon," Marlene promised. "As soon as Dumbledore allows, anyway. He has you on a tight lockdown, here."

"It's for your safety, too," Lily sighed. "You don't want to be seen visiting us."

"Well, even still," Marlene shrugged. "I'll need to come back soon so you don't all die of boredom anyway."

James, who was sitting at the other end of the table, forced a smile.

"Nah, go out there and get the bad guys for us, Marlene," he said. "We'll see you when we see you."

Marlene left the little cottage feeling troubled and preoccupied. Although Lily and James had always been a happy couple, they seemed to be struggling lately. No doubt the pressures of being cooped up alone in one house, trying to raise a baby marked for death, was no easy feat. She wished there was something she could do to help them. She suddenly realized that she hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings at all and looked quickly around. No one was there, luckily. She disapparated.

She arrived in Yorkshire where her parents resided. Mary had moved in with Reg after Lily and James's wedding, and Marlene couldn't afford a flat in London on her own, so she had moved back in with her parents and younger sister until she decided what to do next. She secretly hoped that Remus would come to his senses and move in with her, but she wasn't holding her breath.

When she arrived at her parents house, she found the sitting room empty.

"Hello? Mom? Dad? Lindsey?"

"Marlene—run!" a strangled cry came from the back room.

Before Marlene could react, four Death Eaters descended upon her.

"Crucio!" one of them screamed and Marlene crumpled to the floor, screaming in pain. Her wand was taken from her and she was dragged into the back room where her parents and sisters were bound, showing clear signs of having been recently tortured.

"Let them go!" Marlene screamed, struggled against the two men who held her. "Leave them alone!"

"Tell us where the Potters are hiding," said one of the Death Eaters smoothly, moving towards her sister, his wand outstretched. "And you won't have to watch your family die one by one."

Remus was walking down the bright Yorkshire street, limping slightly. He wasn't sure what he had done to himself while transformed. He missed the old days more than he could say—missed the days when his friends distracted him from hurting himself and, in the worst cases, they could at least tell him what he had done. Now, James was under house arrest and Sirius and Peter were too busy with the Order to come with him.

After a lonely few days, he was desperate for some company so he decided to go see Marlene. They had fought the last time they were together and he regretted it. She thought he was being pig-headed and stubborn to not want to move in together. Perhaps she was right. But he loved her more than he could say and, because of that, felt he could not expose her any more to his life than was necessary. Maybe then she would understand and stop harassing him on the subject. Maybe she would give up and leave him. More likely, he would crack and let the relationship become even more serious because, these days, he was finding it difficult to manage without her.

As Remus approached the house, he froze and his blood ran cold. The Dark Mark shone dimly above it in the sunlight. He rushed towards the house. The front room was a mess—half blown apart. A trail of blood smeared the floor leading from towards the back room of the house. Remus followed it, shaking violently.

"Oh God, no!" he cried and felt himself fall to his knees before Marlene's lifeless and bloodied body, her vacant golden eyes staring into nothingness. He saw her parents and younger sister's lifeless bodies as well. Each body showed signs of extreme torture before the final death blow was given.

Without knowing what he was doing or why he was doing it, Remus lifted Marlene's body to him—just to feel it against his one last time. He could hear crying in the distance, but couldn't connect it with himself. He was just here with Marlene. That was all.

Someone swore loudly behind him. Remus turned, his eyes blurred with tears, to see Sirius and Peter standing behind him.

"Someone said the Dark Mark had been cast over the McKinnon house," Peter squeaked, horrified. "We-we were told to come investigate—"

Sirius moved forward into the room, checking each of the bodies for signs of life. Remus knew there was none. Finally, Sirius came to Marlene.

"Let me see her," said Sirius, his voice breaking slightly.

"No!" sobbed Remus, holding Marlene's more closely.

"Moony, I need to see the damage that was done so that we can give evidence in court against the bastards that did it, understand?"

Remus released her slowly, staring into her beautiful but marred face as he did so.

"More people from the Order will be here soon to take care of the bodies," said Sirius. "Moony, we need to get you out of here—"

"I'm not leaving her!" Remus cried.

"Wormtail will stay with her," said Sirius. "C'mon Moony. You can't stay here."

Slowly, but firmly, Sirius dragged Remus away from Marlene. Once outside, he took him by side-along apparition to Godric's Hollow.

"Why-why are we here?" said Remus, dazed.

"Because you shouldn't be alone right now," said Sirius, firmly. "And... they need to know what happened."

Lily saw Sirius and a batter-looking Remus approaching the house and threw the door open.

"What happened?" she demanded. "Is he hurt?"

"Not physically," said Sirius, evasively. "Can we come in?"

"Of course. I just put Harry down for his nap," said Lily.

"Who's— Moony, what happened, mate?" James said as he came into the sitting room.

Sirius stared at James, then looked imploringly at Lily as if begging for forgiveness for what he was about to say. Then he took a deep breath and said the words.

"The McKinnons are dead. Marlene, her sister, and her parents. They were killed by the Death Eaters sometime earlier today. The Mark was placed over their house. Moony, Wormtail, and I found them."

Lily stared at him, her brow furrowed as if she was merely confused. After all, she had just seen Marlene a few hours ago, so she couldn't possibly be dead. Then she looked at Remus properly for the first time since he had entered the house. They made eye contact for a fleeting moment. Lily saw the pain there and felt her lip tremble. She sank down to the couch and covered her eyes with her hands as if, by doing so, she could somehow block out reality.

James stared from his crying wife to his distraught and traumatized friend.

"We have to do something about this," he said.

"You're right," said Sirius, bitterly. "We can't let them get away with this."

"Then let's go!" James said, his fists clenched. "We need to catch them before it's too late."

"James!" Lily said sharply, pulling her face out of her hand. "You can't go anywhere."

"I can't just let this go, Lily—" James began angrily.

"I'll go," said Sirius.

"I can't let you go alone—"

"James, you can't go!" Lily repeated furiously.

On cue, the sound of a baby's cry came from upstairs. Everyone paused to listen for a moment before Lily rose heavily from the couch and walked upstairs towards Harry's room.

"James, Lily is right," Sirius said. "You need to stay here with her and Harry. I'll go back to the Order and get a team together. I'll send word as soon as I know more."

James nodded stiffly, not saying anything. Sirius turned his attention to Remus who was sitting on the couch, fists clenched, staring straight ahead.

"Is it all right if Moony stays here with you for awhile?" asked Sirius in a hushed voice.

"Of course," said James, softening. "You can stay as long as you need."

Chapter 20 - Love and War

Lily mixed Remus a Sleeping Draught while James fed Harry his supper, gave him a bath, and put him to bed. Lily was grateful. She needed to be alone to grieve Marlene in her own way. Tomorrow, she would have to tell Mary. Unless, of course, Sirius had already seen her at Headquarters and conveyed the news that their friend group was now whittled down to two.

James and Lily had not spoken since Sirius first delivered the earth-shattering news. Only when both Harry and Remus were asleep upstairs, and Lily was finishing up the washing in the kitchen, did James speak.

"You know why they did it, of course," James's voice came from behind her.

"Who did what?" asked Lily and she was surprised to hear how hoarse and stuffy her voice sounded.

"Why the Death Eaters killed the McKinnons," said James, his voice full of a bitterness she had never heard before. "To get to us. To try to find out where we are."

Lily bowed her head. This had, of course, crossed her mind. But to hear it said aloud was unbearable.

"It will keep happening," James continued. "People will keep having to die for us. That's why I should be out there—"

"So you can die, too?" shot Lily, turning to face him, tears falling fast down her pale cheeks. "So you can leave me, a widow? Harry, fatherless?"

"No, so I can get to Voldemort before he gets to us!" James retorted heatedly.

"Go then!" Lily heard herself reply. "If you think you're more clever than the whole Order and all the Aurors combined, then just go! But remember that it won't be you who pays the consequences. It'll be me and Harry—"

"Better to grow up with no father than hunted for the rest of his life!" James yelled.

"You act like it's a choice! Like you're exchanging your life when you know it's not that simple—"

"How can you expect me to sit here and do nothing—"

Lily sighed, putting her face in her hands.

"I don't, James," said Lily. "Because the time may come when you have to make a very different choice."

"What do you mean?"

"There's a good chance neither one of us will make it out of this alive," said Lily. "I think that's something we need to face—"

"I know that," said James, quickly and fiercely—a Gryffindor through and through as he stared Death in the face.

"But Harry must survive," Lily said just as fiercely. "Harry must survive. And that means that if you have to choose between me and him, I need you to promise me that you'll take Harry and run. Leave me if you must. But save Harry. At all costs."

James stared at her, his mouth slightly open.

"Don't even—" he began.

"Promise me, James," demanded Lily.

"I can't. You can't make me—I can't live without you or Harry—you can't—" James was backing away from her now as though she was something dangerous, something horrible.

"Promise me," she repeated in a small voice.

James shook his head and made for the back door, darting like a frightened deer into the hedges.

James did not return that evening. Lily was filled with so much sorrow she thought she would burst from it. But there was something she had to before she retired for sleep and gave into the pain, one more conversation she had to have.

"Tuney? It's me—Lily."

Lily held the phone tightly to her ear, trembling slightly. There was a pause.

"What do you want?" Petunia's cold voice responded, finally.

She could not bring herself to say the words. Not yet.

"H-how are you?" she asked.

"What do you care?"

"Tuney, I've always cared about you," said Lily, earnestly. "It was always you who never cared about me."

"Ah yes, having everyone else in the world love you just wasn't enough," sneered Petunia.

"You're my sister," said Lily. "And I love you."

"What do you want, Lily?" Petunia pressed on.

There was no delaying it any longer.

"There's something I need to talk to you about," she began in a small, quavering voice. "We're in danger. James, Harry, and I—Harry, our son. We had a son almost a year ago now."

There was a pause.

"Well, I'm quite busy enough with my own son to deal with the mess your lot has gotten you into," said Petunia, her voice as cold as ever.

"I know," said Lily quickly. "But you have to understand that it might endanger other people, too. People who know us. I think you and your family are okay. We haven't seen each other in years. But… I'm worried about Mom and Dad."

"You've wrapped Mom and Dad up in your mess, too?" said Petunia, harshly.

"I'm going to have to protect them," said Lily, ignoring this comment. "But it might mean that you won't see them or hear from them for a while or… ever again."

Petunia did not respond so Lily surged forward.

"I'm going to erase their memories, Tuney. Hopefully just temporarily. I'll undo it when the danger is gone. But they won't remember us or anything from their old life. And I'll have to send them far away, too. Like New Zealand or Alaska or something."

There was terrible silence on the other end of the line. Then—

"How could you?" Petunia spat in a shaky voice. "How dare you—it wasn't enough to be the favorite, you have to take them away from me entirely. My own parents. For God knows how long."

"To save their lives!" said Lily. "People are dying here, Tuney—"

"Because of you," said Petunia, seething.

"Tuney, please—"

"Goodbye, Sister."

The line went dead.

Chapter 21 - Birthday

Lily awoke the next morning feeling as though she had just recovered from a bad head cold. She felt the arms of her husband around her and it took her a moment to realize why this confused her. She rolled over to see James Potter, awake and fully dressed, staring into her face.

"James?" she said groggily. "What—?"

"Lily, I'm so sorry," he said, and Lily was shocked to see him crying. "I just… I just can't stand it. Everyone dying because of me. And then… the thought of you and Harry—please, don't make me think about it."

"James," Lily whispered, placing her hands on his face which was rough with stubble, "we have to think about it. This is our reality now."

"It doesn't have to be," said James, firmly, although he was still crying. "I'm going to do everything I can to keep you two alive."

"I know you are," said Lily, smiling bleakly.

"I just wanted better for him, you know?" said James. "I wanted a better life than this for Harry. A better world. And I feel so useless being stuck inside with nothing I can do to change it."

Lily had no words of comfort. She felt the same way.

"Do you really think he will be the one who defeats Voldemort?" said James suddenly. "I mean, I keep watching for signs of some incredible powers and—don't get me wrong—the kid's amazing, but so far the most powerful thing he's done is make the world's stinkiest diaper."

"I really don't know," said Lily. "But I'm determined not to give Voldemort a chance to come face to face with our son. Not if I can help it."

Remus came downstairs at half past ten, looking groggy and confused. Lily and James watched him apprehensively. Harry watched him vaguely, gnawing on the tail of a wooden dragon figurine.

"How are you, Moony?" asked James, tentatively.

"Would you like some breakfast?" asked Lily.

He smiled weakly at her, but shook his head.

"I'll just go," he said, hoarsely.

"No, please stay!" Lily implored him. "It's Harry's birthday today. We'd love to have you here to help us celebrate."

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be very helpful in that respect," he said. "But thank you, Lily. I really do have to go. I want to see if they've found anything out. Or if there's anything I can do. Thank you for letting me stay. Really."

Before Lily or James could say another word, Remus turned on his heel and walked out the door.

"Poor Moony," said Lily, her throat tight. "I'm so afraid for him sometimes."

"What do you mean?" asked James.

"He was so reluctant to let Marlene in," said Lily. "For so long he kept her out. He only just started opening up, accepting that he can be loved. I wonder if he'll ever have the bravery to face love again."

James didn't know what to say to this grim proclamation, but was spared having to answer by the chime of the doorbell.

"Ah, this must be Bathilda," said Lily wearily. "You let her in. I'll get the cake out of the fridge."

All in all, Harry's birthday tea was a quiet one. He had a delightful time smashing apart a snitch-shaped cake that Lily had made while Bathilda told wild tales of Dumbledore's youthful beginnings. After Harry's nap, a package so large that it necessitated the strength of two owls arrived for Harry. It turned out to be a toy broomstick from Sirius. Harry spent the rest of the day zooming around the house, giggling so hard his cheeks were bright pink. Just before Harry bedtime, Peter turned up with a hastily wrapped stuffed snowy owl.

"Thank you, Wormtail," said Lily. "He loves owls. Always gets so excited when one comes to the window."

"Look Harry! Owl! Say owl! AH-WOO-LA," said James, emphasizing each sound as he danced the fluffy snowy owl in front of Harry.

"He was trying to get Harry to say Quidditch earlier," said Lily, rolling her eyes.

"Owo!" said Harry, pointing one stubby finger at the stuffed animal.

"He said it! Did you hear him, Lil'? He said it!"

Lily shook her head but she was laughing and smiling, too. It felt good after the events of the last 24 hours. She looked back at Peter who, she noticed, still looked as glum as ever.

"I heard you were there with Sirius when… when you found them," said Lily, quietly.

He nodded, solemnly, looking down at his hands in his lap.

"It must have been really hard—"

"I have to go," Peter said suddenly, jumping up from his seat.

"What's up, Wormtail?" said James, raising his eyebrows in surprise.

"Nothing!" said Peter quickly. "I just… can't stay. I mean, I have to go. Goodbye."

For the second time that day, they saw a friend leave their house in undue haste.

"He's been so jumpy lately," said James, concerned.

"Well, he's never been the bravest," said Lily. "I mean, all this stuff must really be freaking him out."

The doorbell rang again and they both jumped, then laughed.

"Guess we're jumpy too," said James, grinning.

James answered the door and came back into the living room accompanied by Albus Dumbledore in violet robes with a matching hat.

"Professor Dumbledore!" said Lily, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to wish happy birthday to young Harry, here," said Dumbledore.

Dumbledore leaned down towards Harry who seemed to be trying to decide whether he was fascinated or frightened by Dumbledore's eccentric appearance. Then, Dumbledore held out his hand to reveal a miniature toy phoenix which, after flying around Harry's head a few times, flew right into Harry's outstretched palm.

"Oh, Professor, it's wonderful!" said Lily.

"I also came to give my condolences," Dumbledore continued. "I know that you were close with the McKinnons—Marlene, in particular. If there is anything at all I can do—"

"Thank you," said James, inclining his head slightly.

None of them spoke for a few moments. They watched Harry chase the tiny phoenix around the room for a while. Then, quite abruptly, Dumbledore raised his head to look at James.

"I hear tell from Sirius that you are in possession of a very interesting invisibility cloak," he said.

"Er—yeah," said James, taken aback. "I mean, I don't know about 'interesting'. But it's certainly useful."

Dumbledore nodded, then went quiet again. James and Lily shared a confused look.

"Any reason you ask?" James prompted. "Does someone from the Order need it?"

"I would like to examine it myself, actually," said Dumbledore. "From Sirius's description it sounds as though this invisibility cloak is a very rare thing indeed. It has not faded, nor become worn and tattered in the entire time you've owned it?"

"Nope," said James, shrugging. "And it didn't for my dad or grandfather either."

Dumbledore's eyes widened slightly, but he didn't respond.

"Er, shall I go get it then?" asked James.

"That would be most appreciated," said Dumbledore, inclining his head in gratitude.

James went upstairs to go get his invisibility cloak, leaving Lily and Dumbledore alone.

"Bathilda was over today," said Lily, conversationally. "She had lots of stories about you from when you were a kid."

"Ah," said Dumbledore shortly.

"Don't worry, I don't believe half of them," said Lily, smiling amicably. "And even if I did, I don't think it changes who you are."

"Here it is," said James, handing Dumbledore the invisibility cloak.

Dumbledore took it, thanked James, then said to Lily, "you are right. It does not change who I am."

Chapter 22 - Loyalties

Regulus Black was sweating in his Death Eater's mask on that hot afternoon. Although it was the end of September, the sun blazed hot as mid-August. He rounded the corner of the winding lane to the Lestrange's castle which seemed glisten like black tar in the sunlight. The Dark Lord had called him here, and he knew he must obey, although lately he had begun to loathe these interactions. He felt that, although he was proud of being a pureblood, the violence that the Dark Lord encouraged was unbecoming of the wizarding race. The muggles had done nothing wrong to them and they were completely helpless to defend themselves against wizards—Regulus had witnessed it first hand. What was more, he suspected that the Dark Lord himself was less of a leader and more of a monster.

"Ah, Regulus," the Dark Lord greeted him from a throne-like chair, his long, white fingers tapping quietly on the mahogany arms. "I hear that you own a house-elf, do you not?"

"I do, My Lord," replied Regulus.

"I require an elf," said the Dark Lord.

"Mine is at your service, My Lord," said Regulus, but as he stared into those scarlet eyes, he saw a flash of something horrible, something beyond evil.

Regulus sent Kreacher to the Dark Lord, as he must, but ordered Kreacher to return as soon as he was done. Then, Regulus threw himself into the Dark Arts books that he had purchased so long ago at Borgin and Burkes until he found what he was looking for.

"A Horcrux is an object in which, upon heinous murder of another human being, a person conceals a piece of their soul, thereby making them immortal by binding them to this earth through this precious object. The Horcrux must be concealed in a precious and powerfully magical object to provide maximum protection for one's soul and it is highly advised that they are protected by as many enchantments and curses as necessary. For, just as once a Horcrux is made there is no return to the whole, so once a Horcrux is destroyed, there is no return to life if the maker dies."

Barely breathing, Regulus skimmed past the finer details of how to make a Horcrux to the effects.

"The ripping of one's soul creates a physical change upon the body. The creator's skin may become more waxy, eyes more bloodshot. Hair may thin and not grow back and fingernails may rot…."

Regulus didn't have to read anymore. He knew what the Dark Lord had done. His eyes were open. Voldemort wasn't a man rising up for the justice of wizard-kind. He was an inhuman creature trying to harvest immortality and power in exchange for violence. The books Regulus read were rare—so he was sure no one else knew, that no one else had guessed. Therefore, he was the only one who could stop it. He thought of the prophecy pertaining to the Potter boy. Perhaps, if no one else could stop him before his boy became a man, Regulus could at least help the boy and make Voldemort a mortal man once more. Although, Regulus very much doubted whether he would be alive to see that day come. Now that he had made his decision, he was a dead man walking.

Peter was shaking from head to foot as he approached the Potter's house. He had just been threatened by the Dark Lord, personally and the message was clear—give him Harry Potter or die. He had no choice. He had to do this.

"Hey Wormy," Lily answered the door. "Come in! James will be so happy to see you."

"Hey Wormtail!" James called from the kitchen.

"Is there anything wrong?" Lily asked Peter. "You look pale."

"No, no, nothing wrong," he said quickly. "Except, well, I-I—I still can't stop thinking about the McKinnons. How they died because He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named thought they might have information on you."

"Yes, it is… terrible," said Lily, swallowing hard.

"Well, I just wondered, whether it might not be—whether we should—"

But Peter's suggestion was interrupted by the sound of a baby's cry coming from upstairs.

"I'll get him," said Lily and ran up the stairs.

"What were you saying, Wormtail?" asked James.

"Well, maybe—I was just so worried," Peter started again. "About Padfoot."

"Why are you worried about Padfoot?' asked Lily who appeared around the corner again, Harry on her waist.

"Well, what if You-Know-Who gets to him?" he went on, trying not to look at the blurry-eyed toddler now sitting at the table with them. "That is to say, everyone knows you two are best friends and, well, best man at your wedding, godfather to your child. Everyone, Death Eaters included, will be expecting him to be your Secret Keeper in the event of a Fidelius Charm. They could torture the information out him—at the very least—"

James looked concerned.

"What other choice do we have?" he asked.

"Well, you have me," said Peter, keeping his shaking hands hidden under the table.

"What are you saying?" said Lily. "You want to be our Secret Keeper, Wormy?"

"Because no one will expect it! I mean, everyone knows I'm weak and helpless with most spells—"

"You're not weak, Wormtail," said Lily earnestly. "Far from. What you're offering is so…"

"Brave," James finished. "But I don't know if we could accept—"

Suddenly the doorbell rang again. This time, James got to answer it and came back with Sirius himself.

"Padfoot! What are you doing here?" Peter asked, nervously.

"I… just found out my brother is dead," said Sirius. "Killed by Death Eaters. Stupid git."

He sat heavily in a chair at the table.

"Mate, I'm so sorry," said James.

"That's awful," said Lily.

"He must have gotten cold feet," Sirius continued. "Or maybe they were trying to get to me through him. I don't know. They definitely know I'm your Secret Keeper though. I've been tailed around half the country. Only lost them this afternoon, otherwise I would have been here sooner."

Peter couldn't believe his luck. He could pull this off. He could survive.

"This is what I'm talking about!" said Peter. "There's only one way to make sure that you all stay safe and that's to throw them off the scent."

"What the hell is Wormtail on about?" asked Sirius.

James stared at his friend for a moment and Peter glanced nervously back at him. There was an emotion in James's eyes that Peter did not instantly recognize. Then he realized it was pride. Finally, James spoke.

"He's going to save us all."

Chapter 23 - Monster

It was Halloween for muggle children and Lily stared out the window, watching the children run door to door, asking for candy. They couldn't see their little cottage, which was too bad. She would have loved to have given out candy to little fake goblins and ghosts and witches. She wondered idly how James would feel about celebrating Halloween with Harry when he was a couple years older—if they ever made it out of this mess.

She moved from the kitchen to the living room where James was entertaining Harry with puffs of colored smoke from his wand.

"I don't think we should bother getting him toys for Christmas," said Lily. "This is all he likes."

"Can you blame him?" said James as Harry continued to giggle, attempting to clutch at the wisps of smoke with his chubby fists before they vanished.

"Well, I think that's enough playtime for one night," said Lily. "It's time for bed."

"Mom's words, not mine," said James, looking seriously at Harry. Lily rolled her eyes.

James picked Harry up and passed him to Lily. Lily went around the corner and into the hall to take Harry upstairs. James watched her go, loving her, loving Harry, and yet feeling sadness he couldn't put into words. He stood up, yawning and stretching, tousling his hair as he did so. That was when he heard the door explode open.

"Lily," he whispered, then yelled, "Lily it's him! Take Harry and go! I'll hold him off!"

James sprinited into the hall, aware as he came face to face with the monster named Voldemort that his wand laid on the couch in the living room. His only comforting thought as the flash of green light filled his eyes was that he would, at least, not have to live in a world without Lily Evans.

—

Halfway up the stairs, Lily heard the door explode open and her body went numb with an insurmountable fear. Then, her husband's voice: "Lily it's him! Take Harry and go! I'll hold him off!" The moment had come, just as Lily had envisioned it in her worst nightmares. But no, Harry would not die. She raced upstairs and began barricading the door, a bewildered Harry still in her arms, although she knew it would do no good. Why had she ever let her wand out of her sight? Now she was trapped in this windowless room with Death on the other side of the door.

But not for Harry, she thought firmly.

"You have to be strong for Mama, now, okay?" she whispered in her baby's ear, tears falling fast down her cheeks. "Mama and Dada love you so much—"

The door exploded open. Lily screamed. Harry jumped, but did not cry. She hastily put Harry in his crib, knowing full well it would be the last time she ever held her son in her arms, and then turned to face Voldemort, her body shielding Harry from his view.

"Please!" she pleaded with the monster. "Please, I'll do anything! Please don't kill Harry—"

"Stand aside, silly girl," he replied in a cold, high-pitched voice.

"No, please don't kill Harry! Please—"

He raised his wand and Lily Potter knew no more.

Epilogue - Last Man Standing

Remus Lupin sat on the bench and stared straight ahead for a long time, not really seeing what was in front of him—not wanting to. He didn't want to see or hear. He didn't want to breathe for one more moment. With every breath he felt the loss—all of the losses—engulf him in unendurable agony. How much loss could one man take?

"Hello Moony," said a familiar voice.

Slowly, Remus turned to see Mary MacDonald, dressed in a thick, black cloak against the November chill.

"Mary," he said hoarsely—it had been so long since he had talked.

She sat down next to him on the bench and didn't say anything for a long time. Like him, she stared at the memorial of the little family that was no more.

"I can't believe it's been a month," she said, finally.

Remus couldn't think of anything to say, couldn't muster up a reply, so he didn't say anything.

"I can't believe he—I can't believe Sirius would—" Mary's voice broke and she stopped speaking.

"It doesn't seem possible," said Remus. "And yet… it is."

"13 people," she went on. "He killed 13 people and… poor Wormtail."

Remus bowed his head, the thought of his meekiest friend being blown to smithereens was horrible enough—then to imagine Sirius doing it was unthinkable, unendurable.

"You heard about the Longbottoms, of course," said Mary. "It's horrific. Just when we thought it was all over. I heard they were trying to find out where You-Know-Who had gone."

Remus nodded, unable to digest any more heartache.

"Do you think he's really gone? You-Know-Who?" Mary asked him.

Remus shook his head. "No. And Dumbledore doesn't either. He'll be back."

"Then we'll have to soldier on," Mary said, thickly. "Keep making this world a safer place. For Harry."

Remus's eyes finally came into focus on the memorial before him. He stared at the little baby Harry, recalling the way James played with him, the way Lily rocked him in her arms.

"Yes," he agreed. "For Harry."

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