Chapter 1: Secret Keeper
October 24, 1981 Potter Manor
3:00 p.m.
A whoosh of green flames made it known that their guest has arrived. Lily looked up from her reading as did James from his position on the floor with Harry, who's playing with a golden snitch.
Lily suddenly stood up in alarm at the haggard-looking man in front of them and immediately snatched Harry from the floor and transferred him to his playroom. James followed his wife and son with a look before returning his attention to their visitor.
The man unceremoniously invited himself to the sofa and sat down. Head leaning at the back of the couch. "Tifa." A female elf popped in front of the man, "Yes, Master Black?"
"Sirius," James started but was stopped by the look of anguish reflecting in his eyes. "A bottle of firewhiskey please, Tifa?" The elf opened her mouth to reprimand Sirius, "Please?" the elf glowered at him, and popped out.
Sighing, James settled himself across from Sirius and patiently waits for the man to burst.
Sirius has been his best mate since the start of their year at Hogwarts. He won't deny that the two of them hit it off instantly upon meeting on the train. They started talking about their expectations of Hogwarts in general, most importantly the lessons they'll be having. Due to his family's background, Sirius expressed an interest in Defense Against the Dark Arts. James on the other hand took a liking in Transfiguration. He just knew that he has an affinity for transfiguring something that would help him with his mission. That mission was… well... causing havoc at school with pranks, of course. That's how Sirius declared themselves as best friends.
As they grew up and got to know more each other, he witnessed that there was more to the flirt and prankster façade of Sirius Black— his fragile soul.
"Prongs. . . I – " Then he broke down. Gone with the confident man he presents himself.
Tifa popped in at that moment and served their guest a drink. "Another glass for me too, Tifa." James said to the elf, "but Mistress Lily will—"
"It's okay Tifa, give him a glass." Lily narrowed her eyes at her husband and pursed her lips, "Just one glass of that hell drink." Sirius snorted at that, "Also could you make a mug of hot chocolate with mallows in it, for me please Tifa?" Lily requested as she walks across the room to sit beside Sirius who's already emptying his first glass of whiskey.
"Yes, Mistress." Tifa complied before disappearing with a pop.
"Where's Harry?" Sirius asked Lily, staring at the fire intently. Watching the ambers crackle in the fireplace. "I'm sorry if I turned up like this. Something came up while I was on my way here."
Lily looked at James, sharing concerned looks for their friend. "What happened Padfoot?" James asked as he helped Sirius nurse another glass of whiskey, pouring for himself too when his own glass appeared near the bottle. Lily promptly thanked their house-elf when her hot choco appeared on the side table beside her.
"You know I've been on the run, right?" Both Potters nodded.
Death Eaters has been hunting for Sirius to recruit him as part of the Dark Lord's inner circle. Obviously, Bellatrix was the one who requested this for their Lord after the sudden disappearance of Regulus. She thought that through this, Sirius may redeem himself back to the graces of the Black family. When two weeks passed and still there were no sign of Regulus, he's swiftly declared dead in their circle. The news of his death had immediately spread out amongst the Death Eaters and his family, except Sirius.
Sirius wasn't aware of this at all, until his Uncle Arcturus, the current Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black reached out to him. To say that he wasn't feeling mournful was troubling; it was the overwhelming relief that he felt for his brother when he left this hellish world, and the only people he blames for the death of his precious brother were their parents. Their ill-treatment to the Black brothers has been their first ticket to leave this world.
"Dumbledore, he. . ." Sirius trailed off, and put down his glass with a loud thunk. Rubbing his face he continued, "We were given an emergency Order mission. However, only a few were able to answer his summons. The summons sounded frantic, and I just knew I had to attend."
Lily waved her hand at him, "It's fine, Sirius. I know how important these emergency meetings are for the Order. We're just glad you're not injured."
Sirius looked at her apologetically, which Lily regarded uncertainly, "I didn't know what it was about until Albus announced he received an urgent call from Mylene." He took a ragged breath, and covered his face to keep his tears at bay, "It was…. I felt something inside me dropped. I figured something worst must have happened."
"Who were the ones included in the meeting?" Lily asked as she grips her mug tightly, knuckles turning white. James placed one hand above hers and made a motion to grab her mug from her grip, placing it on the table beside her.
"The Prewitt twins, me, Mad-Eye, Ted Tonks, Kingsley, Minerva, and McKinnon" when Sirius removed both of his hands from his face, Lily gasped and immediately hugged him. Sirius held her tightly, his body wracked by sobs. He was so miserable his heart and lungs might give out because of the pain he feels. Lily instantly felt her shirt dampen, as Sirius cry on her shoulder.
James looked at them both suddenly awkward, but when Lily stared at him intently he mentally shut up and cleared his throat. He called Tifa for a warm cloth. It appeared right away in front of him. "What happened Padfoot? Was it bad?" James cringed when Lily rolled her eyes at his poor attempt to comfort his best mate.
It's not that he's not used to Sirius crying, he was just taken aback at how he sounded so broken. He wasn't prepared at all on how to proceed from this. James knew that these tears weren't only for what happened in the recent Order meeting, but for his deceased brother too.
Lily and James gave him a moment to let it all out. His agonizing cries piercing through their hearts.
When his tears and sobs subdued, Sirius chuckled from his wife's shoulder and said, "You'll always be rubbish at comforting James."
James rolled his eyes and shot him a grin from his seat. "Git," Sirius smirked at him as he removed himself from Lily's arms to settle back to his couch. With a long-suffering sigh, he took a swig from his glass, and grabbed the cloth offered to him by Lily, "It's the Bones."
The couple sat up straighter and paled at that. Lily and James exchanged worried glances as they observe Sirius in front of them. There was no denying that the man in front of them had it rough. He looked beaten, and his shoulders were slumped in defeat. Whatever Sirius discovered during their emergency Order meeting, it wasn't good.
Expecting the worst...
"Oh, Sirius," Lily exclaimed horrified, "Is she –" Lily trailed off not wanting to say the name, knowing it's the reason why Sirius' suffering right now.
"Yes." He croaked out, lips trembling, "She was one of the casualties. Her younger cousin was the only one left alive, and Amelia, she was devastated when she arrived at the scene."
James poured him another round of whiskey. He looked up to his wife who's now staring at the window. Tears falling freely on her face.
"I think it's time we take the leap." She said after the tensed silence.
Sirius snapped his head to the side, "What?" he swallowed down his drink in one go, wincing at the burning feeling, "Is this about that blasted prophecy, Snape told you?"
Lily turned from her seat to face Sirius and grabbed both of his hands. "Sirius, I have endlessly researched the library to formulate a plan in creating a trap for the defeat of Voldemort, in case he successfully goes after us. Severus told me about this blood magic, that will help Harry protect himself from that monster." She shot her husband a look. Lily didn't know Sirius was aware of the Prophecy. Her husband shrugged coolly and took a sip from his drink.
James didn't like it at all, they were risking too much of this. He didn't even know if he would make it out alive in this, nor Lily. It seems like surviving this war is low as sacrifices were made left and right in an attempt to provide light and goodness through, fighting against the dark— only to realize that their efforts are wasted.
"You're not baiting yourself!" Sirius angrily stood up and paced in front of the fireplace. Looking every bit like a grim ready to pounce.
"I can't lose you two either! Mylene was already enough! I can't... You can't continue this Lily! James! You shouldn't do this! What about Harry?! What about me?!"
"I have my full trust on Lily, Pads. Harry will be safe, he'll be with you if worst happened to us. We've already submitted our Last Will and Testament to the Goblins for safekeeping, mate. Flamethorne will be the one who'll be executing the Will, and we've chosen you as the legal guardian of Harry. Your godparent bond assured that. You're also part of our beneficiaries. If the plan proved to be a success, and we did survive, then you wouldn't be attending any reading of Last Will and Testament." Sirius wasn't happy at all. He huffed as he crossed his arms. "It's just for precaution, Pads."
"I don't like this at all. We're talking about your lives here!"
A small voice caught the attention of the adults occupying the drawing-room. Harry's bright green eyes and untamable black hair were standing up at different angles. He's wearing his favorite pajamas, the one with golden snitches flying around. "Unca Pa'foot crying?" His chin trembled as he hugged his grim plushie.
Sirius immediately walked across the room and kneeled in front of his godson, "No prongslet, I'm not! See?" he made a show of wiping his eyes with the use of the sleeves of his dress shirt. "No crying for Unca Pa'foot!" He smiled widely and opened his arms for his godson to run towards him.
Harry wrapped his arms around his godfather's neck, burying his little head at the crook of his shoulder. Sirius stood and began swaying while humming a tune to bring back the boy to sleep.
When he felt Harry's body become limp in his arms, he knew that Harry had already fallen asleep. Sirius turned to his right as Lily stood beside him, offering her arms to carry the child from him so she could tuck him back to his bed.
Once the two were out of the drawing-room, Sirius sighed and nursed himself another glass of whiskey.
"So what's the plan?"
James looked up sharply at Sirius, eyes narrowing. "You want in?" He cringed when Sirius threw him a dark look. "Of course, I want in, Prongs. I have to," his tone gentle but firm.
Sirius walked towards the huge window of the room, overlooking the huge ground of the manor. One hand inside his trouser's pocket. "I just want this war done. I want to travel this world without constantly looking behind my back." Sirius took a sip, "I also want to build a new life. Create a new life. For me."
James stood up from his seat to walk the short distance between them and placed a firm hand on his best mate's shoulder, "Padfoot, you'll be able to build one. Just remember that this war won't last forever. This shit will end, and that snake-face will die. We shouldn't let that monster hinder us from making our dreams become a reality."
Sighing, James grabbed the glass of whiskey from Sirius' grip, "Tell me something true, Padfoot."
"I'm tired Prongs. I want to see Remus, Frank, Alice, Neville, and Peter. I want my family with me." He chortled, "Hell, even Snape too." James snorted at that but sobered immediately.
"Don't worry Pads, we'll be complete again soon. We'll even include Snape in our little family." he smirked, "You'll be part of the plan, Pads."
The hope shining in Sirius' eyes were unmistakable. He can't blame the broken man, James too, want this war to end. The desperation he feels deep within his soul was unbearable. He had to do something, they had to do something.
"I want us all alive after this bloodshed, Prongs." James saw determination glinting as Sirius looked at him. "You, Lily, and Harry. You must survive this."
James tightened his grip on Sirius' shoulder. Knowing he couldn't promise anything.
October 16, 1981
11:49 pm
"Lily!"
An elf popped in front of the fireplace, answering the floo call, "What is Mister Snape be wanting?"
"Tifa, will you please call your Mistress and Master. Tell them I must insist on meeting them. It's urgent."
The elf popped a way to deliver his message, and came back a minute later, opening the floo to allow Snape an entrance.
Severus was already seating on one of the couch when he heard rapid frantic footfalls outside the hall of the room. He stood up when he saw Lily Potter enter first, with James Potter just behind her.
Her eyes were wide with concern as she approaches him, her nightdress flowing behind her "What is it Severus? Did something happen to the Order? Who was hurt? Did someone die? Are you okay? Did that monster torture you? Was it the De—" Lily stopped when Severus sat down with a sigh. Losing his composure, he started re-telling to them what he found out that night.
The Potters have been associating themselves with the man for vital updates from the other side. Lily was the first one to accept him due to their past friendship. Severus was astonished by her easy forgiveness. He knew that asking for forgiveness wasn't enough, hence he made an act of redeeming himself. He started by making peace with the Marauders for Lily's sake, and even though it was against him, at least it made his childhood friend happy. Both Sirius and James, however, were hesitant to accept him in their circle at first but once they saw Lily happily chat with the greasy-haired, they decided that they'll try letting him in.
The Marauders and Snape tolerated each other between meetings when Lily's around but when she's not, they'll silently glower at each other, except for Remus as the man obviously showed no interest in joining the chilidsh banter (and for Snape because he's an adequate conversationalist.)
Severus's role as a spy is a bonus for them. But the man's very resolute as his true alliance lies firmly to his dear friend Lily. That's when the Marauders, sans Peter, accepted him. They trust Lily enough to trust the man.
"Lily, you must calm down, and listen very carefully." Severus took the appearance of his best friend and her husband and nodded once.
Severus began telling them about what he was doing that night. When Albus requested his presence at Hog's Head Inn since the Headmaster will be having a private meeting in one of the rooms in the pub to meet a new applicant. His role was to only observe if there was indeed a Death Eater spying his movements.
Aberforth, the owner of the pub, and him were there to take post, drinking, and keeping a low profile, only to be broken by the commotion coming from outside of the room the Headmaster was having a meeting with a potential Divination Professor applicant.
When they realized a Death Eater was able to get near the Headmaster, Aberforth immediately went into action to block the man from escaping. Severus who was watching the scene from the very back corner of the pub, remained seated and watch the scene unfold before him. He saw the Headmaster ran back to the main pub, ashen and shaking. If the Headmaster's blue eyes were twinkling before, now it was reflecting horror.
When Aberforth went back inside the warm ambiance of the pub, Albus Dumbledore immediately approached his brother and whispered something. They exchanged a few words, then Albus looked up at him. The Headmaster made a show of rolling his left arm and knew instantly what it meant.
The Headmaster wants him to follow the Death Eater.
"What have you found, Severus?" Lily's hands were now gripping her emerald nightdress robe. James saw this and wrapped an arm around her.
When she saw Severus eyes tore away from her, she started demanding what he discovered.
"It's a Prophecy. A prophecy about a child born as the seventh month dies. My first thought was your son Harry." Lily gasped and started hyperventilating. Severus instantly conjured a paper bag for her and gave it to James. James who's helping his wife breathe properly by soothing her back and holding the paper bag, turned to Severus, "Do you know its content? Does it also include the Dark Lord?"
Snape's shoulder slumped and looked at the couple before him miserably, "Yes, the Dark Lord was extremely displeased with the information. He demanded the Prophecy to be found as soon as possible since it entails the end of his reign."
"Do you know the whole content? What does it say?" Lily asked, calm enough to talk properly. She thanked the men before her for helping her calm down. Severus waved his hand at her, while James kissed her forehead.
"No, only half of it. The Death Eater who was caught from eavesdropping the Headmaster only heard half of it. He told the Dark Lord that the rest of the content was vague, as the Seer who was delivering the Prophecy was making a raspy sound as she recites it."
"Can you recite it for us?"
With a troubled sigh, Severus told them, "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 ..."
James took a sharp intake of breath and called for Tifa, "Bring us some brandy please Tifa?" The elf nodded and snapped her fingers. Three glasses and a bottle of the finest brandy appeared in front of them. Severus thanked him and started pouring their glasses with brandy, only to be stopped by Lily who asked for more. Both men shared a worried glance beside her.
They lapsed in silence as they absorb that information. Lily was staring at the night sky outside the room's window.
"It's beautiful how the stars offer an enchanting show of light in these vast dark night sky. It's like us. We're the stars that offer light through the darkness—Voldemort's war." She said in a grave tone, "Twinkling lights; us, the people who are willing to sacrifice themselves; people who are willing to provide comfort and happiness; people who are fighting to bring back the light in our world." She paused, as she wipes her eyes, "And now my wonderful son. My only source of happiness. My son who's full of light and innocence is prophecised to end a deadly monster." She laughed bitterly as she returned her attention back to them with determination shining in her eyes.
"I can't let my son be the one to end this monster. I won't let that happen to him, it's too dangerous. He's just a child." Lily faced her husband, "We'll end him, together," looking pointedly at Severus, "I won't let that bastard lay a finger on my son."
October 27, 1981 Potter Cottage
4:48pm
James took Harry from his playpen and carried him out of his room, down towards the dining room, where Lily's preparing snacks for them. "I received a call from Sirius a while ago through the mirror. He's with Remus," he told her while fixing his son's messed hair, after helping him sit on his high chair. The little guy though tried avoiding his dad's hand.
"How about Peter?" Lily asked, watching him at the corner of her eyes. A shrug was the only response she received.
A whoosh was heard from the living room, and a child babbling loudly. "Lily! James!" a voice of a woman called for them.
Lily stood up and went around the table to grab Harry from his high chair, already bouncing when he heard his god-brother. "Nevi! Nevi! Mama, Nevi!" he said beaming at her. James stood up, his chair making a noise. Ruffling his son's hair he said, "Yes son, Nevi is here." His smile widening when Harry ruffled his hair more, making it messier and stubborn.
The Longbottoms are also joining the Cottage today for a private meeting requested by Severus. He said that he bears very important information that he needs to share with them today, and asked the couple to gather the Longbottoms as it also relates to them.
"Alice! Frank!" Lily greeted with a beaming smile. Harry and Neville were also greeting each other by loudly babbling at each other.
Alice and Frank Longbottom are well-respected Aurors in Magical Britain. They had encountered many Death Eaters even Lord Voldemort himself, several times. Alice's brilliant hazel eyes shone with pleasure upon seeing her sister but blood. "Lily!" Alice's dirty blonde hair bounced slightly as she greeted her in a one-armed hug. Lily laughed fondly at her exuberance, hugging her back with equal fevour. Frank released her from his wife's arm, "It's my turn now love," Alice made a huffing sound, as Frank smirked at her. James laughed and approached Alice, greeting her with a kiss on the forehead and ruffling Neville's dirty blond hair. Frank grinned and hugged Lily with a kiss at the top of her head too.
"Shall we place them inside the playroom?" Lily grinned at her son and godson. Alice rolled her eyes, and sighed in exasperation, looking fondly at her son, who's making exaggerated gestures while talking to Harry. "Lead the way."
While the women went to the playroom connected to the living room, the men greeted each other only to be interrupted by the sound of the fireplace, indicating that another of their guests has already arrived.
A tall green-eyed man with brown hair, with distinct premature lines across his face, and tattered robes emerged from the flames, behind him another man appeared. His long black curly hair tied behind his head, dark grey eyes shining with happiness as he took in the occupants of the living room. "Prongs! Franky!"
Frank and James grinned at the newly arrived guests and approached them. As the men exchanged hugs and slap at the back, the ladies returned to the living room carrying drinks and snacks for everyone. Once everyone was done with exchanging pleasantries and settled in their seats, another whoosh was heard from the fireplace indicating that someone has arrived.
Peter Pettigrew, a portly man with black beady eyes, and balding hair, emerged wearing a black cashmere sweater and trousers. Everyone greeted him with a smile and wave, while Sirius slapped him at the back pulling him to sit beside him. He smiled faintly at them and nodded his greetings.
"So what's with the sudden reunion?" Frank Longbottom said, eyes dancing with mirth. Sirius smirked at him and sighed happily, "This is so nice. I feel nice."
James and Remus laughed out loud as Sirius swoon dramatically. "My friends! I am so happy you're all here," then he faked crying. Frank joined the laughing while the rest starts chuckling only to be cut off by a pop outside the Cottage.
Everyone suddenly sobered at the arrival of the final guest.
Lily immediately stood up from her seat and made her way to the front door to open it. She gasped when she saw his old friend limp across the front garden of the Cottage, running over him, "Severus what happened? James!" Lily grabbed Severus' left arm and placed it around her shoulder to support his weight.
The occupants from the living room instantly shoot up from their seats when Lily screamed her husband's name. Remus and James were immediately out of the door taking the limping and shaking man from Lily. Lily went ahead in front of them to grab her medical supplies inside the Cottage.
The two men brought Severus inside the living room and helped him sit in one of the couches. Alice was already on her feet gripping her wand. Once he was comfortable at the couch, she began casting a diagnostic charm.
"What happened, Severus?" Remus asked the injured man as he watches the ladies heal his injuries and bruises. Severus waved off their concerns but faltered when both Lily and Alice growled at him. He dropped his hand into submission and turned at the gentlemen. "One of the Dark Lord's headquarters was attacked by a group of Aurors. We were having a meeting when we received the emergency call." He flinched when Lily started applying bruise paste under his right eye. She raised an eyebrow at him when he scowled at her. He rolled his eyes and focused back his attention on other occupants.
"It was a surprise attack." Remus nodded, pausing as he survey his injuries "So the shaking? I know the effects of a Cruciatus Curse, Severus. You're definitely showing signs."
"Yes, I wonder how you received that?" Alice said as she digs in Lily's medical supplies for a Calming Draught.
"It was from Bellatrix. She got pissed off because I side-along apparated her out of the battle." He stopped talking when he saw Sirius offer his flask in front of his face, "It's just whiskey, Snape. Drink, it'll lessen the shaking a bit." Severus took a large swig from the flask before handing it back to him. He gave him a grateful nod.
"Of course!" Alice exclaimed suddenly, slapping her hand to her forehead. She smiled at Severus chagrined, "I just figured out that you can't actually consume a Calming Draught when you were exposed from the Cruciatus Curse. Best let the after-effects calm themselves." She cast another diagnostic charm, but this time on his head, "I don't see any damage in any of your nerves. Once the after-effects of the curse fade away, your brain will let your body function normally again."
"He still needs to rest though. His body's exhausted from the adrenaline rush. His cuts and bruises were healed and charmed not to scar. There are no major external and internal injuries, other than the shaking." Lily said, "Overall, you're fine, and that's a relief."
When the ladies started cleaning and organizing the medical supplies, they heard a loud squealing laugh from the playroom, "I'll go see to them." Frank said and made his way to the playroom.
What he saw in the room made his eye widen in shock, before him was Harry, who's floating five feet above the ground, right hand stretched out above his head, trying to reach his toy golden snitch. Neville on the other hand was clapping and squealing as he watches his friend fly above him. "What the bloody hell?!" His voice caused both boys to snap their heads towards him.
"Well, shit." Sirius murmured behind Frank when he witnessed his godson's first bout of accidental magic. He silently followed Frank in the direction of the playroom when he heard Neville's high pitched laugh, curious as to what his godson and his god-brother Neville were doing he crept behind Frank.
Frank suddenly made a horrifying sound when Harry lost his focus in the air, falling fast but then he felt the air inside the room shift with magic, then Harry started falling slowly towards the soft comfort of the playroom's plush carpet.
The men stared, dumbfounded at the combined magic displayed by Neville and Harry.
"Your son saved Harry from falling hard to the floor Franky." Sirius said in awe. When he felt the shift of magic inside the room, he saw Neville raise both of his arm palm open, high up above him and fingers spread apart, staring intently at his falling brother. Sirius realized that Neville was slowing the descent of Harry from the air to the ground. Saving him.
Frank looked at his son in wonder, proud that his Neville will turn out to be a great wizard.
The boys ignored the adults in the room and once again faced each other, talking nonsense, as if having a conversation. The animated interaction between the children was heartwarming. Both adults were watching them with proud eyes, and tender love.
When Sirius and Frank returned, the occupants in the living room were having hushed conversations, except Peter who was standing in front of the fireplace, staring while cradling his left arm. The action wasn't ignored by Severus however. He has been watching the man at the corner of his eyes, wondering why Peter's not participating in any of their conversations. He can see that Peter was hiding something from his friends, and even the spy in him agrees.
Severus took note of this and filed it mentally for him to study. When he saw Frank and Sirius return he sat up straight and cleared his throat, garnering the attention of the occupants. Lily was first to spot Sirius and Frank, "What did they do this time?"
Frank and Sirius exchanged a glance and turned to their friends, "Harry and Neville had their first bout of magic in the playroom." Sirius announced proudly, Frank beaming at his side.
"Really?!"
"What did they do?"
Alice and Lily looked at each other, then laughed at the same time.
Frank answered for them, "Harry was floating mid-air— my estimation was around five feet. He was trying to catch his toy golden snitch up in the air." He grinned at James who nudged Remus beside him, opening his hand. Remus grumbled and placed five galleons there, "Neville on the other hand, saved Harry from falling. He slowed his fall." Frank said smugly, but his mouth suddenly dropped open in shock when he saw Severus fucking Snape open his right hand so casually while checking his nail. James and his wife placed five galleons each on the spy's open hand, though James looked ill placing his lost galleons on Snape's hand. Alice was still smiling even though she lost her five galleons. "I still couldn't believe it. Snape beat me!" she said beaming. James though grumbled something that made Remus nudge him hard on his side, snickering.
Sirius and Lily roared in laughter after the exchange of bets. "Why didn't I know this?" Sirius said in between laughs
"You were absent Black. Potter here bombarded me— instead of you— personally to join this nonsense bet between his son and Frank's son. I grudgingly placed a bet of five galleons that Longbottom's sprog will save his son from his first bout of magic." he replied for him as he pocketed his winnings.
Lily shook her head in amusement, happy that her childhood friend's opening up slowly. "Enough of this. While it's funny and amusing, I think we should focus on the real purpose of our meeting. Severus?"
"Right, of course." He sat up straight and cleared his throat. Once everyone started settling, he quietly observed the people around him. Despite his role in this war and his past actions, it never failed Severus to witness with his own eyes such remarkable loyalty between friends. He was grateful that Lily was fortunate to meet them, and allowed her to create a family of her own. But accepting him as part of this?
"You're my family Severus. Do you hear me? I'm done with your self-sabotaging ever since we were kids, it's time you be surrounded with proper friends and family. You could use some bit of a spark for once." Lily told him as she fusses over her friend after their meeting with the Order, checking for injuries, "And this robes," she tsked, "Your fashion sense is horrible, Sev. I wonder why Tunia hates you so much?" she tossed a smirk at him when he glowered, "Seriously, apply some colors Sev!"
Unbelievably beautiful.
He shifted in his seat, and opened his mouth to start talking but was stopped when he felt his left arm burn.
Everyone in the room perked up in alarm when Severus bent down on his couch cradling his left arm, "He's summoning me." He looked up at them and stared at Lily, "I have to answer his summons fast. The longer I stay here the mark's burning will intensify." Lily, whose face is white as sheet nodded jerkily at him.
"He's planning on attacking by the end of this month. His targets are the Longbottoms and Potters. You must hide under the Fidelius Charm. It will make this Cottage safr for the time being." Severus stood up immediately and made his way to the door.
"But Severus, the plan isn't finished yet!" Lily shouted after him. Severus turned around grimacing when he felt the burn intensify, "We don't have enough much time Lily. I know the plan isn't complete yet, but our only hope for now to give us time is the Fidelius Charm. He got a word that says you've transferred here from your manor," he snuck a glance towards Peter, and he gasped as the burning sensation became unbearable"It gave him an opportunity to scour this area since now you're exposed to the world. You must hide your location!"
Then he was gone. "Be careful, Sev." Lily whispered to no one.
Everyone assembled back to the living room nursing different kinds of drinks. Severus' words hanging in the air, giving the room a tensed gloomy atmosphere. Alice had vacated the room favoring the playroom since the silence that had befallen them suffocates her.
"It'll be hard to cast," Lily said from her seat, leaning her head at the back of the couch, eyes closed. Sirius, who's beside her placed a hand on her knee and squeezed it offering her support. "You and Remus are both brilliant in Charms. It's won't be that hard, Lils."
"Fidelius only works in between the caster and the keeper. It's easy, theoretically, but when you do the practical— you could end up magically exhausting yourself. It requires huge amount of magic from you to be able to cast such charm." Remus pointed out, "Let's not forget, not only this Cottage will need such charm, but also the Longbottoms."
James agreed, "The Longbottom Manor is huge. You can't hide a manor overnight," he looked at Frank who's pacing in front of the fireplace, "Unless you have a ward stone that specifically hides your home?"
Frank stopped his pacing and turned to them, "I have to talk to mother about this."
"If you need to leave now Frank, you may. We understand. You should plan this with your family." James said standing up and making his way to him, Frank gave him a grateful nod and slapped his shoulders. He went towards the playroom to gather his wife and son.
The Marauders waved at them when they made it to the fireplace, Lily was already carrying a sleepy Harry in her arms. Sirius raised his arms so that he could take Harry away from Lily. "I'll bring him upstairs."
"Don't forget to clean him up Sirius!" James yelled after him as he carry Harry towards the stairs, knowing the man hates cleaning up babies. Sirius made a finger behind him as he went up the stairs.
October 27, 1981 Potter Cottage
6:17pm
Lily and Tifa were preparing dinner inside the kitchen of the Potter Cottage, leaving the Marauders to entertain themselves in James' own study upstairs beside the master's bedroom while they patiently wait for dinner.
James and Sirius were playing chess. Remus on the other hand is seating in James' chair, feet propped up on his study table, reading a book entitled How To Become A Proper Lord by Ewald McKnight. The companionable silence was broken when a snort was heard from the corner of the study. Peter's having a nap on James' chaise lounge, snoring. Arms wrapped around him.
"So who's the Secret Keeper, Prongs?" Remus asked without looking up from the book.
"Hmmm?" James replied, clasped hands and eyes still focused on the board in front of him. Mentally strategizing his next move. He ordered his knight to move two squares vertically and a right, taking down Sirius' bishop. "Fuck you, Prongs." James only grinned at him. He turned to Remus when he heard the man clear his throat and raise an eyebrow.
"What?" James asked looking at Remus confused. 'Of course.' Remus thought, rolling his eyes he repeated the question he threw at him. "I asked who'll be your Keeper, because I can't. I'll be gone for a week. Dumbledore and Alastor gave me an Order mission." James waved him off.
"I'm actually thinking that Sirius should be the one to take the role." He pointed at Sirius infront of him. Sirius looked up to this and shook his head, "No, I can't. Death Eaters are after me, James. They'll torture me to death and mind fuck my head just to reveal the secret. I can't do it." He looked pointedly at his best mate and gestured his hand towards the sleeping figure, "Let Peter take it. He's better for the role since he keeps his profile low enough to avoid suspicion." He suggested and returned his attention back on the board again.
James rolled that information inside his head and nodded. He trusts all of his friends with his life, even Peter.
"Yeah, I think Peter should take it. I'll mention it to Lily later at dinner." James said, his voice sounded purposeful.
At the corner of the room, a chubby man who's pretending to sleep smiled to himself.
Author's Note:
I know its moving too fast and it's intentional. The first 5 chapters will be about both Harry and Hermione's families! Then we'll be moving to their first meeting together!
Guess where you think they'll be meeting?
I do not own Harry Potter! All rights reserved to J.K. Rowling.
I'm still looking for beta/s!