A/N: Thank you; Animals are my LIFE, who you calling girly, Krazygirl0009, Greekchic, An Aspiring Author, Your ray of Sunshine, AnIrishLily, stag-star, Sami, Em3191, Trocle, and people who have reviewed my other chapters. You guys rock.

Chapter 24

"So Snivelly, I see the whole gang decided to come." James said. Everyone in the basement was quiet and still, staring at Snape, Malfoy, Bellatrix, Regulus, Narcissa and Rolphodus. The Marauders behind James, all of them glaring at the people in front of them; Remus was standing with his arms folded with an agitated look on his face, Peter was on his left, looking nervous but excited to see James, the person he most looked up to, put the Slytherins in their place, and Sirius, to Remus's right, grasping Lily's hand as if to protect her, like a brother would a sister. Both Lily and Sirius had looks of great dislike on their faces.

"We all wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday. May it be your last." Malfoy said viciously.

"Tsk tsk Lucy, has Voldie not taught you manners with your unforgivable?" taunted James. Sirius smirked behind him.

"DO NOT INSULT THE DARK LORD!" Shrieked Bellatrix angrily.

"Do not worry Bella, " Malfoy said. "Potter is foolish and is not under the protection of the senile Dumbledore." He spat then said more loudly, taking baby steps closer to James. "I hope you do realize you are under the roof of worthless muggles who are no use to you in a duel."

James's nostrils flared angrily, "Oh, you know. I'm a big boy now, I can handle it, though I am glad you were worried. I'll inform the Ministry when they put you on trial." James shot back, his eyes narrowing. Remus felt risky and stepped next to James.

"Yeah, Prongs, I can see it now," said Remus. He looked toward the ceiling as if experiencing a vision. "Lucius Malfoy-convicted Death Easter. Claims he worries about guys in houses. Straight? Turn to page 42A to find out!" Most people laughed and James grinned at him.

"Laugh now, but I don't think you'll enjoy watching the Dark Mark being put over this house!" said Malfoy.

Lily growled angrily and Sirius released her hand and put a comforting arm around her shoulders.

"Got a soft-spot for the Mudblood eh, dear cousin?" Bellatrix asked, moving forward with a nasty grin on her face.

James turned around to see what she meant. Sirius meant to try to explain and James could see that. He shook his head, telling Sirius:

You shouldn't be sorry, you did nothing wrong.

Sirius smiled and turned back to Bellatrix.

"Taking your best friend's Mudblood? How very Black of you. Have a wee little crush?"

"Bella, attempting to make fun of me about crushes worked when we were five, okay? Find some new Material." Then he suddenly turned serious, excuse the horrible pun. "And I swear to Merlin, call her that one more time and I will happily go to Azkaban for murder." Sirius said. Almost all of Hogwarts "oooo"ed but James knew that somewhere deep down, closed in a tiny box wrapped with doggy wrapping paper, he meant, and would do, exactly what he said. He walked over and tried to lighten the mood, which was almost impossible with this lot.

"Guys, guys! Happy faces!"

Sirius looked at James and grinned, "Sorry Prongs. But I guess you could say that Bella isn't a particularly happy person." He told James, loudly and innocently.

James gasped, playing along, "Nooooo. OUR Bella?"

"The very same." Sirius nodded. Lily watched in amusement, Sirius felt her shoulders Shake in silent laughter. "I guess she just lost the child that was inside her, that's inside all of us…"

James walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder, "I am truly sorry for your loss and whilst you're here, I must say that I am completely-

"Potter, take you hand off of her!" Bellatrix's boyfriend, Rolphodus, yelled.

"What?" James asked innocently, removing his hand, "All I was going to say was that I am completely-

"Potter no one- Malfoy started

"Can I please finish my sentence!" James half yelled, still trying to mess with them. "I am completely…terrifies at what your children will look like."

And as if almost right out of a musical such as West Side Story or something, both groups took out their wands, each pointing it at someone different. As soon as the spells were flying, so were all the rest who were invited. All that was left was The Slytherins, The Marauders, Lily and Melissa. With all the shouting, it's a wonder that no one heard it. No one had been hit until Lily's sister, Petunia, decided she needed to be downstairs. Lily stared at her in horror as her sister looked ready to either faint or flip a shit.

Lucius looked toward the stairs and grinned. "Petrificus Totalus." (A/N: I know that it's spelled totally wrong..Sorry)

Petunia went stiff and fell down the stairs with a 'thud' and everyone stopped. James looked around and noticed Remus was gone.

"You've escaped in school too many times, Potter. The Dark Lord is angry. He will reward me when I'm done with you."

James just smirked and as if right on cue, there was a white light, and Dumbledore appeared, alone, with no wand, Remus came down the stairs with a quill in his hand. James knew he owled Dumbledore.

"You can't stop me now, Dumbledore." Malfoy spat. He flicked his was and James's wand dropped from his hand as did everyone else's. They could not pick them back up. "Now, potter, get on your knees."

"What? No."

"James, do what he says." Said Dumbledore. James looked at him like he was nuts, but got down.

"Now, interlock your fingers behind your head. Quickly, Potter." He commanded.

James did.

Malfoy flicked his wand again and it was as if and invisible hand dragged him painfully and turned him around so his back was to Malfoy who had his wand on the back of his head.

"Now, Dumbledore, I'm going to make this Plain. You know what the Dark Lord wants."

Lily didn't understand. What was going on? Why couldn't she pick up her wand? Why was Dumbledore doing anything? Why wasn't he helping James? Why wasn't she helping James?

Do something Professor!

Dumbledore glanced at her as if he heard her then looked calmly at Malfoy. "I do Lucius. But what do you want?" He asked as if asking him what he wanted for lunch.

Malfoy looked at Dumbledore in the eyes but said with a smirk that Lily knew to be directed at her, "I want a pardon. Full Protection and immunity for the Murder of James Potter."

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A/N: I know it's short but the next one wont be. I don't know when the next chapter will be up though because school is coming soon… :( Review please and I will love you forever. Btw I have a new story up, The Spray of the Sea. Please R&R that one too...i personally like that one..