Chapter 12

A/N: Hello readers! Another chapter, let me know what you think! Any feedback is welcome! Love you all! Caution, a bit of smut can be found here ;D

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Harry Potter

xx

Peter's head hit the ground roughly, his body pulsing with pain. He had tried his best. He really had. Peter scampered to the corner, his heart pulsing as he crouched to nurse his injuries. Peter held his arm loosely, his arm twitching slightly as he tried to move it. They had to make it look realistic he said, Peter cringed at he thought of what had gone on for the past three hours.

He had tried his best. He really had. His brother's faces passed before his eyes and he cringed again.

"Anyone else would've done the same. They just don't understand how powerful he is." Peter muttered, whimpering as the realization hit him of what he had done and will continue to do in the next coming months.

Peter ran a hand shaky through his hair trying to calm his uneven breathing. Peter nodded to himself, confirming his repeated statement. How could they blame him for ratting them out? The Dark Lord had punished and tortured him for hours before he broke. He thought about his friends again, this time dead and bloody.

Lily, the only girl who would talk to him during Hogwarts, would be dead. Along with his three brothers, who had saved him from Slytherins during first year. Dumbledore. Marlene, Mary, Dorcas, Alice, Frank, the Prewett twins, Benjy. The names of the Order had flown from his tongue, their faces now passed through his mind again, this time in pain, screaming, dying, dead.

Peter whimpered again as he cradled his arm and started pacing the cell. He would have to try his best to be normal if he wanted to not be found out. The amount of pain he would cause his family made his heart lurch. He clutched his chest and fell to the ground. His heart breaking at what he had done.

But he had tried his best. He really had.

It wasn't easy doing what he did, but it had to be done. Why be on the losing side? The Dark Lord had promised him a few things if he brought back enough information and of course, bodies of the Order. Peter winced again remembering a part that had already saved him a bit of pain. The name of the girl who was a spy for the Order, the girl who had killed a vast amount of Death Eaters, the girl who had remained unknown but yet lethal.

Peter winced again, rubbing the back of his neck as it pulsed painfully. Yes, the Dark Lord now knew of Cassie Morris, the girl who would throw away her life to avenge her parent's death.

But Peter had tried his best. He really did.

xx

Sirius sighed in frustration as he finally sat from pacing. They had been at the table for hours with the Order, and still no progress. They had already searched the courtyard for any sign of where they could've taken him, but had come up blank.

Sirius sat in the unwanted silence and took in the scene in front of him. All his friends sat around the table, including new faces he hadn't seen before. Across from him sat the notorious Prewett twins, Molly's brothers. The twins were known for their hand to hand combat, and had been an idol of James and Sirius for years. The two had taken down a record amount of Death Eaters as they worked in the Auror office, and Moody had made sure their names were burned into their memory at training camp.

Sirius stared, still unable to say anything to the two. They had no problem speaking to Cas though. Sirius grumbled as he watched the two flirt with Cas who, much to Sirius' pleasure, seemed to be just as uncomfortable as he was.

Sirius tore his eyes from the twins and watched as Mary Macdonald brought in more tea for the table.

"Thanks Mary." Sirius mumbled, accepting the cup of tea from Mary. The silence set in again, making it difficult to breathe. Sirius couldn't take it, he slammed a hand down.

"Why did they take him?" Sirius asked, his fist drawing attention to himself. Cas jumped, startled at the sudden outburst and leaned across the table to cover his hand with hers.

"We don't know Sirius, Dumbledore will be back with Kingsley and Moody soon. They will tell us more." She soothed, her voice calming yet hard.

"I just can't sit around like this. Why Pete?" Sirius muttered, his body calming. He sat back down and picked up his tea, only to be interrupted by James.

"It was supposed to be me." James' voice cut through the crowds, he hadn't said much since Peter was taken.

Everyone stared as James got more worked up, he stood from his chair, placing two hands flat on the wooden table.

"They were going for me, Peter got in the way." James snapped, his shoulders tensing.

"It was all my fault." James whispered after a moment of silence. "It should've been me." Lily laid a protective hand on her boyfriends shoulder, only to be shrugged off.

"No one blames you James, this wasn't your fau-" Lily started, before James' head snapped up.

"I DO. It was MY fault Lily, no one else's. If anything happens to him." James trailed off, throwing his glass against the wall causing everyone to jump.

"That is ENOUGH Potter! No one here blames you, if you pulled your head out of your arse long enough you'd realize this!" Lily yelled, causing James to flinch.

Lily laid her hands on her hips, her ginger rage flaring up.

"No, don't say another word." Lily snapped, cutting off James. "Go walk this attitude off, you're not helping! If you want Peter back you better cut this pity party short and grow up Potter!" Lily snapped, pointing to the door.

"Lils-" James started again, trying to gently hold Lily's hip.

"I said, WALK IT OFF POTTER." Lily snapped, moving away from his outreached hand.

James looked at her for along minute before sighing and leaving out the back with a ruffle of his hair. Lily slowly turned to the shellshocked table, smiling slightly.

"Just needs a firm hand is all. Anyone else want to throw a pity party?" Lily glared at the remaining Marauders.

Remus and Sirius shook their heads quickly, gulping under the Evan's glare.

"That's what I thought." Lily snapped, before sitting down roughly. Lily rubbed her face, feeling completely heart broken for her friends and exhausted of trying to be strong.

Sensing this Mary brought Lily a tea and gave her a comforting hug. Lily hugged her tightly, her body shaking with silent sobs. Sirius watched on, feeling helpless. The group needed back their friend, without him it was falling apart.

Sirius sighed and tossed back another shot of firewhiskey. He was on his third when he felt Cas sit down beside him.

"What's your poison?" Cas asked, snatching the bottle from Sirius and taking a swig.

"Firewhiskey." Sirius mumbled, his mouth still burning from the shot he took. Cas nodded and laid a hand on his, preventing him from pouring more.

"He is coming back, you realize that right?" Cas asked softly, pulling his hand into hers and away from the bottle.

"How can you be so sure?" Sirius whispered, his head falling forward slightly. Cas took his head gently with her hands and turn him to face her.

"Look at me. Do I look sure?" Cas asked, her eyes gazing into his. Sirius gulped and nodded, suddenly aware at how close they were. He felt his pants tighten slightly at the contact before pulling away.

"I don't know how you can be sure of anything these days Cas, everywhere we go we are in danger." Sirius muttered, shaking his head of dirty thoughts of Cas.

"What would Voldemort use him for? He will realize he has the wrong man, rough him up a bit and send him back. He wants James, not Pete." Cas stated strongly, grasping his arm firmly.

Sirius stared at her hand, thoughts of Peter dead crossed his mind and he blinked hard.

"We can't loose him." Was all he could mutter.

"I know. We won't." Cas reassured, placing another hand on Sirius' leather cladded shoulder.

xx

"Thought I'd find you out here." Lily whispered shyly. She rubbed her arm, unsure on how James would react to her.

James jumped up at the sound of her voice and pulled her close. He soothed her hair as she started to cry and roughly kissed her on the mouth, pushing her up against the wall of the gazebo. He brushed away her tears, only to replace them with his own. He pulled back and wiped his eyes, turning his back to hide his emotion.

Lily sniffled and moved forward, placing a hand gently on his back.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you." Lily whispered, stroking his back softly. "I just couldn't have you thinking any of this was your fault."

James turned around, his face composed. He grabbed her by the waist and held her close.

"I had it coming Lils, don't say sorry for doing something that needed to be done. I wasn't helping acting the way I did. Everyone is just as upset as I am. I am sorry for taking it out on you Lils, so sorry. Will you forgive me?" James pleaded quickly, pushing back her hair from her face gently.

"Only if you forgive me James." Lily responded, holding his hand to her face. James nodded and covered her mouth with his.

Lily responded automatically and pushed James roughly against the wall, her hands trailing his toned body.

"I love you Lils." James whispered huskily, feeling every inch of where she touched.

Lily moved to his neck, her breath blowing cool air over his exposed skin. Goosebumps appeared and Lily smirked, pulling back to face him.

"I love you too Potter." Lily said, pushing her light sweater off and tossing it to the ground.

James' eyes shot open at the sight of his exposed girlfriend, his pants tightening as he watched. He licked his lip quickly before pulling her close, making every inch of her body be pressed to his. His pants grew more at the contact, causing Lily to giggle.

"Aroused Potter?" Lily asked, shrugging over her undershirt to reveal her bra. She shivered as the cold air reached her only to moan as James covered her chest with his hands.

"Only for you love." James voice came out rougher this time, causing Lily to smirk.

James gripped her tightly, pulling her closer until she felt his arousal hard on her stomach.

Lily giggled as he suddenly hoisted her up and moved to press her back against the wall of the gazebo. Lily blushed as she wrapped her legs around his waist, heat rising from between her legs and into her stomach. She could feel every inch of her boyfriend and it was driving her crazy.

James moaned as she started to grind softly, teasing him until he had enough.

"You think it is fun to tease Evans?" James whispered, his voice husky.

Lily bit her lip and nodded quickly. James started trailing kisses down Lily's neck, causing her body to buck in his hands. His hands gripped Lily's ass, moving her against him.

"How about now?" James whispered again, his teeth grazing her earlobe.

"N-no." Lily mumbled, her vision swaying as James continued to touch her. Lily's hands snaked down from his shoulders and to his waistband. She clumsily undid his belt and tried her best to pull down his trousers.

The feeling of Lily's hands on his waist made James moan softly before kicking down his trousers and boxers. He cringed slightly as the cold air hit his groin. Ignoring the chill he inched up Lily's skirt slowly, her body grinding on his arousal softly.

He hit fabric and slowly moved her knickers to the side, sliding in one finger before adding another. James groaned as he felt how warm she was. Lily's sighs were driving him crazy as his fingers worked faster, pumping in and out of Lily.

When he felt her about to cum he entered her, hard. Lily gasped at the contact and gripped his shoulders roughly, her nails digging into his back. James drove deeper into Lily, grinding their bodies against each other as she rode him. He pounded faster and faster, causing Lily to cry out again.

"James." Lily moaned, her hips bucking wildly as he pushed into her. James groaned as he felt her release, her cry coming out loudly.

This was enough to push James over the edge. He came roughly in Lily, his body riding out Lily's orgasm with his own. James panted as he came, his body shaking. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and brought a hand to Lily's face. He slowly caressed her face and brought her in for a long kiss. They separated and stared into each other's eyes for a long moment.

"I love you so much Lily." James whispered against her lips, his breaths still uneven.

"I love you more James." Her voice came out as merely a sigh, her body still vibrating from James.

xx

The couple joined their friends, more refreshed than before. The mood in the kitchen had not changed, the threat of Peter's absence still looming over everyone's heads.

"About time you two got in here." Cas muttered, smirking at Lily's ruffled hair.

"We just needed a distraction."James answered causing Lily to blush deeply.

"Hey Morris, if you ever need a distraction let me know." Fabian joked, winking at Cas.

Cas scowled as the table laughed, her hands tightening on the table.

"Not even if you were the last man on earth, Fabian." Cas joked, causing Fabian to almost fall over in shock.

His brother patted him on the shoulder, shaking his head as he did so.

"Mate, the lady told you she wasn't interested. Take the bloody hint." He joked, shaking his head in disbelief at his brothers actions.

"I thought she was joking!" Fabian spluttered, his face in pure shock.

"Not everyone wants you Fabs! I don't know how many times we had to tell you that, you're not God's gift to women." Molly scolded lightly, her face breaking out in laughter.

"Keep laughing Molls, I have stories that would have you sorry." Fabian threatened, his face back to its normal laughing self.

"Like the one tim-" Gideon started.

What happened that one time they would never find out. They all drew silent as Kingsley rushed in.

"We found him! Clear the table." Kingsley ordered.

Everyone scrambled from the table, pushing the chairs out of the way as Moody and Dumbledore dragged in a limp Peter. Molly quickly put down a clean cloth on the table before they laid him down.

"Pete!" The boys were at the table in an instant, grabbing for their brother.

"I'm okay guys." Peter's voice slurred, his face bloodied.

The Marauders held each other in relief, their brother had been returned to them in once piece. At what cost? They would soon find out.

xx

2 Weeks later

"To Peter, for coming home to his family!" James toasted, his glass crashing with Sirius' in celebration.

"To our Death Eater beating buddy Peter! The man who fought off a million Death Eaters!" Sirius toasted, clanking his glass against James' again.

"To Peter, the Persistent Pussy Pounder! The man who took on the country side with his Death Eater killing shlong." James roared with laughter, clanking his glass again before he was interrupted by Peter.

"A million Death Eaters?! Persistent Pu- what? James! Sirius! Cut it out, everyone is looking at me!" Peter squeaked, smiling quickly at the two women staring at the scene.

The boys had been at it for hours, coming up with more and more ridiculous toasts much to the despair of Peter.

"Aw leave the guys Pete, they're just happy you're home." Remus joked, slapping Peter on the shoulder. Peter flinched slightly, his eyes glancing around the room nervously.

"You're safe now Pete, The Marauders have your back." Remus stated seriously, noticing Peter's weird behaviour.

Peter nodded and scampered off to the bar, ordering two rounds of drinks for himself. Remus watched on and made his way over to Dorcas and the girls.

The scene he saw made him stop in his tracks. Mary and Dorcas were trying to out dance each other with the Irish step dance with two mugs each.

"You bloody cow Mary, how did you learn to step dance?" Dorcas bellowed, taking a large gulp of her butter beer.

"Summer camp Dor. Summer bloody camp!" Mary laughed, her legs moving faster as the music boomed.

They had decided to go to this Irish pub downtown in celebration of Peter's recovery. These days they found any excuse to celebrate, and when they did, they did whole heartedly.

The song ended and the two girls clanked their glasses before chugging them both back. Dorcas finished first and slammed it down on a nearby table before noticing Remus.

"Wolf. Dance" Dorcas demanded, pulling him over to the dance floor. The song picked up and soon the whole group was surrounding them and clapping madly as they watched Remus attempt to keep up.

"Dor! Slow down!" Remus laughed, trying to mirror Dorcas' actions.

"Never! Nothing will stop me!" Dorcas roared, her steps faster and faster.

xx

"Dorcas is something isn't she?" Cas asked Sirius, sliding up beside him.

Sirius jumped at her voice and turned to see what she was looking at.

He watched Dorcas dance for a bit before laughing.

"Poor Moons. He had no idea what he was getting himself into." Sirius chuckled, turning his attention back to Cas.

"May I buy you a drink?" Sirius offered.

"Only if it is a double." Cas winked, jumping up onto the bar stool with Sirius. Sirius ordered before turning back to Cas.

"So why aren't you out there with the rest trying to out dance Dorcas?" Sirius asked, giving Cas her shot.

"I don't dance. At least not to this." Cas gestured to the themed pub. Sirius laughed and nodded in agreement.

"True, I can't see you being into this kind of music." Sirius commented, swinging back his own shot. His vision going slightly blurry as the shot burnt his throat on the way down.

"Not even close." Cas agreed, her shots gone. Cas stumbled slightly, her hands flying out to stop herself from falling.

"Watch it there Cas, how much have you had tonight?" Sirius joked, blushing at her hands on his chest.

"Shut it, you tosser. If Gingersnaps ask I was sober as a nun tonight." Cas joked, rubbing her hand slowly on Sirius' chest.

Sirius looked down at his chest and tried to control his breathing.

"Gingersnaps? Lily? Dammit, why didn't I think of that." Sirius muttered, trying to think of anything else.

Cas smiled and leaned closer, her breath smelling of firewhiskey. Sirius leaned in, intoxicated with the smell of her, his mind becoming foggy.

"Not your fault, don't be too hard on yourself. After all, you are up against the best." Cas joked, referring to herself with her hand.

Sirius gulped as he followed her hand to check out her long legs.

"Up here Black." Cas snapped, hopping off her bar stool.

Sirius laughed and ruffled his hair, not being used to being so unsure of himself when it came to the ladies. His eyes widened as Cas came to stand between his legs. Her hands grazed his legs as he sat on the bar stool, his mind reeling as he processed what she was doing.

"You know what I've always wanted to try?" Cas whispered, her hand rising higher on his thigh.

Sirius looked around nervously, trying to find anyone that could help control himself.

"Erm- what's that?" Sirius coughed, clearing his throat.

"This." Cas muttered, here face moving closer only to be interrupted by James Potter's voice.

Cas leapt back and shook her head.

'What has gotten into you?' Cas thought, distancing herself from Sirius. 'Stop being so hormonal.'

"Attention! Attention people of the pub! Can I please get your attention!" James' voice boomed through the pub as he spoke into the microphone.

"Good!" James exclaimed when he noticed everyone looking at him.

"What the bloody hell is he doing?" Lily asked, coming to stand beside Cas and Sirius. Cas and Sirius exchanged awkward glances before looking back at James.

"No idea." They answered, causing Lily to raise an eyebrow.

"Whatever happened here, I do not want to know." Lily joked, pointing between them before turning her attention back to her boyfriend.

"Great, now that I have your attention, I have a story to tell. It is a story about my wonderful girlfriend, Lily Evans! Everyone look at her, right there! The feisty little Ging by the bar! Isn't she smoking?" James asked, the crowd cheering with agreement.

Lily blushed and looked, wide-eyed, at the people staring at her.

"He has lost it. He has finally lost it." Lily muttered, causing Cas to laugh.

"Anyways, this girl, no woman!" James corrected, "Is literally the most wonderful, caring, stunning, intelligent, intriguing, feisty woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Although it took us forever to get together due to me being too cool for her, but it finally happened and I couldn't be happier." James smiled, the crowd cheering for the happy couple.

"But wait. I could be happier. One more thing would make my life even more perfect than it already is. That thing would be if she would be in my life forever. Now that would be truly amazing. Which brings me to my next point, Lily Evans, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" James asked, bending down on one knee on the stage.

Lily gasped, her face covered in tears. She jumped up and down, shaking her head madly.

"Yes! Potter, Yes!" Lily yelled, pushing through the crowd to reach her new fiancé.

The crowd cheered on as he slipped the ring on her finger. Peter watched on and took another shot, his body full of despair. For there was one thing James didn't know that Peter knew. Their forever wouldn't be as long as they thought.

xx

A/N: SOOOOO ? What did you guys think? Don't hate me too much :D