Chapter 15: Meet the Marauders
"Thank you, Professor," Harry said, speaking for them. "Professor McGonagall and Mr. Lupin have told us everything is set up?"
"Correct, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "And could you please introduce the others for me?"
"This is Mrs. Ginny Potter, my wife."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully.
"This is her brother, Mr. Ronald Weasley."
"Mr. Weasley, I presume your parents are Molly and Arthur Weasley?"
"Yes Professor."
"And this is Miss Hermione Granger."
"Muggle born?"
"Correct, sir," Hermione said. "I see you've been briefed."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Please, have a seat and I will explain to you the rules. Today is the first day of the new term, and the Hogwarts Express shall arrive at Hogsmeade within the hour. Tell me, what houses are you in?"
"We are all in Gryffindor," Harry said. "And in the future, our time, Hermione and I are Heads."
Dumbledore nodded.
"You know the Heads this year?"
"James Potter and Lily Evans," Harry said.
"Correct. And I presume I would be correct in saying that they are your parents?"
Harry nodded.
"I thought so. You look exactly like James, and you have Lily's eyes. Do you have the note for me?"
"Yes professor."
Harry handed Dumbledore the note from Professor McGonagall.
"All four of you are expected to complete the seventh year and return to your time before the students take NEWTs."
"Yes Professor," Harry said. "We have spent all summer studying for our confrontation with Voldemort."
"I see. Can I help you in this task?"
"Professor," Hermione said. "We've been fully briefed on Voldemort and his history, which I presume you know about. We would be pleased if you could help us contact professors in order to master advanced charms, potions, and transfiguration."
"I can do that," Dumbledore said. "And I want to have weekly sessions with the four of you to see how you're getting along, and ensure that we preserve what must happen in the future."
"Yes Professor," Harry said.
"And I know you want to keep your own names. Mr. Potter, I must warn you that people will make your connection with James fast. And they may make your connection to Lily. The day you leave, I will cast a spell that will obliviate your memories from those who are here. Is there anything else you must tell me?"
"Yes professor," Harry said. "As the heir of Godric Gryffindor and Merlin…"
"And I as heir to Helga Hufflepuff and Rowena Ravenclaw," Ginny said.
"And together, as the heirs of all four," Ginny and Harry said together. "We must offer our assistance to the headmaster of Hogwarts."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully.
"Mr. Potter, you know that Miss Evans is the current heir to Gryffindor?"
"Yes Professor."
"I must beg you to keep that to yourselves. I will consider your offer, which I know you must make. I am currently the heir of Merlin, so in your time, I must have passed on. Is that true?"
"Yes Professor," Harry said, sadly.
"Sad. So you did know me?"
"Yes Professor," Harry said.
"What about your parents? Do you know them in the future?"
"No," Harry said, tearing up. "They were killed when I was one. And that is where I got this scar."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Please, Mr. Potter, obliviate my mind. I ask you as the heir of Gryffindor to do so. I do not wish to remember what happens in the future."
"Yes Professor," Harry said, pointing his wand.
He thought of the memories and quickly deleted the correct memories from Dumbledore.
"Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "Mrs. Potter, I presume that you will do as I ask when you offered me assistance."
"Yes Professor," Harry said. "In consultations with a portrait of Godric, we were told that we mustn't refuse reasonable requests form the headmaster or headmistress of Hogwarts, no matter the time we may travel to in our duties."
Dumbledore nodded.
"And as an heir of Merlin, Mr. Potter, I wish to speak with you about learning some of your dormant powers. I know this is why you have come to Hogwarts from the future. It must be bad if you're coming here to learn while you're still at Hogwarts."
"Yes Professor, without details, it is getting bad in our time. We can't waste time."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Quite right. Voldemort is gaining power in our time as well. Can you tell me some of the things you've learned about him so I can be better prepared?"
Harry thought for a moment.
"Yes Professor. But only things I know that you've experienced or that have happened in the past."
Dumbledore nodded.
"And rightly so. I must puzzle out the rest of the pieces myself."
Harry nodded.
"I'm still puzzling certain things too," Harry said. "I wasn't given direct guidance on some things, and I was trusted to complete the task. The same is true for discovering and learning to control my latent magical abilities."
Dumbledore nodded.
"Correct. The Founders and Merlin are notorious for making heirs ponder and train themselves. It is a good measure, and I see no reason to disrupt their sound reasoning."
Harry nodded.
"OK, you will be in Gryffindor for your house. I must say that you can play Quidditch, if you so desire this year. However, I must add that all four of you will be staying in the Head Dorm. Mr. and Mrs. Potter, do you mind sharing a room?"
"Not at all," Ginny said.
"Mr. Weasley, Miss Granger, do you need to have separate rooms? I can put Miss Granger in a room with Miss Evans."
Hermione and Ron looked at each other. They weren't sure what to do."
"What happens here, stays here," Harry says to them. "And I can teach you contraceptive charms, if you must."
Ron and Hermione both turned red.
"Professor, I think we can manage together," Hermione said, after a moment. "I can conjure a bed if I have to."
"Quite right," Professor Dumbledore said.
After their briefings, they joined the throngs of people heading to the Great Hall, after resizing their luggage and getting it there. Since they didn't have a need for owls, they had left their owls and pets at Hogwarts in the future, where they wouldn't be gone for long, at least if it went as planned.
When they entered, they wore their robes. All of them had to take off their Prefect, Head, and Captain Badges because they weren't in those positions here. Those badges were safely inside of Harry's bag.
Of course, immediately people were staring at them. Ginny and Harry held hands, and they found four seats were open. Harry ended up sitting next to a familiar red head, and Ginny sat beside him.
Lily looked them over.
"I'm Lily Evans, Head Girl."
"Harry Potter."
"Ginny Potter."
"Wait, Potter you said?"
"Yes," Harry said.
"Any relation to that big headed prat Potter over there?"
Harry looked over to see James eying him suspiciously. Remus, Lupin, and Peter were there as well, looking them over.
Harry nodded and then looked away. Ginny saw the look on his face. And it wasn't one of satisfaction.
"What's wrong with him, Ginny?"
"I'm Hermione," Hermione said. "Harry's just upset. We just moved from another school, and you and James remind him of someone he knows."
Harry nodded, agreeing with Hermione.
"Well, you know you look like James?"
Harry smiled.
"I think so," he said, looking into Lily's emerald eyes.
She gasped when she looked into his eyes.
"Wait, you have the same eyes like me. Are you a distant relative of…Godric Gryffindor?"
"Yes," Harry said, with a smile.
"I thought so. That's why you have those eyes. But how are you related to Potter?"
"That's a good question," Harry said. "And one I can't answer."
Ginny nodded and whispered into Harry's ear. He looked over at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"How old are you two?"
"Harry is seventeen, and I'm sixteen," Ginny said.
"And you're married?"
Ginny nodded.
"This is my brother Ronald," Ginny said.
"Nice to meet you, Lily," Ron said, looking at her with a smile on his face.
"Nice to meet you too. Here comes Potter. Be wary. He thinks he's God's gift to women.'
Ginny and Hermione chuckled. Harry couldn't help but watch as the Marauders walked up.
"I'm James Potter. Who the hell are you?"
"Are you James' twin," Sirius asked.
"No Sirius," Harry said. "And no Lupin, and no Peter. So don't ask me those stupid questions."
The shock registered on their faces. Harry leaned over and whispered to Lily, who was shocked.
"I'm a Legilimens."
"Makes sense," Lily said. "Now, Harry was just telling me that he and Ginny are married."
"Ginny? The red head," Sirius asked. "Damn. She looks good."
"I know," Harry said. "Don't mess with her. She has a hellacious Bat Bogey Hex she's just itching to try out on someone. Even an unregistered animagus."
Sirius reeled back in shock. Lily smiled knowingly.
"And Prongs and Wormtail," Ginny said. "I think you two should calm down. You too Moony and Padfoot. We will explain things later. Not here, and not now."
"But how…" James asked, looking at them suspiciously.
Lily smiled. James didn't like her smile.
"Did Dumbledore tell you?"
"No," Harry said, as Remus Lupin from the future walked in.
"Remus, you have a twin too?"
Remus looked at his older self and chuckled.
"Something strange is going on here."
"Remus, can I have a word with you," the older Remus said.
A few minutes later, he came back with a smug look on his face.
"Have you just seen Nymphadora," Hermione teased Remus.
Remus looked at her with surprise.
"Nymphadora?"
"Tonks," Ginny said. "You know, Sirius's cousin?"
Sirius looked at them surprised.
"And your Mum is charming," Ron said.
Sirius looked at the others, after Wormtail had left to eat.
"How? What?"
"We'll explain later," Harry said. "Besides, I must mention that Dumbledore put us in the Head dorm."
"Why," Lily asked.
"He said there was a good reason, and we will give you a good reason tonight. But you must swear an oath not to tell."
Lily nodded thoughtfully.
"I'd like to understand more of this. And James, what do you think? Does he look like a Potter to you?"
"You're a Potter?"
Harry nodded and held up the ring on his right hand. It was the ring he'd found in a jewelry box there.
"I'm…"
Harry nodded without a word.
When they left, Harry looked at Ginny, Hermione, and Ron. They were about to burst out laughing.
"Good thing Ginny was swift enough for muffliato," Ron said.
Harry nodded.
"We're getting enough looks and questions as it is."
When they got to their quarters, escorted by Lily, the Head Girl looked at them.
"When I return, I have a good number of questions. Especially for you two," she said, pointing at Ginny and Harry.
Soon, they'd found their things, and found that Ginny and Harry were on the side with Lily, and the other two were on the side of the room with James.
"Bloody Hell," James said, seeing them there. "You again."
"Yes, James, us again," Harry said.
James pulled out his wand, but Harry didn't flinch.
"You won't attack someone who doesn't have his wand out, will you?"
James looked at Harry and flicked his wand.
Harry reacted instantly, drawing his wand and bringing up a shield that brought Ginny's hair up. The jinx bounced off the shield and hit James, who immediately started to dance a jig.
Harry and Ginny laughed as James tried to disable the charm, but was unable to do so.
Harry made a point to use just his hand and end the charm. "Finite," he said, pointing his hand at James.
James stopped to consider Harry again, his wand lowered.
"What do you say," Harry said, waving his hand and transfiguring a chair into a sofa. "Do you think you want to sit down, or do I have to get Ginny to hit you with her infamous Bat Bogey Hex?"
Ginny looked at him menacingly. She, too, pointed her finger at him.
A moment later, Lily arrived to see Ginny shooting a spark from her hand, hitting James in the chest, and soon, James was tied.
"James, you picked on someone you can't handle," Lily said, smirking. "Ginny, was that wandless magic?"
Ginny nodded as Harry reached up behind Ginny's ear, conjuring up a dozen roses.
"A few flowers for the pretty lady," Harry said, tossing them to Lily.
Lily blushed and James turned red.
"Don't worry, James," Harry said. "I've got my girl already. And if she didn't expect me to do that, I might be looking for something very important on the ground."
"You know it," Ginny said, pointing her wand at Harry.
"What was that I felt earlier?"
"You felt something," James asked. "That bloke brought up a solid shield. With his bare hands."
"Really?"
Harry nodded and conjured up the shield again. Lily shrieked when she saw it.
"Wait, you have a Lion, a Badger, an Eagle, and Merlin's crest on your shield."
Harry nodded.
"So it is true."
"What?"
"Dumbledore said you are from the future."
Harry nodded.
"How far in the future," James asked.
Harry told them to raise their right hands.
"I can't," James said.
Ginny looked at him.
"Promise you won't attack my husband again?"
"I promise," James said, and, with a snap of her fingers, Ginny ended the curse.
"Wow," Lily said. "Amazing."
"Raise your hand," Harry said. "And Ginny, lock the door."
Ginny nodded and hit the door with a spell.
After Lily and James raised their right hands, Harry whispered an incantation and they saw light twirl around their hands.
"What's that," Lily asked.
"Vow of silence on this issue. You have an addition caveat. You can remember this until we leave your time."
Lily nodded.
"And whatever we say while under the vow will be included?"
"Correct. What questions do you have for us?"
"Are you my son," James asked. "From the future?"
"Yes."
"Who's your mother," Lily asked.
"Well," Harry said, grinning at James. "Remus said you and Mum got together your seventh year. Even after she called you a toerag, a prat, and a number of other things."
"Evans, really?"
Harry nodded.
"You're joking, right?"
Harry shook his head and brought out his photo album. He handed it to Lily.
"I have to have that back."
Lily nodded, scared to open it.
When she did, the first photo she saw was of she and James kissing, but when Sirius and Remus sticking their heads in the photograph making funny faces. Then she went through the album, including photos of Harry and his friends, which he'd added on at the end of the album.
"Where are more photographs from your childhood," Lily asked.
"They're non-existent. I was forced to live with my Aunt Petunia and her horrible family."
"What did they do to you," James asked, hearing how Harry spoke.
"Let's just say that I slept in a broom cupboard for about ten years, and then, they treat me like a freak."
"Any physical abuse?"
"No. But I did accidentally blow up stuff."
"That's a wizard," James said.
"But when I'm thirteen and with a wand?"
"Different," James said. "You didn't get into trouble?"
"No. It was accidental magic."
"Where are we in this album after you're a baby," Lily asked, concerned.
Harry sighed and Ginny put her arms around him.
"Ok, I don't want to say this more than once, so listen."
Lily and James nodded, leaning in closer.
"On Halloween the year after I turned one, Voldemort finds you, thanks to a traitor secret keeper. He kills Dad and Mum dies after given the choice to move out of the way. Her death sealed magical protection around me, and it was for that very reason that I survived the killing curse."
James and Lily gasped.
"You survived the killing curse?"
"Yes. Thanks to ancient magic brought on by a sacrifice made because of an immense love. That protection extended as long as I could call Aunt Petunia's house my home. At least until I turned 17.
"Now, I want you to know why he went after me."
After Harry got through explaining the prophecy, and the rest of his life story, including the Tri-Wizard tournament, finding his Godfather, and other things, he stopped when they got to the present (Harry's present).
Harry saw tears in Lily's eyes.
"I didn't know you had to go through so much," she said.
"There's more," Harry said, looking at Ron and Hermione. "Ginny knows this full story, and I've yet to tell Ron and Hermione. But it's nigh time they learn about one detail I have yet to tell them."
Ron and Hermione perked up.
"Do you know what a horcrux is?"
"A piece of soul in an object placed there by an evil wizard to obtain immortality," James said. "I saw it in a book at Sirius's house."
"Right," Harry said. "Well, Voldemort has made seven horcruxes and there is a piece of soul left in him. One was a diary, which I destroyed in the Chamber of Secrets rescuing Ginny. The second was a ring that Dumbledore found and destroyed. The Third was a locket that Sirius's brother Regulus, yes, the Death Eater, finds and we destroy later. The fourth, fifth, and sixth are just guesses. One is Hufflepuff's cup. Another is supposed to be an object of either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. The sixth is a snake Voldemort keeps by his side."
"What's the seventh," Lily asked.
Harry moved his hair up to remove his scar.
He heard Hermione start to sob. He looked over to see Ron looking at him with tears in his eyes.
"So what do you have to do to get rid of it," Lily said, tears brimming in her eyes again.
"I have to die," Harry said. "That's the only way I know."
Ginny sobbed and grabbed Harry.
"What about when he used your blood to bring him back to full form," Lily asked. "Wouldn't that provide you some protection?"
"That's a guess by Godric and Dumbledore," Harry said, as he consoled Ginny. "I hope they're correct, but until proven otherwise, I have to prepare myself to die."
Lily looked at Harry. She was overcome by emotion and wrapped Harry in a huge hug, with Ginny holding on him still.
"I'm so sorry," Lily said. "What can we do to help?"
"I'd like to research ways to destroy horcruxes," Harry said. "You know of the Founder's Study?"
Lily nodded.
"There are a lot of books."
"We can go to the Room of Requirement," Hermione said, gaining control over her voice. "We can do this in our spare time."
"I think so too," Harry said. "We still need to find out more objects related to the founders. Lily, I think I'll need your help."
"Why?"
"From what I've heard, you're excellent at Charms and Potions. With your help, I think we can figure out something that may be able to allow me to make my sacrifice in a way that will allow me to protect everyone from Voldemort."
Lily nodded, resolute.
"Yes. I must say that we do need to find something," she said. "And I want to see if we can't find a way to destroy a horcrux without destroying the vessel. And that means you."
Harry nodded.
"I know. Ginny and I have been trying to prepare for this as long as we've known."
"When did you find out?"
"The night before our wedding," Ginny said. "It's why I didn't want to leave Harry's side that night."
Hermione nodded.
"And you didn't act like it."
"Well, we made a conscious decision to enjoy every minute we have together," Harry said. "And Godric said it was that love that will ensure that we defeat Voldemort once and for all. If I can lose my anger, and look at things from the love point of view, then I can make the same sacrifice Mum made, protecting all of you and many more."
Hermione nodded. She looked just as resolute as Lily.
"Harry, if we can find a way to keep you alive during this, we will."
"Harry," Ginny said. "What about our connection? Can we somehow keep it open and allow your soul to briefly occupy my body? Then when the other soul is killed, return it?"
"I don't know," Harry said. "I don't want to…"
"Harry, if it means that you'll survive, then yes, I will do it," Ginny said. "If you die, I have nothing to look forward to in life. No children, nothing. And I don't think I can marry again. I'll die childless and an old woman if I have to."
Ron looked at Ginny, surprise on his face.
"You're only sixteen and you're thinking like that?"
"Come on, Ron," Ginny said. "I'm old enough to know that I've met the only man in the world I'm supposed to marry."
James looked at Harry, and then at Lily. Lily's eyes met James' eyes, and they knew what they must do this year. They had to set aside their differences to help Harry, their future son. And if that meant they had to get married, they would do so. When Lily nodded, James didn't smile. This wouldn't be a fun year for them, not with the knowledge they had. At least they knew they could help Harry in his quest, and try to help him kill Voldemort.
The next morning, Sirius saw James and Lily talking amicably with the newcomers. It surprised him.
"James, why are you sitting there?"
"Lily and I pledged to help Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione adjust to school. And Dumbledore asked us to help them with a research project he's assigned them."
"I see," Sirius said. "Why are you sitting next to Evans?"
"She's my friend," James said, shocking Sirius. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must see Dumbledore with Lily."
When the two left, Remus and Sirius took their seats.
"So, what did you talk about last night?"
"Talk," Ginny asked. "Harry and I went to bed and, well, you know."
Sirius grinned.
"But you must have talked to James and Lily. I've never seen them like that," Remus said.
"Yes we did. We asked for their help on researching the founders of Hogwarts."
"Why the founders?"
"We want to eventually write a book," Ginny said. "And where better to do research than at Hogwarts?"
"There is already a book."
"I know," Hermione said. "We can't reveal more than that."
"I see," Sirius said. "If you need help with the secrets of Hogwarts, please let me know."
"I'm sure Harry knows a lot about them, right Harry?"
"Right, Ron," Harry said. "And you guys know where we're from?"
"Dumbledore told us," Remus said, quietly. "You're leaving for your time at the end of the year."
Harry nodded.
"Don't be sad, though. I have your map in my time."
Sirius and Remus shared grins.
"Really?"
"Yes. It's helped me out a lot. Thanks."
"How did you get it back?"
"It's a long story."
At that time, Professor McGonagall passed out schedules. Ginny looked at Harry's Schedule. It was the exact same as hers.
"Harry, you're taking Ancient Runes and Arithmancy too?"
"Yes," Harry said, looking at Ginny, surprising Ron and Hermione.
"How?" Hermione asked, checking his schedule. "Ron has two free periods then."
"I know," Harry said. "Did I tell you that I took the OWLs for Arithmancy and Ancient Runes a couple days before school started?'
"No," Hermione said. "How did you study?"
"When you helped me, Hermione," Ginny said. "Harry was there listening and paying attention. I helped him get to the OWL level, and you taught us both the sixth year levels."
"Really?"
"Really," Harry said, getting a huge grin from Hermione. "And I'll take the class with you and Ginny in our time."
"That's wonderful! Why are you taking them?"
"McGonagall," Harry said, quietly. "She suggested that it would be useful."
"But that means you'll have seven NEWTS plus the other stuff."
"Quite right, Hermione," Harry said. "But if you can do it, I think I can too."
"Harry is quite smart," Ginny said. "He'll get his OWL scores back in October."
"I can't wait to see what you got," Hermione said. "What do you think you got?"
"After listening to you and Ginny, I think I could squeak by with an E."
"That would be wonderful for studying over the summer."
Harry nodded.
"You see, I can do something when I put my mind to it."
"And when I offer him nice rewards," Ginny said, getting a scowl from Ron, but a grin from Hermione. "Besides, he helped me study too, for the test McGonagall gave me and Harry."
"She gave it to you too? How did you score?"
Harry looked at Ginny.
"He got an A," Ginny said, with a grin on her face. "McGonagall was quite pleased with his results."
"I can imagine," Hermione said. "Now you can be a curse breaker if you wish."
Harry nodded.
"That's why I took those classes. Bill suggested them for curse breaking, and they were prerequisites for his class. I mean the OWLs. So I had to take them before I took his class."
Ginny nodded.
"He was so brilliant. I can't believe he didn't tell us he was studying that over the break while at Privet Drive."
Hermione shook her head.
"Well, Ron, what do you have to say?"
"I'm not doing it," Ron said. "Good for Harry. But bad on him for not telling us that and the thing last night."
"Ron," Ginny said. "It's taken me and him this long to begin to come to terms with it. He's cried in my arms more than I'd like to admit over this thing."
Hermione looked at Ginny.
"What did Lily say when she went into the room after you went to bed?"
"She promised that she would help us out with everything. And I'm supposed to study with her and Ginny. She wants to make sure I can handle the classes after I took them over the summer with Ginny."
"We're studying that so we can get O's," Ginny said. "Here, we look for an E. Back in our time, we go for the O or nothing."
"Quite right," Hermione said, pleased with her companions. "Harry, you have a lot on your plate."
"I have two brilliant witches to help me," Harry said, looking at Hermione and Ginny. "And a third while we're here."
Ron looked at Harry and smiled.
"Now you'll be the envy of every girl and guy in the school."
"Nah," Harry said. "Most know that I have Ginny. And that will be enough. Of course, if they wish to duel me because of it, I'm more than willing to protect her honor."
Ginny smiled.
"You won't, Harry. I'll hurt them myself if they try to hurt me."
"I know, Gin," Harry said. "But you know…"
"I know you'll defend me, Harry. You've always done it, and always will. I accept that. You just have to accept…"
"That you're a brilliant witch who can defend herself? I think I've come a long way this summer."
Ginny smiled and leaned over to kiss Harry.
Soon, they were in their first classes, and sat down. Before Harry could sit down, He found that Lily waved him and Ginny over to her.
"There," she said. "I know you have to have help here in this class, but I'll be glad to help."
"Thanks, Lily," Harry said.
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate this," Ginny said.
"You're welcome," Lily said.
She leaned down and whispered so they could hear her and no one else could.
"Anything for the future of my child."
Harry smiled, and soon, they were in the class.
At the end of the classes, Harry, Ginny, and Lily disappeared to the Founder's Study, which they entered when no one was around. The other three went to the library first to see if they couldn't find stuff.
"You know, this is the first I've heard of James wanting to do something like this."
"Well," Hermione said. "Ron and Harry are usually that way too."
Lily smiled.
"I can guess. So, what do we need to do today?"
Harry and Ginny exchanged glances.
"Well, I have to report back with some more information before I can ask Grandfather for help again," Harry said. "We have to figure out a way to apply an ancient curse that will provide protection if one willingly sacrifices for someone they love."
Ginny grimaced, but she knew that it was Harry's destiny.
"Right," Lily said, looking around the books. "This study has a lot more good books than the library does. I hope you make use of it in your time."
"We will," Ginny said. "I want to get Hermione and Ron in there, but the founders don't want them in until we prove we can do the work."
"Right," Lily said. "You have a lot of stuff you're expected to do. And Harry, for you to take up Ancient Runes and Arithmancy in your last year is a difficult challenge. You must be a favorite of your professors if you do that."
"Harry is," Ginny said. "Dumbledore and McGonagall are very pleased with him, now that he's starting to grow up and realize his mistakes, learning from them."
"That's the way it is. I hope you can grow up this year, though I know that when you return, you will be the exact same age as when you left."
Harry nodded.
"That's the plan."
Lily nodded.
"Now, Harry, you look in this book. Ginny, you read this one, and I'll read this one. You need to read them because it'll help understand what's going on. And you never know when you can run across a good spell you can use in your task."
"Right," Harry said, groaning.
"Oh grow up," Lily said. "You act like you're a toddler."
Ginny grinned.
"He's not born yet."
Lily smiled and nodded.
"Right," she said. "But I expect a child of mine to act older than you just did."
"I'll try my best. And I'll try to convince James to do the same thing."
"Would you?" Lily asked, with hope in her voice. "I just know that when he grows up, I can marry him. You have to help him grow up without telling him that I like him. I put on a false front because he's so arrogant and childlike most of the time."
"I'll help," Ginny said. "I'll coach Harry, and, in turn, he can coach Ron and Hermione."
"What's the deal with Ron and Hermione? Do they date?"
"They should," Harry said. "Even a relationship dolt like me can see they're meant to be."
"Yeah," Ginny said. "But Harry has improved a lot since we got back together this summer and got married."
"How long did you date before you got married?"
"A total of about four months," Ginny said.
"Wow. You knew?"
"I knew. Harry knew, but he wanted to protect me."
Lily shook her head.
"Harry, that can ruin a relationship faster than you can build one."
"I know," Harry said. "I still pay for that mistake from time to time. But she makes it worthwhile to listen to her ranting about a mistake. I know the more love in my life, the more able I will be to complete my task."
Lily nodded.
"We all can use a lot of love in our lives in these dark times."
After a couple hours of studying, they headed to dinner, having not completed any finds of note.
"Your relationship seems like that of Hermione and Ron," Ginny told Lily, as they walked to the Great Hall. "Maybe all of us can mature this year."
"I hope so," Lily said, softly. "I'd hate to know that the fate of the world is in the hands of teenagers."
Ginny smiled.
"Well, we all have to grow up fast in dark times as these," Ginny said.
Lily nodded thoughtfully.
"So true. I just wish that Harry had a normal childhood instead of that hell he's been through. And I know he had a nightmare last night."
Ginny nodded.
"He does that quite frequently. The best remedy I've found is to hold him until he calms down. Some reason, he seems to calm down quicker when I hold him."
"That means that you are his true soul mate," Lily said. "I want to find mine too."
"I'm sure you will, Lily," Ginny said, as Harry found Ron and Hermione, seeing their shaking heads to indicate they hadn't found anything more than they knew already. "I think I know who it is. It'll just take time for you two to realize it."
"Think so?"
"Yes," Ginny said. "Not because of what Harry told you. It's because of how the both of you reacted last night to the news."
Lily nodded.
"Well, we do have to think about the future now. It's time in our seventh year to do so. And if he stays like that, I'm sure I will marry him."
Ginny smiled.
"Good," Ginny said. "Because you can be sure that if he starts to act out and I see it, I will hex him."
"You've got a good reason too," Lily said. "A very good reason."
Ginny nodded.
Harry walked back to join them as they got their seats. The Marauders sat by James, seeing that if they didn't he wouldn't sit with them any more. He was too enamored with the new kids for their liking.
"James," Sirius said, catching his friend. "Why are you so friendly with those new kids? The ones who know so much about us?"
"Well, Padfoot, I wish I could tell you. It's a fabulous story if I do say so. If you'll excuse me, Harry is saving me a seat next to Lily."
Sirius looked at James and then at Remus.
"Remus, do you think…"
"Yes I think so," Remus said. "Some reason, Harry and his friends have set their mind to set them up. What do you think?"
"He'd be happy."
"No. Look at him. He's calmed down," Remus said. "Whatever his influence is, I think I like it."
"Why?"
"Because he knows that he can't date Lily if he's an ass all the time," Remus said. "I think he learned that today while helping Ron and Hermione with their research project."
"Where was Lily? She wasn't in the library."
"I don't know. But I do know that she, Harry, and Ginny took an instant liking to each other. And no, Harry isn't trying to date her. It's more as if she's…"
"She's what?"
"A good friend of his," Remus said, not betraying his true thoughts. But after what he heard from his future self, Harry was the child of James and Lily. And he was going to help make sure Harry was born.
When Harry stood to leave, he conjured up a flower and placed it in front of Lily. She looked back at him and smiled.
"James, are you paying attention," Ginny whispered into his ear.
"Whah?"
"Pay attention to what Harry does," Ginny whispered again, before Harry pulled her away.
"Gotcha," James said, smiling.
I'll be damned. They're trying to make sure Lily and I are dating each other without their help. But I guess it's a good idea if we're going to forget everything they told us.
With that, James stood and spoke to Lily.
"Lily, would you care to accompany me on rounds this evening?"
As she thought, he produced a small wildflower, placing it in her hair.
"I'd love to," Lily said, after a moment.
Then she walked out following James.
Ron and Hermione shared knowing glances.
"Ok," Sirius said. "What did you do to my friend?"