"-And the third brother greeted Death as an old friend." James was saying from beside the fireplace, as Lily smiled fondly on her husband and one year old. The day had been a sunny one and a good one, with no bickering between the couple, and little to no fussing from Harry about anything. And now, as the moon took the sun's place in the sky, James Potter read the Tale of Three Brothers to his son.

She had gone outside that day, with Harry, so he could see the fallen leaves. He'd loved it, waddling as much as he could from leaf to leaf. James had kept his wand out the whole time, watching keenly for tottering that would signal the baby's downfall. Though Lily never would have thought it, James was a wonderful father; he was more protective than even she, and she found herself telling him to relax. Her, Lily Evans-er, Potter, Lily Potter, that was still new-was convincing James Potter to calm down.

"James," She spoke quietly, catching the eye of her husband. He looked up adoringly from Harry, and Lily had to catch her breath. Not for the first time, she realized how much James really loved his son. She never could have imagined having a child in these times, but with the way James was...well, she could imagine having more. Actually, she didn't have to imagine, but it was late and she would tell him the news in the morning.

"What is it?" He smiled at her, glasses hanging at the tip of his nose.

"It's getting late, Harry should go to sleep."

"Aw, Lil, just one more story!"

"James Potter!" She scolded, laughing. With a sigh of resignation he held Harry out for her to take. Harry held his chubby, baby fingers up to Lily.

"Muuuh!" He cried happily, almost forming the word 'mum'.

"Hello, love!" Lily swept her baby into her arms, kissing his tiny nose. She bounced him on her hip, lightly brushing her fingers through the wisps of hair on his head. One spectacular year with the light of her life and she could barely imagine how amazing her life would be with another. Another little boy like Harry or a little girl like James had secretly wanted the first time. She remembered how many times James had referred to Harry as 'she' before he was born.

Lily suddenly felt arms circle around her, and she looked up to see James standing before her with Harry between them. He was staring at their son in that way that made Lily's heart melt. His whole persona changed, hard mask of war falling away and only love shining through. Lily supposed that was how she looked at Harry as well, but now, she could only stare at James. "Sweet dreams, Harry." James plopped a kiss on top of his head. "See you in the morning. Happy Halloween."

"I have something I want to tell you later." She whispered to James, as Harry dozed in her arms. He nodded consent, and she planted a tender kiss on his lips. Merlin she loved him. He would be so happy, she decided. Imagining his face when she finally would get to say the words, 'I'm pregnant' put a rush to her movements. She only need get Harry up into his crib, and then he'd know. Lily had only made it halfway up the second step before the quiet click of the front door unlocking sounded through the cottage.

Shit.

A/N- So I may have cried a little when I wrote this. Review please?