As the weeks flew by the protection in and around Hogwarts increased greatly. Now instead of having a few aurors keeping watching at the main entrance to the castle, Dumbledore with the help of James and Kingsley, who were placed in charge of security at Hogwarts by the ministry, implemented the aid of twenty aurors in total. These aurors would not just keep watch at the oak doors but instead there would be four aurors standing at the main gates of Hogwarts, there would be two placed on every floor, one would be outside each of the houses and six more would be scattered all around the grounds. The objective of this was to tail Karkaroff because it was him who put Harry's name in the cup. All James had to do was to prove it. Obviously Karkaroff could not be left any indication that he was being monitored. Sirius and Remus were going to rotate their duties in looking after Harry whilst James wasn't around. With Tonks due to give birth in a few weeks, Moody offered to take over some of Remus`s classes. The one class which he refused to neglect of course was Harry's.
It was the time of the week again which Harry loved; dada class. Today was the going to be the day where Remus was to introduce non verbal spells. This was something which technically was taught in fifth year but Remus felt it was prudent considering all that was going on.
He had pushed all the desks and seats over into the far corner of the room and placed two dozen rubber mats all over it. As all the students walked in they were shocked to see the transformation. They chattered amongst themselves until Remus came down from his office. Immediately silence fell across the room. Remus smiled softly at them as he said
"Are you all ready to begin this non verbal spell class?"
"Yeah…..for sure….of course……" were the responses.
"All right well let me first brief you on what it entails exactly. To use non verbal spells is quite useful in combat. I must press though how difficult it is to master so please don't be upset if it takes you a while to perfect it. Why do we use this tactic some of you may be wondering? Well when you are in the middle of a fight or a war as the case may be….this tactic can often not just save your life but buy you some time. The objective is to not allow your opponent to know what spell you are about to cast just in case they get in their first. It is a very quick thinking, fast process so on that note shall we begin?" He asked looking around the room. They all nodded.
"Ok well then I am going to need a volunteer. How are you feeling Harry?"
Harry looked up suddenly and focused on Remus` warm, smiling face gazing down at him. He smiled weakly as he nodded his head and walked up to him.
"Oh yes typical you would choose him wouldn't you?" Draco ranted from the back.
"Well had I known Draco that you wanted to join me I would of course have selected you. However, you have made it explicitly clear on many occasions that you have no great love for the marauders especially given a recent incident which we won't dare mention…." The Gryffindors laughed lightly as many of them turned around to face his sneering face.
"Ok then Harry what I want you to do is focus on the spell that you want to cast on me. I really need you to focus hard now on that spell and nothing else. So when you are ready….go for it."
"I don't want to hurt you though." Harry said sincerely.
Remus smiled warmly at him and said…..
"You won't I promise. Now enough of that. Throw a spell at me."
Harry inhaled deeply before he removed his wand from his pocket.
Once he did he looked at Remus who nodded amiably at him.
"Harry nodded and thought "expelliamus."
However, Remus anticipated this and fired first so Harry was sent flying over to the mat behind him. Half of the class laughed whilst the other half muttered their concern for him. Harry sat up on the mat and saw Remus smirking at him. Harry against his better judgment smiled at him as Remus walked over and helped him up.
"I told you I wouldn't get hurt." He whispered to Harry who laughed lightly.
"Yeah, well…. this time Moony." He exclaimed as Remus walked away but turned back and smiled broadly.
"All right then who is ready to start practicing this tactic? I want everyone to split into pairs please. Come on now Harry is perfectly fine. I didn't use too much power with the spell because if I did he would need the hospital…"
Harry shook his head and smirked back at Remus as he walked back to his friends.
After class Harry stayed behind to talk to Remus about the situation at Hogwarts. However, Remus didn't realize he did until Harry called him.
"Harry….I thought you had already left. Are you all right?" He asked anxiously. Harry nodded as he walked to the top of the room where Remus was.
"I know there is a chance that you won't tell me the truth here but…. What is going on here? Why are there are so many aurors hanging around here? Sirius said something to me at the end of the last task that Karkaroff was the reason I am in the tournament but I haven't spoken to him much since."
"Yes, well you know Harry that Sirius is putting in some hours at Zonkos. He has been neglecting that lately. Since he wants to buy it he feels it's significant that he proves he can make a go of it mate…."
"Remus I have not come here to talk about Sirius. I know that he and dad are busy. You are the only one I can ask about this. Why is Hogwarts under so much security?"
Remus sighed a little as he sat down on a desk and gestured for Harry to do the same. Harry obeyed and ogled Remus for an answer.
"Harry I'm not sure how much you know about Igor Karkaroff…"
"….not that much only that he was a death eater and Sirius and dad hate him."
"There has never been any real proof to suggest that he has ceased his ways. I find him to be a rather sinister character. He was imprisoned for murder Harry but he was left go because he helped the ministry capture Barty Crouch…."
"Are you saying that Crouch is a death eater?" Harry asked aghast.
"No not Crouch himself but his son Harry. It broke his father to imprison him but there was nothing he could have done. As you can imagine Crouch has no great love for Karkaroff for that reason. He felt like his son was taken away from him; that if he was told in confidence perhaps he could have helped him personally."
"So what happened to him? Is he still in Azkaban?"
"No he isn't. There was speculation a year after he was imprisoned that he died but it was later proved that he escaped. Many people in the ministry believe it was Crouch himself who aided his escape but it was never proven."
"So is that the reason that Sirius doesn't trust him?"
"Yes. Sirius has this notion that Crouch put your name in the goblet of fire. If that were true and if his son was still in league with Voldemort then he could find some way of getting to you. That is not the case though Harry. During that week Barty was working with some ministry officials on the tournament so we know he isn't responsible. Karkaroff however…."
"So what now?" Harry asked eagerly.
"Now you get to class because I have said enough."
Harry smirked at Remus before standing up and leaving.
As Harry walked towards the great hall he heard shouting so his pace quickened.
"STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM HIM DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME KARKAROFF BECAUSE I WILL FLOOR YOU MY SON IF YOU LAY SO MUCH AS A FINGER NAIL ON MY GODSON!"
"WELL IF HE WASN'T GETTING SO MUCH ATTENTION FROM DUMBLEDORE AND SABOTAGING KRUM`S CHANCES THEN I WOULD NOT HAVE TO SAY THIS BLACK!"
"YOU WOULD BLOODY WELL SAY IT ANYWAY…."
"Sirius calm down mate. This is doing no good." Regulus uttered calmly.
"Stay out of this Regulus. This is between Karkaroff and me."
"If only your father could see you now….pathetic." He spat as he walked away. Sirius ran after him as he jumped on his back and brought him down to the ground. Karkaroff punched Sirius in the face until his nose bled. Sirius got his own back by punching him so hard he cracked Karkaroff`s jaw. As Sirius stood up to walk away, Karkaroff tripped him and as he was down kicked him in the ribs three times. Regulus, who re-entered the castle and now seeing this ran over to intervene but Karkaroff ran off. James and Kingsley entered the castle in deep conversation. They saw Sirius standing against the wall with Regulus and Harry. They rushed over to find out what happened.
"Sirius you have to stop this man. What happened to our agreement of not letting Karkaroff know that we are on to him?"
"Kingsley you didn't hear him…." Sirius said holding his nose with a piece of tissue.
"Oh it is always something isn't it Sirius? You have got to stop letting his likes wind you up to the max!" James exclaimed urgently.
"Dad don't yell at Sirius." Harry said forcedly.
"Have you no class to go to?" James asked sternly.
"James leave the kid alone will ya?" Sirius said coolly.
"Don't you start with me now Sirius. I have had it with the both of you but especially you Sirius." James said as he began to walk away.
"James…." Regulus and Kingsley called but he didn't answer.
"Prongs I'm sorry." Sirius cried weakly.
James turned around and came back to Sirius as he said angrily.
"You either get with the programme Sirius or get out of it because I cannot and I will not be held responsible for your negligence. Do you understand?"
"James what are you banging on about?"
"You seem to think that all of this is a joke. That this is a way for you to get back and get into a physical altercation with people that you despise. This is about protecting Harry so kindly remember that the next time you talk with your fists."
"Are you for real? James I have never once not taken this procedure on a serious level. My priority has always been and will always be the welfare of this family but more importantly the welfare of Harry. I would die for that kid James and you know that."
"It certainly looks like you will get that opportunity the way things are going."
"So is that it? Is there anything else that you wana throw at me while you are at? How I suck as a godfather maybe? How I was a rubbish son. I mean please don't stop mate. No...YOU ARE ON A FREAKING ROLL KID!
Kick me harder because MAYBE I WILL STAY DOWN THEN. I mean let`s face it...I am just surplus to requirement Prongs." Sirius said glaring hard at James.
James' hard expression quickly faded. Sirius shook his head as he smiled bitterly and walked away. Sirius walked out the main door as James walked down to Remus `room. Neither one of them looked at Harry who was devastated by his father and godfather fighting like that. He couldn't understand how they could be so vicious. Kingsley headed in the direction of Mc Gonagall`s office. Harry attempted to head out after Sirius but Regulus held him back.
"I'd say just let him cool off….......Harry." Regulus called after him but Harry ran off in the direction of Dumbledore's office.
Harry knocked hard on Dumbledore's door. He entered on command.
"Harry whatever is the matter?" Albus asked coming out from behind his desk. Harry looked as though he were on the verge of tears.
"Have you ever felt like your whole life is being torn at the seams, like the world you once thought was so secure now suddenly makes you feel as though it's crumbling around you and there is nothing you can do about it?"
Dumbledore studied him for a moment taking in everything he said. He then asked
"Would you like some tea Harry? We can talk about whatever is bothering you then."
Harry nodded as he followed Dumbledore into the alcove behind his desk. After they were sitting comfortably with their tea Dumbledore said
"Now Harry why don't you tell me exactly what happened?"
"I was on my way back from Remus `classroom when I saw Sirius and Karkaroff having this fight outside the great hall. They were really going at each other. Regulus stopped it and then Kingsley and dad showed up and…..he and Sirius had this awful fight. I have never heard of them falling out before. By the end of it neither one could even look at the other. I'm just terrified they won't make up." Harry said bowing his head.
"Have you ever fallen out with someone Harry? Family and friends fall out all the time. The closer you are the more intense things may become. Throughout these times even the closest of people will fall out but not for long. James and Sirius will be ok Harry. You must believe that."
"I just feel things are hard enough without having fights amongst ourselves."
"Well then you must tell them this Harry. Tell both James and Sirius how their fighting upsets you….." Somebody knocked on the door.
Dumbledore excused himself as he commanded the person to enter.
"Alastor…..what brings you here?"
"Well I came to tell you…."
"Sir I'll just go but thank you." He said sincerely.
"Oh no Harry you can stay…."
"I won't be here for long Potter." Moody said gruffily.
"No it's fine. I have to go anyway." Harry said with a forced smiled as he hurried out of the room leaving them both concerned about him.
Harry decided to take a walk around the grounds. He did consider going to see Hagrid. As he passed by the dark forest he thought he saw something familiar. Mr. Crouch always wore a grey bowler hat with a black rim. Harry thought it was peculiar to see it lying on the ground. As he bent down to pick it up he saw somebody lying flat on their back next to a nearby tree. As he stepped in a little bit closer to the forest he saw it was Crouch.
The blood drained from his face as he turned a ghastly shade of white. He dropped the hat and ran back to the castle to inform Dumbledore. On his way back he ran into Hagrid and Sirius climbing the hill from Hagrid`s.
Harry, who was running looking over his shoulder, bashed into Hagrid from the back and fell to the ground. Sirius and Hagrid turned around and saw Harry lying on the ground. They both stared at him aghast as Sirius bent down to see that he was all right.
"I am fine Sirius." Harry said irritably as he stood up with Sirius's help.
"Harry what `urry were you in?" Hagrid asked concernedly.
"What happened Harry? I can see that you are upset about something."
Sirius said holding Harry firmly by the shoulders and gazing at him anxiously.
Harry stared between Hagrid and Sirius for a few seconds. Sirius relinquished his grip on me as he stood upright and shared a concerned look with Hagrid. Harry was gazing back in the direction he came from. Suddenly he bent over and started retching. Sirius rubbed his back as Hagrid looked on unsure what to do.
"Hagrid go and find James. I`m going to take Harry back to yours if that's all right with you?"
"Of course Sirius. Of course. I`ll be quick as I can."
Sirius smiled weakly back at Hagrid who hurried off to Hogwarts.
Sirius guided Harry over to Hagrid`s with an arm around him. As he got him inside he sat him down on a seat at the kitchen table. He still looked quite pale. Sirius bent down before him and looked at him but Harry focused on the ground. Sirius felt his forehead but it seemed to be ok. He stood up and fetched him a cup of water but Harry refused to drink it so Sirius insisted that it would help him. Harry took a few sips from it and placed it back down on the table. Sirius sat down on the seat beside him. He rested his elbow upright on it as he began chipping at his thumb nail with his teeth. Eventually Harry spoke.
"After you and dad had that fight I went for a walk around and I....I think that I...."
"Harry what is it mate?" Sirius asked anxiously as he placed a hand on Harry`s knee. Harry looked up at Sirius as he said
"Sirius I think that Mr. Crouch is dead."
WHAT?" Sirius exclaimed standing up abruptly.
Hagrid arrived back with James, Dumbledore and Moody.
"Harry what happened champ?" James asked urgently as he ran over to him.
"He said he thinks that Crouch is dead James." Sirius said flatly.
"WHAT?" James exclaimed standing up abruptly.
"That`s exactly what I said mate." Sirius said pointing his index finger at James with half a smile. James stared at him shocked.
"Harry where did you see him?" Dumbledore asked softly.
"He was lying a few inches from the entrance to the forest."
"Hagrid you and me are going to take a look. Albus are you coming?" Moody asked walking to the door.
Dumbledore looked at James and Sirius. James nodded his head in recognition that he should go. After they had left Harry said
"I was so scared." James had his back turned to him looking out the window. Sirius watched him closely before he brought his attention to Harry.
"Why were you scared Prongslet?"
"I never heard you and dad tearing strips off each other before."
"Harry I apologise for scaring you. I was extremely stressed and the last thing I needed to see was Sirius having a go at Karkaroff." He turned around to face them both as he smiled weakly.
"Sirius I am sorry mate. You didn't deserve it. I hope you can forgive me."
Sirius smiled a little at James as he walked over to him and hugged him.
"It`s all forgotten about Prongs."
"James we need you to get word to Fudge to get over here now. Albus has already gone back to the castle to gather some of the team together. We have an urgent meeting in Dumbledore`s office in twenty minutes." Moody said hurriedly from the doorway.
"Yes, I will get right on to it Alastor." Moody nodded as he closed out the door and left.
James rubbed his face tiredly and sighed. Sirius and Harry looked at him anxiously. He then said
"Harry I need you to go back to the common room and stay there. I don't want you under any circumstances to leave do you understand?" He pressed with urgency in his voice. Harry nodded.
"Yes, dad ok. I promise I`ll stay there."
"Good boy." James said smiling at him as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Sirius I need you to escort Harry back there and then meet me up in Dumbledore`s office. We need to contact Remus too just in case he isn't aware."
"That`s not a problem James. You get Fudge and I`ll deal with the rest."
"Thank you. Harry I will come down to you after the meeting."
Harry nodded again as he stood up. James then left to go to the ministry.
"You all set to go so mate?" Sirius asked softly.
"Yeah sure thing Sirius." Harry replied smiling blandly at him.
Thirty minutes later Dumbledore`s office was crowded with various aurors.
The marauders were there with Regulus, Kingsley, Moody, Hagrid and aurors such as Joaquin Phoenix, Joe Swash, Imelda Thornton and James Fountain.
"The tournament must be cancelled Minister. It cannot go ahead not after this..."
"Dumbledore I refuse to call it off. If I do that well then you know that the entire wizarding world will be thrown into disarray. It would be like saying that the dark lord is back."
"I hope you are not suggesting Fudge that you are naive enough to believe that this won't happen." Sirius said firmly glaring hard at him.
"Why worry people when there is no need for it Sirius?" He asked shakily.
"A man has just died Fudge! Not just any man but one of our own; one working within the ministry. This is how it happened the last time. There is not a hope in hell that I am going to let anyone influence my decision this time around." James said glaring at Fudge furiously.
"Oh for heaven's sake James! He is not back yet...."
"Yet being the operative word here mate. James has a point. The last time Voldemort took charge we were running around like terrified rats. Now we must take a stand and make some preparation because you cannot postpone the inevitable forever." Joaquin said gaining support from others in the room.
"Well what exactly would you like me to do may I ask?" Fudge asked irritably looking around the room.
"We want the tournament cancelled Fudge. If this has happened after the second task.....do you really want to be held responsible for a similar incident after the next task?" Moody asked.
"My son is in this tournament. You guaranteed me his safety and you made Kingsley and me responsible for the safety of this school. Therefore it is in the best interest to be safe than sorry. Yes, you may get a few people who will attack you but I would rather the ministry get some bad publicity for cancelling the tournament than deal with the sort of publicity that comes with two or more murders on Hogwarts grounds in the space of a few weeks?"
"James the task is in five weeks time. There are people at the ministry who are putting in a great amount of time to planning this. If there is something sinister going on here then do you really expect me to give in?"
James walked over to him and said in a stern voice
"I expect you to show some balls and do what is right for everyone. I don't have time to deal with cowardice here Fudge...."
"What did you say?" Fudge asked taken aback.
"I THINK YOU SHOULD CONSIDER YOUR POSITION IF YOU HAVENT GOT THE MEANS TO PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE!" James roared at Fudge who gazed at him threateningly.
"Now I think...."
"Well that is the thing...."
"It's about time it...."
"Oh for heaven`s sake...."
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore shouted getting everyone`s attention.
"I would like everyone but the three marauders to please leave right now. I will call you back when we have reached a decision."
Everyone left immediately but Fudge was the only one who retaliated.
"Don`t leave us waiting too long Dumbledore. I do have a job to do after all."
"Well I am glad you realise that. Perhaps you could start doing it." James barked making Fudge even more irksome than he already was.
"You are on a very thin line James Potter. I can quite easily fire you as I did hire you."
"Oh bite me Fudge! We both know you need me a hell of a lot more than I need you mate."
Fudge inhaled deeply as he put on his green bowler hat and stormed out.
After he had gone Dumbledore who was still sitting at his desk said
"James I do advise you to be careful when you challenge the minister."
"Albus please....we all know that what I said was true. Fudge knows it too but he is just too dam pig headed to reason with."
"Albus is right though James. He is still minister for magic therefore he does have more power than you do." Remus said calmly.
"Fawkes could do a better job at running the country than Fudge! Anyway can we just get down to business now please? What is your take on all of this sir?" James asked as he took a seat in front of the desk as his two friends followed suit.
"Well gents you all realise by now I hope that the threat of Voldemort returning is quite high. The death of Barty Crouch only intensifies my concern for everyone here but in particular, Harry."
"The thing that really bothers me the most though sir is that I am supposed to be the head of security for Hogwarts. I implemented twenty more aurors to cover all floors within the castle and some more to be scattered all over the grounds and yet.....this has happened." James said as he bowed his head in his hands. Remus and Sirius both smiled sadly at their friend as they rubbed his back.
"This is not your fault Prongs." Sirius said softly.
"Sirius is right James. You could not have possibly foreseen this."
"Albus it is not about foreseeing things. It is about constant vigilance as Moody always stresses. I failed to do so." James said wearily as he looked up at him.
"No you didn't. What we have to do is not blame ourselves or indeed each other. You have done a good job at keeping Hogwarts students protected James. However, let us be of service to you now." Dumbledore said.
"How do you mean?" James asked quizzically as he looked at his former headmaster with deep curiosity.
"Hagrid has offered to implement some beasts to guard the grounds. You know how well he can train these beasts to do a particular job properly. We do not have the resources to have aurors guarding every inch of land here so.... let Hagrid help you." James eyed Dumbledore pensively as he considered his proposition.
"So....is Hogwarts no longer safe?" Arielle asked looking between the marauders. James was sitting on the arm chair by the fire and Sirius sat on the arm of it. Dean and Harry sat on the couch with their arms around Hermione and Arielle. Ron and Rob sat on the arms of the couch as Neville sat at the edge of the couch beside Hermione.
"Hogwarts hasn`t been safe since Karkaroff entered the building Arielle but we just have to take some more precautions to make sure everyone is looked after." Sirius said flatly as he looked at them all in turn but he paid particular attention to Harry who just stared at the fire.
"What sort of creatures are going to guarding the school?" Hermione asked.
"They will in or around the grounds Hermione love but they will be paying particular attention to the dark forest."
"Hagrid has suggested the likes of Hippogriffs, dragons, sphinxes and of course our good friend Fluffy will be in the forest too." James said he leaned forward on the seat and wrung his hands as he looked at Harry who paid no attention still.
"How are you feeling Champ?" Harry stared as he looked over at James for the first time since he arrived and nodded his head.
"I know it must have been a shock for you to find Crouch like that mate but...."
"I just want to forget about it dad to be honest."
"Harry you can`t leave things like this bottle up kid."
"Sirius I don't want to talk about it." Harry said lowly.
Hermione stood up as she beckoned the others to follow her to the other side of the room. James and Sirius smiled and winked at her as they left Harry be.
James and Sirius moved over and sat on either side of Harry on the couch.
"Prongslet I understand that you are having a rough time of it these last few months. First you get thrown into a tournament that you didn't willingly enter and now this. The important thing is though that you talk to us. Isn't that right Prongs?" Sirius asked looking over at him.
"Yes, absolutely Sirius. Harry.....finding someone dead is not something anyone gets over in a hurry. At fourteen especially its hard to deal with...."
"I just keep thinking over and over in my head.....what if it was me they meant to kill? What if Mr Crouch was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe it was sent as a warning."
"Champ stop thinking that....."
"Dad you have already said that whoever put my name in the cup is after me!"
"Harry nobody is that stupid to kill you of all people when there are so many aurors around."
"There was nobody around though when Crouch was killed though Sirius."
"Harry this is not your fault. Now enough of this. I want you to put all of this behind you and focus on having some fun with your friends. You have a beautiful girl over there who thinks the world of you. Now we will continue to protect Hogwarts but you must promise to move on from this."
"I will try dad I promise." Harry said looking at his father openly.
James smiled at him as he brought an arm around his shoulder and hugged him lightly. He kissed him on the top of the head as he and Sirius stood up to go.
They saw Ron, Rob, Ryan, Hermione playing exploding snap over at the table. It looked as though they were playing for food since the table was full of foods like chocolate, biscuits and prawn crackers. Dean was sitting at the table too with Arielle on his lap.
"Ok well w are off you lot." James exclaimed as he approached the table with Harry and Sirius.
"See you later marauders!" Fred and George chimed as they dealt out the cars.
"We`ll talk to you all soon. Ryan, Rob, Arielle....be good." Sirius said with a wink.
They shouted their goodbyes as James and Sirius left.
"Arielle what is so funny?" Fred asked placing the cards around the table.
"Dean is....." she shrieked again......"he`s tickling me."
"No I`m not." Dean exclaimed with a smirk.
"All right.....Ron its your turn little bruv. Dean.....stop tickling Arielle. Its distracting." Fred said smirking at him.
"It`s hard to keep my hands off her...." He said as Arielle hopped off him and grabbed a piece of chocolate from the bowl on the table.
"Okay you know what just for that mister I am taking the last chocolate frog so you can`t have it."
"Oh well we will see about that." Dean said running after her. She ran around the couch twice as Dean tried to catch her. The last time she ran around the couch she bumped into Seamus who was going up to bed and she fell flat on her back. Dean ran over to her to make sure she was ok.
"I`m fine babe. I guess it serves me right for stealing that last frog from you doesn't it?"
"Yes it does miss Arielle." He replied smiling broadly at her as he ran his fingers along her stomach making her laugh hysterically for a few seconds.
"Ok all right fine.....you can have your chocolate frog." She said handing it to him. He smiled softly at her and said
"No baby I want you to have it. You deserve it after me torturing you most of the night." They both laughed lightly.
Arielle sat upright as Dean, who was kneeling down on the floor, sat down and curled one leg under the other so he was sitting beside her now.
"Awww what did I do to deserve you?" She asked as she stroked his cheek.
"I have been asking myself that same question baby." Dean whispered softly as he gently brushed away some strands of her hair behind her ear. She smiled back at him before he leaned in and kissed her softly but with passion.
Back at Grimauld Place Lily was waiting in the kitchen with Shari for James and Sirius to return home.
"How are you feeling about this Lil?" Shari asked anxiously.
"I`m sure it will be fine. I just never thought I would find myself in this position again. I wonder what James is going to say?"
"James loves you Lily. He is bound to be thrilled."
"I sure hope so Shars. Oh here they come."
As they entered the kitchen they found their wives sitting there looking somewhat perturbed. They gazed anxiously at them.
"James, Sirius.....Shari and I have got something that we need to tell you."
"What is it Lils?" James asked anxiously approaching her.
"Shars are you ok love?" Sirius asked with the same reaction.
"We are both fine Sirius so please just sit down."
Both men stared at their wives quizzically as they obeyed.
Lily and Shari smiled at one another and then at their husbands and said
"We are expecting another child you guys!"
James and Sirius stared at them with their mouths open.
"Well say something." Lily said anxiously.
James and Sirius stared at each other before rising from their seats, pushing them into the table, standing upright, inhaled deeply and turned to each other and said
"WE ARE GOING TO A DADDY!" They jumped around as they hugged each other and Lily and Shari looked on and laughed.
"I guess they are happy." Shari said.
"I guess so." Lily said smirking at her friend.
Well what did you think?? Hope you liked it! The third task will be coming up soon so watch this space. ;)