Chapter 48: Secret Keeper

Lily and James both knew it was time; they had to do it soon. Voldemort would figure it out eventually that they were back in Godric's Hollow. They needed to get a Secret Keeper. Of course, they already had a person picked out.

You'd never find a more loyal person than Sirius Black. He was a true Gryffindor; arrogant, noble, courageous, strong, flighty. Godric Gryffindor would be proud. So naturally, Lily and James had chosen him as their Secret Keeper. Was there really ever any question? Sirius was the perfect person for it. He wouldn't tell a soul no matter what.

However, Sirius Black was also a very insecure person. He thought that he wasn't the right person for the job. He was sure that he would tell the moment the Cruciatus Curse was thrown his way, was sure that he couldn't keep such a huge secret. After all, look at what he'd done to Moony in fifth year. He had to make sure Lily and James were protected no matter what.

So that's why he was over at one of his best friends', Peter Pettigrew, house. The door swung open almost as soon as Sirius knocked.

"I need a favor."

Lily and James waited for Sirius to arrive at their house. They were both jumpy and started every time something moved. Lily was on edge enough as it was with her pregnancy. She was afraid something would happen to her baby, so she would be extra careful whenever she was climbing the stairs or the floor was wet with water. James wasn't exactly thrilled to be cooped up in a house when he could be out fighting, but he knew that he had to do it. For Lily and their baby.

"James?" Lily asked breaking the tense silence.

"Hmm?" was James reply as he stared at the door.

"What should we name the baby?" Lily asked as she laid her hand on her stomach.

"What?" This question took James completely by surprise. His head whipped around to look at her.

"We never came up with a name for our baby," Lily said, trying to distract him. It seemed to work because James' body seemed to relax.

"I guess I never thought about it really," James sighed. "What do you think?"

"I like Adele," Lily stated.

"Adele Potter," James repeated. "It has a ring to it. I like it."

Lily nodded. "What do you think for a boy?"

"I was thinking. . . . .maybe we could name him after my dad," James muttered softly. He wouldn't look at Lily as he said this. His eyes were trained on the floor.

"I'm not a big fan of Harold," Lily told him. "But how about Harry?"

James was smiling brightly at her. "Harry, it is."

Just as Lily was about to say something, the door opened. Sirius and Peter walked in calmly. The door clicked closed behind them.

"Peter?" Lily questioned. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you."

"I've got an idea," Sirius stated quickly. "Everyone will expect me to be the Secret Keeper. They'll come after me. They'll think you choose me to be the Secret Keeper. They'll never suspect a weak, talentless thing like Peter."

"No, but they'll suspect a piss pot like you," Peter returned, rolling his eyes.

Lily had to smile at their childish manner. Even with the war going on, they still retained some of their childish innocence. It filled Lily with hope, that they might survive this war after all. That all four of her boys would survive this.

James shook his head at them. "I don't understand. You said that you would do it."

"And I will, if you still want me to, but think about it. Voldemort will come after me once he realizes you've gone into hiding. I'm the obvious choice, but no one will suspect Peter. They'll come after me instead."

James nodded. "I see. Give me and Lily a minute."

"Sure thing," Sirius said before he and Peter left the room.

James turned to Lily. "What do you think?"

"He has a point," Lily admitted. "They will expect us to pick Sirius, not Peter."

"I know," James conceded. "I just. . . .I'd trust them both with my life, but. . . ."

"You'd choose Sirius first," Lily finished for him. "You have to admit though, Peter would be the wise choice. Everyone will suspect Sirius."

"I know," James sighed. "I just. . .alright. Let's go with Peter."

"Are you sure? Because if you're not. . . ."

"I'm sure."

Lily nodded before calling Sirius and Peter back in. Lily and James quickly told them about their decision. Peter seemed rather shocked. Everyone knew James favored Sirius over all the other Marauders. They were best friends after all. However, that's not why James favored him. They understood each other in ways no one else could. One could look at the other and know what they were thinking. Their bond was special.

"You ready?" James asked Peter.

Peter nodded. "Ready."

Lily watched as Sirius started muttering the spell under his breath. Her hand landed on her stomach. She was trusting Peter with her life, and that of her unborn child and James. She trusted him, of course, but she would sleep easier if she knew it was Sirius. But James trusted Peter enough to make him the Secret Keeper and she knew that he would keep them safe, so Lily presumed that it was going to be fine.

"There," Sirius said after about an hour. "It's all finished."

"Thanks, mate," James smiled. "It means a lot."

"It's nothing," Peter mumbled blushing. "Besides we all love you and Lily like family, who wouldn't do it?"

"I'll go owl Remus so he knows," Lily stated.

"No!" Sirius shouted so loudly, Lily jumped back.

"Why?" James asked. "He'll find out when you tell him."

"I don't intend on telling him," Sirius muttered darkly.

"What do you mean?" James inquired curiously.

"James, there's a spy in the Order, you and I know that."

James' jaw looked as he looked away from the Sirius and at the wall. "You can't be serious?"

"Always am," Sirius replied, weakly.

"Remus wouldn't do that, Sirius," James defended him fiercely. "It's not him."

"Then why hasn't he been around lately?" Sirius fired back.

James had no answer for this.

"Sirius, it's not him," Lily broke in. "It's Remus. Our Remus. He would never do that. Deep down you know that."

Sirius sighed. "Believe what you want."

When Sirius and Peter left that evening, Lily and James were both left with a sense of morbid.

A/N: Hey guys! This chapter took me a little longer to right with the holidays going on, but I got it done. Hope you guys like it! Review!