"You look tired, mate," commented Sirius. "And you've been silent all day."
"I was up all night," James replied. "I can't sleep when people attack my friends and try to take my friends away from me into the darkness. They tried to recruit Peter, they will pay for it, they called my friends name, they'll pay for it, in front of the entire school."
"What are you going to do?" asked Remus alarmed.
"You'll see,"
"Is it something that can hurt others and end you in detention?" Remus asked.
"Yeah, worse than that," muttered James.
"James, that will be stupid. Remember what Lily said about taking things in your hand and punishing, remember what happened by the lake when you took revenge on Snape?"
"I remember very clearly, and I had warned them to stay away from my friends but they seemed to have forgotten it, they need a reminder, this time in front of the whole school in Great Hall."
"James, Lily will get angry at you, you both are doing well and you want to spoil it just to teach them a lesson? It's stupid James, think about Lily before acting," Remus reasoned.
"It's more than Lily, it involves her, you, Mary, and Peter, they fucking tried to hire him," growled James.
"But I am not joining," said Peter proudly and James gave him a smile.
"We destroyed the bathroom last night, don't overdo it, you don't want to get back to your younger self and risk losing Lily."
"She'll understand. She knows times have changed. Let's go to The Great Hall," he walked out. The other three boys shrugged and followed him.
After all this time, Lily was sure of one thing James couldn't sleep at night after his friends were put in these scenarios, she has thought of spending the night with him but decided to give him some privacy, and today all day he had been quite and distant from her, hasn't spoken much during lessons. She was sure he was up to something very very serious when he arrived for dinner and the looks on the other three boys behind him and the way they were looking at him confirmed her suspension.
He gave her a wink, patted Kevin on the back, greeted Adi Patel and Nancy before sitting opposite to Lily, she tilted her head and looked at him curiously. One glance at staff table and sadly Dumbledore was there talking to Sprout.
Once the entire hall was filled and people began eating dinner and relaxed, James slid under the table after making sure no one was watching and then put the cloak over him, Lily saw it and so did the marauders but they remained silent. He walked to stand behind four Slytherins who were his target, and then he closed the gates of the great hall with his wand, by the time some people noticed what was going on black smoke filled the hall, students began shouting. He immediately grabbed the four boys and did what he intended.
The smoke cleared within a minute, teachers were on their feets with wands out, a few students had either left their seat or were under the table. Four boys were hanging through their robes on the wall, their robes pulled back from their arms and the dark mark visible, blood was dripping from a small cut on all of their chins. Written over them was a message:
STAY AWAY FROM MY FRIENDS.
IF YOU HURT THEM, I WILL HURT YOU.
James has returned to his seat and has pulled off the cloak and was sitting still with serious face, he then stood on the Gryffindor table.
"Please, remain silent and please sit down, there's nothing to worry," he said in his wand and his words echoed. He looked at Dumbleodore and gave him a look that said 'sorry.' Dumbledore gave him a slight nod.
"I am James Potter, headboy, and quidditch captain. But today I am a wizard, a human, and a Pureblood." Lily's eyes shot up at him, she has never heard him say that before. " I am here to speak to my school, these are the people with whom I have grown up with, have gotten to know about magic and life. We all are a family, Hogwarts Family. And being the one who wants the welfare and wellbeing of you all have decided to talk about the 'Blood purity nonsense' that's going on."
"We don't want to hear you, put us down," growled Snape, with a flick of his wand James silenced him.
"Sorry, Profssors that I am breaking rules here by silencing and hanging them but I need to speak and I will not stop until I have spoken and I ask you all not to interrupt me," James said to the teachers. "Some people think that if you're pureblood then you're stronger and supreme but that's false. They say that the blood of a pureblood is more pure than that of a muggleborn and half-bloods but that's rubbish," he cut his hands and blood started flowing. "This is my blood, same as that of others, it's red too, and look at Snape, a half blood but still red blood.
"In our year, the seventh year, we've several purebloods, halfbloods and muggleborns but, you know who is the student who has gotten the top marks in all the seven years overall? It's Mary MacDonald, a muggleborn, she got 'nine' Outstandings and one 'Exceed Exceptions.' Do you know who the best potion student is it's 'Lily Evans,' and she is also the head girl, she too is a muggleborn, and also she is a duel champion.
"There are people in Wizarding History where it's shown that muggleborns had outsmarted purebloods, and that include the famous name of 'Nicholas Flamel,' the maker of Philosopher's stone, and is the oldest living wizard, he too is a muggleborn. The famous Quidditch player, R.J.H. King is a muggleborn but then also he is dominating Quidditch.
Magic runs deeper than blood and love runs even deeper. The talent of doing magic, to have ability to perform magic is a gift from the mother nature, given to us to use it and use for preserving the beauty of the nature. Everyone who has been given this gift is equal. Foolish are those who discriminate people on the basis of their birth. How can someone have control over how they were born?
In world war Second, the war that effected the wizarding world too, the Nazis were doing the same thing to Jews as what some Purebloods and Halfbloods are doing to Muggleborns. Jews were just as same as Nazis, yet the nazis began the massacre of the Jews. It was a Holocaust and what we're doing is Holocaust.
In 1945, a young girl named 'Anne Frank' was killed by the nazis just because she was a jew, her entire family died except for her father. The diary of Anne Frank, must be read by us all, and then we'll feel the pain, feel the gravity of the situation.
There are pictures of how the nazis treated Jews," James flicked his wand and a large picture appeared on the wall showing hundreds of discarded clothes and shoes. "The people to whom clothes belong were killed in a chamber, a rather sad and heartbreaking thing.
"I ask you all to look around the people sitting here in this room, many of them have lost their loved ones due to death eaters' attacks, think of the pain they're going through. We've lost many friends who used to sit here with us because Death Eaters killed them.
Today, they say that 'wizards first' and that muggles should be under us but I think muggles are much more talented and intelligent than us, just go to muggle London and see the main streets, see the buildings, the parks, the vehicles, the aeroplanes, the cinemas, T.V.s, bridges, statues, it's all mind-blowing and amazing and the fact that they did it without magic is what makes it all special. I bow to the entire muggle community for this.
They have learned from their past mistakes and have improved and thus are moving forward. They understood that monarchial government is not good for development and well-being, so theybring in Democratic government but we still are stuck in our past and our loyal heritages, we can't move forward without leaving the past, the past is just to learn and we should learn from it. More and more people were killed under monarchial government and people weren't happy at that time but now, now under democratic government, their are less crimes and people are happier.
"The Dark Lord intends to rule the wizarding world and this will lead to a dark future to our Wizarding World and it'll perish under the darkness just like the nazis were going to perish Germany. Even dirtier time will come and we all will curse ourself for not acting soon.
"It's one step from 'Wizards first' to 'Purebloods first,' to 'Death Eaters.' And this'll happen soon if you don't act fast. There are only two things: Dark and Light, in this world. Think wisely and chose light and save our precious little magical world.
"The Death Eaters are selfish and our world in their hands will be a disaster, so think when they offer you a position, they'll kill you when you're of no longer useful to them and are just a burden. Think of your future before joining Death Eaters because I assure you they'll fall, they'll fall the same way Nazis fell, Their master, The dark lord will die just like Hitler did and if you are found to be associated with them, then be ready to either die or to spend your entire life in Azkaban. For those who are afraid of the darkness, remember the quote: 'Night is always darker before the dawn and life is the same, the hard times will pass, everything will get better and sun will shine brighter then ever.'
"Also, did I tell you that you-know-who, the dark lord, the one who is leading the war, the one who is leading the idea of 'Pureblood Supremacy,' is a half-blood himself?" several students were shocked at this. "Oh, yes, it's the truth.
"Now, I speak to you four, Synde, Avery, Mulciber and Snape, if you come near my friends, my housemates and try to harm them then I swear that you'll regret it, you'll regret it till you die, Dumbledore may have given you just some punishment but I assure you next time you do something like this and you're dead. Thank you. TOGETHER WE PREVAIL." He then flicked his wand and the four boys fell to the ground. James then took his seat and looked at the staff table to see the teacher's reactions.
Dumbledore was the first to react, he raised his hands and began clapping with a smile, teachers and several students followed him. "A very enlightening speech from our Head Boy and I think we'll give everyone a copy of the book, 'THE DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL, ANNE FRANK'," he spoke. "I would like you all to think about it. I agree with Mr. Potter and hope that some of your eyes are opened by this speech and you think clearly of what you want to do ahead. TOGETHER THAT WE PREVAIL. WE MUST NEVER CEDE CONTROL OF THE MOTHERLAND ...FOR IT IS TOGETHER THAT WE PREVAIL!"
Lily leaned towards James and he mirrored her, then she whispered, "I am sleeping with you tonight, my gallant hero," she smirked as she straightened. "But James it was stupid and inviting danger."
"I am already in danger, and so are you remember we denied their offers," James shrugged and Lily had to agree with him.
"Today, class, we will be doing transfiguration to change our appearances," Prof. McGonagall told the class. "It's an important transfiguration for N.E. . and is helpful for disguising. Now, many students say behind my back that Polyjuice potion is better than Transfiguring oneself."
"Like, Lily Evans, Professor, she thinks polyjuice potion is way better than tranfiguring oneself as the potion changes out appearance completely and accurately," shouted James, receiving a slap on arms from a red face Lily.
"And what did you replied, Potter?" a smile appeared on Minnie's face.
"That one dose of Polyjuice potion wears off much faster than transfiguration. At one side the potion works for mostly up to one or two hours and needed to be taken and again whereas transfiguration can last for months and if done properly then for years. Not to mention that if a person needs new identity, polyjuice potion is of no use. Though, the transfiguration is much harder than brewing the potion and it too can be reversed by spells but it is far more reliable."
"Ten points to Gryffindor, I hope the answer is clear to Ms. Evans and the rest of you. Is there anything else you'd like to add Mr. Potter?"
"To create a face for first time, it can take days but once the image is clear in your mind it becomes easier to tranfigure, so tranfiguring to look like someone you already know is much easier than creating a new face."
"Another twenty points but as I am professor let me teach it, though I think Mr. Potter can teach this class for me."
"Gladly, professor," grinned James.
"Now, class pair up and try to transfigure your face like your partners'," said Minnie.
"I don't need to look at you," James told Lily. "I know every inch of your body, very angle, every curve perfectly."
Lily blushed, "That's creepy." James rolled his eyes. "I don't need to look at you too, I know your stupid face very well."
After ten minutes James was done with his face and so was Lily.
"Just give me your glasses," Lily said taking his glasses and putting on. "Ugh, Potter you're really blind."
"Nah! I can see things close to me clearly, just things at far appear a little blurry," James said rubbing his eyes. "We're done, Professor."
They really had done excellent work, James face look exactly like Lily's and hers like James though a few differences can be pointed out.
Minerva had to bite back her laughter, "Thirty points to Gryffindor. Now, show me the reverse spell."
They read a spell several times while pointing their wands at their face and when they were done, their original faces were back.
"I have to say I am impressed," said Minnie.
"Professor look at me," said Sirius and they all turned to look at him, instead of transfiguring his face like his partner Peter, he has transfigured his face like Minnie.
"I am flattered, Mr. Black," said Minnie, her cheeks flushing for a moment. "Five points to you but do as I said, transfigure your face to Pettigrew's."
The Marauders were all busy with planning the grand trap, they did it more just out of fun than to trap Voldemort and his gang, it wasn't like Voldemort will ever come here and that the Marauders will be here to activate the trap but that doesn't stops the Marauders. They would all woke up early eagerly to complete the trap before they had to left, they had been working on it for a month, and they put all the knowledge of seven years of Hogwarts into use to make the biggest trap they could ever think of. And the Valkyries were helping them too but they were not obsessed with it like the four marauders.
"I shouldn't have told them about your idea," sighed Lily as James left her just after their study session with a kiss on forehead.
"Yeah, they're really into it," said Mary.
"It's cool though," exclaimed Marls.
"It's something else too, James is engaging himself into it so much and the way he's acting, I need to talk to him and persuade him into talking to me," Lily said sadly.
"Are you sure?"
"I am pretty sure," confirmed Lily. "And I guess, I might know what's disturbing him too."
He has told her that according to Dumbleodre the curse is wearing off each passing day and thus he will see less and less memories of Tom Riddle as time passes and once the diary is destroyed those memories will stop permanently.
"I told you they're repetitive or about his normal days where he's a baby or he's taking classes or making plans with his death eaters and sometimes about him searching for the Diadem in Albania," he would say when she'd ask him about the memories.
In the evening, Lily made her way up the boys' dorm after Remus told him that James was upstairs. She opened the door and stepped in, only Sirius was there sitting on his bed studying a book, he really was the worst, he would study when alone and then crash the study session of the other six.
"Moony told me, James was here," Lily said sitting at James' bed. "His cloak is here so. . .where's he?"
"Taking a shower," replied Sirius.
Lily would have thought of sneaking in the shower, she has fantasized about it many times but they weren't at that stage yet or to say that they never get the opportunity would be correct.
"By your looks, you'll burn hole in the door, why don't you just go in?" Sirius barked a laugh.
"Shut up, dog," Lily diverted her eyes from the door and saw that James' trunk was open and all his things were messed up. "He scolds me for being disorganised and look at him, clothes and books all over the bed and under the floor."
She began to organize his trunk but before she could have moves even a shirt, Sirius came sprinting and closed the trunk.
"What the hell, Sirius?" Lily asked bewildered.
"You can't touch my best mate's trunk without his permission, that privilege is only to me, his best friend, and not girlfriend, " Sirius said putting his one feet on the trunk to prevent her from opening it.
Lily scoffed, "I am his best friend, so it's my right."
"Take it back, take it back," Sirius began shouting. "I am his only best friend, you're his girlfriend. Bros before Hoes"
Lily gasped. "I am his best best best friend for your information."
At that time, unknown to the shouting James came out of the shower and if he would have a slightest idea what was going on outside, he'd have never left.
"Good, Prongs tell her I am your best friend," said Sirius.
"Tell him James that I am your best best friend," Lily said to him though her cheeks became red seeing James shirtless and wet hairs.
James froze at his spot. "Umm. . . Lils, you're my girlfriend."
"But we're friends before we're a couple and we're best friends," Lily argued. She has a point, James thought.
"Right, but. . . um . . . Lils. . . sorry. . . but . . .Sirius is my best friend, and so are you," he added the last words immediately seeing the look on her face.
Lily poked her tongue at Sirius. "See, I am his best friend too."
Sirius scowled. "Who is better best friend, chose one."
Fuck, why he has to do this when the matter was already settled.
James closed his eyes and put up his hands in air. "I will not lie but Sirius is my best friend."
"Knew it!" Sirius punched the air. "On your face, Evans." And then he smirked to Lily. "Enjoy ogling Prongsie," he winked, closed the door and left before Lily's hex could hit him, a black mark appeared on the door where the hex has collided.
"Damn it! I nearly got him," growled Lily but she relaxed when two strong hands snaked around her waist.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of having my lady, here?" he asked tugging her earlobes gently. Lily's mind began to get all cloudy but she pulled herself together and turned to face him. But his bare chest didn't help. She tried to push him away gently but failed.
"We need to talk, James, stop it, I can't think straight when you do this," she made the mistake of looking into his hazel eyes, he was smirking like an idiot.
"Does my touch make your mind fuzzy?"
"Yes," she breathed into his forest scent. "No, stop it, we need to have a serious talk."
James looked at her curiously. "Are you breaking up with me?" She hit him on his arm. "Is someone in danger? Are you injured?"
"No, everything is alright, James." James let out the breath he was holding. "We need to talk." James picked her up.
"We can talk on the bed," he smirked.
"James, really. Stop distracting me, I know you're avoiding the talk," she moaned as he kissed her neck. Finally, after giving her a few more kisses he stopped and sat on the bed, she handed him a t-shirt she liked and spoke as wear it. "What did you see in the memory this time?"
James looked at her with narrowed eyes. "How did you know?"
"Really, Potter?" she asked and he shrugged. "Just tell me."
"Well, Tom Riddle was a twisted person but he had a way of charming others, he is really strange. It was I think after Dumbledore defeated . . .. " and James began telling Lily what he has seen in the memory a few weeks ago.
James was looking around to figure out where he was, it was trees all around him, Tom Riddle must be somewhere here and it was then that he heard hissing sounds. James walked towards the source of sound and came face to face with a big snake, he jumped and fell back try to get away from the snake when he realized that it was just a memory.
Then there was another hissing sound and James saw Tom standing there looking at the snake with curiosity and triumph.
"Looks like the lover of the Dumbledore is all alone, now. Neither brothers tried to find out what happened to the lover of their son," Tom smirked and the snake hissed.
"Alone and cursed too, I see. Blood curse?" Tom inquired and the snake nodded. Then Tom hissed something and the snake hissed back.
James felt irritated for not knowing parseltongue, except for a few words(sounds) he has picked up from Tom.
"You can be of my great use in future as your curse prevents you from dying normal death," Tom commented. James could see the snake giving Tom a curious look. Tom began hissing again and so did the snake. This went on for a few minutes.
"I see, the Lestranges were right after all about Dumbledore having weak spot for muggles. But I didn't knew he was in love with Grindlewald." Tom began laughing in cold hissing voice that sent shivers down James' spine.
"The old fool believes that love is the most powerful thing in the world, yet it tore apart his family, prevented him from becoming the most powerful wizard, he had the potent but love failed him. He believes that love conquers death, that fool," laughed Riddle.
Nagini hissed for about a minute and a smug look appeared on Tom's face.
"You Nagini will be mine, I will have you, I will award you, I will give you the most precious thing that you can ever have but not now, not now. I will give it to you by killing Dumbledore, after killing the old fool and thus making sure only I remain as the most powerful wizard alive."
There was a rustling noice near somewhere, Tom jerked his head towards the source and so did the snake, three boys appeared their.
"This Albanian Forest is said to have a tree that gives wisdom, the spot is somewhere nearby, you stand there under the tree and you get all wise but the moment you move away it goes away too, strange thing is that no one is able to touch the trunk of the tree, strange things happen, they say it's cursed wisdom," one boy was telling his friends who sniggered.
"You believe it? That's stupid," laughed the other.
"It's not stupid, it's magic," retorted the first boy.
"There's nothing like magic, it's all trickery," laughed the third boy and then they noticed Tom and the snake.
"Hey man! is the snake your pet?" asked the second boy.
"Cool! It's huge, man, can we touch it?" asked the third.
James noticed the murderous smirk appearing on Tom's face as he nodded.
"Do you believe in magic? These two think that it's just trickery but I think it's real," asked the first boy as they approached near Tom.
"Don't tell your stupid ideas about stupid things to others, they'll kill you," snorted the third boy.
"I believe in magic," Tom took out his wand. "Wanna see a little bit of magic?"
The two boys laughed, and one of them picked up a stick from the grounds, "I have a magic stick too, Hocus-pocus." Tom laughed and the first boy gave them all annoyed look.
Tom stopped. "I will show it on you hocus-pocus, boy." Tom raised his wand, "CRUCIO!" Tom laughed as the boy shrieked in pain and fell to the ground. "Now, another one, AVADA KEDAVRA!" The boy became limp.
"What did you do to him?" shehrieked the boys.
"What did you do to my brother?" cried the third boy. Tom hissed at the snake who advanced at the boy and killed him. The first boy was frozen at his spot.
"Fool Muggles," hissed Tom. "Now, Nagini you and this boy will accompany me to that tree and do my bidding." Tom raised his want a spell hit the snake and it was caged in a silver bubble. The boy was then imperiused to follow them.
Then James followed Tom along with the snake and the boy to the said tree, Tom performed some magic on the tree and then proceeded to examine it closely. "Here it is!" he said triumphantly.
"And then he killed the boy and converted the Diadem into a horcrux," sighed James. "Just think three friends were going out to spend some time together and enjoy the nature but they accidentally came across Tom Riddle who killed them without hesitation at all."
"I didn't knew that Dumbledore had a son," Lily focused hard to remember if she has ever heard about it. "And how did Nagini knew that Dumbledore was in love with Grindlewald, isn't Grindlewald the most evil wizard before Voldemort and was defeated by Dumbledore himself?"
"I didn't dared ask about it to Dumbledore and I think the son was of Aberforth, Dumbledore's brother," replied James. "But the son might have died, as I know Aberforth too, had drinks at his pub many times, he's a hard nut to crack but we are Marauders. I never saw his wife or son. I would have understood more if I knew Parseltongue."
"Quite a sad life Dumbledore had," sighed Lily and James nodded. "James, what did you mean when you said he was a twisted but charming person? I didn't get it."
"From the way he was interacting with Nagini, he charmed her to tell him things, just like he has charmed many other people," James informed her. "And twisted because he did things and does things that I can't tell you, I feel disgusted by it. He has done cannibalism, has tried dark really dark magic on corpses and, has experimented things, terrible things on living persons, he hasn't even left his death eaters."
Lily saw James' face became pale as he spoke and the things which he was saying send shivers down her spine. If she just by listening to it and James just by telling her can get pale-faced then the sight which James must have been forced to see would have been horrible.
"There were some people that I even knew," James whispered.
"So. I am not your best friend, huh?" pouted Lily, crossing her arms.
"W..What?" James looked at her confusedly before a smile broke on his face. "Oh! that."
"Yes, I thought we were best best friends?"she made her disappointed face that James found adorable and cute.
"Lils, you are but . . . you're not that fun in that kind of stuff which we get into," James sighed. "You can come along with us, if you want but I know you would get bored. . . no. . we never do boring stuff. . . you'd get annoyed by it. . . probably angry too."
"And what is it that you do?" she narrowed her eyes.
"Pulling pranks on Filch, slipping him notes from our librarian, roaming around passing comments on people. . .and Sirius pass comments on people's parts. . . not me, I swear, I just accompany him. We sneak into Hogsmeade and roam around. We take along Moony and Wormy. We try to set Wormy up and. .. we bet .. . " he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Bet on what?"
"We bet on who . . . who can. . .sed. . persuade. . .a girl at the bar fastest," James looked down. "But I swear I never go beyond that, none of us, except for Pads. . . but he's been not doing it anymore."
"How about I join you four and try to persuade. . . no. . .seduce a man and you count how much time it takes for me to get him. What do you say?" James thought she was surely angry and a big scolding and probably a fight was coming up but the thought of what Lily said made him to puke.
"No! I. . .I will stop, promise. I will get out of those things." And then Lily laughed. "What?"
"You're very cute when you're nervous and afraid," she laughed.
"So, we okay?" he asked still not sure.
"Yup, and James I get it that Sirius is your best friend, I was just pulling both of your legs." James relaxed. "But you're not allowed to flirt and seduce other chicks to go on date with you. Am I clear?"
James grinned. "Cristle clear. And I can never do it properly because they're not you and I only find you and only you attractive."
"Your charm ain't gonna work on me, Potter," Lily hide her smile.
"Oh! but it already worked, Lils."
There was a knock on the door. "James, we received the letter, he's calling us. We've to go now."
"Okay, just a sec, Moony," James answered, he gave Lily a kiss.
"Where are you going, love?"
"To meet Hagrid, will tell you later."
"Are you sure about it, Moony," asked Sirius as the four boys made their way to Hagrid's hut.
"We've to take the risk and trust Hagrid and hope everything turns out well," Remus said nervously.
"What exactly are you thinking, Prongs?" asked Sirius.
"We need help as much help as possible," James replied. "And if Moony thinks that Hagrid can help then it's worth a try."
"What is the motive behind this?" asked Peter.
"Will tell you one day," sighed James.
"We're leaving Hogwarts in forty days, mate," pointed out Sirius.
"And we should be focusing on N.E.W.T.s." recommended Remus and the other threes scowled.
"Dunno about you three but for me this is more important than any exam," replied James.
"Why? We are asking this for days," said Sirius frustratedly. James raised his hand as they approached Hagrid standing outside his hut waving at them.
"Ready, boys? huh?" Hagrid beamed.
"We're always ready for an adventure with you," grinned Peter.
"Do you have approvals from any teacher?" asked Hagrid.
"From Dumbledore," grinned James handing him a note, the other three snorted. James had gone to Minnie first but she has refused to give her approvals and scolded him only to be saved by Dumbledore.
James has left after getting the approval, leaving behind the headmaster to face Minni's scolding on letting four boys into the forest with Hagrid.
"Very well, then, let's go," they all followed Hagrid into the forest. "Be careful, they've settled here recently and are not involving with anything, trying to keep low for the moment but I of course knew, I know every corner of the forest better than anyone. Have spent my entire life here." Hagrid's chest puffed proudly.
"That's why we came to you," said Sirius.
"Still I don' get how you lot knew about them," Hagrind scratched his chin as they walked under a big branch.
The Marauders though knew a hell lot more about the forest than any other students or teachers, except for Hagrid.
"We heard whispers," replied Remus.
"Very well, it looks like you four are not sharing it with me. Merlin's beard! I have been helping you lost for what over a month now and yet you're hiding your secrets."
"Hagrid, please, we overheard Dumbledore, okay? I dunno how he know but we heard from him," said James.
"That is believable, Dumbledore knows everything," Hagrid stopped abruptly and all the four boys ran into him. Hagrid turned towards them. "Sorry, lads, this is where I left you. I am not allowed after this, they have a long history of war against giants and last time I was here their children and many people were all scared of me, so, they asked me not to come there."
The four boys nodded, and James lead the way ahead.
"Are you sure, Prongs," Peter spoke in a wobbly voice biting his nails.
"They're humans just like us, Wormtail," said Sirius pushing him forward.
The trees became thick and they had to walk on the roots now as no clear path was visible, the soil here was wet and the pleasant smell in the air put a smile on the boys faces, they couldn't see the sky as tree branches had covered the open sky. They reached in front of a big tree with a hole in there, only big enough for a person to pass and that too with difficulty.
"This was where we had seen them go on last full moon," said James and the others nodded.
"We have to go in, there's an opening and clearing other way," said Peter.
"Let's go in there then, in the name of Godric's sword," said James as he went inside the whole.
As soon as James reached the other side and got on his foot, he was pushed to grounds by Sirius who has not seen him. "Sorry, Prongs, was thinking how Hagrid got in here."
"Be serious, Sirius," Remus appeared and pulled Peter up.
"Be moony, Moony," Sirius scowled and Peter snorted.
James however was looking at the beauty in front of him. There were four very big, thick and hollow trees with algae on them. In the trees about ten houses were built, each tree was connected through thick branches.
"Dad! Look, gnath," said a boy's voice.
Then four small furry creatures appeared in front of the boys, they seemed to be holding what seemed like matchstick-sized swords.
"They're cute," said Peter in awe.
The four creatures began squeaking in a pleasant chirping to each other.
"How you four came here?" a man was walking towards them and James noticed that the wand he was holding was green and very much like a stem of a plant. "Oh! I see, you were the four that were near here that night of Gealach Lán, right?"
James was taken aback, he looked at his friends and they all had the same expression of complete shock.
"What is Gealach Lán?" asked Sirius.
"Full moon, you three, you rat, you a dogand...you a... stag," he said pointing at the three. "And you're that poor boy, I see, my condolscence with you."
"How . . .did you know, sir?" asked James.
"We're quarter 'spiorad fiáin', it means quarter wild spirit. Our nanny was gifted with forest spirit," said the man. "And we inherit extra connection with the forest, and you four are more connected to the forest and I can easily sense it."
James nodded.
"So, why you four are here?" asked the man.
"We came here to befriend you, to talk to you," said James.
"How can we trust you? We're seen as half-breeds, the gnaths attacked our houses and our community was broken and we all got separated, luckily we found this safe spot in this forest. We don't want any more attacks on us," said the man.
"Neither do we sir, that's the reason we came," said James.
"You can trust us, sir," said Remeus. "You've our words."
The man looked straight at James. "Do I have your word that you will not hurt our people?"
"You've my words, sir," James assured him.
"Welcome, to our little house," said the man. "I am Liam Lignum and this is my Lignum family."
Lignum led them into a room in the middle of the tree, the inside was a circular room.
Three girls, two twins and around age of 10 and one of the same age as the boys, arrived in the room with cookies, tea and fruits, they all looked at the boys and giggled.
"These are my daughters, my elder daughter Clara, studied at Shamrock, graduated last year, my twin daughters, Ella and Emma, yet to turn eleven," smiled Liam. And then a woman arrived in the room. "And this is my wife Hazel."
"It's pleasure to meet you all," smiled James, the boys introduced themselves. James noticed Clara looking at Peter and blushing, by looking at her it was clear that she was into rats, and the way Peter was checking her through the corner of his eyes and has turned pink. James has to bite back his laugh.
"So, what do you wanted to talk about, James Potter?" asked Liam.
"Sir, can we have all the senior members of your family, here too? It's about the war, the war which resulted in destruction of your last home," James spoke confidently. "We want your support when the time comes."
"Why will I put my family in danger of the war?" asked Liam.
James smiled, he has prepared for this. "But sir you're already in the war and are in danger. I just want your help when right time comes. Please just give me a chance to explain, I will not force anything."