A word of my youth was "sonder." A deep realization that the stranger next to you in the local coffee shop or in the car in front of you on the highway has a rich, complex life too. A life, in which, they view themselves as the main character and others are supporting or background characters.

Six people are well-known to most. Their lives crossed, circled in each other's many times over. They had loved each other, they had hated each other, they had ambivalent feelings toward each other. Ups and downs, and lefts and rights. It is difficult to pinpoint who was in the right and vice versa.

But in the beginning, it was all the same. They were born a baby, innocent and fragile, in a crazy, mess-up world. They were born a baby to two loving parents and what happens next marks an individualized plan for each person.

I Solemnly Swear that these are the chronicles of Sirius Black, Severus Snape, Lily Evans, James Potter, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew and what makes them who they are and how they meshed into each other's lives.

November 3, 1959

Walburga Black cradled the screaming newborn, cooing at him and calming him down. The baby's cries quieted, as he began to sense the familiarity of the woman. She smiled softly at the baby; she was thirty-four years old. Still young she would snap at her mother, but yet she felt old. Too old to have a child, many of her girl friends had children entering Hogwarts now. And here she was, beginning her little family.

"Hello there, Sirius Orion, look at that hair," she cooed. The baby already had a tuft of black hair and his eyes were strikingly black, matching his surname well. "You have made me the happiest woman alive. First child and first grandson. No one can ever take you away. I loved you first."

January 2, 1960

Eileen Prince gasped; her face red. Black hair pasted to her forehead in sweat that neither glowed nor sparkled. Then the doctor lifted a naked baby, announced it was a boy, and swatted his bottom. The baby screamed; Eileen breathed heavily.

"Give me him," she all but growled. If only she had elected to go to St. Mungos, if only she had elected to take the drugs. But, no, she wanted nothing to do with the world that rejected her and her husband's love for one another.

The nurse, who had taken the baby away to clean him, handed the newly swaddled baby. Eileen grasped him, looking down at him with his dark eyes and curiously light-colored hair. She frowned, both she and her husband had dark hair. Her husband came into the room, a tie slung over his shoulder as he raced to her bedside.

"Tobias," she said, now smiling as she held the baby close. "Look, it's your son! Severus Tobias Snape." She leaned down, kissing her baby boy on the forehead. "I loved you first. Don't you forget that."

January 30, 1960

Flora Evans sighed, looking down at her new baby daughter with wonderment. She was the second daughter, the second born, and yet she could not imagine how this little human had been growing inside of her for the last thirty-seven weeks. Peach fuzz colored the baby's head, and her eyes were bluish, yet to be determined.

"Lily Joanna Evans, my sweet girl," Flora said with a flushed grin. "You are perfect. I cannot wait to watch you grow up. To become best friends with your big sister Petunia Ann. I cannot wait to see you fall in love. But know this, my sweet Lily, I loved you first."

March 10, 1960

Hope Lupin was surprised. Her mother and all the women in her family had told her babies were loud and that childbirth was painful. Her childbirth was relatively easy, just a little pinch (although later her husband would recount otherwise). But the baby (her husband would agree to this) was quiet, he was simply napping that she could not see even what color his eyes were.

"Remus John," Hope cooed, rubbing his lightly colored fuzzy head with her thumb. "Open your eyes, Baby Boy. Do you have my eyes or your daddy's handsome blue ones? Open your eyes. Are you a wizard like your daddy? I hope you are." Hope whispered. "I hope you have your daddy's heart and grow up to be brave like him. I hope you know that I am already in love with you. I loved you first."

March 27, 1960

Euphemia Potter fell in love. For years and for decades, healers and specialists had informed her she was infertile and could never have a child. Then at forty-four, she became pregnant and now at forty-five, she had birthed a baby boy with an impressive amount of dark hair and bluish-gray eyes who was screaming a great deal.

But she did not care. He was a miracle. Her miracle.

"James Benedict Potter, my little miracle," Euphemia smiled, holding the baby close. The baby's screams slowed, as he began to latch onto her breast. "You are my everything. You give me hope. I loved you first. I will always love you."

June 7, 1960

Gladys Pettigrew did not meet her son until the next day. Her son was a month early and Gladys had to had emergency cesarian. When she did, she could not believe how incredibly small he was. His older brother Paul was a whopping ten-pound baby and this boy was barely five pounds. She held the baby in her arms, half-scared she'll break the newborn in half (maybe even in pieces).

"Peter Timothy," Gladys whispered. "I'll protect you. Til' my dying breath. I love you and I loved you first."

September 1, 1971

The scarlet engine train whistled, silver steam against the pale blue sky. Wizards and witches milled around on the platform. Students boarding the train, excitement as friends reunited. Mothers fretted over their nervous (but trying to play it cool) first year and fathers attempting to stop their wives from making a big scene.

Sirius Black stood tall, his chin pointed up rather aristocratically. A glimmer shone in his dark grey eyes, joking as his mother straightened his school robes. His mother scowled him, swatting him on the back of his head.

"Sirius, you hush," Walburga said after another swat. "You are my oldest, my first born," she said boastfully. "I am allowed to be sappy and make sure my little boy looks his best. You are representing the Black Family."

"Yes," Sirius said sarcastically. "After Bella and Meda and Cissy."

"But first Black male," Walburga stressed. It always prided her that she had given birth to two sons while her brother had sired three daughters. "You'll do me proud, Sirius."

"And me too," piped up Sirius' younger brother Regulus, who was nine years old and looked more like Sirius' twin instead of a little brother. "You can start by taking me with you."

"And be the kid with the annoying baby brother, no thanks, Reg," Sirius said with a bark-like laugh. He ruffled Regulus' hair all the same. "Sorry, Little Brother. Mum will kill me if I sneak you along. I'll be sure to write loads though."

"I can't believe this is it," Lily squealed, clutching Severus' hand. He looked down, giving a shy smile. "This is what we've been talking about for two years!"

"I know," Severus nodded, looking out the window at his mother and Lily's parents. His mother stood out like a dark, sad shadow in a brightly colored, happy setting. He turned back to Lily, masking his emotions. "I can't wait for the year."

Meanwhile outside, Eileen Snape turned to Flora Evans: "I am glad Severus has Lily. She's a good girl, your daughter. A friend that my son needed."

Touched, but confused at this confession, Flora nodded. "Severus is a good boy. Very respectful and polite. I would love it if you came over for tea, Eileen. Our children don't have to be the only ones who are friends, besides," Flora cracked a grin. "This world is bewildering. I'm afraid that soon Lily'll outsmart me. I could use a witch friend to give me guidance in raising a magical child."

"I suppose tea will be okay," Eileen said tonelessly. She rather not attend, Severus needed the Evanses not her. But it would be impolite and besides, getting out of Tobias' house would be nice every once and while. "This Friday afternoon?"

"Remember what Professor Dumbledore said," Hope said, both hands on her son's face.

"Yes, Mum," groaned Remus, squirming to get out of his mother's grasp.

"Hope, don't worry," Lyall said, pulling his wife's hands away from Remus. "Remus is safe under Albus' tenure." He looked back at his son, almost avoiding the scar that ran diagonally across his face. "Son, do well in school. Make good grades and I hope to see you in the House of Lions."

"Obviously, Dad," Remus grinned.

"Have fun," Hope interjected. "Remus, I know you like to read. But make friends. Promise me you'll get out and make friends."

"I promise, Mum."

"Mum, Mum," James yowled, squished against his mother and surrounded by her arms. "I can't breathe!" When his mother finally let go, James gasped for air with a dramatic flair. "Oh, finally! I can breathe!"

"James," Euphemia said with a soft smile.

"He gets his drama from you, Effie," Fleamont said with a teasing grin.

"Excuse me," Euphemia said with a raised brow. "Remind me, Fleamont, how did you ask me out? Was it not with a firework show? And your proposal, did you not orchestrate your quidditch team to do a flying show?" James snickered as his father stammered. "I thought so. James is clearly your son. James, dear, if you meet your future wife this year. Please do not do anything too dramatic."

"Sure, Mum," shrugged James. In less than a week, James Potter would break that promise.

Peter bounced on his toes. He was excited, overjoyed even. He was about to join his older brother Paul at Hogwarts! His brother had already boarded the train for a prefect meeting. His father, a short and balding Ministry worker, talked to Peter about the fun and thrills that his Hogwarts classes would have.

He nodded; a glaze fell over his eyes. He was not much interested into the classes, instead wondering what the castle was like. Paul had told him about the hidden, secret passageways and the moving corridors. Peter had feigned excitement but was secretly terrified of falling through the steps. He was not the most athletic or limber kid his age.

"Please write to me," Priscilla, his seven-year-old sister, voiced in a small voice as their father droned.

"Of course, 'Cilla," Peter said, squeezing the small blond girl's shoulder. "In four years, you'll join me." And I'll be the oldest! I won't have to be as smart or as athletic as Paul!

BLACK, SIRIUS!

Sirius was the first name to be called. He stepped up to the stool, his eyes looking straight forward, and his shoulders straightened. His palms clammed up, but he willed himself to not show his nerves. He was a Black and Blacks don't show fear. That what his father taught him and his cousin Bella told him. He sat on the stool, the Hat falling over his eyes. The Hat hummed and murmured softly in Sirius' ears.

"How interesting," the Hat said. "You are not like most Blacks."

"What do you mean," Sirius said, clenching the sides of the seat. "Because I am the first Black male in this generation?"

"Well, yes," The Hat snorted if he could snort. "I was talking about your values though. You are ambitious and quick-witted, but you lack cunningness." Sirius gritted his teeth. Has the Hat never seen his pranks on the family's house elf Kreacher? "Pranks, yes, but that does not constitute as cunning." The Hat countered. "You are brave, seek to do the right thing, and yes, yes, it got to be GRYFFINDOR!"

Silence stunned the Great Hall. A Black in Gryffindor? Sirius was stunned like the time Bella practiced Stupefy on him. Gryffindor? He was in Gryffindor, not Slytherin. He never actually saw him as a Slytherin, but still he assumed he would be. He thought of the boy he met on the train. James Potter. James was expecting to be in Gryffindor and James had seemed cool and self-assured. So, maybe Gryffindor would be cool if James is sorted into Gryffindor too. With that, Sirius arose, his chin lifted up, and he joined the scarlet table.

EVANS, LILY!

After Edwards, Faith was sorted into Ravenclaw, Lily drew a deep breath, told Severus to wish her luck, and went up to the old, patch-up Hat. The Hat fell over her eyes. Immediately it spoke, resulting in Lily jumping.

"Ah, a muggleborn, a fiery and bold one," The Hat said. "There's no better option, but GRYFFINDOR!"

LUPIN, REMUS!

Unlike the other first years, Remus showed no fear at his turn. He sat down and let the world turn to darkness. The Hat hummed, "How curious. No fear. Ah, I see. You face fear every month," Remus shifted. "Don't worry, Remus, I won't tell anyone of your secret. Part of the job." Remus fixed his jaw. "A little untrustworthy. Guarded. Could be Slytherin, but no, you do have courage and use it too. GRYFFINDOR!"

Remus breathed, then flushed. He hurried down the steps and found a seat next to Lily who just stared at him with wide, green eyes.

PETTIGREW, PETER!

After Nelson, Alice was called and sorted to Ravenclaw, Peter's name was called. He could feel his older brother's eyes on him. He sweated; he shook as he made his way to the Hat. The Hat fell over his eyes, Peter's heart raced. What if he was not in Gryffindor like Paul? Did he even want to be in the same house as his prefect brother?

"Middle child syndrome," The Hat laughed, Peter jumped. "I see it all the time. You don't have to live up to your brother. You are different." Peter scowled. He hears it all the time from his father. About why he could not understand something like his brother, or why he does this instead of like how his brother does it? "Paul was decidedly Gryffindor, but you, Peter, could be in Slytherin for your ambitions of being set apart from your brother. Or, even Ravenclaw could help you strive." Peter furrowed his brows. He never thought about Ravenclaw. He was not the smartest. "But, your confidence is shaky. I think you'll do well there, yes, yes, I do. GRYFFINDOR!"

When Peter sat down at the seat, Paul clapped him on the back, "Pete! You're a Hat Stall! That's brilliant. My sorting was only a few seconds."

POTTER, JAMES!

Right after Peter was sorted to Gryffindor after an unbearably long five and half minutes for James, it was James' turn. He bounded up the steps, unafraid like Remus Lupin. The Hat fell over his eyes, he sported a cocky grin.

"Brave, chivalrous, willing to do anything for the ones you love," murmured the Hat, James grinned. He was going into his dad's house! "Loyal. Hufflepuff?" James scowled. The Hat chortled. "Only kidding. You, James Potter, are every bit of GRYFFINDOR!"

SNAPE, SEVERUS!

Severus glanced over at Lily, who stared hopefully back at him. Her hands clasped together. He slowly approached the stool, praying to God or to Merlin that he'll not be separated from his best friend.

"Friends with the cute redhead," The Hat said, almost smirking if he could. "She was decidedly Gryffindor. You…. You could excel, you have courage for one so young. But there's something else, how curious, a thirst to prove yourself. Not to be the man your father was," Severus clenched his fists. "No need to be defensive, Severus. I am merely assessing what House would help you reach your potential. Tricky business." Severus glowered. "You want to stay with your friend. Surely, you know that a house does not divide friendships. It is the people. You and Lily Evans can still remain friends with her in Gryffindor and you in SLYTHERIN!"

Before the end of the week…

The first year Gryffindor boys were James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus. James and Sirius became fast friends, laughing loudly in every corridor of Hogwarts. Peter and Remus, the quieter of the four, hung out mostly together. However, James included them too in his and Sirius' schemes.

Such as pranks.

When they realized that Peter's older brother was Paul, their fifth-year prefect, the four students put their heads together and devised a prank that resulted in Paul getting slimed at breakfast. Laughter and snickers erupted from the Gryffindor table, James and Sirius, grinning, gave a flourished bow to their peers.

The only student who did not laugh was redheaded Lily.

"Oi, Evans, didn't you think it was funny," James asked, noticing the girl's disinterested look.

Lily looked at the slimed prefect who was fuming and then at his younger brother, one of the culprits, who was sweating profusely. She shrugged, "Seems a bit immature."

James furrowed his brows, his grin dropped. He was going to make Lily laugh even if his life depended on it.