Book I: The Birth of the Order

Chapter V: Love and War

Music Choice: Good & Bad Times - Led Zeppelin

Hogwarts September 1979...

James wrapped an arm around Lily once they were outside. He leaded her towards the gates of Hogwarts. Dumbledore had given him a spell to unlock the gate. He took out his wand swiftly and flicked it, muttering the spell. The lock and chain slithered to the side as the gates opened for them. "I thought it would be nice to visit for a bit. It's been over a year since we left," James said giving a side glance to the redhead. Lily smiled and gave a small nod. "It would be nice...so many memories were made here. A year? It doesn't seem that long at all." She followed him into the gate and glanced up at the beautiful castle where she had made so many friends. Her life had changed there.

"Hey, Let's go down to the lake, for old time's sake," James said as he nodded in the direction of the Black Lake. His free hand felt in his pocket to make sure the ring box had not been lost in the last hour since buying it. Once he was assured it was still there, he walked her to the lake.

Lily followed him but looked around the grounds as they went. "Remember when I pushed you in and you had a nice swim with the giant squid? Good times." She looked back towards the lake then to the tree beside it. "I guess our first kiss was a better memory though. Right there under that tree." She nodded to the tree then looked back at him. James smiled. "I like the second one better."

"Why is that?"

"Because the second time I wasn't wondering, 'I wonder who dared her to kiss me.'" Lily let out a snicker as they approached the tree.

"I wish we could go back to those days. They seem like another dimension with the way the world is going," Lily said as she sat beneath the tree and looked towards Hogwarts. Her eyes fell to the bridge and seemed to linger there. James looked between her and the bridge and knew who she was thinking about.

He sat beside her with a sigh. Finally he looked up, shoving his glasses up his nose. "Snape made his choice, Lily."

"I know. I just wish I knew if he was safe."

"Why do you care?" James snapped softly, but was clearly agitated at the topic. "The bloody gitt called you a terrible name and never apologized. He deserves what comes to him. I'm not surprised that he joined their side."

"We don't know that for sure, James." Lily looked at him, a somewhat sad look in her eyes.

James faced her and his pride tempted him to tell her. He wanted to say Snape was a death eater, that they had seen each other in Knockturn Alley. Maybe then Lily would be 100% agreed that Snape was nothing more than scum. James hesitated and his jaw loosened from its locked position. He took a deep breath. Today wouldn't be tainted by that greasy haired Slytherin. "You're right. We don't know for sure."

Lily gave a nod then looked back to the lake. She leaned back against the tree and rested her head on James' shoulder. "At least you are still by my side. No matter how hard I try to get rid of you."

James smiled at this. He kissed her head and put an arm around her. "I'll never leave you, Evans." Suddenly James looked up and said in a surprised voice, "Hey, what's that?" pointing out over the lake. "What?" Lily asks calmly as she pivots her head to see. James quickly fumbles in his pocket for the ring box, opening it and lifting it so it was the first thing she saw when she looked back. "I don't see anything." She said and turned her face back to him. Her jaw dropped at the sight of the ring in his hand. "James…"

"I mean it, Evans. I'm never leaving you… so you may as well marry me."

"James." She didn't say anything else and James' heart started pounding.

"Lily?"

"That's… that's the cheesiest thing you could have said." She started to laugh but a couple tears came with her smile.

James wore the goofiest grin on his face. "Sirius scripted it for me. It sounded smoother when he said it."

"Well I don't want to marry Sirius. I want to marry you!" She cupped his head in her hands and gave him a kiss followed by a pleasant giggle.

"Wait," James said as he blinked in awe. "Was that a 'yes'?"

"Of course! Yes! James beamed and kissed her again then he slipped the ring on Lily's finger before wrapping her in his arms. He quickly pulled away however to chatter excitedly about the future.

"We can get married. It can be a big wedding or a small one. You can have whatever you want! And my parents will be there! And we'll invite your parents, your sister and her husband! Then we can move into a nice little cottage somewhere! Maybe on a beach! No not a beach...I don't like sand...maybe in a nice little village! With lots of kids so our kids can play!" He looked down to her. "Wait, are we going to have kids? How many? Oh, Merlin...I don't think I'm ready to be a dad..."

"Hold on, you nervous idiot," she said with an amused laugh. "There will be time for that. For now we should probably tell the others."

"What others? OH! Right, our friends. Those others. Yes, let's go." He jumped up and held out his hands for her. She stood and they both looked at the ring on her finger. "We're getting married, Lily."

"Yes, James. We are getting married."

"A thousand points to Gryffindor!"

"Potter…"

"Right, right. Don't ruin the moment." He couldn't stop smiling as he puts an arm around her and walked up the hill.

Meanwhile in the Hogs Head Pub...

Sirius was staring at his reflection in the mirror in the loo at the pub. He'd taken a moment to splash some water on his face after the earth shattering realization that entire world was changing in one evening. He heard Peter banging on the door and whispering, "Hurry up, Pads. I can't hold it much longer!" Sirius took only a moment more to get his appearance right before emerging. He froze seeing Marlene standing in the hallway and leaning against the wall. "Hey-"

"Hey... familiar picture isn't it?" She asked and motioned to the hallway. "Or are you still not remembering?"

"Can't say that I do, McKinnon," He lied.

"Year end party. We came and talked over here in this very hallway. Although if I recall you never did come back after going to get us more drinks."

"Would it be any consolation if I bought you one now?" He asked trying to change the subject.

"So we can toast the happy couple?" She asked and he looked surprised. "Oh please, Sirius. I eavesdropped on you two in Diagon Alley. I've known all day what Potter is up to. What I can't figure out is what's up with you. I know it's not easy for you, James getting engaged."

"Well I wasn't rightfully going to marry him, was I?" He laughed.

"We honestly weren't sure. We all could have pictured you marrying Remus though."

"Well of course. Rem and I make a handsome couple. Anyone would be lucky to have me," he instantly regret his choice of joke given their current placement at the very spot the two of them had exchanged their feelings a year ago at the year end party.

"Right. Well. It sounds like you're doing fine on your own," Marlene said. Remus emerged from the other toilet and Marlene looked at him. "There you are. Did you take a bath in there or something?"

"You avoiding us, Rem?" Sirius added.

Remus froze. "Avoiding?! I'm not avoiding anyone."

As if an answer to prayer, Lily and James entered the pub, both beaming. "Everyone!" James held up a hand to silence them despite the already mute atmosphere. "I know this may sound shocking. I know I said I would be a lone wolf my entire life. I know I said Evans was a know-it-all. She was stuck-up. Her hair was brighter than the sun. She had that thing where your voice get's squeaky the angrier she gets. I know I said if she was the last girl on the planet-"

"James." Lily gave him a look then rolled her eyes. She looked to the others and held up her hand to show the ring. "I'm marrying the wanker." Everyone laughed and cheered. Peter ran out of the loo and ran to hug them. Everyone else joined in the congratulating, except for one. Nobody seemed to notice, but Sirius just stood and smiled. He hadn't given a hug or a pat on the back. He hadn't even said one word since they came back. He just observed with a smile. When the time came for him to say something, it was as he walked back to the bar "I'll open a tab." The group most likely assumed it was for celebratory drinks, and Sirius would let them think that.

"Come on, Potter," Marlene said with a smirk. "Let's see you kiss your bride."

"Gladly," James said as he whipped of his specks like they do in the movies and passionately gave his fiance a wet one. Peter "oooooooed" which was not very affective being that he was the only one doing it. Still, it made everyone laugh. Remus bashfully grinned at this and looked at the others, his eyes searching their faces because he enjoyed seeing his friends so happy. His eyes fell on Sirius at the bar with a mug in each hand. He pushed by everyone and joined his friend. "You buying?"

"For you?"

"I could use one or two. Long day..."

"Sure." He passed one of the glasses to Remus and took a seat on one of the bar stools.

Remus' eyes widened when he saw the drink Sirius ordered. "Sirius, What is this?"

"It goes down easier if you don't know what's in it," Sirius swished the liquid around the mug and it started to fizz.

Remus looked nervous. "Are you sure that's a good-" He winced as he watched Sirius down his own drink.

"Go on, Moony."

"Bottoms up." Remus repeated slightly unsure. He had never been one to drink but tonight he was going to make an exception. Remus chugged as much as he could of the Punch. He coughed a bit as he did.

Sirius' eyes widened as Remus practically downed the whole thing. "Usually drink that fast do you?"

Remus laughed at Sirius's remark. "You know I don't normally drink. But tonight we are celebrating and I'm unusually thirsty."

"Ok," Sirius grinned "another round then!"

Remus looked at Sirius and raised an eyebrow. "You aren't even finished with your first one yet Pads."

Sirius chugged the rest. "I am now."

Remus chuckled at his old friend. "Are you making this into a race?"

Sirius grinned widely. "Is that a challenge, Moony?"

A mischievous grin formed on Remus's face. "If you think you can handle it." He said in a challenging way. He knew Sirius could drink him under the table any day. Remus lost control of himself one night a month without fail. He never drank because he didn't want to give anything else power over him. Yet tonight was different after everything with Tabitha and the war. Tonight he just needed to be like everyone else more than ever.

Sirius scooped some galleons from his pocket and declared, "You're on."

"Dumbledore was right," Lily said to the group still near the door. "Happiness can be found in the darkest of times."

"I'm so happy for you Lils. Truly." Tabitha said. She looked around "Oi, where did the other half of us go?"

"The boys? I think they just opened a tab."

Tabitha looked at her watch and then out at the night sky through the window. "I don't think we should be hanging around here much longer. Maybe we should continue this celebration somewhere safer."

"Tabitha's right. Let's split up to disaparate again."

A groan emerged from Peter and James whispered, "There is a public floo by the owl post, Peter. You can use that."

"Oh thank Godric." He sighed.

"For the time being we will meet at my flat," James said.

"I'll see you there," Peter muttered and hurried up the street before James changed his mind and forced him to apparate.

The night had already come to its darkest moments and the crescent moon did not aid it at all. Peter was tempted to change to his animagi form of a rat to move faster through the streets, but he'd already learned once to be carful during the night this time of year close to hibernation season, especially near the owlery. The thought already had him on edge when he heard movement in the owl post which caused him to jump and stop in his tracks. "Who would be mailing something this late?" His curiousity got the better of him as he shuffled towards the stand, Owls hooting wildly in the night. "Hello?" Nobody responded but he felt certain someone was there. "T-the... the Owl post has closed. If it's an emergency then I suggest you-" he stopped as two shadows emerged. The first that came into the light he recognized immediately. "Severus Snape." Severus raised his head but still managed to narrow his eyes at him as Regulus Black appeared behind him.

"Hello, Pettigrew."

Empty glasses surround the cackling boys at the bar. Sirius noticed Lupin's eyes droop. "Feeling alright there, Moony?"

"I'm fine," Remus hiccuped, "Why?" He stood up, swaying slightly as he did, and patted Sirius on the back. "You don't have any chocolate do you?"

"Not right now, mate," Sirius said as he leaned on the counter, still sober enough but exhausted from drinking so much. "You about finished, Moony? I can tell the bartender to stop refilling your mug if your head is starting to hurt." The tipsy Remus, with tired eyes, pulled his mug towards him like a child would hog a toy. "Don't. take. my. things... Pad foot."

"What in Godric's name?" Lily's voice came from behind.

"Lily!" Remus said with a hiccup. "I'm celebrating yours and James's engagement." He said it louder then he intended to and motioned towards her with the glass only to spill a good portion of it onto the floor. He looked down at it upset.

James looked at Remus, figuring he better stop his friend before he did or said something he would regret. He got up and walked over, placing a hand on Remus's shoulder. "Hey Moony, why don't you um...slow down a bit. I'll just take that, ok?" He reached for the mug in Remus's hand.

"Oh, leave him be, Potter," Sirius said with a shrug and a slur. "This is one of the last nights we all have to cut loose."

"I'll talk to you about this later," James snapped.

"Woah woah woah," Sirius said, his hands up in defense. "When did you become Fleamont Potter?"

He just rolled his eyes, and turned to help Remus out of his chair and back outside.

"What happened?!" Tabitha said as the drunk Remus joined her and Marlene as they waited outside.

"Sirius happened," Lily muttered.

"I resent that," Sirius said as he caught Lily's words.

"He can't disapparate like this." Lily said to James as he did his best to support the gangly and limp Remus.

"I'll see if I can catch Pete. He can help him floo in and we will meet them at the flat.."

"I'll come with you," Sirius suggested.

"No!" James snapped. "You stay here and babysit the monster you created. Come on Lily." He helped Remus onto the front steps of the pub and the tall Maurader looked hurt at the word "monster". Sirius probably should have left the argument end there for a moment but his alcohol intake just fueled him and he rushed off after James and Lily, leaving Marlene and Tabitha with the intoxicated Lupin.

"I'm not a monster!" He shouted.

Tabitha sat beside him on the stoop as James and Lily rushed after Peter. "No no, of course you're not. He didn't mean that. Nobody thinks you're a monster, Rem." She put an arm around him and he glanced up at Tabitha who looked over him concerned. All he muttered to her was "told ya..."

Up the street, in the dark of night, Peter had just been knocked back a bit by Severus and Regulus circled him. The plump boy scrambled to his feet, wobbling a bit. "Look at him, Snape. He can hardly stand, just like at school.

"Stupify!" Snape shouted as Peter quickly levitated a nearby bench to block the blow. When it crashed on the street between him and Snape, his eyes were still locked on him. "Resourceful. You sure you're not a Slytherin?"

"Keep it up and maybe I'll have you eating slugs next." Peter warned timidly.

"I liked you better in school. You were quieter and mousy back then."

Regulus added from behind him. "Now… we know Dumbledore sent that owl from here which means the meeting for his new order was here. What do you know about it?"

"I haven't seen Ablus Dumbledore since my last day at Hogwarts!"

"Fine," Snape said as his voice turned cold. "Go ahead and keep lying. I suppose I don't need to remind you that by fighting and lying to us, you're a traitor to the Dark Lord! You're no better than…."

"Black!" Shouted James as he arrived on the scene first, wand drawn. "Leave him alone."

"James!" Peter cheered. "Oh thank Godric."

"Potter-" Scoffed Snape, but his face changed when he saw who approached from behind. "Lily…" Her face showed hurt and disappointment, just as it did the day their friendship shattered to bits.

"Severus," she said, "What are you doing?"

"He's trying to tell me Albus Dumbledore just had a meeting with us all." Peter said coolly.

"Is that so?" James asked, "Honestly, I'm flattered you would think the headmaster would come to me before you… but I tend to always be Favorited over you, Snivillus. Don't I?"

"Good one, James," Peter cheered but his voice cracked a bit from nerves.

"Well well. It is a party now isn't it," Snape nodded over James shoulder. "I thought I smelled aftershave."

James didn't even have to turn around to know who was behind him. "Sirius, I told you to stay with Moony."

"Sure Sirius, do what James says and toodle on back to your playmates," Regulus muttered. Brother and Brother stared at each other for a long moment. It had been the first words they'd exchanged in almost a year.

"Shut up, Regulus," James barked.

"Isn't it past your bedtime anyway?" Sirius added

The skinny youth mockingly looked surprised. "I'm shocked, Potter. I thought this morning we were friends."

"What?" Sirius mumbled.

Regulus kept his eyes on James, wand on Peter as he said, "Didn't he tell you? Today in Knockturn Alley he tried to make peace with us."

Sirius looked to James who instantly said, "I didn't think I needed to tell you."

"James," Lily looked at him. "Is that where you wondered off to?"

"I didn't mean to… watch it!" He leapt in front of Lily just in time to deflect a spell sent by Regulus. "Don't you know better than to strike at a woman!"

Regulus just rolled his eyes. "We don't have lots of time to waist chatting with you lot. We just need to know what Albus Dumbledore told you all and we will be on our way."

"Fight all you want with me, Regulus," James said with a scowl as he pushed up his glasses. "But leave my fiancé out of it!"

This statement brought immediate silence until it was broken by Severus' quiet voice. "Your... your what?" He looked at Lily's hand and sure enough the ring was there. His eyes remained locked on it. How could his old friend have joined sides with Potter, he thought.

"What's wrong, Snivy?" James said in a mocking voice which brought the attention back to him? "Don't you want to congratulate me?"

"James. Don't push him," Lily warned.

"Sad you won't be invited to the wedding?" He said as he disregarded her warning. "I'd offer you an invitation but my mother always told me never to have trash laying around a party."

"James!" Lily snapped.

"No," Snape said coldly with something changing in his eyes. Severus tightened his grip on his wand and said, "There won't be a wedding… because you won't be here for it." With a quick wave of his wand, a great wind was summoned, causing most of the group to shield their eyes as Snape approached James. He started to chant, "Sectum Semp-" but was stopped as Sirius tackled him to the ground. The two scuffled for a bit while James tried pushing Lily away.

"No," she said, "I'm fighting!"

An 'oof' was heard as Snape punched Sirius off of him which brought a chuckle from Regulus. "Always fight by wand and not by fist, brother." Sirius groaned as he sat up in the dirt. "I'm not sober enough for this," he mumbled. They all watched as James and Snape had their match.

"Severus!" Lily shouted, "Stop this! You and Regulus are outnumbered anyhow."

"She's right," Sirius said, wand casually aimed knowing Regulus and Snape wouldn't stand a chance. However he was surprised when a disarming charm flew towards him.

"Protego!" He said as he aimed while running and the wand flew from his brother's fingers. It tumbled onto the floor where Regulus dove for it. Sirius let it alone, for assisting James was his top priority. Lily had beat him to it though and by the time he joined their side, Lily was taking no hesitation on her old chum. "Duprimo!" She yelled and a large gust flew Severus back. He flopped onto the ground, bum first. All order members were surrounding the two Slytherin's.

"Like my fiancé said," James said smugly, "You two are outnumbered."

"Are we?" Regulus asked. "Call them, Snape." Severus didn't move. He met eyes with Lily as she stood over him, her wand unshakingly aimed at him. "Snape," Regulus said again but the potions protege shook his head.

"This is my fight. I don't need their help."

James laughed at this. "How heroic. Or are you just trying to hide the fact that you have no friends?"

"James," Lily said quietly with a warning tone. "Do not push him."

"Why not, love? What is he going to do?" James' words made Severus' eyes shift.

He stared at him coldly. "Oh, I have friends, Potter. I wasn't going to call them. I wanted to settle this between the two of us. But since you want to meet them so badly... fine." He pulled up his sleeve, revealing a dark mark which made Lily cover her mouth to stifle a shocked gasp. Snape tapped his wand to his arm and the tattoo began to move. After a little while it stopped.

"Fancy trick with some ink," James said as he threw an arm around Lily. "But we should be going."

Snape stood. "You. Are not going. Anywhere." A couple of pops were heard in the shadows as if others had arrived. James looked around and stepped back.

Sirius stepped towards Peter. "Right… well I've had enough family time for one day," Sirius said. "Shall we get going?"

Suddenly a voice came from the shadows, "Ohhh cousin, don't be like that," Bellatrix said with a dramatic pout, wandering into view. "You'll make me feel unwelcome."

"Shit." Sirius said as he heard the voice.

"There I was," Bellatrix said. "Trying to have a pleasant night of rest when wittle Severus calls. 'Why?' I wonder would he call us so late?"

Everyone immediately looked around as she suggested others are with her and sure enough, more death eaters emerge. "Good Godric…" Lily whispers as they are surrounded.

"Now then," Bellatrix squeaks. "Let's clean up the street's shall we?" She snapped into position and flicked her wand, throwing a nonverbal spell at Sirius. The young boy felt his feet leave the ground and he was sent hurling into the stone wall of the building beside them.. Sirius heard his shoulder crack as he slammed into the wall and he let out a painful cry.

"No!" James shouted. He ran to help his friend but began to scream in pain as Bellatrix muttered, "Cruicio," under her breath at him. Lily attempted to help, but Narcissa Malfoy emerged from the shadows and grabbed her before tossing her to the ground. "Evening, Evans."

Sirius was recovering from his blow. He rolled onto his stomach and reached for his wand but was stopped when Bellatrix trapped his wrist under her heel. "You would have been better off sticking with your family, Sirius."

Meanwhile, up the street, Tabitha paced back and forth in front of Remus and Marlene who sat on the curb. "Tabs, when you paced like this in school it always meant you felt something wrong."

"I do. They should be back by now. What's taking so long?"

"Is that a woman intuition thing?" Remus asked and hiccupped again.

She stopped pacing. "I've been studying divination since I was a girl. I even inherited the habit a bit from Mam. I just get these feelings sometimes that somewhere… something is off."

"Have you ever been wrong," Marlene asked.

The three of them jumped when they heard James shouting from up the street.

"Nope…" She whisperd and Remus scrambled upward, without hesitation. His head was still spinning, but the sobering thought that his friends were in trouble gave him the strength he needed. He was quickly followed by Marlene. Lights in the apartment windows began to turn on above the shops. A couple of people poked their heads out the windows to see what the commotion was about. "Come on." Remus stumbled up the street and Marlene and Tabitha followed.

The street was in shambles. Nobody could doubt a fight had ensued. The victor was becoming more obvious though. The death eaters were fast and took cheap shots. They held back nothing and the order was suffering because of it. Tabitha was the first to arrive on the scene. She instantly spotted Severus in the crowd. "Levicorpus!" She shouted with a quick aim at him. Before he could even notice her presence he was in the air. Remus was not able to run about since his head still spun but he flicked his wand and set a line of flames between everyone in an attempt to divide the makeshift battlefield. Marlene looked around as if trying to pick what her best move would be. She took a couple steps back until she bumped into someone. She turned quickly and squinted to see who stood before her in the shadows. Fenrir Greyback grinned down at her but lifted a finger to his lips and whispered "shhh."

"Marlene!" Sirius shouted, clutching his shoulder "Get over here." She looked to the battle then back to Greyback who winked at her before slipping further into the dark. "Now, damn it!" Sirius cried towards her and she turned away from Greyback, praying it wasn't a mistake to let him go. She spotted James who was slowly recovering from the hex and helped him up. He had his main focus on Regulus.

"I tried, Black." He said. "I tried to help you!"

He backed into two others. Glancing over his shoulder he noticed that Sirius and Remus had also backed into him. "Fancy seeing you here," They all said at the same time before Peter joined them, out of breath from running.

Marlene caught sight of her two former roommates fighting off Narcissa Malfoy. "This is a rematch I've been waiting for." She ran over just in time to deflect a spell to protect Lily who looked exhausted by now.

"Isn't this familiar?" Narcissa asked cooly. "The two blood traitors defending a mud blood friend."

Tabitha turned bright red at the words. She looked beside her to a pile of cauldrons that were leaning against the apothecary shop and kicked them over towards Narcissa who stumbled backwards. "Lily," She turned to her friend while they had a chance, "What happened?" She heard a spell shouted at them and they both ducked just in time.

"Oh you know," Lily said. "Never a dull moment."

Tabitha saw Regulus aiming directly at James and quickly responded with a knock back jinx that sent Regulus sprawling. She kept her wand aimed as he sat up, cathing his breath but freezing at the sight of her. They locked eyes a long while, her wand shaking slightly, as something inside her prevented from firing another spell.

Just then a phoenix was heard. Looking up everyone saw Fawkes flying overhead.

"Dumbledore," James said. Immediately Death Eaters began to vanish in great quantities.

"Cowards!" Bellatrix shouted. "Get back here! He's just an old coot!" Before long, the order was only facing Regulus, Bellatrix, Narcissa and an upside down Severus Snape who still hung by the ankles charm.

"Old coot, am I?" Came an elderly voice. Dumbledore approached quickly. "Bellatrix. Don't you think we are too old to have me still getting you out of fights?"

"You bite you're tongue old man." She groaned and flicked her wand at Snape who fell to the ground with a thud and a moan. "Fine. Take you're little playmates, Dumbledore. Trust me though, the dark lord does not shy away from a fight. Our ranks are growing while you sit here with your school children. If you did care about what is best for them, you would let them spend what little time they have left in peace." She turned on her heel then apparated followed by the others, but Snape gave one more look to Lily before following while Regulus avoided his brother's gaze all-together.

"What happened," Dumbledore said looking at the four marauders, still back-to-back. Peter gently shoved James forward.

"We came to find Peter," he said, "And ended up getting our asses handed to us. Snape had this bizarre thing on his arm. It looked like the dark mark you described to us. That's how he summoned them all here."

"Yes, that is it. It's Voldemort's calling card. All his members have one." Dumbledore said.

"So that's it then?" Lily asked. "Severus is branded as one of them?" Dumbledore gave her a sympathetic grin. "A mark is just a mark, Miss Evans. A heart is much different."

She nodded and Tabitha mumbled, "Hard to believe that eejit even has a heart."

Dumbledore raised his wand and began to put out the flames caused by Remus. "All of you need to find somewhere safe for the night."

James nodded, "I have a place. Right lads?"

They all nodded. Dumbledore finished cleaning up the wreckage caused by the fight. "You all look like you took quite a beating."

"Yes sir," James said. "We will practice our spells."

"If I were you, James, I would practice teamwork. People like Bellatrix expect fancy spells. What they don't expect is teamwork. That is a concept they will never understand."

"... Yes sir."

"Then I shall say goodnight for now," Dumbledore said. "As well as congratulations." He said motioning to Lily's ring.

"Thank you," she said with a slight smile, finding it hard to look joyful right now. James scooped her hand and apparated.

Peter staggered towards Marlene. "Floo buddies?" She grinned. "Let's just actually get you to the floo in one piece this time." She patted his should and checked to make sure the rest of the group was ok before walking off with Peter.

Sirius, who was massaging his shoulder, looked beside him and saw Tabitha. They both gave each other looks of reluctance, but he took her wrist. "Just don't get Irish germs on me."

"Black, what the fecking hell are Irish-" But before she finished he apparated with her.

Remus walked towards Dumbledore as he completed clearing the flames. He looked over the scene. "Blimey. What a mess we made."

"I assume you were the one with the fireball," Dumbledore asked calmly.

"Right. You should know. You showed me that one."

"I showed you how to conjure a flame, Remus. Not a forrest fire."

Remus grinned. "Right. Well I'm not quite sober yet." He looked around once more and something caught his eye in the shadows. He did a double take. He swore he had seen Fenrir Greyback lurking there. It was as plain as day. Now, he saw nothing.

"What's wrong?" Dumbledore asked following Remus' eyeline.

"Huh? Oh nothing. I just… I guess drinking does things to me."

"Grape juice and charcoal always does the trick for me" He winked at Remus and then watched over him until he had departed.