Book II: Age of the Phoenix

Chapter XXXI: It's A Boy

Music Theme: Here Comes the Sun - The Beatles

July 31, 1980...

The weeks that followed the Lestrange Estate trap felt like a blur. The Order felt stuck in that evening, unable to move as if they'd had the wind knocked from their lungs. Frank and Alice finally accepted the advice of Dumbledore and taken up a secret residence for safety until their child was born with Benjy Fenwick as their secret keeper.

Dumbledore had suspended meetings following James' and Frank's confrontation with Voldemort and the Order felt uneasy at the distant professor, feeling that he knew more than he'd let on.

Fabian had never returned from Mulciber's flat. He'd sent word to Gideon that he was somewhere safe, but that was all. The Death Eater had been captured but there was no sign of Fabian the weeks following Mary's death.

The Safe House remained a haven for the Potter Faction who had welcomed Remus back, unable to return to the werewolf sanctuary upon hearing reports that Fenrir Greyback still roamed free. It was only a week or so away from the birth of the newest Potter, and the group knew they'd outgrown the space. Marlene would need to return home now that Remus had rejoined the faction and she was ready. Sirius had given her the strength to find her power and it was time to begin growing new family bonds that were not built upon secrets.

The quietest of the house's occupants though was the most unexpected - James. He'd withdrawn, and while there was a side of him that seemed more secure and confident, Lily recognized a deep fear that James kept hidden. When she'd explained her visit with Snape, James uncharacteristically barely reacted, saying nothing but, 'I'm glad you're safe now.' Then changing the subject.

He sat in the living room, sketching away on his notepad, lost in thought, the windows cracked as the summer air drifted in and the door flew open. Peter raced in and James called, "Where the hell have you been?" without taking his eyes off the pad.

"Just outside," Peter squeaked. "Marlene's getting ready to go and Sirius asked me to get my candy wrappers out of his bike. He's going to take her home."

"I don't mean just now," James said and finally lifted his eyes from the notepad. "I mean lately. You've been sneaking around, vanishing for hours on end, barely sharing any details when we ask questions. You missed breakfast the other day because you overslept. You never sleep past breakfast. How late had you been up?"

"I've been keeping to myself is all," he said quickly. "I just don't want to upset you more than you already are?"

"What the hell is that suppose to mean?" James snapped.

Peter took a timid step backward, then quickly corrected by standing tall and moving from the hall into the main room where he stood next to James and said," You've been different. They day you saw you-know-who changed you. You've not been yourself for weeks."

"I'm the same James you've always known. It's everyone else who is changing," He sighed then started to sketch again.

"It's one thing to just change, it's another to become an ass!" Peter snapped and when James looked at him surprised he quickly added, "Sorry..." He calmed himself then continued, "It's just that... You don't want to talk about it. You're bottling it all up. You even snapped at Lily the other day. I thought she was going to throttle you. Just... tell me." James' pen stopped moving against the page but he didn't lift his eyes from it as he added, "You can tell me anything, James." Then took a seat and waited.

"He wasn't human," James whispered as the events he'd kept bottle up finally unfolded. "His face was like a banshee's. Looking at him, you'd think he was frail... a dead man walking or a ghost... but no... his power was unmatched."

"What kind of power?" Peter leaned in.

"I felt it going through my veins. It was like thousands of small but strong hands were gripping to my muscles and controlling me. I heard the hiss of his voice rattle through my head like he was talking to me."

"Did you fight him?" Peter asked.

"We tried... he flicked us off like fleas," James said. "I think about what Dad said about it. He said he'd know Voldemort by another name. It makes me wonder if the man he knew what just as strong."

"Maybe not as strong, but still as powerful," Peter whispered at his recollection of Tom Riddle. James glanced at him with a raised eyebrow, so Peter added, "I'd assume."

The two of them sat silently side-by-side when James said, "Did Remus tell you about Greyback?" Peter nodded. "And Lily with bloody Snivillus?" James received a nod again. "Even Sirius had to deal with his cousin that night. It's like all of us came face to face with a personal threat that evening and I'm the only one who can't get over it? Why?"

"I don't know, James. Maybe because you're conflicted about what you saw?" Peter pondered if this was the moment he was waiting weeks for. Could this be the time that he shared the hope Tom Riddle had offered? So many knowing the name 'Riddle' had died and yet Peter still walked free and healthy. Surely, that was a sign that Tom... Voldemort... wasn't all bad. Now James' conflicted feelings posed an opportunity.

"What do you mean?" James asked now focused on his friend.

"Maybe you're conflicted because the power you felt... was something good?"

"Good how?" James grunted.

"I mean power like that has to be capable of good, right? Raw power isn't innately good or evil. Don't you remember what your dad said? He said evil was born by someone's selfish misuse of magic. Magic has always been the innocent party in all of this. If we could maybe just come to an agreement... and understanding... I think we could resolve-"

He was unable to finish as Remus bounded into the living room holding a letter in the air," Owl's just come from Frank. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the focused look on Peter's face and the concerned one on James'. "Did I interrupt something?"

"Well, I can't be sure, but it sounds like Peter is suggesting a round table discussion with Voldemort?" James said.

"A... discussion?" Remus asked. "Wormtail, I'll admit we were wrong to not listen to your ideas in the past but this one is just ghastly."

"You don't even know him," Peter snapped then corrected, "I mean you don't know that he'd be opposed to it. Kip told me what the place looked like when they rescued you, James. He said there was a table full of scones and tea. Clearly, Voldemort was open to discussing-"

"That was setup to mock us, Peter!" James said as he stood. "You think he can be reasoned with?" James whirled around the sketch he'd been working on to reveal the ghoulish face of Voldemort. "This THING can't be reasoned with!" He tossed the sketchpad to Peter who caught it and stared, horrified, at the face as James stormed by and snatched the letter from Remus to read it.

"Well?" Remus asked impatiently after allowing James time to read.

"The Wizengamot has agreed to a trial," he said angrily.

"Well that's good news, isn't it?" Remus asked. "We've been fighting for them to take the captured Death Eaters to trial for weeks and it keeps getting pushed. Now they finally will get the sentencing they deserve."

"No... they won't. Mulciber and Goyle have agreed to a plea bargain," James sighed and held the note back out for Remus only for a flash of red hair to whisk by him and grab it. "Lily..."

"These cowards," she muttered as she read the note to be sure.

"Why are you surprised?" James called to his pacing, pregnant wife. "All of Voldemort's fanatics are a bunch of cowards."

Peter set down the notepad and curled into a ball, hugging his knees on the floor at that.

"They can't get away with this! Walking away freely while their master is still alive?" She asked. "And they'll probably only disclose the names of people we know are Death Eaters."

"That we know of, yes," Remus said, "But our eye-witness accounts haven't been enough for the Ministry. With the new Dark Aurors that Frank told us about, Death Eaters have been able to avoid arrest."

"And that horrid woman Alice mentioned, Delores something... she's been the case worker on on all the Muggle-Born cases. Did you know Frank and Alice had to break Lester Thomas out of there? Otherwise, he'd be in prison for life just for being a Muggle-Born. A plea bargain isn't ideal but it's a win for now." Remus offered. "Anyway, the P.S. at the bottom makes no sense. I thought maybe Lily would understand it since she and the girls have their code."

Lily read the last line aloud, "I too sent a bat over yonder." Everyone froze and watched her as her angry face shifted to one mixed with happiness but mild sadness at their circumstances. She reached out and took James by the hand as she said, "First letters. Just read the first letters of each word."

All together the boys said, "It's a boy?"

"What is?" Sirius called as he hopped down the steps, a bag slung over his shoulder and Marlene in tow.

"Alice had her son," Lily said. "Probably last night."

The room was so silent that even the birds outside took note and stopped singing. Everything was still and nobody made eye contact as they thought through the reality.

"Well that's it then," Peter said quickly as he stood up. "Little Longbottom is the chosen one!"

"Peter," James cautioned. He moved in front of Lily and rest a hand on Peter's shoulder to quiet him, but Peter didn't take the hint. "That means you're safe, James! Voldemort will go after them, not you."

"Peter, be quiet," James hissed.

Peter just continued, "Lily isn't due for another week! You're saved! There's no reason for you to fear Voldemort anymore. Oh, James this is grand news. Just grand. And now I can tell you-"

"Will you shut up?" James shouted. The whole room fell quiet and watched in shock as James snapped and said, "Just because Alice popped out a kit before the end of July doesn't mean we are safe, Ok? The Death Eaters can't be reasoned with. Voldemort isn't something to be taken lightly. He's going to keep coming after us, child or not because he's a sick, twisted, dark wizard with a lust for blood and power."

"James," Peter stammered, "I'm sorry."

"James," Lily whispered and approached him. She rest a hand on his shoulder and muttered. "Maybe we should tell-"

James cut her off and said, "Moony. Are you going back to that damn colony?"

"Not that I appreciate your tone," Remus huffed as he crossed his arms and said, "but no. I can't do much there without the trust of the couple that runs it."

"Then can we please stop with this farce of pretending you're going back? You've been crashing on the couch for weeks. It's time we go get your things and bring you home." He turned to Sirius and Marlene in the doorway. "Sirius, when are you leaving?"

Sirius, unprepared to be addressed, stammered, "Well... we were going to head out now."

"Just got all my things packed up," Marlene muttered.

"Well at least take something for the road," James huffed. "Kips got some biscuits freshly made just for you. I'll get them."

He then brushed past everyone in a huff and Peter pat Lily gently on the hand. "I didn't mean anything, Lily."

"I know, Peter," She whispered. "This isn't about you. He's been fearful since his confrontation with Voldemort."

"But if Alice had her baby then it means you and him are safe, right?" Peter asked.

"It's not exactly something to be celebrated, Wormtail," Remus muttered.

"Let me talk to him," Lily said as she spotted the sketchpad on the floor, the dead stare of Voldemort gazing at her as she momentarily wished James' drawing skills weren't so exceptional.

Everyone allowed her to leave and share a private moment with James in the kitchen. When she stepped inside, he and Kip were fussing over a picnic basket of goodies for Marlene to take as a parting gift from the safe house. The little elf even seemed on edge as he held the basket over his head and James finished packing some biscuits and teabags that Kip had made with care.

Lily watched moment before calling, "James?"

"I've got it," he said quickly without looking at her. "I did this with Mum all the time? Remember Kip? Once I think you and she made five hundred scones for the charity bake sale in town and we had to burn a couple so the muggles wouldn't wonder how she'd managed the task so easily. Mum's baking always was too good for muggle standards either way though." He kept rambling as he packed and Kip locked eyes with Lily as if to communicate his concern for his old master.

"James," Lily whispered. The young man stopped moving to listen but kept his back to her as he dropped the last biscuit in the basket. She went on, "We have to tell them."

"Why worry them when it could be false labor?" He asked in a whisper.

"This many contractions," she said resting her hand on her stomach, "Isn't false labor. Our child is coming early, James. I can feel it. I can't keep hiding in this tiny house every time I..." She held her stomach as another contraction came, this one stronger than the others. Her mild groan sent James sailing to her side and Kip set down his basket and followed.

"Lily?" He took her hand and wrapped his arm around her as Kip pushed a chair her way and made her sit. "Just breathe."

Lily sat down and stroked her stomach.

"Master's Harrys or Harrietts is ready?" Kip asked in a worried tone.

Lily giggled. They'd tried so many times to get Kip to say the proper name of Henry or Henrietta, but Harrys continued to escape the little elf's lips. "He's going to be just fine," she said.

"He?" James turned white as the reality of being a father sunk in.

"Or she," Lily quickly said. She saw the panic on his face and both locked eyes in silence until the contraction passed. The only sound after was the tick tick tick of Euphemia Potter's watch on her wrist. "Listen to the little heartbeat, James. Our child is going to come when they are ready. We can't stop that. Am I scared? Of course, but I'm also so damn ready to meet this little thing."

"I know, Lily," he whispered as he leaned in and rest his forehead against hers, clutching her hand tightly. "But maybe just try to make it to midnight?"

Lily grinned and said, "I'll see what I can do. But if this kid is anything like their father, it's not going to take kindly to being told what to do."

"If it insists on being early then it's going to be nothing like its father," he grinned then pecked her nose with a kiss. He kneeled lower and whispered as if talking to the child. "Take your time, kid. We've got years ahead of us. There's no rush."

Later at The Weasley Home...

Molly Wasley, mother of six, could have been master of a circus with her skills of balancing the tiny household full of chaos. She'd enchanted the stove to keep dinner going while her knitting needles levitated in the corner making a baby cap. Her third born, Percy sat at the table practicing his alphabet while her eldest entered from the garden covered in dirt where he'd finished helping his mother with some weeding. "Bill?" She gasped at the sight of him. "How'd you get so filthy?"

"Gnomes again, Mum," he said through her apron as she used it to wipe the dirt from his face.

"Well I guess it's that time of year." All of them winced as they heard a crash from the playroom upstairs. "Oh dear. Bill, go see what Charlie is doing with the twins."

"Yes, ma'am." Bill started up the steps but all came to a standstill when there was a pounding on the door. She waited, her knitting needles frozen and the boys holding their breath.

"Bill?" she called calmly. "Take Percy upstairs, will you?"

Bill nodded at the tone in his mother's voice. He just took the toddler by the hand, pulled him from his seat at the kitchen table and hurried up the steps.

Molly carefully unlocked the door once she reached it and picked up her wand from the wand shelf by the door. She only had to crack the door open slightly though, to see who was waiting on the porch. "Gideon."

"Sis..." the voice of her brother cracked.

She dropped her wand and ripped open the door then wrapped him into an embrace. "What took you so long?"

"I'm sorry," he said into her shoulder. "I promised Aurthur we'd keep you out of things." Gideon pulled back and tucked a red hair from her face behind her ear. "I've missed you."

"Oh, my darling boy," she pat his cheek. "I'm so sorry for what you two are going through."

"So he's still..." Gideon peeked inside and she nodded before allowing him in.

Once inside, she motioned to the back garden door. "He's just out there." Gideon looked at the door like a mouse stares at a lion's den. He felt Molly give him a gentle shove and she muttered, "One foot in front of another."

Gideon slightly stumbled on the first two steps but then shuffled towards the door. He took a few breaths of confidence before pushing through and entered the Weasley Garden. Gnomes had taken over the vegetable patch slightly, but the summer stock was still managing well enough. He heard the 'thwap thwap thwap' sounds of someone working near the compost and made his way towards it.

There, he found Fabian, sleeves rolled up, covered in dirt, holding an ax and hacking the piles of roots and vegetables over and over again with force as he sweat from the effort in the Summer sun.

"Better to use a slicing hex for that," Gideon said.

Fabian paused a moment as he realized he wasn't alone then started at it again and said, "Sometimes you need the exercise you know. It can feel good to beat something to a pulp with nothing but your own muscle."

"Unless you take it too far," he said. "Then you're the one who really has taken the beating."

Fabian turned and slammed the ax into the wooden stump beside him and walked towards the garden fence where his morning coffee was still hot. He leaned on the rail and took a few sips.

"Why didn't you tell me you were here?" Gideon asked.

"I told you I was fine. That's all you needed to know," he slurped on his coffee.

"You sent an owl to Dumbledore almost twenty four hours after leaving. I'd gone all over looking for some sign of you. I went to the Potter's Safe House, McKinnon Castle, I searched half of London, I tried to find Mulciber's house-"

"Do not invoke that name!" Fabian shouted, nearly spilling his coffee as he jerked the cup away from his face and finally looked at his brother. When their eyes met though, Fabian softened and quickly looked away as he felt tears welling.

"Fabe," Gideon said softly. "Please talk to me. Walk me through what happened."

"What have you heard?" Fabian asked as he rest his hands on the railing of the fence, gripping them tightly.

"I know you didn't kill Mulciber... but he was in bad shape when the aurors got there to arrest him. And Mary was gone?"

Fabian shut his eyes to hide the hurt in them as he said, "Her Partonus vanished as I got to the door. For a moment I thought it had just finished it's task, but then I burst in just as the vow's tether came to life and... and took hers. She was so badly burned. Half her face... her beautiful face..." He took sharp breaths as he relived it. "He took everything from her time and time again, her body, her soul, her freedom, but she kept fighting. Alice said Mary knew who the Guardian was but Mary chose to protect a traitor rather than give them to Death Eaters. A traitor!" He now shouted.

"Easy, Fabe," Gideon whispered and Fabian began to angrily pace.

"I just... I didn't know what to do. I just had to fix it. I've always been able to fix it. I got Alice out of there and made sure she was gone then I went back to Mary and just held her. She was so cold... so ghostly cold. I tried every spell I could fathom but she was.."

"Say it, Fabian. You've got to say it to get past it," Gideon said in a comforting voice.

"Dead... the most brilliant and bravest witch I've ever known was dead," He slumped to the dirt and rest his head against the fence as Gideon moved closer.

"So you're the one who took her to Saint Mungos then?" He asked. "Emmeline heard her body was there. Poor Emmie... she feels so responsible."

"Yes, I wanted to see what they could do for her, but there was nothing to be done. Her soul was gone. Still, I got to sit with her a while there just us two. I got to speak with her as if she could hear me. I told her I was sorry for letting her down... that I wouldn't let her sacrifice be in vain... that I loved her."

"She loved you too, Fabian. I know she did. We all love you too. We've been so worried..."

"I knew if I told you I was here you'd come get me. So did Molly rat me out?"

"You know our sister isn't a snitch. It was Arthur. I checked in at the Ministry to ensure he was ok and he told me you'd been here since that day."

"It peaceful here," Fabian muttered.

"It's easy here," Gideon said. "I won't blame you, ya know. If you want to stay."

"What about the Order?"

"It's your decision, Fabian."

He thought about it a long time before saying, "I know I need to come back. I promised Mary her sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. I'll make sure the Mulciber's of the world are plucked out of it."

"Good man," Gideon smiled.

"And I swear I'll try to be less emotional in the future," Fabian sighed.

"Fabe... I like that you're emotional. I wish I could be more open and honest about how I feel sometimes. Vulnerability isn't weakness. You could have killed Mulciber and you didn't. That shows strength. You came to get help from family when you were at your weakest, that's love." Fabian softly nodded and Gideon stood. "Come on. I want to meet little Ronnie."

"Oh don't call him that," Fabian said as he got up. "Molly doesn't like it. Just Ron."

"Ron, then," Gideon said then examine his brother's face. "No more tears?"

"I've got no more to give honestly."

"If you do, mate... you never have to hide them from me. I know Molly's better at comforting than me, but I never want you to feel you need to hide your tears from me. We're in this together... until the end?"

"Until the end."

Meanwhile at McKinnon Castle...

Sirius' bike came crashing to the ground outside the ruins of McKinnon Castle and skidded to a stop. Marlene climbed from the side care and asked, "Come in and say hello, won't you?"

"I think I'll stay out here. I'm already frustrated I've been inside it before. If those Dark Lord creeps ever searched my mind, they'd know where to find you," he said.

"Do you worry about James and Lily in that way?"

"Of course I do," he nodded. "But it wouldn't come to that. I'd never let it."

"What do you mean?" She asked then her expression softened. "You'd die for them."

Sirius merely shrugged as if the gesture would be no big deal, "James would do it for me."

"I know he would," she said. "But you're right. It won't come to that." Marlene looked back at the castle ruins and said, "Still, I think you should see the place. It's been improved since your last visit."

"You mean when you pinned me to your bed?" He asked with a twinkle in his eye and was please when it earned a bashful smile.

"Angus and I talked at the last meeting," Marlene said. "He said he'd apologized for what he did to you... to us..."

"Well, he's growing up," Sirius mocked.

"So are you," Marlene suggested.

"Did he... say anything else?" Sirius fidgeted with the gear shift on his bike so avoid eye-contact as he wondered if Angus had expressed his opinion to Marlene that Sirius was still in love with her. He couldn't tell if he was relieved or disappointed when she said, "No." He stopped his fidgeting when Marlene rest a hand upon his and he looked up at the Irish witch.

"I never got the chance to thank you for everything, Sirius. That day in Borgin and Burkes, you saved my life. Your words gave me what I needed. You were strong for me even after learning about Regulus and I'm so grateful for that."

"Don't thank me, McKinnon," Sirius muttered. He'd not felt like a great friend to her or to anyone lately as his self-preservation and unwillingness to share his innermost feelings with another kept him isolated. Still, he'd never admit that to her as he said, "You'd do the same for me."

"Ask me that a year ago and I wouldn't be so sure," she chuckled. "But we've come a long way having we?"

"You've come a long way," he emphasized.

"Well... You're not smoking as much as you used to, so I'll count that as a win." That earned a chuckle and her tone shifted to a more solemn one. "Sirius. I know we can't undo what's been done. We've said some things to one another. I've disrespected myself enough by giving you plenty of chances only for you to keep turning me away, however good your intentions may be. Now, though, for the first time I feel good. I've accepted life as it is. I'm ready to play a role in this war with no more fear for this magic of mine. I'm excited to bring my mum home and show her the castle we've rebuilt. I'm eager to get to know Angus and Marvin for maybe the first time as we finally stop hiding so many secrets with one another. I'm in a good place... I want to be in a good place with you too."

"Is anyone every really in a good place with me lately?" He asked with a cocky smile as he leaned back on his bike. "But I get it, McKinnon. You've had enough unwanted surprises for the next few years. You need steadiness. If being your friend will get you that... I'll do my best."

"Well, that's a start then."

"I mean it. Anyone tries to mess with my McKinnon or give her any more unwanted surprises, they can answer to me."

"I think I can finally handle myself, thanks," she said proudly. They exchanged a moment of awkward silence, Sirius feeling tempted to leap from his bike and follow her inside, but Marlene quickly defused it with a sweet and simple kiss on his cheek. "Goodbye, Sirius."

Though he knew he'd see her at the next Order meeting, Sirius felt his heart ache at that simple 'good-bye'. In a way, he knew it was really saying 'I'm moving on' and he had to let her.

"Later, McKinnon." He watched her swiftly move back to the castle, her blond hair streaming down her back as she moved away. He called, "I mean it! No more surprises!"

She turned with a laugh and said, "I'll see what I can do! But you know the universe. Right when we settle down it loves to throw us a curveball." With one more smile, Marlene vanished behind the veil back to her castle home where her brothers were waiting.

Meanwhile at the Werewolf Sanctuary...

The werewolf sanctuary was almost as Remus had left weeks prior, only now the younger occupants had vanished. He also felt unsettled knowing James was standing beside him, having insisted on accompanying him to collect his things.

"So this is it?" James whispered to him as they stood at the base of the hill, the tents towering before them peacefully.

"This is it."

"Peaceful," James nodded in hopes of making his friend feel comfortable. "A big upgrade from the Shreiking Shack, that's for sure," He smiled and pat Remus on the arm. "Come on, let's get your things and get home."

Remus led him silently up the hill and caught moments of James looking at different occupants. "Don't stare, Prongs. They don't like strangers."

"I'm not that strange."

"I beg to differ... lately," Remus huffed.

James glanced at his friend and could read him like a book. "If this is about me being snappy this morning-"

"Not this morning," Remus cut off. "For weeks."

"You're one to talk," James said as he followed Remus into his old tent. "You've been moody Moony since..." he stopped.

"Since my happiness was ripped away?" Remus asked. "Yes, I know."

Luckily, Remus' things had been left undisturbed since his departure and he quickly gathered them all and tucked them into his bag on the cot. James stood guard at the door and said, "This reminds me of when we found out your secret about being a werewolf. We got back from dinner and you were in our room, packing your things. You thought we'd tattle to our parents about you and send you home." James chuckled, his first real laugh for weeks, "You looked so pathetic trying to fit all those chocolate frogs from the Christmas Party into your little bag."

Remus smiled at the memory and looked to James. "I remember. It's when I realized what true friends were... that's what makes what Sirius did to Tabitha so damn hard." He frowned then resumed his packing.

James took a breath and stepped forward. "Remus... true friends are honest with each other, even when the truth is hard."

"Yea? So?" Remus asked over his shoulder. He paused when James said nothing then whirled around to face him. "You agree with him?"

James nodded. "He overstepped... but he was right."

"This is unbelievable. Now I'm being ganged up on."

"Moony, listen to me," James lowered his voice. "That... thing... I met weeks ago had power that couldn't be matched. It-" he choked down his words but forced out. "It scared me. It was the same fear I read in that Ministry file of my Dad's when he wrote to me, begging me not to press into this. I've gone into this thing, wands ablaze, thinking James Potter was indestructible... but I am. So is Sirius. And Lily. And you... all of us. Tabitha loved you Remus, I know she did. But they would have killed her to get to you. Because when you're in love... true love... it only takes one of you getting hurt to bring both of you down."

Remus looked at James stunned. He'd never witness his friend expressing signs of insecurity and yet there was something surprisingly safe and secure about the truth he spoke. He knew he was right. He knew Sirius had been right. "Why can't I forgive him then?" Remus asked.

"Because you won't let yourself. Maybe if you knew she was safe you could, but until then... you just have to trust."

"There's that word again," he sighed then finished gathering his items.

"Well well," Came a voice from the doorway. "Look who came back."

James quickly drew his wand and aimed at the entrance, spotting a dark-haired woman in bohemian clothing, no shoes and and a scar down her jaw, staring into the tent. Remus rest his hand on James' arm to lower the wand as he said, "We don't want trouble, Sam."

"Then why did you come back?" Samari asked. "My husband told you to get lost."

"Is that what he told Fenrir Greyback too?" Remus snapped.

"What?" She muttered. "We didn't let Greyback go!"

"Read The Prophet lately? Your master's been all over London attacking on full moons!"

"Moony," James whispered. "Is this the woman you told me about? The one that runs the camp?" When Remus nodded he said, "Then maybe we should ask her to accompany us to Madeye's, seeing how he's worked with spies like hers before."

"That man," she hissed, "Can keep him and his Aurors out of our camp." She said. James started to ask how she was familiar with Madeye when he caught sight of a little girl peeking around her mother's skirts. "Chandra," Samari gasped. "What are you doing out of the house?!"

"You.. have a child?" Remus asked and instantly noticed Samari's harsh exterior fade.

Samari scooped up her daughter, about three-years-old, and clung to her, "Just leave. Leave our camp and leave us alone, please!" The plea in her voice was sincere and Remus instantly recognized his fault and realized there may be more to the Chawala's than it had seemed.

"Sam?" Called the familiar voice of her husband as he entered the tent. "I'm sorry," he stroked his daughter's head. "She got away from me when I was-" He froze at the sight of the visitors, "You again!"

"James," Remus sighed, "Meet Sam's husband. An inigma if ever there was one." James however, was focused on the man who had just entered the tent. His eyes looked shocked. "James?"

"I know you already," James muttered.

"What?" The man huffed. "No you don't. You-"

"I saw you in the hall at Hogwarts. I was walking back from the Quidditch pitch after practice and you were leaving Dumbledores office... with your sister. If I'm not mistaken, you'd come to pick her up because your father had died the night prior."

"Well you are mistaken," he said quickly. "Because that wasn't me."

Remus spoke up at he realized, "That's what you meant when you said I wasn't the only person affected by Greyback. You were too. He killed your father. It's why you worried when you thought I worked for him and inspected my wand."

"You're Atticus Óg McKinnon," James asked.

"You don't know what you're talking about," he huffed but paused when his wife took his hand.

"Atticus," she whispered. "It's no use."

Nobody spoke a word, wondering who would make the next move when the moment was interrupted by the patronus of a doe, whisking in beside James and Lily's voice whispering to him. "Hogwarts. Now..."

It then vanished and Remus looked to James confused. "Everything alright?"

"No," James panicked as he considered Lily's contractions. "I don't think so." He quickly checked his watch, nowhere near midnight yet, and his heart began to race. "We have to go. I'll use the mirror to tell Sirius. He should be done dropping off Marlene now."

"Marlene?" Atticus perked up at her name and took a step towards them.

"Yes. Your sister that you abandoned," Remus snapped and slung his bag on his shoulder. "Your sister who almost died a few weeks ago."

"What are you talking about?" He asked concerned.

"I'm talking about the family you've run off and left," Remus said. "Hiding in this camp for whatever reason."

"Lupin," Atticus said, "There are things you don't know."

"I know my family needs me right now," He said. He gave James solid nod and a pat on the shoulder then glanced back to the eldest McKinnon to say, "And unlike you, I'm going to be there for them. Let's go James."

And with that, Remus walked away from the picture of what his life could have been. Abandoning his family, hiding in a tent, using excuses to push others away. He wouldn't make that mistake again. Tabitha or no Tabitha, Guardian or not, War or Peace... he'd be there for his friends, even if he felt some of them weren't always there for him. Because that is true love.

Shortly After at Hogwarts...

Lily's water had broken around 2pm and Kip didn't hesitate to rush her to the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts and the caring hands of Madame Pomfrey. School was out, so there was no need to use the passages to get in at Remus and James raced through the halls. Sirius wasn't far behind after getting word from James, keeping an eye out for any Death Eaters in Hogsmede.

Lily lay on the cot, sweating and aching as James held tightly to her hand. The worst of her pain had passed and now she was coming around, opening her eyes and seen the three boys and an elf over her. The first words she muttered where, "Is it over?"

"No darling," James said gently and stroked her head, "I'm afraid it's only just started."

"Bollocks," she sighed and leaned her head back.

"There's my girl," he leaned forward and kissed her forehead then whispered. "Any chance you can hang on until midnight?"

"You're the one who couldn't keep it in your pants a few more hours," she muttered back to him. "I wanted to just cuddle but nooooo, Potter had to have his movie moment of ripping my wedding dress off and having me then and there."

"You're the one who wanted to have the wedding at 2am," he clapped back.

Remus glanced to madame Pomfrey as she hustled in and said, "Should they be bickering? Can't be good for the baby, can it?"

"Are you suggesting these two have another way of communication?" she grumbled then shooed them back from the bed.

Remus glanced around the Hospital wing and leaned in to whisper to Sirius, "Where's Wormtail?"

Sirius followed suit by glancing about then giving Remus a confused glance as he realized the young boy was missing.

"He may still be at the house," Lily gasped as another contraction came. "Everything happened so fast. Kip got me out of there. I didn't have time to find Peter. Agh!"

"Breathe, Evans!" James said and gripped her hand. "Breathe."

"Mr. Potter," Pomfrey said. "I need to examine Lily to see how far along she is. Could you please escort your friends out?"

"We'll go, Prongs," Remus said as he moved towards the door. "You stay with Lily."

"No," James said. "No I'll leave you to it, Poppy."

"James?" Lily refused to release his hand.

"I need to go find, Dumbledore. You just hang in there. I'll be right back. Don't have the baby until I get back, yea?"

"Is this another plot to keep me in this state until midnight?" She asked as she caught her breath.

"Even I'm not capable of a prank that cruel," He kissed her atop the head once more and said, "I'll be right back."

The boys moved outside and the moment the door shut James sprung into action, "Sirius, guard the door. Remus, go get the Marauder's Map from where we hid it at Christmas and keep an eye on these corridors. I'm going to find Dumbledore. Maybe he'd be willing to put some additional protection charms on the castle."

"Not that it matters," Sirius said, "Because she's going to make it to midnight. It's all going to be ok, James."

"I know," he said but the tremor in his voice betrayed him. "I know."

Meanwhile...

Peter stood once more outside the Belgravia flat and checked over his shoulder before knocking a series of times in a specific pattern as he'd been instructed. The door creaked open and Victor Crabbe peered out. "Ah, Peter," he opened the door fully and ushered him in. The house had been cleaned up since Peter's last visit and Mr. Crabbe appeared less disheveled in both body and spirit. The man escorted Peter into the side room that had also been polished back to its former glory, albeit still sparse, and motioned for the couch.

"Where's little Vince?" Peter asked.

"I've had his nurse take him out for a walk." Crabbe replied.

"It's good to see you doing so well, sir."

"It's good to simply see you, Peter. I'd begun to worry you weren't coming. Your owls had started to dwindle."

"Well you know I can only send them when I'm near a public floo. Last time Remus sent an owl from a safe house it was traced back to us."

"I understand, Peter," Crabbe said as he sat and the enchanted teapot began to pour them each a cup on the table between them. "It takes time to build trust. I'm just glad you've been writing me at least, and considering Mr. Forrestor's offer."

"Is he... still coming?" Peter gulped.

"He should be here shortly. Any news you wish to share with me while we wait?" He said hopefully.

"More just questions," He mumbled. "Can you explain this?" He reached into his pocket and pulled a folded bit of parchment from it. He carefully opened it to reveal James' sketch of Voldemort.

Crabbe sat upright in his chair as if Voldemort himself stood before them and muttered, "Glorious, isn't he?"

Peter was unsettled with the sudden switch in demeanor. "Glorious... or Scary?"

"It's ok to be scared, Peter."

"This isn't the Voldemort I met, but it's the one James saw. How could I ever hope to tell James that this is the future when it walks around looking like that?"

"Do not disrespect the Dark Lord, boy!" Crabbe shouted and shot from his chair. Peter cowered into its cushions as any semblance of the humble executor vanished and only a violent Death Eater stood before him. Still, Crabbe took a breath to compose himself, slicked back his black and grey hairs, and sat back down. "Forgive me, Peter. It's just that, you don't understand the power of the Dark Lord yet. He may seem dark in appearance, but sometimes the most troublesome foes are the ones who look the most normal."

Peter contemplated that for a moment as he stared at the drawing then said, "Speaking of... There's something I've been waiting to ask... perhaps because I don't want to know the answer..."

"Yes?" Crabbe leaned back as a house elf teetered in with a trey of biscuits.

"The day my father died... we were at the Black house for a party." Peter said.

Crabbe thought over for a moment and considered before his expression saddened. "Oh, yes." He shut his eyes tightly as he recalled. "I'm so sorry, Peter. I'd forgotten. But yes, we were. I had hoped that party would introduce your parents to notable families to help them along their way. Orion Black decided that wouldn't be permissible."

"Because I'm a halfblooded?"

"Because nobody knows for sure if your father... your birth father... was muggle or not."

"So then why should I think that Max Forrestor really wants my help?" Peter asked, "If I'm just a pathetic nobody?"

"Max has shared a few things with me, to help me entrust you to him. He's a pureblood, but his father wanted to be a muggle more than anything. He rejected magic and everyone with it, including Max."

"Why would he tell you that?" Peter asked as he slurped his tea. "Doesn't strike me as a person that enjoys sharing his private life."

"Because he knows I feel some responsibility for you, Peter. I believe you can be everything the prophecy has suggested, I do. I think Lord Voldemort is the future. But, for the sake of my dear departed friend Hector, I'm not willing to throw you into the hands of someone like Forrestor without assurance you won't be taken advantage of."

"If you really cared then why did you let my mother rot in that padded room?" Peter snapped.

Crabbe froze, mid-raised teacup in his hand, then set it down and said, "I'm sorry, Peter. I told you the years after your father died I was destroyed. I scrambled to recover my business and had no idea what had become of you or Twilagh after the Estate Sale. I knew you had each other though. By the time I found out about the way Hecotr's brother was managing the estate, I was already married and working for the Dark Lord. Then my wife died and..." He looked down sadly into his teacup before finishing with, "Rest assured that I have your best interests at heart now."

"My friends always acted like they have my best interests at heart too... but then they treat me like I'm invisible. Sirius always said the only person you can trust is yourself. So why should I trust Max?" Peter asked.

"For the same reason I trust him, Peter," Crabbe grinned softly, "Because he'll get me where I want to be."

Just then there was a quick knock at the door but before the elf could even grant access, it flung open and Max sauntered in. Peter stiffened in his seat, feeling as if he should aim his wand or run and then remembering he'd willingly stepped into this meeting. Max ripped off his trench coat and tossed it on the elf before walking in. "Well, Peter!" He grinned. "Happy end of July."

Peter instantly felt regret at that statement as he worried the only motivation behind his invitation was to gain information on the Chosen One. His fears weren't eased when Max added, "Any new bundles of joy come into the world yet? We've had a precious little lump start joining us at meetings," he scowled.

"Malfoy's isn't that fussy," Crabbe defended.

"Please," Max huffed and plopped himself down in the armchair beside Peter, kicking his legs onto the coffee table, "It's as whiney as its father. And what kind of a name is Draco?"

"It means dragon, I think," Peter whispered.

"Some dragon," Max scoffed then turned his attention onto Peter. "So then, Peter. What names have the Longbottoms or Potters come up with for their little infants?"

"I... I didn't come here to talk about them," he said quickly. "I'm here because you said you could help end this war and take care of this Guardian prophecy. Not betray my friends."

"I'd think after your recollection of the Black house, you'd not consider them your friends anymore," Crabbe pointed out then slurped his tea.

"Lily and James have done nothing wrong. Lily especially has always treated me kindly. I just want them left alone." Peter said quickly.

"And we don't want to hurt them either, Peter," Max lied cooly.

"Well what about Mary?" Peter asked.

"Who?" Max gruntedd and sipped his tea.

"Mary MacDonald. She worked in Barty Crouch's office. She's dead!"

"Oh yea," Max grunted. "Mulciber's whore. What an idiot."

"She made a choice, Peter," Crabbe said in a more sensitive tone. "As did Padraig. He was foolish to use our cause for his own lustful endeavors and it's cost him his freedom and her life. We don't want you in that position. It's why we called you here today. If you truly don't wish to be the Guardian, then Max can take on the burden for you."

"You can do that?" Peter asked. "Just take it away?"

"I was a bit cast out at first breath too, kid. I'm alone in this world without my brother. I could go before Voldemort and claim to be the Guardian. You'll reveal my name to that old coot Dumbledore. That way, everyone will understand why you pulled the sphere from the Ministry. You'll be seen as the savior who discovered the Guardian. I'll take on the responsibility to Voldemort and you and your friends can stay exactly the same. You'll go back to just being Peter."

Peter thought about it a long while. The words 'just Peter' echoed in his mind and Crabbe and Max exchanged a smirk at one another when they saw his expression.

"Something wrong Peter?"

"So you're saying, I'd not have any purpose anymore... in this war?"

"That's right. But isn't that what you want?" Max asked. "Don't you want that burden of responsibility lifted? You don't want to make the hard choices. You don't know where your loyalties lie yet and that's fine. After all, we don't want you ending up like that... what was her name? Martha?" He laughed. "Or was it Mary? I have to admit, she's already being forgotten so easily. But as the Guardian, You'd be remembered forever."

Peter clutched his teacup with such furor that it began to slightly crack. "If... If I do this... and my friends decide to resist Voldemort in the end... I'll be a traitor."

"Aren't you already?" Max huffed. "Do you really care about them, Peter?"

"Of course I do!" Peter shouted and stood quickly.

Max, unphased, took a sip of his tea then asked, "How's Delaney then?"

"What... what do you mean?" Peter blinked.

"Her wand," Max muttered the smacked his lips at the tea. "I gave it to you weeks ago. You know how to find her with it... so how is she?" Peter didn't response and Max smirked. He set down his cup and stood, towering over Peter. "You haven't gone after her because you don't want her back. You don't want your friend Remus to be with someone other than you. All you want is your friends to have their worlds revolve around you and you alone. Now you're world is changing. Potter is going to have a kid. You're remembering that Black isn't the man he's cracked up to be, so all that's left is your dedicated friend Remus who would run off into the sunset with that Irish witch the first moment he had."

"That's not true," Peter stammered.

"Then why haven't you gone to save her, Peter?" Max asked, and when Peter didn't answer he added, "Because you believe in self-preservation. You prioritize only yourself." He rested a cold hand on Peter's shoulder and said. "There is nothing to be ashamed of in that, Peter."

Peter shuttered at his touch, looked up at Max and considered the months that had past. He recalled how quickly he was dismissed by everyone, how James had snapped at him, the smirk on Sirius' face when he belittled him. His thoughts were broken when Crabbe spoked up and said, "The lads will stay loyal to you if they're true friends, Peter. They'll come with you to the right side of this war. Well... maybe not Black. He's had that offering time and again by his family. But then again, I don't think you'd want Sirius on your side after what you've learned. The boy responsible for all your shortcomings in life shouldn't have the glory should he?"

"No," Peter answered surprisingly fast, "He shouldn't."

"So then... what's it to be, Peter?" Max asked. "Pass the Guardian title to me, or let me help you become the one who will change history?"

Something changed in Peter the more and more Max coaxed his imagination. Finally he glanced into the dark brown eyes of the older man and said, "What must I do?"

Back at Hogwarts...

James entered the room of requirement only to find it empty, save for a familiar looking sofa in the center of the room. He'd searched Dumbledore's office and found it empty, then searched the castle for what felt like forever, checking the Room of Requirement before resorting to finding Remus with the map. He took a few beats of the silence to collect himself when he heard the door open.

"Professor?" He turned quickly in hopes of seeing the headmaster, but instead a wheelchair rolled into the room. James was taken aback at the sight of Theseus Scammander. He looked frail and weak, his body barely moving as his enchanted wheelchair moved him forward. "Why, James. I thought you knew meetings have been suspended."

"Hello Sir. I know they have," James said as he found his voice amid the shock of seeing his professor in this shape. "I'm actually just looking for Dumbledore. What are you doing in here.?

"Oh just came to collect my thoughts," he said but appeared almost sad at the statement. "I can't find a single nook of this castle that the sympathy cards and candies can't find me. Speaking of which, he leaned back to allowed a floating bit of candy floss levitate from his pocket and towards James. "Candy Cloud? Hufflepuff's head girl gifted me a bag of it before the end of term but it's too sweet for me."

James smirked and grabbed the strawberry flavored sugar clump, swallowing it whole as he sat on the sofa and nervously tapped his foot. Theseus continued to look at the room. It had no windows, as usual, but seemed lighter and warmer than their usual meeting room as if it was a sunroom, with a welcoming glow that made Theseus as warm as if a fireplace crackled beside him. The sofa atop which James sat seemed familiar to Theseus.

"Did you require a different space?" James asked as he recognized Scammandars eyes wondering.

"Hmm? Oh no. Just quiet." He thought of some way to lighten the mood as James was obviously in one. "Are you here alone, James?"

"No sir. Lily's in labor, I'm afraid."

"Afraid? Most new father's would be overjoyed."

"Given the circumstances, it's a lot to ask of anyone in my shoes to be overjoyed." He grumbled.

"What is it you're really saying, James?" Theseus asked at the risk of overstepping.

James pondered that for a moment before finally admitting his greatest fear. "I... I can't do this, sir."

"Never thought I'd hear a Potter say those words. What would your father say?"

"My old man had decades to get ready to have a child. This... this isn't where I thought I would be at this stage of life."

"So, you don't want to be a father?" Scammander asked.

"Of course I do! That's not what I meant. I just... don't know if I'll be a very good one. I just wish I had some assurance that the kid will be ok."

"Well you certainly have an army ready to protect him."

"That's just the thing. A newborn shouldn't need protecting by an army. It needs a bottle and nap time and that's it." He sighed. "I guess what happened to Mary just got me worked up again."

"Only Mary?" When James didn't answer, Scammander added, "Albus told me of your confrontation with Voldemort."

"Have you met him, sir?" James looked into the eyes of his teacher desperately for some guidance.

"Yes, but not Voldemort specifically or the man he once was," Theseus said. "But I've met evil in many forms during my years. So has Albus."

"I met evil first hand, that's for sure. It was... the most terrifying thing I've ever experienced. To think that thing... wants to go after my family? Already has gone after my family! My parents were good people, Professor! What threat could my mother have posed to deserve what she got? When Snape told me what he'd done I wanted to wring his pathetic neck!" James scowled. "When Voldemort called my wife a Mudblood I wanted to kill him too, but he was too powerful. Dumbledore is strong. He fought Grindelwald. Everyone has heard about his historic battle with one of the strongest Dark Wizards of the day, but he won't go after someone who apparently used to be a subordinate of my father? An intern no less! Why can't he just take him out and end this war!? I'd do myself if I could!"

Scammander let James rant, knowing it was a culmination of feelings bottled up for weeks. When he was done he said, "James, if Voldemort fell tomorrow, his followers wouldn't go anywhere. If anything, they'd grow more desperate. Evil is at the core of something inside all of us, James. Selfishness. Hunger. Greed. What we are facing now is nothing I've seen before, but it also is nothing new. Voldemort has played on people's greed and anger. He's using it to fuel his cause and he grows stronger every day. If you don't believe me, just take a look at me."

James finally took a good look. Scammander had been the picture of health for over nine decades and how he looked older and more frail than the Ghost Binns himself.

"This is Voldemort's doing, isn't it?" James asked as he motioned to the man.

Scammander nodded, "I always joked about how Voldemort had cursed my position out of revenge, but never believed it. Accidents happened, sometimes bad ones, but I'd seen worse in my youth as an Auror. Sometimes Minnie even joked that the real curse was having you four boys in my class all at once with your shenanigans. Then I got involved with the Order, rather publicly when I worked to remove the old Minister from office. Shortly after that, I was practicing some rather advanced magic, things I wanted to show The Order, and it backfired. The spell cursed me like a cancer and has been draining me since. It's then that I knew Voldemort had done something to strength hiself. His magic is growing stronger and stronger. My body has served as a gage on which to measure Voldemort's power for some time. I was paralyzed within two weeks, and my body has been slipping sense then. I'm only angry I lost time to teach you everything."

"Teach us everything? Sir you've taught us spells that have saved our lives! You reminded us what it means to be a team and to be there for one another." James stood and said, "Let me get Madame Pomfrey for you. I'm sure she'll have something."

"James, Poppy is busy with your wife. Besides, she gives me the most disgusting medicines." He smiled weakly but caught James' expression. "Life is about balance, James. You're about to say hello to a new child. So you must say goodbye to an old friend."

"To be honest, Professor, I've had my fill of goodbye's for a lifetime." He paused a moment before asking, "Do you trust Dumbledore, sir? I just feel like he knows more than he lets on sometimes."

"Dumbledore usually lives with the burden of knowing more than he wishes. He can seem contradictory at times, I know, because he continues to learn things that perhaps you aren't ready to hear. All I can say his this, James. When Dumbledore does give you advice, you must take it."

Just then the door opened and Remus peeked in, "Prongs?"

James recognized the frantic expression on his face, "Is it..."

"She's ready now mate. I'm sorry. I don't think she's going to make it to midnight."

"Go James," Scammander said. "Go to your wife. Be together. I'll be here," he closed his eyes and whispered, "With Leeta."

"Leeta sir?" James asked confused.

Scammander didn't reply, but a soft smile sat on his face as James heard Remus urge him on. James just grabbed the blanket from the couch and carefully wrapped it over his sleeping Proffessor then raced towards the door. As he started to close it, he heard Scammander mutter half asleep, "I'm glad I was your mission that night, James."

"So am I professor," James grinned, "Rest well." He then closed the door and ran up the hall with Remus as Scammander drifted into a peaceful sleep.

It had been hours of pushing, crying and screaming, but the little Potter had not arrived. Remus and Sirius paced outside the Hospital wing while James stayed by his wife's side. Sirius eagerly checked his watch, hoping that time would move faster. When Remus spotted him he said, "Well?"

"Not even 5pm," he sighed.

"At least we're at Hogwarts," Remus said. "Alice was so exposed having her son at Saint Mungos."

"They had every Auror they could get guarding the place because little Nedwin or whatever the name is they invented came on time. Lily's kid has to come early."

"So now it's just Lily's kid?" Remus asked.

"When it screws up and decides to come a week early, yes!" Sirius snapped. "And I'll be sure to tell it that when it's old enough to understand." He shoved his hands in his pockets and Sirius spotted a smirk on Remus face. "What?"

"Just the thought of you being a disciplinarian. It's sort of a comical picture."

"Yea, I guess it is. Maybe I'll just be the fun uncle and you can be the strict one."

"You think I'd know the first thing about raising a kid?" Remus laughed.

"Sure Moony. You'd be a great dad." Sirius said. "And you'll be a splendid Uncle. The kid's going to love you."

"Thanks, Padfoot," Remus said. "You'll be a grand god-father too."

They waited to see who would be the first to speak up when Sirius finally said, "Moony... about Delaney-" But Sirius' attempt at an apology was stopped when he caught sight of Peter racing up the hallways. "About time! Wormtail, where have you... good Godric!" He was stunned to see Peter's face bruised, his lip cut and his arm gashed as he made his way towards them. The plump bloke fell toward them out of exhaustion and Remus caught him, holding him close.

"Wormtail, what happened!?"

"I... solved the Prophecy," he panted. "I went after the Guardian. It's Forrestor. I tried to get him but he was too strong."

"You're insane, Wormtail," Sirius whispered. "Why would you go after a Death Eater alone?"

"It couldn't wait! I knew Lily has been having contractions. I noticed it this morning. When I realized the prophecy was talking about Forrestor, I knew I had no time to spare to stop him in case Lily went into labor. I couldn't have him come after my friends," Peter ranted.

"Padfoot," Remus looked up, "Go get some potion from Pomfrey's cabinet. There is a little bottle in there that will pep him up. It's on the top shelf in a red bottle. Hurry up."

Sirius obliged and hurried into the hospital wing.

"We've got you Peter, don't worry."

"I was too late, Remus... I'm sorry."

"No," Remus shook his head. "You weren't too late. You're safe and Lily is safe. I'm sorry we didn't believe you. You were right. You found the Guardian."

"No... I mean..." Peter reached into his pocket and pulled out what as left of a Celtic wand. It had been snapped and splintered far beyond repair this time. He dropped it into Remus' hand. "I tried to get it, but I was too late. I'm so sorry."

"Tabitha's wand," Remus muttered and held it tightly. He didn't know if he should be thrilled that she was safe from Max's trace or filled with dread that he couldn't find her now, but he pushed the idea away as he tucked the wand into his coat pocket. It rested against his chest and the feeling of its engraved stem made him feel close to her, for just one moment more. "You tried, Peter."

"There's more," he whispered.

"No, let's get you inside and into a cot first."

"No!" He grabbed Remus by the shirt collar, "Sirius can't hear this! Remus, you can't trust him."

"What? What are you talking about?" Remus lowered his voice.

"Before Max got away from me, he said he was working with someone."

"Yes," Remus scowled, "Greyback."

"Not Greyback! Remus something was odd about the night of the Lestrange attack. They predicted our every move. The only way they got James to follow them was by having leverage. By having Sirius! He could have apparated out of his home but he took the floo."

"Peter, you're not suggesting-"

"How did Max know about the Delaney prophecy, Remus? And then Sirius was the one who told her to go so she could survive? The Death Eaters need her alive!"

"Wormtail, this is madness."

"Think of the Ministry, Remus. Who was the one who got caught on Christmas Eve so that the Death Eaters had the upper hand?"

"... Sirius," Remus recalled.

"It was my destiny to unlock the prophecy and I have. Max Forrestor is Guardian of Voldemort, but he's not doing it alone. There is a traitor amongst us. You can't trust him, Remus... you can't trust Sirius."

The door opened again and Remus jumped as Sirius ran out with the potion. "Here you go mate." He kneeled in front of Peter and extended the potion to him while Remus clutched his coat pocket, feeling the wand inside it as a reminder of what Sirius had done to him.

"You having a heart attack or something Moony?" Sirius asked.

Remus didn't answer, he just gave a conflicted glance towards his friends and shook his head.

Peter declined entering the hospital wing and rested his head against the wall from his seat on the floor while Remus and Peter resumed their pacing. It was a quarter to seven when the screams started again. It was agonizing to hear as the boys wished their friend would be relieved of her pain. Their wishes were quickly granted when the sound of a baby crying echoed through the halls.

Remus, Sirius and Peter rushed to the door to listen but didn't enter. They waited patiently until the door cracked open and Kip poked his head out with a happy smile.

"Master's Harrys is here's!" He cheered.

"It's... a boy?" Sirius asked.

"Yes, Masters Sirius. It's a boys."

Inside, James had crawled into bed with Lily after taking great care to help her get comfortable and clean, holding a cold compress to her head. She stirred as the room stopped spinning and grabbed James by the hand. "Where is he?"

"Poppy's cleaning him up. Oh, Lily you did brilliant. He's amazing!"

"Is it midnight?" She asked quickly.

James frowned and said, "No, love. No. But that makes no difference. Because we're together and safe. Nobody is going to touch a hair on his head. We will see to that."

"Yes," she whispered. "Yes we will." She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "So now that I'm not pregnant anymore, are you going to stop being so nice to me?"

"Oh of course," he chuckled. "I've been keeping a list of pranks and nags to get back to as soon as you were done carrying my child. Starting with a ten page lecture on, 'What the hell were you thinking going to Snivillus' house?'"

"Only ten pages?" She smiled.

James looked down at her and said, "Godric, you're gorgeous. Thank you for picking me, Evans. I love you, so much."

"I love you too, James Potter." She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his fingers as Pomfrey entered again holding their child.

"Here he is," James whispered.

Lily sat up eagerly and held out her arms for him. The bundle was put in her hands and she caressed him carefully as James wrapped his wife and child in an embrace.

"Hello, little one," Lily said. "Your Mummy loves you."

"Daddy loves you," James added as he tapped the tiny hand with his finger and the child wrapped his fingers around it. "Look at that grip. He'll be a natural with a broom. And he's got your eyes."

"How can you tell?" Lily said as she stared at her child in fascination. "His eyes are closed."

"Because if he knows what's good for him, he will have selected the prettiest eyes from the pair of us." James said and kissed the top of Lily's head.

"I've been thinking," Lily said and James smiled as if he already knew what she would say. "Henry is an awfully formal name."

"Mhmm," James said.

"And I've always hated the nickname Hank which I'm sure they'll call him, so what if we went with..." she glanced up at him.

"The day Kip said it, I knew it sounded right too," James said. "Like it was the name of a friend I'd always known but never met."

Just then the door cracked open and Sirius called. "We're dying out here!"

"Get in here, you muckers," James said. He beamed with pride as his friends entered. "Lads... this is Harry." Everyone grinned and Kip beamed.

"Harry," Remus smiled as he said the name. "It's a perfect name."

Sirius walked a bit timidly towards him and tried to mask it by saying, "He's not going to puke on me or anything is he?"

"Just get over here, godfather," James sighed and yanked Sirius over by his sleeve. He turned to Peter, glad to see him arrived but his face fell at the sight of his bruised face. Peter just lifted his finger to his lips and mouthed, "I'm ok," then lingered back to allow Remus and Sirius to approach the baby.

"Harry Potter," Sirius said and rest his hand on top of the child's head. "Godric, Evans. This just came out of your-"

"Sirius," Lily warned. "I know you crack jokes when you're nervous but now isn't the time."

Sirius turned a bit red at that and smiled at her before looking back to the baby. "Hello, Harry. I'm your god-dad. Now, I'm not entirely sure what that means, but I'd figure we could sort that out together... if that's ok with you."

"It's ok with him," Lily said to Sirius.

"And I'm your..." Remus hesitated then said, "Well... I'm Remus. Hi."

"You're uncle Remus will always have chocolate ready for you, little one. Promise me, Remus," Lily asked and looked at him to insist on it.

"I promise, Lily. Whenever he needs it," Remus agreed.

"And I'm Misters Kip!" the elf said followed by nothing else. He just was thrilled to be included in this moment.

"Do you want to hold him?" Lily asked Sirius when she caught him unable to take his eyes from the baby.

"I'd like to," Remus quickly said before Sirius could answer, still a bit unnerved by what Peter had said. Lily obliged and passed the little joy to Remus.

And in that Hospital wing, just a few hour remaining in the end of July, another member was born into the Order of the Pheonix. Like the others in the room, his name would go down in history, perhaps the most famous of the lot. Nobody knew the next year that would await them. they knew not what the next move of the Order would be as a pair of parents welcomed their children into the world who could pose threats to the Dark Lord. At this moment, they were simply a family. This child was not a Chosen One. He was Harry... just Harry Potter, son of Lily and James, grandson to the late Euphemia and Fleamont Potter, Tom and Rosalie Evans, and a beacon of hope for this tiny faction.

Up the hall, Theseus Scammander would not wake from his slumber as the curse took its final toll upon his heart. At the same moment he drew his last breath, Fawkes the Pheonix also crumbled into ash in Dumbledore's office. As Harry cried his first tears, the little Pheonix would poke his beak from the ashes, born again.

One could say that Fawkes wasn't the only rebirth that evening at Hogwarts. For Peter Pettigrew, as he watched the picture of the family in envy, made a choice that night. He'd struck his deal with Max in order to pull suspicion from himself in hopes that one day he could convert his friends to the dark side, but regardless of their choice... he had made his. He accepted his fate as the true Guardian, and there was no turning back. While he did hope to spare his friends from the wrath of Voldemort, especially Lily who had always showed him kindness, there would be no mercy for Sirius. In Peter's mind, he had betrayed him that day thirteen years ago when he laughed at the sight of the Pettigrews being tossed from the Black house into the very street where Peter's life as he knew it would end.

As the day grew later, the Potter faction rotated shifts guarding the exterior halls to allow others the chance to rest. It was around two in the morning when Lily heard Harry stir in the crib beside her and she pushed herself from the bed with a yawn. "Shhhh, I'm coming. Hungry again already are we?" But as she reached the fussy baby, she tilted her head in confusion at what appeared to be a note tucked beside him in the crib. Lily looked up and checked the room. Peter's bed was empty as he was on duty guarding the halls and the others slept soundly except for Remus who was only half asleep, kept partly awake by Peter's warnings.

"Lily?" he whispered, "You ok?"

"Oh yes," Lily nodded. "Any trouble?"

"No visitors that I've seen or heard," he yawned then smiled. "All is well."

"Good. Go back to sleep. I'm just going to nurse Harry."

Remus slayed back down and rolled over to offer her privacy, but still not sleeping as his mind raced.

Lily lifted the parchment from Harry's crib and unfolded the message.

"Lily," it read. "Your intuition is more than you can comprehend. Do not underestimate it. Harry is your sole responsibility now. Trust no-one." The note was signed by Dumbledore with a quick P.S. that offered her and James congratulations, but the sentiment did nothing to ease her nerves and that night, she held her only son a bit tighter.

The Adventure Continues with Book Three: Dawn of Ashes

A/N: Thank you for reading. I love seeing that the book is picking up new readers, but I'd also love to know what you thing. Please review this book. I know it was full of a LOT of information, so I want to zero in on the characters you love the most in Book 2. There is still so much to explore with the McKinnons, Malfoy's and so many more. What plot mystery are you eager to uncover? Let me know in the comments or reviews!