Lily and James: a Journey to the end

Some of you may have read my first fic in progress, "Last year and last chance". Don't worry I will continue writting that one. But I wanted to start a shorter fic about James and Lily after their wedding and the road to bringing baby Harry into the picture. I hope you enjoy this as I know I will enjoy writting it. I write as I go along, so please hang in there with me. Read and review.

*******

She stood in the bathroom with the door locked as she waited for the results. Her nerves got the better of her and the anticipation was just too much. She had no idea what to expect. Would it be ‘yes’ or ‘no’, and even so, would she be ready. This would be a terribly large responsibility even for her. She pulled back her red hair into a pony tail and rung her hands together to some what occupy herself. Then she jumped. There was a knock at the bathroom door.

“Yeah Lily, are you alright in there? You’ve been in there for a while now.” Her husband of a year and a couple of months called her.

Lily loved James, with all of her heart. Their whole first year together was perfect, except for the war that went on around them everyday. She had a lingering fear that ate her insides every time he left the house to go to work. His work was very important, and very dangerous. They both worked for the Order of the Phoenix against the dark side. Whenever she set out to do her duty and help, she would be afraid. That was understandable, anyone would be afraid, yet she was most scared for his sake.They were practically still newlyweds after all. And now, Lily had a feeling she might be expecting a new addition to the family. This thought thrilled her and scared her at the same time.

“Yes James, I’m fine. Do you need something?” She answered after a short pause. Her voice was a bit shaky and she wasn’t so sure that she sounded to convincing.

“Well, I kind of need to get in there. Can you open the door?”

“I will be just a second, ok?”

“Lils, I need to take a shower so I can get to the ministry. I don’t want to be late.”

“I know. Just wait a minute will you?”

“What are you doing in there anyway?”

“Using the bathroom, what else?”

“Well let me in then.”

“James, I am busy.”

“It’s not like I haven’t seen everything already.”

“Hold on.”

“Aloh—“

“Don’t even think about using alohamora on this door, James Potter.”

“Finally, it’s about time.” James said when his wife exited the bathroom.

Lily walked out of the bathroom and went straight to her bed. She laid back on it and stared at the ceiling. Her face was unreadable and she had thousands of thoughts flooding her mind.

‘I still feel like I just got out of Hogwarts and now I am about to start a family. I have no earthly clue how to raise a child. Who in their right mind would bring a child into the world at a time such as this? I’m just getting used to married life, I just got used to being Mrs. Potter. Not to mention, how in the world am I going to explain this to James? I don’t even remember him talking about having children. I am sure he would want some someday, but now?’ Her mind was reeling with ‘what ifs’ that she almost didn’t even notice James come back into the room from his shower.

“Hey, I got to go now,” he said kissing her on the forehead.

“Ok.”

“Are not going to work? Do you feel ok?”

“Oh...yeah. I will get going in a minute. I just need time to collect myself.”

“Are you sure you feel alright? Weren’t you sick yesterday morning?”

“I was just a bit queasy, that’s all. I will be ok. Go ahead before you get any more late.”

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James grabbed his things and apperaited to the Ministry of Magic Department, where he worked as an Auror. Once he left Lily felt a sudden loneliness and guilt. He was worried about her and even thought she might be sick, yet she didn’t set him straight and tell him what she thought was really going on with her. Though it was still early and she didn’t even know if the test worked, it was from a muggle store after all, she still felt guilty for not informing him.

Lily would need to be absolutely positive about the whole situation. She would need to set an appointment with a doctor or medi-wizard or even a healer to find out. She wanted to know if she was or if she wasn’t, and if she was, she wanted to know how far along she was pregnant.

But sitting around here in her nightdress wouldn’t solve anything, or get her any answers. She still had to get up and get ready for work.

***********

James stepped away from the apperation point just in time to miss an incoming witch. Things were busy here as normal. James was used to that by now. He hoisted his bag over his shoulder more securely and started down the noisy hallway. Paper airplanes with urgent messages on them were flying fervently about the place. Witches and wizards were bustling about clearly on important duties. And this was considered a slow day for the Aurors on this floor.

James passed cubicles and offices until finally he got to the small office near the back that he shared with his best mate. When he entered, Sirius was already poring over a stack of files. . He had his long dark hair falling into his grey eyes and his brows where scrunched up in concentration, as he mumbled to his self.

“You know Padfoot, you should really consider the advice I gave you about getting a nice pair of these bad boys.” James said as he tapped his glasses with his wand.

“Well I would if it didn’t mean it would affect my love life. The ladies don’t like the four eyes look as much as they used to.” Sirius said in mock seriousness, he still had his head down toward his work and a small smirk played across his lips.

“And it’s about time you got here.” He added finally looking up.

“Yeah well, Lily likes my new glasses. She says they make me look intelligent. And since when do you have a love life?”

“She married you before you got those glasses, besides; she has to say that, she’s your wife. I, on the other hand, tell it like it is. And my love life is my business.” Sirius added with a wink.

“Well, speaking of Lily, sorry I’m late. She was hogging the bathroom all morning.”

“You’ll say anything to get some extra shut eye, won’t you Prongs?”

“Ha, really. I didn’t over sleep today.”

“You better be glad I covered for you Prongsie. Mad eye is really getting harder on us these days. You should make sure you get here early tomorrow, I don’t know if I can cover for you again.”

“I’ll try. So what’s on the schedule for today? Do we get a chance to leave the office and put some death eaters in their rightful place?”

“Prongsie boy, we only just became official Aurors. The work will come in due time.”

“We get more accomplished in the Order than we do here.”

“Shhh...I know that. Just hang in there. I know how much you hate to sit here and do nothing while a war is going on around us, but it is better like this than having to fight all the time. I like it when things are calmer. Things could be worse and they would have to have us out there fighting.”

“I suppose you’re right. But I feel helpless sometimes. It just seems too quiet to me right now.”

“Do you want to have to be out there risking your neck every time you turn around? You have a wife at home.”

“I realize that Pad. I really do. You know how I get, I can’t help it. I just get restless is all.”

“I know. But the older Aurors can handle things right now, they have more experience.”

“Older is definitely the word for it.” James said softly.

“Let the Ministry work their sorry butts off.”

“Right. You’re just saying all of this stuff so you can get more off time to ride the girls around on your little bicycle thingy.”

“Am not,” Sirius said while throwing his quill at James. “And it isn’t a bicycle, it’s a flying motorcycle.”

“Like there’s a difference.” James stated while throwing the quill back at Sirius.

Sirius ran a hand through his hair after dodging the quill. “And look at poor Moony; he can’t ever get work. He deserves it more than any of us. Even Wormtail got his self a 8 to 5 job.”

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Lily finally made it over to her office. She worked along side of Alice Longbottom in the Muggle relations office, she is muggle born after all. Lily loved her job, it allowed her to use all of her talents and she could balance out both of her worlds. Alice was great too. There were things that Lily had to help Alice with since she didn’t quite understand all of the things that muggles did, but Alice means well. She was also one of Lily’s close friends that she kept in touch with from Hogwarts.

The morning went by relatively fast. Things went by very smoothly. There was no news of any disturbances in the muggle world. No reports of the dark mark or even signs of Death Eaters were relevant. On most days, Lily would think this to be good news. But today her mind was still reeling about the possibility of having a child. She wanted just a little action at work to keep her mind off of it.

Lily was either in denial, afraid, nervous, or still too much in shock to be happy about it. She always wanted to have kids, she used to play house with Petunia and their dolls when she was young. Yet she had mixed feelings about everything, she was just plain confused.

“Lily?...Lily...Lily!” Alice was waving her hand in front of Lily’s face trying to bring her back to reality.

“Oh, sorry Alice, did you want something?” Lily asked half way in out of her trance.

“Yeah, it’s our lunch break. Are we still on for lunch at the Leaky Cauldron?”

“Oh, yeah, I almost forgot! I’m sorry. Hold on, let me just get my stuff together.” She started going about the room gathering her items and her coat and hand bag.

“Lily, you seem out of it today. How do you feel?” Alice asked as Lily continued to get ready.

“Fine, why do you ask?”

“I don’t know, you just seem out of it.”

“I’m ready now.”

“Ok, so you’re clearly not going to tell me what’s on your mind. Well I have some news to tell you once we get there. Maybe that will get your mind off of your own life for a chance.”

Later on ....

The two made their way to the Leak Cauldron and found a nice quite table in the corner. It was the same table they always used; it was where two girls could be girls. The waitress walked over with her apron on and note pad at the ready.

“What can I get the two of you to drink?”

“Two butterbeers as usual, please.” Lily declared routinely.

“Butterbeers aren’t really beer are they?” Alice asked Lily once the waitress rushed off to retrieve their drinks.

“No, I don’t think so. We drank them when we were still at Hogwarts, and they aren’t that strong.”

“Oh, yeah I suppose you’re right.”

“When am I not?” Lily joked.

“Two butterbeers and I assume you will also have the usual for lunch, huh?” The waitress asked when she placed the mugs on the wooden table.
“Yes thanks.” Alice said. And the waitress left them once more.

“So what did you have to tell me?” Lily was curious. Alice sounded excited earlier when she mentioned her big news.

“Oh...yeah...umm... How should I put this?” She said to herself more than to Lily.

“Yes?”

“Lily, you have no idea. I found out about this a few weeks ago. And I know this for certain now. I didn’t even tell the whole family yet, only Frank knows about it. But I had to tell someone, Lily. And who better than you? You're my best friend.” She rushed.

“Well...” Lily pressed on, she was no intrigued.

“Well, Frank and I... we will be...well we are...”

“Here you go ladies, let me know if you need anything else.” The waitress left leaving the girl’s food with them.

“Anyway, keep going.”

“Right... Frank and I are going to a have a baby! Can you believe it!?”

There was a pause, at which Lily stared blankly at her friend.

“Lily?”

“Yes?” She replied thickly.

“What are you thinking?” Alice was clearly nervous because of Lily’s reaction; it wasn’t what she was expecting.

“That’s really great Alice. I am so happy for you two. I bet Frank is ecstatic, huh?” It wasn’t that Lily didn’t find Alice’s new to be great, but it was that fact that it hit too close to home. So close that it was hard to grasp.

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“Oh yes, he is. You have no idea. He went out yesterday looking for some baby things in Diagon Alley. He says he doesn’t care what the baby is as long as it’s healthy. But I know better than that. I found a bag full of boy toys in the closet the other night. He’s definitely hoping for a boy.” She spoke quickly and animatedly.

“Oh, how sweet,” Lily said a little too casually.

"Lily you're getting quiet again, are you sure you're ok?" Alice was clearly concerned.

"Yes I'm fine, just didn't get much sleep last night. My stomach was bothering me."

"Oh, alright. I won't ask again."

“Wait...actually...”

“Hmmm?”

“Never mind.”

“We’ve been friends for a long time Lily, and there are still times when I don’t get you. You’re so kept to your self about things, I guess I still have to get used to respecting that. Just know that if you ever need me, I’m here.”

“Ok, thank you. I know, there are still things that don’t tell James. I tell him most stuff. But little things I keep to myself. Right now I’m just not ready to open up about this one. I just want to be completely sure first.”

“I get that. Well, let’s eat shall we?”

The girls went back to work right after lunch. Things started picking up. It started by a couple of incidents caused by teenaged pranksters, probably sons of death eaters no doubt. Then more ciaos began to build up in the muggle parts of London. The Muggle Relations Department sent a clean up crew and some other witches and wizards to modify the muggles’ memories.

Right now Lily was at home with James. She was sitting at the table doing some work for tomorrow morning on the cases from earlier that day. If she felt that she didn’t get much work done in the office, she would at least try at home. After all this did give her an excuse not to talk to James about what she thought was growing within her body even as she sat here.

James was sitting at the couch with a big bowl of popcorn in his lap as he listened to the wireless. A quidditch game was in action. Needless to say, there was a great deal of popcorn on the floor. He looked baffled on whether to sit down or stand up. Every time a quaffle went through one of the three hoops; he went crazy and started yelling at the top of his lungs. It didn’t matter which team scored either. If his team scored, He would cheer and start dancing around. If the other team scored, he would through a fit. And this was a mild case, once the rest of the Marauders arrived, the house would be a zoo.

This, for some reason bothered Lily. It didn’t normally when the boys came over for some down time, but this night it did. Here she was, working hard and preparing for tomorrow while he was in the next room going berserk over a stupid game. A quidditch game. Maybe it was just stress, or worries about telling James, or even hormones; but he was being irritating and childish.

“James! Do you mind keeping it down, please?” She called from the kitchen table.

“Oh, sorry Lils.” She heard his voice through the wall, muffled by popcorn.

“And please don’t make a mess in there!”

“Uh...well...ok.” He answered half heartedly and a little too innocently.

She rolled her eyes by his response. She knew him all too well. Then she contiued with her work.

A few ‘James, please calm down in there’s and Muggle Relations papers later, Lily stopped to get a glass of water. As she pushed back the chair to get up, she stretched and yawned a bit. She got up and walked over to get a glass, as she did so she could hear commotion in the other room once more.

“WHAT?!? Come on you bloody bunch of—”

“James! It’s just a game! I’m trying to work in here--” She trailed off as she walked into the den.

In the other room James was standing and staring at the wireless. Yet he was not the one to makes such a ruckus. Sirius was now in the house shouting nonsense at the wireless, an inanimate object. The other Marauders were there as well, Peter and Remus.

Lily was a bit embarrassed but she was still unnerved. She was working so hard that she must have over heard the crack of their apparations.

“Lily, sorry about that. We will keep it down, promise.” James said. The others apologized as well, except Sirius. He was still frozen to the spot.

“Oh...sorry Lily,” he finally said when James nudged him in the ribs.

**********

Once Lily went back into the kitchen to finish her work, the men went back to putting all of their focus on the game. It was between Pudlemere United and the Montrose Magpies. And to James’ misfortune, the Montrose Magpies were winning. And if he thought Lily was in a bad mood now, just see what happens if Puddlemere loses and he has to pay up to Sirius.

“So, how are things going on around here Prongs?” Peter asked at the commercial.

“Fine, why?” He asked taking a swig of butterbeer.

“I don’t know, just seems like Lily’s a bit—”

“What Wormy here means to say is that she is a bit...not her self today.”

“Yeah, I have noticed her getting a bit weird the past couple of days. She has been a little sick in the mornings. I think she might be stressed.”

“Hmm...”

“What are you thinking over there Moony?” James asked.

“Nothing.”

“No, you’re thinking something alright. I know that look. You always do that.” Sirius said.

“It’s just... well how long have you noticed her acting strangely, James?”

“I don’t know a couple of weeks?”

“How has she been acting?”

“Well like I said, she was sick in the mornings. She gets a bit moody at times, and she seems like she has been keeping something from me since this morning.”

“Weird, that’s not like her.” Sirius said.

“Yeah, you should take her to see a medi-wizard or something.”

“It’s not like that Wormy. She’s just...she just needs some rest, that’s all.”

“Hmmm.”

“What now Remus?” Sirius asked a bit agitated that he wouldn’t just come out and say what he thought.

“Just thinking.”

“Yeah well, we can tell that. What are you thinking?”

“I talked to Frank the other day.”

“Frank Longbottom?” James asked, he wondered what this had to do with anything.

“Yes. He said that he hadn’t told anyone else yet. They wanted to wait and tell all of their friends and family at one time. But he had to talk to someone.”

“About?”

“Remember when we meet Frank at the pub about several weeks ago?”

“Yeah, he was hiding from Alice; he said she was moody that day or something. Why?”

“Well, I was just remembering the stuff he was telling us about her and I couldn’t help but feel that what you were just saying about Lily sounded remotely familiar.”

“What, you think something is going around in the water that makes all the wives go mad?” Sirius joked.

“Keep going, ignore him Moony.” James said trying to find out what Remus was getting at.

“Ha, don’t I always? Anyway, I talked to Frank since then and he had to tell someone, I just happened to be there. I’m not supposed to tell yet, but you seem to be going through the same thing...possibly.”

“Which would be...” James said moving his right hand in small circles to get Remus to hurry up and spill the news.

“Alice is three weeks pregnant.”

The others just stood still and stared at Remus as if he were speaking another language. What was he implying?

“So what you’re saying is...” James said after a long pause.

“I guess the point I am trying to make is...maybe Lily is pregnant.”

Another awkward silence went by at which all of the Marauders stared at James instead. James’ eyes glazed over and his left hand went slack; this caused the butterbeer to start poring out all over the floor and mix in with the popcorn.

“James you dog,” Sirius slapped him on the back with a wicked grin. “Well, technically I’m the dog, but...James you stag.”

“You really think so Moons?” Peter asked.

“Well the symptoms sound about right. But then again I could be wrong.”

James continued to stand quietly. Disbelief and shock were definitely apparent on his face.

Just at that moment, the swinging door to the kitchen opened and Lily walked in.

“James, I just finished my work, so I’m going to go head up to bed.” She was whipping her eyes, thus making her oblivious to the strange behavior of the males.

“James! You guys, look at the mess in here. You are supposed to be adults. How responsible is it for you all to make such a mess in here. James, if we were ever to have kids, would you just let them crawl around on a floor like this? You all better have this place cleaned up before you leave. Goodnight boys.”

“Uh, sorry?” They all said in turn.

Lily just walked past them and straight up the stairs to her room. James followed behind her half way on a sprint to keep up with her. The rest of the Marauders stayed down stairs and gave each other knowing smiles and suspicious glares. Until finally Sirius said: “ Oh no, we’re missing the quidditch match.”

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Once up stairs James and Lily got ready for bed. James kept trying to find a way to ask Lily what was going on but he couldn’t find a way to get the words out. While she brushed her hair and brushed her teeth, James followed down behind her opening and closing his mouth. He didn’t know how to approach such a sensitive topic. They went to bed that night with hardly a word to each other, it was awkward for both of them.

******

The next morning James woke up to a small choking sound coming from the bathroom. He got out of bed and put on his house slippers and bathrobe before walking over to pull back the curtains. The sun flooded into the room just as he heard the sound again, stronger than before. Lily wasn’t in bed and the bathroom door was closed.

“Lily flower are you alright?” He said softly knocking on the door.

“Lils, how do you feel dear?” He asked after no answer.

It was quiet for a while and the choking sound ceased. Then a flush of the toilet and running water could be heard from the other side of the bathroom door. The door opened a second later, and Lily appeared with her hair looking crazy and holding a wash towel to her mouth.

“Hey, do you feel ok?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure? You look terrible.”

“Thanks James, that’s touching.” She walked over to the closet.

“I didn’t mean it that way and you know it.” He said following her.

“I know. Thanks for your concern.” She was going through her work robes.

“Are you planning on going in to the office?”

“Yeah, why not?”

“Oh, I don’t know...Maybe because you were sick for the last few mornings?”

Lily just stood still for a minute not turning around to look James in the face.

“Is something wrong? Are you not telling me something?” He tried turning her to face him, but with no luck. She grabbed her work robes out of the closet and walked around him completely.

“I probably just have a stomach virus or something. I made an appointment with my old doctor.”

“You mean the muggle one?” He turned and looked at her as she magically pressed her robes with a simple spell.

“Yes.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way Lily, but you know I don’t quite trust those muggle doctors. Can’t you see someone else?”

“James, I have been to a muggle doctor with all of my check ups since before I even knew I was a witch. I think it will be quite all right.”

“Ok ok ok. Just let me know how everything goes, alright?”

“I will be going to lunch with Alice Longbottom again today; I will let you know later. I am sure that I’m fine.” She walked around the bed and kissed him on the cheek.

“Now do you want me to fix you some breakfast or what?” She headed towards the door to go down stairs.

“Yeah, I will be there in a minute. I have to get my robes ready for work.” He said with a weary smile.

**********

Lily sat in the examination room of her old doctor’s office. She hadn’t been this nervous since...well, she couldn’t remember a time when she was more nervous. The wait was the worst of it all. Dr. Parkinson was in the other room running the appropriate tests to see if Lily would be with child. All she could do now was wait and wait and wait some more. Her hands were in her lap as she wrung them together anxiously.

Finally after the longest 20 minutes of her life, Dr. Parkinson reentered into the examination room.

“Ok Lily, you’re all set to go. Everything seems to be in order.”

“Sir, aren’t you going to give me an answer for the reason why I came to you?”

“Well, tell me Mrs. Potter, how many bedrooms do you have in your home?”

“There is our room and the guest room. But the guestroom has no furniture in it yet.”

“Then you better get started. You’ll need a changing table, a toy chest, and I suppose you’ll be needing a crib. You’re going to be a mommy. And you're about 2 weeks into the game.” The older man said with a broad smile.

“Oh, thank you doctor.” Lily got up and left the office to meet Alice for lunch. She seemed more shocked about the news now then she did when the idea first crossed her mind. Maybe she wasn’t ready to accept the presence of another being inside of her body, or it could have just been fear, or both. But it didn’t really hit her until Dr. Parkinson said she was going to be a mother.... She was going to be a mother!! How could she have been so stupid? Sure it was a scary thought, but it was an even lovelier one than anything.

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Once again the two girls were sitting at their usual table drinking their usual drinks and eating the, what else, usual. Alice was filling Lily in on what she missed this morning at the Muggle Relations office. They talked about work for a while, then they chatted as two best friends do, enjoying each others company. Now it was Lily’s turn to fill Alice in on her big news for the day.

“Alice, I have something to tell you.”

“Oh,this sounds serious, is this what you almost told me the last time we had lunch together?”

“Actually, it is. I went to the doctor this morning. I knew this before, but I wanted to be certain.”

“About?”

“Well, let’s just say you’re not the only one around here that is going to be protruding from the belly within the next 9 months.”

“What are you saying?”

“Do I have to spell it out to you Alice?”

“Yes.”

“I’m knocked up, with child; going to have a baby...I’m pregnant.”

“Oh Lily! That is soooo wonderful! We will have our children together.”

“Yes, we will both be due in July I suppose.”

“Oh this is so perfect. I cannot wait to go home and tell Frank.”

“Wait...wait, what?”

“Well I have to tell Frank. He will be so excited. It seems like he and James will be having lots more time together.” She laughed whole heartedly.

“Alice, you can’t tell Frank...or...anyone.”

“Why not? Were you planning on having a party to tell all of your friends and family? That’s what Frank and I were going to do. But we could do that together as well.”

“No Alice. I haven’t planned a party. I haven’t told anyone but you.”

“Not even James?!?”

“No, not even James.” Lily said, she was feeling even guiltier. She told James everything before this.

“Well, why haven’t you told James? Oh right, you just went to the doctor today. I know you wanted to be positive you were pregnant Lily, but shouldn’t you have at least mentioned to James that that was why you went to the doctor in the first place?”

“I know, I know. I was in denial for a while at first. Now I’m a bit ...”

“Oh Lily, you’re just a little nervous about breaking the news to him aren’t you.”

“No, I’m terrified.”

“Well that is normal isn’t it?”

“I don’t feel so good about it though. Last night he didn’t really talk to me. I was kind of mean to him. Then this morning he was concerned for me and I didn’t tell him what was up. Now he is suspicious, I can tell.”

“Well you’re going to have to tell him now.”

“I will...soon.”

“Lily.” She said with a warning tone.

“Ok, I’ll tell him.”

“Lily, the boy is going to find out once your stomach starts to grow.”

“Ok, I’ll tell him tonight. But can you come over and hold my hand while I do it?”

“Ha ha Lily. You’ll be fine, James loves you and he will love your child. Don’t doubt him.”

“He does love me doesn’t he?” Lily said more to her self than to Alice. There was great confidence in her voice now.

“Yes, he does.”

“Thanks Alice.”

“No problem. Seeing as to how I have been pregnant, let’s guess about a week, before you, I have already experienced these feelings.” Alice smiled.

“You’re right. I guess it’s a good thing I came to you first...Wait, what is James going to think when he finds out that I came to you first?”

“He might be upset a bit, but the excitement of the baby will suppress that.”

“Right. Now let me finish eating this lunch without any worries.”

“Lily, you’re the queen of worry.”

“Don’t I know it.” The two laughed and enjoyed their meal while discussing the future with their children.

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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1636524#post1636524

James and Sirius were in their small Auror’s office after lunch when some action started to build up. It seemed that Mad eye Moody picked a bad day not to go into the office. He was hardly ever sick, and normally he came into work when he was sick anyway. But today had to be something big, let’s just say he didn’t go without a fight.

“You know if Mad eye were here, things would be in control around this place. Look around, people are going crazy out there.” Sirius said looking down the hall from behind the wall of their office.

“They go crazy anytime we find news on the death eaters.”

“Yeah, but Mad eye won’t like this. You were right Prongs; we should be out there doing something rather than being cooped up in this—”

“Ah, look who’s talking now. What’s the matter Pad? Can’t find any girls that are willing to go flying about on your motor bike?”

“I’m serious Prongs. It was fun before just being able to sit here and relax in this office and still get paid. Now I’ve had enough, we should be doing something about this. There is a war going on out there.”

“I’ve been saying that for weeks now. I wonder who they sent out to investigate.”

“Probably Mr. I’ve been and Auror for 15 years. He thinks he is the only one who can solve all the problems. Well it has been a while since he has been in training and lots of things have changed since then. Besides, we are more in shape for dueling and—” Sirius kept on and on.

“Wait, this should be our time to get out there and have a say. Just because we are younger with less experience doesn’t mean anything. They’re the ones that would have to keep up with us. Wait...I have an idea.”

James walked out of the office and down the hall, past the cubicles and hustle and bustle of the work place. Sirius stopped his rant and followed, confusion written on his face. What was he on about?

********

James marched all the way down the hall to the big office. When James walked right into Mr. Freeman’s office without any concern for what he might have his hands tied with at the moment, Sirius was following quickly on James’ heels.

Mr. Freeman was sitting at his desk with papers scattered about while he talked to a man’s head in the fireplace. They both were talking urgently about the situation with the death eaters until the two marauders walked in.

“Well do something about it right now Gary, I don’t want to have to send any back up out there and draw the attention from the entire Ministry.”

“Yes sir.” The head within the green flames replied just before he left.

“Potter, Black, what are you two doing here? Who let you in?”

“We let our selves in sir. We want to know what the problem is.”

“There is no problem, now if you don’t mind; there is work to be done. I expect you can just as easily see your selves out?” Mr. Freeman said moving around the papers on his desk.

“We don’t mean to intrude sir, but there is clearly something going on. We aren’t leaving until we know what it is.” James said with a bit of force.

“It has already been taken care of Potter; you did just walk in on me speaking with one of my aurors, did you not? So if you would so please leave and return to your offices before I call my door man to escort you out.” He said standing up and pointing to the door.

“Mr. Freeman, Prongs and I—” Sirius was cut off.

“Who?”

“Right. James and I want a chance to go out and put some death eaters in their rightful places.” Sirius said pounding his fist into his other hand.

“Ha, you? And you?" He said point to them in turn. "What makes you think I will send some non experienced Aurors out on a case such as this one? You need to start off small and work your way up. Now if you don’t mind.” He walked around his desk and placed a hand on Sirius’ shoulder as if to push him out the door.

“But we were in the top of our training class.” Sirius pleaded.

“Yes well we all have to start somewhere don’t we?” He pulled back on the door handle.

“Mr. Freeman, step into my office. It’s time to play ‘let’s make a deal’.” James said rapping his arm around the older man and pulling him away form the door.

James started to whisper into the man’s ear. The man’s face looked far from agreement until he looked at James as if he were crazy.

“Fine, but you two better look after your selves. I will not be held responsible if something were to happen. And do not get in the way. First off, you will need to go to Hogsmead. You will find all the action there, you can’t miss it. Some death eaters were causing trouble in the little village; supposedly there was conflict between them and some muggle borns at a pub. Things progressed from there; I need the village to be restored to some form of normality. Please get there before the press; you know I hate having bad news printed out in the Daily Profit. And if the press is already there, don’t give us a bad name. Try to keep as low of a profile as possible, we don't need any more attention drawn to us as it is. The last thing I need is another lecture from that old oaf Mad eye Moody about how aruors aren't what they used to be.”

“Don’t worry sir, and thanks for your understanding.” James said before walking out. Sirius followed him once more with a confused look about him.

They walked down the hall toward the apperation point. They walked quickly with the adrenaline flowing high.

“What did you say to the old geezer?” Sirius asked once they were at a safe distance away from the main office.

“Oh, it doesn’t matter. He got us the job didn’t he?”

“Come on Prongsie boy, how did you do it?”

“I’ll tell you later, right now we have some business to take care of.” James smiled leaving Sirius with a crack.

********

The two arrived to the town of Hogsmead shortly after their confrontation with Mr. Freeman. They walked a bit of a way and could hear commotion in the distance. As they proceeded to walk, clusters of on lookers could be seen in the clearing. Witches and wizards were seen gathering their things and running off for cover or watching the situation from behind turned over tables or trash bins. The sight of the ordeal was at the little pub of Madame Rosemerta, The Three Broomsticks.

They soon approached the little pub; the action was at its maximum level. A middle aged wizard was shot out of the window, his body engulfed in a red flash of light where it laid still and motionless for a few seconds before the Cruciatus curse settled in. It was almost more painful to watch the form of a tall, strong man twitching and squiggling as he cried in agony than to be under the spell itself. He was about the same size and age as James’ father. The sight of this was unbearable. Throughout his childhood, James looked up to his father. He could remember thinking that his father was indestructible and that no one could take him down. But now? If a man not unlike James’ own father could be taken down so easily with one curse, what would be next? Not to mention the poor defenseless muggles were enduring such treatment form the death eaters like this everyday.

As James stood there and watched the grown man and listened to his screams, tears started to form in James’ eyes. It was here and now that he realized that the war was only beginning, that the dark lord wouldn’t stop until there was nothing left. James may not be able to stop him, but he wouldn’t sit there and wait for the end. And he knew that his friends and family would be there with him to see it through.

As James continued to watch, a dark figure appeared in the broken window, wand raised at the ready. James knew what was to come next. And it seemed like Sirius was thinking what he was, for when he lifted his wand to defend the man, Sirius did as well. They both shot the same spell at the same time. “EXPELLIARMUS”. The dark figure flew back into the pub with a loud bang, leaving his wand at the feet of his victim. This caused the unforgivable curse to be released and the wizard got up and ran back inside. He looked familiar, like the man James saw talking to Mr. Freeman by floo. James and Sirius followed inside also.

Inside the pub, lights of spells were illuminating the whole room as witches and wizards dueled. All of this was just because a couple of jerks didn’t want some muggle borns in the pub while they ate and drank. This infuriated James, he hated when people were like that just because of someone’s background. He hated it before and always did, but now that he was married to a muggle born, it really hit a bad nerve.

It seemed that most of the death eaters got away before they arrived, but things were still chaotic in spite of that.

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Leslie :angel:

James looked around and took in his surroundings; he needed a plan and fast. If he did this correctly, he would not have to face Moody and Mr. Freeman, and not to mention Lily, if he or Sirius were to get hurt.

Left and right the Aurors tried to defeat the death eaters. Time was running out and quickly. James noticed a death eater in the middle, he was heavy weighted and slow and judging by the looks of him, he probably wasn’t too bright. He was one of those muscle brains that did whatever they were told. Yet he was still powerful and a good dueler. This was his chance, if he could take down this one, the rest would be easier. He nudged Sirius in the rib and told him to follow his lead.

“Hey bone head; you call your self a death eater? Lord Voldemort would actually put someone like you on his side? Looks like old Voldie is getting lazy on us don’t you think Padfoot?” James said loudly, drawing the attention of the death eaters, including the big one he was addressing.

“Oh yeah, not that he was going to win this war anyway. He probably fears that we already know his next move, which we do. A shame though isn’t it? Look how much time these people have wasted on him, only to be turned into Azkaban where the dementors can have them.”

James realized that they were hitting a soft spot. The death eaters hated it when someone targeted them or their leader. They were also showing signs of confusion. They didn’t know whether or not James and Sirius were bluffing about knowing their next move.

So the plan back fired, they were going to try to insult the big one so he would get mad and come after them. That way the two of them could take him down and then work on the others. But instead, they all came at once. All eyes were on what was about to happen next.

“Anymore bright ideas?” Sirius whispered from the corner of his mouth.

The two of them got back to back and circled around for defense. The death eaters began to laugh as if they were a pair of circus clowns.

So it began, another battle of spells. Lights of red, blue and yellow were swooshing past. Incantations were being shouted at the tops of lungs and soaring up to fill the room. This carried on for a long while. Then the press showed up, late as usual but there nonetheless. About this time, the death eaters, or what was left of them, started to flee before their identities were revealed to the public and before the ministry came to arrest them. Only one of them did not escape, the hefty one.

“Well, at least we got one of them?” James whipped some blood off of his busted jaw right when the ‘Daily Profit’ came and took a picture. Sirius held his bloody nose and rolled his eyes when another flash went off in their direction. Boy were they in for it now.

*********

“What were you two thinking?!” Lily said holding a damp cloth to James’ lip, after she did a disinfecting spell on it; she was fuming when they came home.

“Please Lily; we heard enough of this tonight already.” James managed with a wince, she was pressing on it pretty hard. “Ow! That hurts.”

“James, you’re lucky to be sitting here right now, you too Sirius.” He looked darkly at James holding a damp cloth to his nose.

“Follow my lead, I have a plan.” Sirius said with a deathly glare and a shake of his head as he repeated the words James said to him that afternoon.

“You’re just mad that the ladies won’t recognize you with that huge nose of yours.”

“James it is not the time to be joking. Just wait till the paper comes out tomorrow. I can’t believe the two of you, taking on all of those death eaters on your own. Just were where the other aurors?”

“They were worn out.” James said simply.

“Worn out?! Worn out? And they couldn’t have sent any back up?”

“They didn’t want to draw to much attention; they thought that this wasn’t so big of a case to take more aurors off of duty.”

“Well it looks like the two of you brought enough attention on your own, doesn’t it? You should have known better. There is so much at risk.”

“Lily, we go out and fight all the time with the order.”

“But never 6 on 2, we have more sense than that.”

“We are here now, that’s what counts. We scared them, they think we know what they are up to and we managed to get one of their men, possibly the identities of some of the others before they left.”

“That’s all great James, but you could have been hurt, what would we do then?”

“I realize this Lily. But I am fine...and what do you mean what would ‘we’ do then?”

“Well I guess I should be going now. See you later.” Sirius said getting up and walking over to the Potter’s fireplace. He knew he was listening to a private conversation now.

“I mean...what would I do if you were hurt?”

Lily turned her back to James as he stood up and put both hands on her shoulders. The emotions were rising in her throat now. She was planning on telling James the news of their baby possibly tonight, but not like this. Not after so many events of the day.

“What is at risk Lily?...How did the doctor appointment go?” He said soothingly and questioningly. Lily could tell he was trying to get something out of her. She wondered if he knew what it was. But whether or not he knew, she was about to tell him. He would hear it out of her own mouth now.

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ok
so hear comes the moment you guys have been waiting for
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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1636524#post1636524

Lily slowly and nervously turned around, she couldn’t run now, she was too far into the game, she had to tell him. She put her hands on his chest and slowly looked him in the eyes, his adorable hazel eyes, the ones that made her fall in love to begin with. He was looking at her intently, patiently waiting for her response.

“James, maybe you should sit down.”

“I’m comfortable here.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and made a silent motion that told her he wasn’t going anywhere until she finished with what she was about to say.

“The thing is...well...” She began. He pulled a lock of her fiery red hair and tucked it behind her ear. This distracted her for a bit, he was making this difficult for her.

“The thing is...” he repeated, getting her back on track.

“The doctor said I was perfectly healthy, are you hungry?” she asked pulling away.
James used his seeker reflexes and grabbed her arm to pull her back to him. He was serious and didn’t want her to avoid the subject, like she had been for the last couple of days.

“Lily, what are you afraid to tell me? You can tell me anything. I thought you knew that.” He caressed her cheek and put both hands back on her hips as he looked down on her. All the lines and traces of joking and pranking weren’t evident on his face as they normally were.

“I know I can tell you anything. This just isn’t something that could be taken lightly.”

“I didn’t think it was.”

“Ok, the thing is...we are going to have a baby.” She mumbled looking down.

“What? I couldn’t hear you.”

“We’re going to have a baby, James.”

The next thing she new, James had screamed and cheered aloud. So loudly that Lily had to cover her ears, causing her to giggle. He lifted her up and spun her around in the middle of their kitchen. Once he placed her feet back on solid ground, he kissed her passionately. He pulled away just barely and whispered her favorite three little words. “I love you.” He repeated them a couple of times and hugged her tightly.

“Why were you so afraid to tell me something like this?”

“I didn’t know if you were ready to have kids, I had no idea how you would react. I don’t even think I am ready for such a big step, especially to bring a child in the world at a time like this. I’m scared James.”

“Lily, this child is a product of our love. How else would I react to news like this? And as for the war, a baby can bring joy into our lives. Sure it could be a risk, but what isn’t? If there was ever a time that we would need joy, it’s now. Raising a child can be scary, but we can handle it. We have our friends and family to back us up.”

“I feel so stupid. When did you become so wise?”

“I learned from the wisest person I know.” He said kissing her on the forehead.

“Alice told me I shouldn’t be afraid to tell you.”

“Yeah...wait....Alice new about this?”

“Well...yes. I needed some advice. I’m not supposed to tell anyone this, but she is also pregnant. I told her when I found out that she was going through the same thing. You’re not mad are you?”

“Oh...No I’m not mad. I kind of already knew you were pregnant.”

“What? How did you know?”

“Remus figured it out. Frank told him that Alice was pregnant. We compared the symptoms you and Alice were having. I kind of guessed. You’re not mad I talked to the marauders about it are you?”

“Really?... No I’m not mad... I guess this makes us even.” She said with a smile. She knew she shouldn't have worried about this, he was James after all.

The next couple of days went by; everything was back to normal, or as normal as it could be with the thought of a baby on the way. The couple was getting excited, and lord Voldemort was lying low. Almost too low, James thought on more than one occasion. He liked the peace and he liked the quiet, but he couldn’t help but feel funny about it all. Though he felt strangely, he didn’t dare bring it up to Lily. He knew how much she worried about things, he saw her worry the night he came back from the brawl at The Three Broomsticks. He thought too much on things like this himself, he didn’t want to worry her when things were going so well for them both, so he decided to let it pass.

This Saturday morning James awoke to a soft pecking sound on their bedroom window. It was an owl, one he hadn’t seen before. It didn’t look like one of the marauders’ nor did it look like an owl from the ‘Daily Profit’. This owl was grey and large with brown eyes and a white breast. James didn’t want to get up to let it in. He would have stayed in bed and let the bird fly off in due time, but this bird was persistent.

He grumpily got out of bed and walked over to the window. Normally Lily would get it for James had an incurable case of bed head, but he was now in charge of such things since Lily was having morning sickness lately.

He opened the window and allowed the bird access to the room. Once James removed the letter; the bird flew out as quickly as it came.

“Well where are you off to in such a hurry?”

“What is it?” Lily asked as she stirred in the covers. James walked back over to the bed and got back under the blankets where it was warm. The November air was getting cooler and cooler by the day.

“We just got an owl.”

“Oh,” she said sitting up and whipping the sleep from her eyes. “Who was it from?”

“I don’t know yet. Hold on...It looks like an invitation.” James squinted; he didn’t have his glasses on.

“Let me see.” She opened the letter to reveal an invitation in Alice Longbottom’s hand writing.


‘You are welcome to spend the day with our family and friends as we celebrate the coming of our first child.

Where: Wingdale Crossing

When: Saturday November 25th

Who: Mr. and Mrs. Frank Longbottom

We ask that you RSVP by owl and we look forward to your arrival.’

“Well, isn’t that lovely?”

“Charming.” James said into his pillow half awake.

“You didn’t even read it.”

“I’ll read it in the morning.”

“It is morning.”

“Well then at noon. Come back to sleep.” He said pulling the paper out of her hands and laying it on their bed side table. Lily ruffled his hair with her hand and laid back down on her pillow,snuggling up in the warmth of the sheets. James kissed her on the cheek and closed his eyes. He drifted back into a sleep beside his wife, the mother of his child.

“More pumpkin juice?” Lily asked Sirius. The Marauders came over for lunch that afternoon and were enjoying every bite.

“Please, this is delicious Lily. I knew there was a lot of motive for James to marry you, but I had no idea that you could cook like this.”

“Thank you Sirius.” She laughed, pouring Pumpkin juice for the boys.

“Yup, this ones a real catch, she is. Maybe one day you all will be so lucky.” James said smiling at Lily.

“No. no one’s going to tie this one down so easily. I don’t care how pretty she is or how well she cooks. Let’s just say I want to keep my options open for now.”

“I guess you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

“Like you have room to talk, and who are you calling old, Moony?”

“I have a reason to not have a woman in my life. You see, if you haven’t forgotten, I sprout claws, hair, and razor sharp teeth about once a month.”

“Yeah, we don’t call you ‘Moony’ for no reason.” Peter piped up.

“And what about you Wormy? Do you have your self someone to call your own?”

“I’ve been kind of busy lately. I don’t know if that will happen for a while, maybe when my schedule permits.” Peter said. He became more interested in his food while he answered.

“What is it exactly that you do Pete?” Remus asked. “You never really told us.”

“Oh, I didn’t?” Peter shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Well, I’m...I’m an unspeakable, yeah... I can’t really talk about it, hints the name, ‘unspeakable’.”

“Hmmm.” Remus looked at Peter for a second before taking another bite of food.

“Well hurry up boys, we have a meeting with the Order in 15 minutes. I need time to clean this mess up.” Lily said reaching for James’ empty plate.

“By the way Moony, I meant to tell you.” James said grabbing Lily’s hand before she took his plate. “You were right about something.”

“What’s that?”

“Lily is pregnant!”

“We knew it. Congrats!” Sirius said standing up to give her a hug. “What’s it going to be?”

“Sirius, I’m nearly a month pregnant, it’s too early to tell that yet.”

“Oh well, If it’s a boy, then we shall call him Sirius part two.” He said with a proud smile.

“Oh no, we don’t need two of you.” Remus said.

“Lily and I will come up with the name. We have a while before that though. Sirius I need to ask you something in the other room before we go to the meeting.”

They walked out of the kitchen and into the living room while the others cleaned up.

“Talk to me.”

“Lily and I were talking earlier this morning. We got an invitation to the Longbottom’s anouncement party thing. It got me thinking about our own child. If something were ever to happen to Lily or myself, the baby would need someone to look after him. I was wondering if you would mind being the godfather for us.”

“Wonder no more James, I would be honored. And don’t worry; nothing is going to happen to you or Lily that would take us down that road. You’re going to be a great father.”

The two hugged and patted each other on the back as if they were brothers, all joking aside.

“Come on you two, we should get going.” Lily called from the kitchen.

They pulled away from each other when Sirius started. “I couldn’t help but notice that you spoke about the baby as if it were a boy. Hoping for a baby Pronsie boy to play around with?”

“Shhh, don’t tell Lily. I told her it didn’t matter either way.” James said with his finger to his lips.

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there we go.
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Leslie
p.s. hope you all had a nice new year! :rotfl:
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1636524#post1636524

*********

They got to the official hide out for the Order of the Phoenix. Everyone was gathered around sitting at a large wooden table. James and Lily took their seats across from Frank and Alice just as the session took place.

Dumbledore was at the foot of the table, he stood firm with blue eyes bright at ever.

“ I'm sorry to call you all out here on such notice on a Saturday, but you are all gathered here before me because I need to explain a few things.” The older wizard began. “Fortunately, no serious activity has occurred since the day the death eaters attacked Hogsmead. But I refuse to believe that this war is even remotely close to being finished. You all have been chosen because of the actions you have taken to fight this confrontation. There will be many more occurrences such as this past one, maybe even worse than imagined. But I need to know who is willing to take the risks needed to end this once and for all. I need to know that the people I have chosen as a foundation are strong enough to endure such hardships that I know we will surely face, which brings me to why I called this meeting.” He paused for a moment before continuing, pushing up his half moon spectacles on his crooked nose.

“For the past year, you all have helped out in one way or another. Some of you have been out there in combat, dueling the enemy first hand. Some have been doing behind the scenes work, gathering information when needed, as scarce as it may be. And there are some that have been supporting us as we went along, supporting us financially and giving us a place to hold meetings without fear of intrusions, and supporting us more than the Ministry ever would. That is all appreciated, greatly. But a time approaches where we need to take a much greater action to defend the ones we love.” He carefully looked around at all of the faces that were watching him attentively.

“We need to be careful. We need to cover our tracts. Just as we can find out some of Tom’s flaws, he can just as easily find out ours. I would like to say that we can all trust each other here, that we are all fighting for the right reasons and for the same causes. But it gets harder and harder to say that; a man’s word is only as good as his character.”

I know you have all heard this a thousand times before, but the picture that we took last year was the beginning. And sadly I say we will not see all of the faces in that picture when this war is finished. But let’s not go without a fight, and let’s fight it right. That is all, this meeting is adjourned.” Dumbledore finished his speech and people started to leave, talking amongst them selves.

James walked up to Dumbledore where he sat at the foot of the table. James was curious; it seemed there would have been more to what Dumbledore had to say. There had to have been a hidden message in his speech.

“Professor...er-- Mr. Dumbledore sir, I couldn’t help but notice that your speech was a bit... well, different. That is, I mean to say, it seems like there was more that could have been said."

"Yes Mr. Potter, you're right. It does seem that more could have been said. But I'm afraid it isn't the time. I have a strong gut feeling about something and I feel that if I talk about trust, then it might help. All I can do now is wait for the truth to surface, I hope it just doesn't happen too late."

"What are you saying sir?"

Dumbledore sighed before starting. "Mr. Potter, I feel that there may be a leak in our system, a weak link so to speak." He whispered.

"You think someone might be rating us out? That's what the whole 'trust' and 'covering our tracks' was all about?" He asked his senior.

"Yes. I don't want to trouble everyone with the details about it just yet, for it is only a gut feeling. But this meeting helps me know that I went on my instincts and warned people. Hopefully this way the 'leak' takes a second thought about what they're doing."

"Do you have an idea of who it could be?"

"None. But I will look more into it, that's a topic for another time." Dumbledore said, he winked to someone over James' shoulder.

James turned around and saw Lily approaching. "Hi Professor. James, are you about ready to go?"

"Yeah." He placed his arm around her and said goodbye to Albus before leaving.

"Until next time." Dumbledore said before they turned to leave."Oh, by the way. It's not necessary to call me professor anymore, I thought I told you that?"

"Right, bye Albus." James smiled over his shoulder to the old man.

**********

“Right, now what?” James asked his wife as they walked together, leaving Dumbledore in his splendor.

“There is something we need to do still; I suppose we should do that today.” She replied.

“Yeah, what’s that?”

“Well, we haven’t exactly told our parents yet, have we?”

“You mean about the baby?”

“Well what else have we not told our parents, James?” Lily asked whilst smiling.

“Good point.”

“We should probably start with your parents though.”

“Why’s that? I mean, why does it matter?”

“Because I can only imagine what my father is going to do once he finds out what you did to me.” Lily giggled.

“It’s just as much your fault as it is mine.”

“You’re right, but try to tell him that. I’m still his baby girl in his eyes. Remember how we had to break the news of our engagement?”

“Oh yeah,” James smiled remembering the moment clearly as day. “Maybe we should start with my parents.”

“But my father won’t be all that bad, he’ll love the idea of a grandchild. It doesn’t really matter who we tell first."

“Well, come to think of it, it does matter,” James contemplated.

“How come?”

“Because my mother made me promise to tell her before anyone else when that time came, and you know how my mother is.”

“So I guess telling them at the same time is out of the idea?”

“Yeah, my mum likes to feel special or something.”

“Sounds like someone else I know.” Lily nudged James as they turned a corner.

“Hey, I am special.”

***********

The couple arrived at the Potter residence, the childhood home of James, and even Sirius at one point in time. The Manor was large and smiled across a freshly cut, green lawn. The grounds were far spread and no other homes were around. From behind the shoulders of the house, three posts could be seen on both ends. They were the goal posts of the Potter’s miniature Quidditch pitch that was in the field behind the house. The lot was warm and welcoming, a place Lily loved to visit. She loved the idea of a 10 year old James reeking havoc all over, driving his family wild before he even met Sirius at Hogwarts.

After their apparation, the two walked up the stone steps and rapped on the door three times. A little house elf opened the door in a hurry.

"Young Potter sir, it is so nice to see you and your miss." She squealed.

“Blimey, I haven’t seen you in so long. How are you Twinkle?”

“Jolly good, sir. Shall I take your cloaks? It’s getting right nippy out isn’t it?” Twinkle was a short and stout elf. She had a big heart with large ears and eyes to match. She looked after James when he grew up, she cleaned up after him and helped feed him, she even changed his dirty pampers. She admired the Potters, the whole lot of them, and in return; they treated her like family.

“Thanks Twink. Yeah, it is getting rather chilly out.” James said as he handed her his and Lily’s cloaks. “Is dad and mum around?”

“Oh yes, just in the den, sir, having some tea.” She answered from under the teetering pile of black cloth; she was so small after all.

Lily followed James deeper into the warmth of the house. And there in the den were James’ parents, Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Mrs. Potter sat on a couch knitting, beside her were two other sets of needles working away peacefully by them self. It looked like she had three projects going on at once. Mr. Potter sat in an arm chair reading a copy of “Quidditch through the Ages” in front of the roaring fire.

“Ah, it’s good to be home.” James said as he plopped down in a comfortable love seat. He relaxed his body and stretched out his arms along the back of the couch. Lily gracefully sat down beside him.

“Jamesie! Lily dear! How are you? I didn’t hear you come in.” Mrs. Potter sat up as she pulled the half made blanket closer to her in her lap. She hadn’t expected to see them today. The other needles and thread continued to work in the air at her side.

“Hey mum, dad.”

“Harold, your son is here.” Mrs. Potter said when her husband refused to abandon his article.

“Hello Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter.” Lily spoke up happily and a bit on the eager side.

“Lily please, call me mum... Harold, your son is here.” She said more sternly this time.

“What? Oh...James...Lily! Good to see you.”

“Mum, what are you working on?”

“Blankets dear.”

“Well how many are you going to make?”

“I’d say a few.” She said calmly with no regard for her son’s curiosity.

“Why?”

“Can’t a mother make some blankets for her son and his wife?” She said smiling at Lily.

“Yeah, but three of them?”

“It’s getting cold out.”

“Yes, yes, anyway, so my boy, what brings you here today?” Mr. Potter asked.

“Actually dad, Lily and I have some news to tell you two.”

“What’s that?” Mrs. Potter asked too calmly this time.

“Tell ‘em Lils.”

“You’re going to be grandparents!”

“Well you sure didn’t waste any time, you’ve been married for only a year.”

“Oh hush Harold. I think it’s wonderful. I was wondering when you would come by and give us the news. I had to hold in my excitement a couple of days.”

“Wait, mum, you knew?”

“Yeah! Oh Lily you look precious. I can tell just by looking at you. Your face is all a glow and you look so content.”

“It’s no fun when you already know. How did you know?” James said bringing back the attention of his mother from Lily. He was a little upset.

“Oh Jamesie, I’m sorry. I know how much you like surprises.”

“But who told you?”

“I was in Diagon alley two days ago and I ran into her. We started talking and it slipped.”

“Who?”

“Here’s your tea young Potter sir, and his miss.” Twinkle place the cups on the coffee table to join Mr. and Mrs. Potter’s tea cups.

“Thank you Twinkle.” Lily said.

“Who told you mum?”

“It was Alice Longbottom; she thought that you had told me by now. She said something about her baby shower and slipped up by saying something about Lily. When I asked her to specify what she was saying, she got nervous. I talked her into telling me what she clearly thought I already knew. I’ve been holding it in for two days because I figured you would come around to telling us your selves.” She said looking like she could burst with joy.

“You kept a secret from me this long?” Mr. Potter looked at his wife in mock shock. Everyone new that Mrs. Potter couldn’t keep things to herself. He was stunned that she could keep news such as this to her self for so long.

“But don’t get upset James, she didn’t want to tell your secret. I talked the poor girl into it. And my baby is going to have a baby.” She stood up and walked over to James. He got up and gave her a hug. Tears were already springing to her eyes by the time she got to Lily to give her a hug.

“Congratulations. I guess the little one should call me Papa or Granddad or something.” Mr. Potter patted James on the back and shook his hand.

“How about Gramps?” James smiled.

**********


After leaving the Potter’s home, where they spent most of the afternoon, Lily and James were now at the Evan’s to break the news to Lily’s parents. Their home was smaller and contemporary, much like the rest of the muggle homes in the area. They all had freshly manicured lawns and stood orderly in rows, each one just like the last. Each had its own hint of character to express the personalities of their owners.

Lily and James were sitting in the parlor with Mr. and Mrs. Evans. They had just broken the news to them who were, in turn, delighted to hear it. They already exchanged hugs and blessings for the future, when Mrs. Evans got up to resume her cooking for dinner. Lily followed her into the kitchen leaving James and Mr. Evans to talk.

“Oh dear, I got so excited that I forgot about my meat loaf. I do hope it hasn’t burned.” Mrs. Evans was saying to Lily as the swinging door to the kitchen closed behind them.

“Do you need any help with anything?”

“Oh no dear, it is almost finished now. You and James should stay and eat with us; there is plenty to go around.”

“Thanks, we haven’t eaten yet and I’m starved.”

“I would say you were, just look at you Lily.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re so thin dear. If you’re going to be a mum, you’ll need to have a balanced meal with all of your nutrition.”

“Mum...”

“Lily, you have to take better care of your self. It’s not just you you’re feeding now. Make sure you get all of the calcium and vitamins you need, for you and the baby.”

“Mum I know. Dr. Parkinson told me this already.”

“So are you going to continue seeing him or is there a wizarding doctor of some sort?”

“I haven’t really decided yet. James is still questioning muggle doctors, I told him I’ve been seeing one all my life, but he still struggles to get it. He tries, but he can’t help but worry.”

“We don’t need both of you to be worry warts; don’t you do enough of that already? You’ve been like that for as long as I can remember.”

“I know. Dr. Parkinson also told me to take it easy with the worrying and stress, but remembering not to worry could be just as stressful. If that even makes any sense at all.”
Lily laughed at herself.

“Oh it does. And you haven’t even begun; just wait until after the baby is born.” The timer to the oven went off and Mrs. Evans took the meat loaf out. She gathered up all of the dishes and silver ware so Lily could set the table while she touched up the rest of the meal.

“Boys come on, it’s time to eat.” Mrs. Evans called from the kitchen. Moments later the two entered, they seemed to be joking and enjoying a nice chat in the den.

“Well what have you two been talking about?” Lily asked walking up to her father and giving him half a hug from the side.

“Just a few words from a father to a father to be,” He said kissing her on the head.

“James, what has said to you?”
“Boy stuff Lily.” Her father said.

“Michel, I hope you’re behaving your self in front of your son in-law, if not for my sake than at least for your daughter’s sake.”

“Its fine mum, he’s just giving me a few tips, that’s all.” James reassured her with a grin.

“Hello? Mum, dad? Sorry we’re late, we had some car trouble and we couldn’t find a sitter.” Petunia entered the house with a bundle of blankets in her arms and Vernon right behind her the whole way.

“Petunia, Vernon, you’re right on time. We were just about to get started.”

Petunia stopped dead in her tracks once she saw Lily standing in the kitchen. Her eyes stayed on her for a while before moving over to James. They narrowed as she looked him over with distaste written in her expression. After a while she seemed to realize she was staring, at which she tried to hide the disapproving look about her.

“Petunia, it’s been a while. How have you been?” Lily asked her sister and taking a step forward. Lily noticed the bundle in her sister’s arms move slightly before she continued.
“What do you have there?”

“Lily, and uh um” she stuttered over James’ name as she looked at him loathingly, she had a touch of fear behind her eyes as well. Petunia clutched the bundle closer to her chest as Lily looked at it.

“It’s James actually.” James stated.

“Right, Lily and Jimmy... I didn’t know you were staying for dinner.”

“It’s James.”

“Well we weren’t.” Lily said.

“Oh, pity, see you later then.” Petunia said a bit more cheerful.

“I said we weren’t, that is we didn’t plan on it before coming over. Now we are staying.”

“Oh, great,” she said sarcastically.

“Petunia, is that what I think it is? How come you never told me?”

“There is a reason I haven’t talked to you since you made the decision to get married. I chose not to tell you that I now have a son.” Vernon moved closer to her as if with pride and protection. “That we have a son.” She added this when he put his fat, purple hand on her boney shoulder.
“Mum told me when you were pregnant, but I was never told when you gave birth.”

“It was last week Lily; I didn’t have the chance to contact you. I was going to tell you as soon as I had the chance, I’m sorry.” Mrs. Evans spoke up. “Now let’s try and have a nice meal shall we? Girls, it has been so long since you were both here for dinner, let’s be one big happy family, huh?”

“I have some news of my own Petunia.” Lily said ignoring her mother’s request. “James and I are expecting our first born as well.”

“What!?”

“I’m your sister and I told you the biggest news of my life, and all you can say is ‘what?’” Lily was starting to sound hurt, but she stayed put.

“Well its not exactly natural is it? The two of your kind having a baby- whatever it is you call your selves?” Vernon said as if they were circus freaks.

“Not natural? Not natural-” James started.

“Calm down James.”

“No Lily. First she mistreats you because you’re a witch, and then refuses to come to your wedding, now she isn’t happy for the coming of your first child. I don’t know how you can stand it.”

“Because she’s my sister James.”

“Sister or not, no one should treat you like this.”

“Yes I don’t like the fact that she is a witch, but it isn’t that I didn’t want to go to her wedding, it was that you were going to be there. And it isn’t that I am not happy for her baby, it’s that it is half yours.” She directed toward James. “ I didn’t tell you, Lily, about my baby because I didn’t want it to grow up around your husband or his kind.” Petunia was shooting daggers at James with her eyes.

“Petunia!” Her mother was appalled.

“Lily, maybe we should go. We are clearly not wanted here.”

“Lily, James, you can stay, please.” Mrs. Evans pleaded.

“Yes, let’s try to work this out.” Mr. Evans attempted.

“No mum, you heard them, they want to leave. Let them go.” Vernon said.

“Petunia, I am James’ kind, and my baby will be James’ kind. I’m sorry you can’t accept it. Let’s go James.”

“But Lily, I thought you were starving?”

“Sorry mum, but I lost my appetite.” Lily kept her eyes on her sister as she answered her mother before she left with a crack.

“Thanks for the hospitality.” James directed toward Mr. and Mrs. Evans before he followed Lily.

**********

James got home and went up stairs to find Lily sitting on the bed and crying, she was already in her night dress. The last time he saw her cry like this, was when Petunia refused to go to their wedding. It hurt Lily when her sister was like this. Lily just wanted her to be apart of her life. But Petunia wanted nothing to do with her. And seeing Lily hurt, hurt James. It still amazed him how Lily could even try making amends with her sister, he felt Lily had too big a heart for her own good.

He wanted to hurt anyone that hurt his Lily. He hated to see her cry, once she was in a fit like this, it was best to just let her cry herself to sleep. So he sat down beside her on the bed and rubbed her back. She laid down and put her head in his lap while she sniffed. He ran his hands through her red hair to try and console her, it did little good. He sat like this for a while until her breathing started to get heavy and she quieted down. He pulled back the covers and moved her small body into a more comfortable position. He threw on his pajamas. Then he himself climbed in beside her to try and get some sleep. He put his arm around her and held her all night.

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The next 4 days went by quickly, it was now November 25. Lily was almost 4 weeks pregnant and today was the day for the Longbottom’s party. The party was to start at 7:30 so she had the whole day before then.

Lily went to the doctor earlier that day for another check up. She wanted to make sure that things were moving accordingly, for the first trimester is the time that miscarriages are more prone to happen. Luckily and pray fully for Lily, things were going smoothly. James made sure that she ate healthy foods and took away all of her junk food privileges. Lily had to sneak around the kitchen after James went to sleep in order to eat cookies and chips, the nice fatty ones. One night she wasn’t so sneaky and James caught her red handed. Ever since then, he has been more careful about where he hid the goodies.

Right now James wasn’t at home. Lily didn’t go into work this morning so she had the rest of her lunch break to catch up on her missed junk food habits. It took her 30 minutes to realize that James hid some stuff under his invisibility cloak, she came across it accidentally. James probably forgot he put it there, for he couldn’t find his invisibility cloak the other night when he needed it.

Lily’s lunch break was almost up and she wasn’t very hungry. She decided to go shopping for new dress robes for the party before going into work for the day. She wanted to get some dress robes that made her look nice, not just for the party or because she wanted to feel pretty. But it was because she wanted to look nice for James for one of the last times before her stomach started to grow bigger than she was. She has always been small and now being pregnant, she would have to get used to the idea of not being the same size that she always has been. She new James would think she was pretty no matter what because he loved her, but she wanted to look nice for him to remember if she never got her figure back.

She went to Diagon Alley and came across a cute little robe shop, ‘Marncy’s Threads’ for Today’s Witches and Wizards. They sold things form school uniforms, to work robes, to even quidditch robes, all the way up to formal or dress robes. Lily worked her way to the women’s department and looked around for the perfect outfit, something that wouldn’t clash with her red hair and would set of her emerald eyes. James’ favorite feature, among others, of Lily’s; were her eyes. She wanted something that would draw more attention to them.

She searched through the countless racks and found nothing. Her time was almost out and feeling rushed to get to work, she turned to leave. Just as she did so, something caught her eye.

They were what else, green. Not just any green, they were a dark and rich emerald green, a perfect color to match her eyes. The sleeves were sheer and cut at different angles. The breasted area was made of velvet while the rest was a silky material. The hem was traced in a sparkly thread that matched the thread that lined the collar. It was perfect, unlike anything Lily ever laid eyes on, almost more beautiful than her very own wedding dress. She grabbed the robes of her choice and rushed to buy them so she wouldn’t be late for work. She couldn’t wait to see James’ reaction.

She was rushing down the streets of Diagon Alley with her bag in hand rushing to get to the nearest apparation point. She ran into someone along the way almost falling over onto the ground.

“Hey, watch it!” The man’s voice could be heard.

“I am so sorry.”

“Lily?! What are you doing? Where you just shopping, aren’t you supposed to be at the doctors?” It was James that she ran into.

“Oh, I already went. I am just trying to get to work right now, what are you doing?”

“I was just on my lunch break. What did you buy?”

“What... this? Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Well it’s clearly something, what is it?”

“Don’t worry about it, you’ll find out tonight.”

“Really...!”

“Yes, it’s for the party. And I have to go, I’m already late. I’ll see you at home.” And she quickly kissed him before running off to the apparation point.

***********


After lunch James went back to the office. He and Sirius were sitting there taking up space since nothing big was happening at the moment. James and Sirius were playing a game of exploding snap and would look down the office hall every once in a while to see if Mad Eye would come around and yell at them for doing nothing. It seemed he would yell at them anyway these days; people began to think Moody was loosing his touch and was getting to retirement age. He would always complain and say that he was just getting into his golden years and that he would be around for quite a while. He was still up and kicking, or so he thought. He just didn’t trust anyone to pass the job over too; he has seen too many suspicious things in his day.

As James and Sirius played, James had finally had the time to think about what Dumbledore said about there being a ‘leak’ in the system. He wanted to talk about it to someone, who could possibly rat out the Order to the dark lord? And why? James hadn’t brought his thoughts with anyone, especially Lily, he knew her too well for that. He didn’t even really think about it since he talked to Dumbledore. But right now, it had surfaced. He had to release the feelings and stress it laid on his heart to someone, and who better than his most trusted friend.

James got up when it was Sirius’ move and closed the office door. Sirius looked at him questioningly and waited to hear what was on James’ mind.

“Pad, something has been bothering me and I need to talk to you.”

“Shoot.”

“Well, it’s about Dumbledore’s last speech at our last meeting for the Order. It had sort of a hidden meaning. I asked him about it and he explained.”

“What was it?” Sirius asked.

“He thinks someone inside the Order is telling all of our secrets to ‘You know who’. I have been feeling insecure now that I know this information. Dumbledore has no idea who it is, that means it could be any body. Maybe even some one we really trust.”

“But we trust a lot of people.”

“Exactly, it’s all a matter of whom.”

“What makes him think this? I mean... where’s the proof?”

“I don’t know, he didn’t really say much.”

“Well why didn’t he tell you more?”

“For all he knows, it could be me that is the rat.” James said.

“You?! You’re the least likely to do something like that, he knows that.”

“Yes, but that’s what his speech was about, being careful and alert.”

“We’ll find them, I'm sure of it. They have to be sloppy and leave a trail for Dumbledore to pick up on them.” Sirius said sitting back in his chair.

“Yes, but this is Dumbledore we’re talking about.”

"So what do we do?"

"We wait," James said worriedly.

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hello
sorry i haven't posted in a while and sorry this is such a short one :angel:
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p.s. happy Martin Luther King weekend everyone!! :p

**********

After work, Lily went home right away to try on her new dress robes before James got there. She grabbed the bag and went straight for the bathroom. She closed the door and pulled the green material from the bag and held it up against her self, looking in the mirror. She couldn’t wait to put it on and see how it looked, and she definitely couldn’t wait to se his reaction. She quickly showered and changed into it, thinking all she had to do was just slip it on. She always wore a size 4, but this time she just barely got in it, for these robes were form fitting. She struggled a bit with the back zipper until finally she got it to fit perfectly, almost with out any breathing room. She didn’t realize that her flat belly would start to grow so rapidly. You couldn’t tell just by looking at her that she was pregnant, but her clothes were starting to fit tightly around the middle. Or at least more than they used to.

She examined herself in the mirror for a while before continuing on with her hair and make up. She didn’t wear make up very often, and she didn’t feel the need for it because it was more comfortable to go with out it. James thought she was gorgeous no matter what, he always has ever since their first year at Hogwarts, and thus she just never bothered with the stuff. But tonight, she wanted to knock his socks off, she wanted to blow him away. This wasn’t their night, it was the Longbottom’s and she knew that. But in a way she felt it was theirs as well. Her one month mark was quickly approaching and she really wanted James to remember her at her best. The next 8 surely won’t be, or so she thought.

Half way done with her primping and glamming up, she heard the arrival of her husband. He had just apparated home and was yelling her name. She could hear him moving around as he ran up the stairs to search for her.

“Lily!... Lily?...Lily where are you?”

“I’m in the bathroom.” She called back.

“Hey what are you doing? Getting ready for the party already?” He was now on the other side of the bathroom door.

“Yes. I’ll be out in a minute and you can get ready.”

“Alright, I’ll wait. I’m not sure what kind of robes to wear, is this a formal thing or what?”

“Yes dear, wear your dress robes.” She answered him. ‘Men,’ she thought to her self with a smile. ‘But you got to love him, he’s so cute.’

Minutes later she touched up her curls, added some fragrance and picked out the perfect silver earrings. She took one last look at her self in the mirror and inhaled deeply. She was ready; she turned the knob and pulled back on the door handle to see James just on the other side.


************


James was sitting on the bed when Lily opened the door. He had his hands in his lap while he played with his fingers, twiddling his thumbs and thinking about what Dumbledore had said a while back. It was still fresh in his mind and was bothering him so that he didn’t quite hear Lily come out of the bathroom. It wasn’t until he heard her clear her throat that he looked up. How long had she been standing there?

Lily was standing in front of the bathroom entry. She was smiling at him expectantly. He slowly stood from the edge of the bed; his facial expression was utter astonishment. He walked over to her, his stare never ceasing.

“What did you do?” He asked walking around her like a vulture does carrions of dead animals in the desert.

“What do you mean ‘what did I do?’ You don’t like it?”

“No.”

“You don’t?”

“No, I don’t even love it.”

“Oh...” Lily looked down at her shoes.

“I adore it. You look...amazing. I mean...WOW!”

“Really?”

“Yes, just look at you.” James said scanning her with wide eyes.

“Thanks.” Lily giggled childishly as if she were back at school and James was the hot jock that all the girls wanted. Wait, he was and she was the one girl that didn’t want him. It was crazy to think how far they had come.

“You look lovely” He said kissing her on the cheek.

“Hmm, thank you James, but you better go shower or we’re going to be late.” She said while he kissed her.

*********

The couple arrived at their destination. They entered the elegant banquette hall, the hot spot for wizards, and it was worth every last galleon. The room was large with a marble floor. The room was circular with lots of ceiling to floor windows that led out to balconies over looking a beautiful view of the horizon. Each window was delicately dressed with diaphanous cloth of tropical colors. The lights were low and candles floated about the room or on rounded tables. Tables covered the perimeter of the room so that the center was open for dancing. It was picture perfect, and everyone was present.

James and Lily instantly started mingling with friends both new and old. They reminisced on good times and charmed people with jokes and danced the night away. They took several breaks here and there to get a drink or fresh air from out on one of the verandas. When the people cleared away from the head table, James and Lily had the chance to congratulate the Longbottoms once more on their great news.

About an hour later, dinner was about to start. People gathered around their little round tables and got ready to devour a delicious meal. Music continued to play softly in the distance while everyone was being served. They started with the Longbottom’s table and worked around the room. There was a wide selection to choose from on the menu. And everyone was eager to have a taste. The servers were quick and smooth about their transitions and the cooks were good enough to put the elves in Hogwarts out of business.

When dinner was almost over, Frank stood up from his table. All mouths stopped moving and all eyes went on him.

“I would like to take this time to thank you all for coming tonight. Alice and I wanted to have this party to spend time with our loved ones in celebration of our first son or daughter.” He paused for a moment and looked down to his right at his wife and smiled.

“We just want you all to know that we love you and appreciate your putting up with us all these years. But now there will be an extra someone to put up with. Soon we will hear the pitter patter of little feet. This party was so we could officially get all of your contact information so that we could start up a hit list when we need babysitters.” People started laughing at this comment before he continued.

“But on a more serious note, you all have been there for us when we needed you most in our lives and we thank you dearly. Alice and I know that you will continue being there and we want you to know that if you need us, we’re just an owl away.” At this moment, Alice stood up and put her hand in his before speaking herself.

“Thank you so much and we love you. It’s great to know how many people there are that love us and are willing to come celebrate this occasion with us even in times such as these. So again we--” Alice was cut off from what she was about to say next. The window’s shut loudly, locking the room. The candles all blew out as if a gust of stormy wind blew straight through the room. Alice squeezed Frank's hand and looked around the room, she was clearly unnerved.

James felt Lily’s side ways glance; he looked over at her and patted her hand reassuringly. They both had an idea of what was going on.

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The room was dark except for the moon light shining in through the windows. Everyone was getting restless and James could hear a woman ask the man next to her: ‘What’s going on?’ Unfortunately, James had an idea of what was happening. As he too looked around the room, he noticed that the party mainly consisted of members of the Order of the Phoenix. This had to be Voldemort’s doing. And just on cue, James could hear a low rumbling laughter fill the room and all around.

A dark shadow appeared in the center of the dance floor. The laughter grew louder and louder and it seemed to be spilling out of this being; this being that looked to be a shadow of a human, yet felt and seemed quite opposite. The laughing finally stopped and the hooded creature slowly raised its head. All that could be seen in the mist of the darkness were piercing eyes, eyes that no one would ever want to look into voluntarily. The room was silent and the only thing that broke the silence was a snap of two fingers followed by cracks of many death eaters apparating into the premises.

The candles flickered back on to illuminate the room once more. In spite the fact that the lights were on, the faces of the intruders could not be identified, their hoods shrouded their faces. But even though their faces were covered, James felt that he could easily tell who some of them were.

“Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, I’m terribly sorry that we’re late. It took a longer time for the news of such an event to get to us, for we didn’t get our invitations by owl, but I’m sure you sent them; it’s not your fault if the owls got intercepted. Maybe we should have someone check the owling system, aye boys?” The dark hooded one in the front said sarcastically. His comment was followed by dark laughter and smug snorts.

“What do you want from us?” frank asked boldly, he walked out onto the dance floor with Alice not far behind. Both had a look of pure hatred in their eyes.

“Oh, I’m fine thanks, and you? Manners these days let me tell you. Should we teach them how to have manners?” Voldemort remarked, it sounded as though he had a smirk on his face. The death eaters made a motion of agreement, they enjoy nothing more than witnessing someone's torture.

“You didn’t answer my question, why have you come?” Frank stood firm, but other than Alice at his side, he was alone. James stood up quietly as not to draw too much attention to his self. The Longbottoms were his friends, he wasn’t about to let the death eaters impose fear into their hearts. The death eaters had done enough of that every day to everyone.

“Ha, does the Dark Lord need reason? I do things on my own accord and I thought it might be fun to make an appearance, been lying low for too long you see.”

“What did we ever do to you?” Alice said, she still had a hold on Frank’s hand.

“It isn’t what you’ve done my sweet; it’s what you stand for. It’s what all of you stand for.” He said looking around the room “Plus, I don’t like you,” he added as an after thought.

James tapped Sirius on the shoulder while the attention was still focused on the center of the room. He also got Remus to lock eyes with him. And he nudged Peter as well, who looked weary and uneasy as if he didn’t know where he was. James had a feeling that a fight would break out. Lily also stood and had determination written in the lines of her face.

“What do you mean ‘it’s what we stand for’? Verses what you stand for?” Frank was now saying in the center of the room.

“I’m a businessman Mr. Longbottom. It’s all about business, Longbottom. We are trying to purify the human race, purify the ‘name of wizard’ so to speak.”

“Oh I know what you’re about. We all do. You go around tormenting muggles and muggle borns for your own pleasure.”

“Yes well, things must be sacrificed in order to get your goal.” Death Eaters had another up roar of laughter as they took another step forward in their positions.

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James was moving around the table causing chair behind him to scrap across the floor. A death eater noticed this and told Voldemort, suddenly all of the attention was drawn to James and his friends.

“Ah, the Potters and their sidekicks, I had a feeling that the two of you would be here. You, James isn’t it? I heard a lot about the last time you and Black met with some of my servants over at the ‘Three Broomsticks’. I’m so terribly sorry that I couldn’t join you, but I hope to make up for it tonight.

I would like to thank you James. You just put me back on track, you just reminded me of what I came here to do. So now that all this little chit chat is finished, not that I don’t like catching up on old times, but we really need to get this party started.” Just as the last words were out of Voldemort’s mouth, the death eaters began their attack.

The first rupture of battle was when an impatient Death eater, who was waiting for command, shouted “Crucio” and aimed the spell directly into Frank’s chest. Alice’s horrified scream followed as she bowed over her husband, her hands on her head. There was nothing she could do, so she did the thing that anyone would do in a situation like this, she aimed for his attacker. But before the spell was formed, another death eater hit her with the same unforgivable curse. The couple laid side-by-side squirming in pain with their culprits towering over them in the middle of the dance floor.

The rest of the room broke out in fight. Dueling in combat was in every corner of the banquette hall left and right. Immediately, the beautifully decorated room was in shambles, tables over turned, the curtains shredded, and shards of glass were scattered about the place. The only thing that wasn’t disturbed was the magically playing instruments that continued playing up on the front stage behind the head table. The cello, violin, flute, and French horn played a soft, slow song that was out of place compared to the rapid moving flashes of light and fighting that was taking place in their midst.

James started to duel the nearest Death Eater to him. The hooded figure was small, presumably a woman’s stature. She slowly approached him, teasingly as a spider does its prey before its first attack. She raised her off hand behind her and bent into position, poised for being undefeated. James followed her example, but she was faster than he. She stepped forward and shot at him the first chance she had. James stumbled backwards a bit, almost completely knocked off balance. But he wouldn’t let her get to him so easily; his pride was too strong for that. He quickly regained composure and shot back in her direction. She dodged the spell and hit him once more, causing his wand to fly out of his grasp. The woman’s shrill laughter was loud but not loud enough to cut through the commotion around them. James quickly picked up his wand when she was distracted and tried once more. The strength of his spell picked her up and blew her back into the far wall knocking her unconscious. Her hood pushed back to reveal her identity, a dark haired woman not much older than James himself. The cousin of his best mate, Bellatrix Black.

James stood over her for a moment, not knowing how to react. He knew she was a Slytherine, as all of the Blacks were excluding Sirius, but he couldn’t take in the fact that she would actually turn so easily to the dark side. Perhaps it was the fact that she was the cousin of the one friend he considered a brother, thus almost connecting the two as relatives. James didn’t like to fight; he was a mischief maker, sure. But he didn’t like to fight, especially girls. But this was unreal, battling Sirius’ cousin.

Just then, Lily’s voice echoed a spell from behind him, pulling him out of his thoughts. He turned around to see her flip a male death eater and send him crashing into a table. James was stunned, she was powerful, but there was no time to waste on such things. A death eater was gaining on her from behind while another came at her side. James walked over to her aid but was cut off by yet another. They were everywhere her turned around. “Where do you think you’re going?” He asked. James wasn’t about to spend another minute on this guy, he punched him square in the jaw just hard enough to get him out of his way. Lily was struggling with two death eaters and she needed his help.

“Hey there gurrly, where’s your big strong hubby when you need him?” A hooded man with a deep and husky voice said pulling on Lily’s flaming locks and poking his nose over each of her shoulders in turn.

“Right here,” James said glowering at him. Lily turned around at the sound of James’ voice with a look of relief on her face.

“Leave her alone.” James said.

“Or what?” the hooded death eater asked with exasperation.

“Do you really want to know?” James said with a smirk as he bent in dueling position once more, hazel eyes flashing fiercely.

“Let’s dance!” The death eater said wilts laughing darkly.

As James started to fight, Lily also did with the remaining death eater that was tormenting her. They fought for a while but both succeeding in the end. James defeated his inferior at battle leaving him with nothing but his incompetence. And all James got in return was a cut with the shape of a gothic ‘M’ carved into his temple. At one point of the battle, the man punched James for he lost his wand. He must have had a ring on his knuckle with the letter ‘M’ on it. But other than this cut, James was fine and ready to take on Voldemort him self with Lily at his side.

Voldemort was still in the center of the room and was about to use the most unforgivable of all curses on a helpless party guest. James caught him of guard with a spell and caused a shift in the dark lord’s focus. There he was, and there they were. The one man that inflicted so much hatred, pain and fear to so many was right here in front of them. He was just a man, not noticeably large or powerful, but just merely a man. He was a living, breathing immortal like the rest of them and yet people shuddered at the sound of his name.

Voldemort with his dark impaling eyes had a twisted grin as he raised his wand.
“There is no need in killing you...yet. I think I’ll have some fun with you while you’re still alive. I could use an exiting and bona fide fight. The others here have been only bland. But you, the Potter boy that caused us trouble at the ‘Three Broomsticks’. Yes I’ve heard about you and your abilities. I’m sure you and your wife will be plenty a challenge, a fun and quick challenge, but a challenge nonetheless.”

“Enough talking and more dueling,” James said angrily with impatience.

“A duel it is young sir.” Voldemort said with a bow and then an evil wink to Lily. “Don’t worry my dear; I won’t break him...too badly.”

And so James and Lily were poised for battle for the last time this night.

James stared a the dark figure for a while before stepping forward like the speed of lightning sending a golden beam from his wand aimed directly at Voldemort. Voldemort was hit square in the left shoulder above his heart. He looked startled at first but hid his surprised expression with an amused one.

“Not bad boy, not bad at all. I see great potential in you, but a little word for the wise. Have firmer grip so your wrist doesn’t angle your wand, that way you will hit pin point to the heart. You know I could use someone with your capacity on my side. What say you?”Voldemort asked with dark yet smooth tones, his eyes peering at James.

“I don’t use my skill for such foul things as you and yours do for a living. I’m an Auror and will stay one until I see fit that you are put away for good.” James said before shooting the same spell back at Voldie, this time hitting him in the heart.

Voldemort stumbled and nearly fell over before dusting him self and looking at James in aw. “Nice form.”

“I’m a fast learner and don’t you forget that.”

“I’m sure I won’t.” He said narrowing his eyes.

James and Lily both started to battle with Voldemort, he was getting agitated and was fighting back with real force, but they hung in there. Voldemort, though just one living and breathing man, was very powerful. He could finish them off here and now if he truly wanted to. He fought them genuinely, but never used ‘Avada kedavra’. The fight got sticky enough with out it. They went on and on until Lily and James both knocked him down with one spell at the same time. This was enough to finally move him to using the killing curse. When he got up he was furious. He finally raised his wand and whispered the first word of the killing curse but stopped when he heard the voice of a calm and collected renowned man in the wizarding world. A man just as powerful, if not than more so, as Voldemort him self. Yet this man was quite opposite.

“Tom, what are you doing here? Go Tom. Go.” Said the voice of Dumbledore.

“Who are you to give me orders old man? I am no longer a pupil at that so called Wizarding School at which you live.” He paused a moment before finishing. “ Your so called Wizarding School, admitting mudbloods to come learn along side of the worthier ones.” He said in disgust. As Voldemort said this he looked at Lily and raised his eyebrows. He knew she was a muggle born.

The fighting seemed to come to a stop when people heard Dumbledore speak. The room seemed to hold its breath and time came to a stand still. Everyone knew that the only wizard that the dark lord feared was Dumbledore, this kind and wise old man with smiling eyes that hid from behind his glasses.

“Tom, leave these people, you have done enough tonight.” He said calmly. It amazed James how powerful his old Head Master was. He had a way with people. People could trust him, and fear him just by hearing him calmly state the matter. It was something about his presence. He had a childlike air, yet still professional.

“Are you going to make me leave personally?”

“I’m not feeling up to it right now Tom, but if it is necessary than I will.”

“Has the old man finally met his match?” Voldemort asked everyone looking around the room. “Alright Albus, for old times sake, I will leave you and your friends to do whatever it is you do. But you haven’t heard the last of me. I have yet to see you fall.” He said then snapped his fingers and all of his death eaters vanished.

“And as for you four, don’t think you’ll be so lucky next time. No one defies Voldemort and gets away with it. You may have this once, but it won't happen again, mark my words.” He said looking at the Potters and the Longbottoms before he too disappeared into thin air.

Once Voldemort left, the room was alive again. People stopped holding their breaths in fear and began conversing about the night’s events. Dumbledore, the Longbottoms and the Potters were involved in their own conversations.

“Something needs to be done about him; we can’t keep going on like this. I don’t want this war going on when the girls have their babies.”

“I know Mr. Potter, but we are doing what we can. Trust me, I hate this as much as you do, but we’re living and that’s what matters. And we have kept everyone safe. Just look around this room. Sure it’s a wreck, but things could have been much worse.” Dumbledore said.

“And speaking of the babies, I think it’s a wise idea for you two to take things easy. I know you couldn’t get out of this situation, but you shouldn’t fight in your condition. This isn’t healthy for the babies.” Frank said to Lily and his wife.

“He’s right. You can still help the order, but in other ways instead of fighting. You’ll thank us for later on in the pregnancy.” James added.

“The boy’s are right Lily.”

“Yeah I suppose so...James your face. You have a really nasty cut. Is that an ‘M’?” Lily said apprehensively.

He reached up and touched his temple and winced. He pulled his fingers from his face where the blood trickled down.

“Must have been Malfoy, he wears that ring. The big expensive one with the ‘M’ on it, must be a family heirloom.”

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“Yes I suppose it is. And we should probably go home now; it’s been a long night.” Lily said tiredly when their friends and Dumbledore went off to help everyone else and see if they were ok.

“Yeah, you look exhausted.” James laughed through his nose.

“So do you, but so much for looking nice. Look at me, I just bought this today.”

“Lily, you’re beautiful always. I’ve always thought that and always will. You’re my bride, you shouldn’t have to feel that you need to impress me, I’ve been impressed from the day I set eyes on you in Olivander’s buying our first wands.” James said holding her by the shoulders and looking into the pools of her eyes.

“James...”

“No, I mean it Lily. I especially remember the times that I found you to be the most beautiful.”

“Really!? What times were those?” Lily asked now intrigued.

“The day I first met you, the first time I saw you in your wedding dress, and the day you told me I’m going to be a father. But what I can’t wait for is the day that we bring this precious gift into the world. I can’t wait to meet him.” James said with his eyes glazing over, curling his arms around her waist.

“Hmmm... wait... I knew you wanted a boy.”

“What?”

“You said ‘I can’t wait to meet him’ as in a boy.”

“I mean her, and I hope she’s just like her mother.” Holding the marauder’s trade mark smile, the mock innocence, which they all learned to use when they get caught.

“Nice try, but I caught you red handed. And a boy would be nice.”

“Yeah, he’d be a little devil like me. Just like me.”

“Oh God save us all,” Lily said leaning back in James’ arms and looking to the sky with her arms outstretched.

*********


The next day, James and Lily didn’t go into work for they were too tired from the night before. Right now they were sitting on the couch. James had a butterbeer in one hand that rested on Lily’s stomach as he listened to the wireless. His other hand was roaming through Lily’s hair as she lay in his lap reading a book, “Baby Names, the best names to suit your child.” This was just one of many. Lily had a growing collection of Baby books including: “So You’re going to be a Mommy,” “Baby Talk,” “The Great Big Book of Babies,” and “ The Book for Today’s Wizarding Parents” just to name a few.

Lily was stocking up on her baby info. She was always a book worm and did well in school. But right now she was reading so she would be ready for when her 9 months are up. But little did she know that this would be the one subject she couldn’t prepare for. No matter how much she read. No book could teach her about the joys and pains of raising a child. Her mother tried telling her this, but Lily refused to hear it. She went right along and bought her new book collection and began to read each of them.

“Oh James, here’s one. How about...”

“Shhhh, wait a minute.” James was focused on the game.

“Hey don’t you ‘shh’ me!” Lily said sitting up in his lap abruptly and pressing down on his lap.

“Ow! Jeez, watch it will ya?”

“I’m trying to pick a name for our baby... or do you not care?” Lily raised an eyebrow.

“No, of course I care...” He was still distracted.

“But...”

“But babe, the game is on.”

“Really... fine.” She made a move to get up but he pulled her back down on his lap. A commercial came on just in time, figures.

(to be continued)
my dad needs to use the computer...grrr sorry yall
later

“Ok, so what did you want to tell me?” James asked innocently as he rested his chin on Lily’s shoulder.

“Only to go over some names with you, but it’s alright. I know how much you want to listen to your quidditch match. I’ll just go in the kitchen and fix us something to eat now.” Lily said a little too calmly.

“No, I want to hear what you have to say. See, the game is off.” He said turning the wireless off with a wave of his wand and looking up at her with puppy eyes, something he learned from Sirius back at Hogwarts, it works every time.

“Ok, I’ll stay and we can talk, just don’t look at me like that.”

“Did you find a name you liked or something in this book?” James picked the book up out of her hands and held it up to dangle from his.

“I have a couple of ideas but I don’t know if it would fit our child.”

“Boy or girl names.”

“Both...”

“Ok, tell me what you have in mind.”

“How about Denis?” Lily asked, doubtfully.

“Uhm, well...”

“I didn’t think so either.”

“No, that’s a great name.”
“James, you’re a terrible liar.”

“I know, can’t help it.”

“Just tell me what you think. This is your child too you know.”

“I know.”

“Lindy?”

“Nah,”

“Have you thought of any?”

“Well, I’ve done my fair share of brainstorming when there was nothing to do at the office.”

“Let’s hear it then.”

“Bobby, Kari, Nancy, Tommy, Gary, Lacy...” James started his list and tacked them each on his fingers.

“In other words, all the names that end in the ‘e’ sound.”

“Hold on I have one more...Duncan!” James said confidently.

“Duncan?!”

“Yeah, what’s wrong with Duncan?”

“Well nothing, it fits right along with the others.” Lily said sarcastically but stopped when she remembered James was listening. “It’s just that I don’t think that those go with us and our baby.”

“Right. Well are there any better ones that you found in those books of yours?”

“I’m still trying to think of names for a girl, but I have an even better idea for a baby boy.”

“Which is?”

“Harry short for Harold, after your father.” Lily said with a smile. “Harry after your father, James after his.”

“You mean...”

“Yup, Harry James Potter.”

“I like it.” James grinned with pride. “And a girl... how about, Remy or Seri? But we would alter the spelling a bit.”

“I’m sure your friends would like that, but we can work on it. After all, we still have a little less than 8 months left.” Lily kissed James on the cheek and got up to go to the kitchen and James turned the wireless back on, he still wore his grin.

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**************

Lily was now 2 and a half months pregnant. She was getting dressed for the day. It was a beautiful morning. Though it was cold out, the sun was shining this December day and the late fall leaves were in vivacious colors of red and gold laying about the ground. It reminded her of her old common room; the memory of her 7th year filled her head. The image in her mind was so vivid as if she were in a pensive. Things were so simple back then. The year that James finally caught her heart in his hands; if you told her at the start of that year she would end up married to him and bearing his child, she would have passed out on the spot. Lily Evans and James Potter? It seemed like such an improbable match back then. And that seemed like forever ago.

Lily was getting ready to go to a Puddlemere United Game with James and the Marauders. She never was a big fan of quidditch, unless James was playing of course. That was the only time she enjoyed quidditch, watching the man she loved fly around like a madman looking for a tiny gold ball. But this met a lot to him and she owed it to him to go hang out with his old gang, they had been spending lots of time together lately and James wanted to get out for a change.

Lily was pulling on her favorite blue knitted sweater. She pulled it down over her head and fumbled with the bottom so it would cover her stomach. She took a while but finally forced it on. Then she pulled up a pair of old blue jeans. And she struggled with the buttons. She jumped up and down looking like an idiot, sucked in as much of her belly as she could and it still wouldn’t budge. She tried everything, but the dumb button wouldn’t go in the slit to save her life. James came into the room whistling the Puddlemere tune when Lily was lying with her back on the bed as she continued to make the button work. He stopped in the middle of the room and looked at her as if she were a maniac.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m...trying...to ...button these stupid pants.”

“Uh, Lily...”

“But...for some ...reason...they just won’t go.”

“Lils...”

“Why can’t I button these pants?”

“Well...”

“Wait...there we go, at last.” Lily stood up and tried to breath, the pants were just barely buttoned. You could see only half of the button as the other half slipped behind the hole. If she exhaled deeply, the button would pop right off.

James continued to look at her strangely as she tugged on her blue sweater. Just as she straightened up and looked back at him, the pants came undone.

“Why can’t I get these pants to fit?” Lily asked the ceiling grumpily.

“Maybe because... they’re mine.” James said quietly and holding in a laugh.

“What?!” She said looking down in horror. And they were his, his ruddy old jeans he wore for going out to muggle areas.

“Lily, babe... you might...”

“What?”

“Never mind,”

Lily looked at him for a while and moved to take off the pants. She walked over to the closet and searched for something else.

“Lily, you might want to change your shirt too.”

“What’s wrong with my shirt? I love this shirt.”

“I know that Lils, but you can’t really fit it anymore.”

“Of course I can! Look!” She said pulling it down some more.

“Then why is your belly button showing?” he asked with a hint of laughter in his voice.

“I think it’s time to get some different clothes, you’ve been going long enough wearing clothes that don’t exactly fit you anymore. And if they do, it’s because it’s mine or really tight.”

“I look fine.”

“You’re in denial.”

“I am not.”

“Lily you’re not going to stay small forever. You’re going to have to buy fat people clothes.” Lily gapped at him. “I mean... those clothes for women with the fat stomachs.”
She put her hand on her hip and stared. “I mean...those...m-m-ma... the mat- something clothes for pregnant women, he he.” He laughed nervously, she was shooting daggers at him right now and he stood there loosening his collar.

“You mean ‘maternity’ clothes.”

“Yeah, those are the ones.”

“So you think I’m fat?” Lily asked dangerously and she walked over to him, countering her prey.

“What? No, you know what I meant.” He said backing up.

“You just said I needed to shop at the ‘fat people’ store.”

“I couldn’t think of the word.”

“Is this why you’ve been hiding the cookies? Hmm? Tell me James.”

James’ back was up against the wall and Lily’s eyes were peering in on him.

“I love you?” He smiled innocently.

“Yeah? Tell me I’m not fat.”

“You’re not fat.”

“Say it like you mean it.”

“You are not fat!”

“Better, and I will wear these clothes until I absolutely cannot get into them, kapeesh?”

“Kapeesh! But it’s cold out so you might want to change your shirt so your belly button doesn’t get cold.”

“Yeah I know. I guess I’ll have to start shopping for maternity clothes soon.”

“Wait, what was all that talk about making me tell you you’re not fat,” James said when Lily walked back over to the closet and was at a safe distance. “Which you aren’t.” He added when she turned and looked at him with a raised brow.

“Well I better have them around the house for when I need them...plus, I just like to see you wrapped around my little finger.” She said with a smirk before grabbing some sweat pants and a sweat jacket. “Oh and you men are all the same... think before you speak James, I might have a mood swing next time.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” James said looking off to the side.

And they left to go to the game. ‘That was too easy’ Lily thought to her self with a grin. He was whipped and being pregnant only added to the effect.

****************


James and Lily got to the Quidditch stadium 30 minutes early. James had Lily thinking that they were going to be late, yet in truth, he’s such a dumb fanatic that he wanted to be early and ‘make sure they got good seats’. Lily didn’t believe this for one minute, as if it would be hard to get seats at a Quidditch game. Lily thought that this was his excuse to be an obsessed fan, for he missed playing it so much. But apparently it was hard to get good seats; they struggled through the crowd from the moment they left their port key. When they got up to the suite James had rented for them only, the teams were practicing out on the field. They were flying around tossing the quaffle and seekers were practicing their diving techniques.

The Marauders weren’t there yet; they were going to meet up with them later. So while they waited, James got endless bottled butterbeers for himself and his wife. These butterbeers were perfect for Quidditch matches because these games are known to last for hours, or even days for that matter.

Lily took this time to just sit here and talk to James, for once his friends got here or once the game started, he would be distracted from anything that didn’t involve flying. Right now he was relaxed in his chair while he quietly observed the practicing teams. Lily leaned into him so he could snake his arm around her shoulders. ‘This will probably be the only time that he will sit still during the entire game,’ she thought to herself looking up at him. James noticed her staring and turned to her to kiss her on her forehead before turning back to the direction of the Quidditch field.

Lily started to quietly giggle through her nose as she continued to look up at him.
“What?” James asked looked down at her.

“Nothing...”She said beaming.

“No, what is it? What’s so funny?”

“You.”

“Me!? What did I do?” He asked looking at her with a perplexed expression.

“Nothing right now, you’re just goofy.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“Whenever I just sit and watch you, you do the craziest things. You’re goofy, that’s all.”

“Really? How so?”

“Like this morning, I was looking out the window and the leaves reminded me of Hogwarts, gold and red you know? So it had me reminiscing on the past; our school years.”

“And you say I’m goofy, leaves reminding you of school. And it’s December, there are hardly any leaves left except for on the ground.”

“No, really James, you are goofy. I was remembering how you used to do the craziest things to get me to notice you. They were quite funny actually now that I think back on them, though I didn’t think so back then. I didn’t think you were as adorable then as I do now. You were a nuisance really.”

“Thanks.” James said with an offended air.

“Aw come on James, you know I warmed up to you eventually.”

“Yeah, and it only took you 6 and a half years.”

“More like 6.”

“Wait, you were warmed up to me for a half a year and I didn’t know it?” He asked raising his eyebrows.

“Yeah, I didn’t want to admit it because I disliked you for so long. We had just became friends. Plus, if you knew, it would have gone straight to your head.”

“Yeah yeah yeah, everyone blames it on the big head.” He ruffled his hair with his free hand. “And half a year, you wasted half a year of our snogging time.” He said causing Lily to smack him playfully on the chest. “But honestly, what did I do that was so goofy?”

“Everything you do is goofy. You’re just a goofy kind of guy.” It was her turn to ruffle his hair.

“Well just name a few.”

“Hmm, how should I choose out of the many?” Lily pondered mockingly running her two fingers over her imaginary goatee.

“Come on, what’s some of the funniest things I’ve done to get your attention?”

“Like you don’t remember.”

“As you said, there were many. You were the only girl I really wanted after all.”

“Well, here’s one. How about the time that you saw me coming into the library and took it upon yourself to try and make me jealous? It was during the time that I was dating Michael on your Quidditch team, you were jealous and I kept telling you that you and I were only friends. So when you saw me come into the library one day, you weren’t thinking and tried to give me a taste of my own medicine. You grabbed the first girl that you saw. But you only saw her back and didn’t know who she was. You turned her around and started kissing her knowing I was watching you. It wasn’t until you pulled away that you found out who she was. Do you remember?”

“I tried to erase it from my memory.” James said putting his head in his hand in shame.

“It was Kara Benton, the ugliest girl in our class. You should have seen your face when you realized what you had done.” Lily said laughing. “And she was one of the many girls that had a deathly crush on you. She went wild when she thought you liked her and spread rumors about the two of you around like wild fire.”

“Ha ha ha,” James said in a monotone.

“You want to hear more?”

“Nah, I don’t think I can take any more chagrin in one day.”

“Well, that’s what I was thinking about today. You’re a goofy guy, especially when trying to win my heart.” Lily looked up at him still with a smile.

“More like mad than ‘goofy,’ but you’d have to be if you pursue a mudblood.” A dark voice came from behind them.

James and Lily turned to see Malfoy enter their suite, he was leaning against the door frame with his arms folded across his chest as he looked on with an expression of disgust.

“What are you doing here Malfoy?” James stood and Lily followed both looking back into the sharp eyes of this life long blonde enemy.

“I’m here to enjoy the game as you are Potter. My wife will be coming shortly and I wouldn’t want this hideous vision to upset her. So if you don’t mind leaving seeing as to how you and that thing you call a wife are the only impediments that are keeping us from having a nice time.”

James took a dangerous step forward and Lily grabbed his arm to stop him. The look on his face was that of up most hatred.

“What’s the matter Potter? What, you want another ‘M’ shaped gash on the other temple to match the one I gave to you the last time we met?” Malfoy walked away from the door and further into the room.

“Funny, I’m surprised you remembered that Malfoy, after I knocked you out cold of course.”

“Go Potter, before I get angry. We wouldn’t want that here now would we? You know, does a green mark ring a bell? I hadn’t planned on one being conjured right now, considering it would cancel the match--”

“No threats Malfoy, and I rented this suite a week ago.”

“Ah, that may be so, but I use this every world cup.”

“This just so proves that you didn’t know anything about Quidditch back at Hogwarts any more than you do now. I guess some things will never change. It’s not the world cup Malfoy, and again, I rented this a week ago. You’re too late, go sit elsewhere.”

“Is something wrong here?” Sirius asked he had Remus and Peter on his heels.

“And here comes the sidekick,” Malfoy said with his back to Sirius before turning to him. “You know you have such a lovely family Black. It’s a shame you had to stray, I’ve grown quite fond of your brother and of course you cousin, my lovely wife.” Malfoy said as to anger Sirius. But just the fact he was here and breathing was enough to annoy Sirius.

“Good, I’m glad you all get along so well. Now you can go to hell with the whole lot of them.” Sirius replied with a sinister glare. Remus disappeared.

“Play nicely Blackie, wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself would we? Not with out your little wolf friend to back you up. Of course your bark is much worse than your bite.” Malfoy sneered. Sirius pulled out his wand and headed over to Malfoy, it doesn’t take much for Sirius to get worked up. And he was just waiting for Lucius to give him an excuse to attack. But before he had the chance, Remus returned with the Quidditch patrol.

“What seems to be the problem sir?” A man with a vest on and a look of total authority asked.

“James here rented this suite for 5; this man here claims that he has it.” Remus explained.

“I see. Do you have your ticket stubs?” He looked around at all of their ticket stubs for proof. “Yes, very well. Sir, you’re going to have to leave and find another seat in the stadium, this suite has been taken and it’s a violation to impose in this private area.”

“Fine,” Malfoy said as he jerked his arm out of the vested man’s grip. “I’ll see my self out thanks.” He kept his eyes on James as he said this. The vested man waited for him on the other side of the door.

“I’ll let you enjoy this day with your friends and family Potter. For you don’t know how much longer they will be around.” Malfoy walked all the way to the door before turning for the last time. “Give your parents my best wishes.” He said smugly with a knowing smirk before leaving.

“I hate that **** with a passion.” Sirius grunted as he plopped down in a seat. The rest of the marauders all sat calmly waiting for the start of the game.

“James, what do you think he meant when he said ‘give your parents my best wishes?’ Do you think he knows something?” Lily asked restlessly sitting back down next to James.

“Don’t worry about it Lils, he was just trying to scare us, the dirty git.” James said unconvincingly. But there was no more time to ponder the subject. The game was starting.

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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=3&pp=30

**************


The next week James was sitting in his office with Sirius. It was another ordinary day yet James couldn’t help but feel uneasy about what Malfoy said at the Quidditch match. Since then, Sirius let James us the other matching mirror to give to his parents so that he could check in on them when he felt the urge to. He unfortunately felt the urge to check on them quite often. Not that he his parents didn’t like to hear from their son or anything. But James must have grown to be quite a nuisance. He sat at his desk with his mirror in front of him. He stared at it shaking his left leg nervously and contemplating.

“Prongs, would you chill out? You just talked to your Dad 15 minutes ago.” Sirius said looking up from a stack of papers and a quill tucked behind one ear.

“I know Pad. But I didn’t get to see how mum was.”

“She’s fine.”

“How do you know that? Did you hear something that I didn’t?” James sat up more in his seat with raised eyebrows.

“No, But I’m sure she is fine. She’s probably with Papa Potter right now as we speak.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Prongs, you’re such a hypocrite.”

“How so?”

“You keep telling Lily not to worry and that everything is alright, but you your self are a nervous wreck just sitting here in front of me.”

“I just don’t want her to be upset. She worries enough as it is and she doesn’t need the stress right now.”

“And you do? You’re getting on my last nerve… and stop shaking your leg, it’s driving me mad.”

“Sorry.”

“Look, let’s just play exploding snap. It’ll get your mind off of things.”

“No, I’m sick of playing that. Don’t you ever get tired of playing that?”

“Yeah, but…it beats chess right? You don’t actually have to think.”

They sat in silence for a while before James spoke up again.
“Do you think I should have told Dumbledore about this? I probably should have. It’s just he has so much on his plate right now you know?”

“When does he not have so much on his plate Prongs?

“True.”

“But honestly. You’re always trying to fix things your self. You need help sometimes Prongs. You can’t take everything on for your self. That’s what I’m here for.”

“Thanks mate.”

“We can have Dumbledore just keep and eye on them and you can continue checking up on them every so often. They’ll be just fine. And Papa Potter is a strapping young….er…middle aged man. He’ll have things under control. He’d have to if he had the power to raise a git like you.”

“Ha ha, very funny,” said James felling a little better about the whole situation.


*************


“So what you think we should do is….?”

“I think it may just be a threat Mr. Potter. You are going by instinct and that is definitely called for in cases such as these. But don’t become overly concerned with it. There are other threats that must be dealt with. For it was only Malfoy who said this and there is no further proof that shows any evidence of death eaters actually following through with this. They do have more important things on their agendas.”

“So…”

“But if you if it will make you feel more secure, I can have the order take the appropriate measures to secure your parent’s safety. Place spells and wards around their home and such?”

“Thank you Mr. Dumbledore…Albus, sir… but I don’t want my mom to know about this. I don’t want her to be scared. I hate for her to be scared and live in fear. And my dad will be paranoid, they’re happy right now. Finally after years of suffering, I want them to enjoy as much as they can.”

“Yes, and this is one of the small calm breaks between the storms. So that is understood. You just want me to be aware of the situation and …”

“And just be my third eye.” James finished Dumbledore’s sentence for him.

“I will do so.”

“Thank you so much.”

“Of course,” the old man smiled from behind his desk in his office. He was surrounded by swirling mists and magical components; he looked mightier than he ever had just by being so calm and reassuring. James smiled back and left the office of his former school, where he spent loads of times during his educational years.


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Leslie ;)

*********


“Hey Alice, I’m going to eat lunch with my mother-in-law today. We’ll go to Hogsmead and look for some baby stuff as well; you’re more than welcome to join us if you want.”

“Oh thanks Lily, but I’m going to eat with Frank today. Maybe I can meet up with you guys after we eat; how about when you look for baby things?”

“Ok, that sounds great.”

Lily walked out of the office and made her way to apperate and reappeared in the small streets of Hogsmead. Lily loved going to Hogsmead, it reminded her of the magical feeling she got her third year and first trip out of Hogwarts. Hogsmead was more calm and reserved than Diagon Ally. It had lots of things to do but was like a small town more than a wizarding strip mall like Diagon Ally was in a way. The town had fairy lights around every where getting ready for Christmas. People were doing Christmas shopping during their lunch breaks as Christmas was rapidly approaching. She continued to roam the streets as if she were walking down memory lane until she finally caught the eye of a beautiful dark haired woman carrying an old handbag, it was Mrs. Potter.

Then Lily went up to her and greeted her with open arms, Mrs. Potter responded to her greeting with some affection of her own. The two walked down to the Three Broomsticks for a quick meal, they wanted lots of time to look for a nice nursery set. They finished their lunches and walked up and down the town looking into the attractive windows of every shop. Why not get some Christmas shopping done while they were out?

“Well this is nice! Spending time with the daughter I never had.”

“This is fun, I’ve learned a lot.” Lily answered with a genuine smile.

“Who says you don’t learn something everyday?”

“I don’t know, but I’ll be sure to hold this story over James’ head for a long long time.” She giggled. “Married for a year and a half and he still hasn’t told me all of his childhood stories.”

“Yes, well James is just like his father. He’s noble; it’s too embarrassing for him to bring it up. But that’s what makes it more fun aye?”

“Yes in deed. I can just see the image of a two year old James magically making his dirty diaper fly about the house and dropping it on Mr. Harold’s head when he chased after it.”

“Oh, and Jamsie had such a cute little tooshie when he was a babe.” Mrs. Potter said in a baby talk voice, she smiled as she reminisced.

“Ha, and he still does.” Lily said looking out to space with a grin. She slowly looked over at Mrs. Potter who was staring at her with her mouth hanging open. Lily realized that she slipped up and quickly covered her mouth, blushing behind her hands. She couldn’t believe she said that in front of his mother. She couldn't believe she said that at all.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry. How out of character for me, please forgive me. That was indecent.”

“Oh don’t worry about it Lily. We’re both girls here. That’s what girls do, we…talk. And Lily, I want you to feel comfortable around me. I’m not your mother, I’m James’. You and I, we can be more like friends… Now, come on, let us go in here. They might have what we’re looking for.” She laughed a bit and pulled the ashamed Lily by the arm into a store.

*********

Once in the store, all thoughts of embarrassment vanished. The shop was filled with adorable little baby clothes, bookshelves, toys, and furniture. Where to begin? It was all so precious. How could she choose? Everything was baby blue and soft pink, or teal and sun yellow. Toy teddy bears where every where. Toy wizarding teddy bears.

“Wow!”

“There is so much in here yes?... I haven’t been in this store in so long. No need to now of course.... Oh, it brings back old feelings long forgoten.” Mrs. Potter said as she brushed her fingers across soft fluffy baby blankets.


“Oh Lily, come look at this. How cute is this? A whole nursery set that matches with the entire theme of Quidditch.” The little dressers had painted broomsticks that flew around the drawers. The crib had little flying men for a mobile.

“Yeah, but it would encouraged James too much. He already has the idea in his head that the baby will be a star flier.”

“Figures… you’re right. He’ll probably have the baby flying before it can walk. Lets keep moving then shall we?”

“Yes.”

They circled the room; Lily wasn’t going to buy anything today. But she would just look and take mental notes for when she brought James in to look with her. Then Lily heard a soft noise coming from within Mrs. Potter’s handbag.

“What’s that? Are you vibrating?”

“Oh yes. It’s just a mirror.”

“Well aren’t you going to answer it?”

“It’s just James. He checks on Harold and me all the time now, quite annoying actually.”

“Oh, yes. Why do you suppose he does that?”

“I don’t know really. He just started not long ago.”

“Hmmm.” Lily pondered quietly.

“Anyway, Lily didn’t you say Alice was going to join us here?”

“Yes, I don’t know what happened to her though.”

“I was going to see if you wanted to look for Christmas gifts, but do you want to wait for her?”

“I don’t know what she’s doing. She’s probably still with Frank and I didn’t even identify where we would meet. Let’s just go ahead without her and I’ll talk to her back at the office.”

“Alright.”

**************

The two walked around window shopping. Lily bought some things for her friends and they split up to go shopping for the other, but Lily hadn’t found anything perfect enough to buy for James. He was the light of her life and she couldn’t just settle for anything just average.

“Mum, have you found anything to get James for Christmas?” Lily asked.

“Well yes, Harold and I are going to give him something that has been passed down through our family for ages. It’s an old pocket watch…which reminds me. I took it to the shop to have it fixed. Lets go there really quick and pick it up and you might find something you might want to buy him.”

“Sure.”

They walked to Mimsy’s Antiques, (we magically repair). The place was wooden and warm inside. Lots of old gadgets were about the place and still worked the way they did when they were new. They even had old fashioned flying broomsticks, one of the first brands ever made on the market. As Mrs. Potter got help from the man behind the desk, Lily helped herself to the broomsticks. If there was anything in the world that James loved more than his family and friends, it was flying. Lily saw a broomstick signed by Roderick Plumpton.

“Roderick Plumpton, 1889-1987.” A mans voice recited from behind. He knew she was looking at the broom.

“Excuse me?” Lily turned around to see a tall dirty blonde man beside her. He was quite attractive and looked very familiar.

“Lily Evans, I thought that was you.”

“Lily Evans Potter actually.”

“So, old James finally got you to come around I see.”

“Yes.” Lily said with narrowed eyes.

“You don’t remember me do you?”

“Wait, I might. Don’t tell me… give me a second…no, I don’t remember.”

“I’m Jake Trip, prefect from Ravenclaw?”

“Oh yes, I remember now. How are you?”

“I’m great. You look fantastic.” The skinny man complemented.

“Thank you. You don’t look to shabby your self. It’s been so long. I haven’t seen you since we broke up.”

“Yeah I know. What are doing lately?”

“I’m working for the Ministry in the ‘Muggle Relations Department’ and James and I are expecting our first born.”

“Wow, that’s great.”

“So what are you doing? Do you have a girl friend?”

“No, too busy for that, I work for the’ Daily Profit’, I’m a photographer.”

“That’s great.”

“So buying Christmas gifts?”

“Yeah, got something for everyone but James,” She said turning back to the broomstick and looking at it carefully.

“Well this would be nice.” Jake pointed to it.

“Yeah? I don’t know anything about Quidditch though.”

“Well, Plumpton played for England during the early 19 hundreds and still holds the record for the fastest capture of the snitch.”

“Really?” Lily said in awe.

“Yup, 3 and a half seconds,” Jake said knowingly. “James would really love this.”

“Sure he would, but it has to be expensive. And I have no idea where we would keep it.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

“I bet I will, thanks for your help.”

“No problem. But I have my own shopping to finish. It was good seeing you and good luck with everything.”

“Thanks Jake. We should keep in touch.”

“Yeah, later Lily,” Jake said leaving the store.

“Bye.”

Lily grabbed the broom and walked over to the cashier and bought it.

“Lily who was that nice young man you where conversing with?” Mrs. Potter asked.

“Oh, just an old friend, I used to date him back in my 6th year and beginning of 7th. Before James changed of course.”

“I think you both changed… funny how that works out.”

“You’re telling me.”

“Well here’s the watch I was telling you about. What do you think?”

“It’s amazing. It has to be like a century old.” Lily said holding it up to the light.

“Yes. Well, do you mind holding on to it for me? I’m well known for misplacing small and valuable things.” Mrs. Potter laughed at herself as she placed the bag into Lily’s bigger bags.

FEEDBACK
YAY!! :rotfl:
I posted a whole lot and sooner than I have lately!
Hope you guys are pleased.
what would please me is to see a lot of reviews to go along with the posts I skipped homework to type up. (probably shouldn't have done that)
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later
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=4&pp=30

***********

Lily flooed her way back to the office just in time, Mrs. Potter told her that it would be safer for the baby if she didn’t apparate so much. That way there is no risk for something to go wrong. If people apparate and could end up with limbs in different cities, then Lily might accidentally end up one place and the baby another.

When she got her office, she ran into Alice. Alice was sitting at her desk looking worn out. She was sitting with her eyes closed and resting herself it seemed.

“Alice…” Lily started.

“You know, I cannot wait until I take leave for being pregnant. This job is too stressful.” Alice said rubbing her tummy and eyes still closed.

“Where were you? Did something come up?”

“I didn’t eat lunch today. I worked through my lunch break.”

“Was there troubles with the muggles?”

“Something like that. Actually it was more due to death eaters. But what else is new huh?”

“Really? What happened?”

“I was just about to leave the office when it happened. So they called me to go check things out before I went to lunch.” Alice said sitting up but looking at Lily sadly.

“Well…”

“Some aurors called needing us for back up incase we had to modify any muggle’s memories. Apparently some death eaters attacked several muggles today, a whole family to be exact.”

“No!” Lily said covering her mouth in shock.

“Yes. It was terrible. They picked a random muggle family to set an example of the power they hold, sort of like a scare tactic.” Alice took a deep breath and continued. “When I got there, the aurors where already at work, and the death eaters were gone. The house was still standing but in shambles and the rooms smelt of smog. There were wizards trying to get rid of the dark mark that was in the sky over the roof.”

“Well how is the family? Did you modify their memories?”

“No.”

“You mean…”

“All killed. The death eaters have been picking on a lot of people lately, both muggle and wizard. And even still, I didn’t expect them to kill anyone. How stupid of me. This is a war, but I guess I didn’t want to believe that someone would kill for their own pleasure.”

“It’s all so sadly real now.”

“I know, and scary too. The family was young. There were young children and the parents couldn’t have been older than their thirties…there was writing on the walls.”

“What? What kind of writing?”

“You’re next mudbloods, it was written in blood.” Alice said with a tear flowing down her cheek. “And I have a feeling that they won’t just be going after muggle borns. I think that anyone against them is in danger. We can’t even sleep peacefully in our own homes any longer. They proved that today.” Alice put her head done as she said this.

“Alice, what aurors were there?” Lily asked slowly.

“Frank was there… And Sirius… but…” Alice looked up at Lily sadly.

“But what? Where was James?” Lily asked trying to keep her cool.

“No one knows where James is, Lily.”

“But he’s Sirius’ partner. They are always together when something like this happens.”

“Sirius said he hadn’t seen him since this morning in the office.”

************
James had left work early to talk with Dumbledore; he spent so much time with the old Headmaster that he missed most of work and his lunch break. He had no idea of the troubles going on around him or of the fact that Lily and everyone else didn’t know where he went off to.

By the time James made it over to work again later that day, most of the Aurors had cleaned up what they could with the muggle family’s home. James was amazed at how one could be away for a small portion of the day and come back with so much changed. Since he was gone for a good deal of work, Moody had him doing some late night work to make up what he missed. Most of the people were leaving for home and he was stuck in his office doing paper work and trying to track some details about arrested death eaters. He was looking into their histories to see if there would be anything helpful during the current war. What James didn’t know while he was locked up in his office real late was that something that would change his life forever took place, something that would devastate him.

James closed up for the night and headed home early in the morning. At about 2:30 he made it to his house. He hadn’t expected Lily to be waiting up for him. But then again, she liked to worry and he hadn’t told her he would be late.

James came into their bedroom and saw the light still on. He pushed back the door and saw an image that was heart wrenching. Lily sat on the edge of their bed with a tear stained face.

“Lily hey, I’m sorry to keep up all night. I should have let you know where I was. I was talking to Dumbledore and then I had to do a lot of extra work on top of that. What a day.”

“James…”

“Look, I’m really tired babe. Could you yell at me in the morning when I’m fit for it?”

“James, don’t you want to talk about it?”

“About what?”

“You mean you don’t know?”

“Oh, about the muggle family? Yeah, tragic. I can only imagine. It made me want to check on my folks more this evening. But my mum got tired of it and turned her end of the mirror off. I’ll talk to her in the morning I suppose.” James was removing his work robes as he spoke then looked at Lily and realized that there was more to it than just this. “Are you going to be alright?”

“No, you’re not.”

“I’m not what?”

“Going to talk to you parents in the morning,” Lily stood up and looked at him seriously.

“What are you saying?” James was about to hang up his robes in the closet but dropped them on the floor. This was going to be big and he could feel it.

“James, the muggle family wasn’t the only victims of the death eaters today… Malfoy was true to his word after all.”

“Huh?” James’s face dropped and his eyes were swelling up with tears.

“James, when you gone, there was an attack at your parents house at about 11:45 tonight, no one found out about it until after the death eaters left the house burnt down to ashes. We couldn’t find you to tell you and Moody was busy trying to set things straight… I’m so sorry.”

“No… no they’re fine…. They have to be…. They’re my parents, they’re going to be grandparents and we’re going to spend Christmas together.”

“James….”

“NO!! No.” James began to angrily pace the room. He was standing near an end table and cleaned its surface with a mad brush of his arm sending everything on it crashing to the floor. Lily stood still holding her hand over her mouth and the other over her heart. She couldn’t bear to see him in such a state. She wanted to take his pain away and burry it deep into the ground. James ran a hand through his hair and plopped down on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands. Lily placed a hand on his shoulder only for him to brush it off. She quickly pulled away.

The room was in silence for a while before James jumped up. “It’s my fault! It’s my entire fault.”

“What?! No, how could it possibly be your fault?”

“I had the chance to tell my father. I could have warned him and he could have taken the measures to protect him and mum. But I didn’t, I just checked on them every so often.”

“No James…”

“I killed my mum and dad. I killed them and there’s nothing I can do to fix it. They’re really gone.” James fell to his knees, tears streaming. Lily tilted her head and looked at him with sympathy. She walked up to him and he wrapped his face into her stomach and clung to her for dear life.

“No James. Don’t you dare blame yourself. You did what you thought was right. And you didn’t tell them because you wanted them to live without fear. It’s better for them to not know then to be tortured with the idea of it coming. You are a good son and they loved you. You didn’t fail your parents.” Lily held him, patting his messy hair as she spoke softly. She held him and let him cry, she knew he would have done the same for her, the great man that he was. And she was glad that he was hers. But she would fear the next morning, for she knew that the anger was still inside of James and he would go seeking Malfoy.

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I hope you like, and please let me know what you thought.
It didn't exactly come out the way I wanted it to and it might be too much action for one night but I tried. lol
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http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=4&pp=30

***********

The next morning the sun was shinning through the window and illuminating the room. Lily stretched and yawned and then rolled over to face James. He was still asleep and looking as peaceful as he could considering his resent loss.

“James…” she brushed back a lock of his hair from his eyes and running her hand down the side of his face. “James wake up.” As she whispered, he leaned into her hand and softly grunted his drowsiness still apparent. “James aren’t you hungry?”

“What time is it?” He mumbled into his pillow.

“10:30.”

“What... Ah man. I’m late for work.” He sat up in bed. “I had the strangest dream.” He said scratching the side of his face.

“We both got the day off today; they wanted to give us time for a healthy mourning…it wasn’t a dream James.” James bent over and rested his chin on his fist when he heard her words.

“I know. I just don’t want it to be real.” A single tear, a left over from the night before, fell down his cheek. “Gosh, stop crying.” He told himself fiercely and whipping the tear away quickly.

“James, it’s ok to cry. Just because a man cries doesn’t make him weak.” Lily said scooting closer to him and putting an arm around him. He didn’t answer, instead he stared the wall down. “James, your mourning, we both are. It’s healthy to cry. Let it out; don’t lock it up inside of you.” He still didn’t respond. He didn’t move, his shoulders didn’t shake, he didn’t have any tears left in his eyes, and he seemed to be numb.

Then he finally spoke. “I think I’ll have pancakes.”

“What?”

“You asked me if I wanted anything to eat, I’ll have pancakes. It’s been a while since I last had them.” He said turning to her.

“Ok.” Lily looked at him but didn’t say anything more; she didn’t want to push him. She stood and walked over to the bedroom door. Then turned to him before heading down stairs, “If you need anything I’ll be in the kitchen.”

“Alright, thanks.” He said without really seeing her.

Lily left their bedroom thinking James would just go back to sleep. Or at least she hoped he would. She didn’t want him to just sit there thinking and not reacting. Even thought it tore her apart to watch him crumble at the news of the night before, she was glad that he expressed his emotion. She’d rather have him let it out then let it build up inside to dangerous levels.

She was in the kitchen for a while flipping pancakes and frying bacon. James still hadn’t come down yet and he was quiet up there. She placed the food on a tray and ascended the stairs. She came to their room once more, expecting him to be asleep. But when she got there, he was no where in sight. The closet door was open and a set of his robes were gone. Lily set the tray on the bed side table and walked into the bathroom to see if he was just showering. But when she got there, the room was also empty and had steam still fresh form a hot bath. James wasn’t numb, but he was no longer sad. Anger took the place of that feeling in his heart. He left the house when Lily wasn’t looking. He left to go after Malfoy.

**********

James walked into the Ministry in search of his best mate. He wanted to get his help, his back up. This was something he felt he had to do. He felt that he owed it to his parents to seek out Malfoy for good.

James rushed past the busy hallways and past the little cuticles. Flying paper airplanes flew past, but James paid no attention to them what so ever.

James made it to the small office in the back that was his and Sirius’. Sirius was at work and concentrating when James burst in.

“Come on, we’ve got to go right now!”

“Prongs?! What are you doing here? You should be at home.” Sirius said standing.

“Sirius, you’re wasting my time. Now come on.” James said sternly. It’s always serious for James to refer to Sirius by anything other than Padfoot.

“James, what are you planning to do?”

“What do you think I’m about to do? I’m going after Malfoy and you’re going to help me.”

“Wait… Let’s sit and talk about this first. Let’s not do anything rash ok?”

“Rash! Rash? …”

“You’re angry right now, you’re not thinking clearly. I know you miss your parents, **** it, I miss them too. But give your self some time to heal before going out to do something that you’ll regret.”

“Don’t act like you know how I feel right now. You have no idea. And as far as healing… I can’t heal until I know that that a** hole is where he needs to be. And that’s under the ground with me standing over with a smile.”

“James, this isn’t you talking. I’m the one that’s crazy and thinks on emotion rather than what’s right, and you’re the one that talks me out of it. Don’t go changing the tables on me.”

James took a deep breath as if he where thinking over things for a moment.

“We don’t have any proof that Malfoy did this…” James looked up at Sirius with a fire in his eyes. “And before you get mad at me for saying so, I’m not defending him. I’m just saying that we can’t prove that he did this. Sure he threatened it, but it would only end up being his word against ours. You know that he’s a powerful member of the ministry. The git gets away with everything.”

James starts pacing the room and calming down.

“Besides, what would it prove if you went after him? Sure you would have revenged your parents, but they wouldn’t have wanted you to do that. You could get thrown into Azkaban for years of you life and miss out on the birth of your child. What would Lily think? Is Malfoy really worth throwing your whole life away?”

“No.” James knew he wasn’t. And to be honest, he probably wouldn’t have gone on with it. He needed to vent his anger and Sirius knew how to take care of it. James wasn’t a killer.

“So are you still going to go looking for him?”

“No.” James sighed.

“Good. There are other ways of dealing with him.” Sirius smirked wickedly.

**************

Lily quickly got dressed and decided to rush to James’ office. If she knew James at all, then she knew he would go to Sirius before taking any action. It was the role of the best friend to be the first to concede in. She just hoped that Sirius was thinking more clearly than James at the moment.

She got to the Ministry and hurried as quickly as a 2 month pregnant woman could. She made her way to the Auror Department. When she got there the building was incredibly busy. Lily ignored it and tried her best to get to her husband before she was too late.

“Excuse me madam but do you need help with something.” A young wizard at the front desk asked. You weren’t supposed to enter the Auror office without consent or without a badge that showed you worked there. It was a safety precaution.

“No I can help myself thanks.” Lily said looking around and then brushing past.

“Miss, miss you can’t go back there.” The desk wizard yelled after her. He then grabbed two other wizards (kind of like security) and followed in pursuit. These men looked like they were still aurors in training and had the duty of patrolling the front desk.

Lily’s mind was reeling, she knew James was a good man and wouldn’t do anything questionable. But she was worried nonetheless. It was what she was good at after all.
She continued her hasty way down the halls with the three wizards not far behind.

“Miss I’m sorry but you cannot go back here without checking at the front desk.”

“Cool it, this is important.” Lily hollered over her shoulder. She turned a corner and weaved through cubicles until she made it all the way to the back office. When she got to the door and opened it the wizards behind her caught up and got a grip on her arms to pull her back to the front to deal with there.

“James!” Lily yelled when she saw him. He turned to her in shock.

“Please don’t go. We can talk about this…” Lily was saying as she struggled to free herself. “Let go.”

“Now now miss. You’ll have to come with us.” The auror trainees were saying.

“Let go of her.” James and Sirius shouted in unison.

“Mr. Potter sir, do you know this woman?”

“Yes I know this woman, that’s my wife.” James said annoyed pointing at Lily.

“Oh... so sorry sir, we didn’t know.”

“Yeah no kidding,” Sirius said sarcastically.

“We’ll just go back to the front desk now.” The blonde one said with chagrin. His two followers headed out and then he turned once more. “You’re not going to tell Mad Eye about this are you? I really need to pass this course so I can get my Auror’s license. You remember how it is.”

“Get out and I’ll think about it Thomas.” James said taking Lily’s hand.

“Thank you so much, and again I’m so sorry. I won’t let it happen again. Sorry miss.”

“Good bye Thomas.” Sirius said with annoyance waving to the youth.

“Are you ok?” James asked Lily when the trainees were all gone.

“Yes…Oh James, please just come home will you?” She flung her arms around his neck and buried her face into his robes.

“It’s ok Lils; Pad already gave me the lecture before you got here.” James said solemnly.

“So you aren’t going to go after Malfoy?” She asked looking up at him.

“No. Not in the way you might think. And not until after Christmas at least,” James said reassuringly as he winked at Sirius. Whatever it was they would do to Malfoy, would bring back old Hogwarts memories. Hoaxing Malfoy and Snape was their after class play, the whole reason to their group name, ‘The Marauders’. And James couldn’t wait to feel that old feeling again.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
hey all!
so there you go... hope you like it
and if you do... you know what to do... review
next post will be Christmas! yay! and hopefully that will be up tomorrow.
see ya
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=4&pp=30

***********

James woke up earlier than the sun this morning with a feeling of peace over his heart. The house was warm and there seemed to be a lingering feeling of joy in the air. It was Christmas morning and all was well in the Potter’s home. He stretched and yawned and told himself that he wouldn’t let anything ruin a good day. He’d try not to let his grieving interfere with his high spirits. Christmas was a time of celebration after all. He looked over at Lily whom was still in a deep slumber. He bent over her and kissed her on the forehead, then found it to be an ideal time to run down stairs and take a peep at what was waiting for him under the Christmas tree. James was always a big kid, but there was no other day in the year that made him appear more so than on Christmas day.

James crept down the stairs as quickly and quietly as he could. James loved surprises and he knew Lily wouldn’t approve of his peeking before everyone got there. The Marauders were going to come over and exchange gifts along with the Longbottoms.

James tiptoed with bare feet across the wooden floor. He made his way over to the fireplace and started a roaring fire to warm his hands by. He turned and glanced up the stairs just incase there was an indicator that Lily was up and awake. Then he turned back and headed towards their great pine tree that was beautifully adorned in colors of red, green and gold. He scanned it down from its bright star all the way down to its abundance of gifts. When James saw the delicately wrapped presents under the tree, he rubbed his hands together and beamed at them.

He slowly walked over to them and bent down. He picked up the closest one to him with his name on it. He held up the rectangular box to his ear and shook away. It was light and he could hear things moving around in it. He scrounged up his face and bit his lip in concentration. He couldn’t tell what was inside. As he was shaking the small box, something half way hidden behind the tree caught his eye.

He stood up and curiously walked over to it. It was long and skinny and leaned against the wall. It was also poorly wrapped since it was oddly shaped, James could tell Lily did the best she could with what she had to work with. When James got over to it, he placed his hand on the top of it and tilted it back to look at as he pondered. He knew what he thought it was. He thought it looked like a broomstick of some sort. But would Lily really buy him a broomstick? Not when he knew how much she hated to fly. And he annoyed her with all of his Quidditch obsessions.

James saw a small hole in the wrapping; he looked closely at it and put his finger in it to expand it enough to see through. As he tried to peep through the hole in the present, he heard something that caused him to jump.

***********

Lily woke up not too much later than James did that Christmas. She put on her robes and slippers and rushed down to catch James in the act of sneaking about. She too crept down the stairs, so she could scare him and teach him a lesson about nosing through things. Plus she was worried that he would find that broomstick before time and ruin the surprise. She came down the stairs and a floor board creaked beneath her. She watched as James jumped and dropped the gift when he saw her watching him.

“I knew it! You think your slick don’t you?” Lily asked.

“Who me?” he asked placing the broom behind the tree before he knew what it was.

“Well who else James?” she smiled at him. She knew what he was up to and it was funny how he thought he could get away with it.

“I was just…just… just going to the kitchen for some… pumpkin juice. Yeah, I was going to get some juice.” James stuttered.

“Oh really? And you thought that you would make a pit stop in the Living room to look at the scenery that just so happens to have Christmas presents involved?”

“Well not exactly, cause… you see…”

“Don’t push it Mr. Potter, I’m on to you.”

“Ok Mrs. Potter.”

“Now go in there and get your pumpkin juice and don’t let me catch you sneaking around these until everyone gets here.” Lily said with one hand on her hip.

“Yes madam, right away.” James said rushing past her as she laughed.

*************

At around three that afternoon, Lily had nearly finished Christmas dinner and James was officially tormented by the mere sight of the gifts under the tree. Everyone was expected to be arriving soon for gift exchanges and dinner. It would be sad celebrating this year without the Potters presence, but the memory of them would forever live on. This feeling was a bitter sweet feeling, but James and Lily were in good spirits for the majority of the morning in spite of that.

FEEDBACK
ok, so there was the first installment of Christmas day. It feels so weird to write about Christmas in the middle of February! And it feels so strange that this fic started off with the intentions of being short, but it seems much longer then i planned it to be origionally.
oh well, what can i say? :huh:
hope you liked it
more coming soon
thanks peeps
Leslie :rotfl:
p.s. PLEASE leave feedback (to all my silent readers) :angel:
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=5&pp=30

“Where is everyone?”

“James, be patient. People will be here soon.” Lily was saying when she went in the kitchen where she spent most of the morning. Just on cue a loud bang came from their fireplace.

“What the?!” James yells jumping up off the couch.

“Ow!”

“Pad?” James asks the dark figure standing before him. Sirius comes out of the fireplace covered in soot and bags of gifts under his arms.

“Prongsie, you really need to have that fireplace expanded. I hit my head on the bricks.”

“Sorry mate, you’re taller than I am. And we aren’t normally bringing in loads of stuff with us when we travel by floo.”

“Well excuse me for bringing your Christmas gifts with me.” Sirius said sarcastically.

“Thanks Padfoot, I appreciate it.” James said patting him on the back and relieving Sirius of some of the bags.

“Sirius? I thought I heard your voice.” Lily came from the kitchen with an apron on; she greeted Sirius with a hug. Not long after, Remus, Peter and the Longbottoms entered.

“Hi Lily, sorry we’re late. Do you need any help with anything in the kitchen?” Alice asked.

“Oh, don’t worry about it. Everyone else was just getting here themselves. And I pretty much finished in the kitchen. All I have left is the eggnog and cookies.”

“Well, I’ll come help with that and leave the boys to chat.”

“Ok. Oh and Remus, you and Frank need to keep an eye on these three.” Lily pointed to Peter, James and Sirius referring to the presents.

“I take it that you already got caught peeping at your gifts this morning Prongs?” Remus asked once the girls went into the other room.

"Well... I guess you could say that." James said innocently.

"How are you holding out?" Peter asked.

"I'm doing better, thanks. I had some time to let it all sink in you know? I still miss my parents, but I'm just taking it one day at a time. Lily's been great too. She's been here for me through it all."

"I'm glad you're feeling better Prongsie boy. It's not the same with out them, but we still have you and it's better to see you on days like this than like the day you came charging into the office." Sirius said.

"Yeah, I wasn't thinking too clearly. Thanks for being rational."

"Padfoot?! Rational?! Now this I got to see. I almost wish I were there." Remus said in utter shock.

Lily came into the living room with a bowl of eggnog and set it on the table, "Here you go guys," she said before leaving again.

"Thanks. Man I'm thirsty. I really need to wet my whistle." Sirius said reaching for the bowl.

"Just don't spike the stuff Sirius." Frank said laughing.

"Yeah, we all know the last thing we need is a drunk Padfoot roaming around on Christmas." James said.

"Sure, cause that would be great for my sanity." Remus added.

“Aw, you know you all love me,” Sirius said with a grin and then staking a swig of his drink.

“Ok, so the cookies are baking right now. Do you want to start exchanging presents or eat dinner first?” Lily asked while she removed her apron.

“Presents!” The boys said in unison, all but Peter that is.

They all sat down Indian styled in a circle around the tree. James and Sirius with wide eyes, Peter holding his growling stomach, Remus rubbing his hands together with a smile, Frank waiting patiently, Alice leaning against him, and Lily picking up the first gift.

“Ok, the first one here is for…” She read out loud the name tag on the ribbon. “Peter! It’s from Remus.” Peter took the box and opened it while everyone watched. Once he got it open. It was a remembral. Peter just looked at it blankly.

“I thought you could use one. Just don’t lose it like you did the one I got you in 2nd year.” Remus said smiling. “Thanks Moony.” Peter said plainly.

“Come on Lily, pass out the next one.” James said impatiently.

“Yeah, get to it.” Sirius commented.

“Ok, ok I’m getting there. This one is for…you Sirius. It’s from Peter.” She passed the small rectangular gift to him. He shook first, looked over its size and smelled it. When he smelled it he turned up his nose.

“Well open it will you?” James said agitatedly. Sirius stuck out his tongue at him and then dug in. He threw the pieces of paper over his shoulders, ripping the wrapping to shreds. Once he got it open he looked at it with narrowed eyes holding it up.

“What is it?” He asked. It was a loaf, a brown loaf of something with green, red, and yellow bits of color in it. He tapped it against his other hand. It was heavy and hard.

“Why…why it’s fruit cake!” Lily exclaimed.

“Oh…thanks Wormy.” Sirius said passing it to James who smelt it with a face of disgust and passed it to Lily.

“I’ll…I’ll just… put this in the kitchen and we can all have some after dinner.” Lily said quickly taking the burnt loaf into the kitchen.

“Alright, what’s next?” James said. “Here’s one. Moony, this is from Lily and me.”
Remus took the gift and waited for Lily to return before he opened it. He carefully opened the corners of the paper as to save it for another occasion.

“Just let lose Moons, go wild, and rip it up!” Sirius said.

“Unlike you, I like to take my time and savor the excitement of the gift. Plus, what a waste of paper if you completely destroy it,” Remus said. Sirius just rolled his eyes in response. Once he opened it. He smiled. It was one of Remus’ most favorite things. A book.

“A Guide to Defense Against the Dark Arts,’ how did you know?” He said flipping through the pages with amazement.

“Oh, we have our ways of finding out things, right Lils?”

“Found it in ‘Flourish and Blotts,’ looked like something you would enjoy.” Lily smiled at him.

“Or one of the few books you don’t have on your shelf.” Sirius said shaking his head.

“Frank, this is from me.” Alice said passing him the gift.

“Thanks hun.” He said as he took it from her. He opened it. It was a Herbology set. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

“Ok. Here you go Lily flower.” James said with a wicked grin. He passed her a long slender box. She eyed him carefully and opened the box and gasped. In it was a silver necklace with a tear shaped emerald surrounded by diamonds.

“James….!” She clutched her chest.

“Do you like it?” He said watching her.

“Mmmhmm!” She was speechless and shook her head fervently. He smiled and held mistletoe over their heads. She leaned in and kissed him fondly.

“Yeah, yeah yeah enough of this mushy stuff please!” Sirius groaned.

“Now is it my turn yet?” James asked.

“Yes. Here you go James.” Lily pulled out the gift that he was snooping around earlier that morning. He quickly opened it.

“Roderick Plumpton!” He said astonished. “How…how…where did you? How… how did you manage this?” He said looking up at her. “This has to be expensive and…”

“Well do you want it or not?” Lily said giggling.

“Yes! Thank you!”

“You should test it out later on.” Peter said looking at the broomstick.

“Are you crazy Wormtail?! That’s an antique. Don’t you know who Roderick Plumpton is?” Sirius asked.

“Uh…”

“He holds the fastest record for catching the snitch.”

“Oh.” Peter said looking confused.

They all continued opening presents. Laughing and mingling amongst themselves. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a blast. Then they went into the other room to enjoy the meal Lily was slaving over all day. They said their blessing and dug into the delicious turkey feast. And afterwards they had some cookies and tried to eat the so called ‘fruit cake’ that Peter made.

************

Lily and James were now getting ready for bed. It was a great Christmas; they had their fill and fellowshipped with close friends. Everyone got what they wanted and things couldn’t have gone wrong even if they wanted it to.

“So… enjoy your Christmas?” Lily asked as she watched James pull the covers to his side of the bed back.

“Yeah, and the broomstick you got me… amazing!”

“Your welcome, and thank you again for the necklace. I’m going to wear it tomorrow and Alice is going to wear her pearls as well.”

“Yeah…”

“What is it?”

“Oh… just wish mum and dad where here with us you know?”

“Yeah… I have something I’ve been putting off ‘til now to give you. It might help.” Lily turned and took a small package out of the bed side drawer and handed it to a confused James.

“What’s this? Really Lily the broomstick was enough, I’m pleased.”

“Just open it will you?”

“Alright.” He slowly unwrapped the package and pulled a gold pocket watch out, as he did so, his eyes got wide. “My dad’s watch… but I thought everything was destroyed?!” He said looking up at her astounded.

“Your mum had it fixed at Mimsy’s Antiques, (we magically repair). I was with her when she went and that’s where I got your broom as well.” Lily was saying as he looked over the watch. He thought he had lost every trace of his parents, but this little old watch was the one thing that was spared. And it meant a lot to him to just have something that belonged to them.

“Your mum said that it’s a tradition to pass the watch down to the men in the family during one of the most important times in their life. I guess she was waiting because you’re going to be a father. She had me hold on to it. She said she wasn’t good with keeping up with small valuables.”

“Yeah, that sounds like mum.” James laughed through his watery eyes.

“I think they had it engraved on the inside but I’m not sure. What does it say?” Lily asked. James opened the flap and saw the scrimption on the inside. It read: We’re proud of you son. James was quiet for a while and then a small slow smile stretched across his lips. He walked over to Lily and embraced her.

“Thank you Lily. This is the best gift you could give me right now. Just the fact that you kept a good hold on it even though you didn’t know they would end up unable to give it to me themselves.” He mumbled into the sleeve of her night dress. When he pulled away, he put the watch somewhere safe and went to bed.

FEEDBACK :p
thank you all so much for staying with me through this fic this far, I enjoy hearing from you in the feedback section and I thank you for reading.
that is the end of the Christmas segment but more should be coming soon.
sorry this post was so short.
see yall :evil:
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=5&pp=30

****************

It was mid January and Lily was now 3 and a half months pregnant. She was excited for this baby and wanted to know what it would be like. Would it be a boy or a girl? What kind of person it would grow up to be? And would it like her for a mother? But right now she had to answer the first of her questions. What gender?

Lily was sitting in the waiting room of her muggle doctor’s office. James was standing since the room was crowded. He would run a hand through his hair and read the certificates on the walls. Lily could tell he was trying all he could to act cool around muggles and not get upset that Lily still refused his offer to leave her only doctor ever, a muggle doctor at that.
“James, come here and sit.” Lily said once the chair beside her became unoccupied.

“Why? Am I bothering you Lils?” He asked taking his seat.

“A little, it’ll be fine. I’ve told you thousands of times, I trust Dr. Parkinson.”

“I know, and if you trust him I should. But I can’t help it. I just want the best for us.”

“I know. And believe me; he knows what he’s doing. He was the one my mum went to when she was pregnant with both Petunia and me.” She said proudly.

“So that’s what went wrong with Petunia.” James mumbled.

“What?!”

“I meant, no wonder you came out so nicely.” He smiled innocently.

“James…”

“Ok, I’ll try to calm down.” When James said this, he began to shake his leg nervously.

“And stop shaking your leg.” Lily reached over and grabbed his knee.

“How much longer?”

“I’m not sure; it isn’t normally this busy in here.”

After a few more moments in silence where Lily had to reach over and stop James’ leg from shaking, the nurse called Lily’s name and showed her to the room in the back. James followed; he eyed everything as he went.

“The doctor will be here momentarily.” The nurse said once she got them settled.

“Now what?” James asked Lily. She was seated on the examination table.

“We wait.” She stated routinely.

“What was that? I thought I heard you say that we ‘wait.’”

“I did.”

“We wait? You mean there’s more waiting?”

“Yes James. She said he’ll be here momentarily.” Lily said exasperatedly.

******************

“Ok, sorry to keep you waiting. And you’re…. Mr. and Mrs. Potter?” A young man in a white coat came in the room after a 10 minute wait.

“Yes, we are. Excuse me for asking but, where is Doctor Parkinson?” Lily asked the handsome man.

“Oh, forgive me… I’m Doctor Hopson.” The man smiled as he extended his hand for Lily to shake. He had a nice smile she thought. James just grunted quietly in the corner. “I just started working here. Dr. Parkinson had some other affairs to deal with today so I’m taking his place in the mean time.” The doctor looked at Lily politely for a while.

“So that explains why you’re running behind in the office today.” James said almost protectively of Lily.

“Yes, I suppose it would.” He laughed realizing James was still here. “So I take it that you’re ready to see the baby.”

“Yes. I’m a little nervous.” Lily said.

“Don’t be. I’m sure you’ll be pleased when you leave here.” The doctor put his hand on Lily’s shoulder. James ‘coincidentally’ cleared his throat at the same time.

“Alright, you may lie back now if you like.” Dr. Hopson told Lily, and she did. He got the ultrasound machine ready and went to pull up her shirt.

“Wait a second. What are you doing?” James asked sitting up.

“The machine won’t read through fabric Mr. Potter.” He tried to reassure James.

“You’re going to make her take off her shirt?”

“No, no I’m only lifting it high enough.”

“Ok.” James sat back in his chair but he still looked concerned. Dr. Hopson did the ultrasound. And Lily watched the screen seeming to have a hard time breathing but in a good way.

“James! Look! Come here and look!” She said putting her hand over her mouth. James came over and held her hand as he too looked on at the life they made together.

“See that there? That’s where the heart is beating.” The doctor pointed out. Lily looked up at James and laughed and turned back to the screen.

“Can you tell what it is yet?” James asked.

“Well, it’s hard to say…but I have a strong feeling that you’re going to be the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy.”

“Ha, I knew it!” James shouted. Lily looked back at him with a raised brow.

“I thought it didn’t matter to you either way as long as it’s healthy?”

“Oh it doesn’t matter. But I had a preference.” James grinned and kissed her before she could say anything else.

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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1917123#post1917123

***************

“…the weeks past events have been devastating, but we once again we’ve been lucky enough to pull through, thanks to these four.” Dumbledore paused in the middle of his speech and gestured toward the Potters and Longbottoms, at which time everyone clapped. “Twice already they have helped us and have defied Voldimort.” Everyone shuttered at the sound of his name before Dumbledore continued. “But let us not gain large heads. Even though we won the battle, doesn’t mean that we’ve won the war. Two times we have succeeded, but this means that the Dark Lord will become enraged. We would be lucky to get away from him yet another time, a third time. Keep your eyes peeled and learn all you can about the situations you face. Death Eaters may be learking around anywhere and you never know who is watching your every move. That is all I have to say, see you next meeting.” Once Dumbledore finished his speech, Peter came running into the room as everyone was leaving or congratulating the Potters and Longbottoms.

“What’s…going…on?” He asked Sirius trying to catch his breath.

“You missed it mate. The meeting’s over.” Sirius said putting his hand on Peter’s shoulder.

“What … happened?”

“Well, Dumbledore just talked about the most recent battle that happened and how Frank, Alice, Lily and James all played an important part.” Remus explained.

“Yeah, it’s one thing to get by Voldie once, but to get by him twice? That’s classic. I guess old Prongsie’s been using the art of pranking to help him get in and out with out so much as a scratch.” Sirius added.

“And all in time to enjoy Valentines Day.” James said this and they all turned. He was walking up to the group of Marauders with Lily on his arm.

“And here’s the couple of the hour now.” Sirius said with a grin.

“Sirius, the Longbottoms helped too you know.” Lily said modestly.

“Yeah, but Dumbledore’s right. We shouldn’t think he’ll lie low just because we got him this time.” Remus said.

“Oh, don’t be a party pooper for once in your life will you Moony? Let’s give them this one night to relish their victory. Let’s go head to the pub.”

“I don’t think so Sirius. I think I’ll pass on that one.” Lily said rubbing her tummy.

“Yeah, good idea, and alcohol’s not the only thing you should stay away from Lily. You’re going on 5 months now. It’s not safe to be fighting.”

“James, we’ve been over this before.”

“I know you don’t want to feel useless. But you can be of lots of help in other ways. I can’t afford to have you get hurt.”

“And I can afford having you get hurt?” Everyone just stood there watching as the two argued.

“I mean it Lily. No more of this…please, for Harry’s sake.” James said grabbing her shoulders. Everyone was quiet.

“Who’s Harry?” Sirius leaned in and whispered to Remus who looked at him and elbowed him in the side.

“Ok… for the baby’s sake. I won’t deliberately go and fight. And I’ll try to help the Order in some other way.” Lily didn’t want to say no, but she new James was right. It would be harder for her to fight when she’s later on in her pregnancy.

“Thank you. That’s all I ask.” James said.

“Ok, so now that that’s settled. Are you going with us to the pub or not?”

“Sure Pad, count me in. Lily you can still come, you can drink butterbeer or something.”

“No, that’s ok. I think I’ll just go home and start dinner.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah, go ahead.”

“See ya Lils.” Sirius said. The Marauders headed off in one direction. James lingered for a while when Lily shooed him off. ‘I’ll be ok’ she mouthed to him before he left. Then she went the other way.

*****************

Lily watched the boys leave and then headed out herself when Alice walked up to her.

“Hi Lily!”

“Oh, hi Alice. Where’s Frank?”

“Oh, he heard the boys talking and decided to meet up with them at the pub.”

“Oh.”

“Since the guys are going out, I was wondering if you wanted to have a women’s night out sort of thing. What do you say?”

“Well…”

“Come on Lily. We haven’t had the babies yet. We are still allowed to have fun every once in a while.”

“You know, you’re right. Sure why not. Where are we going?”

“Baby stuff shopping, I still need to buy a mobile for the crib.”

“Alice. I thought you had a different idea of fun.” Lily laughed at her friend’s suggestion.

“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s do something for us.”

“Now that sounds nice. I could sure treat myself. After all of this stress, I really need to relax.” Lily sighed.

“Me too.” The two women headed out with their coats on and ready for a night out on the town.

*******************

Meanwhile…

James and the fellas were out having a great time. Well, James tried anyway. While everyone was drinking firewhisky and laughing, James swirled his drink around and did the one think he was best at (other than Quidditch that is), think.

“Prongs mate, what’s wrong now?” Sirius asked before downing a shot.

“Nothin…”

“Something’s up. Come on, you defeated ‘You know who’…. sort of.” Peter said.

“I know, and I’m glad. I just have a weird feeling in my stomach.”

“Please… it’s probably just gas.” Sirius hiccupped.

“No Padfoot, you know what he means. You never cease to amaze me how much of a thick head you can be.” Remus said looking at Sirius and sliding the bottle of whisky away from him.

“Hey, bring that back. I’ve only had 4 of these things…. I think.” Sirius said sliding the bottle back toward him.

“It’s nothing you guys, it’s just I feeling something might happen to Lily.” James said.

“What do you mean?” Peter asked.

“I think I understand. I had bad feelings too, Alice being pregnant and all. It makes you twice as protective over them. It’s just nerves; that’s all.” Frank said knowingly.

“Maybe…” James said with more confidence.

“Man!”

“What is it Pad?”

“Can’t you wait til after the baby is born to go changing things on us? Can't you wait to be a party pooper after you're a father? I thought that things would change once you got married, but luckily they didn’t change that much. You and Lily already acted like a married couple anyway. But now that you’re going to have a baby, this means that you will have to grow up and be more responsible. No more hanging with the marauders or moonlight trips with old Moony here… I’ve been thinking about this. I’m proud for you Prongs, but this changes everything. Lily’s your best mate now, and you’re having a baby.”

“Pad, she may be my best mate. But you’re still my brother. That never changes.”

“But, you. Are. Going. To. Have. A. BABY! You’re whole life will revolve around that. You’re going to be at home changing pampers while we’re here chasing girls, getting drunk and throwing parties.”

“You’re right. I know that will change. But you guys, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be more occupied, yes, but I’m still Prongs…. Ok. This is it, no more just sitting here. Let’s go wild like the old days before it’s too late.” James stood up and pored himself a shot and swigged it down while the others looked at him agape.

“Now we’re talking! That’s the Prongs I remember.” Sirius cheered.

“What have I gotten myself into?” Remus mumbled to himself shaking his head. “Don’t encourage it!” He then yelled to Peter who was cheering while James and Sirius were chugging.

“Come on Moony, liven up. Let your hair down every once in a while.” Sirius laughed while Remus rolled his eyes.

**************

Lily and Alice were window shopping and laughing about old times. They walked through town where the fire flies were magically lighting up the streets. They made several stops and talked to several people on the way when they decided to stop and have a bite to eat. They went in and got their table and drink order.

“I sure could use a foot massage.” Alice said bending over to rub her ankle. “I should make Frank do that tonight.”

“Hmm, that sounds nice… but no wonder your feet hurt. Just look at those shoes you have on, they’re cute.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Oh…”

“What?”

“That was weird, I had a pain in my stomach but then it went away.” Lily said then she took a sip of water.

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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1917123#post1917123

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“Well… do you ever just sit and remember, before the war, before any thing bad happened, and before we needed an Order of the Phoenix?” Alice asked.

“Sure I do. I remember all the time. The good old days back at Hogwarts, especially 7th year.” Lily smiled.
“Oh yes, the year you finally gave James a chance. You two got on everyone’s nerves so badly.”

“Why, what do you mean?”

“Everyone knew the two of you would end up together anyway, it was only a matter of time. Did you know that people had bets going on to see if you would ever come around?”

“You’re kidding!”

“No, I’m not. Everyone knew James adored you for 7 years, but they also knew you liked him too. You just didn’t know it yet. So in 7th year when you were friends, it annoyed people when you dated other guys instead of being with James. And the thought of you dating other people killed James.”

“Yeah, my life was a living soap box. I guess that would annoy people.” Lily laughed.

“But Hogwarts…. Man I miss that place. You don’t only learn about magic, but you learn about life, and friendship, and love there.” Alice said reminiscing.

“Oh yeeeeaaaaah!” Lily answered but felt another pain as she did so.

“Lily! Are you ok?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“I don’t think you are. Are you having contractions?”

“I don’t know. I still have 5 and a half months left before that.” Lily said rubbing the side of her stomach.

“Yes, I know that. But there is such a thing as premature babies.”

“I knooooow!” People in the restaurant started looking around at when they heard Lily’s cries of pain.

“Lily this doesn’t sound good. Come on, I’m taking you to Saint Mungos.”

“No, Alice. I’m going to be ok.”

“Lily, I’m serious. You’re coming with me.”

“But what about James?” Lily asked as she put on her coat and was lead out the door with the help of her friend.

The two girls flooed over to the wizard hospital and checked in. By this time, Lily’s contractions were becoming worse and closer together.

“Ok, Lily just hold on. It’ll be ok.”

“I am not having this baby now. It’s too early! It’s way too early!” Lily was being rolled into her hospital room at the time.

“It’s ok, they will find out what’s wrong.” Alice said to try to reassure her as she held her hand.

“Where’s James? I need James.”

“I’m going to go get him once you’re settled in ok?”

“No! Don’t leave me here alone Alice. Please?”

“It’s ok Mrs. Potter, you’re in good hands.” A medi-wizard told her.

“I’ll be right back Lily.” Alice said as she pulled away and Lily got rolled into her room.

“Please don’t take long Alice.” Lily’s voice could be heard from a distance.

*****************

“I put a spell on yooou! And now you’re miiiiine! I put a spell on yooou!... Come on Moony! Sing with us!” Sirius and James were standing on the bar table singing loudly and obnoxiously out of tune. Peter was laughing and cheering while poring more drinks for them. Frank stood at a distance and watched the gang with Remus, except he seemed to be having a better time than Remus was.

“You know you want to.” James hiccupped.

“No, I’d rather pass. I may be a little tipsy but I haven’t had that much to drink.”

“Moons, we’ll give you the solo.” Sirius teased as he and James do-si-doed around on the table.

“No thank you. And don’t come crying to me when you two fall off of there or get kicked out.” Remus said.

“I’ll sing something.” Peter said.

“Nooo!” They all yelled. “Nothing personal Wormy, but if we sing out of tune, then your voice is like a dieing rat screaming for help.” Sirius said. “No pun intended.”

“I put a spell on yooou! And now you’re miiiine! I put a spell on yooou!” They continued with the song.

“Come on Moony, Moony, Moony!” Sirius said in as if he were calling a pet dog.

“Ok, ok if it means you will stop embarrassing me.” Remus said looking around. He sighed and started to hum.

“I can’t hear you.” James said putting a hand up to his ear.

“I put a spell on you, and now you’re mine. I put a spell on you….” Remus mumbled.

“With more feeling!” The two dancing fools said in unison.

“I think you should make him join you up on your ‘stage’.”

“Excellent suggestion Wormtail.” Sirius said eyeing Remus with a wicked grin.

“Nooo way. I sang, now come down from there.”

“Oh, you’ll like it Moons. Once you go wild, there’s no other style.” James said with a twin expression to match Sirius’.

“Was that supposed to rhyme?” Frank asked laughing at the buffoons.

“Yeah, but who cares.” James said. Just then, the two of them climbed down and grabbed hold of Remus.

“Uh uh. There is no way I am going up there.”

“Oh yes you are.” Sirius said shoving him up on the bar stand. “Now sing.”

“Yeah, go Moony!” Peter said holding up his wand with the Lumos spell in action. (Like concerts when people hold up matches and wave them.)

“Ok, ok! I put a spell on yoooou! And now you’re miiiiine! I put a spell-”

“James!” Alice’s voice came through the air. All the guys stopped and turned to her except for Remus who was still singing.

“Alice, what is it?” Frank asked going up to her.

“It’s Lily!”

“Alice? What’s wrong with Lily?” James asked starting to sober up a bit. This sounded serious.
“She’s at Saint Mungos, she’s having pains.” Alice said looking at the men. “Are you all drunk?” She said stepping back from her husband and plugging her nose.

“Uh, well…”

“Is that Remus Lupin up there?!”

“Yeah, that’s old Moony. I’m sure proud.” Sirius beamed. “Wish I had a camera.”

“Anyway… Alice. Is she ok?”

“James, I’m not sure. But she needs you drunk or sober, she needs you right now.” Alice said.

“Take me to her Alice.” James said almost demanding.

“That’s why I came here… come on.” She said rushing out with almost all of the boys coming.

“Alright, you made me proud Moony and you proved to me that you still know how to have fun, but it’s time to go.” Sirius said pulling Remus off of the bar table. He was really starting to let loose. A near by blonde woman winked at him and Remus smiled. “Ok, nice one Romeo, but let’s go.” Sirius practically dragged him out.

******************

“Lily Potter… where is …she?” James asked the lady at the front desk. He was out of breath and on the verge of being frantic. The lady just looked at him; she seemed scared and could probably smell the whisky on him, on all of them.

“I’m not sure Sir.”

“What do you mean you don’t know? You’re supposed to know these things.”

“Well what’s wrong with her?”

“She’s pregnant....”

“Then she should be on the third floor. You’ll have to ask the people at the desk there for her room.”

“Thank you.” James yelled back. He barely gave the woman a chance to speak before he jetted off to find her.

They all made their way to the third floor. People were seated in the waiting room. James hardly noticed, he rushed straight to the old lady at the desk. She looked old and withered. But not in the nice grandma-ish kind of way, but more like the scary old witch in muggle story books.

“Can you tell me where Lily Marie Evans Potter is?” James tried to say calmly.

“Yes, she’s in the back room to the left.”

“Thank you…”

“But you can’t go back there.”

“What?” James asked trying to control his temper. “Why not?”

“Are you her husband?”

“Yes, what do think?”

“James, calm down.” Alice said grabbing his arm.

“Yes, I am her husband.” He said again.

“Fill out these papers Mr. Potter and have a seat. NEXT!” The lady yelled.

“No, no wait a second. You didn’t answer my question. Why can’t I go back there and see my wife?”

“Because this is a special situation, the Healers will have this all under control."

"Healers?! What do they need Healers for? Why can't they just use Medi-wizards?"

"I can't tell you that, now if you don’t mind stepping aside sir.”

“No, I do mind… She is 4 and a half months pregnant and she is having the baby way too early.”

“Look around Mr. Potter. This is the maternity level. All these women are having babies on this floor. So if you would excuse me… NEXT!”

“Did you not hear me? I said she is having her baby right now.”

“And so are plenty of women all over the world. What makes your wife so special? Besides, she’s probably better of without you back there, wouldn’t want an angry drunk back there around the children.”

“Listen here you old fart…”

“Come on James, let’s do this paper work and then see if we can get to Lily.” Sirius said pulling James away and taking him to a seat.

“Excuse me, but have you ever had kids?” Frank asked the old woman.

“NO!”

“Ok then, sorry to bother you. Guess you wouldn’t have any idea what it’s like.” Frank said walking over to take a seat, Alice behind him she was glowering at the older woman.

“I put a spell on yoooou! And now you’re miiiiiine!” Remus sang loudly all of a sudden.

“Ok, that’s the last time you drink firewhisky for a while.” Peter said putting his hand over Remus’ mouth.

James sat looking down at the pile of paper work. He scratched his head and sighed.

They were in the waiting room for a long while and they still wouldn’t allow anyone into the back. James was trying to get the paper work done, but he found it hard to concentrate. He wanted to know what was going on and if Lily and the baby would be ok. He already lost both parents in one day, and that was a lot for even a grown man to take on. But the thought of loosing his wife and unborn child was enough to tear away at his insides. James stirred in his seat as the worst case scenario clouded into his head.

“No, I won’t think about that, anything but that,” James said softly enough for Sirius to hear on his right. James was still leaning over and made it easy for Sirius to look over him and at Remus who was rubbing his temples. He started to sober up like the rest of them, it was not a good time to be drunk. And Remus was clearly suffering from a headache. Sirius tried to get his attention without bothering James. He had an idea.

Sirius started to clear his throat, but to no prevail. Remus didn’t look over at him, so he tried again but louder.

“Padfoot, do you mind?” Remus said turning to him. “Aww!” He grabbed the sides of his head; he must have turned his head too quickly. “The room is spinning!” Remus turned back and started rubbing his head again.

“Pssst… pssst….pssst!” Sirius gestured toward Remus. James wouldn’t have paid attention to it even if he wanted to.

“What?” Remus whispered back grumpily. Sirius mouthed something to Remus that he didn’t understand. “What?!” Sirius repeated what he said but Remus still couldn’t hear him. “What are you saying?”

“Would you two like to sit next to each other?” James said looking up, “Because you’re being really insensitive right now.”

“Oh, no you’re fine here Prongs.” Sirius said casually.

“Gee, thanks…” James said sarcastically bending back over to work on his pile of papers.

“Moony...” Sirius whispered again over James’ bend figure. “Moony… Moons… Remus… Rem--”

“What do you want Pad?” Remus whispers back agitatedly. James gets up in a huff and walks back over to the older lady at the desk. Sirius stopped whispering and he and Remus watched James as he confronted the desk clerk.

“Here, I’ve finished these papers. Now can I see my wife?” James said with a fake smile, his anger was just below the surface.

“Good job sir.” She took the papers and put them over to the side and continued to file her pointy nails.

“Well…”

“Well, you may go back and take your seat.”

“Who are you, the Saint Mungos Nazi? Do you have any heart at all or is it really that small and frozen to the point that you bring down anyone who crosses your path?”

“Take your seat, NOW!”

“Fine.” James said walking back to his seat but then turning back around and scaring the lady with his wand out stretched. People in the waiting room watching started to make commotions. “You know what? Not fine. My wife is in there, possibly giving birth to my son in there.” James said pointing down the hall with his free hand.

“Sir, calm down and we can talk about this.”

“Calm down. Calm down!? So now you want to be polite now huh?”

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hey
sorry it's short
but people say good things come in small packages. lol.
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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=7&pp=30

“Well I was just about to tell you that I had an idea to help Prongs, but it looks like he’s got everything under control.” Sirius said through the side of his mouth to Remus as they watched James confront the desk lady.

“Yeah, it looks that way, but we better go up there before something bad happens. You know, we might have to turn the woman’s hair back to its normal color or shrink her head back to its normal size.” Remus smiled as she stood.

“Sir, put the wand away and I will consider making a compromise.”

“Ha, a compromise?” James started to laugh. “Did I hear her correctly? Did she just say a compromise?” James turned and asked all the people in the waiting room. They all just sat there watching him looking half amused and half scared of what he would do next. Then James turned sharply back to the lady behind him as if he didn’t trust her. He was right, she was about to motion to her own wand and defend herself.

“Not so fast.” The elderly woman looked up and dropped her hand away from her wand. She was probably going to call for help as well. “And just for that…” James waved his wand the woman’s grey wig flew off of her head revealing her dry, bare scalp. She quickly grabbed her head and whimpered at her exposure. The room gasped and the marauders burst out laughing. “Now are you going to allow me to see my wife?”

“I can’t do that sir, but I will personally talk to the Healers and have them come tell you what the problem is. Then perhaps you’ll be able to see her.” She said softly looking up at him with her hands still on her head.

“Can’t you just let him go back there and hold Lily’s hand or something? I’m sure he won’t be in the way.” Frank said.

“Fine, go back there. But it won’t be on me if something goes wrong.” She said, and then she got up and ran off. James put his wand in his pocket and ran down the hall. Every hall looked like the last, white and blank. He looked through every window into every door searching for any sign of Lily. When he came to this one door, he looked in and could see people walking around a red headed patient. James burst in the door and people stopped and looked at him.

“Lily!?” James said rushing in. He stopped and looked around himself. The patient with red hair was not Lily at all but someone else entirely. It was a pregnant red head, but she looked nothing like his Lily. She was ugly with a large nose and thick dark eyebrows. And she had a hairy mole on her chin. She was screaming loudly and all of her crooked yellow teeth could be seen. James winced as he saw her painfully squeeze her husband’s hand.

“I’m terribly sorry…” James said awkwardly, everyone just stared at him and said nothing. “Well…I’ll just be going now….nice to meet you and good luck to you.” James backed out of there as quickly as he could. He left their room and closed the door. He shook his head and blinked twice. Then he continued his rummage around for his wife.

***********************

James came to a four way intersection in the halls. He looked around frantically and ran a hand nervously through his dark hair. His eyes were starting to water as he worried what might happen if he didn’t get to them in time, them being his wife and unborn son. There were too many halls; this place was too big and too white. They surely didn’t make it easy for a man to find his way around a place.
Just then a man in a white set of robes came hastening down one corridor.

“Excuse me… excuse me, but do you know where I can find Lily Potter?” James asked running up to the man.

“Yes, are you her husband?”

“Yes, yes I am.” James said breathing hard.

“I was just about to come to the waiting room to find you sir. She is in better condition now but she’s sleeping and needs rest. You may see her now if you would like though.”

“Yes, of course.” James sighed in relief. But then James remembered something, how was his son? “And… and the baby?” James asked worriedly.

“Everything’s fine sir, fortunately things ended up wonderfully tonight. Your child won’t be premature. So you’ll still be expecting him very late July or early August.” The doctor said.

“Thank you…” James choked on his words.

“Right this way.” The man turned back toward the hall at which he came and James followed right on his heels.

“What was wrong with her sir?” James asked the Healer.

“Well, we do what we can and use spells that are available yet sometimes these things happen. But stress may be a factor, has your wife been doing too much physical activity?” the doctor asked as they walked quickly.

“Yes, she was dueling recently…” James hushed up; he wasn’t supposed to speak about the order.

“Well, she needs to stay off of her feet and stay in bed. Too much distress can take a great toll on a pregnant woman. You’ll have to keep a good eye on her. And I’m warning you, it may be hard. Your wife appears to be a very strong willed woman.”

“Oh she is…” James laughed a bit. “She likes to be involved I guess you could say.”

“I could tell she had spirit about her tonight. She’s a fighter alright, she made sure no one would hurt her baby and that the baby wouldn’t be born until it was ready. I had some medi-wizards that were afraid to go near her. All angry pregnant women are scary, but this wife of yours… more power to you sir.”

“Yeah, she’s got a flame about her.” James smiled but didn’t slow his pace.

“Oh and make sure she has plenty of calcium and vitamins.”

“No problem. But when will she be able to come home?”

“Probably in a few days, I just want to keep an eye on her and make sure everything is really ok before sending her back home.”

“I understand.”

“Here she is. She’s asleep so, try to keep it down and let her have her rest.” The healer opened the door quietly and let James enter. James walked in on tip toes keeping his eyes on his sleeping wife. She looked exhausted, but still beautiful. It brought peace to James’ heart just to have this glimpse of her softly breathing form. He walked around her bed and pulled a chair up to her side.

James sat down and looked her over. He has never panicked more than he did this night. All thoughts of what went on earlier that day were gone. He was completely sober now and glad for it. He placed his hand on top of hers and rested his head on the edge of her bed. His prayers had been answered and everything would be ok.

*******************

Lily opened her eyes with a flicker the next morning. All the energy in her was drained out and she felt like her body was a ton of lead. She could here a heavy breathing and felt something warm on her right arm. Lily looked down and saw James; the light from the window came and left bright glints in his hair, which was very unruly at the moment. She smiled slowly and raised her left hand and ran her hand through his hair. He got there last night and stayed with her until she would wake. She could feel him stir underneath her hand and he lifted his head.

“Good morning.” Lily whispered to him. He stared at her for a moment then scooted his chair up to her closer. He stood and kissed her affectionately before taking his seat again and putting his hand back in hers.

“Are you ok?” Lily asked him. He was quiet, which was rare. “You weren’t really worried about me now were you?” Lily tried to joke. He just laughed through his nose and then looked at her with sad eyes. “James…”

“You’re beautiful, do you know that?” He finally spoke.

“I look a mess and I can’t imagine what my hair is doing.” She laughed.

“You’re perfect,” was all he said before leaning in for a hug. “Don’t scare me like that again Lily flower.”

“I’m sorry James, I was scared too. I’m just glad it’s over and you’re here.” She said into his shoulder. He pulled away and smiled with a sigh while he sat again putting a hand on her stomach.

“So when do I get out of this place?” She asked.

“Soon, they just want to run some more tests. You shouldn’t have fought with us….”

“James, I’ve heard this a million times.”

“I know. You’re strong Lily, I know that. But being pregnant makes you delicate. The stress and action did this to you. You try to do too much.”

“And this is coming from you, ‘mister I’ll take care of everything’…. And Alice was there, she’s fine.”

“Let’s not argue about this right now…”

“I agree.” Lily said. They went quiet for a few moments.

“Everyone is out there waiting for details.”

“Everyone’s here?!”

“Yep, the whole gang is here. I’m just glad Alice was with you instead of you going home alone last night.”

“Me too.”

“I would’ve had no idea what was going on if it weren’t for her.”

“What’s that smell?” Lily turned up her nose.

“It’s probably me, I haven’t showered yet.” James said with a sideways smile.

“You went to that pub didn’t you?”

“Yeah… about that…”James trailed off rubbing the back of his neck.

“Did you get drunk?” She asked raising her eyebrow.

“Something like that… but I wasn’t the only one, even Moony went past his limit.”

“Remus?!”

“Yeah, you should have been there…” James laughed. “Pad got him to stand on the bar and sing.”

“He sings?”

“Yeah, but not very well, he probably still has a hangover.” They both laughed at the prospect of a Remus Lupin drunk and mad. They were both glad to have something to laugh about after the night they just had.

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**************

After three days of being in the hospital, Lily was finally ready to come home where she could rest peacefully without medi-wizards coming in every 5minutes. James was just excited for her to come home, if fact, they all were. He arranged a little homecoming for her so that when he went to pick her up from Saint Mungos, her friends and family would be waiting for her. Lily had no idea, she just wanted to get home and head for bed.

James was first to enter through the fireplace and Lily came not long after. The house was dark and quiet. Once she came in far enough…

“SURPRISE!!” The lights came on and people seemed to pop out of thin air. There was a banner magically hanging up that had ‘welcome home Lily!’ in flashing colors. Streamers and confetti littered the floor and little fireworks exploded near the ceiling. Sirius and Peter were in charge of the decorations and Remus was in charge of the food arrangements.

Lily was shocked, and she probably would have fallen over by surprise if James didn’t have a protective grip on her arm.

“Welcome back Lily dear! How do you feel?” Her mother asked coming up to her and hugging her.

“I… I’m… fine. I don’t know what to say… about all this.”

“How about ‘the decorations are fantastic and who ever put them up is a genius!’” Sirius suggested.

“I love the decorations, I love everything. Thank you so much.” Lily said.

“Here, why don’t you sit down and we’ll fix you a plate?” James led her over to a comfortable chair and helped her sit. Once she was settled he fluffed her pillow and put a footstool under her feet.

“James… I’m pregnant, not handicapped.” Lily teased.

“Why don’t you do that for me?” Mrs. Evans hit her husband in the side.

“Cool it kid, you’re making me look bad.” Lily’s father smiled as he rubbed his rib.

“How about some music?” Remus turned on some jazz on the wireless.

“What is this stuff Moons? Who’s going to dance to this?” Sirius asked when he came out of the kitchen with James holding the punch bowl.

“It’s called Jazz and lots of people love it thank you very much.”

“Jazz aye?”

“Yes,” Remus said pouring the drinks.

“This has to be muggle music… no offense Mr. and Mrs. Evans.”

“Well yes, it did originate from muggles, but muggle borns exposed us to it and wizards and witches made it real music.”

“I’m a Miles Davis fan myself.” Mr. Evans stated before taking a drink.

“Oh… yeah…” Sirius nodded. He wasn’t quite feeling the ‘jazz’ right now.

“Lily I’m so glad you’re ok. We were all worried about you.” Alice said sitting next to her best friend.

“I know, and thanks, I’m glad you were with me when it happened…. I’m also glad the same didn’t happen to you.”

“Hmm, maybe your body couldn’t handle it this time. You’ve always been a worry wart so the stress was probably too much. But I didn’t do nearly as much as you did though, you were amazing out there. ‘You know who’ better watch his back with you and James around.” Alice smiled.

“Sure you did, you and Frank were there to back us up like you always are.”

“What are best friends for?” The two smiled and hugged.

“Here you go Lily, James told me to bring this to you.” Peter handed her a plate of food. It smelt great and looked like it would taste twice as good as it smelt.

“Thank you Peter, and where did James go this time?”

“Oh, he went…” But Peter was cut off by Sirius who covered his mouth with his hand.

“Shhhh… he just went up stairs to get something Lils, he should only be a minute.” Sirius said taking his hand down and eyeing Peter.

“Really?” She asked intrigued.

******************

An hour later and the party was going great, but there was still no sign of James and Lily just wanted to be with the man she loved most.

“Well Lily dear, it was fun but I better get your father home before he over eats his welcome.” Lily’s mother said hugging her again.

“What are you trying to say? You know you still love me even if I picked up a couple of pounds since the day we first met.” Mr. Evans said with a mouth full and two rolls in his hands.

“A couple pounds?!” Mr. Evans said patting his stomach.

“Hey, I can’t help it if Remus is a great cook.”

“Thank you Mr. Evans.” Remus smiled as he headed back to the kitchen.

“Yes, but there’s one problem in this theory of yours, you haven’t known Remus for that long. You’ve picked up this belly long before you ever met Remus.” Mrs. Evans smiled.

“But mum, you aren’t really going already are you?”

“Oh, yes Lily. It’s late and I can come by and check on you tomorrow, besides, I think your father and I better go so Sirius can let loose freely.”

“How considerate of you Mrs. Evans.” Sirius said from his spot on the couch.

“Ok, by mum and dad, thanks for coming.” Lily said as her parents left. “Sirius, where is that husband of mine? I thought you said he was upstairs, it’s been and hour.”

“Uh, Moons turn the channel on that wireless will you?” Sirius avoided the question all together.

“Sirius…” Lily said loosing patience.

“Ahh, now here’s some music we can dance to. No offense Lily, I like your parents and all, but I can pretend to be polite for only so long… EVERYBODY MAMBO!” Sirius yelled starting a conga line.

“Sirius Black answer my question, where’s my husband?” Lily said more sternly that time. Sirius worked the line of dancing people over to where Lily was seated and picked her up to join in. “Shake what your mama gave you Lily!”

“Padfoot! What are you doing? Lily, you need to be sitting down and off your feet.” James just reentered the room.

“Cha cha cha!” was Sirius’ reply.

“James, where have you been?” Lily asked as he helped her back to her seat. “This fool over here told me that you were upstairs, but I know you couldn’t have been.” Lily said pointing to Sirius when she was seated. James just looked over to his friend and raised an eyebrow.

“Well you see,” Sirius said coming over to them and leaving his spot in the line. “He went upstairs but came back down stairs, then he went to the kitchen and you didn’t see him Lily and then he went…”

“Nice try Pad.”

“James, where were you?”

“I went to go get something but it took longer than I expected it to.” James knelt down beside her chair and pulled something out of his pocket. “When you were at St. Mungos, they took off your wedding ring and gave it to me to hold on to. So I thought it would be the perfect time to get something you always wanted that I just couldn’t get right after we were married.” Lily watched as he showed her their rings. “I had them engraved.”

“James! You didn’t have to do that, the rings are symbolic enough…”

“I know you were happy just to have these rings, but I thought it would mean more to have this written in it, in case I don’t say it enough.” James held the ring at an angle so Lily could read the scrimption. ‘I love you always.’

“I love you too! And you always tell me enough.” Lily bent over the armrest of her chair and grabbed the sides of his face and kissed him.

“Ok, that’s all lovey-dovey but let’s get this party started!” Sirius said loudly.

“Tell me why I’m friends with him again?” Remus asked as he finally rested from moving around.

“Because I’m the life of the party that’s why!” Sirius said dancing around Frank and Alice. “Come on Moony, join us.”

“No, remember what happened the last time you got me involved in your ‘partying’” Remus said referring to his night at the pub. “I only just got rid of that migraine.”

“I was just warming you up for a lifetime of living on the edge, like me.” Sirius said with a wicked grin.

“You know, when Dumbledore made me prefect back at Hogwarts, he was trying to get me to rub off on you, not the other way around.” Remus said. Just then, James and Sirius and Peter cornered him and they started dancing like crazy lunatics while Lily laughed playing absent mindedly with the ring on her finger.

*********************

It was a Saturday afternoon in the beginning of May and Lily and James were decorating their nursery. They were rolling the baby blue paint they picked out up on the walls. They were halfway done with the room and were trying to get it painted quickly for Sirius would be there soon to drop off the furniture and they wanted the walls to be dry when he came.

“Uh Lily, try to paint in a ‘W’ formation that way you don’t get streaks and it gets done faster.” James said from the opposite wall.

“Oh really, why don’t you come show me how it’s done if you’re such an expert?” Lily stopped and turned to him.

“Ok, I believe I will.” James walked over to her, more like strutted and tried to show off. “That’s how it’s done.” He smiled at her arrogantly.

“Hmm… well I guess I’m incapable of doing it as perfectly as you.” Lily said and as she did so, she put a spot of blue paint on the tip of James’ nose.

“Ah ha, you think you’re slick don’t you?” James asked playing around with the end of his brush as he walked closer to Lily.

“Oh, I know I’m slick, I’m very tricky.” Lily teased backing away.

“You may be tricky but you can’t keep up with me.” James quickly grabbed her around the waist and splotched paint on her cheek. Lily tried to squirm free.

“James Potter! I’m going to kill you!” Lily yelled once he let her go. James ran off laughing loudly and reloaded his paint brush.

“Oh, you know you love me too much to kill me.” James grinned as he prepared himself for her attack.

“You know, you’re right. Truce?” Lily asked as if to surrender. James eyed her for a second but walked up to her anyway. Lily smiled up at him and kissed him. As she did so she raised the paint brush and slabbed it down the side of his arm.

“You are a tricky one.” James said when he pulled away, but Lily just stood there with an unreadable expression on her face. “Lily, what’s up?”

“Give me your hand.” James did as she requested. Lily placed his hand on the side of her stomach. “Do you feel that?”

“Feel what?” James asked confused.

“Just wait a second.” Lily said concentrating.

“Whoa! What was that? How’d you do that?”

“I didn’t.”

“But I felt…”

“The baby kicked me!” The couple just stood there smiling at each other. This moment made the aspect of having a baby more real for them.

“Uh, not to be nick picky or anything, but the paint is supposed to go on the walls to get the full effect.” Lily and James turned and looked at the door where Sirius now stood. Then they looked at each other and laughed, they must have looked a mess.

“Where do you want this stuff until the room is ready?” Sirius asked.

“Just leave it there for now, thank you Sirius.”

“Now that you’re done with that, why don’t you help us with the painting?” James suggested.

“No thank you, not with the way you people paint. I just conditioned my hair this morning. See, this is one thing Prongs doesn’t understand Lily, it takes work to get my hair to look this good.” Sirius said moving his raven locks out of his eyes.

“Ha ha, everyone makes cracks at my messy hair.” James said exasperatedly.

*******************

The walls were now baby blue and dry and James and Sirius were trying to place the furniture in the room. Lily was leaning against the door frame with a cup of yogurt as she directed them with her spoon.

“A little more to the left.”

“Here?” James asked straining beneath the wait.

“No, back it up some.”

“You know you’re lucky you’re pregnant and can't move heavy things Lily, or else I’d…” Sirius began.

“Stop… right there.” Lily said once they put the drawer where she wanted it.

“Or else you’d what Sirius?” James asked.

“Never mind, let’s move the rest of this stuff before I slip a disc.” Sirius said rubbing his lower back.

“You should have one of those girlfriends of yours to rub that kink out for you.” James said smiling.

“You know, you could have used a levitating spell on this stuff.” Lily said.

“Yes well, a little exercise never hurt anyone.” James said bending over to move the next item on the list.

“Who says that? It hurts me.” Sirius complained.

“Where’s this one go Lils?”

“Hmm, let me think….”

“Hurry up; I can’t hold this all day.” Sirius said.

“Put it over in that corner.” She said. They did and she looked at it for a moment but scrounged up her face.

“What?” James asked.

“I don’t know if I like it there.”

“Ok, so where do you want it?” Sirius said whipping his forehead.

“How about over there?” Lily pointed with her spoon. The boys moved the changing table to the right end of the room.

“No, you know it did look better over in that corner.” Lily smiled.

“Ok, so you’re doing this on purpose now.” Sirius said.

“That’s what you get for whining. Leave it there, it looks good.” Lily said.

“Ok, so now what?” James asked. “Should I put this crib together?”

“Yeah, that would be great, then we would be finished.” Lily said happily.

“So you don’t need me here anymore, so I guess I’ll see you all later.” Sirius said jetting out.

“Thanks Sirius!” Lily yelled after him. “Where’s he going in a hurry?”

“He’s got a date and he’s mad that I made him help out.” James chuckled.

“Oh, then that explains it…. Do you want anything to drink before you get started on that crib? You’ve been working hard and need a break.”

“Nah, I just want to have this room done.”

“Yeah, but it’ll be even better when there’s a baby in it.” Lily smiled dreamily.

James got busy with the construction of the crib and Lily watched from the rocking chair she was also reading a witch weekly, something she hadn’t done in a long time. When he was finally finished, the nursery was complete. James stood and sighed as he looked around himself. Lily got up from the rocking chair and joined him in the center of the room.

“It looks nice, you did a good job.”

“Thanks.” James smiled proudly as he looked around. “I’m surprise you let me get this Quidditch themed room. I like the painted broomsticks and flying snitches.”

“Yeah, I thought you would like it. Your mother actually picked this out first when we went Christmas shopping.” Lily said looking up at him. “It’s one of the reasons I don’t mind having it. And I have to admit, even though I’m not the biggest fan of Quidditch, I think this room is cute.” Lily said. James looked down at her and kissed her on the forehead.

FEEDBACK
not the best post but hope you like it anyway.
two posts in one day, you guys better be pleased. :rotfl:
see ya
Leslie :angel:
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=8&pp=30

Author's note... :tu:
yo, check out my poetry thread when you get the chance
I just updated it and i do so fairly often
the same goes for 'Last Chance and Last Year'
keep reading yall
Thanks
Leslie

***********************
The next two weeks went by calmly. Lily and James were anticipating the coming of their first born, the time was drawing nearer. With only two more months to go and Lily was beginning to feel nervous about the whole thing.

“Well it’s a little too late to turn around now Lily, your due in late July early August, that’s not too far away.” Alice was saying.

“I know, but don’t you get worried at all? Don’t you get scared? After all, you’re due in July as well and before me.” Lily and Alice went to their usual lunch spot at the ‘Leaky Cauldron’ during their break at work.

“What, scared about labor pains? Haven’t you already experienced that? You should be preparing me for such things.”

“No, I was more along the lines of being afraid after the babies are born. I don’t know if I’m ready to be responsible for a whole other life.”
“Oh, that…I know what you mean. I think it’s natural to be worried about that, but if you have the power to take care of James then you have the power to take care of anyone.” Alice joked.

“Ha, you know what I mean.” Lily smiled and shook her head.

“I do, and I would be lying if I said the thought never crossed my mind, but I honestly think we’ll be fine. You have tons of books to tell you what you need to know and what the books don’t say, your mother will.”

“True.” Lily said considering the idea.

“I still think it’s all in your head. It’s a part of the whole being pregnant thing, your mind wonders and you freak out about stuff. And Lily, you’ve always been the kind of girl that’s prepared for change and new things. That’s one of the reasons why you were head girl. And this will be nothing, being a mother is more instinct than anything else. So like I said, you’ll be fine, I know you will.” Alice theorized.

“Thanks Alice, I knew there was a good reason I chose you as a best friend.”

“What can I say? I could have been a great motivational speaker and I have wonderful people skills.” Alice laughed and Lily nodded. “Oh, by the way… I forgot to tell you. Frank and I are also going to have a boy and we think we want to name him Neville.” Alice smiled.

“That’s a great name.” Lily said.

“Hey girls!” James and Sirius were just now getting on their lunch breaks as well. “Funny meeting you all here.” James said sarcastically, he knew Lily ate here practically everyday with Alice.

“Looks good,” Sirius said reaching for one of Lily’s chips. “Ow!” He then said snatching his hand back and cradling it.

“Never do that again if you want to keep those fingers.” Lily said after slapping Sirius’ hand.

“Looks like Padfoot needs to work on his begging skills.” James said with a sideways grin to his friend.

“And never take food from a hungry pregnant woman, haven’t you learned anything?” Alice asked him. Sirius just looked at her.

“So what were you lovely ladies chatting about before we came and graced you with our presence?” James said sitting down at the table. Sirius sat down in the chair backwards and crossed his arms over the back of the chair. He stared down at the food with longing.

“Alice just told me the name that she and Frank decided on.”

“Really? Well what is it Alice?” James asked looking to her.

“We’re going to name him Neville.” Alice beamed.

“Ooooh! Did you hear that Pad? They want to name him… Neville.” James said trying not to laugh as he elbowed Sirius in the side.

“What kind of name is…?” Sirius started but then stopped himself when he noticed the women of the table glaring at him. “I mean… how sweet!” He said with a false baby voice.

“What’s wrong with the name Neville?” Alice asked almost hurt turning to Lily.

“Nothing,” Lily told her reassuringly. “Nothing is wrong with that name.” Lily looked over to the boys with narrow eyes. They quickly hushed up.

“I still like the name Harry better mate!” Sirius whispered to James so that the girls wouldn’t hear.

“What are you two whispering about?” Lily asked.

“Nothing!” James said with a smile.

“Where’s the waitress? I’m starved.” Sirius said.

“Oh hush, you sound like Peter.” Alice said.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
hey everyone
thank you all for reading and
again, i say it all the time, i luv hearing from you
hope you liked the chapter and hope your ready for the what's next :p
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=1985674#post1985674

****************************

After everyone ate, they had some extra time to stroll through Diagon Alley. They just looked at the sites and watched the witches and wizards calmly shopping. Lily liked to watch how people interacted with each other. To her it was fascinating how people behaved and that was probably one of the reasons that she did such a good job in the muggle relations office.

James had his arm draped around her shoulders as they walked with Sirius and Alice. They walked into Flourish and Blots for a while, Lily and Remus’ favorite shop. They stopped at a chocolate store, another favorite of the whole gang. And then they walked by the window where the most resent Quidditch broom was displayed. James practically smashed his face to the window as he gazed at it just like the little boys and girls do.

It was a nice sunny day in May and it was peaceful. People were hustling about their business, the air was clear and fresh, and it was just an all around nice day. Sirius spotted a girl he knew and walked off to chat with her. Alice went to go find something at a nearby store and Lily and James took the time to sit on a bench and enjoy each other’s company.

Then all of a sudden darkness came over and clouds built up. The sun was shrouded by a gloomy haze and the wind blew as something dark and haunting swirled up from the ground in the middle of the streets.

People began noticing the change in the weather and the figure continued to rise up bringing fear in to the hearts of those who witnessed. It was certain that it was the dark lord yet again. He always came on days you least expected him to come, it was always calm before the storm and that’s just what the day was before he reared his evil head into their innocent lives. Diagon Alley was a place he hadn’t hit yet and to come at lunch would mean that there was more opportunity to get to as many people possible just because they were there. That’s how ‘You Know Who’ works and always has.

Lily watched as he swirled to his normal height. He had his trade mark black hood and his knife-like eyes glared with an evil snarl. At the snap of his fingers his followers appeared with a crack. Lily stood and glowered at the sight of them. She was sick and tired of dealing with this, this stress, this death, this war. Two times already she had to face him and his death eaters, how many more times would these encounters occur? James too stood and frowned. He stepped in front of Lily somewhat and watched to see what was to come.

“I want you to go get Sirius and then I want you to go in one of these nearby stores and stay there until I get you.” He whispered over his shoulder to her.

“I’m not leaving you.” Lily replied stubbornly.

“Lily, remember what happened the last time you fought him? You had complications with the baby afterwards. You promised me that you would leave this to me from now on.”

“I didn’t go seeking him with the order. I’ve kept my promise.”

“I know that this wasn’t your fault. I know he just showed up here and you couldn't control it, but you still have the chance to get yourself to a safe place.”

“I’m not leaving you James.”

“Lily, please… for Harry’s sake. I already lost my parents, don’t make me loose one or both of you.” James whispered.

“Fine.” Lily said but didn't really want to. She ran off to find Sirius. She made sure she was unseen as she did so. Then she met up with Alice in a store and hid. They watched from under a table and looked through the window.

************************

James was standing and Sirius snuck up to him, he placed his hand on James’ shoulder as he too watched what was going on. James jumped.

“Don’t do that.” James whispered.

“Sorry.” Sirius whispered back. “What is he doing here?”

“What else? He’s here to please himself by inflicting pain on others,” James said never lifting his eyes from the man who did everything in his power to destroy life.

Civilians watched the dark lord in utter fear. He gave a dark thin smile, deriding everything with his presence and looked around at his victims. Everyone was still and anticipated the first dreadful move.

“Boo!” A deep scraggily voiced death eater came up to a woman and her small child and taunted them. The woman clutched her trembling child close, too afraid to run for there was no where to go and too afraid to scream for it would do no good. The death eaters laughed and waited for their master’s signal. It seemed that Voldimort was taking his time. The tension in the air was just as scary as the man himself.

Then in a blink of an eye, after a wait that seemed to last for ever, all hell broke loose. Left and right combat and dueling erupted. It was unfair; no one had time to prepare themselves in defense and that’s exactly how the dark lord liked it. James whipped out his wand and Sirius did the same. It seemed that every time they defeated him in battle, he would just come back even stronger than before. This was now James’ third time facing him and he hoped and prayed that it would be his last.

Like every other encounter James found himself against Voldimort, James wanted nothing more than to rid himself of this evil, especially now that his son would be here in just two more months. James couldn’t stand it if the dark lord was around during the time of his first child’s birth. James couldn’t stand it if the dark lord was around period.

Sirius was sending light of spells out from the end of his wand at a rapid speed hitting any death eater in his line of fire. Sirius was searching for Malfoy and Snape but more for Malfoy than anything. He hated Malfoy for what he did to the Potters just as James had. But in a way, James felt that Sirius wanted him more because Malfoy took the only people that came close to being parents to him, the Potters took him in when no one else would and Sirius adored them for that. Sirius loved them more than he ever could have loved his own mother and father.

On the other hand, James wasn’t too concerned for the death eaters as Sirius was; James wanted ‘You know who’ all to himself. James left Sirius’ side and headed for the evil silhouette. James’ eyes were alight and he had his jaw clenched. Breathing heavily he made his way to the fatal battle. Voldimort was about to use the unforgivable curse on a family with young children.

“Leave them alone.” James said heatedly.

“Ha ha ha!” the hooded figure’s shoulders shook ferociously with deep laughter. “Noble intentions, a sharp tone, and idiodic bravery. That must be James Potter.” He said slowly turning to James and abandoning his victims for a more suitable challenge.

“Bravery, Gryffindor bravery, I admire it. But it gets you no where if your bravery exceeds your intelligence. Just like your father, the idiot tried to be brave and protect himself from my death eaters and look where it got him.” Voldimort laughed as if he were remembering a cherished moment in life. “Yes, look just like your father you do. Perhaps you’ll meet the same sticky end?”

***************************

Lily and Alice watched in horror. Alice contacted Frank who contacted other officials and Aurors. They would be here soon he said, but Lily was worried that they wouldn’t be here soon enough.

“Where’s James?” Lily asked looking through the glass. It was hard to see through all the chaos going on out there.

“I see Sirius over there.” Alice said pointing in his direction.

“Yes, but where is James?” After Lily said this the two of them crouched low. A death eater’s spell threw a man through the window they were looking through. The man lay motionless about 5 feet away from the girls. They looked over to him and would have tried to help him out, but judging by the way he was laying, he was gone. They winced at the thought.

“I wish Frank would hurry up and get here.” Alice chocked nervously.

"Oh no..."

"What is it?" Alice asked Lily.

"I see James."

"Where? Is he ok?"

"He is now, but I don't know for how long. He's about to fight 'You know Who'."

**************************

“I hope you’ve improved some on your technique since the last time we met. Show me what you’ve got young man.” Voldimort sneered. “I’ve told you once, I like a challenge, and it amuses me.”

“Then you will be well amused for I may be too much of a challenge. Perhaps you won’t be able to keep up, your oldness.” James hunched over in a mock bow, he was trying to imitate the fact that Voldimort’s servants bow to him and obey his every request.

James and the dark lord circled around each other like vultures do their prey before devouring it. They had total concentration and no recollect of the people and fights going on in the streets nearby. Their wands raised high and at the ready.

James fired the first spell and hit the dark lord in the stomach. “Not bad…”

“I’ve been practicing for this exact sole purpose.” James said.

“And it shows, but is it good enough?” The dark lord shot a spell at James and he dodged it. The two of them fired at each other for a long time, shredded robes and scrapes and cuts appeared as time went by. James was quick and swift and faster than Voldimort, but ‘you know who’ was more powerful and strong and knew evil hexes that James couldn’t even imagine.

**************************

Lily and Alice were still there watching even after Frank and other aurors showed up. Sirius fought against two hooded death eaters while Frank and Remus battled at his side. Everyone was taking action and it seemed that everyone was doing something except for Lily and Alice. Lily knew she shouldn’t go out there and join them; James even made it clear that he didn’t want her to get involved. But she loved him too much to sit and hide while he was out there in all of the turmoil. Her eyes never left him and her nails where leaving marks in the wooden window sill that she was gripping. Every time James was hit, Lily winced and held her breath. After a long time of fighting, the two were starting to look fatigued. James’ speed slowed down and the dark lord looked pleased. Then Voldimort hit James with the Stupefy spell, stunning him with a blast of red light. James froze unable to move as the evil doer circled him and laughed. Lily stood up and kept her eyes focused on her husband and she stayed alert.

************************

“It was a good fight, but I’ve grown bored. It’s time for some real fun.” Voldimort whispered as he walked around the defenseless James.

“Would you really attack someone without allowing them to fight back? I thought even you had some honor.” James said as he struggled under the spell.

“I used to believe in such things. Dumbledore always has his students believe in such things, but I was fortunate enough to out grow out of that. This is reality, this isn’t a game. You and your wife may have won some of the battles, but you will never live to see the end of the war and I will make sure of that… besides, I thought I was fair. I did let you fight back for a little while. And I think I’m being fair now when I decide to kill you off quickly and get it over with.” Then the dark lord stepped back in front of James and pointed his wand directly at James’ face.

“Nooooo!” Lily ran out in front of him and knocked Voldimort down. The stupefy spell was lifted off of James and Lily ran to James. “James…!”

“Lily what are you doing here? Get out of here now!” James was telling her as the dark lord slowly stood up from behind them.

“I can’t leave you James.”

“I want you to be safe, there’s not much time.”

“No, listen to me. I’d rather die for you than to be safe without you… I love you James.” She threw her arms around his neck and clung to him.

“I love you too…” He patted her hair.

“Disgusting… love,” Lily let go of James and turned sharply to look at the one thing that haunted the dreams of many. “It along with bravery shows a person’s weak side. And there is nothing I despise more than weakness.” ‘You know who’ was standing full height in front of them.

“If you try to kill James then you’ll have to kill me too.” Lily said stepping in front of her husband. James tried to move her out of the way. Voldimort just laughed at the sight of them.

“Simple enough, this looks like my lucky day. I get to kill of the whole wizarding bloodline of Potters.” The dark lord said gesturing to Lily’s tummy.

At this, Lily remembered something. She rubbed her stomach and remembered that she was pregnant. ‘How could I forget such a thing?’ She asked herself. Something in her clicked. There was no way that she would allow anyone or anything harm her child. She would do what it took to protect what was growing inside of her. A power that Lily never knew she had arose inside of her, a mother like instinct. An angry pregnant witch, there was nothing more powerful. Lily’s breathing picked up and she dropped her wand. James looked over at her in surprise. Her eyes were burning with a protective love and a wind swept around her. Her hair blew around and people nearby stopped fighting to see what was going on. James backed away and Voldimort wasn’t laughing anymore. There was a magic working in her that she felt wouldn’t have been there if Harry wasn’t. All of her abilities seemed to be doubled; she couldn’t believe what was happening. Harry was making her stronger.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
hey yall
I don't know, for some reason i have this idea that pregnant wiches seem to be more powerful than non pregnant witches. Maybe i'm just crazy or something...?
ah well, hope you like the post
please leave feedback
stay tuned for what's next :tu:
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=9&pp=30

*******************
“Oh James, are you alright?” Lily asked hugging her husband tightly around the neck. All the commotion died down and Voldemort left taking his death eaters with him.

“I’m fine Lily… but I can barely breathe.” James managed under her firm grip. “And where on earth did you learn a move like that?” He asked once she let go of him, a red girlish blush kissed her cheeks.

“I don’t know, it just sort of came up out of me. I never knew I had the capability. It’s like my protective instinct made me ten times stronger.” Lily said shrugging.

“As far as I know, you’ve always been a strong woman. But man… that was amazing!”

“Yeah, Prongs and I should bottle that motherly instinct stuff and give it out in dosages to every member of the Order and all of the Aurors before going into battle. With stuff like that, ‘You know who’ would have been gone years ago.” Sirius said punching Lily lightly on the shoulder.

“But did you see the look on everyone’s face when it all happened? Classic!” Remus said smiling to her.

Lily wasn’t used to this much attention from the guys. They were all standing around her praising her and she only did what her heart told her she had to do. It was a strange feeling having them treat her like this. She almost felt like a Marauder. Sure she was welcomed by them and was close in their circle, but she was never a member. Being a marauder was sacred to them. Once you were one you were one for life and it was hard as all get out to become one. Lily was the love of James’ life and thus really close to Sirius, she always got along well with Remus and she never had problems with Peter. But they had a bond that even she couldn’t break and it felt great to have them treat her as if she were just one of the boys. Growing up she was always teased by them or just considered James’ love interest, but now it seemed she was finally really a part of them. All of them.

Lily smiled as the boys joked and reenacted the events, Sirius pretended to be Voldemort while James pretended to be Lily.

“No, but the best part wasn’t when she cursed him with the temporary banishing spell, but it was the fact that she did a better job defending than James did,” Remus teased.

“Yeah, who wears the pants it this relationship aye Prongs?” Sirius asked raising one eyebrow.

“I-I was tired… leave me alone.” James said his ears going red.
“Hey he did just fine. I was just worried and you know what worrying does to me.” Lily said locking her arm in James’. “Don’t sweat it baby, you’re still my hero.” She looked up at him.

“Thanks, that’s encouraging.” He said softly. “Now I’m in the shadow of ‘Super Woman.’”

“‘Super Pregnant Woman,’” Lily corrected him. The other boys tried not to laugh but failed terribly.

“But anyway, where on earth is Wormy at times like these?” Sirius asked once he ceased his laughter.

“I don’t know, strange isn’t it? He hasn’t been around a lot lately. And I can remember a time when we couldn’t get any space from him. He used to be so clingy.” Remus mused.

“You know you’re right. Maybe he’s up to something?” James asked.

“He wouldn’t tell us if he was though, you know, being an Unspeakable and all.” Sirius said.

“Yeah, but wouldn’t he be able to get out of work to come help us in battle?” Lily pondered.

“Who knows, maybe Dumbledore has him up to something useful for once.” Sirius suggested.

“Yeah…” Remus said, though he didn’t look too convinced.

“Ah well, we can catch up with him later. We need to rest, especially you Lily.” James said looking down on her and kissing the top of her head. “We don’t need another visit to the hospital.”

“And we need to be in good shape for whenever something like this happens again. I know a furious dark lord is out and about where ever he is. 3rd times the charm and I don’t know if any of us will live past this, he’s not playing games anymore.” Sirius said darkly.

FEEDBACK
again :rotfl:
i am sooooo sorry about not posting
hopefully it won't be so long next time
thanks
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=9&pp=30

***********************

James was finishing placing baby blue and white balloons and streamers around the fireplace. Today was the day for the baby shower and the women would be over pretty soon; Alice and Mrs. Evans and some of Lily’s friends from work or old friends from school were to be expected to come. Lily even insisted on inviting her sister, James didn’t want Lily to get her hopes up but Lily had so much experience with her sister that she knew the chances of her coming would be one in a million, but she just wanted to be polite and give her the option anyway. All they got in return from Petunia was a nasty letter stating how much she would hate to come over and how much she and Vernon despised owls, the idea of the fat oaf chasing their owl around the room was enough to make James roll on the floor with laughter and he told Lily that it seemed to be a good idea after all to send Petunia an invitation.

“Lily come on, everyone will be here soon!” James hollered up to her near the stairwell.

“I’m coming!” She yelled back. Not long after James got a glimpse of her. Her stomach was the first thing he saw of her, it would take her one way and she had no choice but to follow. James watched as she waddled down the stairs, his heart swelled with pride at the sight. When she got close enough to the bottom of the stairs he offered her his hand.

“Thank you,” she huffed. “Who knew one trip down the stairs would take all the breath out of me?” James didn’t answer he just looked at her with a grin.

“What? What is it?”

“Nothing…”

Lily smiled at him and tilted her head. They stood there looking at each other for a few seconds hand in hand. It seemed like a much longer time than that. After their moment in silence, James began to laugh silently.

“What?!”

“Nothing, it’s just you’re getting bigger and bigger every time I look at you.”

“I know, I feel like I’m about to burst.” Lily said looking down at her belly and grabbing both sides of it. “I don’t remember the last time I could see my feet just by standing here like this.” Lily joked.

James watched her, she was so beautiful and she didn’t even know it.

“Oh James, it looks wonderful!” Lily said walking into the living room, James followed. “I love the baby blue.”

“You really like it?”

“Oh, it’s perfect! Thank you.” Just then the door bell rang. “Oh that must be mum now.” James went and answered the door and let his mother in law in. He took her coat and led her into the room where Lily was seated.

“Thank you James. Lily dear, how are you?” She asked walking over to her daughter.

“I’m fine mum, thanks for coming.”

“Would I miss this?”

“No, you wouldn’t.”

“Oh Lily, I’m sorry your sister is being so stubborn. I told her it would mean a lot to you if she came, but…”

“It’s ok mum. I’m a big girl; I’m used to it by now.”

“I suppose you are.” Her mother said taking a seat. Soon after women came in one after the other through the fireplace and James set some platters on the coffee table in front of them.

James then sat on the arm of Lily’s chair since all of the seats were taken. He sat there playing with his fingers. The women sat there quietly looking at him until finally he noticed their stare.

“Oh, did you want me to leave or something?” He said looking up.

“Well James, this is a baby shower and most men don’t stay for these things.”

“Ok, but you know Lily, what if I wanted to stay and enjoy my self with you lovely ladies? If I wanted to stay for the baby shower you didn’t ask me or invite me.”

“I didn’t think you wanted to stay. Do you?”

“No, the point I’m trying to make is that I want the right to stay.” James smirked.

“So you want me to invite you so you can say no?”

“Yeah.”

“Ok, James would you like to stay for the baby shower?” Lily asked looking up at him.

“No thanks, Sirius should be here soon. But thanks for the offer.” The other women laughed at his silliness.

“Ow, sorry I’m late Prongs.” Sirius said bumping his head on the bricks of the fireplace. “Hellllloooo ladies!” Hellos and hi Sirius’ could be heard echoing through the room with a feminine ring.

“And how do you do? I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Sirius Black.” Sirius walked up to a pretty young blonde in pink. He shook her hand and smiled, working his charm.

“Hello Mr. Black. I’m Nadia Blackburn.”

“Nice to meet you Miss Nadia,” Sirius kissed the back of her hand causing the other women to giggle and Lily to roll her eyes.

“James, get this fool out of here before I loose the saneness of my guests.” Lily said chuckling.

“Oh Lils, I brought you something.” Sirius walked over to her and handed her a small gift and surprising Lily. “Open mine last.” He whispered. “It was nice seeing you ladies and very nice to meet you Nadia but Prongs and I must leave you now.” Sirius said to all of the women in the room before he left.

“Have a good time Lily, see you all later.” James said following Sirius with a small pop

******************


“Wow, that guy is something isn’t he?” Nadia said.

“Who Sirius?” Lily asked and Nadia nodded. “You have no idea, does she girls?” Lily asked the whole room and all of the girls started chattering and giggling about stories of Sirius.

“I take it that he has a way with the female sex?”

“Oh does he?!” Alice giggled some more.

“And you should have seen him back at Hogwarts, when he was a teenager. All boys are hormone crazy, but Sirius? That’s a whole other story all together.” Lily added.

“Oh but Lily, If I do recall correctly, there was a certain someone else who was wild about the ladies; well, one lady actually,” Courtney Finnegan stated with a knowing smile.

“Yes that’s right.” Alice said beaming. “And now she’s going to have his son!” All the girls squealed with delight and fussed over Lily and her situation.

“Isn’t it just the most precious thought?”

“A baby is so sweet!”

“My baby’s all grown up.” Were among the chatter.

“Yes well, it is something we’re both quite happy about and looking forward to.” Lily blushed slightly. The other women waited and watched as Lily thought to herself and they too swooned and sighed over the prospect.

“But Lily, open these gifts already.” Her mother said after a moment.

“Oh, right…” Lily looked down at all of the beautifully rapped presents of all sizes. “Where’s a girl to begin?”

“Start with mine; after all I’m the best mate.” Alice said waddling over to Lily, for she too was well into her pregnancy, and handing her the present.

FEEDBACK :angel:
hey all
sorry it's sooo short, but I'm really tired so
i'll try to post the rest tomorrow.
i wanted to give you what i did post up tonight ahead of time, so here it is.
after all, a short post is better than no post at all
and thanks for reading
oh, and sorry for the slow update
Leslie

******************
Lily carefully unwrapped the present not wanting to rip the attractive paper. Her friends sat patiently waiting to see what was inside.

“Why it’s a–a baby bouncer,” Lily announced. “Thank you Alice, this is great.”

“Mine next dear.” Mrs. Evans picked up her gift and passed over to her daughter.

“Oh mum! Thank you, did you knit this yourself?” Lily asked once she pulled out a brilliantly colored baby blanket.

“Yes I did. I’ve improved haven’t I?” Mrs. Evans said happily.

“Yes you certainly have. Since when could you knit like this?”

“Your mother-in-law helped me once. I saw her knitting before and I asked to be taught so I could make a baby blanket some day. Of course it took me much longer to make because I can’t use magic, but I think it turned out lovely.”

“Yes, James’ mother had some skill with knitting. She made blankets for James and me before she…” Lily said trailing off. She didn’t need to finish her sentence, everyone knew what she was about to say. “Anyway, she was wonderful at knitting and this looks great mum, thank you.”

“Here’s my gift Lily, I hope you like it.” Nadia, Lily’s friend from the ministry, said. Lily took the gift and reveled it with everyone witnessing.

“Oh Nadia, we could definitely use these.” Lily held up the baby monitors. They were unlike muggle monitors but they worked in much of the same way and with the same concept. Wizarding baby monitors looked like little wireless speakers in the belly’s of teddy bears.

After a while the food platter became bare and pile of presents became smaller. After just about every gift Lily would open, her guests would ‘ooh’ and ‘aw’ at the tiny baby clothes and toys. Lily received baby bags and bottles and everything one needs to successfully raise a child.

Finally she got to the last gift, as she promised, his would be last. Lily was a bit curious and frightened to see what he brought. She knew he wouldn’t give her anything terrible for the baby for he was to be the godfather, but after all this was Sirius Black. Who really knows what goes on in his head when he goes shopping for baby stuff?
Before she moved to open the gift she read the note he left on top. It was written in his messy scratch of handwriting, but luckily Lily could still read it.

“Prongs always talks about how his son would take to the sky like his old man. I figured the little prongs jr. would be well prepared with this, signed Pad. P.S. the head piece is a little something I put together myself.” Lily read this aloud with an expression of utmost interest. “Well I wonder what he means by that.” She asked herself out loud.

Lily opened the present slowly, half expecting something to pop out at her. But nothing did pop out at her for what Sirius got for the baby was clothing. Yet it wasn’t just any old baby clothing, it was a baby sized Quidditch outfit. The Quidditch was for the team that opposes James’ favorite team which was Pudlemere. The team these robes were dressed as were for the Montrose Magpies.

“There is no way I’m going to let them have my son fly before he can walk. I swear, I don’t know about those two.” Lily said looking up and shaking her head.

“But where’s the head piece he mentioned?” Alice asked.

“I don’t know,” Lily remembered and started searching through the tissue paper. “Oh, maybe it’s this?” She held it up and it was a small baby sized headband with a set of antlers sticking off the top that clearly looked like a craft that Sirius had made in a rush.

“Why on earth would he give those to the baby?” Someone asked utterly confused.

“It’s a long story!” Lily said with a smirk.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
hope you liked the post,
i plan to have more up for you really soon
until then
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Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=10&pp=30

*********************

Later that evening after dinner, James was helping Lily clear the table. He has been busy working doing dangerous Auror missions lately and there were a lot of things on his mind. He worried that Voldemort would come back with a bigger bang than ever before. James hated to imagine what was coming for them next being that he and Lily defied the dark lord thrice. He didn’t want to waist time thinking on it, so he tried to forget that they were in a time of war and put his mind on things that made him smile.

“So Tiger Lily, how did the baby shower go?” James asked as she washed the dishes and he dried them.

“It was great; I’ll show you all the stuff we got later on, which reminds me… have you talked to Sirius about Harry lately?”

“Oh? Yeah, I suppose… why?”

“Oh it’s just you must have mentioned something to him that influenced the gift he got for Harry.”

“Really? What did he get?”

“Oh, he made a pair of antlers which were really cute…”

“Ha, junior Prongs? That’s funny!”

“But that’s not all; he found a baby sized Quidditch uniform for the Montrose Magpies.”

“The Magpies?!” James said in astonishment. “Why that little… it should definitely be Pudlemere.”

Lily put down the dish she was washing and turned to James with a hand on one hip.

“James! You’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking are you?” She asked with a raised brow.

“Well…”

“Because there is no way I’m letting my baby learn to fly before he can walk. I wasn’t ever a big fan of flying, it’s too dangerous James. I would get jittery at games watching you do those stupid diving stunts.” Lily said sternly.

“Lils come on, it’s all in fun. And if I take him up once or twice on my broom, it will be safe. Remember when I took you up? You didn’t complain much from what I remember, and I am careful. I know what I’m doing.”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

“It just is ok?” She said defeated as she turned to continue washing the dishes.

“Look, there’s nothing wrong in a little exercise.”

“I suppose not… but this baby isn’t born yet. Just wait until he is at least 14 months old.”

“Sure thing babe.” James said kissing her on the side of the neck as she left the kitchen. But he knew he wouldn’t wait that long or at least Sirius wouldn’t. James knew in his heart that his son would inherit his Quidditch skills; it was only the natural thing.

***********************

Late one night James was tossing and turning in his bed and broke out in a cold sweat. He was having a nightmare, but not just any old nightmare. A nightmare that seemed so real, so terribly real. James became tangled up in the sheets as he mumbled in his slumber causing Lily to groan sleepily. It was 3:00 in the morning and they both had to work the next day
“Stop moving.” Lily grumbled as she leaned back on him trying to get him to stop. It didn’t work; he continued to have his bad dream.

“James… wake up.” Lily sat up and rubbed her eyes as she tried to shake him. “Come on James, you’re having a nightmare.”

James sat up bolt straight in a flash trying to catch his breath. He was looking around the room as if he had misplaced something.

“James, James are you ok?” Lily asked rubbing his arm. He looked over at her and seized her up in his arms and buried his face in her hair at the side of her neck.

“James its ok, you’re awake now.” Lily said now rubbing his back. He pulled away when she asked if he wanted to talk about it. James ignored her question and climbed out of bed.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to get some water, go back to bed… I’m ok.” He told her, but Lily didn’t look convinced. James pored himself some water and drank it. Then he rubbed his temples, he could still see the pictures of the dream in his head before they faded away. He would have to discuss this with Dumbledore.

***********************

“Prongs, what is all this about?” Sirius asked grumpily whipping the sleep from his eyes.

“Yeah, what’s all this dream talk?” Remus asked. He too looked tired.

James woke them up really early in the morning and called them over to his place. He told them it was urgent. So Remus and Sirius made their way over to James’, James couldn’t get a hold of Peter, and they sat in the living room waiting to see what James woke them up for.

“Well, I had a nightmare and I wanted to tell someone before I forgot it fully. I want you guys’ advice before I take this to Dumbledore.” James said pacing in front of them.

“Ooookay…” Sirius said. He was a heavy sleeper and wasn’t a pleasant person to be around if he was deprived of that sleep. “So tell us so I can go back to bed.”

“Hush Padfoot.” Remus said. “This has to be more important or else Prongs wouldn’t have called us here.”

“Right. Well the thing is. I had this bad dream, it was so real…”

“What was it about?” Sirius asked rushing him.

“I’m not sure…”

“You’re not sure?!” Sirius said loudly.

“Shhh, you’ll wake Lily.”

“Oh, so it’s ok to wake up your best mates and drag them all the way from their homes to come here and listen to a dream that you don’t even know what it’s about, but you can’t wake your own wife who is right beside you?” Sirius said in one breath.

“Shut it Sirius, let him finish. Go ahead James.” Remus said interested.

“I’m not sure because you know how dreams fade from memory. And I didn’t want to tell Lily because it would probably scare her.” James paused and then continued. “There was this boy, he looked just like me but had Lily’s eyes. I think it was my son.”

“Harry’s not even born yet.”

“I know that Pad. But it couldn’t be anyone else… He had to be in his late teens and he had this horrible scar above his brow.” James said pointing to a spot on his forehead.

“This doesn’t sound like such a big deal to me…” Sirius said. “So your son has an ugly scar. Not everyone looks as perfect as I do.” Remus rolled his eyes at this remark.

“Anyway… he was alone.”

“What do you mean? Where were you and Lily?” Remus wondered.

“We just weren’t there. I don’t remember why, but we weren’t there… actually, you weren’t there either Pad. And I have no idea where Wormtail was. The only one I recognized was you Moony, in your old age.” James said trying to recall the details.

“Why was he alone? Where was everyone?” Remus said.

“They were probably all sleeping.” Sirius said grouchily and earning a hit in the back of the head from Remus. “What, what did I do?!” Sirius asked him and the other two ignored.

“Everyone was depending on Harry, something important was going to happen and it was all up to him to carry it through or else things would go wrong.” James continued.

“What things?” The other two marauders asked James in unison.

“They were in a time of war, like we are now. Even though the situations were different, the motive stayed the same.” James said and he looked like he was in a pensive. He stared at a spot on the wall and his face looked like he was from a distant land and didn’t speak the language. He paused a while and then said: “There was more to it, but I can’t remember.” James said looking vulnerable.

“Wow! That’s intense. Seeing your son have a weight on his shoulders and not being able to be there to help him deal with it.”

“Yeah,” Sirius added.

“But it’s just a dream right? I mean I’m no seer.” James asked looking hopeless.

“Of course not, that can’t happen and no one will let it happen.” Sirius said trying to reassure his pal.

“Yeah, and dreams are just your mind wondering anyway. I’ve heard that your biggest fears are revealed to you through your sleep.” Remus added.

“I hope you're right… but maybe I should still bother Dumbledore with this. I know the dream was set years ahead of now, but maybe just maybe it might have something to do with what’s going on in this war. Perhaps the dream was a sign to help?” James was unsure of everything right now. He didn’t know what to make of his dream.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
more later guys...
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=10&pp=30

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Sorry all, but I wanted to give you a heads up.
There won't be another post... EVER!! :elaugh:
Just Kidding! :p
Maybe you're right, I am mean. :evil:
Anyway... it may be a few days before the next update because tonight I have our final musical production and tomorrow is prom. Yay! :clap:
well thanks for understanding
you all are great
thanks :D
Leslie
p.s. it probably won't be until Sunday afternoon or Monday before the next update.

****************************

James watched her for a bit and then turned his head, it hurt too much to look at her and know that she was with someone else. James could tell that she walked by because the other boys waved and smiled and pulled out the map once the door to the girl’s dorm shut.

“What was that all about?” Peter asked.

“What do you mean?” James asked looking down shamefully.

“Lily walked by and smiled in your direction and you blew her off.” Sirius said with a raised eyebrow.

“I didn’t blow her off.” James said harshly.

“Well why didn’t you talk to her?” Remus asked minding his words.

“I don’t know, I don’t think she’d want to talk to me. I asked her out and she’s going with Greg Sumter now.” James said with gloom.

“But it looks like she still wants to be your friend. You can’t give up that easily, are you kidding me? After this many years?!” Sirius said.

“I’m not sure what I’m going to do. I don’t want to give up on her. I couldn’t, I don’t think that’s in my nature to give up on something. But…”

“But what?”

“I can’t just keep going like nothing happened. Still being her friend doesn’t help stop the hurt that I feel from wanting to be with her.”

“Well why don’t you talk to her about how you feel?” Peter asked.

“Don’t you think I’ve tried that? Man have I tried that. It gets me no where. Besides, I’m not entirely sure how I feel about her. I just know that no other girl makes me feel like she does and I can’t explain it. The feelings are just there… **** I want to be with her, but I promised I wouldn’t get envious. She would hate for me to be jealous and I don’t want to be for her sake.” James sighed heavily.

“Well that sucks; glad I don’t have that problem.” Sirius said.

“That’s very sensitive of you Padfoot.” Remus told him.

“Well I don’t.” Sirius shrugged.

“Ok, so you may have many girls. But you will never experience the ups and downs of being in love, being with ‘the one’.” Remus said.

“I could have that if I wanted to. I’m just not looking for that right now.” Sirius said uncertainly as Remus rolled his eyes.

“Don’t worry about it Prongs, I’m sure she’ll come around.” Peter patted James on the back.

“Thanks Worms.”

"So Prongs, do you think that Evans is the one?" Sirus asked.

"I really don't know that Pad, I just know that she is the most amazing creature I ever laid eyes on."

*************************

“James!” Lily called to him on his way to get ready for the first Quidditch match of the year. “James wait up!”

James was in his uniform and was carrying his broomstick on his right shoulder. He slowly turned at the sound of her voice and headed toward her to meet her half way. Lily came jogging down the hill side panting until she reached him.

“Hey Lily! How are you?”

“Good and you?”

“I’m pumped for the game.” He said pointing his free thumb behind him in the direction of the Quidditch field.

“So… James, are we alright?” Lily asked worriedly.

“Yeah, why would you ask that?”

“You mean you’re not mad at me?”

“No, why would I be mad at you?”

“Well I thought that the whole Greg…” Lily started but stopped when she saw James make a small wince when she mentioned his name. “Never mind, it’s just that I still want to be friends with you. I never thought I would hear myself say this out loud or to you for that matter, but I have fun around you. With you, it’s not always school work and serious stuff. I can relax.” She said kind of shyly. James smiled when she said this.

“Thanks. I like being around you as well. No, I’m not mad at you. I still wish that you saw me differently, but never mad.” James said.

“Well that’s a relief… well I don’t want to hold you up for your big game and all. Good luck, I’ll be cheering for you.” Lily smiled at him.

“Well I guess that’s the best good luck I’ve ever had.” James smiled back before leaving. “Oh, will I see you at the party in the common room afterwards?” He asked turning around.

“What party? We haven’t even won yet.” Lily said.

“Are you kidding? Did you forget who you were talking to Lils?” James winked at her causing her to giggle and roll her eyes.

“Yeah, I’ll see you there.” She waved to him and went back inside before the game.

Author's note
sooooo sorry for the confusion
i meant to put this on Last chance and Last year and i swear i did.
but evidently my computer screwed me over or i'm just that much on an idiot to put it on the wrong story
sorry about that and i will see if it can be fixed.
Leslie

**************************************

Several weeks past since James had his dream. He talked all he could about it to the marauders and Dumbledore. Everyone tried to calm him down about it and told him not to worry; after all it was only a dream and it was set for years from now. But the pictures were so vivid and they still haunted James. He chose not to bring it up to Lily for obvious reasons and he tried to move on, because if he didn’t life would move on without him.

Lily is 9 months pregnant and the war is becoming more stressful and tiring with every waking hour. The couple has tried to occupy themselves from the war and ongoing fear with the coming of Harry. And that thought made things much better, just because they were in a war didn’t mean that people couldn’t be happy.

Recently Lily and Alice have been out on maternity leave. This day the marauders thought that they would come and eat lunch with her in the Potter’s home. James explained to them that being home all the time was boring for Lily and that she wouldn’t mind their company when they got the chance.

“So, you seem to be very cheerful lately.” Lily directed to Remus who wasn’t too engaged in their conversation but was eating pleasantly and presumably thinking about something interesting. Lily noticed him grinning to himself as the others talked.

“Huh? Are you talking to me?” Remus said when he realized that the group’s attention was focused on him.

“Yes, you seem to be in a good mood today. Not that you aren’t most days, but … you know what I mean.” Lily said.

“Oh…” Remus said blushing and looking down as he picked at the bread on his plate.

“Wait a minute… you’re right Lils. I don’t know why I didn’t pick up on it before.” Sirius said eying Remus. “Prongs, I think old Moony here’s got himself a girl! And one that doesn’t seem to mind hair on top of that.”

“Or claws.” James said.

“Or fangs.” Peter added.

“How did this topic change to my personal life?” Remus asked as he tilted his head and looked at Lily.

“Sorry.” Lily whispered with a shrug and smile.

“Who’s the lucky girl Moons?” James asked.

“Nobody really… she’s a friend.” Remus said loosing eye contact with them.

“Nobody?!” Sirius said in mock shock. “Well I guess she must be one good friend to have you grinning like that.” Sirius teased.

“What does she look like?” Peter asked and the other boys sat up in their chairs on the edge. Lily looked over at James as he sat up and smacked him in the chest with the back of her hand. He smiled at her and took her hand in his.

“Well, you don’t know her I don’t think.” Remus began.

“You’re avoiding the question Lupin.” Sirius said.

“Well… I don’t know if you remember or not, for it was a while back, but I sort of met this blonde woman at the pub one night when I was out with you guys.”

“Blonde woman, blonde woman.” Sirius mumbled to himself while he rubbed his chin as he tried to think back. “There are so many!”

“It was kind of embarrassing really… I was sort of drunk and dancing on the counter tops singing something.”

“Oh yeah, ‘I put a spell on you,’ that was classic.” Peter laughed.

“That blonde, the one who winked at you and I practically had to drag you out of the pub to go check on Lily.” Sirius said shaking his head. “I’ll never forget that image.”

“Yes well, I’ve been over there a couple times since then, by myself. She was there as well and we got to talking one day. She’s really nice and I kind of see her often…” Remus smiled again and went a little pink.

“So what’s her name Remus?” Lily asked.

“Oh, her name is Madelyn.”

“Well you seem to get along well with her. Bring her by sometime to meet us.”

“Thanks Lily, I’ll ask her.”

“So Moony, when did all this happen exactly.” Sirius wondered.

“Well, things get kind of lonely sometimes. First James moved out and married Lily and you’re always out working or on dates and none of us see much of you Peter.” Remus said looking to them all in turn.

“Yeah… about that, I’ve just been really busy.” Peter said softly.

“It’s ok Worms. We understand, a guy’s got to make a living right?” James mentioned.

“But Moons, I thought you weren’t looking for a girlfriend because your… you know.” Sirius said.

“I’m not. Like I said, she’s a friend.”

“Oh, a ‘friend’.” The others said in unison.

“Hey, it’s not that I don’t find her attractive or really like being around her, because I do.”

“Obviously…” Sirius interrupted.

“It’s just that, if I try not to get too attached then no one gets hurt.” Remus continued.

“She doesn’t know you’re a werewolf.” James said.

“No. And she won’t find out… not now at least… I’m afraid if I tell her I might loose her.” Remus looked down.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
yo, this is for you Remus lovers out there
thanks guys
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=2148825#post2148825

***********************************

Lily paced back and forth across the living room in front of the fireplace, like she has done many times before. James was out late on a secret mission against evil forces and he wasn’t to talk about it. She had no clue as to where his whereabouts were. All she knew was that he was to be home around 11:30 and the clock on the mantle just tolled once indicating that it was now 1:00 am. Right now all Lily could do was wait. “Wait,” the most dreadful word in the English language. She anxiously bit her nails and fleetingly looked over her shoulder to check the clock every five minutes.

“Where is he?” She mumbled under her breath. He could be anywhere.

Lily found herself growing tired but she didn’t dare go to bed. She wanted to see him when he came in, missing him was an understatement.

“Oh Harry, I hate the times we live in.” Lily sat down finally and rubbed her tummy as she spoke softly to her unborn child. “If I had a choice, you would come to a perfect world with no war, pain, or suffering. There would be nothing but love, family, and friendship. If I had a choice, your father would be here now and we would read to you and talk to you even though you’re not born yet.” Lily smiled. “But alas, I don’t have a choice.” Lily said sourly. “The world we live in is far from perfect, it’s such a big, scary world.” Lily looked back at the clock and then at the fireplace. “But if I can help it, I will give you everything I can. Your father and I want you to be happy and safe. But most of all, we want you to be loved and know that you are loved… I love you so much Harry.” Lily said teary eyed as she looked back down at her stomach. “I can’t believe how much love there is inside of me, a love for someone I don’t even know yet. I cannot wait to watch you grow and become a man just like your father.” Lily whipped her eyes and smiled again. “I wish your father would hurry up and get here… he really needs to come home.” She said even softer still.

The clock over the mantle chimed and made Lily jump, but it was only the chime that showed it was now 1:30 am. Only thirty minutes had past. Again Lily looked over at the empty fireplace and groaned inwardly. James was supposed to be home hours ago, but time didn’t wait for no one.

*********************************

James stumbled in, body filled with fatigue. It was 3:30 am and he was just getting home. He rubbed his eyes to focus his vision and spotted Lily curled up on the sofa. She looked as if she had just fallen asleep. James felt guilty; he couldn’t tell her what he was up to because it was part of the Auror policy that he now did secret missions and sometimes without Sirius even knowing. James had this bad habit of volunteering to help out, he always had to take matters into his own hands and carry the whole load on his own shoulders. He didn’t mean to worry Lily but he clearly did, she was smart and she probably knew that he was doing something dangerous, for good but still dangerous. And here he was, standing in his dim living room while his wife lay asleep apparently trying to wait up for him.

“Lily,” James whispered in her ear. “Lily, why don’t you go to bed?”

Lily stirred in her sleep as he tried to arouse her. “Lily!” He said a little louder rubbing her shoulder. Lily popped up and looked at him with wide eyes.
“Oh James!” she flung her arms around his neck.

“It’s ok, I’m home now.”

“James, did you just get in? What time is it? Don’t scare me like that. You told me you would be here hours ago.” Lily’s mouth lips sped a thousand words a minute.

“I know. I thought you would go to bed so I wouldn’t wake you, I didn’t think you would wait for me.” He said sleepily.

“Well I did!”

“I see that.”

“How are you James? Are you ok?” Lily said standing and looking at him with concern.

“Oh, I could use some rest.” He sighed.

“I bet you could. Are you hungry? Why don’t you go take a shower and clean up…James! Your robes are torn!”

“Yeah, just a little. It’s nothing.”

Lily looked unconvinced.

“Really, I’m ok.”

“Well go get ready for bed and I’ll heat your plate up. I’m sure your food is cold, I fixed it for you when I thought you were coming home on time.” Lily turned and headed to the kitchen but James grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him.

“Thanks, but don’t worry about it.” He said holding her waist as he talked. Lily ran her hand through his hair and looked at him.

“But you haven’t eaten.” Lily said.

“I just think we should go to bed. The both of us, you didn’t get much sleep either.” He said leading her to the stairs. “Nox.” He said making the dim light go out as they walked up the staircase.

***************************

“I must be running late, I have to be running late, this is just crazy.”

“Alice, just because the doctor tells you that you are due on a certain date doesn’t mean that you will have the baby on that day.” Lily told her friend.

“I know, it’s just, I’m sick of waiting.”

“I understand, I feel the same way, but you have to be patient. You’ll have this baby for the rest of your life once he is born. You and Frank should enjoy what little time you have alone. Besides, the day isn’t over yet.”

“True.” Alice said before taking a sip of her drink. “It is a beautiful day though. I hope it’s this pretty for the rest of the week because I’m due anytime now.”

“Don’t worry; I’m sure it will be a bright beautiful day when the baby comes.” Lily reassured. The two friends were enjoying a day in a Hogsmead café. The sky was blue and the sun was high. It wasn’t too hot on this mid July day.

“Come on, let’s go shopping.” Lily suggested.

“We always go shopping.”

“Yes but, let’s go shopping for clothes that we can wear once we have our figures back. It’s been so long since I wore normal clothes.” Lily said.

“Yeah, nine months worth of time. Ok, let’s go.”

****************************

A Couple of Nights Later….

Lily was tossing and turning in her sleep late one night. She sat up unable to sleep, she was having cravings. Being this pregnant didn’t only cause her mood swings to start acting up again, but caused intense food cravings.

“James,” Lily said softly nudging a sleeping James beside her. “Wake up!” He merely groaned and rolled over toward her.

“What do you want Lils?”

“I’m hungry. Can you get me something from the kitchen?”

“Can’t it wait until morning?”

“No, I’m afraid not.”

“Well what do you want?” He sat up rubbing his eyes.

“I don’t know, a combination of things I guess.”

“Like what?” James looked at her like he was worried what kind of combination of food she was about to make him search for.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
hey
sorry for the cliffhanger
i am soooo tired right now that i just can't finish tonight (I feel so old going to bed this early)
but i will see what i can do tomorrow
thought you would enjoy at least a little bit of a post
thanks
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=18&pp=20

“I could go for a bowl of ice-cream.”

“At this hour?”

“Yes, why not?” Lily said crossing her arms.

“Oh, alright. Let me go see what kind we have, if any.”

“Thank you James.” Lily smiled at him as he moved to go down stairs.

“Oh, is that all you want? What else did you want me to get you?”

“A chicken sandwich and some pickles too!”

“Ooooookay…” James looked at her strangely.

“Oh, and some pumpkin pastries!”

James sighed heavily and rubbed the back of his neck as Lily picked up a magazine to read while she waited. “I’ll be right back.” He said tiredly.

*******************************************

James went down to the kitchen and looked for the food. It was weird having Lily want all this food at one time, especially at this hour and such a strange arrangement of foods to eat at once.

He crossed over to the cabinet and looked for the bread. He grabbed a tray and plate and started setting it up for her ‘meal’. He fixed a chicken sandwich and put a pickle on the side. Then he searched for some pumpkin pastries, but unsuccessfully. ‘She’ll just have to do without.’ He said to himself. Then he grabbed some vanilla ice-cream and put some in a bowl and placed it on the tray as well. He even pored her a glace of pumpkin juice, even though she didn’t ask him for it. He figured she would send him back down for something to drink, so he decided to make things simple for himself and make on trip so that he could get some shut eye before work the next day.

James marched up the stairs holding the filled tray and headed for his room. When he got there Lily was still reading her magazine of witch weekly, he didn’t even think she was subscribed to that.

“Oh good!” she said when she heard him enter.

“Here you go.” He placed the tray on her lap and started to crawl back into bed.

“Thank you James, this is great.”

“You’re welcome,” He said. “Anything for you dear.” He then added with a yawn.

Lily then began to happily munch on her sandwich and pickle while James sprawled out under the covers. About 5 minutes later she quietly tapped him on the shoulder once he got back in a comfortable spot.

“James…”

“Yes?” He mumbled a tad bit annoyed.

“I don’t really want this ice-cream.”

“What’s wrong with it?” He asked looking at her now with one eye open.

“It’s not the flavor I had in mind.” She said playing with her ice-cream with her spoon.

“Well then what do you want Lils, be more specific.” James said sitting up. He was starting to get agrivated. He loved Lily and he would do anything for her, but it was 2:30 in the morning for crying out loud.

“I don’t know…” She sighed. “Rocky road?”

“Lily,” James said. "You bought that ice-cream the other day. And you know, what muggle stores are open at this time?”

“Well, maybe mum has some.”

“Lily?! You don’t expect me to go to your mother’s house this late rapping on the door scaring them out of their wits just for a bowl of rocky what’s a ma-call-its do you?” James said all in one breath.

“Well… yeah, why not?”

“And they call you the smart one.” He said softly.

“Look, I’m sorry if I’m pregnant and can’t help what I feel right now. But I was just wanting an innocent bowl of ice-cream, that’s all I asked for. And you don’t have to yell at me. I didn’t even get any pumpkin pastries and I wasn’t even going to bother you by mentioning that.” Lily began to cry.

“Lily,” James said exasperatedly. “Don’t cry okay. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to raise my voice.” James said trying to calm her down and rubbing her shoulder. “Ok, I’ll get you whatever it is you want. Just relax alright?”

Lily’s breathing started to get back under control and she nodded.

“Now do you really want me to get you that ice-cream? I can ask your mum, I don’t know how your dad would like that, but I will if you want me to.”

“Would you?” She said with a small voice.

“Of course.” He said, but he could only imagine what Mr. Evan’s would think of Jame's sanity if he went to their house at 2:30am to get a bowl of ice-cream for his daughter. Not to mention it would prove how whipped he had become.

“I’ll be right back.” James said and kissed her on the forehead as he removed her tray. She went back to her magazine when he left.

******************************************

James made the trip to the Evan’s home without any muggles seeing him. He tried to get into the house without looking like a burglar and scaring the living daylight out of his in-laws. James walked up their stairs quietly and softly knocked on their bedroom door. He could hear snoring and Mrs. Evans' sleepy voice.

“What in the world!? Patrick! Patrick wake up.”

James could hear the snoring cease with one loud gasp of air.

“What?! What happened? What is it?” Mr. Evans said franticly after being woken out of a dead sleep.

“Someone is at our door.” Mrs. Evans said worriedly.

“What? Who is it?”

“I don’t know, go see.”

James then heard some foot steps pacing across the wooden floor and then the door knob tuned. James was greeted with a messy haired Mr. Evans in his pajamas and an old baseball bat.

“James? Is that you?”

“Yes sir. I’m sorry to bother you like this…”

“James?! Are you alright? How’s Lily?” Mrs. Evans asked from her bed holding the front of her night dress with one hand.

“Oh, we’re ok. It’s nothing serious and she’s not in labor.”

“Well what is it dear boy? You had me thinking someone was breaking in. Of course I don’t know why they would have knocked at our door though.”

“Yeah, I’m really sorry. It’s just, Lily really has this bad craving for some rocky-something.”

“What?” The Evans said together.

“It’s ice-cream.”

“Oh, yes. We have some.” Mrs. Evans laughed. “You could have gone ahead and got it if you had known. It’s in the freezer, help yourself.”

“Thank you so much. And again, I’m sorry for scaring you.”

“It’s quite alright. Just don’t let it happen again. Or call first next time.” Mr. Evans said.

“Honey, he doesn’t use the phone.”

“Well Tiger Lily knows how.” Mr. Evans said closing the door behind him.

James went down to their kitchen and fixed a bowl for Lily and hoped it wouldn’t melt before he got it to her.

********************************

He made his way to his own bedroom and once he opened the door he saw Lily fast a sleep with the magazine across her chest. James sighed and smiled at the picture. He turned out the light, took a bite out of her ice-cream before putting in on the bedside table. He moved her magazine and climbed into bed for the last time for the night.

FEEDBACK :p
This has to be the longest post in
the history of my fanfic writing. :wow:
I cannot believe I wrote all of this in one sitting.
I hope you all enjoy.
Harry's birth is sneaking up on us! :eyebrows:
anyway, you know what to do
leave feedback here
thanks for reading and being patient
hope it was worth it. :rotfl:
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=18&pp=20

********************************************

One afternoon Lily and James invited some friends over. Lily invited Nadia, James invited Sirius, and Remus was bringing his blond friend from the pub over. Lily would have invited Frank and Alice over as well, but Alice was due any day now and it was best if she stayed home until the baby came.

Everyone was gathered in the living room for tea when Sirius walked over to Nadia and took her hand in his.

“Why hello there Nadia, it’s good to see you again.”

“Mr. Black, you remembered.” Nadia said putting her free hand over her heart in surprise.

“Call me Sirius, and how could I forget a name to a beautiful face such as yours?”

“Well we’re quite the flatterer aren’t we?” Nadia blushed looking past Sirius over to Lily with a smile.

“I try.” Sirius grinned taking a seat beside her.

Lily happened to glance over at Remus who apparently saw this exchange of greetings. He appeared uncomfortable, Lily could tell that he liked the woman that he came with and felt obligated now to say something to her in a manner that Sirius did, but Remus wasn’t one to express emotions or private life. He was a calm quiet person and possible shy around girls if Lily remembered correctly from back at Hogwarts. He probably still hasn’t told Madelyn that he was in fact a werewolf. This one little set back kept him from having a life. Without the marauders, Remus would have nothing and Lily really felt for him, her heart always reached out to him from the moment she discovered his secret. Remus could never keep a steady job and he had next to no love life at all. He was afraid that he could become too attached and then scare the girl off when she found out about him. Not to mention he didn’t want to have a family at the risk of hurting the ones he loved. Lily liked Madelyn from what she saw of her.

“So Madelyn, what is it that you do for a living?” Lily asked curiously. Lily felt like she wanted to see if this friend of his would be a good companion for him. She never had to worry about Sirius because he found girls on his own and Peter always seemed to busy to be dating, but Remus was different. She wanted him to have a relationship of some sort, she felt that it would be good for him.

“Oh, well I’m a reporter for the ‘Daily Prophet’.”

“Really? How fascinating! Do you like your line of work?”

“Yes, I do. It can be dangerous at times and a lot of running around, but it’s good to inform the public on what’s occurring in our wizarding world.” She said happily.

“Well Sirius and James here are aurors, Peter, a friend of ours, is an unspeakable, Nadia is doing work in the herbology field, and I work for the ministry in the muggle relations department.”

“Wow, everyone seems to be professional in here.” Madelyn said and Remus shifted uncomfortably, he didn’t have a job at the current time.

“Remus, you never have told me what it is that you do.” She turned to him.

“Oh, well…. I… uh, I don’t really have an official job at this point in time. I was looking for a job as a professor at Hogwarts, but the position has already been filled.” He said looking down almost shamefully.

“Well better luck next time.” She patted his hand and caused the others to look at each other. Remus seemed to cheer up more at her encouraging.

“Lily, James, you two seem to be expecting soon I take it.”

“Yes, I’m due the first week in August.”

“That’s next week!”

“I know, I can hardly believe it is that close already.” Lily smiled up at James who put his arm around her shoulders.

**********************************************

“I have asked the four of you to come because something very important has come up,” The wise old man with long silver hair and half moon spectacles said. Dumbledore called the Longbottoms and the Potters to his office on a hot July afternoon.

“This isn’t going to be easy to hear, I suggest that you all find a seat.” He said gesturing to the four chairs in front of him before he continued. “The other day I was interviewing a young woman for a teaching position here at Hogwarts. The interview wasn’t going so nicely until I had just about heard enough. It turned out that the young woman did have true Deviation skills, whether she knew it or not.”

“What are you saying sir?” Frank asked curiously putting an arm around Alice’s shoulders.

“I was a witness to a prophecy.” Dumbledore said simply. “I cannot tell you its details in its entirety, but it may involve your families and your lives.”

“What is it?” James asked grabbing Lily’s hand in his own.

Dumbledore sighed and whipped his spectacles on his purple stared robes just briefly before starting again. “The prophet spoke of a ‘chosen one,’ someone who has the power to defeat the Dark Lord, someone that will be born at the end of this month.”

“But Professor… Dumbledore sir, Lily is due in early August. And even if our child came early, how can you be certain the chosen one, as you say, is one of our children?” James asked.

“Because a line in the prophecy states that this person must be born into a powerful wizarding family that has defeated You-Know-Who three times.” The couples looked around at each other nervously.

“We can’t be sure, but I don’t believe there are any signs that show that Tom has received this information. But if he has, I took it upon myself to warn you. You may find in necessary to take precautions. If he were to find out about this, then your children may be set as his next targets. I will let you know if anymore information has come up about his whereabouts or plans. I know this is a scary situation for you all, when you suffer, we all suffer.” Everyone was silent at his words. “I wouldn’t go around telling even your closest friends about this quite yet. I strongly believe that Tom is oblivious to these new findings, as of right now, and I would like to keep it that way.” Dumbledore said raising form his high backed chair. “I am truly sorry; Lord knows I hate being the bearer of bad news.”

AUTHOR'S NOTE :blush:
sooooo sorry about the wait for the next post
and sorry that it was so short
I had a small case of writer's block and i didn't know how to fit the important info into the story :shrug:
I still don't think this last scene really fit with the flow of my story but I didn't know how else to do it. :grumble:
plus, i'm not sure if the potters and longbottoms found out before or after the children where born, but here we are. :whistle:
sorry if it doesn't fit with j.k.r's ways
Leslie

************************************************

“I feel so sorry for Alice,” Lily said after a long time sitting in silence. She and James were sitting on the couch late on a Friday night. Lily was leaning her back against James’ chest with the back of her head on his shoulder as he played with her hair in their calm living room.

“Earlier today she had Neville and here we are, sitting in here late on the 30th of July and I’m still pregnant. Neville is the only one born at the end of the seventh month; it’s got to be obvious that he is the chosen one. Unless Harry comes tomorrow, then we still won't be able to tell which child is in danger.”

“I know… I can’t imagine what’s going through their minds right now. Neville is such a cute kid, but they don’t truly get to enjoy him because they are, no doubt, worried about what might happen to him.” James said twirling a strand of red hair on his index finger.

“What are they going to do?”

“Not sure, Frank didn’t mention anything about it when they were in the hospital, but I know that if it were me, I would pack up you and Harry and move some place where I think you would be safe.” James said close to her ear and kept his mouth close to the side of her face.

Lily turned her head toward him, “she’s my best friend…” she said vaguely with a trimbling chin.

“I know.” James said kissing her forehead.

“I wish happiness upon them just as I do us.” Lily said turning back to lean against him once more. They sat in silence for a little longer.

“Why do things always have to happen? One after another, we never get a chance to be happy.” Lily said.

“Sure we do. We are happy; we’ve managed to be happy throughout the hardships that we face. I know that the thought of the prophecy is a scary one, but the idea of a baby in our lives can suppress that, a baby’s worth fighting for.” James said confidently causing Lily to smile faintly. James wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and she held them against her as she closed her eyes.

“You’re right.” Lily said and she felt him kiss her hair and then rest his forehead against the side of hers.

They sat in silence for another moment when Lily sat up abruptly and groaned in pain with her eyes held shut. She held her sides and breathed hard.

“Lils… Lily?!” James asked, he had just closed his eyes right before she jumped up and it startled him. James leaned closer to her with his hand on her shoulder as he looked at her with concern. “Are you ok?” He asked nervously.

“Yeah… it’s over.” She said leaning back against him with a heavy sigh.

“W-was that a contraction?” James asked.

“I think so, but it’s over now.” Lily closed her eyes again. “I’m fine.”

“Ok,” James said looking unconvinced. They sat yet again in a long silence when Lily jumped again, except this time she yelled in more pain.

“Aaaah!”

“Lily? I think they’re about 10 minutes apart, perhaps I should get you to Dr. Parkinson and see where he wants to put you?” James said trying to get up and help her, Lily just nodded in response as she concentrated on her breathing.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
hey all
sorry i haven't posted in ages, i was busy
well, the post you've all been waiting for is coming up soon :eyebrows:
this has been a long journey... but it's not quite over yet
thanks for reading guys
please leave feedback :p
Leslie
p.s. my last day of school is on wednesday, this means free time to write and write and write
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=19&pp=20

*******************************************

James and Lily where in the holding room where Lily could be monitored and she could be comfortable before she was really ready to deliver.

“Ok, just hang in there and everything will be alright.” James was saying to his wife, he seemed more nervous than she was.

“Do you want me do get you anything?”

“James…”

“Are you comfortable?”

“James I’m fine, really.”

“Do you need more pillows or a glass of water?”

“James-”

“Where are those muggle doctors when you need them?”

“James!” Lily yelled over his ranting to get his attention. “Come here.” James walked over to her and she took his hand in hers.

“I will be ok, we can do this…. Just breathe.” Lily told him and he exhaled deeply.

“Wow, this is really happening. I’m going to be a father… I’m going to be a father!” James said and Lily smiled at his odd behavior.

“Just stand here with me, don’t go anywhere.” Lily said tightening her grip on his hand.

“There’s no where I’d rather be.” He smiled down at her.

“Hello Mrs. Potter, it’s nice to see you again.” Dr. Hopson, the young attractive Dr. that James didn’t prefer entered the room.

“Good evening Dr. Hopson.” Lily smiled.

“You look like you could just burst.” He joked with her and Lily laughed as well, James merely rolled his eyes.

“I feel like I’m about to burst.”

“How are you holding out? Any problems I need to know about?”

“No.”

“Great. So we are going to deliver this baby it looks like,” The young man checked his watch, “either really late tonight or early tomorrow morning.”

‘There’s a genius for ya.’ James thought to himself with a grin.

“Dr. Hopson, where is Dr. Parkinson?” James asked quite bluntly. James then felt Lily squeeze his hand as if to tell him to be nice. James couldn’t help it, he felt oddly around muggles and this one seemed to offend him for some reason. Perhaps it was his imagination, but James felt like he was eyeing his wife. It was easier with Dr. Parkinson, he was older and experienced and not so good looking. This guy was young and thriving. James knew that Lily loved him more than anything, but he couldn’t help it. She was his and he was hers, end of story.

“Oh, hi there Mr. Potter, I didn’t see you there.” The man said. “Yes, I’m here to assist Dr. Parkinson with the delivery.” Then he turned to Lily and patted her shoulder, “He’s your doctor yes, but the two of us work together and I’m here to help make sure that everything runs smoothly.” He smiled and turned to leave. “Well I see that your in good hands, let me know if you need anything.” And then he left.

“Of course she’s in good hands.” James said after the door closed behind him.

“James…”

“What?”

“He’s a nice man and he’s trying to help. You just better get used to him because he will be in and out of here all night.” Lily said.

“Yeah yeah, I know.”

*************************************************

Hours later…

“Ok Lily flower, you can do this. You’re doing a great job.” James said stroking her matted hair off of her sweaty forehead.

“I’m so tired.” Lily managed to say as she winced.

“Ok, here comes another contraction. Wait till I tell you to push, ok Lily?” Doctor Parkinson told her from where he said at his stool near her feet.

“Can I push yet?” Lily moaned.

“Hold on,”

“Now?”

“Wait one more second Lily.” Said Dr. Hopson.

“Please, it really hurts.” Lily said. James told her to squeeze his hand if she needed to, but he regretted saying it once he did.

“Ok Lily, you got to push really hard for us and hold it for ten counts. Ready! Push!”

“Aaaaaaah!” Lily screamed and then James screamed as his fingers became crushed and turned blue and purple.

"Ok, great job Lily. You can rest a little before the next one comes."

"No more, just cut me open and take it out. I can't do this anymore!" Lily whined in pain.

"Is-isn't there anything you can do to help stop the pain. It makes me hurt just watching. She's delirious. My wife needs something, you're doctors can't you give her something?" James said worriedly.

"Mr. Potter, we've given her everything. It's just natural. She will experience pain either way." Dr. Parkinson said.

"But I feel like I did this to her...I wish there was something I could do to help."

"You're doing fine, all she needs from you is support. We'll take care of everything else."

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
sorry this was such a short post, but more later
i did post a some what long post for my other fic if you'd like to check that one out as well
thanks for reading
Leslie

************************************************** ************************************
After more time had past and Lily screamed and pushed, James just wanted all to be over for her sake. He didn’t like to feel helpless watching his wife in pain. He tried what he could but it never could take the pain away for her. He held her hand, spoke supportive words in her ear, and wiped the sweat from her face. But she still struggled.

“Alright Lily, it shouldn’t be too long now. Just hang in there for us and we’ll have this baby in the world.” Dr. Parkinson said. Lily merely nodded as she panted tiredly.

“You got to keep breathing for us ok Lily?” Dr. Hopson added.

“Just try to relax and breathe ok?” James said, but Lily just turned her head to him with an agitated look and a raised brow.

“Easy- for you- to say,” she panted to him.

“Ok, give us another big push!” The doctors where saying. Lily readied herself took some more breaths and squeezed James’ hand.

“AAAAAAAh!” She pushed for ten counts.

“Good, I see a head.” The older doctor said pleasantly.

James turned to him and grinned and looked back at Lily who tried to smile as she rested back on her pillows.

“They see a head!” James told her excitedly and kissed her on the head.

“I heard!” She replied. “Give me- back your- hand.” She said reaching for it. James hadn’t realized that he took it away to shake it out. He looked down and his red fingers and looked at her hesitantly. Then he took her hand in his.

“Ok Lily, once you’ve rested there, we’ll need one more really big push out of you. Can you do that for us?” Dr. Hopson asked.

Lily nodded again and sat up fully. “Ok!” She managed to say determinedly.

James watched as his wife mustered up all the strength she had left to bring his son into the world. He adored her and admired her for all the hard work she put into this, she was an amazing woman and she was his wife.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!” She screamed and James almost doubled over by the fierceness of her grip on his hand.

“Great job Lily!” Dr. Hopson said.

It was all over, after hours of labor and pain. It was finally over. There was a silence and then a soft crack followed by the most beautiful sound that James ever heard. It was the sound of a baby’s cry.

“Mr. and Mrs. Potter, you’re the proud parents of a bouncing baby boy!” The older doctor Parkinson held up the tiny child in his hands and James just stared at him.

“James, go cut the chord!” Lily said letting go of his hand. James almost didn’t hear her and he forgot that his hand hurt as he watched his son. James walked over to where Dr. Parkinson was holding up the baby and James cut the chord. Dr. Parkinson handed the boy to his father who then walked over and handed Harry to Lily.

“He’s beautiful.” James whispered with a slight smile as he looked down at the bundle in Lily’s arms.

“He looks just like you.” She said smiling up at James; he then bent down and kissed her. This, this was the proudest day of his life and James only wished that his own parents were here to share it with him.

The nurses soon came in and took the baby to get washed up and all of that good stuff as James took the seat beside Lily’s bed. “I love you.” He said and she smiled. “I love you too.”

************************************************** *

“Helloooo! Where’s the baby?” Sirius said loudly entering the hospital room the next day. He held some flowers in his hand and was followed by Remus and Peter.

“Hi!” Lily said happily after she hushed him. The three men walked around the bed and each congratulated her in turn. “Thank you so much… oh! These flowers are beautiful.” Lily smelled them and set them on her bed side table.

“So… where’s the baby?” Sirius asked again less loudly this time, clasping his hands together.

“He’s sleeping.” Lily said and James went to retrieve his son from the glass case full of blankets set as a crib. James walked around with the small bundle and the others got quiet.

“Here’s you godson.” James said softly, smiling at his best mate. “Do you want to hold him?”

“Who me?” Sirius said startled. He looked around James at Lily and she nodded reassuringly. “Uh- I don’t know…” He said looking at the sleeping infant.

“Oh come on Padfoot, take him.”

“I don’t want to drop him.”

“We know you won’t drop him. Just hold him for a bit, you can sit down if you want to.” James urged. He held out the newborn with both hands and Sirius very carefully took Harry in his arms. Sirius seemed to be holding his breath as he held the baby. Remus and Peter looked down at Harry from over Sirius’ shoulders.

“You can hold him more closely Sirius. He won’t break, I promise.” Lily said with a small laugh.

Sirius then hefted the bundle closer to his chest and smiled broadly. As he did so the baby blue blanket that Harry was wrapped up in fell off of his head revealing a head full of dark hair. “Poor kid,” Sirius said after a while.

“Why? What’s wrong?” Lily said from her bed looking concerned.

“Nothing, it’s just Prongs here cursed the boy with his hair!” Sirius said jokingly. Everyone laughed at this remark except for James who just ran a hand through the black mess atop his head.

“Ha-ha very funny.” He said insecurely.

“It’s alright James, I love your hair.” Lily smiled. And James fought not to blush in front of his friends.

“He’s so small.” Peter said looking at Harry in Sirius’ arms.

“He is,” said Remus on Sirius’ other side. “Did he get any traits from you Lily?” He asked laughing through his nose.

“Just my eyes.” Lily said at once. “You’ll see when he opens them, but that’s about all I can tell of right now. There’s no doubt of who the father is.”

“Why, should there be?” James said turning to her with a raised eyebrow.

“Of course not James!” Lily said hitting him in the arm as she laughed. The others laughed watching the two of them.

“I know, I’m just kidding with you.” James said kissing her on the forehead.

“So we’ve got a baby Prongs with green eyes…” Sirius murmured.

“Yeah, and it’s a good thing too. At least he won’t have to worry about wearing these things.” James said tapping the lenses of his glasses with one finger. But as James said this, he couldn’t help but feel engulfed with pride as he took his son back in his arms when Sirius passed Harry to him.

Even if James’ parents couldn’t be here, he was still surrounded by family as he stood in the hospital room with his wife, son, and the marauders. Everything would be alright…. At least for now.

*************************************************

When James apparated home, Lily ran to him and threw her arms around his neck. James gave a soft sound of surprise when she clung to him before he could take his cloak off, so instead he just wrapped his arms around her in return.

“Are you ok?” He asked her when he pulled back to look at her. “You’re trembling.”

“I-I… oh James, I can’t do this.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m a horrible mother.” Lily said starting to sniff and wiping at her eyes.

“Why would you say that?”

“I don’t know what to do. He won’t stop crying. I try to hold him and he fusses, I feed him and then he goes back to crying again, I sing to him and it doesn’t help. What do I do?”

“Well it’s the first time you’ve had to take care of him alone while I’m at work. I’m sure you’re doing a better job than you think, or a better job than I would anyway. Baby’s cry, that’s what they do.”

“I know, but I don’t know which cry means what.”

“That takes practice. I don’t like leaving you here alone, but I have to go to work. What if you had your mum come and help for the next few days until you get the hang of things.”

“But James, I thought I could just do this on my own. I should be able to do this on my own.”

“Your mum would love to help. And she told you to get in contact with her if you needed anything, remember?” James said taking a hold of her shoulders.

“I know.”

“Where is he now?”

“He’s upstairs sleeping.” She said wiping her eyes.

James pulled her into another hug. “So he sleeps during the day but he won’t sleep when we need him to.” James sighed resting his cheek on her head. James was just realizing how much lack of sleep he was getting lately. James still held on to Lily as he closed his eyes for a brief moment when Lily jumped.

“He’s awake.” She said pulling back. As Harry cried upstairs James could see the anxiety in his wife’s face.

“It’s ok. I’ll get him, go sit on the couch and I’ll be right back.” James ran up stairs to soothe his son’s wails.

When James got up to the nursery he saw Harry in the crib lying on his back with little limbs flying everywhere. James reached down and picked up the infant. The baby stopped crying for a few minutes, just long enough for James to wrap the blanket his mother made for him around his little body. Harry then broke out into another fit and James tried helplessly to rock his son, but it did no good. As Harry cried something caught James’ eye and gave him an idea. James looked out the window for a second then ran down stairs.

James held Harry gently and rushed past Lily who was still on the couch with her hands on her temples.

“Where are you going?” She asked as James and the crying Harry headed for the back door.

“You stay where you are and relax. I’m just going to take Harry for some fresh air.” James said, he went out the back door with his crying son and into the dusk August air. The sun was setting and there was no better time for what he was about to do.

********************************************

James looked around his back yard and found his broomstick, the one he got for Christmas from Lily. He threw one leg over it and looked down at Harry.

“It’s ok Harry. You can stop crying. I won’t drop you I promise. Let’s make sure your going to stay warm though.” James said as he tightened the blanket around the boy.

“Ok, are you ready?” James asked even though he knew he wouldn’t get a reply other than a cry.

James took hold of his broom with one hand and held his son tightly with the other and up they went. The breeze was cool and James felt the wind rush through his hair and to his surprise, Harry stopped crying once James lifted off the ground. James smiled at his son and then looked around. He could see the shadows that the trees cast on the grass and the sky was getting dark. The sun was half way showing over the horizon. It was surrounded by colors of gold and red and lavender painted like ribbons in the sky.

“It’s perfect.” James whispered. “I’ll never forget this Harry, as long as I live, I’ll never forget this.” He said, James and his son flying together for the first time. It was calm and quiet for a change and the setting was relaxing. The birds’ chirping was dying down and the sky gradually got dimmer.

“You know my father used to take me up flying around this time.” James said. “I was a little older than you are now though.” James laughed lightly as he remembered his childhood. “My father was the one who taught me how to fly actually. I was the only one in my first year at Hogwarts to fly as well as I did… I’ll teach you to fly as well I suppose. And you too can show off your skills at Hogwarts, perhaps even go out for a Quidditch team. I’ll cheer for you Harry; know that I’ll always be on your side.” James smiled sadly. In truth, he didn’t know what the years would bring. He couldn’t help but remember the dream he had before Harry was born and how he and Lily weren’t there when Harry was older. It was still unknown as to who had the dark fate before them, Harry or Neville.

“We live in dark times my son.” James said looking down at him. “But know that your mother and I love you with all the love that one can possess… That’s why we have to remember this flight, think on good times because they can get you through anything, if we take this memory with us then all will be well. Remember how I held you, and how the sky looked, and how the air felt…. Flying is the most natural thing; it’s a way that one can free themselves. Maybe that’s why I love flying so much.” James knew that he was rambling and that perhaps he made no sense at all, but his mouth just kept moving and words just kept coming out.

“If anything were to happen to your mother or myself, I still want you to go on happy Harry. That’s all I want for you, for you to be happy. You could be with Padfoot. He’s a good guy, he’s much of a kid himself in lot of ways but he can still be serious if he needs to be, no pun intended.” James laughed openly. The serious/Sirius joke, it never got old. After all those years, from the first time he used it when he met Padfoot.

“But let’s stop with all this sad stuff shall we? I won’t go anywhere for a while because I will protect you with whatever means necessary. Let’s enjoy life. Grow up, make life long friends, and fall in love Harry. Just enjoy life, it gets hard at times but you’re never alone.” James said and kissed the little one.

The sun was slowly disappearing and the air suddenly got much cooler. James didn’t realize how long he and Harry were up here flying until he heard a yell from bellow.

It was Lily calling him down 'right this instant'. He was in for it now.

“James?! What are you thinking?” He heard her yell once he was in earshot of her. He descended closer and could see the worry in her face.

“James! What if something happened or you lost your grip? He’s just a baby after all.”

“I know Lily. I know I told you I wouldn’t take him flying until he was much older, but we both needed it.”

“You both needed it? What are you talking about?”

“Never mind. Here.” James handed Harry to her and she took him quickly and held him close.

“See? He’s stopped crying. He stopped as soon as he left the ground. Looks like you’ve got a natural born flyer in your arms.” James smiled.

“Well…come on, let’s go in for dinner.” Lily said. She didn’t know what to say to that. “And tell me next time ok?”

“Ok.” James said as he leaned the broomstick against the house and closed the door behind him. "Ok."

************************************************** ******

“Now those eyes look familiar.” Mrs. Evans laughed as she and Lily bathed Harry in the kitchen as the sun illuminated the room through the big window over the sink.

“Yes, but my eyes aren’t going to cover up the fact that he’s the spitting image of James.” Lily said shaking her head as she lowered her son into the plastic tub.

“Carefully now, make sure you’ve supported his head.”

“Ok…. Mum, how do I know if the water’s just the right temperature? I know it should be luke warm but babies are more sensitive aren’t they?” Lily asked her mother with more experience.

“Yes they are, but you just have to test your own judgment, and I think he’ll let you know if he’s uncomfortable.”

“I suppose.” Lily sighed as she gently whipped her son off with a yellow washcloth.

“What’s the matter dear? Ever since you asked me to come help you you’ve seemed kind of down. Is everything alright?”

“Yes mum… it’s just post pregnancy weariness. You know how I put so much stress on myself, I just want to be a good mother and this job is way harder than I expected. But other than that, I’m ok.”

“Are you sure that’s all?”

“It’s just… never mind, you wouldn’t understand. It has to do with the dangers in my world. I’m just sick of worrying.

“Have you talked to James about this?”

“Yeah, he knows all about it. But you know James; he tries to put on a brave face so that I won’t freak out. Yet this is the biggest thing ever, it’s one thing if my life’s in jeopardy or James’, but Harry’s is now. I catch myself watching him as he sleeps and wondering if I’ll get to see him grow up.” Lily said with a shaky voice.

“Every woman worries about the future right after they have a baby. It’s normal, but it’s how you deal with your fear that matters. You need to be strong and not dwell on your fear. I know your situation is different than mine was or what a lot of women’s is, but you can do it Lily. I’ve never doubted your abilities, you’ll take care of this boy and you’ll love him and Harry knows that. Babies are so trusting.”

“Yeah,” Lily said.

“Just hope for the better and enjoy what time you do have.” Mrs. Evans smiled.

FEEDBACK :angel:
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=2448096#post2448096

************************************************** *

“Hmmm, I miss you.” Lily said snuggling up to her husband while they got under the covers for bed. James wrapped his arms around her lovingly and snuggled back.

“I feel like I haven’t slept in ages.” James said kissing her on the mouth.

“Mmm-hmm,” Lily smiled as he kissed her again.

“I really should be getting some sleep.” James said softly moving from her lips to her jaw.

“Me too,” Lily whispered as he trailed warm kisses down her neck.

“I’m so tired.” James said leaning farther to her.

“But not to tired to kiss me I see.” Lily giggled quietly as he rubbed his nose across her cheek.

“Mmm, I’m never too tired for that.” James said rolling Lily to her back as he looked down at her. Lily sleepily smiled up at him.

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” James said leaning in for another kiss on the lips. He barely brushed her lips with his own when a baby’s outburst interrupted them. They both froze. James hesitated leaving his mouth against his wife’s and his eyes popped open.

“Brilliant timing my son has…” He mumbled as he rolled off of her. “Sometimes I have to remind myself how much I love him, but we got to work on his timing.” James let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “Whose turn is it?”

“I’ll get him.” Lily said and she slowly got out of bed and rubbed her eyes to see down the dark corridor.

Lily reentered their bedroom with Harry in her arms as she kissed his dark hair. “Here’s your dad!” She handed him to James who took him without hesitation.

“Hey there! What’s wrong? Can’t sleep?” James said gently rubbing the boy’s hair. “You’re going to break some hearts Harry, mark my words. I can’t wait to take you out and watch you work your Potter charm on the little girls. I’ll teach you everything you need to know.”

“Haha, you’re going to teach him? Must I remind you that I hated you for years before we started to date? It took you seven years, practically, to get me to come around.” Lily laughed.

“You laugh now Mrs. Potter, but I got you in the end did I not? Check that ring on your left hand, I put that there didn’t I?” James said smugly as he lay on his back and rested Harry on his chest.

“In deed you did Mr. Potter, in deed you did.” Lily said smiling at her two favorite boys in the whole world. She too lay down on her back; she rested her head on James’ shoulder and rubbed Harry’s back before closing her eyes.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
That's a nice fluffy post for ya!
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=22&pp=20

************************************************** ****

###

Harry stood in a dark room surrounded by floating candles. He prepared himself for the battle of a lifetime that would either make or break the world. He knew that it was up to him for he was the only one with the power to destroy this evilness. It was such a great thing for one boy to take on, but he was the only hope of both wizarding and muggle world alike. He looked around at the people nearest and dear to him. And he couldn’t believe how they would stick by him knowing the danger that he faced for the whole human race, and yet they helped him by and he didn’t know why.

And then a tall redhead boy walked up to him. He put his hand on Harry’s shoulder and looked him dead in the eye; he tried not to cry for this could mean the end of his dear friend. Harry just nodded in reply. There was nothing left to say now. All he could do was try his best to save the rest, whether or not he made it to see the next day. This battle would end a war of many years and Harry was ready.

A bushy haired girl also walked up and joined the two boys as they communicated without speaking. She had a tearstained face and grabbed Harry in a tight protective hug. The trio hugged, this bond of friendship they had could never be broken. Not even by death itself.

Harry felt loved by these people, they have fought with him for seven years. They experienced more in their young lives than many people could imagine, and yet they were still willing to fight in this war and see it to the end.

When the trio broke from their fierce hug, Harry looked around at the rest of the members of the Order of the Phoenix, or what was left of them. There was a group of redheaded people, a very old Mad Eye Moody and McGonagall, a blonde girl with a misty smile and her wand tucked behind her ear, a boy that resembled Frank Longbottom, and various other faces were seen throughout the room, but in the front of the hoi polloi was an older Remus Lupin.

Remus John Lupin held Harry’s gaze with a proud smile and a nod. “Your ready, you can do this,” mouthed the werewolf mentor. Harry nodded back and drew his wand as his two friends rejoined the members of the Order. All eyes were fixed upon Harry as he moved to speak.

“This is the battle we’ve all prepared for, the one that will decide the fate of the world. We’ve trained for it in the D.A. And others of you were guided by the teachings of our late Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore. He, just like Godric Gryffindor, will guide us by spirit, giving us courage to do what we gathered here to do. And that’s to destroy Lord Voldemort once and for all!”

The Order cheered at this and waited for further instruction.

“I thank you all for your volunteer work to do this. I would have done this alone… because it is up to me in the end. But I am so glad to have my family with me so I don’t feel alone as I face this. You’re a stubborn lot you know that? We’ve been through the fights, me not wanting anyone to sacrifice themselves like my parents have, like Sirius did. But no one would listen to me and refused to let me do this alone, but it is your choice that has brought you here right now. And though I’d feel guilty if one of you got hurt to protect me, I appreciate the love that you give. I can’t say that I’ve ever felt more love than I do right now.” Everyone was quiet and smiling sadly.

“Let’s do this!” Harry yelled and he pulled back the double doors and headed out to the field to face an army of Death Eaters, but most of all, to face the one who tried to make his life a living hell, to face the Dark Lord.

************************************************** ***

Lily walked down the stairs and into the kitchen early one morning only to find her husband asleep at the kitchen table his back facing her. He had his face lying on his crossed arms and his hair was an unruly mess. From his profile she could see his glasses lying lopsidedly across his face and his mouth slightly open as he slept soundlessly.

Lily smiled to herself and walked up to him. She ran her hands through his hair and kissed his cheek causing him to jump.

“Good morning.” She said smiling at him. James looked around as if he were confused. He fixed his glasses and pulled his wand tensely, it wasn’t until he met her eyes that he relaxed and let out a breath.

“Hi.” He said rubbing his jaw.

“Are you ok? Do you feel alright?” Lily asked putting the back of her hand to his forehead.

“Yeah, I just had a bad dream.”

“You’re warm. You must have had a fever dream, are you sure you don’t feel sick?”
Lily asked walking over to the sink to pour a glass of water for him.

“Well I have slight head ache but that might be from the way I was sleeping.” James grumbled rubbing his temples.

“What time did you get in last night? Moody has you guys working hard doesn’t he?”

“I got home too late. And yes, he does.”

“What was your dream about?”

“Well it was…” James started and then stopped when she looked at her worried expression. “It was nothing.”

Lily sighed exasperatedly and gave him the water. “Fine. Drink,” she demanded.

************************************************** *****

“The last time you had a dream like this was when Lily was still pregnant and Dumbledore hadn’t told you about the… prophecy.” Sirius said scratching his head.

“I know, but what could this mean. Why are my dreams repeating themselves? And why is Remus the only one left? This doesn’t make any since, and I never get to see the dream through to the end… I still don’t know what happens.” James said pacing around the office.

“I don’t know what to tell you…. But these dreams of yours can’t come true can they? I mean, you’re not part seer or anything.”

“No Padfoot, I’m not part seer… Or at least I hope not.” James said finally taking a seat and leaning against his desk top.

:wow: it's been like a month since I last posted on this story!!! :blush:
I've just been involved with my other fic for this long.
I finally got a post for you on here and I hope you like it. I'll try to post more often, what was I thinking?
writting two fanfic stories at once?! :whistle:
anyway, here's the long awaited post.
Leslie
p.s. don't kill me guys, i posted finally... :scared:

************************************************** ****

One Saturday morning James awoke by the crying of his 3 and a half month old baby boy. He got up to rock him so that he wouldn’t wake Lily up as well. After James had fixed a bottle for Harry and placed him in his swing he started to fix breakfast for himself and Lily. When he finished he noticed that Lily was still asleep. She normally was the first one up in the morning and got up fairly early.

James walked into their bedroom and sat gingerly on the bed side. He placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder and leaned over to see her face better.

“Lily?” He whispered. She didn’t answer.

“Lily I made breakfast, it’s going to get cold.” James tried again, but Lily just simply sighed and rolled over to him. She put her arm around his thigh and hugged his leg in her sleep. James stroked the hair from her face and noticed that she felt warm.

“Lily do you feel alright?” He asked.

“Mmm hmm.” She murmured.

“I think you have a fever.” He said checking her forehead with the back of his hand. He ran his hand down to the side of her face and felt her cheek as well.

“No I don’t.” Lily said softly rolling on to her back and rubbing her eyes.

“Yes you do Lily, you’re burning up. How do you feel?”

“I just feel a little queasy but I’ll be fine.” She said as she used his arm to help push herself up.

“Are you sure?” James asked worriedly as Lily winced and put a hand to her temple.

“I don’t know, I have a headache… Where’s Harry?”

“He’s ok, he’s in the other room with his new toys.”

“I have to feed him.” Lily said trying to get out of bed.

“No you don’t your sick. You stay in bed and I’ll take care of Harry today. I can do it; I already gave him his bottle and burped him and everything.”

“Well, I do need the rest...” Lily said leaning back down on her pillows. “Will you be ok, can you handle this alone?”

“Sure, no problem. I became an animagus at age 15, one of my best mates is a werewolf, and I fight death eaters for a living, I think I can take care of my own son on my own for one day.”

“All those things are great James, but babies are hard work.”

“Maybe, but I’m James Potter!” James said smugly.

“Wake me if you need help James.” Lily smiled weakly. James kissed her forehead and tucked the covers around her again.

“You rest, let me worry about that.”

“Who will you get if you need help?” Lily asked looking up at him. James knew she didn't want to leave her baby to anyone but herself.

“Well Padfoot has the day off…”

“I suddenly feel much better!” Lily said sitting up again, but this time too quickly and winced again.

“Haha,” James said nonchalantly. “We can handle it. You tell me if you need anything.” James said helping her lay down before he left the room. “I’ll bring your breakfast up.”

************************************************** *****

“Uh Prongs? Are you almost done yet?” Sirius called from the other room.

“Yeah why?” James answered; he was at the kitchen sink trying to wash the baby dribble from his shirt.

“Well, your son has stuff coming out the other end now.” Sirius said sounding disgusted.

“What do you mean?” James asked walking into the den only to see his best mate holding his son at arms length. Sirius’ face was screwed up in such a fashion that he looked like he just sucked on a lemon, a nasty rotten lemon.

“Ohhh…” James said, the dawn of comprehension just swept over him. James tried not to laugh as he walked over to Sirius to retrieve his son. “Man! You are foul Harry!” James said holding his boy at arms length just as Sirius did.

“How can something so cute and cuddly make something so awful and revolting as that?!” Sirius said fanning his hand in front of his nose.

“Well you should know shouldn’t you Padfoot? I mean your other form is a dog and we all know about that little present you left at Lily’s sister’s front porch last Christmas!” James laughed.

“Yes well, she deserved it. What did I do to him? I was just holding him and telling him all about women and how to deal with them when he looked at me with narrowed eyes. I thought he was just trying to concentrate on what I was saying, but I didn’t think that he was really concentrating on trying to let out the poo.”

“Pad, Harry is 3 months old. He can’t un-der-stand you.” James said looking at his friend as if he were incredibly dim.

“You and Lils talk to him all the time.”

“Yes, but we never expect him to comprehend what we tell him.” James said. “Anyway, we need to change him before he gets fussy.”

“We?!” Sirius said sitting down on the couch and propping his feet up on the coffee table while he crossed his arms behind his neck. “I don’t think so Prongsie, that’s your son. Besides, this is my day off.”

“Ok, either you help me this one day with Harry, Mister Godfather, or you'll get a batboogie hex so terrible that the next time you sneeze your nose will jump off your face and leave you without the ability to smell the sweet fragranced perfume of your beloved women ever again.” James said dramatically.

“I don’t care, the smell sense is overrated anyway. I mean I wouldn’t want to smell that ever again.” Sirius said pointing to Harry who began to squirm in James’ grasp. “That won’t matter, you see, I still have my eyes and that’s all I need.” Sirius said grinning broadly.

“Just come on and help me.” James said sternly resembling a Professor McGonagall before heading for the nursery.

“Ok, so how do I do this again?” James said placing Harry down on the changing table as Sirius lingered by the door. “Would you come in here Padfoot? I need your help.”

“How do you not know how to change your own son?”

“I do, I’ve just been busy with work and the order lately that I don’t get to spend as much time as I would like too with him… ok, let’s take off the old one and…” James said unfastening the pamper. He and Sirius both drew back covering their noses and mouths.

“You could have warned me before you did that Prongs, my mouth was still open.” Sirius said his voice muffled behind his arm.

“Ugh, who knew an all milk diet could do this to a person?” James gagged.

“I don’t know but I gotta open a window.” Sirius choked.

“Right, here toss that would you?” James said passing the folded up pamper to Sirius so that he could dispose of it in the wastebasket.

“Are you kidding me? I’m not touching that thing!”

“Sirius!”

“Ok, don’t get your knickers all in a bunch.” Sirius carefully took the dirty pamper by the smallest part barely even having contact with it with his index finger and thumb as he pinched his nose closed with his free hand.

“Alright, the worst of it is over.” James said rubbing his hands together. “Hand me one of those wipes will you? Right… I’ll just…” James said lifting the legs and cleaning off the excess brown on the skin of the baby.

“Wipe,” James commanded.

“Another one?” Sirius asked.

“Yes.” James said.

“Ok.”

“Powder.” James said holding out his hand for Sirius to pass to him. He sounded a lot like a muggle surgeon.

"That's a lot of powder!" Sirius said coughing.

“Clean pamper.” James said waiting for Sirius to place in his hand. “pamper,” James repeated when Sirius hesitated.

“Uh, we don’t have anymore.” Sirius said.

“That’s ok, we can just… well...” James said at a loss.

“I’ll ask Lily if she has any extras hidden around here.” Sirius began.

“No! I don’t want to disturb her, we’ve done enough of that already.”

“So what do you suggest?”

“Find a towel or something.” James said.

“I don’t see any.” Sirius said looking around the room.

“Then give me your shirt.” James said.

“No!”

“Come on, we have to use our resources.”

“Not my shirt!” Sirius said.

“Well get me something before he has to go again.”

“Too late.” Sirius said when Harry shot off some pee into the air which landed on James’ shirt.

“I just washed this!” James said frustrated as Sirius laughed.

“I think he’d rather have your shirt.” Sirius said with a smirk.”

Grudgingly James removed his shirt and wrapped it around his son’s lower half.

“Just fold and tuck.” Sirius instructed as James did so.

“Would you rather do this?” James asked him heatedly.

“No you’re doing great…dad!” Sirius smiled. When James had finished he held up Harry and Sirius took him.

“I didn’t really like that shirt that much anyway.” James said looking at it sadly.

“Way to use your resources.” Sirius grinned.

“I can’t wait to see the kinds of things you sacrifice for your children.”

“Gotta find a wife first mate, and we all know I’m not ready to settle down quite yet.”

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
ok, that was a pretty long one
hope you like it
i hope it's cute and funny for ya.
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=41155&page=22&pp=20

here's just a short extention to the post above... hope you like it.

************************************************** ****

“What is all this noise in here?” Lily asked dragging her body down the hall to the nursery. She looked groggy and she rubbed her eyes and frowned. “James! What on earth?!” Lily exclaimed with all the strength she had in her.

“Lily!” James said shocked that she made it out of bed and embarrassed that she caught him ‘trying’ to take care of their son.

“Hey Lils, we were just using our resources. Harry fancied James’ shirt over mine and I’m proud of that.” Sirius said cheekily.

“James…” Lily half whined. She walked over to Sirius and retrieved her baby. “What are these horrible men doing to you?” she asked Harry in a mocking baby-talk voice.

“Really Lily, we’ve got it under control.” James started, he waved his hand expressively trying to be convincing. “So why don’t you go lay back down? Get some sleep, you need it.”

Lily just looked at him. “It’s ok James, I’m already up now.”

“But Lily your still warm, you still have a fever and you could be contagious.” James explained after testing her forehead with the back of his hand.

“Ok, but just let me call my mother to come help--” Lily started but got cut off.

“No!” James and Sirius said in unison. Lily looked at them confused as to why they suddenly didn’t want her mother to help them out.

“no Lily, I want to try to watch Harry without her help this time.” James explained more calmly. “Your mother’s great and you know I love her but we got this.” James gestured between himself and Sirius and Sirius stood smiling.

“I see, and that’s why my son is wearing a t-shirt for a diaper…”

“It will be alright just for this once.” James said persuasively.

“I must have lost my sanity!” Lily said handing the baby back over to James. “I’m letting two knuckle head raise a child!” She then left the room just as groggy as she came.

“Phew! That was close.” Sirius said.

“Yeah, I love Lily’s mum but it’s the worst having her tell us what to do all the time. She’ll think I don’t know how to take care of my own son, she’ll think Lily married a man that has no potential of being a good father. And I know why Lily wanted to call her, I know she has experience but she only did a good job at raising one of her young. The first born was a bad egg; I can’t have my first born turning out that way, not that he will but just to lessen the risk.” James said.

“So you would rather have me help you?” Sirius asked placing a hand to his heart and looking touched. James just looked at him for a while and came to a conclusion.

“Good point. I’ll call Moony.” James said smirking as he carried Harry to the front room where the fireplace was. James with his free hand threw in a handful of floo powder and stuck his head in to call his other best mate over for babysitting duty.

************************************************** *****

Somewhere far off…

“Yes, bring him in.” A seething high pitched voice commanded to a dark hooded figure. The voice was enough to give chills to any who heard it echoing from the dark chamber walls. The dark hooded figure turned after bowing and allowed entrance to a short and stout mousy haired man.

“Leave us.” The high pitched voice commanded to the tall dark hooded figure.

“Yes my Lord.” The figure bowed again before exiting.

“I hear that you wish to join the dark side of magic.” The figure that was the source of the high pitched voice said as he circled the small man.

“Y-Yes... I do.”

“Why is that?” The taller more threatening figure asked boring red eyes down at his company.

“I- I have m-my reasons.”

“My first lesson for you my little rat, don’t try dodging my questions. I know the true reasons for your coming to me. I was testing you, to see if you would tell me the truth. Be direct and say it, don’t play games with me.”

“Yes, my Lord.” The mousy haired man said bowing and trembling. “I have finally found out where the power lies, in your hands.”

“I see, you seek protection with me.” The superior stated. “But what do I get out of this? You’re leaving your friends to join forces with me, you must be willing to do anything I ask which shouldn’t be too hard for you’re already betraying your friends by showing up here.”

“Yes, I am willing to do as you wish… my master.”

“Very good, you learn quickly. I admire quick learners... Is it true that you are an animagus? A rat?”

“Yes my lord.”

“How very suiting.” The taller of the men grinned wickedlywith thin lips. “Have you been informed of this prophecy?”

“No sir.”

“Perhaps not... I have been informed on a little secret that I am only telling you because I see use for you. You may be able to help me in the area of this prophecy. Your so called friends have a son do they not?”

“The- the P-Potters?”

“Yes. This son of theirs is one of two children that I am after. You see, these children have been foretold to be the down fall of me. I cannot have that happen. I must destroy anything that proves threatening to my name... Do you see what I need you to do?”

“You-you want me to-to…”

“No, I will handle that dirty work for myself. I just need you to keep an eye on the Potters for me for now. Until I am ready to go forth with my plans.”

“What about the other baby of the prophecy?”

“Don’t you worry about that my little rat; I have matters in my own hands.” And the dark lord laughed as a fiend does when it accomplishes something. He laughed as the mousy haired boy cowered in fear.

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James and Sirius were in their office one December morning when someone frantically ran into their office interrupting their work.

“Hold on, take a deep breath and try again. We can’t understand you if you don’t calm down.” James instructed to the woman that ran in.

“Mr. Potter, Mr. Black… Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom have been taken to St. Mungos hospital this morning. They were found in they’re home after a visit from death eaters the night before…it’s horrible what happened.” The woman was frantic as she explained.

“What?!” James asked unbelieving.

“They’re in St. Mungos, your wife and son are their right now.” The secretary said before she left the room wiping at her swollen teary eyes.

James slowly looked over at Sirius who stood as well as he had a stony look on his face. “We should probably go check it out.” James said quietly and Sirius just nodded.

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Once in the Longbottom’s room James saw Lily sitting by Alice’s bed while she clutched Harry to her chest and tears silently ran down her cheeks. James walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder causing her to jump. When Lily saw that it was James she stood and buried her face in the front of his work robes but carefully as not to crush Harry who was in-between them.

“Here, I’ll take Harry.” Sirius said calmly and seriously, it was an odd tone for him. James broke away from Lily and relieved her of the weight of their 5 month old son to pass him over to his godfather. Not until Harry was safe in Sirius’ arms did James embrace Lily once more. James rubbed her back soothingly trying to console her since it was her best friend that was in such a horrible state.

They were in silence for a while until James asked Lily what she knew.

“D-Death eaters…” Lily tried not to let her emotions keep her from explaining. “Death eaters went to their home last night looking for Neville. When they didn’t find him, they attacked Alice and Frank. They were tortured and placed under the Cruciatus curse in hopes that they would confess the whereabouts of their son. The curse was used so much that they were driven m-mad.” Lily said the tears never ceasing.

“Where is Neville?”

“He’s most likely at his Grandmother’s house. Alice mentioned that her and Frank sent him there to celebrate their anniversary.” Lily choked and pressed up against James again to let out a whole new wave of sobs.

FEEDBACK :angel:
let me know what you think...
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=2832643#post2832643

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“I think Dumbledor is right, Harry’s not safe here anymore. He’ll be a sitting duck; we have to put him in hiding.” James was telling his wife one night after putting Harry to sleep. “I think the muggle world will be harder to find him.”

“I agree, but where are we going to go?” Lily asked.

“We? Lily I think you should take Harry.” James said.

“Me? What are you talking about, aren’t you coming with us?” Lily asked perplexed.

“I can’t stay, I’m going to help you and Harry until you’re settled, but I have to keep fighting.”

“No! James you have to come with us. We’re a family and we have to stay together…” Lily said not wanting to believe what she was hearing.

“Lily listen to me, I know you don’t want to get separated. But this may be our only choice. I can’t just leave Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail to fight the fight without me.”

“Why not?! James, I know they’re your friends and I know how much you want to be there for the end of this war, but I need you… Please!” Lily pleaded walking up to him and grabbing handfuls of his collar.

“This is hard for me Lily. I don’t want to leave the two of you, but I will check up on you as often as I can—”.

“**** it James! **** your stupid nobility. Stop trying to be the hero for once in your life!”

“This isn’t like that Lily.”

“Oh yeah? Then just come with us… I love you and I need you with me James! Besides, who’s going to be there to make sure Harry and I are ok?” Lily asked. James didn’t say anything.

“You’ve done enough as it is. You fought so hard with the order and we’ve already defied him three times. What are the chances that you will get away as easily as you have?... He won’t let you James… He’s angry now, but it will only get worse… You can’t sacrifice yourself as stupidly as that! I won’t let you!” Lily said frantically.

“So you’ll let everyone else struggle? That’s not fair Lily, I don’t want to go into hiding like some coward…”

“You know how important Harry is. Dumbledore is right, the dark lord won’t rest until he does Harry in. You have to come with us so that you can help me protect him… I can’t do it alone!” Lily had tears streaming up in her eyes. At that statement James looked like he was struggling with choices.

“You have to help me protect our son. That doesn’t make you a coward.” Lily added in hopes of convincing him that she needed him to stay with her.

“Lily…”

“James, please!”

“Ok, but I’m not going to like it.” James said stubbornly after a while of silence.

“I know. I won’t like it either. I don’t want to leave my family and friends either. And if we didn’t have Harry then you know I would be beside you as we fought to the end. But this one time you have to sit back and let others do that. We have to think of Harry first.” Lily said hugging her husband and glad that she convinced him to go with her, even if he really would rather be out in the action trying to bring down Voldemort.

“Yeah, Harry…” James said as he embraced her back. He heaved a sigh that suggested he felt like an idiot for thinking about leaving his wife and son behind as he tried to end the war single handedly.

FEEDBACK :rotfl:
yes, i know it was a short chapter
it's not one of th best but i wanted to show how Harry inhereted his 'nobility' or act for being the 'hero'
i don't know if it turned out the way i wanted it to but, this is what we got...
let me know what you think
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=2838522#post2838522

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“So you’re really going to do this?” Sirius asked James as Lily and James and Professor Dumbledor stood in the Potter’s living room. “And you want me to be your secret keeper?”

“Well who else other than you?” James asked and Sirius didn’t answer.

“This is really important, we have no other choice.” Lily said after a short silence. The two men looked upset as Lily and Dumbledore watched.

“Well I would definitely do anything for you James, Lily, you know that...” Sirius said somberly.

“Excellent, then it’s settled.” Dumbledore said. And Lily and James looked relieved that Sirius had agreed to be the one that kept the secret of where they would be hiding. They were planning to go to the muggle world, a place called Godric’s Hollow. And they would have the Fidelus spell set in place.

“Wait!” Sirius said running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know if this is a time that I can help.”

“What?!” Lily and James asked in unison.

“What are you talking about? We need you now more than ever Pad!”

“I know Prongs, and if I could help, I would. But this time I can’t. I think it would be too obvious if I were secret keeper. I’m your best mate; everyone knows that, even the dark lord.”

“Oh… that does make since James.” Lily said putting a hand on James’ shoulder.

“But, well who else could be up to being the secret keeper?” James asked worriedly.

FEEDBACK :angel:
I KNOW its been a loooooong time since i posted on here.
and i'm sorry to dissappoint you with such a short update, but i have to go to bed because its a school night and there are somethings i have to get done. i've just become more and more busy lately and when i'm free i post on last chance and last year
i'll try harder to get this done
but this fic is really close to being finished. once the potters go into hidding there will be less posts that lead up to Harry's first birthday and then on it will build to the end of the story. the journey to the end.
thanks guys, you are all sooooo great
Leslie
http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?p=2993184#post2993184

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“And you’ll promise to take care of them?” Mrs. Evans managed to ask between bawls. She was clinging to Lily as they both cried.

“Absolutely. That’s my first priority.” James said quietly as he stood back near his father-in-law who was holding Harry.

“I just don’t understand…why can’t you at least tell me where you’re going, or at least explain why…” Mrs. Evans pleaded.

“It would be better for our safety and yours as well if we don’t tell you. The least you know… the better.” James said miserably.

“All we know is that you have to go away for a really long time… when will we be able to keep contact with you?” Mr. Evans asked as he shifted Harry’s weight to a more comfortable position, Harry was fast asleep as the Potters planned to leave at 4:30 in the morning.

“We shouldn’t have even told you this much, we don’t want to worry you but Lily had to at least say good bye.” James sighed. He was not enjoying any of this.

He would have liked to tell his in-laws that he and Lily were going to take a very long vacation. But that would have brought up too many questions. Not to mention, Lily had a hard time keeping a straight face as she told her mother that they were leaving. James knew how scared Lily was. Lily was a brave woman, the bravest he’s ever known, but saying goodbye to her parents was the hardest thing she ever had to endure. Plus, James never had the chance to say goodbye to his parents, he couldn’t rob Lily of her chance.

“We really should get going.” James said placing a gentle hand on Lily’s hair while she continued to hug her mother. “The longer we wait, the harder it will be.”

They already left their home and packed up whatever belongings they could carry. James didn’t even get to say goodbye to his friends. He wanted to leave them out of this as much as he could, and he also didn’t know how manly or strong he could be to have to say farewell to those he’s known since he was eleven years old. He knew it would have been difficult, to say in the least, to hold back the tears.

After a few minutes, Lily pulled away from her mother and wiped her tears away from her face as James took Harry back from Mr. Evans. Lily kissed both parents one last time before they had to drive off in their new muggle car that James had purchased.

It was strange to have to leave everything he’s ever known behind and go into a whole new world entirely. He new a little things about muggles because of Lily’s family and also because her job involves them, but there was a lot more that he would have to learn. It was a scary thought, not being able to use magic. It would be like learning how to do everything all over again. He honestly didn’t know how muggles did it for so many years.

The Potters drove off toward their new home far, far away from everything they loved. As dawn broke and Harry slept, all James could do was think:
Think of how he would have to put on a brave face for his family.
Think of how to live in secrecy.
And think of how he was going to prove to Lily that everything would be alright in the end when he himself had no idea of what was to come.

James reached over and placed his hand on hers as they drove for hours. He had to give her some comfort, but he also did this gesture just as much for his comfort as it was for hers.