Hello everyone! Some of you might have noticed that I edit my chapters quite a lot. For e.g. chapter 15. But mostly I edit bad grammar and small mistakes. I also reconstruct some of the sentences. But, if I ever edit anything important... I'll definitely let you all know.:)

Now, last time I said that Harry and Draco will be growing up. But to do that I had to tie up the loose ends. In the next chapter there will be a time jump.

Lastly... enjoy!:)

Warning - Some violence ahead.

Chapter Sixteen –

James woke up groggily in his bedroom at Malfoy Manor and sighed in pleasure at the blissful peace and warmth which surrounded him at that moment. After sometime, he slowly opened his eyes and blinked at the early morning sunlight which came streaming in through those huge windows covering the eastern wall of the room.

"Good morning, Lily," he whispered into the air. "Another morning without you. It's a beautiful one, love."

Stretching, he got up from the bed and made his way towards the bathroom; shivering a bit at the chill in the air. November had arrived and brought the beginnings of winter along with it.

A hot bath seemed heavenly at the moment and so he settled for a nice long soak.

Nearly an hour later, he was dressed and walking towards the nursery just like he did every morning. Once inside, he headed straight for the cot which Draco still shared with Harry. He and Narcissa had been thinking of shifting Harry to his own cot. But after the attack which had taken place nearly two weeks ago, both the boys had been jittery. Prudently, they had dropped the idea.

The first night after the ordeal, Harry had screamed his lungs out whenever James had put him down; absolutely refusing to go to sleep. After a lot of struggle, he had given up and taken Harry with him to sleep.

This in turn had resulted in Draco screaming his lungs out and almost setting the nursery on fire. Narcissa was the one who had managed to calm him down by dumping him in James' bed beside Harry.

Thankfully by now, both Harry and Draco had nearly forgotten about the attack.

James glanced down the cot and found the two of them sound asleep… wrapped around one another. The sight never failed to bring a smile to his face.

Dobby popped in with a bottle of warm milk and bowed. "Breakfast be ready. Mistress tells me to inform Lord James. I feed little master Harry."

James smiled at Dobby before replying, "Thank you Dobby but I will give Harry his morning feed and then bring Draco down with me to breakfast. Please inform Narcissa."

Dobby nodded and handed over the bottle to James before popping away.

James slowly extracted Harry from the jumble of little arms and legs and gently cradled him to his chest.

Harry was a little more than three months old now, and was able to hold his head up when placed in a sitting position longer and longer every day. The fact that he was growing at such a fast rate filled James with a strange mixture of pride and anxiety.

Shaking his head, he sat down in a nearby armchair and then gently teased Harry's lips and gums with the teat of the bottle. Opening his little mouth, Harry caught the teat and began to suckle gustily.

James sat back and stared at the little miracle in his arms in wonder till a soft knock on the nursery's door made him look up.

It was Severus. He was dressed casually in a muggle attire and looked completely at ease in it. James quickly hid his surprise at that.

Severus though, did not miss his expression and smirked. "I used to live in a muggle neighbourhood, Potter."

"I know," James replied, "I just never took you for someone who would wear jeans and shirt."

Severus nodded, "Fair enough."

They lapsed into silence after that and James went back to watching Harry suckle. By the time Harry finished, James was quite tired of the wistful looks Severus kept on throwing Harry. Carefully pulling the teat out of Harry's mouth before he suckled air, James held Harry out to Severus.

Severus frowned, not understanding what James was trying to do.

James rolled his eyes. "I just fed him. He needs to be burped now," saying so, he patiently waited for Severus to catch on.

James watched in amusement as the expression on Severus' face changed to one of disbelief.

"You want me to do it?" Severus asked softly, his eyes trained on Harry.

"Yes… preferably sometime today, Snape," James replied. He gave Severus a pensive look and added, "Look Snape, I know we have had our differences and we'll never be the best of friends but we can't remain enemies either. Everything has changed now. I am sticking by my decision and we'll have to put our best efforts into it for Harry."

Severus nodded and accepted Harry from James, acknowledging the attempt for what it was… a peace offering.

Laying Harry over his left shoulder, Severus expertly patted his back until he burped.

Once again, seeing the surprise evident on James' face, he answered the unvoiced question. "I had a lot of practice with Draco. I seem to remember quite clearly that the brat particularly enjoyed spitting up on me."

James laughed at that.

Meanwhile, the said brat woke up; yawning and rubbing his eyes sleepily before noticing the empty space next to him. He looked around but did not find his Harry. So he called out, "Hawwy?"

"Ah, good morning Draco," a known face crooned down at him.

"Gems... up," Draco demanded immediately, raising his chubby arms towards James. James complied with Draco's demand and cuddled him in his arms.

"Hawwyyy…," Draco squealed happily after spying Harry in Severus' arms and then smiled toothily at James and Severus.

"One would think he did not see Harry for an entire year," Severus muttered drily.

James' mood suddenly took a turn for the worse. He frowned and voiced one of his greatest worries, "Do you think my decision will be unnecessarily harsh on them? Will they be able to cope up with the separation?"

Severus sighed. He and Lucius had already discussed this at length and knew that it wouldn't be easy.

"What about your dog and wolf?" he asked James instead. "How are they going to cope? How will you, for that matter?"

"Not very well at first," James acquiesced sullenly. "Sirius is still not speaking to me and Remus is… sulking."

"Precisely," said Severus, answering James' earlier question. "Draco is probably going to throw a fit and burn down the nursery. Narcissa will be heart-broken. And I can guarantee Lucius will be too. Harry will cry till he is red in the face. But with time all will be well. I have ordered special Gringotts made portkeys which would enable them all, including your dog and wolf, to visit frequently and Lucius has done the same for us. Not to mention it is only temporary… Do not question your decision now."

James closed his eyes wearily. What Severus said was true; he could neither go back nor question his decision now. He remembered how difficult it had been for him to make such a decision in the first place. But it was necessary to keep Harry safe. And he was ready to go to any lengths to ensure it.

ZZZZZZZZZ

Flashback –

October 30, 1980 (The morning after the attack)

"So, Professor Dumbledore, perhaps now you would like to explain how Professor McGonagall's portkey was stolen and substituted for a fake one right under your watchful nose? Or perhaps how someone got hold of Professor McGonagall's hair to masquerade as her with the help of polyjuice… once again under your very nose?" Lucius asked silkily.

They were all gathered in Lucius' study to discuss the events of the day before sans Narcissa, who was keeping the children company.

Dumbledore had ruminated on that very thing the entire night. He answered, "I have come to the conclusion that we have a spy in Hogwarts. And though my heart grieves even to think about it, it must be one of the teachers. No student or outsider could have entered Minerva's office without detection and got away with the portkey."

"Yes," said Remus, agreeing with Dumbledore, "the ease with which they performed the task implies the very thing. But what I want to know is why do Snape and Lucius think that the attack was made by assassins and not some Death Eaters?"

James, who had been quiet so far, added, "And so do I."

Severus and Lucius shared a look before Severus began to explain. "The Death Eaters who are out of Azkaban right now are either the ones on the run or Lords of the prestigious ancient Houses. The ones on the run are too weak and stupid to even think of such a plan; much less have the resources required for this attack. And as for the Lords loyal to the Dark side, their every step is being watched by the aurors."

Confused, James interrupted him, "But, how does that prove anything about assassins?"

"Ever heard about The Five Messengers of Death?" Lucius asked James instead of replying.

Sirius snorted. "Yeah, they are nothing but myth."

Severus smiled thinly without humour. "A myth? And what if I tell you that they are very much real? That they are a covert association who would do anything for money and that their services have been used by the Dark Lord several times in the past? Their speciality is completing every task they undertake, no matter how long it takes."

James stiffened while Sirius let out a string of curses. Remus growled in fury.

"So someone hired them to kill Harry? A baby? My baby…," James whispered with a blank look.

"James," Dumbledore called out pleadingly, "please remain calm. They failed. Harry is safe."

Unfortunately, it only made James hiss out at Dumbledore like a wounded animal. "Safe? SAFE? For how long? From what Snape just told they are not going to stop. Harry nearly died yesterday. And so did Narcissa and Draco, just because they were with Harry. No, not again. I… I lost Lily. But I am not losing Harry or anyone else for that matter. I'll go away from here. I'll take Harry and go somewhere far. Somewhere no Death Eater or assassin will be able to find us. I'll leave…"

A cacophony of voices erupted all around James, but paying no attention to them he resolutely made his way out of the room and rushed towards the nursery. He was intent on getting Harry away from danger as soon as possible.

But before he could reach the nursery, a vice-like grip descended upon his arm; thus stopping him effectively. He turned around to find Severus.

"Stop, Potter," Severus snapped at him. "Don't be ridiculous. Which place do you intend to go where they will not recognize the boy who lived and his father? Running is not a solution. They will find you wherever you go, and then kill both of you."

"So tell me what should I do?" James screamed in helpless anger. "I can't lose Harry."

Narcissa, who had been drawn away from the nursery by the loud voices, stood quietly and watched the entire scene unfold. She finally spoke, "And neither I nor any of us are willing to lose Harry, James. It is a simple matter of eliminating those assassins. I trust the five of you to take care of that as soon as possible."

And once again the men could only stare at her stunned.

ZZZZZZZZZ

Present day -

"Ah, open your mouth wider love… wider… like this…," Narcissa opened her mouth wide for Draco to imitate her action. Once he copied her, she quickly put the spoon containing baby cereal inside his mouth and then gently coaxed him to chew and swallow it.

It went without saying that Draco was quite fussy when it came to food.

Harry, by that time, had woken up and was sitting propped upright in Sirius' lap. He was watching the proceedings with an avid interest.

James sat beside Sirius and was trying to capture Sirius' attention while Sirius doggedly avoided James' eyes.

"Aaaaah," Harry suddenly squealed and then opened his little mouth as wide as he could when Narcissa scooped up the last spoonful of cereal for Draco.

All of them burst out laughing at Harry's antics.

With his eyes on Harry, Draco frowned and then resolutely shook his head no when Narcissa brought the spoon near his mouth.

Narcissa sighed, saying, "Finish this up Draco. Come on, this is the last one."

"No… Mama," Draco said when Narcissa couldn't take the hint. "Hawwy wans," he said pointing at Harry who had made it a game of opening his mouth as wide as he could and then closing it again.

Narcissa finally realized what Draco was trying to do and she felt her heart nearly bursting with love and pride for her little boy.

James, who had also heard it, pulled Draco into his arms and laid a kiss upon his forehead lovingly.

"No Draco, Harry cannot eat that. He will do so when he becomes a big boy… like you," James stated. When Draco just looked confused, he smiled and explained in simpler terms, "Harry does not want it. He's playing."

Understanding, Draco nodded and then finished up his meal after James returned him to his highchair.

Sirius, who was silently listening in to the conversation, remarked bitterly, "Yes, he'll eat that when he becomes a big boy but unfortunately we'll not be there to see him grow up."

He silently passed Harry over to Narcissa and rose in order to leave the room.

James heaved a sigh at Sirius' downhearted visage and spoke before he could leave the room, "Please don't be so dramatic Sirius. You know you can visit us anytime you want. It's only France."

Sirius halted in his tracks. "I don't care if it's France or Egypt or Antarctica for that matter," Sirius snarled. "I don't even care that you are going to live in Snape's home…"

"You know why I agreed to that…," James screamed at Sirius, finally losing his patience. "Britain is too unsafe for Harry and France has one of the best magical communities. The Prince name is well renowned in France and Harry would have the added protection which comes with that name. Not to mention, Harry is the Prince heir."

Never to back down from a fight, Sirius screamed right back, "And I said I do not care… I. Do not. Care. What I care about is that you refused to let me and Moony come along, you prick. I would follow you to hell, Prongs. And so would Moony. But you won't let us."

In the silence which followed, both the men finally noticed the absence of Narcissa and the babies and the addition of one sulking werewolf.

Narcissa had left thinking that this argument had been a long time coming.

"Why?" Remus asked James quietly. "Is it because you do not trust us anymore?"

James dropped down into his chair wearily as he finally realized what it was all about. Shaking his head he gave them a disbelieving look. "Do you two honestly believe that I stopped both of you from leaving your whole lives behind in Britain and following me to France… because I do not trust you?"

When no answer was forthcoming, James glared at them.

"Really Moony? Padfoot? After all we have been through? Harry has three godfathers, and two of them are right here in this room with me now. I have made arrangements for you two to take care of Harry in case I die. And you think that I don't trust you?"

James saw the shame and guilt dawn in both of their faces and he continued with a sigh, "Sirius, it has been your lifelong aspiration to become an auror. And finally you have been selected as an auror trainee. I can't let you give up your dream."

"Yes, it had been my dream; but not without you James," Sirius murmured. "You too wanted to be an auror."

James shrugged and replied, "Not really, you know it was just our family tradition of sorts. And Remus, don't I know how much you like researching old and obscure spells? I have heard that the Spell Master Davis is very interested in having you as his apprentice. And you want to kick this opportunity away?"

Rather than answer, Remus pulled James into his arms. Sirius threw his arms around them both and turned it into a group hug.

"No," Remus answered after a while. "Neither of us wants to throw away the life we have built here. But we would do so in a heartbeat… for you and Harry."

Pulling back, James smiled at his two best friends. "Thank you, I know that. But there's no need for such a thing. We will be returning in a few years anyway… no point in staying out of Britain when Harry will be off to Hogwarts. And besides, you all can visit anytime you want. Don't worry about Snape."

Sirius huffed, "Yeah, about that… I really don't envy you having to live with that grumpy, ill-mannered, bossy, viper-tongued ass. I shudder to even think about it. But don't fret, we'll visit you often."

Sirius wondered why James was smirking evilly at him.

"What?" he asked suspiciously.

"Oh, you don't know?" James asked with an innocent smile which fooled no one. "Eileen lives there too."

"His mother?" Sirius squeaked out; the colour leaving his face as he wondered if the school time pranks he played would come back to bite him in the ass.

They had met Severus' mother once, on James and Lily's wedding day. Though Eileen had left Britain permanently and was a recluse, Lily had loved the woman dearly and invited her to their wedding.

Eileen had arrived with Severus in tow, and had warmly given her blessings to Lily.

To James, Sirius, Remus and Peter though, she had given a threatening look and said, "The Marauders… I have heard a lot about you over the years from Severus and Lily. What do you all call my son? Ah yes… Snivellus. Now, when have any of you seen my son snivelling?"

The four of them had mumbled something unintelligible and fled.

"We're dead," Remus groaned, recalling that meeting. "How come you are smiling?" he asked James incredulously.

James shrugged. "I'll be going armed with my personal deadly weapon… Harry. No one can resist those huge green eyes and cute smile. Moreover, I and Snape have reached an understanding of sorts… Now let's just hope we can make this work."

ZZZZZZZZZ

Flashback –

October 30, 1980 (In the evening)

Lord Parkinson sat staring out of the window of his study, awaiting the news of Harry Potter's untimely death. His demeanour screamed his impatience for all to see. He wondered what was taking so long. The Messengers should have contacted him by then for money.

A sudden thought made him jolt upright. 'What if they were unsuccessful?'

But he soon discarded the preposterous notion with a scoff. These men were considered to be the best for a reason. And if by a stroke of pure bad luck they did fail, they would complete the job somehow, someday. Along with some compensation…

Anyway, he wanted the results fast. He wanted that pest to be dead soon. Only then would his need for revenge be satisfied.

As if summoned by his thoughts, an owl tapped on the glass of his window and Parkinson immediately received the owl. Quickly untying the parchment from its leg, he read the short missive eagerly.

X

Knockturn Alley entrance.

6' o clock in the evening.

Be careful, accidents occur.

X

The parchment self destructed just as Parkinson finished reading it. He smiled in satisfaction and prepared to head out to Knockturn Alley.

XxX

Once in Knockturn Alley's entrance, Parkinson waited for the next set of instructions. Though he was wearing a glamour charm in order to keep anyone from recognizing him, he was confident that the Messengers would recognize him.

He had been waiting for five minutes when one of the hags in the street sidled up next to him and motioned for him to follow her. After debating for a while, he did so.

The hag stopped in front of the Traveller's Inn and told him to go to room number seven. She quickly left after that.

Parkinson walked into the inn and caught the proprietor's eyes.

"Room Number 7," he instructed him curtly.

The proprietor asked him to follow and led him to a well secluded room. Once there, Parkinson ordered the proprietor that he was not to be disturbed for a while and then entered the room.

Once inside, it took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness which shrouded the room; after which he found the room to be empty.

'Am I early?' he wondered.

A sudden sound behind him made him jump. But before he could investigate a high powered stunning spell hit him and instantaneously he was lost to darkness…

XxX

When Lord Parkinson returned to consciousness, he found himself held captive in an unknown room. His arms and legs were bound to the chair in which he sat, thus rendering him unable to move.

Looking around warily, he tried to devise where he was. His glamour had already been ripped apart.

"Well, well. What a pleasure it is to have you here, Lord Parkinson." A cold and cruel voice came from his left and his head snapped in that direction.

As soon as he faced his captor, all the blood drained from Parkinson's face; leaving him chalky white. It was none other than Severus Snape-Prince.

Parkinson gulped in fear. He knew without a doubt that the man standing before him was lethal. No one got on his wrong side and lived. And judging by the look on the man's face, Parkinson had somehow done that very thing.

"Lord Prince, may I know what this is all about?" he asked fearfully, his voice wavering.

"Oh you certainly may, Lord Parkinson." Another voice answered him.

Parkinson's mouth fell open as he saw Lucius Malfoy step forward and join Prince; fingering the cane which held his wand.

"In fact, we were very much hoping that you would know what this is all about. The accident, to be more precise," Malfoy stated.

Dread and confusion filled Parkinson's mind. "How did you know?" he asked.

"We suspected, but did not know until you sauntered into the room number 7 of Traveller's Inn," Prince answered, circling him. "We sent out identical vague missives to all those we suspected through owls. The only one who followed the directive was you. The hag had been instructed to escort whoever would be waiting at the Knockturn Alley entrance for five minutes to the Inn. Of course, you know the rest."

XxX

Seeing Parkinson's wide eyed stare, Lucius sneered at the despicable man in front of him. This man was going to pay for his sins… soon.

"Bu… but, both of you are in our side. You should be happy I tried to kill the brat who killed our Master," Parkinson burst out.

"Happy?" Lucius spat at him. "My wife and son nearly died along with Harry Potter whom I have come to regard as another son of mine. Crucio…"

Parkinson screamed at the excruciating, unending pain. After what seemed like a lifetime, the spell was finally lifted.

Severus levelled Parkinson with a deadly look. "You don't seem to like the taste of your own medicine. How many children have you tortured with this very spell? One? Ten? A hundred? Crucio…"

Parkinson screamed and screamed as his every nerve ending caught on fire.

Severus finally lifted the spell. "Harry Potter is my son. And I… have no master."

"Please…," Parkinson whimpered. "Please, I'll do whatever you want. Let me go."

Severus glanced at Lucius and smirked.

"Then listen to us carefully, Parkinson… and in return we promise to let you go."

ZZZZZZZZZ

Present Day –

"Snape, are you free today?" James asked.

"I might be," Severus replied cautiously. "Why do you ask?"

"I want to meet your mother." James was trying to be nonchalant about it, but Severus noticed his nervousness.

Severus suppressed a sigh and spoke, "That is not necessary, Potter. I have already informed her about the arrangement and believe it or not, she's thrilled about you and Harry living with us."

"It's not that I don't believe you," James said, explaining. "But for the next several years I and Harry will be infringing upon her privacy. The least I can do is paying her a small visit. The portkeys you ordered are ready, are they not?"

"Yes… they are," Severus finally relented.

XxX

They left for the chateau right after lunch. That Draco was not happy on being left behind, would be an understatement. Draco had fixed those stunning grey eyes on James which were brimming with tears; and James had nearly given in and taken Draco along.

But Severus simply rolled his eyes heavenwards and firmly told Draco that he was not coming with them.

Draco had stomped his little feet in anger, screamed, cried, threw things, begged Narcissa and Lucius for help… but Severus did not change his mind.

Instead, he was sent to his nursery without any toys for being naughty and James very much felt like a villain.

Seeing that, Severus snorted and muttered, "Gryffindors! Even an eleven month old can manipulate them."

James simply glared at him, not deigning to reply to such an atrocious remark; and thanked whichever deity was listening for the small mercy of Harry being asleep.

XxX

When James first saw the Prince chateau, it took his breath away.

It was pretty big, but not obscenely so. The design of the house was very attractive, and managed to bring a homely feeling. There was a small garden in front of the house which was covered by blooms of several flowers, many of which James had never seen. The grounds surrounding the chateau were well kept and James could make out a small pond in the distance filled with colourful birds.

Farther away, the plants had been allowed to grow wild, resulting in a pretty meadow.

'Beautiful,' James thought. This was a place where he could envision Harry growing up and having the time of his life.

"The wards around this place are old and strong. They encompass the entire land we can see from here and beyond," Severus informed him.

James spied a stable in the distance and threw Severus a questioning look.

"There are several horses over there," Severus replied, spotting his gaze. "I personally selected them over the years. I ride whenever I am here."

James quickly masked his surprise on hearing that. He now realized how little he knew about the man standing in front of him.

They had always disliked each other, right from the beginning. It had started with something so stupid and inane that he did not even remember what it was. Sirius, as loyal as they came, had quickly caught on to that and had started disliking Severus too.

Over the years it had slowly morphed into hate as both of them competed for Lily's affections. Lily had always given him a funny look whenever he had complained about Severus.

Over time, he had learnt to tolerate the man and had even developed a grudging respect for him.

Now though, all bets were off.

"Let's go inside," Severus suggested. "Mother must be waiting for us."

James snapped out of his musings and followed Severus inside.

He did not notice the woman standing on a balcony a little to the left of the entrance and watching him.

XxX

Eileen Snape nee Prince had once been a pretty woman. But now, she was remarkable. She bore the look of a person who had faced many difficulties in life, but had come out as a winner. She had the strength of character.

She had always been a good girl, a model daughter… obedient and respectful as she tried tirelessly to win her parents' affections. Needless to say, she had failed.

And then she had committed her one act of rebellion… marrying Tobias Snape. That might have turned out to be the greatest mistake of her life, but she had never regretted it. Because from that union she had received the greatest joy and pride of her life… Severus.

And even if she was given another chance to do it all over again, she would always choose her son.

The only thing she would change was not leaving Tobias and taking Severus away with her. But at that time she had nowhere to go; and had no way of knowing that her parents would forgive her for marrying a muggle.

Eileen silently stood on the balcony and watched Severus showing the property to the man standing beside him… James Potter. She smiled seeing James holding her grandson so tenderly in his arms.

My grandson… she felt love and happiness bubbling inside her heart. Yes, she knew that Harry was Severus'. Even though Severus did not know that she knew. Perhaps it was time to let him know…

She went down to welcome James and her grandson home, an impish smile playing on her lips.

When she came down, Severus was just asking a house-elf to get her. Upon seeing her, Severus smiled warmly and took her both her hands in his.

"Mother," he murmured, "I trust you are well."

"I am Sev. And you look good," she told her son, beaming.

It was true. The last time she had seen him was after Lily's death. He had brought her the dreadful news and then broken down in her arms, sobbing. She had wept with him, mourning the loss of the woman whom she had regarded as a daughter.

"Thank you, mother. Let me introduce you to Lord Potter and his son Harrod." She turned towards them and then walked over to where James was standing with Harry in his arms.

James smiled at her, albeit a bit nervously. "My lady," he said, giving her a short bow, "it's a pleasure to meet with you."

She smiled back and replied, "I return the pleasure. Please call me Eileen, James. And this must be my grandson… Harry."

Eyes widening, James looked at Severus who had suddenly gone quite pale.

"How do you know mother?" Severus queried, his voice wavering.

"Lily," Eileen replied. "She told me everything when she paid me a visit sometime back…"

ZZZZZZZZZ

Flashback –

October 31, 1980 (After midnight)

Lord Parkinson once again stood in the same warehouse waiting for the Messengers of Death, where he had given them the assignment of Harry Potter's death. His nervousness was apparent from the expression on his face.

After a few minutes of waiting, he spied four shadows moving as one… The Messengers had arrived.

Parkinson waited for them to join him and then asked, "What happened? Did you succeed in killing that boy?"

"Not yet; there was a slight problem," the leader replied. "But he will be dead very soon. And as compensation, we can bring his father to you… alive. You'd like to play with Potter, would you not? Turn that pretty behind red?"

The leader chuckled but stopped abruptly when Lord Parkinson's expression morphed into cool, deadly anger.

In a flurry of movement, the leader whipped out his wand and mimicking him, so did the rest of his team. But they were a fraction of a second too late.

Four voices simultaneously screamed 'Expelliarmus' and the wands of the assassins shot out of their hands into the waiting ones of the four men each, just as they strode out of darkness.

The leader smoothly activated the portkeys next. But when nothing happened, he made a move to kick the man impersonating as Parkinson in front of him. But to his consternation, the lower half of his body had been rendered immobile. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the rest of his team experiencing the same predicament.

The Messengers were soon surrounded by men who had a wand trained on each of them.

The leader surveyed the men and then spoke to the one in front of him, "Potter, Black, Lupin and Malfoy. I am guessing you to be Prince. So, you captured Parkinson… what a fool."

"You might say so," Severus, who was indeed polyjuiced as Parkinson, replied.

"Hmm… why did our portkeys not work? No anti-portkey ward would have been effective," the leader queried.

Lucius smirked and replied, "The same reason why you can't move… we used runes for warding the area rather than spells."

"Impressive," the leader murmured.

"Yes," Severus sneered. "Just like this conversation. But unfortunately, we'll have to end it now…"

Severus slashed his wand through the air against the leader's throat and incanted, "Sectumsempra."

Falling to the floor, the leader sputtered blood and was soon dead. The rest of the assassins followed their leader to the afterlife one by one.

XxX

Dumbledore came out of the shadows and joined the five men as they stood next to a pile of dead bodies. Looking down at the corpses, he sighed sadly.

"Do not waste your sympathy for vermin like them, old man," Severus barked at Dumbledore. "They have killed thousands for money leaving no evidence behind."

Dumbledore looked at Severus and calmly stated, "That is the only reason why I helped James cast those runes, Severus. By the way, your runes were nearly perfect, James. Now, please excuse me; I'll be leaving. Oh, and I'll take these bodies with me. It wouldn't do for someone to find them here."

Dumbledore disappeared with a flash and took the bodies along with him.

The five men stood in silence as they waited for Severus to change back.

Finally Sirius muttered, "Now about Parkinson…"

James bristled. "What about him?"

Sirius bit his lips to keep from snickering as James glared at him.

"I think Black was referring to the interesting compensation," Severus drawled out helpfully.

Clearing his throat, Lucius looked away. Sirius started snickering outright while Remus was suddenly very much interested in his fingernails.

And if looks could kill, Severus would have been six feet under the ground by then.

ZZZZZZZZZ

Present Day –

It was late in the evening when James, Severus and Harry said goodbye to Eileen and took their leave.

After the shocking discovery that Eileen knew about Harry's true parentage, Eileen had taken him aside and reassured him that she was eagerly looking forward to their arrival.

James could not help but like the kind woman, and had thanked her profusely.

Now, as they made their way back to the Malfoy Manor, James remarked, "It's the right decision. It might not be an easy one, but I can see Harry being very happy here. Thank you for this offer."

"Oooh," Harry squealed and pointed at a snake slithering by. James stopped to watch it pass; holding Harry more securely as he bounced in his arms happily.

Severus too stopped and looked at James. "I am pleased that you accepted. However, I admit to being surprised."

James snorted. "So was I. One moment I was reading that article in Daily Prophet speculating about the number of ways Harry could have killed Voldemort and other moment I knew. I just knew that we could not stay in Britain. Just like I know that we'll have to return one day. I can't stop Harry from going to Hogwarts; even though one of the teachers out there is a fucking spy."

James gritted his teeth in anger.

"I am going to focus on my career as a Potion Master for a few years," Severus informed James after a while. "However, I'll go back to teaching Potions for the time period Harry and Draco will attend Hogwarts."

James visibly relaxed. The snake had long disappeared by then and Harry was blinking sleepily.

They continued on their way.

ZZZZZZZZZ

Daily Prophet

Page 1

Lord Parkinson found guilty of being a Death Eater

The trial of Lord Parkinson took place yesterday afternoon before the full Wizengamot, presided over by the Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore. Lord Parkinson was found guilty of his crimes which garnered him a life sentence in Azkaban.

Nearly a week back Lord Parkinson was arrested from his ancestral manor. Though there had been an uproar over it in the pureblood community, Lord Parkinson was not released from the aurors' custody. The Head Auror, Rufus Scrimgeour, commented after the arrest, "The arrest was made on the basis of some solid evidences which we have acquired. These would be provided to the Wizengamot at the time of the trial."

When asked more about these evidences, no other information was forthcoming. Rufus Scrimgeour stated that it was classified…

… James stopped reading the newspaper aloud for everyone and smiled in satisfaction.

"Merlin's teeth," Sirius exclaimed. "They did it. But how?"

James shrugged and looked over to the smug duo… Severus and Lucius.

"Child's play, Black," Severus answered, getting up. "Before we obliviated our encounter from his mind, we asked him to extract some of his memories of the old days for us. Voila… solid evidences." With that, he left the room.

Remus looked dazed. "Parkinson actually agreed to that?"

"Of course," Lucius replied with a smirk. "Severus can be extremely… persuasive."

James rolled his eyes and looked back at the paper, a smile playing on his lips. The threat named Parkinson was gone… perhaps forever. Of course, tomorrow would bring new threats, new challenges and new obstacles. But he was confident that together they could face them.

This was only the beginning…

Phew... this was a long one! Please leave a review. I'd really love to hear how you all felt about this chapter.:)