DISCLAIMER - I do not own any Harry Potter things, except the stuff I make up! If I did, I promise you it wouldn't be posted here!

---

She could hear her father playingan olderBeatles album downstairs on the record player, and she smiled as she bit the end of her quill, a habit she had been trying to break ceaselessly for nearly two years. She had to admit she was getting better about it, and she began to dream off when she heard the tapping on her window. After nearly seven years of mail coming and going in this fashion, she still found herself squeaking and falling off of her bed. Sighing, she went to open the window. Rolling her eyes, she identified the owl as his owl instantly. Taking the letter, she smiled at the owl as it flew off. Turning to the letter, she frowned immediately.

His normal meticulous handwriting was hasty and scribbled, more like that Sirius Black friend of his than she had ever seen. Opening it to see what was the cause of the rush, she felt the blood drain from her face as she read it.

Whatever you do, do not go outside. They found out that you're going to be
Head Girl, and they don't like it. They're going to be watching your house,
with dementors too, most likely. Do not go out, and don't let anyone leave your
house either. I swear, this is not a joke. Sirius, Remus, and I are on our way
over to your house right now to explain it better. Please, don't go outside.
See you soon.
James

On any other situation, she would have rolled her eyes and laughed it off. But not when it was so uncharacteristic of him, and not after all that had happened. After all, hadn't Gideon and Marlene both warned her to be careful this summer? And wasn't there rumor of a rising Dark Lord? Eyes going wide in realization, she ran down the stairs, ignoring her sister's screams of be quiet! as she went. Her mother looked up from the food she was cooking and asked gently, "What ever's the matter darling? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Don't go outside. We can't go outside mum," she said sharply as her father walked in, smiling.

"Why not? It's a beautiful day outside."

"Dad! No, something's wrong. Just don't go outside, please."

Her tall, thin sister walked down the stairs, asking snappishly, "What's this about not going out? Vernon's coming over to take me out in a quarter of an hour."

Groaning, she looked at her sister, surprising the thin girl with the intense seriousness in her eyes, "Bring him inside. It shouldn't take long. I just need to figure out what's going on."

Running to the door, she looked outside and frowned at the huge black figures at the end of the street. She opened the door slightly and heard the yell as she saw three tall, handsome boys dart towards her, "Don't open that door! Get back inside!"

Hearing the yells, the three remaining members of her family joined her in the sitting room. Before the words could register, they hurtled inside and slammed the door shut, panting as they saw the bewildered looks on the faces of the four whose house had just been invaded. One, with messy black hair and probing hazel eyes, extended his arm to her father and said breathlessly, "James Potter, sir. Sorry about the invasion, but it's necessary."

Frowning, the man motioned to the couches in the sitting room. The tallest of the three, ruggedly handsome with elegantly striking features, sat as James and the other one shook their heads in polite refusal. The girl who had rolled her eyes at James' owl now approached the window. She saw the black figures, wondering why they made her so terribly scared. Idly placing her hand on the window, she jumped back and yelped. Bright green eyes wide, she turned to the three boys, "It's ice! What's going on?"

James swallowed. It had been so much easier in his mind, before he saw her wide, innocent eyes looking at them like that. Clearing his throat, he began awkwardly before breaking off abruptly, "Look, Evans –. Lily, this isn't a joke, I promise. Moony, are they any closer?"

The other boy who had stood beside James, a tall, brown-haired boy with twinkling golden eyes shook his head and smiled at the four very confused members of the Evans family, "Mr. Evans. Mrs. Evans. I wish I could have seen you again under better circumstances."

Standing, the tall, handsome one stood and said roughly, "But you probably want to know what the hell's going on and why your suddenly being treated like you're under house arrest. Sirius Black. Mr. Potter, James' father will be here in a couple of minutes and he can explain it to you."

"Just in case he's late though," Remus said carefully, "Lily, do you know the Patronus charm? Do you think you could use it?"

"The Patronus charm?" Lily stuttered. "But that's past N.E.W.T. level wand work. I don't know."

"For Merlin's sake Evans!" Sirius snapped, glancing out the door anxiously, "Can you do the charm or not?"

Freezing, Lily stared at them. Stepping forward and putting a hand on his daughter's shoulder, Mr. Evans said sternly, "Now, young man, I've said nothing about you appearing in my house without any notice. But I will stop you and ask you to leave if you speak to my daughter like that again."

James' head snapped up and he said softly, eyes hard, "Pardon him sir. He's a bit paranoid right now. But, Evans, didn't you get my owl?"

As the tall girl squealed, Lily turned and snapped, "Petunia! It's not here anymore! I got it about five minutes ago. And I wasn't sure if you were serious or not. I had no idea –"

This time she was interrupted, not by an exasperated young man, but by a large man bursting through the door. Groaning, she sat flat on her butt in the middle of the sitting room. Immediately Mrs. Evans spoke up, taking charge of the situation quickly, "Vernon, these are some of Lily's classmates from school. Yes, her school Petty darling. Harry, dear, why don't you take Vernon into your office for a moment while we resolve this."

The beefy man sputtered for a moment before turning to Petunia Evans, "They're her kind? Did you know?"

Petunia shook her head, eyes wide, and stared at her sister as the man followed her father out of the parlor. She opened her mouth and Lily snapped, eyes flashing, "Not now Petunia! I don't need to hear what you think of my being a witch! And yes, they're wizards! Leave them alone! Not now!"

Mrs. Evans looked reprovingly at Lily as Petunia stalked out. "Lily, dear, she's your sister. I won't say anything, just think on that. I'll go save your father, we know how little he likes Vernon, even if he does love your sister."

Smiling at her mother, Lily stood up and turned to the three, who were watching the exchange with a frown. "Sorry about that. Sister, sister's fiancee. Neither of them are fond of magic. You shouldn't have had to see that."

Remus shook it off and said, "The Patronus. Do you think you can manage it? Any really happy memories?"

Lily paused before sighing, "I think so. I can try. Let me get my wand."

"You don't have your wand with you now?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"No," she said firmly. "I normally don't expect to need it in my own home. I still don't know why I need it now. And James Potter, what on earth are dementors doing here?"

James smiled, "They guard Azkaban, usually. Death Eaters probably made a deal with them and sent them here."

"Azkaban?"

The three smiled, once again reminded of how much muggle-born witches and wizards were at a disadvantage. James reached out and pushed her lightly up the stairs, "The wizarding prison. Now go get your wand."

He watched Lily go up the stairs when he heard the voice of Harry Evans. "You're the James Potter that my daughter writes about. The one who, until the end of last year was incessantly annoying and arrogant. And the one who's had his sights on my baby for three years."

James smiled and said, "I'm sure you can understand why I won't agree with the first one. I was a bit immature, but your daughter's a bit of an exaggerator where people are concerned. Either they're near perfect or they're horrible. But I will agree with the second statement. And I'll correct you on it. I still have my sights on her, but now's not the time or place to try to convince her. But I'll let you know now that I'm hoping to later reintroduce myself to you as your daughter's boyfriend, or fiancee. Just to let you know."

Despite the situation, the man had to smile at the boy's confidence and certainty. "I have to say I admire your gut. Especially considering you're in my house, and the fact my daughter currently has a wand in her hand and is right behind you."

Eyes going wide, James whirled around to see Lily staring at him in shock. There was no anger there, or frustration, merely confusion. Remus and Sirius both saw it and smiled. Suddenly they heard a crash and turned to see the front door slam shut. A tall man, who looked somewhere between mid to late forties, with jet black hair and dark brown eyes, smiled and said apologetically, "Sorry about that. Andrew Potter. You must be Mr. Evans. You probably want some answers."

Mildly amused by the third interruption of the day, Harry nodded and said, "And you're probably the person to give them. Harry Evans. Pleasure to meet you, though it would have been much more enjoyable had my house not been invaded twice before today already."

"Twice?"Andrew Potter asked, eyeing his son quickly.

"My sister's fiancee stopped by," Lily said quickly.

Face molding into understanding, and realization, he smiled at her, "Ah, I see. You must be Miss Evans. We've certainly heard a lot about you, from all of the boys. Congratulations on making Head Girl."

Frowning, Lily asked quickly, "James, you mentioned that. How does everyone know? And who on earth are they? You referred to them twice in the letter."

Andrew Potter and Harry Evans both sent James approving looks as James explained quickly, "They are Death Eaters. Followers of Voldemort, the new Dark Lord. He's already more powerful than Grindelwald, and he's gaining more power and more followers right and left. I'm guessing they have a spy that they found out your Head Girl, and since you're muggle-born, it's a big deal to them."

"Stupid gits," Sirius muttered. Then he straightened and said, "Look, Evans, you're a target because you're a muggle-born, and even more now that you're Head Girl. The Death Eaters probably sent the dementors here, and until we can get them back to Azkaban you're in danger here."

"What on earth are demento-things? You've mentioned them already." Harry asked as Lily paled and walked into her kitchen.

Remus explained quickly, "They're dark creatures. They feed on happiness, and if given the opportunity, they will suck the soul out of your mouth. It won't kill you, but you'll be an empty shell of person; nothing left but a body."

Paling, Lily's father asked, his voice strained, "How can we get rid of them?"

Before anyone could speak they heard a shriek from the kitchen. Shaking his head, Harry stopped the four men from running into his kitchen. They listened as Mrs. Evans came out, sighing and shaking her head. Lily's voice came, hard and determined, "Petunia, I'm not going to listen to this. I don't have to listen to this."

"You brought them here, didn't you? You had to bring more of your kind here! Do you have any idea how hard it's going to be to explain this?"

A muffled scream of frustration came from what was obviously Lily, "Don't you get it? Something's wrong! Arg! I'm leaving."

Lily stomped out, tight-lipped as she turned to her parents apologetically, "Sorry."

Taking her arm, Harry led her out of the room as his wife smiled gently, "Petunia, my oldest, isn't too fond of the idea that Lily's a witch. We're proud to death of her, but Petty doesn't see it the same way. My name's Rose Evans."

Bowing and kissing her hand as though it was habit, Andrew smiled and said, "Pleased to meet you missus Evans. I'm afraid, if it's okay with you, that we're going to have to invite you to our house until we can clear up your house. Some of my aurors are on their way to get rid of your little, er, problem."

"Aurors? Oh, I remember Gideon explaining them to me when he came by."

"Gideon Prewett? Smart boy. Is he friends with your daughter?"

"Best," Lily said from the door, "along with Marlene McKinnon. So what are we going to do while the aurors come?"

James avoided eye contact, still flustered by what had happened earlier as his father spoke easily, "You and your family will be coming with me to my house. Yes, your sister and her fiancé as well. For your own safety, it's best nobody is here."

Sighing, Harry muttered in a manner much like Lily, "Good luck with them." With a glance from his wife, he straightened and said with a sigh, "I'll get them Rose dear, and yes, I'll explain the situation as well."

As he walked out he kissed his wife fondly on the cheek and Lily smiled after her father. James marveled at how much the girl apparently adored her father, and shook himself out of his trance-like state to listen to Rose Evans speak. "Oh, well, this is certainly unexpected. Is it okay with your wife Mr. Potter?"

"Andrew, madam, my name's Andrew. And yes, we were planning on taking you elsewhere, but my wife insisted that you come to our house. She's heard many stories about your family, and especially about your daughter, and she's very eager to meet you. We've created a portkey that will take us to Godric's Hollow, our house."

Lily looked at her mother and said, her eyes glittering, "Mum, you know what a portkey is. Remember, Marlene explained it when I took one to her house?"

Nodding with a smile, Mrs. Evans gave her a daughter a look of undisguised affection, "I remember darling. Come help me get some water, or tea, for them. I should have offered earlier."

Straightening, Andrew Potter insisted, "Oh, no. We're quite alright."

Raising an eyebrow, Rose Evans spoke in a firm tone that left no doubt in the minds of the three teenage boys that this woman was most certainly the mother of Lily Evans. "I'll bring you something to drink. I believe you can finish this quickly, but you have not met my oldest daughter. She and Lily are alike in one very important factor; they are both very stubborn."

Lily smiled, taking it as a compliment as she followed her mother into the kitchen, talking to her easily. As the room became empty of the Evans family, Andrew Potter turned to his son and said, "I like her. I like her parents too. Good luck with that one James."

Remus snorted and said, "I told him that in fifth year and he still hasn't had any luck."

Raising an eyebrow, Sirius commented lightly, "But in fifth year Prongs was an arrogant ass-hole."

Glaring at his best friend, James said sarcastically, "Thanks for the support Padfoot."

"Hey," the handsome boy said with a disarming smile as he held his hands up, "I never said I wasn't. Hell, I was even worse than you back then."

They heard a rather loud shutting of the door and they turned as a very exasperated Harry Evans returned, shaking his head, "They don't want to come. They say that they'll stay. My oldest, Petunia, she isn't fond of the wizarding world. Her fiancé's only encouraged that. She flatly refuses to come."

Petunia came in then, and the three boys looked at her and wondered how she, so plain and thin, could be the sister of the stunning Lily Evans. Behind her came the large man, red-faced as Petunia looked at her father, "We'll stay Dad. I won't go to the house of one of their kind."

James looked at the kitchen, and felt his heart crush as he saw Lily standing there, staring at her sister before turning and re-entering the kitchen without anyone else realizing she was there. Andrew Potter looked at Remus, as if asking if this was normal. Remus nodded quickly and Mr. Potter sighed, "I'd be more comfortable if you weren't here. But if you insist –"

For a moment he paused and the man, Vernon, said gruffly, "I ruddy well do. Come on Petunia, let's go back to the office until they leave. We'll just be a little late."

Petunia nodded stiffly and Mr. Evans said hoarsely, "Dursley, you watch my daughter. Nothing's official until a date's set." Large face becoming a nasty shade of purple, Vernon Dursley nodded and left. Petunia looked at her father in horror and he softened, saying more gently, "Have fun Petunia. And be careful."

Face breaking into a smile that made her look at least decently pretty, Petunia hugged her father quickly and left the room. Lily came, eyes shining and hard as she handed James and Andrew Potter two glasses of tea and left quickly, saying, "I'll bring yours out in a moment Remus, Black."

Harry Evans looked proudly after his daughter and then turned to Andrew Potter, who was sipping the tea appreciatively. "Very good. Your wife makes excellent tea."

Laughing, the man shook his head, "Oh no, she went to talk to Petunia. Lily made the tea. But yes, her tea's excellent as well. I married her for the tea."

"Oh, well, that's nice to know Harry dear," Mrs. Evans said as she walked past them, smiling as her husband winked cheekily at her. "Finish your tea Mr. Potter, and then we'll be more than ready to go." She came out a moment later, handing glasses of tea to Remus and Sirius, explaining quickly, "Lily's cleaning up. She'll be out in a moment."

Lily came out then, and James wondered if he was the only one who could tell she'd been crying. Was it because of her sister, he thought anxiously. As he took the portkey from his father and waited for everyone to touch it, he saw Harry Evans press a gentle kiss to his daughter's hair as Rose Evans held her daughter's hand as though Lily were still a child. So they noticed too, he thought in a breath of satisfaction.

James and Remus led the way as Sirius followed, talking easily to Mr. Evans while Lily and her mother talked lightly, quietly. Turning to his wise friend, James questioned curiously, "Is it always like that, with her sister?"

Remus nodded. "Wonder why she always hated that you got so upset about her being taunted? Because she's used to it. She gets beat down for being muggle-born in our world, and she gets disdain for being a witch in theirs. She's caught between two worlds."

"Merlin," James said softly, "why don't they get it? It doesn't matter. Isn't it enough that she has to deal with it at Hogwarts?"

Shrugging, Remus replied easily, "She's used to it. It's been six years since anyone's accepted her without question. She knows, about me, about all of us in fact."

Jumping, James stared at Remus, "How?"

"She's known about me for years, since second year. She found out about you three last year with the prank that Sirius played on Snape."

"Merlin, that was so stupid," James hissed. "And she hasn't said anything to anyone?"

Glancing at James, Remus shook his head, "Only to me. She's very good about keeping her word. She wouldn't tell someone else's secret unless it was hurting someone."

Looking back at where the delicate redhead stood laughing with her auburn-haired mother, James smiled appreciatively. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder, "Now, if I catch you looking at my daughter like that again I just might have to hurt you. Even if I like you."

Laughing, James replied steadily, "Then I'd better get used to getting hurt, or you could get used to me looking at Lily like that; I do it a lot."

Harry Evans burst into laughter as Sirius and Remus laughed at James' nerve to talk like that to the tall, strong figure. "We're here!" Sirius announced loudly, throwing the door open and bounding in. Lily walked in last, eyes darting around the room to take in the beautifully comfortable and home-like house she was stepping into. She saw James' father, who beamed and called easily, "Eli! They're here!"

Assuming that he was calling James' mother, Lily stared in surprise at the woman who stepped into the room. Slender and beautiful, a woman with James' wildly messy hair in the form of long brown curls and playful brown eyes identical to those of her son stepped in. A warm smile overcame her clear and fair complection as she ran a hand through her hair absent-mindedly, just as her son always did. Extending the other arm, she spoke, her voice clear and rolling, "Hello. You must the Evans'. I'm Elizabeth Potter. Come in, make yourselves at home."

Within moments Harry and Rose Evans had left the room with Mr. Potter, talking comfortably and easily with the new family. James, Sirius, and Remus watched as the warm-hearted and almost saintly Elizabeth Potter brought Lily into the circle. "You're Lily, right? I've heard much about you. I do hope this isn't the last time you come down, it's not often I get another woman in the house with my lot."

Sirius grinned and came up to wrap his arm around her waist, "You know you love us Miss Eli. You love it when we're here."

Laughing, the woman reached up and ruffled Sirius' hair, laughing even harder as he immediately went to straighten it, "You're too much a charmer for your own good Sirius Black. You come and let me fall in love with another little boy, and then you have the nerve to leave." She turned to Lily and asked quickly, "Would you like to help me with something in the kitchen for a moment?"

Lily nodded with a smile and she watched curiously as James bent over and kissed his mother on the cheek fondly, asking, "Are you working tomorrow mum?"

Returning a kiss onto her son's cheek, she shook her head and led Lily into the kitchen. Lily was shocked to see the woman brush away a tear, and she stood quickly. Smiling, Mrs. Potter shook her head and said, "Oh, I'm okay. That stupid Black is most certainly too charming for his own good. It was easier when the boys were arrogant little idiots. Sirius moved in with us during the summer after your fifth year. He'd had enough of his family, and I don't blame him. I left their circle with no regrets. And then now, just after we got used to him being here all the time instead of most of the time, he gets up and moves out. Stupid little boy. I always knew I'd end up surrounded by them, but I didn't expect to get so attached to them."

Lily smiled as the woman laughed. Moving about easily, Mrs. Potter spoke lightly and easily, and Lily wondered at how wonderfully sweet and warm-hearted the mother of arrogant, overbearing James Potter was. With one long look, Elizabeth Potter sat in front of Lily and spoke gently, "James isn't that bad now Lily dear. You shouldn't judge him by how big of a fool he makes of himself in front of you."

Stuttering in shock, Lily managed, "How'd –? I didn't –? What on earth?"

Laughing, the vibrant woman stood up and began speaking easily, "I'm a legilimans. And about my son, he's really quite a nice mix of his father and me. If I may say so. He did manage to pick up some of our faults though, but we've always taught him to revel in human flaws. I'm afraid he's inherited my arrogance and his father's overpowering nature. But he's fiercely loyal and when he loves, he loves completely. I'm quite proud of him."

"But you're not arrogant."

Laughing, as she seemed to be doing so often, Elizabeth Potter shook her head, "Oh, but I am. I've just matured a bit since I was fourteen and fifteen and I've learned not to broadcast myself to others. I let them figure it out on their own. Quite unlike Andrew; he may be overbearing at times, but he's a saint in his own right."

Both girls jumped as they heard the deep chuckle. "Oh, so I'm overbearing? Well, at least I'm saintly. I just got an owl from Dumbledore. James is Head Boy. Thank Merlin he's taking after you and not me."

Lily watched with a smile as Elizabeth Potter kissed her husband fondly, and it was obvious that after years the couple was still helplessly in love. "I'd have rathered he take after you. But, if you're happy with it, I guess I can live with it." His laugh echoing in the kitchen, he kissed his wife again and left. Turning to Lily, Mrs. Potter asked lightly, "I'm going to go follow that one of mine. Would you tell James that he's Head Boy, and that his badge is with me? And tell the boys that there's food in the sitting room, please? I'm sure he'll be thrilled at the prospect of working with you."

The concept of James Potter being Head Boy suddenly struck Lily and she nearly grimaced. Walking out to where the three boys were sprawled lazily, talking and laughing, she said, almost monotonously, "Potter, you're Head Boy. You're mum has your badge. And she said that there's food in the sitting room."

Sirius whooped with laughter and declared with a grin, "You made Head Boy Prongsie? What was Dumbledore thinking? I'd have thought Moony, or Prewett. Ha! Now you actually have to be good!"

Snorting loudly, Remus contradicted easily, "Do you really think he will? And Merlin knows what Dumbledore's thinking. We all know he's not exactly normal."

James laughed here as the second part of Lily's comment sunk in to Sirius. Jumping up as though electrocuted, he yelped, "Food! Moony, there's Potter food!"

With an undignified snort, Lily watched as Remus and Sirius raced out of room, calling Mrs. Potter ungraciously. She turned to follow when she felt a strong, rough hand grab her arm and spin her around. Looking up into James' face, she was surprised to see profound depth and intensity in his eyes. "Why do you hate me Evans? I get it that I was never the nicest guy around to you, but why do you hate me?"

Too surprised to think of what she was saying, Lily exposed a whole lot more about her feelings for the Marauders than James had expected to hear. "I never hated you. I hated how you acted, because I knew you, all of you, were above that. The pranks I could take; they never hurt anyone. But how you treated people, especially Slytherins, made me so upset because I knew you're all above them, but you acted as badly as they did. You're not stupid Potter, you make higher marks than Gideon or Remus, and everyone expected, expects, one of them to make Head Boy. I just hated how you lowered yourself, almost, for them."

His hand fell from her arm and he stared at her. Then he asked softly, "Why wouldn't you ever go out with me?"

Again surprised, she replied with more honesty and integrity than James thought should be allowed, "I don't know. Because I knew you're better than how you acted, and I couldn't let you think that I approved of that. You know how good you are, I know you know, but you never let yourself actually be that good. I thought you figured it out."

Shaking his head, James spoke gently, "I never knew. I won't ask you out again for a while. But when I do, you'll say yes. Because if not I'll die."

Any other time she'd have snorted, rolled her eyes, and brushed him off carelessly. But now she couldn't, not when he looked at her so intensely with his hazel eyes so solemn and deep. She wondered how long a while would be, and said hesitantly, "Let's go see what they're all doing. I'm guessing your mum makes good food."

She sighed in relief as his eyes filled with his predictable playfulness; she knew what to do with the child-like James while she had no idea how to deal with the solemn one. His voice became light again, and his face glowed with pride for his mother, "The best. No one can beat my mum's cooking. Now, let's go."

---

"Lily! James is here!"

Her father's call causing her to jump up and brush her hair quickly one last time, Lily ran down the stairs and asked as she grabbed her wand off the top of the stairs, "Yes? Potter, what is it this time?"

Chuckling, James replied steadily, "Come on. Dumbledore wants us to get our supplies together. And you have your Apparation test today. My dad got us a portkey to get to Diagon Alley. Let's go."

Rolling her eyes, Lily said sourly, "I don't see the point, but okay." Kissing her father quickly on the cheek, Lily felt the newly familiar tug behind her navel and looked around her dark surroundings. "This doesn't look like Diagon Alley," she said shakily.

"That's because it isn't. Something's wrong. Stay close Lily." Had she not been scared out her wits, she would have snapped at him as he wrapped an arm around her waist and held her beside him firmly. She could hear his breath, unsteady and quick, and she knew he was as scared as she was. She heard a high cackle and then felt James' breath on her neck as he whispered, "Voldemort. Whatever you do, stay behind me. I don't want you getting hurt."

She felt her face go pale as she stared into the pale, almost unhuman face of the man who had once been Tom Riddle. His voice was a cold hiss, "Welcome, welcome. My friends in the ministry are certainly good. Delivering the Head Boy and Head Girl to me at once. A mudblood and a muggle-lover in such distinguished positions. Shame, what Hogwarts has fallen to."

Jaw clenched tightly, James hissed, "What do you want?"

"Well," Voldemort said, his cold voice sending tremors down their spines as they stared at his demonic eyes with hatred, "your allegiance wouldn't be refused, were it offered."

"No!" Lily spat, stepping beside James. "Never! I know what you've done, and I would die rather than follow you!"

"But," the dark man before them replied, "would you rather take pain? Crucio."

As he finished the word James flung himself before Lily, a wild no filling her ears before she heard his screams. "James," she cried, throwing himself beside his shaking and sweaty form the moment the curse ended.

He looked at her through pain-filled eyes, but his words and thoughts were elsewhere, "Are you okay? He didn't get you, did he?"

At that moment Lily understood something that she should have figured out three years before, that James Potter never toyed with a woman's emotions. A man who loved his mother as much as James Potter did knew that a woman was something to be adored. Every time he asked her out, it had been in utmost sincerity, and she had taken it as another of his jokes. Shaking her head softly, she whispered, "No, I'm fine." Seeing the flash of relief in his face, Lily was filled with a new strength, and she stood before Voldemort and spoke firmly, "You will not get our allegiance. Whatever else you want, you may ask, though I cannot guarantee you will get that either."

He laughed a cold laugh that had her shuddering despite her attempts not to. "The only other thing I would have use for in a mudblood, however pretty they may be, I'm sure you're not interested in."

Easily he reached out and touched her cheek with a long, pale, cold finger and she froze. The sound of scrambling behind her made her start until she felt James' hands come down on her shoulders and pull her back, "Don't touch her."

"How adorable. The muggle-lover has feelings for the mudblood. Now what I want from you is one thing and one thing alone, your death."

Lily shuddered and let out a breath she hadn't known she had been holding as James' hands tightened on her shoulder. His breath was ragged against her neck as he whispered in a low voice, "There are dementors behind us. Think of a happy memory, and say expecto patronum. If it works, it'll conjure a patronus and we can get out of here."

Nodding, she heard Voldemort's high cackle as he left, "I hear you've been working on dealing with dementors. But you most certainly are not ready for this."

He disappeared easily, and the two felt every bit of hope and happiness left in them drain away. Lily felt a coldness unlike anything she had ever experienced, and voices rang in her head. Mudblood! You're nothing but filth Evans. You're a freak! My sister's a freak! Don't ever talk to me again! I hate you, freak! Breath ragged as she felt James stiffen beside and call expecto patronum she watched the dementors come closer. Happy memories, she told herself firmly, and clinging onto what little she could remember, she cried out beside James, "Expecto Patronum! Expecto Patronum! Expec–"

The tall black cloaks surrounded her and she heard James' panicked voice and felt his hands grab her, "Evans? Lily! Lily! Oh Merlin, Lily!"

Blackness coated them both, though they could have sworn they heard familiar voices shrieking the charm they had just failed to execute.

---

"James? James, darling, wake up. Oh, my baby, wake up."

Lily's eyes fluttered open and her throat, surprisingly sore, stung as she managed, "What happened?"

Within moments the beautiful, and thoroughly worried Elizabeth Potter was at Lily's side, grasping her hand and saying, "Oh, you're okay. Thank Merlin. We were worried sick about you. Oh Merlin. Andrew got a tip at work that someone had tampered with the portkey, and he followed it. Remus and Sirius went with him and a couple other aurors. The dementors. They –"

Breaking off, she shook her head. With a maturity Lily had never expected, Sirius came and held her gently, kissing her on the cheek and saying softly, "He'll be okay Miss Eli. He'll be okay."

Nodding and wiping her tears away furiously, she turned back to her son as Sirius sat next to Lily and sighed in relief. "Thank Merlin. We were terrified Evans. James was still conscious when we got there, but you weren't. Merlin, you scared the life out of me. The dementors, they were trying to give you and James the kiss."

Sitting up and grabbing hold of Sirius' hand as she felt the world spin, she asked, "What's the kiss?"

She jumped at the sound of a loud snap and turned to see Remus handing her a large slab of chocolate, "Eat it; it'll make you feel better. The dementor's kiss is when a dementor tries to suck a person's soul out of their mouth."

Lily turned to look at James, where he lay white and as though dead and she asked, eyes wide, "Is he okay? They didn't get him, did they?"

A third voice came and Lily turned to yet another familiar face, "No, they would have if we'd shown up any later. Gideon said to make sure you were okay."

"Fabian," Lily said softly, her voice an echo.

The handsome man bent down and kissed Lily's forehead quickly, "In the flesh. Now rest Lily, you're bound to be exhausted. I'm going to Diagon Alley to get the supplies you and James need for next year. I'll tell Gideon and Marlene that you're okay."

Nodding, Lily, and Sirius and Remus, watched as Andrew Potter came in, pale and tight-lipped. He didn't even notice anyone, but went straight to his wife. Instantly her arms came around him and she said, "Oh dear Merlin Andrew. If you hadn't gotten there –"

Fiercely hiding any emotions he may have felt, he placed a finger on his wife's lips and said, "We got there, and nothing like this is going to happen again. James is strong, he'll make it. He has to make it."

Seeing the pain that her husband was going through, Elizabeth Potter's fingers curled into his cloak and she clung to him, "Andrew. Oh Merlin, Andrew."

Bending, he kissed his wife with an unrestricted passion. He wiped the tears from her cheeks and kissed her forehead, "I'm going to find out who did this. I love you Eli."

"I love you too Andrew. Be careful."

Smiling softly, Andrew Potter pressed another kiss to her forehead and left quickly. Turning Elizabeth Potter watched her son, white knuckles pressed to her lips in worry. Ignoring the rush of dizziness that swept her, and taking the arm Sirius offered, Lily stood as James stirred. "My baby," Elizabeth soothed painfully, brushing his messy black hair from his face, "it's okay James. James, darling, be okay."

"Mum," James asked, rather childishly, as his eyes opened.

Wrapping her arms around her son and holding him as though he was still a baby, and reveling in the fact that the young man clung to her as though he was a child, she said gently, "My baby. I was so worried about you. You're father, oh Merlin."

Sitting up straight, surprising everyone by his steadiness, he asked with wide eyes, "Is he okay? Is Dad okay?"

"He's fine James. He was just worried about you. I haven't seen him that worried in years. But it's okay. You're all okay now."

As Lily took an uncertain step forward, Sirius held her fast and guided her closer as James' eyes locked on his mother's face and he turned to get up, standing despite his shaky legs, "Lily. Where's Lily? Is she–"

He froze as he saw Lily, standing there with her guileless green eyes wide in her unusually pale face. Cursing Voldemort, dementors, and himself for the pallor in her face, he enveloped her in his arms and said throatily, "You're okay. Thank Merlin. I'd have killed him if he hurt you."

Surprised, Lily hugged him back, relieved, more than she felt she had the right to be, that he was safe. Suddenly she froze and looked up at him. "Why did you stay? You can apparate already; why didn't you just go?"

James stared at her, and it was obvious the thought had never even occurred to him. "I wouldn't leave you behind. Not for anything."

Sirius began to step forward when Elizabeth Potter and Remus both grabbed his arms and held him back. Leaning close, Mrs. Potter said gently, "They'll be engaged by the end of the year. Just watch. Merlin, he's so much like his father."

Laughing lightly, Sirius whispered playfully, "And you know you like that. After all, you do like his daddy, don't you."

Clear complection suffused with a deep blush, she shoved Sirius and said, "You little demon. Don't you know to respect your elders?"

"I do," Sirius said with a wicked grin. "If I didn't, I'd have said this," leaning over, he whispered something into her ear.

Eyes going wide, she grabbed Sirius by the ear and said, "You even try to say that again and I'll wash your mouth out young Black."

Winking at Remus, he opened his mouth again and began. Ignoring his yelp, Elizabeth tightened her grip on his ear and yanked him from the room. Remus chuckled softly at his cries and pleas for mercy, and later his screams of bloody murder. Walking in, Fabian shook his head and looked at the three, "That Black had it coming. I didn't know your mum had it in her Potter, washing his mouth out. He has to be a good half foot taller than her too."

"Ten inches," James said. "Same height as my dad. She's done worse before, believe me. What's going on Prewett?"

"Your dad's at the Ministry right now, trying to figure out what happened. Your mum let him know you're okay, and now he's mad as a hornet. He said that, unless you're up to it Lily, to cancel your apparation test."

Thinking of how much easier it would have been to apparate away, and that James would have been safe had they both been able to, Lily shook her head. "I know how to do it, and I will. This wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the dammed portkey."

James smiled at her use of foul language as Fabian chuckled, rocking back on his heels, "Alright then Lily. Come on. Potter, Lupin, you two can come too. Or you can stay with Mrs. Potter. I think Black'll be coming too, by the sound of it."

They heard Sirius, grumbling about bloody murder, stupid soap, and mean Miss Eli. He stomped in loudly, glaring furiously at James, "Your mum killed me. And I can still taste that bloody awful soap!"

Lily looked down at what was left of her chocolate and held it up, "Here. Better than soap. It's bound to help some at least."

Sirius grinned and kissed her quickly, ignoring the look of horror on James' face and shock on hers as he shoved the chocolate into his mouth. Remus, laughing, asked carefully, "What did you say to her that was so bad?"

Grinning, Sirius repeated his words through a mouthful of chocolate. James groaned as Lily snapped, very much like a mother herself, "You deserve to get your mouth washed out again for that kind of language!"

Blanching at the thought, Sirius shook his head and grumbled through a chocolate-y mouth, "Mo more thoap!"

Laughing, the five left to Lily's apparation test. Though the other three noticed, neither Lily nor James noticed when his arm slipped around her waist in a comfortable, natural, protective gesture. But they did notice, after passing her apparation test, that Mrs. Potter was sitting with Harry and Rose Evans in the Evans sitting room. Standing quickly, Mrs. Evans hugged her daughter and asked anxiously, "Are you okay? How do you feel darling?"

Smiling into her father's anxious face and her mother's worried one, Lily nodded, "I'm fine mum."

Before anything else could be said, Sirius asked, almost cautiously, "What are you doing here Miss Eli?"

Laughing, Elizabeth Potter squeezed the boy's hand and said, "I forgive you now Sirius. Andrew asked me to come by and explain what happened to Harry and Rose. Now, why did it take all three of you to see Lily home? Did Fabian go home?"

Lily shook her head and said, "No, he went to go get Gideon from Marlene's and bring them over. If you don't mind mum. These three insisted it would take all three of them to protect me if anything else happened."

Elizabeth Potter laughed before sobering. Her pretty face turned serious and she said, "Your father asked me to talk to you two, and Remus. He wants you both to know the Patronus charm, no matter what. He said that the moment you three get back to Hogwarts, he wants Remus to teach you. You know your father James, so don't give me that look."

"Why me?" Remus asked, eyebrow arched in confusion.

"Because you're better at tutoring than Sirius or Gideon. And because Andrew was impressed with your patronus. Fabian Prewett was too; he's actually the one who suggested that you tutor them. You can do it Remus dear."

Remus smiled sheepishly and Rose Evans stood up and asked cheerfully, "Who wants to stay for dinner? Go ahead and stay Elizabeth, and go ahead and tell Andrew to come over when he's done with his work."

Mrs. Potter looked uncertain for a moment, but seeing the joy on James, Sirius, and Remus' faces she relented and nodded, "Thank you. I'll go home quickly and leave him a note so he knows. I'll be back in about ten minutes."

She winked at James and disapparated. As she disapparated they heard two crashes in the kitchen, and a very familiar voice snap, "Gideon, get off of me! Come on, Fabian said she'd be home!" With a laugh, Lily threw herself at an unsuspecting Marlene McKinnon, who began laughing as she asked, her eyes bright, "How are you? What happened? Why aren't you sitting down?"

A tall, robust young man with light brown hair beamed at Lily and said, "We were all worried about you until Fabian said you were okay. Marlene, stop fussing." He turned to James, Sirius, and Remus and smiled slightly, "Thanks. Fabian said you took good care of her."

Rolling her eyes, Marlene looked at them and smiled, "Ignore Gideon. He's just sore because he had to help his mum clean up the house today while Fabian was out and about. Hi Mrs. Evans! Hello Mr. Evans! Where's Petunia?"

She glanced around anxiously and Harry Evans laughed, "Don't worry Marlene, she went to have dinner with Vernon's family. She left about ten minutes after Eli came by."

Gideon muttered something darkly and received a loud slap in the back of the head from Marlene, "Watch your language Prewett."

Glaring at her as Sirius laughed, he snapped, "What, you know I'm right. Oh, Mrs. Evans, I could have sworn I heard the words stay and dinner as we came in."

Lily rolled her eyes and shoved him onto the couch, "You're being an arrogant pig Gideon. Yes, you can stay for dinner. James, Sirius, sit down. Remus, what are you doing?"

Remus pointed to the cat at the door and said, "You have a cat?"

Laughing, Lily shook her head and said, "No, my owl's upstairs. That's our next door neighbour's cat. It doesn't bite, I promise. Go home Ginger."

The cat meowed and walked out. Marlene laughed and looked at Remus, "Are you scared of cats? Gideon, dear, what are you doing?"

The attention shifted to Gideon, who straightened and asked, "What? What do you mean? I was asking Lily something. So, what do you say Lily?"

"Ask her yourself you brute," she turned to James and asked curiously, "Why am I surrounded by idiotic men?"

Sirius exclaimed in jolly indignation and James winked at her and sat down beside her, "Are you calling me and Remus idiots Lily?"

With a smile, Lily shook her head, "I guess you two I'll accept as not complete idiots."

Gideon sat back from the couch across from where Lily sat with James and Sirius. His light grey eyes were cold and calculating as he watched them. He started as Marlene sat down beside him, and his whole demeanor softened. Remus and Sirius exchanged glances and looked at Lily, who nodded and smiled as she leaned back. Then the two looked at Gideon, who smiled and nodded as James' arm wrapped around Lily's waist, again as though it was completely natural. With two very undignified snorts, Remus and Sirius went and sat directly between the two overly comfortable pairs. In the kitchen, Rose and Harry Evans laughed and contemplated the two couples they had also observed.

Voice low, Harry spoke to his wife with a grin, "You guessed Lily and James what, three years ago? What about Gideon and Marlene?"

With a laugh, Rose kissed her husband quickly and said, "Three and half, when Lily wrote me a long rant about how the Marauders all acted horribly when she knew they were capable of better. Gideon and Marlene, when didn't we see something there? What could possibly make us jump to that conclusion?"

"Other than their arguing incessantly the way we used to Rose dear? Or Gideon's inordinate overprotectiveness of her when he merely glares at any guy he sees with Lily? Or maybe it's the fact that their families have been close for forever and a day, it seems. Or, maybe Rose, it's that their parents have been talking about it with us for almost seven years now. I don't know, maybe we're just geniuses."

Laughing happily, Rose explained to a very bewildered Elizabeth Potter standing in the doorway, "We're merely contemplating the relationships of our daughter's best friends, and our daughter and your son."

"Oh," she said with a laugh, "I gave our two until they graduate. Andrew just got home, but he said he'll be over in a moment. Need any help Rose? I'll go take some water to the kids. And no, Harry, you can't give my son the threatening speech just yet."

As Harry Evans laughed, both the Evans and Potter parents felt the tug at the realization that their children wouldn't be only theirs much longer. With a jolt they turned to see Andrew Potter brushing off his pants and catching a vase. Steadying it, he smiled sheepishly and said, "Sorry about that. Are the kids okay?"

Laughing at her husband's anxiety, Elizabeth kissed him fondly and said, "They're fine. They're all out in the sitting room. Go on, talk to them. James asked about you."

The moment Andrew walked into the room James jumped up and hugged his father, ignoring the fact that it may have seemed awkward, "Dad!"

Laughing, Andrew winked at him and asked, "Better then James? How about you Lily, are you okay? I would have stayed to make sure you were okay, but I had some business to take care of."

Gideon opened his mouth, to ask if it was more important than the health of his son and Lily, but he shut it as he saw the fierce protectiveness and control in the eyes of Andrew Potter. For an instant Gideon Prewett, Marlene McKinnon, Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin wondered what the story of Andrew Potter really was. But that ended as he turned to Remus, "Remus, did Eli tell you what Dumbledore and I decided? That you'll be tutoring James and Lily on the Patronus charm?"

Remus nodded and James gaped, "Dumbledore? Mum only mentioned you and Prewett, the older one."

Laughing, Andrew nodded, "I suggested you two get some help in dealing with dementors, because we haven't seen the last of them. It was Prewett's idea to use Remus. But Dumbledore approved it all."

He sat and began talking easily with the six until Harry came in and said, "Fine business there Andrew, leaving me with the wives. Dinner's ready."

With loud whoops, Remus and Sirius darted towards the kitchen while Gideon and Marlene walked off arguing. Lily went towards her father, who hugged her quickly. But his eyes were hard when he said, "Don't take it lightly Lily. You too James. He went after you once, and he'll do it again. Don't stop at the Patronus charm. You'll need to be able to deal with more than just dementors before this is over, I'll wager."

Lily nodded and as Harry Evans called his wife and sauntered off, Andrew Potter spoke, "You're father's a smart man Lily Evans. And you're a smart girl. And remember, the Patronus is a shield, not only for dementors. And even if you don't use your patronus, being able to call a happy memory can always have it's uses. Make them for yourself, both of you, because you'll be in need of plenty soon enough."

The patronus, Lily thought as she walked into dinner, is going to destroy my study habits and free time with Marlene and Gideon. But it'll save my life.

The patronus, James wondered as he followed Lily and his father into the dining room, is going to create a whole lot more complications than we expect. But I'll see Lily.

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A/N - Hope you liked it!