AN: I hope you like my first story on fanfiction i personally like the plot i chose. Nothing belongs to me its all J.K.R's the brilliant woman she is! xx

Lily Potter sat, silently rocking back and forth in the rocking chair that was stood in the centre of the brightly coloured nursery. In one hand she held a book which at that moment she had no interests in reading, for her thoughts were on something else at that moment in time.

They were in fact situated on the two 15 month old boys that were asleep in their cribs. She hadn’t expected to have twins when she was pregnant; no one in her family had them, so why had she? But that didn’t matter; she loved them both just as much. The eldest was Harry James, who looked a lot like his father. Black unkempt hair that no matter what Lily did to try making it lie flat it would shoot off in all different kinds of directions. He was an enthusiastic boy and already at his young age was showing signs of powerful magic. His best feature by far was his eyes in his mother’s point of view. Lily loved his eyes, and not only because they matched hers. He had big, round emerald green eyes that sparkled each time he laughed and even when he cried. When he was born, she could spend all day with him on her lap with each of them staring into each other’s eyes.

Robert Edward, who was actually named after James’ father, wasn’t identical to Harry. He had lighter hair, almost burnt amber which was a little more manageable than his brother’s. He was just like his father, enjoyed watching his uncles messing about. She was also pretty sure that James favoured him over Harry because he had the same attitude as himself. He also had his father’s eyes, a light hazel coloured brown.

They were both her babies, though, and she loved each of them equally. But she was worried for them. Not long after they were born, Albus Dumbledore, her old Headmaster from Hogwarts, came to their home and told them about a prophecy that had just been told by his newest Divination Professor.

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches.

Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the 7th month dies.

And the Dark Lord shall mark him as his equal

But he has the power the Dark Lord knows not

And either will die at the hand of the other

For neither can live while the other survives.

The one with the power to defeat Dark Lord

Will be born as the 7th month dies.

He had every reason to believe that either Harry or Robert was this child, so he placed them into hiding, using Sirius as their Secret Keeper. Lily didn’t trust him herself; he was James’ best friend after all, not hers, but there was no other choice. But she knew automatically who the prophesised boy was. Even though the boys were twins, they were born several minutes apart because the Healers had trouble getting Robert out. Robert was finally born at 00:05 on the 1st August. Harry, however, was born six minutes prior, meaning he was born at 11:59 31st July. In Lily’s eyes, as the 7th month died, Harry was born, but for some reason Dumbledore had convinced James that it was Robert because he was born after the 7th month had died. It was a good solution, but Lily knew what she had found was right. She had a feeling that it was Harry who she had to protect; it was her motherly instincts after all, but James had begun to give Robert more and more attention over Harry. He would always get the longer cuddle or the noisiest kiss. Even though Harry was just over one years of age, Lily knew that he wasn’t stupid. He was going to be a smart boy in the future; his magic proved that.

Sighing, she stood and stretched, her back aching from the time spent sat in the chair. That was what she had been taken to doing the past few months, sitting with her boys as they lay there or they played. She didn’t know what time with them she had left, so she never let them out of her sight.

Closing the book, she walked over to Robert’s crib and peered inside. She smiled and ran a finger over his cheek. Typical, so much like his father. He was fast asleep, quietly snoring as he dreamed. Leaning farther down, she gave him a small kiss on the forehead and nuzzled him a little before moving away.

Peering over Harry’s crib, she gasped quietly as she met two identical green eyes. She smiled and leaned over, Harry smiled too, showing small teeth coming through his gums. She chuckled.

“Are you still awake, little man?” He gave a little giggle and reached up with a small pudgy hand. She gave him her finger, which he gladly stuck into his mouth and sucked on. She laughed and ruffled his hair with her other hand. “It’s late, Harrykins, you should be far away somewhere in your dreams, preferably where your brother is.” She smiled softly as he entertained himself with her finger. “Far way from all the troubles your daddy and I have to go through.” He pulled her finger from his mouth.

“Dada?” She grinned; Harry had started to speak first only a few weeks ago, and he could already say ‘Mama’ and ‘Dada’.

“Yes, Harry, Mama and Dada.” He giggled again.

“Mama!” She laughed and kissed his forehead also. He suddenly gave a small yawn and closed his eyes. She stroked his hair, once, twice, and then he was fast asleep.

She sighed. Yes, she had no idea how long she would have this time with her babies.

“Lily!” Frowning, she stepped away from the crib and went to the door, opening it slightly so she could fit her head through. “Lily!”

“James!” she yelled quietly, a black-haired head came around the corner of the stairs, followed by a dazzling grin. She smiled and shook her head.

“Sorry, honey, I couldn’t find you.” He walked over and opened the door, pulling her into his arms. “I looked everywhere!” She shook her head and chuckled.

“Everywhere? What, even in here?” she asked, gesturing to the nursery. He winked and pulled her closer.

“Well, the only place I wished you were in. The bedroom.” She laughed at his attempt at a suave accent.

“Well, at the current time I haven’t any wish to meet you in ‘The Bedroom’,” she copied his suavity and pulled away, picking the small blanket up off the back of the chair and draped it over Harry. She smiled as he unconsciously put his thumb in his mouth. Standing up straight, she watched as James was leaning over Robert’s crib. She made a tutting noise.

“Don’t wake him up, James.” He sighed and stood straight, only taking his eyes off his son when he looked at her. His head then tilted to the side as he looked her up and down. She frowned. “What?” He shrugged, and leant over the crib again.

“You look nice.” She looked down. She was only wearing a pair of her old jeans and a pink shirt that she’d found. She looked back at him.

“Well, yeah, I suppose for jeans and a shirt…why?” He shrugged again and put his hands in his pockets, standing straight once more.

“Well, they’re nice…for sitting in. But where we’re going tonight, I thought you’d get more dressed up.” She stared a moment, confused, then her brain finally clicked as she realised what her husband was wearing. Black pants and a white shirt with a black bow-tie and a black jacket. She winced and put her hand over her eyes in frustration.

“Oh, James! That National Charity Halloween ball! I completely forgot!” He chuckled and walked to her, pulling her into his arms once again.

“Hey, don’t worry about it! We still have –” He checked his watch “-an hour to get ready. If we Apparate there, then you have an hour to change into one of your dresses and make yourself even more beautiful than you already are.” She rolled her eyes, but bit her lip. She really, in her deepest of hearts, didn’t want to leave her boys as she went to the Ministry for a party. Sighing, she looked away and leant over Harry’s crib again, unable to look at him.

“James, I can’t go tonight.” She heard him sigh, and she stood again, “No, listen, there is too much going on at the minute and I can’t leave them. Maybe if it was before they were born or even if there was no Prophecy, I would do it, but right now there are too many things that can put their lives at risk!” He shook his head.

“Lily! We’ve had this planned for ages. Our way back into society! I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone thought we were dead right now!” He regretted his words once he saw his wife flinch. He sighed again and put a hand on her shoulder. “Lil’, you mustn’t worry. Besides, Peter’s going to baby-sit for us.” Lily cringed and he sighed, anger leaking into his tone. “What now?”

“Well, it’s Peter.” He frowned.

“What’s wrong with Peter?” She frowned also.

“Well, you have to admit, put into a situation where Voldemort were to somehow find us…how do you think he would react?” He stared at her for a moment, then shook his head.

“You trust Pete’ with our lives, but you don’t trust him with looking after our kids for a couple of hours!” She shook her head, frustrated.

“Oh, James, of course I do! Else I wouldn’t have agreed to change from Sirius to Peter, would I?” She sighed. “I just need to know that they’ll be safe,” she said weakly. James read her weakness and pulled her close.

“Of course they will. Hey, Pete will look after Rob,’” he whispered. She pulled away and looked at him.

“And Harry,” she said. He frowned.

“What?” She moved away a little more.

“You said ‘Pete’ will look after Rob.’ Yes, and he will look after Harry.” He blinked once before nodding.

“Of course and Harry, too.” She stared at him for a moment, slightly shocked that he had managed to forget his other son. Was Dumbledore’s theory getting to her husband’s head? Was he beginning to forget about their first son? She sighed shortly and turned away.

“I’ll tell you what, James. Just to ease my mind, you go to the ball, show everyone that we’re alive, and I’ll stay here and look after the children.” He shook his head.

“Why do you have to be so difficult? You said you’d come?!” She laughed.

“When have I ever been known to put a party before the lives of my children? I’m sorry, James, but I think Harry and Rob are pretty more damn important to me than showing people that I’m alive!” He watched as she picked the book up at threw it across the room.

“Calm down,” he said. She laughed.

“Calm down? Do you know what, James, just go! Go have fun with all your friends from the Ministry and don’t worry about us; we’ll be fine without you here!” He turned and headed to the door, his shoulders tight from frustration. Before he walked out the door, he turned.

“Peter is downstairs if you need him,” he said shortly, before closing the door behind him.

She stared at the door for a few minutes, her breathing laboured from the stress. How could he go out when his children were in danger? How could he be so arrogant and pompous?

“How can you act like such a Potter right now?” she whispered to the room, before tears fell from her eyes. She moved over to the small bed in the corner of the room and flopped down onto the covers, pulling a cushion to her chest. Her shoulders shook with anger and upset. “How can you be so selfish?”

Suddenly, a cry caught her attention, and she stopped crying immediately, rushing over to Harry’s crib. The argument must have awoken him. She smiled as he looked up at her worriedly.

“You’re nothing like your father, are you? You wouldn’t leave your wife and kids alone with a cowardly lion downstairs.” She chuckled at her small joke and stroked her son’s cheek. “Oh, Harry, you are going to grow up a gorgeous young man; girls are going to fall at your feet. And you’re going to be so powerful! With only a flick of your wand, you’ll make mountains and rivers! God only hopes you’ll never be as arrogant as your fat-headed father. Though, I’m being childish now. Calling names behind Dada’s back isn’t nice.” He giggled as she grinned at him. Somehow, her baby boy always made her feel better.

A knock was heard and the door opened. Lily looked up and gave Peter a small smile. “Hi, Peter.” Peter gave a small smile and waved.

“Are you ok, Lily?” he asked. She nodded and sighed. Peter walked into the room and peered into Robert’s crib. It was James’ idea to make Peter Robert’s godfather, and it was really only because he wanted two separate godfathers for the boys and Remus wasn’t allowed to be one because of being a werewolf. Lily didn’t like the fact that the weak man was her son’s godfather, but he somehow took to the role seriously and did seem to care for him a lot.

Once Lily had realised that she had gotten Harry to sleep once more, she stood and stretched. Peter also stood straight and watched.

“How are you, Peter?” she asked. He shrugged and looked away, making her frown. “Are you ok?” she asked. He looked up, slightly worried, and nodded quickly.

“Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked. Her eyes widened as he shook slightly.

“Oh…well, it’s just that you look a little…worst for ware.” He shook his head and offered another weak smile.

“No, I’m good.” She gave a nod.

“Well, why don’t you go back downstairs, and I’ll get changed, then we’ll watch some TV. Sound good?” He nodded and quickly left the room, giving Robert one last glance. Lily watched him go in confusion. He seemed nervous, jittery. Well, more jittery than usual. She shrugged and gave Harry and Rob a kiss on the forehead and left the room, turning off the lights and closing the door behind her.

Walking down the hall, she stopped when she heard voices from down the stairs. Frowning, she stepped to the balcony and peered over the edge, listening.

“Well?” a dark voice asked. Her stomach knotted at the sound.

“My – my Lord. The boy is in the nursery; Lily Potter will be coming down any moment now.” Peter’s voice faltered. She gritted her teeth and closed her eyes. She knew. It was Peter, and he was talking to his Master!

“Well done, Pettigrew. Convincing Potter to leave the three of them was an excellent idea. You will be rewarded. Once the girl comes down, I shall dispose of her and demolish this Prophecy!” An evil laugh protruded her ears, and a tear slipped from her eye.

“My Lord – would it be too bold to ask…spare Robert, my godson. Once you kill Harry, then we can take Robert, and you could raise him as your heir. I know he has the makings of one!” Lily moved away from the banister and shook her head.

“Hmm, you make a good point. An heir would do well, and who better to use than the son of James Potter!” Lily ran to the nursery and pulled the door open. She ran to their cribs and stood in front of them, shielding them as much as she could.

“I’d just like to see you come and get them, Voldemort,” she whispered. Silence echoed around the rooms. And then a creak from the first stair was heard, and her stomached churned in fear.

“You said she would come down, Wormtail.” His voice sounded angry. Lily pulled her wand from her pocket and pointed it towards the door; she would only have one shot.

“She must have overhead us and will be upstairs. I’ll show you the way.” Lily shook her head.

“Oh, Peter, you traitor!” she whispered, her hand shaking slightly.

“Oh, Lily…where are you?” Voldermort’s voice spoke slyly over the silence, and her breathing became quicker. Her heart raced as she felt him coming closer.

The door creaked a little, and she braced herself, a spell on her lips.

“Oh, Lily…put that wand down!” Her wand flew from her fingers and she cried out. She took a step back as the door opened fully and Lord Voldemort stepped into the room, flanked by her husband’s supposed best friend. She glared.

“How could you, Peter? He was your friend! Robert is your godson!” she cried. He looked at her sadly, then looked away. Voldemort watched and chuckled.

“Wormtail finally realised the stronger side of the war, Mrs Potter. He realised how ‘down hill’ the wizarding world is falling thanks to scum like you and your sons.” Lily smirked.

“’Down hill’? Hmm, sounds to me like you just used a Muggle saying, Voldemort.” He frowned at her impudence and pointed his wand at her. Her stomach clenched again.

“Do not use my name. I know, Lily, that you fear me, so why do you use my name?” She shook her head.

“I do not fear you. I fear what you can and will do to me and my children.” He laughed evilly again.

“To fear death is weak!” She shook her head.

“I do not fear death, Voldemort. I fear what you will do to my children.” His eyebrows rose, and he lowered his wand slightly.

“You fear that I will kill them? Well, why deny you that?” Her eyes widened. What had she done?

In a split second Voldemort had raised his wand again and sent her flying across the room, hitting the wall hard. She dropped to the floor and found herself immobilised, unable to tear her eyes away from the horror that was going to happen.

Voldemort chuckled again and pointed his wand at Harry’s crib.

Please! Her mind screamed, Not my Harry! I’ll do anything! I love him! And a warm feeling erupted in her chest as all of her body screamed out to protect her son. Voldemort spoke the two deadliest words in the world, each with a smirk on his face.

What he hadn’t expected was the powerful green light to reflect off of her son and back to him.

His screams mingled with Harry’s cry of pain and Robert’s cry of fear. Lily watched as his body disintegrated to the floor and lay there unmoving. But she was there to witness the black soul float out the window and into the black night.

As soon as he was dead, the spell had been taken off Lily, and she stood, quickly taking her wand from the body and pointing it at Peter.

“Don’t move, traitor.” He stared wide-eyed at the wand in her hand. He was too shocked to move, as was she. She cast an immobilisation spell on him and then ran to Harry’s crib.

“Harry!” she gasped. He looked up at her with his beautiful green eyes and blinked in confusion. The thing that shocked her most about her son was the lightning-shaped cut on his forehead, which was burning bright red and leaking blood. He let out a cry and she picked him up. “Shh…it’s ok, baby, Mama’s here.”

She moved over to Robert’s crib and picked him up also as he was crying. She nuzzled each of her sons’ heads, thanking the Gods that they were both still alive.

Suddenly, she heard a rumbling, and her stomach clenched once again. There were creaks sounding all over the house, and she could feel the magic of the reflected curse reacting.

Keeping a tight hold of the boys, she ran from the room, dodging falling debris. In her panic, she fell forward on a brick, and a small, sharp piece of wood fell. It hit Robert on his forehead just above his left eye, making him bleed deeply. He cried harder and Lily swore, running quicker to get from the house.

The front door was wide open, and she frowned in determination. Just as she ran into the night air, she turned to find the right side of the house collapse.

Watching, she cried as the beautiful house that she and James handpicked especially for them burned and collapsed. Peter would have still been left immobilised on the floor, but she didn’t care, as long as she got her babies out.

Walking a bit farther away, she laid her boys onto the grass and checked them over for any broken bones or serious injury, but the only thing wrong with them were the cuts on their foreheads. Harry seemed to be quietening, and his cut seemed to be healing slightly, but she knew there would be a scar. Robert still cried loudly, the noise joining the crashes of the building. Pointing her wand at him, she tried to clear her mind to cast a healing spell, but her hand shook vigorously. She dropped it beside them as her shoulders shook with tears. She took deep breaths in an attempt to calm herself, but the shock took over, and her body was wracked with sobs.

“Lily!” She looked up, her vision blurred, but she could see Sirius’ outline.

“Sirius!” Two arms surrounded her and pulled her close as she cried into his chest. He rubbed circles soothingly on her back to calm her down, all the while keeping his eyes on the boys. Pulling away, he looked at her.

“Are you all ok?” She nodded.

“I managed to get us all out, but Peter’s still in there. Oh, Sirius, how could he do this to us? He persuaded James to go to that Halloween Ball at the Ministry and then brought Voldemort to the house and -”

“Wait, James is at a ball?” She nodded and he swore. “Why would he be so stupid and leave you all like that!” Lily shrugged, but a pain in her shoulder stopped her.

“Ow!”

“What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly. She used her left hand to feel her right shoulder and she winced.

“It’s my shoulder; I think it’s dislocated.” He nodded and pointed his wand, murmuring a healing spell. She sighed in relief as the shoulder replaced itself, and she could move her arm without pain. Sirius then turned to the boys and performed the same spell on both of their cuts.

“Look at Harry’s scar…How did that happen?” he asked. Lily gasped at the thin lines of the lightning bolt-shaped scar on her son’s forehead. She shook her head.

“I don’t know. I was thrown across the room and he’d immobilised me. But he turned to Harry and cast the Avada curse…but it reflected back at him!” Sirius’ eyebrows rose and his eyes widened.

“How?”

“I don’t know! Then once I’d immobilised Peter, we were running out the house when a piece of wood fell and hit Robert on the head.” She glanced closely at Robert’s scar and saw that it was thicker and deeper than Harry’s and in a circle. She sighed as the shock began to wear off, and she pulled her boys into her arms, squeezing them close to her. Sirius stared at the house.

“I’m gonna kill that traitorous bastard!” Lily’s eyes widened.

“Sirius, no! He may even be dead now! The spell wouldn’t have worn off, so he’ll still be inside there. Don’t kill him; you’re so much better than him.” He nodded and held his arms out for Robert.

“Can you Apparate?” She nodded, but looked nervous. “I don’t want you to stay around here for too long, Lily.” She nodded.

“I know, but with the state I’m in, I don’t want to splinch or even hurt Harry.” He nodded and sighed. They sat there, watching the house burn quietly. Suddenly, a pop was heard and James ran into view.

Lily stood and ran into his arms. He pulled her close and closed his eyes. He’d felt his ring burn at the ball and tried to get away as soon as possible. Pulling away, he kissed her, relieved that she was alive.

“James, mate, why did you go to that stupid ball?” Sirius asked, walking over. James sighed and took Robert from his friend’s arms, holding him close. Sirius gaped as he watched his friend coo over the boy. He looked from Harry, who was nestled in his mother’s arms, and back to James. Lily knew that he had seen how James had ignored Harry. James looked to Lily.

“What happened?” She sighed.

“It was Peter. He’d gotten Voldemort to the house. I was thrown cross the room, and he sent the killing curse at Harry, but it somehow reflected off of him and back at Voldemort! He died!” James stared wide-eyed, then shook his head.

“Why would Pete do this? Maybe he was under the influence of the Imperius!” Lily shook her head.

“No, he asked Voldemort if he would spare Robert so he could bring him up as his heir.” James scoffed.

“Why would Voldemort do that if it was Robert he was after?!” Lily shook her head again.

“But it wasn’t Robert, it was Harry!” James pulled Robert away from his shoulder and expected the scar on his forehead, then shook his head.

“No, look, you must have hit your head, sweetheart; Rob’s got a scar on his forehead.” Lily frowned.

“I didn’t hit my head, James. I know what I saw. And look, Harry’s scar is more unique. It’s a lightning bolt shape.” James frowned.

“Why is Harry so important to you? Don’t you know as parents we aren’t supposed to pick favourites?” Lily’s mouth dropped open, and she moved away.

“Favourites? James, I saved both my boys from a collapsing building; I defended them both against Voldemort! I love them both equally! How can you say something like that!” He scoffed,

“Well, how can you say that it was Harry when Dumbledore told us it was Robert that he was after?” She shook her head. She couldn’t believe the things he was saying.

“Because, James, I was there! I know he went after Harry, and I know it was Harry who killed him!”

“How can you deny Robert the honour of what he did?!”

“James, you weren’t there!”

“Maybe if I were, nothing would have happened! I wouldn’t have been thrown across the room so weakly!” She slapped him across the face in anger, and he stared in shock.

“Well, maybe you shouldn’t have gone to that stupid ball! You are always thinking of yourself, Potter, and what people think of you! Don’t you have the decency to be wrong for once in your perfect life? Read my mind if you don’t believe me; all the memories are there!” He frowned again and shook his head.

“Theory is so much better than fake memories.”

“Theories are always proved wrong in one way or another. It was wrong of Dumbledore to speculate on which child was going to be hunted by Voldemort. And it was wrong of you to believe him!” James laughed.

“Dumbledore is the smartest wizard in the world! How can anyone not believe him?” Lily shrugged.

“Oh, I don’t know, James. More or less just like the way I did!” It was James’ turn for his mouth to drop open.

“You didn’t believe Dumbledore?” She shook her head.

“I could never put one child’s importance above the other. It just doesn’t work like that, James,” she said. He looked away, then up to his friend.

“What happened to Peter?” he asked. Sirius nodded to the building, unable to speak clearly to his friend who had spoken awfully to his own wife. Lily answered for him.

“He’ll still be in there. I immobilised him so we could escape.” James nodded and turned towards the building before turning back and handing Robert to Sirius.

“I’m going to go get him. He needs to be confronted.” Sirius nodded and held Robert closely, watching James walk carelessly into the building. Lily let out a sob. She couldn’t believe that James had just turned on her like that! Sirius sighed and put and arm around her shoulder.

“He had no right, Lily.” She nodded and buried her face in his shoulder. Harry began to cry, and she looked down at him, her eyes catching the scar on his forehead. How can anyone say that that was not the cursed scar?

“Dumbledore will say it’s Robert. James will favour him even more, even forget about Harry because Robert will be made famous for killing Voldemort.” Another tear fell. “To be perfectly honest, I’d rather none of them be declared a hero. They are babies; they wouldn’t even know! The only thing they would know would be that their father would spoil them even more for something they won’t remember.” Sirius nodded in agreement. Another pop was heard, and both spun quickly, only to meet the worried eyes of Albus Dumbledore.

“Are you both alright?!” he asked to Lily. She nodded. He looked to Sirius and pulled his wand out, his eyes flashing dangerously. “Sirius Black, how dare you hold this child after you sentenced him to death!” Lily shook her head quickly.

“No, Albus, please, it wasn’t him! We changed a couple of weeks ago to Peter because we thought Voldemort wouldn’t think it was him!”

“It turns out this little rat’s been working for him the whole time!” James’ voice came from the remains of the building; he had his wand pointed into the head of his once best friend. Dumbledore gasped.

“Peter Pettigrew! How could you!” Peter shook as he stared at the Headmaster.

“He- he promised me things I’d never have dreamed. I told him no to begin with, but he – he said he’d kill Robert….I couldn’t let him kill my godson! He’s the only thing as close to family as I have!” He shook and trembled under James’ dark look and yelped as he roughly pushed him to the ground, his wand still trained on him.

Dumbledore spoke slowly. “You did know that it was Robert that he was after; he was going to kill him anyway.” Peter turned to look at Lily. She saw a change in his eyes, quite a sly change as though he was smirking.

“Yes, I did not realise that he had to kill him in the end. That was until he tried to kill him just then.” Lily’s eyes widened. He was lying. He knew it was Harry who his master had tried to kill. He was getting revenge for Lily leaving him in the house.

“I asked him to spare Robert, but he ignored me, said the Killing Curse, then the next thing he was lying on the floor. Then she immobilised me and ran for it, with Harry.” He gave a little smirk in her direction. James turned to her.

“You left Robert in the house!” Lily shook her head.

“I would never! James, he’s here and he’s safe! If I left him in the house for one second, do you think he would have survived! How can you believe him after what he’s done to us?” James stared at her, and she looked at him, betrayal shining deep within her eyes. She looked away and to the Headmaster.

“Albus, I was there; it wasn’t Robert that he tried to kill, it was Harry. But I don’t want either of them to know as they grow up! I don’t want anyone to know, please; it would ruin their lives!” James scoffed.

“And deny my son the chance at victory! Never!”

“James, he won’t even remember! I would rather both Harry and Rob have a happy childhood, rather than grow up in an environment where everyone thinks they are famous!” James shook his head.

“No, only Rob would be famous.” Lily resisted the urge to scream. She turned away from him, her eyes watering, and she took a deep breath, willing herself not to cry at the stubbornness of her husband. Dumbledore’s voice spoke.

“I am sorry, Lily, but James is right. Robert will need to grow up knowing that there is a chance that Voldemort will come back. I cannot allow Robert to go into battle unprepared.” Lily shook her head and turned to look at him.

“He’s just a baby, and you’re talking about sending him into battle?” Dumbledore nodded. James looked at him, slightly stunned, but then nodded along.

“It’s the best thing, Lily. He needs to be prepared.” Lily shook her head and looked at Sirius for support. Sirius stood beside her.

“Lily’s right. They don’t deserve knowing this at a young age.” James glared at his best friend.

“Sirius, you don’t understand.” Sirius scoffed.

“Prongs, mate. I may not have a family, but I do know that putting a baby into battle is the wrong thing to do. Sure, tell him later when he’s ready to know the truth, but right now, let him have a good childhood!” Dumbledore sighed.

“Sirius, James is right. You both do not understand the seriousness of this-“

“Seriousness? Albus, how can’t we understand this? What the two of you don’t understand is the thing you are both implying! You want to start training my baby for battle! What is wrong with him having a good childhood?!” James laughed.

“He’d have a better childhood knowing what he’s done! Everyone will love him! They’ll praise him! How can you deny Rob that?” Lily stared at her husband in hurt, tears falling from her eyes. That was all he wanted, to be in the spotlight with his son.

“You believe the spotlight would be healthy for a young child?” she asked. He nodded. She looked away and down at Harry. “And what of your other son, James?” She looked up hopefully, but her heart was trodden on when he shrugged.

“He’d have to learn to live with the fact his brother is famous. More than likely he’d get jealous, but he’d have to learn it is wrong. After all, it isn’t Robert’s fault.” Lily shook his head.

“But it isn’t Harry’s fault…but we would prevent that by treating the equally…right?” James laughed.

“Well, it wouldn’t be fair to Rob if Harry got exactly the same things as him. Robert’s earned it, whereas Harry hasn’t.” Lily closed her eyes and took a step back. Somehow she knew James was going to do that. She heard Sirius scoff.

“Only the best for the boy who ‘defeated Voldemort’, hey, James?” he asked. James nodded and held up the said boy in his arms. Lily turned away again and looked down at Harry, who was staring back at her, confusion in his green eyes. She sighed.

“I cannot let you do that to Harry, James. If this is the way you feel, then I will take Harry away from you. He will not be pushed aside like you have done.” James scoffed.

“And what of your other son, Lily?” She turned sharply.

“Maybe I should take him away from you also? He certainly would grow up a great deal better.” James frowned, and held his son tighter.

“You cannot take my son from me, Lily.” She glared.

“Then why would you let me take the other? Because he is not as important?” James shrugged and Dumbledore sighed.

“Now we are all tired and have been through a lot. I say we all go to Hogwarts and talk about this calmly. Lily, you will not be going anywhere with Harry. Robert will need the support of all his family and –” Lily shook her head.

“That is all you care about! What about Harry! I believe that if Harry stays in the same house as his father, he will be ignored and kept away from his brother!” James shook his head.

“Impossible!”

“Impossible, James? Then why will you treat him differently?” James looked away, unable to answer. Lily nodded in understanding. “I will take Harry to my sister’s. Sure, she hates me, but I may get more respect there than we get here.” James looked up sadly, then nodded. Sirius shook his head and turned to Lily.

“I’ll take you, Lily.” She nodded, and he turned to his best friend. “I’m going to go to Remus’ afterwards. I may see you tomorrow.” James sighed.

“See you, Padfoot.” Sirius turned away.

“Bye, James.” Lily looked at Sirius in shock, then to her husband, who looked even more broken now that his friend had fallen out with him.

Then, she turned on the spot, her mind finally clear and Apparated with her son in her arms.

A few weeks later, in the now rebuilt Potter home in Scotland, James sat with Robert on his lap, cards, presents, and letters filling the sitting room. He sighed and glanced sadly at each one. They were all for Robert. Once James had told the Ministry that it was Robert who had killed Voldemort, they had dubbed him ‘The Boy Who Lived’, and thank you cards and presents started to pour in.

This was what he wanted for his son, though. But it would have been better if Lily were there. They could have taken pictures of the three of them together, a real family unit.

But then one look at the actual family picture of the four of them on the wall made his gut clench. Lily had been right; he had forgotten Harry. Again.

Suddenly, an owl flew through the window and stood on his shoulder with a letter tied to its leg. James untied it and petted the owl in thanks before it left.

Breaking the Ministry seal, he unfolded the letter and read. His eyes widened and he dropped the letter in shock. As it flew to the floor, it landed with the writing facing the ceiling.

Dear Mr James Potter,

Your wife Mrs Lily Marie Potter neé Evans has filed for a divorce under the Ministry of Magic. We are sorry to tell you this. The court date to separate the marriage and discuss the arrangement of your two children, Harry James Potter and Robert Edward Potter, will be on the 5th November 1981. Please reply with your acceptance, and we shall see you then.

Our deepest apologies,

Mary – Anne Smith

Head of Wizarding Marriages and Families

A.n - I also just want to thank Sindie my new Beta with this story! Love ya x