Least Likely Of All

Chapter Six: Parts 26- 32

Chapter Six, Part One: Fraternizing With The Enemy

Severus woke up with a start the next morning, sitting up and breathing heavily before he realized someone was in the room with him. He quickly bowed his head and stood up.

"My Lord." He said quickly, bowing slightly.

"Severus." Voldemort acknowledged him. "I know of your relations with that Lily Potter girl. Explain to me why you went against my direct orders and are still with her."

Severus froze. "Sir, she is part of your enemy, Dumbledore's, group. I thought for sure the quickest way to him would to still think I was in love with her."

Voldemort nodded slowly, accepting the idea. "And I see that you've been sneaking around my back, to these little 'meetings' of his."

"Only to gather information and to make sure they were still had no idea how to attempt to defeat you." Severus felt his insides squirm.

"Why didn't you check with me first?" Voldemort demanded.

"I am but a humble servant of yours, my Lord. To approach you would be to think too highly of myself." Severus spoke in a quivering voice. Voldemort seemed to accept this, a twisted smile appearing on his face.

"Very well, but must I remind you to clear your plans with me beforehand?" Voldemort raised his wand and muttered "Crucio!"

Severus felt intense, white-hot pain shoot throughout his body. He vaguely felt himself crash to the floor, his body twitching. It was pain as he had never experienced, and he caught himself wishing he would die on the spot. Almost as immediate as it had came, the pain left his body, leaving him shaking and panting on the hard, wooden floor.

"Let this be a reminder to you of why you are to listen to me, not go by your own rules. Until we meet again."

With a puff of purple smoke, Voldemort disappeared on the spot. Severus shook his head, his joints aching and his body screaming as he carefully stood up. He quickly realized his legs wouldn't support him, and he fell back onto his bed, his mind caving in to the sudden exhaustion he felt.

He didn't know how long he slept; all he could think about was telling Dumbledore what had happened. The moment he came to his sense, he wrote Dumbledore a letter and sent it with his owl, Boaz. He then stayed up in his room, listening to Lily to keep himself sane.

Damn it... James, you just had to drink last night, didn't you? Jesus f-cking Christ, and you expect me to clean up your mess... That's just great.

Severus laughed internally at her frustrated voice filtering through his head.

It's four in the afternoon, why isn't he up yet? I cured his headache and he hasn't thrown up for nearly five hours... Severus would never do this, why the hell did I have to end up with James?

She was as pissed off as he was, and Severus was glad to hear it. Knowing he wasn't alone in this made him feel a lot better, especially knowing it was Lily.

Mail time... Bill, bill, Daily Prophet, Witch Weekly, and... Papa? What the hell?

"He must have received my letter... Wonderful." Severus said to himself, drawing idly on a piece of parchment next to his bed.

Shit... Voldemort got Severus... Damn it... Damn it all to hell... Severus, if you're listening, God I hope you're ok...

"Yes, I am, thank you for asking." Severus said, taking a drink of water.

I'm sorry... God... Last night was wonderful, thank you... God, I hope you're ok...

"Yes it was. I'd like to do it again sometime." Chuckling to himself, Severus closed his eyes. "Too bad your bitchy little husband thinks I'm the devil reincarnate."

If he did anything to you... I'll kill him, I don't care how impossible it is to kill him... He's going to die... God...

"Calm down Lil, I'm fine... Just a little --" he reached behind him back and tried to crack it, "- sore."

That's it... I'm going to Apparate to you, ok? I don't care if anyone finds out...

Severus sat up straight, "Lily... damnit, no..."

It was too late. He saw her appear in front of his bed with a worried expression on her face.

"Lily baby, I told you not to come." He smiled and tried to stand up. When he fell back onto his bed, he sighed and scooted over so she could sit next to him.

"Well I didn't hear you." Lily smiled, kissing his forehead. "Are you ok?"

Severus nodded, "Just peachy."

"Severus..." Lily warned, giving him a suspicious look.

"Fine, fine... I ache all over, my legs aren't supporting me, and I cracked my back louder than a whip."

Lily's smile dropped, "Aww... I'm sorry baby." She gave him a hug, then pulled out her wand. "You want me to fix you up?"

Severus nodded, "That'd be nice."

In a moment's time, a golden stream of light shot from her wand and surrounded him. He instantly felt the pain in his body disappear, and he was filled with energy. He then stood up and stretched his arms a bit.

"Thanks Lil." He kissed her quickly, "But you really shouldn't be here."

She sighed, "I know, I know... I just wanted to make sure you were ok."

Severus' face melted into a smile, "And I thank you for it." He thought for a moment, and then looked up into her green eyes. "How would you like to be able to read minds?"

Lily was shocked. "But isn't that against the rules?"

Severus smirked, "Please... As long as you don't abuse it, you'll be fine. I just want to talk to you more than once or twice a month, for ten seconds."

Lily thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "Ok."

Severus stepped up to her, then touched her face with the palm of his hand. He then leaned down to kiss her, while transferring his power to her.

"Holy shit..." Lily's eyes widened as they broke apart. "How do you make them all stop?"

"Just concentrate on one person and you'll be able to zero in on them and them alone." Severus instructed, backing away from her a few steps. She closed her eyes, then smiled.

I can hear you.

Oh really?

Severus replied, What am I saying right now then?

Lily laughed out loud, "Silly."

I know. Now get out of here before someone finds you.

He gave her one last hug as she started to Apparate, then settled back down on his bed, sighing.

Does this mean I'm going to have to watch what I think? he asked.

Of course. It's my job to keep tabs on you.

Being the lovely wife you are, I expect you to.

Good, now please excuse me while I wake the beast up.

Have fun.

Trust me, I will.

*

Chapter Six, Part Two: Places Unknown

Unbeknownst to everyone but them, Lily and Severus communicated nearly every waking hour. Severus gave her blow-by-blow accounts of his Death Eater meetings, while Lily told him exactly how James treated her and what the rest of his friends were saying. It wasn't any surprise to Severus that everyone except Remus hated him; he was proud, actually, to be the Marauder's greatest enemy.

The two got to see each other once or twice a month, when Dumbledore held his meetings. Severus knew Peter couldn't be trusted one hundred percent, but when he tried to tell Dumbledore this, all he did was nod his head and agree. However, as Peter was providing them with information Severus himself could verify, they didn't see any reason to suspect him as a spy.

The year slowly dragged on with no significant gains for Dumbledore's group. The Death Eaters, however, slowly gained power everywhere they went. Severus made sure he never killed anyone, but when it was absolutely necessary, he performed one of the other two Unforgivable Curses. Every time the word "Crucio!" passed through his lips, the white-hot pain came back to him in the form of a memory. He always regretted having to use them; however, it was essential for him to, as Lord Voldemort would know if he had shown any kind of mercy.

He ached to see Lily; she knew this, as he often told her he needed to see her. The year passed without one word being uttered to one another through their lips, but the chance came for them to see each other once again in late October.

Lily Apparated in front of Hogwarts, right on the edge of the property. She then walked up towards the castle, past Hagrid's hut, past the lake, past the Herbology classrooms, and up into the Entrance Hall. She then made her way up to the entrance of her grandfather's office, getting a few strange glances from some of the students. She mumbled a few passwords at the gargoyle, finally getting the right one with "pumpkin pastries". She then climbed the winding staircase to the large oak doors, the knocked twice.

"Come in." Dumbledore answered. Lily opened the door slowly, smiling at the site of her Papa.

"Hello Papa." She said, closing the door behind her.

"Lily! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you here?" Dumbledore smiled, offering her a seat.

Lily looked down at her hands, trying not to think. "I want to know if you could come up with a way for Severus and me to have a few days together. I haven't talked to him in nearly a year, and I miss him terribly."

Dumbledore paused for a moment, and then looked up at her. "I could call both you and him away, and you could tell James it was for research, perhaps. Do not tell him Severus is going with you. I shall make arrangements for you two to be alone for three days. No more than that, or else James might get suspicious. I will make sure no one will be able to find you, but make sure it is only for three days."

Lily grinned ear-to-ear. "Yes, Papa. Thank you so much!" She reached over his desk to hug the old man.

He sighed, "Lily, whatever you do, don't do anything you might regret."

She paused, "What do you mean by that?"

"You know the facts of life just as well as I do. The last thing anyone needs is for you to get pregnant, especially with Severus' child. You will be killed, along with it. I can guarantee you that. I am only doing this for you because you two are married; use your time well. Just be safe, ok Lil?"

Lily nodded, "Yes Papa. Thank you again." She gave him one last hug, then made her way out of the office and back to the edge of the Hogwarts property. She then Apparated back to Godric's Hollow, where James was waiting for her.

"Where have you been?" He demanded.

"I went to visit Papa." Lily answered, trying to ignore the feeling of James' eyes upon her.

"Why didn't you clear it with me first?" James insisted, "It's the full moon. I'm leaving in a few hours and I was afraid I might not make it, because I didn't know where you were."

"You could have gone with Remus instead of wait here. You didn't have to wait." Lily answered, crossing her arms.

"Yes Lily, I did. With Voldemort running around, I can't take the chance of leaving without knowing where you were. You're my wife, I love you Lil." He moved towards her, and then kissed her forehead. "I'd die if I knew you were in danger and I couldn't help you."

"I'm ok... Really. I just wanted to talk to Papa, and he said he had a mission for me. He wants me to go away for a few days to do some research. He didn't tell me what it was about or when I was leaving, all he told me was it was important I went alone."

James' body tensed up. "Is anyone going with you?"

"Papa said he'd go. It's not dangerous or anything, he just thought I might like to do something." Lily sighed, "It's not like I'm much of a help at those meetings. Everyone else pitches in, but I never know what to say."

James nodded slowly, "As long as Dumbledore says it's not dangerous. But I want you to Apparate back her immediately if you feel even remotely unsafe."

"Ok, I will." Lily agreed. "But Papa would never put me in danger, so you won't have anything to worry about."

James sighed, "As long as he's sure."

*

Chapter Six, Part Three: When The World Ends

Lily spent November 1st-3rd with Severus, in a small French motel, much like the Leaky Cauldron. Unfortunately, they didn't speak a bit of French and the owners and staff didn't speak any English. They were left alone for the most part, however a nosy maid dropped by twice a day.

"Remind me to buy your Papa a very large, expensive gift." Severus smiled, lying in bed with Lily next to him.

"It was almost as if he knew we wanted this..." Lily murmured, reflecting back on her conversation with him. "Do you think he can read minds also?"

Severus shrugged, pulling her closer. "It really wouldn't surprise me. Your Papa's a great man, Lily. He knows many things we will never know nor could ever imagine."

"Yeah..." she sighed, "How long do you think it's going to be before we'll see each other like this again?"

"You mean naked and in bed?"

Lily smacked his arm, "No! Well..." She thought for a moment, "Ok, fine. Naked and in bed."

"Feel free to stop by anytime." Severus grinned, "I have my own lovely part of the Snape mansion... Father isn't allowing me to move out until my 21st birthday."

"That's two more years." Lily sighed, "Do you think He'll be defeated by then?"

"One can only hope." Severus kissed her forehead. "You know, as long as there's a world to be conquered and saved from being conquered, I'm going to love you, so it wouldn't matter anyway."

Lily smiled, burying her face into Severus' shoulder. Every night I go to sleep with James next to me, I try to imagine he's you. It never works though; your touch, your smell, your affection is totally different. Even when I'm asleep I can still feel him, and I get this feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. But when I'm with you, you make that all go away. I make time want to stop when I'm with you. I want to stay with you forever, to wake up with you each morning, to be able to know you're right there if I have a nightmare... Even though I know, for now, it's impossible, I still wish as hard as I can each night that it will.

Severus didn't answer for a moment. Closing his eyes, he pictured waking up to Lily each day, having her next to him as he slept, and he felt complete joy and ecstasy.

That felt good...

Lily thought as his feelings transferred over to her.

You liked it? Because that's how I'd feel with you... How I

DO feel with you.

Well this is how I feel...

A moment later, Severus was filled with warmth and he felt as complete as he had ever felt. Combine that with your feelings, and you've got it.

Severus smiled. "You know, I almost feel sorry for James. He's all alone in England while his wife is here with her other husband, wishing her marriage to him never happened."

Lily smirked and looked up at him. "Almost."

"Yes, almost."

She wrapped her arms around him, "Because it is impossible to truly feel sorry for him. He could have had any other girl in the country, instead he choose the one that didn't love him back. It was his own stupid mistake, but you have to give him credit for being brave enough to take me back and you dealt with me."

Severus smirked, "After I dealt with you? How'd I deal with you?"

"According to him, you're a slimy, soulless bastard who dumped me in my 'time of need', whatever he meant by that." Lily breathed in, "I believe you did quite the opposite, actually."

"I'd love to be able to tell him we're married... See the expression on his face. It'd be worth everything."

Lily laughed, "Now I almost feel sorry for him. He does love me and he's starting to learn how to show it. A slow, timely process, but I bet you the moment he has it down to an art, the Dark Lord will be defeated. Then I'd run away with you, his mortal enemy, and the bomb would be dropped... Oh, the look on his face..."

Both she and Severus were now in hysterics, laughing as loud as they ever had. After a minute or two, they stopped, both trying to catch their breath.

"With my luck, he'd actually be starting to like me, too... I better not be present, or your Papa might have to be there. You'd need another witness to confirm my death in court."

Lily groaned, "You just had to mention Papa, didn't you? Severus, I'm naked!"

Severus pulled up the sheets and looked at her for a moment, then dropped them once more and nodded.

"You most certainly are."

Lily threw back her head and laughed once more. "How very observant of you, Mr. Snape."

"Well, Mrs. Snape, I must say, it's quite a lovely sight."

"Mrs. Snape... Hmm... I like the sound of that. Mrs. Potter makes me sound old and gray and wrinkled." Lily thought for a moment, "Yep, definitely Snape."

"Hey, I was there first, you'd better like my name better."

"Trust me, I do."

They were silent for a moment, then Lily spoke up once more. "So, you think me being naked is 'quite a lovely sight'?"

Severus nodded, "Much better than all the other girls I've been with."

Lily's mouth dropped open in mock shock. "Well, you're all mine, so all those other girls are just going to have to deal with the wrath of Lily Maria Evans Snape Potter."

"That's still quite a mouthful."

"Tell me about it... Each time I have to sign my full name, I only write my first and James' last name, even though it really should be Lily Evans-Snape-Potter."

Severus grinned, "We'll take care of that problem soon enough."

"Good, because... Potter? Why in the world did he have to have the last name Potter?" she sighed, "Snape's much better."

Severus nodded, "I believe we've been over this once or twice before, Lily."

She nodded, "Do you realize we're only 19? I've been 5 months pregnant, you're a Death Eater, we're both fairly well known among the wizarding world... Only the best for Papa's team."

Severus smiled, "Unfortunately... I'd rather be a complete nobody, even a Squib, if I could be with you."

Lily poked his stomach, "Well big shot, right now you are, so make it last."

Severus kissed her, "If the end of the world comes, I'm gonna be with you, even if it means stealing you away from James... If the end of the world ever comes, you're gonna be with me, and we're gonna make it last forever."

"That would be nice..." Lily murmured, kissing him back. "But right now, I want you, and I don't think I'll be able to wait until the end of the world."

"As you wish..."

When the world ends

Collect your things
You're coming with me
When the world ends
You tuckle up yourself with me
Watch it as the stars disappear to nothing
The day the world is over
We'll be lying in bed

I'm gonna rock you like a baby when the cities fall

We will rise as the building's crumble
Float there and watch it all
Amidst the burning, we'll be churning
You know, love will be our wings
The passion rises up from the ashes
When the world ends

When the world ends

You're gonna come with me
We're going to be crazy
Like a river bends
We're going to float
Through the criss cross of the mountains
Watch them fade to nothing
When the world ends
You know that's what's happening now
I'm going to be there with you somehow, oh...

I'm going to tie you up like a baby in a carriage car

Your legs won't work cause you want me so
You just lie spread to the wall
The love you got is surely
All the love that I would ever need
I'm going to take you by my side
And love you tall, 'til the world ends

Oh, but don't you worry about a thing

No, 'cause I got you here with me
Don't you worry about a
Just you and me
Floating through the empty, empty
Just you and me
Oh, graces
Oh, grace

Oh, when the world ends

We'll be burning one
When the world ends
We'll be sweet makin' love
Oh, you know when the world ends
I'm going to take you aside and say
Let's watch it fade away, fade away
And the world's done
Ours just begun
It's done
Ours just begun

We're gonna dive into the emptiness

We'll be swimming
I'm going to walk you through the pathless roads
I'm going to take you to the top of the mountain that's no longer there
I'm going to take you to bed and love you, I swear
Like the end is here

I'm going to take you up to

I'm going to take you down on you
I'm going to hold you like an angel, angel

I'm going to love you

I'm going to love you
When the world ends
I'm going to hold you
When the world is over
We'll just be beginning...*

*Dave Matthews Band, "When the World Ends"

*

Chapter Six: Part Four: Paying Tribute To The Porcelain Gods

A month and a half later, Lily woke up with a start. Breathing heavily, she made her way to the toilet in record time. She then paid tribute to the porcelain gods for nearly five minutes before she felt a pair of hand pull her vomit-laced hair back from her face.

Leaning up against the wall, she wiped her mouth with a towel James had provided. She wearily looked up towards him, her eyes watering.

"Baby, are you ok?" James asked, sitting down next to her.

"No... I just spent five minutes puking up yesterday's meals." She sighed, "I'm tired... What time is it?"

"A quarter of six. Do you want to go back to bed?" James asked, helping her up.

"Yeah..." Lily walked with shaking legs back to their bed and laid down. Not caring she was on James' side, she curled up into a ball, taking in the warmth he had left. He came back a moment later with a cup full of water, offering it to her. She drank gladly, her eyelids drooping.

"Thanks James." She mumbled, lying back down on his pillow.

"You're welcome baby." James said, lying in her spot. "Are you feeling any better?"

Lily nodded, "Yeah, a little."

"Good... Now go back to sleep."

"G'night James."

"Good night, Lily baby."

The two woke up four hours later, Lily's illness still fresh in James' mind.

"James, honey, I'm fine... Really. You don't need to wait on me hand and foot." Lily smiled as James rushed around, conjuring up toast and fried eggs. "Although it is nice."

He looked over at her and smiled, "Just sit there. You've always been the one to make breakfast, and you're sick now, so it's my turn."

"If you insist." Lily leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

Good morning, Severus.

Morning Lil... Don't tell me you just woke up?

Rough night.

Are you ok? Did you have a nightmare? Did James do anything to you?

Lily suppressed a laugh, I'm fine. I just threw up a quarter after six, that's all. James is currently bustling around the kitchen, making me breakfast.

James? Bustling? Take a picture. Are you sure you're ok?

Yes, I'm fine. It was awful though, a full five minutes.

There was silence for a moment as James set a plate of eggs in front of her. "Thanks baby."

"You're welcome."

Lily took a bite and was pleasantly surprised at the taste. "These are good."

James laughed, "What did you expect?"

"Worse than this." Lily admitted, taking another bite. As you were saying.

Do you have the flu?

No, thank God. I just got a little nausea, that's all. It happens.

If you're sure... Father's expecting me downstairs soon, so I'll have to end this conversation for now. Keep me informed and tell me if you get any worse.

I will... Bye, Sev.

Bye love, have a good day.

You too.

"When's the next meeting with Dumbledore?" James asked, interrupting her thoughts.

"A few weeks. Are your friends coming over for Christmas again?"

James nodded, "Yes. Can you believe Sirius has another girlfriend?"

Lily grinned, "How many is that? Twelve, thirteen maybe since we last saw him?"

"Since you last saw him," James corrected, "The full moon was two weeks ago."

"Ahh, ok... I must have slept through it, sorry." Lily apologized. "You know, I think I've got an idea for the counter curse. Remember how we were talking about a spell set on the person before hand? Maybe that could actually work. A shielding charm powerful enough to reflect it back."

"That would be one hell of a shielding charm." James commented, "Quite a few of them would have to be put on one single person."

"Maybe not... Maybe if he somehow came up with enhancing the capabilities and powers, it might work."

James shook his head, "You might want to check with Dumbledore on that first before you try it; make sure it's possible and all that."

Lily nodded, "I'm sure it is. We just have to come up with a way to make it possible."

"Easier said than done, babe."

"I know, but it's still worth a shot."

The next morning, Lily threw up once more. This time, however, she refused to go back to bed, insisting she had to see Dumbledore. Apparating once more in front of the Hogwarts gates, she opened them, chilled from the winter snow. Making her way through the castle once more, she whispered the password and went up to his chamber. It was around the time he usually woke up, but to be on the safe side, she knocked softly. Hearing a rustling from inside, she heard the door being unlocked and finally opened, revealing a freshly groomed Dumbledore.

"Good morning Lily... To what do I owe this honor?" he asked, inviting her in.

"Papa, I have a problem." Lily said, still standing up. "A big one."

Dumbledore looked mildly interested as he sat down in one of the large armchairs decorating his living quarters. "And what would that be?"

"I think I'm pregnant." Lily admitted, "And if I am, I don't know if it's James or Severus' baby."

Dumbledore took off his glasses and wiped them with the edge of his robes. "Well, well... That certainly does seem to be a problem. Didn't I tell you to be careful with Severus?"

Lily nodded, "The first twenty-four times were fine, but then we ran out of... protection."

Dumbledore chuckled, "Like rabbits, you two are when you're together... Perfectly understandable, of course... Is there an even chance of it being either ones'?"

"James has me sleep with him every chance he gets, and especially before I leave and after I get back." Lily said, slightly embarrassed to be talking about her sex life with her grandfather.

"So it all depends on who had the right timing... I guess we'll just have to wait and see? I'm sure the child is bound to look like his or her father, as most children do. As of now, however, it is James. Until we have proof it is Severus', it will remain James'. You can alert Severus of the possibility it might be his, but anything past him I strictly forbid."

"Yes, Papa." Lily said obediently. "I'm... scared, kind of. Do you think you could make sure, see if I'm just under a lot of stress or really have the flu?"

Dumbledore motioned for her to come forward. She obeyed, and a moment later his hand was over her abdomen. A wide smile broke out on his face as he looked up at Lily.

"Yes, you're pregnant. Would you like to know the gender?"

Lily thought for a moment, "Tell you what. I'll send you a list of both boy and girl names, and you pick out the best name from the right gender, ok?"

Dumbledore nodded, "Fair enough."

"Thanks again, Papa."

"You're welcome Lily... Congratulations."

*

Chapter Six, Part Five: The Muggle Way

Lily tried her hardest not to think about the baby, knowing Severus was listening. She hadn't officially told either of them nearly two weeks after she found out, scared it might be Severus' but even more terrified it could be James'. To the world, her having a baby with James would seem right, but to her, it would seem incredibly wrong. She had always wanted children, but with Severus. Having a child with Severus was not an option at the moment, she knew that. Dumbledore knew it, Remus knew it, and Severus knew it. Besides those three people and herself, no one had any clue of her relations with Severus, as far as she knew.

She cornered James one evening, while he was reading the Evening Prophet. Feeling her stare bearing into him, he looked up from the paper to her curved figure.

"Yes?" he asked slightly impatiently.

"James, I have something to tell you." Lily said, sitting down across the table from him.

He waited for a moment, and when she didn't say anything else he raised his eyebrow. "And what would that be?"

"I'm pregnant." Lily said quietly, looking him directly in the eye.

"You don't seem too happy about it." James murmured, after the shocked expression fell off his face.

"Neither do you." Lily shot back. "Voldemort's running loose, I have a reason to not want to bring a child into the world at the present time. What's your excuse?"

James looked back down at his paper. "I just think it's a bad time to be having a baby. I'm happy for you, Lil, don't get me wrong."

"You had a part in this to, so why aren't you happy for yourself as well?" she asked uncertainly.

James shifted in his seat, "I don't know. Give me a bit to get used to the idea."

Lily sighed, "In seven months, I'm having this baby with or without you. What's your choice?"

James looked up once again, surprised at her sudden bitchiness. "Lily, what do you mean by that?"

"Do you want to have this baby or do you not want to? Because if it's an inconvenience to you, just tell me and I'll leave."

James shook his head, "Lil, I have no idea what you're talking about. Of course I want to have this baby, it's just bad timing, that's all. Give me a few days and I'll be as happy and excited as you want me to be."

"Why can't you be happy and excited NOW?" Lily whined, "When I told him I was pregnant last time, he was so happy... He picked me up and hugged me... He was so happy..."

James was now thoroughly confused, "What do you mean, 'him' and 'last time'?"

"Why can't you be like him right now? Why?" Lily demanded, standing up and starting to pace. "He was so happy..."

"LILY! Calm down... Who are you talking about?"

"My husband... I'm talking about my husband..." Lily was now shaking her head furiously, turning quickly every few steps. "Why can't you be happy?"

James got up cautiously and walked over to her. Slowly, he put his arms around her and hugged her gently. "Baby, calm down... I'm right here... I'm happy, I'm excited we're having a baby... calm down honey."

Lily struggled against him for a moment, then slowly surrendered into his grip. She closed her eyes slightly and leaned against him. "I'm tired."

James shook his head, "Do you want me to go get Dumbledore? He might want to make sure you're ok."

"No, Papa's busy. I just want to sleep." Lily forced herself out of James' grip. "I'm going upstairs."

She stumbled up the stairs and into their room, finally collapsing on the bed. She laid down and pulled the blankets over her, not bothering to take off her robes and shoes.

Severus... Severus... Are you listening? I need to talk to you.

Lily? Are you ok?

She smiled. Each time she talked to him lately, the first thing he would ask is whether or not she was ok.

No, I'm not.

What's wrong? Did James hurt you? Are you sick?

She could almost hear the sincerity in his voice.

You're going to kill me.

Just tell me, baby... What's wrong?

That's what's wrong.

Lily, just tell me. Please?

Do you promise you won't kill me?

You've been hanging around James too much again. I swear on Merlin's grave, I won't even touch you.

That's what I'm afraid of.

Lily admitted.

It can't be that bad... What's wrong?

I just blew up at James because he wasn't happy.

Why wasn't he happy?

Because I'm pregnant.

There was a pause as Lily could just barely make out a fast-paced jumble of thoughts. Congratulations baby... How far along?

Two months.

Once again, she could hear his quick mental calculations. ...James is the father, isn't he?

That's what I'm afraid of.

Oh God Lily... Is it mine?

I don't know.

Lily sighed aloud. Do you want it to be?

Of course. Starting a family with you would be wonderful.

There's a way... A Muggle way... To tell who the father is. After it's born, of course. Would you like to do that? I couldn't do it with James, or else he'd know what was going on.

Yes, I would. Can't your Papa tell though?

Probably, but I don't want to have to ask another favor of him.

Ok baby... I'm happy for you, honey.

Are you smiling?

I'm smiling just as much as I do when I'm with you.

Good. I want you to be it's Dad, not James.

It would be much safer if it was James', though.

I know...

Lily sighed once more, But I still hope it's yours.

So do I, Lil. So do I.

*

Chapter Six, Part Six: Hangovers And A Baby

I'm nine months pregnant with a child that's going to be born into the world of Voldemort. I still don't know what the gender is... Papa promised he'd be there when it's born, and then he'd name it. I gave him a list of both boy and girl names James and Severus helped me pick out, and he's going to pick the best out of them. I hope it's a girl; I've always wanted a daughter. If it is a girl, I pray to God its Severus'. Maybe she'll be a remake of the little girl he and I had... That was almost three years ago. It's hard to imagine, I'm almost twenty years old now. I'm married to two different men, and I've been attacked by one of the most evil wizards of our time. How lucky can a girl get?

I'm scared. I've been scared ever since I've found out. James has been as supporting as anyone could expect him to be; he's helped me out around the house when my ankles are too swollen for me to walk, he's served me all kinds of exotic foods, even in the middle of the night. Severus has been there for me every moment of every day, mentally. When I start playing "what if"s in my head, he talks to me and tells me it's all right. He tells me how much he loves me and even if the baby isn't his, he says he's going to love it just as if it was his own. When I wake up in the middle of the night and I'm too afraid to wake James up, Severus is always there. He claims he wakes up at the exact moment I do, it seems. I tell him my dreams and my nightmares, he tells me it's going to be ok.

I'm due in less than one week, and I'm so afraid. I've heard how painful delivery is; I'm only 19, why do I have to go through this all? And with James, to top it off? Why couldn't I have been with Severus? I begged with James to allow Remus to come to the hospital with us, and Remus promises he'll bring Severus. I hope James faints so Severus will be able to hold my hand instead of him. He promises he'll be talking to me the whole time, and he'll be right outside. But God, I'm so scared...

What if I'm a terrible mother? What if James finds out about Severus? What if James gets drunk and tries to kill it? I know he would never do that, but he's been drinking a lot lately, and I can't get him to stop. He says its just stress, with the ministry watching Dumbledore and us, his group, like hawks. Rita Skeeter, a Ravenclaw girl that was in our year, has been sensationalizing stories of how our group has been taking on the Death Eaters single-handedly and reporting them in the Daily Prophet. I'm glad she hasn't gotten any whiff of Severus and I; she'd be all over it, I'd never be able to leave the house again.

It's almost midnight now, and I'm dead tired. James is still away, I'm not sure where he is at the current time, but I'm not worried. I know he'll come back.

Lily Snape,

July 30th, 1980

Lily woke up the next morning in a cold sweat. Putting a hand on her bulging stomach, she suddenly felt a burst of pain come from her abdomen. She turned over to look at James, who was sound asleep. Hitting him in the arm once or twice, he finally opened his eyes a crack.

"What?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"James... I think I'm having the baby..." Lily gasped, her eyes wide with fright.

"What? Now? No, it's too early... Go back to bed." James insisted, rolling over.

"James..." Lily whined, tugging on his sleeve. "Come on... I'm serious..."

James stuck a pillow over his head, refusing to listen. Realizing he was either drunk or suffering from a hangover, she tried to wake Severus up.

Sev... WAKE UP!

A moment later, he responded: Lily? What's wrong?

I think I'm having the baby...

Wake James up, do you want me to get Remus?

I already tried... He's not listening to me.

She heard a few choice curse words, and a moment later, she saw him appear.

"Come on... I'll take you." Severus glanced over towards James, who was lying on top of the sheets stark naked. "Lovely sight, but he's rather tiny."

Lily laughed, then quickly stopped herself. "That hurts right now. Come on, I want to go now..."

Severus walked over to her side of the bed and helped her up. "Can you Apparate?"

"Sure." Lily nodded, "St. Mungo's then?"

"Let me conjure up a note for this git really quick..." Severus muttered a few words and a piece of parchment appeared where Lily was lying moments before. "That should do it. Shall we?"

Lily took his arm and the two Apparated together to St. Mungo's, where a plump nurse quickly moved her into one of the blue wheelchairs. Severus followed them, keeping his head down low as to not be seen.

"Sev... Go get Remus and Papa, ok? I'll be fine for a while." Lily said, craning her neck to face him.

"Are you sure?" Severus asked, looking uncertain.

"Damnit Sev, get Remus and Papa!" Lily yelled as another wave of pain hit. Severus Apparated directing to Remus Lupin's house, where the man was making himself breakfast. Banging on the door, Remus opened it after a moment. The look on Severus' face was all he needed to see.

"You go back to Lily, I'll go get Dumbledore... I'm assuming you haven't gotten him yet?" Remus asked.

"No, and thank you. Don't bother with James, he's being a prick." Severus said. The two nodded goodbye and Severus Apparated back to Lily, who was now lying on a hospital bed with her eyes closed.

"Remus is getting your Papa, then he's coming back here, ok?" Severus asked. Lily nodded, not bothering to open her eyes.

"What about James?" she asked.

"Do you want me to go get him?"

Lily thought for a moment, "It would be too weird... When Remus gets here, I'll have him go get James. I want you to stay here with me."

Severus nodded, "Who do you want to be there with you, if James doesn't come?"

"You, even if James comes. I don't care anymore; I'll come up with something to tell him... He knows we're still friends, at least, and I could just tell him I was too pissed off at him to see him at the time."

"Lily baby, you know I can't do that... Let your Papa be with you. I'll see if I can at least be in the room with you, is that ok?"

Lily sighed, "Ok, but if I have any extra hand, you're taking it."

"Yes Ma'am."

Nearly two hours later, one of St. Mungo's doctors announced it was time. James still hadn't shown up; Remus said he was passed out cold and naked, just the way Lily and Severus had left him.

Each time she had a contraction, Lily screamed with pain. Dumbledore was on her left while Severus and Remus stood at her right, both Dumbledore and Severus holding onto her hands.

"GOD F-CKING DAMNIT! This HURTS!" Lily exclaimed, squeezing her eyes shut and pushing like the doctor in front of her was telling her to do.

"Severus, I swear to God if you ever put me through this again, I'll kill you." She muttered through clenched teeth. Severus' eyes widened and he tried to let go of her hand, but her grip was too tight.

"No you don't... You're staying right here. Remus, make sure he doesn't move. Bite him if you have to."

Remus laughed while Severus just glanced at him, halfway terrified of Lily.

"Lily, just breathe... I'll take care of James afterwards, don't worry." Dumbledore said, patting her forehead down with a wet cloth.

"Papa, can you please kill him? Please? I'll make sure no one knows, ok? Please?" Lily asked just as the doctor instructed her to push once more.

"GOD DAMNIT! SEVERUS, YOU'RE DEAD!" Lily screamed, just as James burst through the door.

"Lily, sweetie... Move it..." James pushed Remus aside and tried to push Severus also, but Lily wouldn't let go of his hand.

"James, you have no idea how f-cking dead you are." She growled, glaring at him as she pushed one last time.

"I HATE YOU BOTH!" she screamed, just before another sound filled the room; the sound of a baby crying.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Potter. You have a baby boy." The doctor announced.

Lily smiled with relief through her tears and took the baby in her arms once the nurse had cleaned him up. She turned to her grandfather, who was smiling.

"What's his name, Papa?" she asked, offering the baby to him. Dumbledore took him, leaning down so far his nose just touched the baby's cheek.

"His name is Harry James Potter."

*

Chapter Six, Part Seven: Betrayal Of The Fullest

James never questioned why Severus was in the room with her, nor did he ever ask why she had been threatening to kill him. Ever since Harry was born, he had been trying to make his actions up to her, knowing how mad Lily truly was.

She was a good mother, never leaving her son's side unless he was with James. Harry had green eyes, the same color as Lily's, and black hair, which both Severus and James had. The two agreed to get the blood test done on Christmas, 1981, after Harry turned 1.

Severus was attending Death Eater meetings nearly three times a month now; he saw Peter Pettigrew regularly, as he also saw him at Dumbledore's meetings, which were also increasing. Severus gave the group as much information as he could, barely noticing how little Peter was providing.

In early October, 1981, Voldemort started targeting more powerful wizards than before. On his list were the Potters; he was still convinced Lily was the worst thing that ever happened to one of his most prized Death Eaters. The fact that the Potters were also coming closer and closer to discovering a counter curse to Avada Kedavra made him slightly nervous. That was the first step.

Severus warned Dumbledore of Voldemort's plans. The next day, October 15th, Dumbledore called a meeting to inform the group of Voldemort's targets.

"Lily, James, Severus has informed me of Voldemort's plans to end the Potter line." Dumbledore said that evening. Lily had already been forewarned by Severus, and she kept rocking Harry back in forth compulsively in her arms.

"Is there any chance of us escaping?" James asked gravely. Once Voldemort had targeted a family, there was little chance of survival.

Dumbledore thought for a moment, "There is an old and highly complicated spell; the Fidelius Charm. It will protect you from Voldemort -- he could be looking through your window and not be able to see you. However, it requires a secret keeper."

Both Lily and James were silent for a moment. Finally, Lily nodded, "Let's do it."

Dumbledore nodded, "You two shall choose your secret keeper. Make sure they are to be trusted; do not tell anyone. I shall give you instructions later on, including a place to hide."

"Yes Papa," Lily nodded, "but what if that person's attacked?"

"Then the charm will be useless, if the Secret Keeper tells Voldemort where you three will be hidden." He looked around the room, "I trust everyone in this room with my life. However, I am fully aware of the fact one of you is a spy, as one of my other spies has informed me. Which one, I am not sure, but I can assure you, the moment I find out who it is, they will spend the rest of their like in Azkaban. I realize Voldemort will be aware of our plans; so be it. However, the details will be discussed in private, along with one person who the Potters choose. The Secret Keeper will not be known to me, only Lily and James."

The group nodded, all glancing around with a newfound terror. Severus looked Peter straight in the eyes; he was almost certain it was him. However, James was looking at Severus as if he was positive he was the one giving Voldemort forbidden information. Severus knew he would be targeted, at least by two of the three true Marauders. Remus trusted him, Severus was thankful for that. However, Sirius was always going along with what James told him, and Peter knew the truth; Severus was almost sure of it.

It's Peter.

Lily looked up from Harry, surprised. Honestly?

Severus nodded. I'm almost sure of it.

But... He's admitted to being part of the Death Eaters. What makes you so sure?

What makes you so sure it's not me?

Severus asked.

Because I know you would never do that, no matter what anyone thinks of you.

Thanks baby.

You're welcome.

They were in hiding a week and a half later, October 30th, in a secluded cottage at the edge of Godric's Hollow. Dumbledore was sure Voldemort would look everywhere but there.

"Damn it James... Tell me who you made Secret Keeper!" Lily didn't care if she was waking Harry up; she knew, regardless of how many times she had warned him, James insisted on keeping Peter on his list of possible Secret Keepers.

"I told you, it's none of your concern." He answered back snidely. The two were in their bedroom, having one of their most heated arguments to date. James refused to tell Lily who their Secret Keeper was, as long as she refused to tell him why she thought Peter was the Spy.

"Why can't I know, James? I'm just as apart as this as you are." Lily said, pacing back and forth.

"Tell me why, and I'll tell you who." James answered back, stretching out on their bed.

"No, not as long as Voldemort's still after us." Lily snapped. "Can't you just trust me for once?"

"Lily, last time I trusted you, you ran off with that filth, Snape."

Lily felt a surge of anger rise through her chest. She slowly took a deep breath, and then turned to face him. Her anger hadn't subsided a bit; it only grew stronger as James insisted she was untrustworthy.

"Do you want to know James, do you really want to know?" Lily shot back nastily. "Because I promise you, it will ruin your day."

This caught James' attention. Sitting up, he looked at her with a curios expression. "Tell me Lily, tell me something you think I don't already know."

Lily was seething now; clenching her fists with rage, she glared at him with such fury even he considered backing down. "Do you really, really want to know James? Because it could ruin your life."

James smirked, "What, you're a werewolf? That would explain where you go every month or so."

Lily shook her head, "This is much, much worse. I daresay you'll threaten to kill me; perhaps even carry your threat out, or attempt to."

"What did you do, Lily?" James said, his voice rising. "What the hell is so bad you can't even tell me?"

Lily stood there silently, shaking with madness. James got up and walked over to her, putting his hands on his shoulders. "Tell me baby."

Lily stepped back violently, attempting to escape his grip. "I told you, you don't want to know."

"God damnit Lily, tell me or I swear to God I'll make you."

Lily gazed up at his with glazed over eyes. "You mean you'll beat it out of me? Is that what you mean? Is that how little you care about me?"

James shook his head, "That's not what I meant."

"Then what did you mean, James? Tell me, I want to know."

He was silent. A moment later, his frame stiffened and he raised his hand, then brought it down. She felt it connect to her face with a sensation of pain she had almost forgotten. From the force of the blow, she fell down to the ground, only to get back up once more.

"I was right then. You really are a cruel, heartless bastard. Why did you marry me then, if you hate me so much?" Lily muttered through clenched teeth, her hand covering the spot where he had punched her.

James was silent once more. Finally, he sighed in exacerbation. "I wanted an heir."

Lily laughed heartlessly, "Is that all? You could have gone to any girl in that school. Why me?"

"Because you were beautiful. You still are." James said quietly, his eyes still upon her like a hawk.

"Then why did you hit me?"

"Because you deserved it."

Lily laughed once more, then took her hand away from her face. "I gave you a child. I went through nine months of hell while you just sat around and got drunk, The rare chance you did do something for me, you only did for show; to make me see you as the boss. And this is how you repay me? By hitting me? Is that how much you truly wanted an heir?"

James shook his head, "What are you keeping from me?"

"Answer my God damned question."

"Answer mine first."

Lily smirked, "I can read thoughts. So can Severus. He knows what's going on right now; I'm talking to him."

James smirked right back at her, "Is that it? You can read thoughts and you're talking to him? So you know Peter's the Secret Keeper. Why even bother?"

"That's not all." Lily said quietly, disturbed by the news Peter was their Secret Keeper. "But I don't think you can handle the rest; not without killing me or Harry."

"I would never kill either of you."

"Great way of showing it." Lily mumbled.

"Tell me.'

She took in a deep breath, "You asked for it." She then moved around James to the bed and sat down. She then reached down her robes to fish out a chain around her neck. She then took it off and threw it at James. "This is the rest."

James examined the chain for a moment; hanging off the end was a ring. "What do you mean? Isn't this the engagement ring that slimy bastard gave you?"

Lily shook her head, "No."

James was now thoroughly confused. "Then what is it?"

"It's not my engagement ring to Severus." Lily took her wand out of her pocket and pointed it at James, "It's my wedding ring."

James dropped the chain, a shocked expression on his face. "You mean... You and him...?"

Lily kept pointing her wand at James, "Yes. We got married on December 26th; the day after he found out Voldemort killed our child. The day after he found out we would both be killed if we didn't break up."

"So you got married for a month? Is that it?" James asked, bending over to pick up the ring.

"No." Lily shook her head, "We're still married."

James' face turned red, "Why the hell did you marry me then?"

Lily smiled ironically, "To keep up the image of a normal life -- without my husband."

James sank down to the floor. "You mean these two years we've been married have been a total joke? Illegal and everything?"

"Oh no," Lily replied, "It was legal. Papa made sure of it."

"So Dumbledore's in this, too..." James sighed. "Is that all?"

"Remus knew."

"The God damned werewolf knew and I didn't?!" James exclaimed, "Why the hell not?"

"Because he was smart enough to figure it out; you weren't." Lily said.

"While you and I have been married... Answer this for me... Did you f-ck him?"

Lily sat perfectly still.

"ANSWER ME! DID YOU FUCK THAT BASTARD?" James yelled. Moments later, Harry's cried were heard. Lily got up to go to him, but James held her back.

Lily slowly turned around, facing him. "Your child needs me."

"Answer me."

"I need to see Harry."

"You'll get him after you answer my question."

Lily pulled her shoulders out of James' grip, then walked towards the door. Turning around to face him, she answered him with a malicious tone.

"Yes James, I did. Multiple times. Countless times... And I enjoyed every moment of it."

Peter Pettigrew came trotting into his Lord's hideout. Bending down to kiss his robes, he unleashed his secret.

"It has happened, My Lord. The Potters have made me their Secret Keeper."