January, 1981
What if Halloween 1981 had never happened? What if Snape hadn't overheard the prophecy? What if there had been no prophecy at all? What if Voldemort had been defeated shortly after the Marauders graduated? This is the life that might have unfolded—a life that was never meant to be.
Lily Potter was turning twenty-one, and as always, James refused to let the day go unnoticed. Parenthood had consumed their lives for the past six months since Harry’s arrival, and the days of hosting friends for late-night dinners and endless laughter had become rare. Once, their home had been a revolving door for the Marauders, filled with pranks, chatter, and the clinking of Butterbeer. Now, it was lullabies, naptime battles, and an ever-growing collection of baby toys scattered across the floor.
But today, James had declared, was for celebration.
With the help of his parents’ house-elf, Tippy, he had taken care of everything. The dining table was set, the food was warm, and the only thing on Lily’s to-do list was to enjoy herself. Of course, she had protested—Harry was teething and had been fussy all week, and she hardly felt like a birthday girl. But James, ever the stubborn one, had insisted.
The first guest arrived just before six.
Sirius swept through the front door, grinning. “Where’s the birthday girl?”
“Occupied,” James said, steering him away from the dining room. “Go keep her company. And don’t—Merlin’s sake—don’t rile Harry up.”
Sirius gave a mock-salute and strode into the living room, where Lily sat curled up on the couch, cradling a squirming Harry. The baby, clad in footie pajamas decorated with tiny golden Snitches, was babbling nonsensically, his tiny fists grasping at the air. Lily looked tired but still radiant, her auburn hair falling loosely over her shoulders.
Sirius halted mid-step. “Oh—sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt the little bloke’s dinner.” he said realising Lily was trying to nurse Harry.
Lily, without looking up, sighed. “You’re fine. Come in. Distract me from your best mate’s absurd need to throw a party.”
Sirius chuckled and plopped into the armchair opposite her. “You expected any less? You married James Potter. Restraint isn’t in his vocabulary.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “I told him we could skip it this year. Just a quiet night in, maybe some treacle tart after Harry finally falls asleep—”
Harry chose that moment to let out an indignant wail, kicking his feet against Lily’s arm.
Sirius winced. “Blimey, is he always this loud?”
“Only when he’s tired. And hungry. And teething. And existing.”
Sirius grinned and leaned forward. “Oi, Prongslet. What’s all the fuss about? You’ve got everything you could ever want— parents who worship the ground you drool on and your Godfather.”
Harry blew a bubble and flailed his arms in Sirius’s direction.
“Oh, Uncle Sirius, always his favourite,” Lily said dryly, shifting Harry to a better position. “He’s considering whether you’re worth spitting up on today.”
Sirius smirked. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Lily bounced Harry gently on her knee. “Tell me he’s not gone overboard with the decorations.”
Sirius feigned innocence. “Overboard? James? Never. Just a few banners, floating candles, and—oh—he might have spelled ‘Happy Birthday, Lily!’ in glowing letters across the ceiling.”
Lily groaned. “Of course he did.”
Sirius smirked. “You love him for it, though.”
She let out a quiet laugh, pressing a kiss to the top of Harry’s messy dark hair. “Yeah. I do.”
Harry looked to Sirius trying to put his entire fist in his mouth, soothing his gums with it.
Lily chuckled as Harry gnawed determinedly on his fist, his chubby fingers slick with drool. He kicked his legs excitedly when he caught sight of Sirius, making little grabby motions toward him.
Sirius smirked, scooting closer. “Alright, alright, I’m coming, you impatient little gremlin.” He reached out and ruffled Harry’s already-messy dark hair. “How’ve you been, mate? Driving your parents up the wall?”
“Oh, you know he has,” Lily said with an exasperated sigh, though there was nothing but love in her voice. “He’s decided sleep is for other babies, and teething has made him even clingier—if that’s even possible.”
Sirius chuckled, holding out his hands. “C’mere, trouble.”
Harry immediately launched himself toward Sirius with the wobbly coordination of an overexcited six-month-old. Sirius caught him with practiced ease, settling him against his chest.
“I swear, he likes you better than us sometimes,” James muttered, as he reappeared in the living room plopping down on the couch beside Lily.
“Well, obviously,” Sirius said smugly. “I’m the fun one.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “Fun until he starts screaming for me in five minutes.”
But Harry wasn’t screaming—if anything, he was delighted, grabbing fistfuls of Sirius’s shirt and shoving them into his mouth with great enthusiasm.
“Oi, Prongs, your son’s trying to eat me again,” Sirius said, watching as Harry slobbered all over the fabric.
James snorted. “That’s what you get for always sneaking him tastes of your treacle tart.”
Sirius gasped dramatically. “That is slander. You can’t prove anything.”
Lily smiled at the banter standing up and stretching her arms above her head. “I need to feed him before dinner…” she said to James. “My breasts feel so full… he’s barely been eating today” she said, touching her swollen breasts.
Sirius groaned, rocking Harry from side to side. “Hearing that without cracking a joke is taking everything I’ve got…”
James shot Sirius a warning look. “Don’t.”
Sirius held up one hand in mock innocence while still bouncing Harry with the other. “I said nothing.”
James ignored his best friend turning to his wife. “Should we try again? Before everyone else comes? Might be easier now that the room is more quiet…” he said
Lily nodded at her husband. “Alright, let’s give it a go. But I was trying just before Sirius got over and no success” she said but started to unbutton her blouse “Bring him over, please”
Sirius’s smirk vanished instantly. “Right. And that’s my cue to leave.”
Lily gave him a look. “Oh, now you develop a sense of boundaries?”
Sirius stood, carefully transferring Harry back into James’s arms. “Listen, I’ll joke about almost anything, but watching my best mate’s wife whip out her—you know what? Nope.” He clapped James on the shoulder. “I’ll be in the kitchen. With the alcohol.”
James rolled his eyes. “Prude.”
Sirius snorted. “Says the man who turned scarlet when Lily mentioned her—”
“Out,” Lily said, pointing toward the door with an amused smile.
James laughed, settling onto the couch as Lily finished unbuttoning her blouse. He adjusted Harry in his arms before passing him over. “Alright, little man, time to actually eat instead of drooling on people.”
Lily cradled Harry against her, trying to get him to latch. He whined in protest, his tiny legs kicking in frustration. She adjusted her hold, shifting him slightly, but he only turned his head away with a frustrated little whimper.
Her shoulders sagged, exhaustion pressing down on her. “I don’t understand,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “He has to be hungry… My breasts feel like they’re bursting.” She blinked rapidly, trying to fight the sting of frustrated tears. It had been such a long week—sleepless nights, endless fussing, and now this.
James rubbed a comforting hand up and down her back. “Hey, hey… it’s alright, love,” he murmured.
Lily let out a shaky breath, shifting Harry again. “But what if something’s wrong? He barely ate earlier, and now he won’t—”
“Lils, let’s not jump to worst-case scenarios,” James said softly. “He’s probably just uncomfortable. Maybe his gums hurt too much to suck properly.”
Lily chewed her lip, looking down at her squirming son. His little face was scrunched up in frustration, his fingers clenching and unclenching against her skin.
“I should keep trying,” she said resolutely, adjusting her hold once more.
James nodded. “Of course. And I’ll be right here.”
She exhaled, relaxing her shoulders as best she could. “Alright, little one,” she murmured, brushing a soft kiss to Harry’s temple. “Let’s try again.”
This time, she gently guided him, stroking his cheek with her finger. Harry turned toward her instinctively, his mouth opening. He latched—finally—and Lily let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“There we go,” James murmured, watching as Harry settled.
Lily sagged against the couch, relief washing over her as the initial discomfort passed. “Merlin, I was about to lose my mind,” she admitted, blinking up at James. “Can you get me his blanket, to cover us? Let Sirius in before he eats everything.”
James chuckled, nodding as he grabbed the baby blue blanket covered in tiny golden snitches from the playpen. “Here you go, love,” he murmured, draping it carefully over Lily’s shoulders.
As if on cue, Sirius strolled back into the room, a treacle tart in hand, looking entirely unrepentant. “Moony and Dorcas are here,” he announced. “I heard Tippy let them in.”
Lily adjusted the blanket, smiling softly. “Good. It’s been too long since we’ve all been together.”
“I’ll go and get them,” James said, disappearing into the foyer.
Sirius nodded, leaning against the arm of the couch and glancing down at Harry, whose little hand rested against Lily’s skin. His usual smirk softened into something quieter, more thoughtful. “He alright now?”
Lily exhaled, brushing a gentle hand over Harry’s dark curls. “Yeah. Just needed some patience, I think.”
“Look, Lils. I know you said no in the past but I want to say again that me and Marls can watch him for a night. You pump out your lovely milk and enjoy a night with your husband, huh?” Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lily let out a quiet laugh, shifting Harry slightly against her. “Lovely milk?” she repeated, giving Sirius an amused look.
Sirius smirked but held up his hands in surrender. “What? It is lovely—keeps my godson alive, doesn’t it?”
Lily shook her head, still smiling, but there was a flicker of something thoughtful in her expression.
“You know I trust you,” she said after a moment. “It’s just… he’s still so little. And—”
“And you don’t want to be away from him just yet,” Sirius finished for her, nodding in understanding. “I get it, Lils. Really.”
Lily sighed, running a gentle finger along Harry’s tiny fingers. “It’s not forever,” she murmured. “Just… not quite yet.”
Sirius gave her a knowing look but didn’t push. Instead, he crouched down beside the couch, resting an arm on the cushion. “Alright, but promise me that when you are ready, you and Prongs take that night for yourselves. Marlene and I would be honored to spoil this little rascal rotten for an evening.”
Lily smiled, tilting her head. “Marlene agreed to this, did she?”
Sirius grinned. “Oh, she actually suggested it. Told me you’d probably say no the first few times but that we should keep asking.”
Lily huffed a small laugh. “She knows me too well.”
Sirius glanced down at Harry. “It’s just… you two deserve a break, Lils. And you know I’d protect him with my life.”
Lily swallowed, the weight of his words settling between them. She reached out, squeezing Sirius’s hand briefly. “I do know,” she said softly.
Sirius gave her a small smile, then nodded toward Harry. “Still gonna keep asking, though.”
Lily chuckled. “I’d expect nothing less.”
Harry pushed back from Lily’s breast seemingly done with his feeding. Lily smiled gently, adjusting him in her arms. “Can you hold him for a second? Upright while I button myself up” she asked, handing Harry to Sirius.
James walked in that moment with Remus and Dorcas, all of them holding butterbear. “Look who is here!” he said.
“Look it’s your second favourite Uncle” Sirius teased as he took Harry from Lily.
Remus smiled at Lily waiting for her to finish fixing her clothes before pulling her into a hug. “Happy Birthday Lily” he said, kissing her cheek before handing her two books. “Here is your present. Hope you like it”
Lily beamed, accepting the books with an appreciative hum. “You always get me the best gifts, Remus,” she said, running her fingers over the worn leather covers. “Are these—oh! Ancient Runes in Modern Spellwork and Magical Theory Beyond the Basics?” Her green eyes sparkled with excitement.
Remus chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Figured you might like them. Thought they’d be a good addition to your collection.”
“They’re perfect,” Lily assured him, rising onto her toes to press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
As she spoke, Sirius expertly shifted Harry against his chest, rubbing slow circles on the baby’s back. Harry let out a small sigh, resting his head against his godfather’s shoulder, his tiny fingers gripping a handful of Sirius’s robes.
“You’ve got the touch, Pads,” James remarked, watching with an amused smile as Sirius bounced Harry slightly.
Sirius smirked. “What can I say? The kid adores me.” He glanced down at Harry, lowering his voice playfully. “That’s right, isn’t it, Prongslet? I’m your favorite.”
Harry let out a sleepy little coo, which Sirius took as confirmation.
Dorcas scoffed, handing Lily a small wrapped package. “You’ll never let us hear the end of it if he actually says your name first, will you?”
“Absolutely not,” Sirius said, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
Lily, laughing, unwrapped Dorcas’s gift to reveal a delicate silver bracelet engraved with tiny constellations. Her breath caught slightly. “Oh, Dorcas, it’s beautiful…”
Dorcas grinned. “Figured with how much time you spend around these idiots, you could use something a little elegant in your life.”
James placed a hand over his heart. “The betrayal in my own home.”
Lily shot him a teasing look. “She’s not wrong, love.”
Remus chuckled, taking a sip of his butterbeer. “I think that’s just part of the package when you marry a Marauder.”
James slung an arm around Lily’s shoulders, unfazed. “And you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Lily sighed, dramatic but fond. “Unfortunately, you’re right.”
Dorcas chuckled and walked to Sirius to see Harry. “Do you grow every single week? I can’t turn my back for a minute and you’re already huge” she said and motioned to pick Harry up lifting him gently off Sirius’s arms before he burst into tears, making grabbing motions to his Godfather.
Remus smiled amused, resting his hand on Dorcas’s waist. “Honestly, I was here last week for a Marauders’ night and he won’t go to anyone that’s not his parents or Padfoot. Not even Marlene. It’s annoying”
“Who is not going to Marlene?” a voice came in from the door, showing Marlene at the threshold. “I am sorry I am late. I got caught up at work” she said walking to her best friend and giving her a tight hug. “Happy birthday red!”
Lily melted into Marlene’s embrace, squeezing her tightly. “You’re here now, that’s what matters,” she said warmly.
Marlene pulled back with a smirk. “Obviously. I had to be here—couldn’t let this lot have all your attention.”
Dorcas, still trying to soothe a now-wailing Harry, huffed. “I hate to break it to you, McKinnon, but you’re not the favourite today.” She rocked Harry gently, but he stubbornly reached toward Sirius, his little face scrunched up in distress.
Sirius let out a breathless chuckle, taking him back with practiced ease. “Alright, alright, I’m here, Prongslet.” He settled Harry against his chest, rubbing his back in slow, soothing circles. “Honestly, I don’t know what you lot are complaining about—clearly, the kid just has good taste.”
Marlene rolled her eyes, but there was affection in it. “He’s got you wrapped around his tiny little finger, Black.”
Sirius grinned, not even bothering to deny it. “And proud of it.”
Lily watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling. As much as she and James had dreamed of parenthood, they hadn’t realized how much love Harry would have—not just from them, but from their family.
James clapped his hands together, grinning. “Alright, now that everyone is here, I think it’s time we get to the good stuff.”
“Not so fast, Potter,” Marlene said, holding up a hand to stop James in his tracks. She dug into her bag, pulling out three neatly wrapped packages. “Presents first. Priorities.”
She set them down on the coffee table and pointed to each in turn. “This one’s from me, that one’s from Sirius—because someone forgot to wrap it—and this little one is for Harry.” She held up a small, soft package and turned to Lily with a grin. “It’s a teething toy, charmed to always stay cool to help with his gums. And it’s infused with a mild soothing potion—completely safe, of course.”
Lily’s face lit up. “Oh, Marls, that’s perfect! He’s been miserable all week.”
“As a healer, it’s my sworn duty to show up with something useful for him,” Marlene said with a wink. “Next time, it’ll be a salve for bumps and bruises, because I know he’s going to be a little daredevil.”
James smirked. “Wonder where he’d get that from?”
Sirius feigned offense, pressing a hand to his chest. “Certainly not from me.”
Marlene snorted. “Please, the only thing more reckless than James Potter is James Potter and Sirius Black together.”
Remus took a sip of his butterbeer. “She’s got a point.”
Dorcas nudged Lily playfully. “Open the gifts, birthday girl, before these two get into a debate over who’s the bigger menace.”
Lily laughed, reaching for the first package. “Alright, alright, let’s see what trouble you lot have gotten into this year.”
She tore in the first package, the gift from Lily, holding up a leather jacket, running her fingers over the buttery soft leather. It was sleek, fitted, and undeniably stylish—classic Sirius, but somehow still her. She glanced up at him, brow raised. “You do realize I’m already the coolest person in this room, right?”
Sirius smirked. “Yeah, yeah. But now you’ll look the part too.” He leaned back, feigning nonchalance. “Figured you could use a little edge to balance out the whole mum vibe.”
Lily rolled her eyes, but she was grinning. “This is actually gorgeous, Pads. Thank you.”
Sirius shrugged, but there was unmistakable warmth in his expression. He reached for the teething toy and handed it to Harry, who wasted no time shoving it into his mouth, immediately soothed by the cooling charm.
“There we go,” Sirius said, watching Harry gnaw on the toy.
Marlene crossed her arms, smirking. “Don’t let this moment fool you, Harry. He’s only ever this useful occasionally.”
Sirius shot her a look. “Oi, I am an excellent godfather.”
Remus chuckled. “You do seem to have the magic touch with him.”
Harry let out a tiny, contented sigh, his little fingers curled around the toy. Lily watched him with a soft smile before turning back to the remaining gifts.
“Alright,” she said, reaching for the next package. “Let’s see what you got me, McKinnon. Should I be worried?”
Marlene grinned. “Always.”
Lily unwrapped it quickly and gasped as she pulled out a small, leather-bound notebook. When she flipped it open, she saw that the first page had a handwritten note in Marlene’s looping script:
"For the brightest witch I know—because even when you’re knee-deep in nappies and sleepless nights, you’ll always have magic worth putting into the world."
Lily swallowed thickly, running her fingers over the pages. It was charmed, she could tell—likely never to run out of space, always keeping ink from smudging. It was thoughtful in a way that made her chest tighten.
She looked up at Marlene, eyes shining. “I love it.”
Marlene nudged Lily’s shoulder playfully. “Figured you might want a place to jot down all those brilliant ideas of yours.”
Lily smiled, warmth blooming in her chest as she pulled Marlene in for a tight hug. “I love it. Thank you.”
Marlene squeezed her once before pulling back with a smirk. “Just promise me you won’t use it to start making lists of all the ways James drives you mad.”
Lily laughed. “No promises.”
She set her gifts carefully on the coffee table before clapping her hands together. “Alright, let’s eat—I’m starving.”
As she gestured for everyone to follow her, she turned to James. “Jamie, grab the play mat, will you? We can lay Harry down while we eat.”
James saluted. “On it.”
Sirius, still holding a now-sleepy Harry, smirked. “And here I thought I was the only one getting bossed around tonight.”
Remus chuckled, shaking his head. “You should know by now, mate—Lily runs this house.”
“No argument there,” James said with a grin as they all settled around the dining table.
Harry was now laying content on his play mat beside Lily, happily gnawing on his new teething toy. She glanced at her watch, then down at her son. “We should probably put him to bed for a bit,” she murmured.
Before she could move, James reached out, tilting her chin up gently so she met his gaze. “I’ve got him tonight,” he said softly. “You enjoy your dinner, yeah?” He brushed his lips against hers in a lingering kiss.
Lily exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as she smiled up at him. “I love you,” she whispered. “Thank you for this.”
James winked. “Anything for my birthday girl.”
Across the table, Marlene dropped into the seat beside Sirius, immediately sliding a hand over his thigh. “Haven’t even gotten a proper hello yet,” she murmured before pulling him in for a kiss. “You’re being hogged by the drooling monster.”
Sirius smirked against her lips. “Tragic, isn’t it?” He kissed her back, deep and slow, as if they weren’t sitting at the dinner table surrounded by friends.
Dorcas groaned. “Merlin, again?”
Remus sighed, already reaching for his butterbeer. “Can we get through one meal without you two snogging like teenagers?”
Marlene pulled back just enough to grin. “Not a chance.”
James rolled his eyes, but he was grinning. “Honestly, you two are worse than we ever were.”
Marlene, clearly enjoying the banter, grinned and casually threw a leg over Sirius’s lap, leaning in close to him to spite their friends. “And we’ve been shagging for longer than you two have, so if that doesn’t tell you how addicted we are to each other…” She smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief.
James groaned dramatically, his face contorting with faux disgust. “I don’t need to think about my best mate and my sister going at it. Thanks for that image, Marlene.”
Marlene and James weren’t exactly siblings but they had grown up as such with the Potter and the McKinnon living side by side.
Sirius chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to the top of Marlene’s head, clearly unfazed by the teasing. “You know you love it, Prongs,” he said with a wink.
Lily, shaking her head and laughing, turned to James with a teasing look. “I think it’s sweet they’re so in love. You’re just jealous.”
James huffed, dramatically folding his arms across his chest. “We are in love! Our issue is we’re also tired. Dorcas and Remus are also in love, and I don’t see their tongues at dinner.”
Remus smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Fair enough,” he said, taking a casual sip of his drink.
While their friends continued their playful bickering, Marlene stole a glance at Sirius. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it was as if the noise of the room fell away, leaving just the two of them in a quiet conversation. No words were needed.
Sirius stretched his arms above his head, breaking the silence with a slight grin on his face. “Alright… we weren’t sure about sharing this today. Didn’t want to steal the spotlight from Lily, but we’re not all together very often these days, so here it goes…”
Marlene reached into her pocket, and before anyone could respond, she slid a beautiful ring onto her finger—a striking red diamond, rich in color and reminiscent of Gryffindor’s proud hues. She looked at Dorcas and Lily, her eyes sparkling. “We’re engaged!” she squealed, her voice full of joy and excitement.
Lily’s jaw dropped for a moment before she let out a delighted gasp. “Oh my god, Marls!” She rushed over, pulling her friend into a tight hug. “That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you both!”
Dorcas laughed, her eyes glistening with happy tears as she stood up to join them. “About time! Congratulations, you two!”
James stood up going around the table and pulling Sirius into a brotherly hug. “Congratulations, Pads! Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked.
Sirius chuckled, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin. “Hardest thing I’ve ever done, Prongs. But Marls complains I tell you more than I do her, so I wanted her to be the first to know,” he said, gesturing toward Marlene with a grin that was all mischief.
James laughed, shaking his head. “You’re a real piece of work, Padfoot.” He moved to hug Marlene tightly. “Congrats, baby sis.”
Marlene grinned, returning the hug with a playful squeeze. “Thanks, Jamie.”
Remus, who had been watching the exchange with a smile, pulled Sirius into a hug once the congratulations were over. “I’m very happy for you,” he said, his voice soft but sincere. “Seems like you’re growing up, mate.”
Sirius chuckled, his usual teasing demeanor softening just a little. “Don’t get too excited, Moony. I’m still me. But… yeah. This feels right.” He looked down at Marlene, who smiled up at him, and for a moment, there was something in his eyes that was rare for the ever-joking Sirius Black.
“I’m proud of you,” Remus added, giving him a small squeeze before letting go.
Sirius nodded, his smirk returning. “Well, I’m glad you’re all on board. Wouldn’t want to do this without you a lot.” He reached for Marlene’s hand again, squeezing it gently. “To us, I guess.”
“To us,” Marlene echoed, her voice full of love and excitement.
Lily watched the two of them, her heart swelling with happiness for her friends. “I couldn’t be happier for you both.” She turned to James. “I think it’s time to celebrate.”
The dinner carried on with its usual mix of laughter and lively conversation. James and Lily reveled in the rare chance to truly catch up with their friends, eager to hear about the happenings in their lives.
Remus was toying with the idea of taking up a teaching position at Hogwarts, something he had always dreamed of but never quite dared to pursue given his furry little problem. Yet, with Dorcas by his side, he was finding a newfound sense of peace. She helped him see beyond the wolf that haunted him, reminded him that he was more than his fears—that he was a compassionate, intelligent man who would be a fantastic professor.
Sirius, on the other hand, remained as untethered as ever. Still living off his inheritance, he was committed to his free-spirited, carefree lifestyle. But life had become a little more complicated with his younger brother, Regulus, now living with him after cutting all ties with their mother, Walburga. The two had always been at odds, but now, under one roof, their constant bickering was becoming more of a challenge than Sirius had anticipated.
“You don’t want to give Harry a sibling, Lils. Trust me on this,” Marlene muttered, shaking her head. “Regulus and Sirius bicker about everything. I swear, I’m losing my mind. The amount of times I have to step in...” She paused for a moment, glancing at Sirius and added with a wry grin, “I am the youngest of six and I know brotherly bickering. Those two take it to a different level. Doesn’t help that they’re both stubborn, arrogant pricks.”
Sirius rolled his eyes, taking a long sip of his drink. “I am nothing like him,” he groaned, clearly exasperated. “He’s a spoiled, arrogant brat. Can’t stand being told what to do, thinks he knows better than everyone.”
Marlene snorted, nudging him playfully. “And you, of course, are the picture of humility.”
“He should do as I tell him. I am his older brother. End of story” Sirius mumbled.
Lily rolled her eyes. “As a younger sister myself, I tell you that attitude won’t take you far” she mumbled. “Where is Regulus today?”
“Home. Sulking” Sirius said and glanced at Marlene sideways. “Turns out turning your back on your blood supremacist friends makes you pretty lonely”
“Poor thing. Why didn’t you invite him over?” Lily asked.
Sirius scoffed, swirling his drink in his hand. “Because, Lily, I’ve been putting up with him all day. I also need a break.” His tone was light, but there was something else beneath it—something only those closest to him would catch.
Marlene glanced at him, squeezing his thigh under the table. “To be fair, love, it’s a big adjustment for him. He spent years with those people, believing what they told him. Now he’s cut them off, and he’s trying to figure out who he is without them.”
Sirius exhaled sharply. “Yeah, well, it’s not like I don’t get it. I just wish he’d talk to me instead of sulking in his room like a bloody tragic hero.”
Lily tilted her head, considering. “Maybe he just doesn’t know how yet. He was raised in a house where emotions were a weakness, right? Give him time.”
James, who had been quietly observing, finally chimed in. “And maybe he just needs a nudge. You’re both stubborn as hell. Someone has to make the first move.”
Sirius groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “So what, I just invite him over for tea and heartfelt confessions?”
Dorcas snorted into her drink, and even Remus smirked.
Lily sighed, but there was fondness in her voice. “You could try just talking to him.”
Marlene rolled her eyes but smiled. “You joke, but that might actually work.”
Sirius leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. “Fine. Next time, I’ll try talking instead of waiting for him to figure it out on his own. Happy?”
Lily raised her glass. “Ecstatic.”
The night carried on with laughter and easy conversation, the warmth of friendship filling the room. They drank, they reminisced, and for a few precious hours, life was simple. James, true to his word, rose each time Harry stirred, letting Lily enjoy the rare luxury of just being herself—not just a mother, but Lily, their sharp, brilliant, mischievous friend.
There were no looming shadows, no war pressing in, no Voldemort threatening to tear their world apart. Just them, together, as it always should have been. A glimpse into a life that could have been—a life filled with love, not loss.