*Lilah POV*

I ran over Remus' words in my head, repeating them over and over again as I examined the possible outcomes. I knew that he was right – he always was. There was no point in knowing the future if I couldn't change it.

Harry could grow up with his parents. With James and I.

Maybe I could live past twenty-one.

Maybe I would be able to grow up with my mother by my side.

Maybe Voldemort can be killed before he terrorises the Wizarding World for the second time.

So many maybe's, the real predicament though is if I'll be able to emerge victorious.

Maybe I wouldn't.

But maybe, just maybe, I could succeed.

I sat down by the lake, the cool snow having transformed into that of a chilly breeze as winter was finally coming to an end. My scarf was wrapped tightly around my neck, proudly displaying the roaring red and glittering gold. I twiddled with my quill, staring down at the empty page as I scrambled my brain for possible action.

What can I do to change the future?

The first thing that comes to mind – Peter. It was crazy how one cowardly rat could have such a large impact, especially on those that once cared about him.

He is the reason why Sirius was – will be sent to Azkaban. He is the reason why my son will grow up in a neglectful and intolerable household. He is the reason why the love of my life is murdered and he too will be my own downfall.

I had previously warned Dumbledore of my knowledge, pleading for him to do something, ­anything. He refused, claiming that a shift in the timeline is fragile and it is not to be messed with.

I knew better though, despite his claims to nobility and honesty, the man always had a cunning and deceiving plan up his sleeve. I didn't trust him; I could not rely on his help in the attempt to save my family.

I left the lake that day with my first goal in setting the future right – Peter had to be eliminated.

--

"You alright?" James called as he raced to a quick stop beside me, glancing at me in worry as he kept his eye out for the snitch.

"Yes James, I'm fine," I laughed, swinging the beaters bat in my hand, speeding to hit the bludger away from Frank Longbottom and towards the Slytherin captain – Marcus Flint.

As cute as James' incessant worry was over my wellbeing, it could be hard to handle at times – especially if it's during one of the biggest quidditch games of the season. I did adore it though; there was almost nothing more important than Quidditch to the Gryffindor captain and for him to even pause on his quest for even a moment conveyed how important I was to him.

"Ten points to Slytherin!" The announcer exclaimed.

I grinned over at Sirius, flying past him as I knocked the bludger out of his path.

"And I thought that you were supposed to be the best beater Gryffindor has seen in the last decade?" I teased, tossing the bat in my hand as I surveyed the open area.

"You little git," Sirius barked, laughing wildly as he raced off to protect one of the Prewett twins from the incoming bludger as the ginger-haired man tucked the quaffle underneath the crook of his arm.

I looked over to James, watching as he descended upon the snitch in excitement. He reached one hand forward, diving closer and closer to the ground before abruptly pulling up, thrusting his left hand into the air with a relieved laugh.

"And Potter has caught the snitch! Gryffindor wins!"

I dived towards the grass, quickly dismounting my broom once I touched the ground. My eyes settled upon a mischievous captain, throwing myself on him in glee.

"You did it! Holy Merlin James, you did it!" I screamed joyously, laughing giddily as he spun me around in circles. "You were amazing!"

He glanced down at me, lifting a hand from my waist to cup my cheek gently. "We did it Li, we did it together," he mumbled softly before pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

"You both disgust me," one of the twins joked, enclosing us in a hug as he beamed in Gryffindor pride. He pulled back, a grin splitting his lips as his hands cupped his mouth, "party in the Gryffindor common room!"

James' fist pumped into the air, bouncing around in exhilaration, still high off of the adrenaline from the match.

I stared at him in awe as he faced me, kneeling down on the grass in his robes. Sweat glistened on his forehead – from the match or nervousness I was unsure.

"Miss Lilah Lupin, love of my life, will you grant me the absolute pleasure of escorting you to the party tonight?" James pouted, wrapping his tanned arms around my legs, clinging on tightly.

I raised an eyebrow at what was supposed to be my boyfriend, an amused chuckle threatening to escape my lips as I had almost forgotten how innocent and child-like he could appear.

"Maybe I don't want to," I crossed my arms, looking towards the sky, ignoring his whines of protest. "Ouch!" I cried indignantly, glaring down at a smirking James who had just pinched my leg. "You little-"

"I love you!" He cut me off, rushing to his feet. "Be ready for seven," he winked, running backwards towards the castle.

"Is he my boyfriend or my child?" I huffed in amusement, shaking my head as I replayed the events moments ago. I started the long walk back to the common room, my broom grasped firmly in my right hand as I surveyed the dimming sun; it's beautiful rays slowly fading into darkness.

A darkness that easily hid the lingering figure, their beady eyes lit in delight, eager for the torment to come.

--

I finished buttoning the last button, tucking the white shirt into my leather skirt that was held up by a studded belt.

I stared at myself in the mirror; slightly uncomfortable in the outfit Marlene had chosen for me.

A slow whistle broke me out of my reverie, my eyes searching and landing on the culprit – a grinning, blue-eyed blonde. "Damn girl," Marlene nodded, motioning for me to twirl.

"The poor lad isn't going to know what to do with himself," Alice giggled, walking out of the bathroom.

"That's what I was going for," Marlene laughed, high fiving Alice as she walked past.

"How'd you get that bruise?" Lily asked, staring at its purpling form from the end of her bed. She tugged her hair up into a high pony, pulling out strands for a messy appearance.

"James," I rolled my eyes, still annoyed over the fact that he had pinched me. I walked towards my bed, slipping on the red high heels Alice had leant me for the night.

"Do we even want to know?" Marlene smirked, plopping down beside me.

"Probably not," Alice remarked, sliding a belt into the loops of her dark wash blue skinny jeans. "It'll probably scare us for life."

"He pinched me!" I exclaimed in defense, laughing wildly at their assumptions. "How do you get that from a bruise on my leg?"

"Lil' Lupin!" Came a shout from downstairs, the girls looking at me questioningly.

"And that's my cue," I stand up from the crinkled bed, walking steadily towards the door, closing it softly behind me.

I descended the steps slowly, careful not to trip and fall to my death. The loud music reverberated throughout the room, vibrating through the walls. Drunken yells and screams echoed up the staircase, the older years having apparently already broken out the fire whiskey.

I descended the last step, my feet falling onto the red carpet soundlessly as my eyes connected with a startling blue. James gulped, knocking back the rest of his drink, walking towards me after a nudge from Sirius who refused to even look at me.

"You look – you look-" James mumbled, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly as he tried to finish his sentence.

"Gorgeous," Sirius finally met my eye, blank and unemotive.

"Yes, that!" James laughed, disclosing the space between us as he walked forward, wrapping me in a tight hug. The warmth of his body seeped into me, his breath cooing softly on my neck as he placed a light kiss.

"Hey cous'," a voice interrupted as James pulled back, a knowing and amused twinkle shining in the chocolate eyes I had inherited.

"Hi," I greeted softly, tucked into James' side as he rambled to Sirius about going squid hunting.

"How's the plan going?" Remus whispered, leaning closer to me.

I cast a sharp look towards James, a sigh of relief escaping me as I realised that he was still babbling to Sirius about the adventure he wanted them to embark on.

"Not here," I warned, silently motioning towards James and Sirius.

I had enlisted Remus as my accomplice, needing someone to help me scheme who was already aware of the situation. Other than Dumbledore, Remus was my only other option.

"Tomorrow then," Remus nodded, taking a sip of his butterbeer.

"Tomorrow," I confirmed.

"Baby, I don't feel too good." James groaned into my ear, leaning his weight against me.

I stared at him in disbelief, not even haven taken one sip of a drink yet myself. I noticed his paling face, sighing as I wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

"Let's get you to bed," I whispered, running a hand through his hair.

Together we got up the stairs, using the wall as a support. On the last stone step, snap. It was less than a moment later that I realised that I was falling backwards.

My heel broke.

I tried to grasp the air, attempting to find something – anything, to keep me from falling.

"No you don't," James grinned, reaching out to wrap an arm around my waist, successfully catching me and preventing a fall that would've no doubt at least broken something if not my neck.

I stared up at him in shock, my heart pounding, shock covering my features. How did he catch me? Isn't he supposed to be intoxi-

That little sod.

A sheepish smile tugged at his lips, having caught my moment of realisation before shrugging. He knelt down, carefully slipping off the heels as I braced myself against his shoulder.

"Why?"

"Maybe I just wanted a moment alone with you," he smirked, rising to his feet with my heels in one hand, the other extended towards me.

"And you had to pretend that you were drunk to get one?"

He wrapped an arm around my waist, tugging me against his body. My heart was racing to the point where I was sure he could feel it through my shirt.

"I thought it was more inconspicuous than us just disappearing."

He lifted me up, guiding my legs around his waist, walking towards his dorm, kicking the door shut behind him as he dropped the heels to the floor.

"But what if-" I started, only to be cut off by a kiss pressed to my lips.

He raised his hand, mumbling a silent charm as the door locked.

"Wandless magic?" I raised an eyebrow, looking at the man in question.

"I guess there's still a lot that you don't know about me," he smirked, pushing my back against the bedpost as he peppered hot kisses down my neck, unbuttoning my shirt for better access.

He tried to untuck my shirt, getting it stuck on the studded belt. "What even is this thing?"

I laughed, taking a moment to lean my head back against the post as I watched him struggle.

"I will do this," he muttered determinedly, tugging wildly at the shirt before sighing angrily, "I hope you don't mind your shirt getting ruined."

It took a moment for me to process what it was he said, my brain tumbling as I hurried to spit out my objections. However, I was a moment too late.

Before I knew it my shirt was ripped open, buttons falling to the floor with a soft clang.

"Ah, I did it!" He grinned cheekily, my anger dismissed as he basked in his achievement.

"By Merlin James-"

A deep chuckle interrupted me as he once again continued his assault, "I'll fix it tomorrow, Love, I promise."

My anger only increased our passion, transforming into a battle for dominance, two souls waging war in a fit of hunger and love, expressing themselves in the truest form.

And by Merlin it was magical.