Saturday, October 31st, 1977 – Halloween
James pulled his pocket-watch from the pocket of his jeans, and flipped open the door. Five minutes till half-past-three. If his memory served correctly, the first of the Death Eaters arrived at exactly half-past-three the last time, and there was no reason to think this time would be any different.
"Five minute warning, Lily," James said to his wife in a sing-song voice, "Please tell me you're finished."
"Don't distract me, James," Lily said, "I just need a little more time."
"You have three minutes," James said, "That will give us an additional minute to get into position."
James and Lily were currently standing at the entrance gates of Hogsmeade Village, on the opposite side of the village from Hogsmeade station and the path that led from the village back to Hogwarts. They had chosen this position because most Hogwarts students never came anywhere near these gates as they explored the village. If the Death Eaters entered through these gates, they would have to head straight into the village. The nearest buildings had full view of the gate, and anyone in those buildings would be able to see the Death Eaters. This would give the villagers and visitors plenty of warning before the Death Eaters could begin their attack.
To ensure the Death Eaters entered from these gates was the hard part, however. Lily had to construct runes that specifically limited all Apparation to the area only near the gates. That was exactly what she was doing now.
Over the past hour, James and Lily had been preparing their counter-attack. Portable swamps and other prank items from Zonko's Joke Shop were situated in specific spots around the village. Lily had placed runes near each prank planted so that she could control the exact moment they activated, so that innocent students and villagers didn't set them off.
In addition to the prank traps, Lily had made several rune traps as well. Vine Traps, Stun Traps, and other various rune traps that would stop the Death Eaters, but wouldn't cause too much damage to Hogsmeade itself, had been planted around the village. Like the prank traps, these were also controlled by time-activated runes.
In addition to his pranks, James also had several fireworks on his person, ready to set off. These fireworks would provide distraction, as well as warning, and perhaps – if it came to it – offensive attacks as well.
"Lily," James warned.
"One – more – second, James!" Lily said, "Sticking Charm. There. Got it! I think it will work!"
"Fine!" James said, "We need to go!"
James grabbed Lily's arm and they took off toward a row of hedges near the closest building to the gates. James and Lily had already planned that this area would be their front line of attack. They had cast several protective enchantments near it. They would be able to cast spells from the area, but most spells wouldn't be able to pass through the protective enchantments toward them.
As James and Lily arrived at the hedges, they heard a familiar voice.
"Prongs, Evans!" Sirius said. "There you are! What are you two lovebirds up to?"
James cursed under his breath when he saw Sirius and Amelia.
"Get over here, you two!" James said, "Now!"
"You sound afraid of something, James," Amelia said, "What's going on? Why are you –?"
Amelia's question was cut off by the sound of multiple cracks of Apparation.
"What the bloody hell was that?" Sirius asked.
"Get over here before I summon you, god damn it!" James ordered.
Sirius and Amelia ran over behind the hedges and hid next to James and Lily. James put a finger to his lips to hush Sirius and Amelia. He raised up slowly and looked toward the gates. At least six figures in hoods and cloaks were standing there. From where he stood, James could tell they were confused as to why they were all standing in the same area.
"It worked, Lily," James said.
"Those are Death Eaters!" Amelia said. "What the bloody hell are they doing here?
"I doubt they're here to go shopping, Amelia!" James growled; he took several fireworks from his robes and threw them on the ground in front of Lily, Sirius and Amelia, "Set these off! Now! We need to warn everybody!"
James pointed his wand at the firework he was holding, and pointed the firework in the air. Multiple fireworks shot high into the air and exploded, creating sounds of chaos. Lily, Sirius and Amelia started doing the same.
"They're giving off battle sounds," Amelia said, "Not colors."
"Yeah," James said, "I'm hoping they'll scare off most of the students and villagers and send them running toward Hogwarts. Only those brave enough to fight will come this way."
"Hush!" Lily said, "Listen!"
"What the bloody hell is that?!" a voice screamed, and James knew it was one of the Death Eaters, "This was supposed to be a surprise attack!"
"Then surprise them!" a voice familiar to James and his friends, screamed, "Attack!"
"Bloody hell," Sirius groaned, "That's Bellatrix."
"Showtime," James said. "Lily -"
"I know, James," Lily said, "I'll be careful. I promise."
"I was going to ask whether you've activated the rune traps yet, love," James said.
"Rune traps?" Sirius asked.
"Right," Lily said; she removed a rune stone from the pocket of her robes and pointed her wand at it, "Traps activated."
"What the bloody hell is going on?!" Sirius demanded. "It is like you knew this was going to happen!"
"Not now!" James growled. "If you're not going to help us fight back, stay out of sight!"
"I'm not letting you go out there alone, mate!" Sirius said.
"Wait for my signal then!" James said.
James crept toward the end of the hedgerow. Five of the six Death Eaters were making their way toward the direction of the main area of the village. The last one was remaining behind near the gates. Their long black hair could be seen in the front of their hood, and James realized it was Bellatrix Lestrange.
Suddenly, a Portable Swamp appeared in the center of the cobbled path, directly in front of the lead Death Eater. The Death Eater screamed as he sank into it up to his waist. Unfortunately, the other Death Eaters were able to stop before they, too, stepped into the swamp.
"Lily, come here!" James said.
Lily crept over to James and leaned over so she could see what was going on.
"I guarantee at least one of the Death Eaters is going to try to help the one in the swamp," James said, "I'll aim for the one assisting them, and you aim for the one in the swamp."
"Won't the one in the swamp drown if Stunned?" Lily asked.
"Lily, we're not here to take prisoners," James said, "Disable them, or worse, so they can't get back up."
Lily nodded.
"Sirius, Amelia," James said, "Get ready to attack."
Sirius and Amelia nodded. James turned back toward the Death Eaters, and found that one was indeed moving to help their trapped friend. The other three were looking around confused, wondering where the swamp had come from.
"Now!" James ordered, in a hushed whisper.
James sent a Bludgeoning Curse at the Death Eater attempting to save his friend. Lily sent a Stunning Spell at the swamped Death Eater. Both curses hit on target. The Stunned Death Eater fell backward into the swamp and vanished under the murky water. The Bludgeoned Death Eater fell over onto the ground. James wasn't sure if they were unconscious or dead.
"The spells came from that direction!" one of the Death Eaters screamed.
Several curses, hexes and spells came in a barrage from the three Death Eaters toward the hedge. However, the protective enchantments were holding up.
"Now!" James growled.
James, Lily and Sirius started casting offensive spells in the direction of the Death Eaters. Amelia cast shield charms around her three friends. When one of the Death Eaters went down, due to a Cutting Curse from James, the others turned and started retreating back toward the gate. James, Lily, and Sirius then cast more spells toward the retreating Death Eaters, and they both went down before they could reach the gate. Bellatrix screamed in rage as she discovered her team of Death Eaters had been defeated.
However, she didn't Apparate away in retreat. To James' horror, Bellatrix cast a Blasting Charm at the gates, and they blew up. He then realized... there had been a lot more than six Death Eaters during the original attack.
"Shite!" James growled, "Bellatrix disabled the Anti-Apparation Runes! This isn't over! There's more coming."
Not a moment later, cracks of Apparation were heard around the village. Screams of terror could be heard from various locations.
"Come on!" James said, "We have to help!"
James led Lily, Sirius and Amelia out from behind the hedge. Immediately, he saw Bellatrix Lestrange walking slowly and cautiously down the road, her wand pointed forward.
"Bellatrix!" Sirius snarled.
Bellatrix turned toward them and cackled. "Cousin Sirius! Join the Dark Lord or die today!"
"Never!" Sirius growled.
"Crucio!" Bellatrix snarled.
Amelia stepped in front of Sirius, and was hit with the Torture Curse meant for him. She fell to the ground, and started screaming as she shook violently. Sirius growled loudly and started sending curses and hexes in Bellatrix's direction. James and Lily joined in, intending on overwhelming Bellatrix. Bellatrix went on the defensive instead of offense. She screamed loudly when she realized she couldn't win, and vanished via Apparation.
"Amelia!" Sirius said, as he immediately knelt near her.
"Stay with her, Sirius," James said, "We're going to join the battle."
"Are you sure?" Sirius asked, "Maybe Evans -"
"I'm not letting Lily out of my sight!" James growled.
There was a sudden explosion coming from somewhere down the road.
"They're trying to blow up buildings!" Sirius exclaimed.
"No," Lily said, "That was one of my rune traps. What do you think, James? Animagi?"
"We'll get there faster," James said, nodding.
Lily dropped her shopping bags then transformed immediately into a large Bengal Tiger, her Animagus.
"Lily?!" Sirius gaped, "She – James – Lily?"
"I'll explain later, Padfoot!" James said, grinning.
As he dropped the fireworks and shopping bags, a thought came to his mind. There was an easy way to save face for him and Lily when it came to keeping their time travel secret for a while longer. Sirius turned back to Amelia, and James pointed his wand at Sirius. He silently used an Obliviation Charm on Sirius, wiping any details of him and Lily knowing about the Death Eater attack before it happened from Sirius' memory. He let Sirius keep the information about Tiger-Lily, since that secret would be getting out soon for the Marauders anyway.
Then he ran forward and transformed into his Animagus. Together, Prongs and Tiger-Lily took off in the direction of the sounds of battle. Soon, they came upon a Death Eater dueling two students at once. When Tiger-Lily let off a loud growl, the Death Eater turned around. But before he could even lift his wand to cast a curse, Prongs ran at him, and rammed him with his antlers. The Death Eater screamed in pain as Prongs and Tiger-Lily proceeded to trample him, before continuing deeper into the village.
They passed by several bodies, not knowing whether they were student, villager, Death Eater or other, nor if they were injured, unconscious or dead. One of the Death Eaters had fallen victim to one of Lily's Vine Rune Traps. Then they came upon Marlene, Remus, Peter, Frank and Alice dueling against a group of Death Eaters outside a shop. Once again, Prongs ran forward and rammed one the closest Death Eater with his antlers. Near him, Tiger-Lily swiped another one with a large paw. Distracted when they attempted to turn their attack on the two animals, the Death Eaters were soon taken down by those they had been dueling.
Not wanting to reveal their identities to those who weren't aware of who they were – in Tiger-Lily's case, that would be everyone – Prongs and Tiger-Lily hurried away from their friends in search of another battle. It was then that they heard screaming coming from the direction of the Hog's Head. They started off in the direction of the pub. Soon they came upon a group of five Death Eaters, and none other than Lord Voldemort himself. Voldemort was dueling Professor Dumbledore, while the Death Eaters were dueling with several Professors, including McGonagall, Flitwick and the Defense Professor, Gosling.
Prongs turned down a narrow alleyway, and Tiger-Lily followed behind him. When Prongs transformed back into James, so did Lily.
"Voldemort," Lily said, her eyes wide and fearful, "I forgot he had participated in this attack."
"Lily," James said, "I know you're already tired of hearing this -"
"I'll remain out of Voldemort's sight," Lily said, "If you promise to do the same."
"Lily," James said.
"James," Lily countered. "We're not ready to confront him yet."
James opened his mouth to reply, when he was interrupted by a loud voice.
"VOLDEMORT HAS FLED!" Albus Dumbledore's voice – enchanted with a Sonorous Charm – echoed throughout the village. "THE ATTACK IS OVER. STUDENTS, MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE CARRIAGES! INJURIES WILL BE TENDED TO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!"
"Come on," James said, "Let's go find our friends and make sure everyone's okay."
"Sirius knows about Tiger-Lily," Lily said.
"He would have found out later tonight, anyway," James said. "Now we can tell the guys, and you can join us on the Run without all this secrecy."
Lily smiled. "I look forward to it."
James took Lily's hand, and they headed back down the alley. When they emerged back onto the road, they looked toward the direction of where Voldemort had been. None of the Professors were injured, and two of the five Death Eaters who had been fighting alongside Voldemort were sprawled out on the ground.
Albus Dumbledore was speaking to his brother – and owner of the Hog's Head – Aberforth Dumbledore.
"Can't believe that bastard had the nerve to attack Hogsmeade, Albus," Aberforth said. "All those innocent students and villagers."
"I know, Ab," Albus said, "Excuse me. I see my two Head Students. Mr. Potter, Miss Evans!"
James smiled as he looked at the Headmaster.
"Headmaster," James said, "Lily and I saw you dueling Voldemort. I'm thankful you were unharmed."
"Thank you, Mr. Potter," Albus said, "Unfortunately, I fear there were some who may not be as lucky as I was."
"I don't know about that, sir," James said, "Lily and I saw a lot of downed Death Eaters during the battle. We might have actually won this battle."
"Perhaps, Mr. Potter, perhaps," Albus said. "I'm glad the two of you are unharmed. Would you please help and make sure the students are making their way back to Hogwarts?"
"What about the injured?" Lily asked, "And the -"
"My fellow staff and I will see to the injured and the Death Eaters," Albus said, "The Aurors should be here very shortly to assist us."
"We'll help the other students," James said.
"Thank you, Mr. Potter," Albus said, "You're excused."
James and Lily headed off through the village in search of their friends. It didn't take very long at all. They were all standing outside the Three Broomsticks – Sirius and Amelia included, as well as Pandora, and her boyfriend, Xenophilius, who James and Lily had not seen during the battle. Amelia looked shaken, and was holding onto Sirius, but at least she was okay.
"James! Lily!" Remus said.
"Thank goodness you're okay!" Marlene exclaimed, as she ran over to Lily and hugged her. "You are okay. Right?"
"I'm perfectly fine, Marlene," Lily said.
Marlene smiled. "Thank Merlin. I was so worried. Sirius and Amelia were telling us how the two of you were involved in the start of the attack. Hey! Did you hear? There was a deer and tiger running through the village."
"I think it was actually a stag," Remus said, smiling in James' direction.
"We saw Professor McGonagall with the Headmaster," Lily said, "Maybe she transfigured objects into the animals to help with the battle."
"Brilliant!" Marlene said. "Do you think she'll teach us how to do that this year?"
"The Headmaster wants everyone to head to the carriages," James said. "Go on and stick together. Lily and I have to make sure all the students are doing the same thing."
"Come find me when you're back at Hogwarts," Sirius said, "I want to talk to the two of you about something."
James nodded. "Sure. We can talk in the Head Student Quarters before the Halloween Feast."
Sirius nodded. As their friends headed off toward the carriages, James and Lily went in the other direction in search of any students who were lagging behind.
"I don't think Sirius simply wants to talk about Tiger-Lily, James," Lily said. "He wants answers about our part in the counter-attack."
"Nah, he doesn't," James said, grinning.
"James," Lily said, "The fireworks, the rune traps. He noticed something there."
"He did," James said, "However, he doesn't remember he did."
"What?" Lily asked.
"I Obliviated him," James said.
"James!" Lily cried, scandalized, "How could you?"
"I merely Obliviated him of the knowledge that we knew the Death Eaters would be attacking," James said. "The Marauders can know about this Tiger-Lily, but nothing else."
"How do we explain Tiger-Lily then?" Lily asked.
"When we became a couple this summer," James said, "I revealed my Animagus secret to you. You wanted me to teach you how to become one, and so I did. You finally succeeded early this month. However, if Professor Dumbledore finds out, we can tell him the same thing you told Madam Pomfrey – your Transfiguration project."
"Alright," Lily said, "I like that. We need to do damage control, James. We need to get rid of those runes. The prank traps could have been set by anyone, but those runes are above Hogwarts-level."
James agreed. Over the next half-hour, as they searched for any students lagging behind, injured or worse, they also removed all of the evidence of runes around the village. By the time they finished, the Aurors had arrived, and James and Lily had been given permission to return to Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore met them at the last remaining carriages.
"Mr. Potter, Miss Evans," Albus said, "I assume you're heading back to the castle."
"Yes, sir," James said.
"May I join you for the trip?" Albus asked.
James and Lily exchanged glances. They both knew the Headmaster intended on having a discussion with them. They nodded, and turned to him.
"You may," James said.
Lily stepped into the carriage, followed by James and Professor Dumbledore. Immediately, the carriage began making its way to the castle.
"I hope the majority of your first date went well," Albus said, "In spite of the horrors that happened."
"I should have known you knew about that," James said.
"I listen to the Hogwarts Rumor Mill from time to time," Albus said. "I was quite happy to find that my two Head Students were going on a date."
"We enjoyed ourselves, sir," Lily said.
"Perhaps you enjoyed yourselves a little too much?" Albus asked.
"Sir?" James asked.
"There were rumors of a Stag and Tiger running around the village during the battle," Albus said, "Defending students from the Death Eaters. Of course you're aware, Mr. Potter, that I am well-aware of your Animagus talents, due to the unfortunate event at the end of last term between Mr. Lupin and Mr. Snape which you intervened in."
"Yes, sir," James said; he had not forgotten Albus knew about his Animagus.
"I assumed the Stag was you," Albus said. "However, the Tiger's appearance befuddles even me."
"I was the Tiger, sir," Lily said, "I had planned on doing a report on Animagi for my Transfiguration Final Report before NEWT exams. I started studying up on it this summer, and by the end of summer, I was able to successfully transform into the Tiger. I haven't registered yet, though. When James found out what I was doing, he revealed to me his Animagus secret. When he said he wasn't registered, because he wanted to use it as a tool of surprise against Voldemort and his Death Eaters, I agreed to do the same."
"Congratulations on your achievement, Miss Evans," Albus said. "I will reward you by keeping your secret so you do not have to register yet. Unfortunately, this means I cannot give you House Points "
"Of course, sir," Lily said, "Thank you."
"Do you know the outcome of the battle, sir?" James asked, "The injured, and death count?"
"By some lucky miracle, no students were killed during the attack," Albus said, smiling when James and Lily sighed in relief. "There were some injuries. Three students are in St. Mungo's, but should return within a week. Six other students had injuries that Madam Pomfrey could deal with on her own. As for the Death Eaters, that is another story altogether. Six Death Eaters were killed in the attacks. Another dozen were Stunned or injured. Those injured were captured by Aurors. However, Voldemort and several unidentified Death Eaters fled at the end of the battle."
"Well, it could have been so much worse," Lily said.
"Indeed it could have," Albus said, "The two of you had a big hand in that. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Unfortunately, the majority of the school won't know that, because of the secrecy of your Animagus identities."
"How will the Stag and Tiger be explained?" James asked.
"Do you have any suggestions, Mr. Potter?" Albus replied.
"Transfigured objects turned into animals to battle Death Eaters," James said.
"An excellent suggestion," Albus said, "I might even be able to convince Professor McGonagall to take claim for it."
"As you know, she already knows about my Stag Animagus," James said.
"If you wish to tell her about my Tiger, please do so," Lily nodded. "If anyone deserves to know, she does."
"I might take you up on that offer," Albus said, "You know. It is a beautiful afternoon. I think I'll walk from here."
He winked, and tapped his fist on the ceiling of the carriage. When it stopped, he stepped out of the carriage. Then the carriage resumed its journey. James and Lily both exhaled deeply.
"I seriously thought he was about to tell us he knew all of our secrets," James said.
"I just thought he was going to tell us he knew I was pregnant," Lily said, grinning; then he frowned. "Do you think he does know? About any of it? And he just decided not to tell us that he knows."
James grimaced. "I seriously hope not. You remember my theories about him, right? He advised us to move to Godric's Hollow. Potter Manor was much more protected than Godric's Hollow. Voldemort would not have pulled off that attack if we had remained at Potter Manor."
"I know your theories, James," Lily said. "I agree that we need to be careful around him. Death's warning about him when it came to the Elder Wand was enough to convince me we need to keep an eye on Albus."
"So, if Minerva agrees to claim Transfiguration when it comes to the stag and tiger," James said, "Then that will protect the secret of our Animagi from everyone but the Marauders."
"And Albus and Minerva," Lily said.
"True," James said, "I think that is a good sacrifice, don't you?"
"I wish you didn't have to Obliviate Sirius," Lily said, "But I do agree it was necessary."
James nodded in agreement. He then wrapped an arm around Lily, and cuddled him close to her.
"You alright, love?" he asked.
"We're fine, James," Lily said, as she rubbed her stomach, "But I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will check me over anyway."
"Good," James said, "But that's not what I meant. Both of us might have been responsible for one or more of those Death Eaters dying."
"We've killed Death Eaters before, James," Lily said. "I know I sounded concerned earlier. I was thinking more of what our friends would think of us if they knew we killed someone. From now on, if I duel, I'll duel to seriously maim the bastards, if not kill them."
"You sure?" James asked.
"Our mission won't end until Voldemort is dead, James," Lily said. "You'll be the one to end his life, more likely than not. If you have to go through with that, then so will I. Together, as husband and wife."
James smiled and nodded. Then he kissed her softly. Lily chuckled against his lips and returned the kiss. Then they cuddled up together in companionable silence as the carriage returned to Hogwarts.