“So what happened?” I asked as Dorcas left the house.

James closed the door behind her and sighed. “It’s just like what she said last time; more Muggle killings and they’re becoming a lot more frequent. She thinks that we need to find someone to watch Harry at night or we’re off the mission.”

“Why?”

“Because… from what this sounds like, we’re going to be out every night, Lily. It’s getting extremely dangerous… Voldemort… he’s taking over, and faster than we expected. His followers are everywhere we turn. No one can be trusted.”

I tried not to cry. “This is so frustrating. What are we supposed to do, James?”

“We have to find a Nanny for him. We can’t just leave him at home… and I can’t not fight. I can’t stay still at a time like this.”

I nodded. I knew exactly what he meant. I was itching to get back out there. “So let’s find a Nanny.”

“But where? Who?”

“I wonder who Alice and Frank are using… maybe their sitter won’t mind having an extra kid.”

I wrote out a letter to Alice and was surprised when one came back almost immediately.

“Where are they at to be so close?” asked James, surprised.

“Headquarters,” I smiled. I unfolded the note and read it aloud.

Dear Lily and James,
We’re fine here, thanks for asking. Well, that’s actually why we’re meeting where we are right now. A babysitter is much desired. Come over sometime and we’ll talk.
Love,
Alice and Frank

“Why is she talking so funny?” question James, rereading it silently.

“She’s afraid it’s going to be intercepted.”

“Between here and next door?”

“You never know… I'm going to go get Harry. Get on your shoes.”

****

“Peter?” I asked, surprised. “You’re having Peter watch Neville?”

“And Marie,” corrected Frank. “They’re the most convenient, and they really don’t mind. Why, is something wrong with Peter?”

“No,” replied James hastily. “It was just a bit of a shock, that’s all.”

I zoned out of their conversation and turned to look at Harry and Neville, who were sitting on the floor. Harry kept shaking a rattle close to Neville, who kept trying to get it, but it was just out of his reach. He leaned so far forward that he fell, and began laughing.

Alice saw me watching them and smiled. “They’re so cute. Just think… they’re going to grow up together… will probably be the best of friends.”

I grinned, and knew she was right. Our family was so close to the Longbottom’s that I couldn’t imagine us not raising our boys together.

“Are you thinking about having anymore?” I asked softly, out of the earshot of James.

“Maybe, but only after all of this mess is over. Are you?”

“I’ve always wanted a girl…” I shrugged, trying to make is as casual as possible. “A girl, with dark hair, just like James’. For now, though, I'm just happy with my Harry…”