Two days before James' birthday, Gryffindor won their second match of the season vs Hufflepuff. On James' birthday, 27th March, there was a Hogsmeade visit. James and Lily had their first outing that day. Without any of their friends, they roamed in the beautiful town. First, Lily wanted to go to Madam Puddifoot's. James heartily detested that place, which was supposed to be ideal for lovers. But he didn't want to refuse Lily anything.

Soon Lily too realized that the place was hideous. They quickly finished their coffees and escaped the place.

"That was horrible," said Lily. "I want to go to somewhere adventurous!"

"In Hogsmeade?" asked James skeptically.

"Yes, I know a place. The Shrieking Shack!"

"No!" said James at once. Lily looked at him suspiciously. "It's—it's haunted," said James lamely.

"Are you afraid of ghosts, James Potter?" Lily's eyes twinkled mischieviously.

"No!" This was even more vehement.

"Then come on."

"All right," said James resignedly.

"You must know how to get into it," said Lily, her green eyes staring in to his admiringly.

Though James didn't want to, he found himself grinning and saying, "Yes, I do."

The Marauders did, indeed, know how to get into the Shrieking Shack through Hogsmeade. James eased open the particular window and climbed in, indicating Lily to follow.

Lily was awestruck. The torn cuntains, the blood stains on the wall and floor, the overturned, dusty furniture—all of it looked thrilling. She pretended that she and James were in a crime detection mission, and she walked on tiptoes and talked in whispers.

"You're overdoing it," said James.

Lily glared at him, after which James decided to play along with her too. They ended their mission with a kiss initiated by Lily.

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"What did you do all day?" Remus asked James when they were back. "We went to Puddifoot's. But the best part was exploring the Shrieking Shack."

Sirius looked up at that. "You showed her the Shrieking Shack?"

"Yes, I did. Why can't I?" asked James resentfully.

"That was our secret!" shouted Sirius. "You might have got yourself a girlfriend, but that doesn't give you the right to betray our secrets!"

"Stop being illogical, Padfoot," said James. "Anyone can reach the Shrieking Shack. And ask Remus if it matters to him."

Both of them turned to Remus.

"It's all right, really, Sirius. James didn't tell Lily anything about me, or you all being Animagi," said Remus pacifyingly.

"All right, then!" Sirius stormed out of the dormitory.

James stared after him. "Totally crazy," he said in an awed voice.

"No, he's not," said Remus quietly. "You know how much he values you being his best mate. How d'you think it makes him feel to see Lily taking his place?"

"Lily—take his place?" cried James in horror. "Lily could never take his place! Is he mental?"

"Did you ever doubt it?"

"Now that I come to think of it...no, I didn't."

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Sirius didn't appear until bedtime, and though James had gone to look for him in the Astronomy Tower, he hadn't been able to find him.

Sirius went to sleep without a word.

The next morning, when the post appeared, Sirius got a letter from Andromeda. He read the letter through and his face broke into a grin.

"What is it, Padfoot?" asked Remus eagerly.

"Andy and Ted have just had a little girl..."

"That's great!" cried Remus, James and Peter together.

"Yes, isn't it?" said Sirius, evidently very happy. "And she's a Metamorphogamus."

"Wow...I've always wanted to see one of those!" said Remus.

"Reckon Dumbledore'd give me a day off to go and see her?" asked Sirius.

"We'll ask him," said James."I think he would let us."

"Us?"

"Yeah, we'll all go. Right, Remus?" asked James.

"Of course. Got a problem with that, Padfoot?" asked Remus.

"No, not at all. I'd love you all to come."

"Let's go now," said James.

"Yes," said Sirius. They looked at each other. "It's strange that I have to apologise to you again so soon...but I'm sorry, Prongs."

"I'm kind of sorry too, Padfoot," said James. "I'll never betray any of our secrets again, not even to Lily."

Remus and Peter exchanged a relieved glance.

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Nymphadora Tonks was a most delightful child. Her hair colour changed every minute, though her favourite seemed to be a very vivid pink.

"Her name's a bit weird, Andy," said Sirius.

"So is mine," retorted Andromeda.

"Wonder what Dora'll name her daughter then?" asked Sirius.

"Too early to think about that, isn't it?" asked Remus with a grin.

They spent a pleasant day with the couple and their new child. When they came back in time for dinner, they found Lily waiting for them.

"How did she look?" she asked eagerly.

"Very cute and perfect," said James and Remus. But Sirius had quickly disappeared.

Lily was all misty-eyed at the description of the little child.

"A little child is really the best thing that can happen to anyone," she said, with a glance at James.

"Er...yes, quite," said James, a little nervously.

Lily smiled at him fondly. Remus was glad Sirius wasn't there to view that.