What if James did not forget his wand? What if they knew that Voldemort knew their location? What if Harry grew up with family around him? In this alternate universe, Lily and James Potter survive. They live near Sirius and Remus, Harry was not abused by his aunt and uncle but loved by his true family. Remus and Sirius find their underlying love for each other. James and Lily watch their boy grow. Harry, Hermione & Draco, alongside all those who love them, fight one of the biggest battles the wizarding world has ever had the chance to witness.

The Marauders are starting their fifth year at Hogwarts; Remus is starting with a massive scar across his face - a byproduct of the increasing severity of his furry little problem, which is a definite cause for concern despite his insistence that it it's fine. Sirius is starting with the memories of a certain morning at 12 Grimmauld Place in August: memories that he might not ever forget, yet is desperate to cloak underneath the facade that every is fine at home and that he and his parents just sometimes encounter minor disagreements. James is starting his fifth year, yes, but more importantly, he is starting phase five of his plan to woo Lily Evans: somehow his friends seem doubtful that he might succeed, but James, being James, is in no lack of confidence. And Peter, well, Peter is starting to wonder just why he puts up with these people, and if he should really be feeling sorry for Lily Evans, and maybe if he should have asked to have been sorted into Hufflepuff.