[A/N] This is the first Fan Fiction that I have published. Currently this is unbetaed. This first chapter was meant to be a Prologue and ended up being longer than most chapters I tend to write for my original stories. This is actually a collection of scenes meant to introduce characters and give some timeframe for the story according to canon and the HP Lexicon. Please Read and Review, and remember this is for posterity's sake, so be honest. (Sorry, couldn't resist that line from "The Princess Bride")
[Edit] Had to change a single word, didn't see it until after posting.
[Disclaimer] JK Rowling owns the canon, I own the OCs and the current idea; but will take and alter some things from the books for this.
Harry Potter and the Harbingers
Prologue
Feb 15, 1980
Potter Manor
Constantine LeBrock, 'Connie' to his friends, stood in the library of Potter Manor arguing with his Lord, James Potter. "Milord, we cannot defend you if you go to Godric's Hollow. It is our duty to protect you. Ordering us to scatter and leave Britain won't do any of us any good."
Constantine was a young man of 19, was about five feet-eight inches tall, had long reddish-brown hair tied back in a ponytail, had fiercely determined brown eyes, and wore black clothing covered with a black duster that reached the top of his black leather boots topped off with a black fedora. Despite his youth, but because of all of his training and combat experience during the War, he had just been promoted to Captain of Potter's Harbingers.
The Harbingers were an elite four person team from several nations whose sole purposes were to dispense justice and defend the members of House Potter at all costs. Each member had sworn fealty to House Potter and was a force to be reckoned with without any of the other members. Together, the Harbingers were an unstoppable force, but they could not attack without proper reason. The deaths of Muggles, Muggle-born wizards, and Purebloods alone were not enough reason; only with direct attacks on the Potters themselves could they retaliate or when ordered to by the Lord Potter. They had done so with the death of James Potter's parents, and for now the Death Eaters had left the Potters alone. Now, James wanted to expose himself, his wife, and unborn male child to the possibility of attack.
James looked at the commanding officer of Potter's Harbingers and sighed, "Connie, I do not ask this of you lightly. Lily's, our child's, and my destinies are set. We have to go to Godric's Hollow in order to expose everyone that has or will betray us. If you are defending us, few if any would be exposed; because they most likely would not dare to try to get at us. Plus, there is no way you'd be able to exact justice; because not all of them would be exposed. Trust me on this, Lily has seen it."
"But, what of your unborn child, milord," Connie asked changing tactics, "surely he should not be exposed to the danger?"
James sighed, "It is a necessary evil. He will be having a very hard life ahead of him, and you will have to help him pick up the pieces. When the time is right, he will summon you all back. However, for you Connie, I have a special task. There is a girl that needs to be protected. She is the key to his future happiness and the continuation of the House. You must protect her and guide her whenever possible, but you must do it without anyone knowing until you are called forth by my son. For a few years yet, she will be safe. But, then she will be in danger, especially after she meets my son. I suggest you head back to America and visit your family for the next year or so. Return after we have gone, and do what I have asked."
"I already know about the girl, milord," Connie stated. "Remember, I told you about her the day she was born last September. You know that is one of the reasons a member of my line has always lead the Harbingers. We can sense the existence of our Lords and Ladies from the moment they are born. And due to my connection with the other Harbingers they can sense the existence of our Lord when he is born. They, however, will not be able to sense the location or existence of our Lady; only I can. This, I know, is one of the reasons why you are giving me the mission to protect and guide her."
James could only nod as he turned away from Connie and moved to a table next to which a pensieve stood and on which a small wooden box laid. James picked up the box and motioned to the pensieve. "Connie, for your mission, you will need both of these. The box contains Lily's visions of the girl and a few other circumstances and situations. You will need them to find and help her at specific times, even with your abilities. To view a vision, pour the vial containing it into the pensieve and put your face into it. You will be transported into the vision and can inspect things even that the person who originally saw it might not have seen. Look at each vision closely and individually. If you don't, the consequences can be dire."
Connie bowed, taking the box of vials containing Lily's visions and the pensieve; he knew when he could no longer object his Lord's wishes. "I'll do as you command, milord. Hopefully, we will come out of this victorious and stronger than ever before."
"Yes, Connie, hopefully we will," James stated sadly. "Tell my son when you see him that we love him and if we could we would have spared him all the suffering he will go through."
"I will tell him, milord," Connie replied holding back the tears. He turned and left Potter Manor, refusing to look behind him. He had his orders and now had to tell the other Harbingers.
Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts
Albus Dumbledore was worried. Potter's Harbingers had disappeared, which meant that the Potters were now vulnerable. But, the vulnerability of the Potters did not actually worry him, it was the fact he did not know the whereabouts of the Harbingers. With the Potters now being vulnerable, his plans could go forward. But, without knowing where the Harbingers were, he could not know when they would avenge them should his plans succeed. What worried him most is that he knew when they came back; he would be high on their list of targets. But, as he consoled himself, it would be a sacrifice for the Greater Good. Once the Potters were gone, the Harbingers would be nothing more than a vigilante force that would be sent to Azkaban without any powerful sponsors. And, without House Potter around to sponsor them, they would be easily wiped out.
He left his desk in his office in Hogwarts. He left for a meeting with the new Professor of Divination at the Hog's Head Inn in Hogsmeade to set his plan in motion. He knew already that a part of a prophecy would be heard by someone, as that had already been arranged. Trelawney had already told him the prophecy, but he had to have it repeated in such a way as to allow Voldemort to learn just a small part of it. Then, Voldemort would carry out the rest of Dumbledore's plan to get rid of the Potters and his hands would be clean.
His goal was to eliminate the Potters since they had so much influence, they were holding back his Greater Good and had been since Grindewald was defeated. Their Harbingers were even more of a problem as they would eliminate any threats to the Potters whenever they were attacked. Then, there was their wealth and status as an Ancient and Noble House. Without an heir the wealth of the Potters and their seats on the Wizengamot would be divided up amongst the members of the Wizengamot, with the largest share of both being his. And, if he could get Voldemort to do his dirty work for him so much the better. And, with Aberforth's help, Voldemort would only learn enough to go after the Potters. However, if he was wrong, then the victims would be the Longbottoms. But, the Longbottoms were tucked behind the most powerful wards possible short of blood and Goblin wards, which meant it would be unlikely for them to be targeted.
Hog's Head Inn, Hogsmeade
Severus Snape sat at a table in the corner of the inn waiting for Albus Dumbledore to show up. He had learned that Dumbledore would be there to interview an applicant to the Divination teaching position. Hopefully, he'd learn something that would be of use to the Dark Lord. If not, he might be punished.
He perked up when he saw Albus Dumbledore walk towards the stairs that lead to the rooms for boarders. After Dumbledore passed, Snape got up from his table to follow; looking around to make sure he wasn't noticed as he followed. After climbing the stairs, he smiled as he saw Dumbledore enter a room. Glancing around to make sure he still was unnoticed, Snape moved to the door and placed his ear against to see if he could hear anything being said.
"I do not believe that the post would fit your talents, Ms. Trelawney," Dumbledore kindly stated. "However, at some point in the future, when your talents are further developed, you might be the perfect fit."
A harsh voice suddenly emanated from the room, "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies…"
Snape was unable to hear any more as Aberforth Dumbledore saw him and yelled, "OI! Eavesdropping in my establishment? Get out of here, you filth!" Aberforth grabbed Snape by the collar of his robes and threw him out of the Hog's Head Inn.
Inside the room, Albus Dumbledore was smiling to himself. It may take years, but the die had been cast. The Potters would probably be the victims of Voldemort, but first he needed to finish setting them up. He needed to make them an attractive target by weaken their defenses. He knew Lily and James were moving to Godric's Hollow to have their child. It was somewhat remote, thereby making it an unlikely target for Voldemort. But, it also meant that they were more vulnerable, because reinforcements would have a hard time reaching them in time should they be attacked. Now, if he could get them to use the Fidelius Charm and get someone less trustworthy as their Secret Keeper. Their first choice would come down to either Sirius Black or Remus Lupin. Both of them were extremely loyal to James. Peter Pettigrew, on the other hand, was already spying for Voldemort. If he could get him to be their Secret Keeper, then his plans would be fixed and victory would be his.
July 31, 1980
Seattle, Washington
07:00
Connie wasn't all that happy. He had hoped to go see a Seattle Mariners baseball game. But, they were on the road; and today was a travel day for the team anyways. He still wondered why it took two days to get from Cleveland to Detroit; but then again Major League Baseball tended to do some crazy things when it came to scheduling games.
He spent the early morning walking along the piers along Puget Sound, enjoying the salty air. He looked out over the Sound lost in thought. The lack of a professional baseball game was just a minor irritant. No, what was really eating at him was his mission and being so far away from the woman he loved. He had wanted to look at each of Lily's visions in the months since James had ordered him and the rest of the Harbingers away from Britain…away from James and Lily and their unborn child. But, he when he opened the box containing the visions there had been a brief note telling him to wait until he had returned to Britain. He was feeling uneasy; almost like the world was holding its breath and that severe change was coming. Hell, he knew it was coming, James had told him so.
On top of that he missed Natasha, whose Harbinger codename was Victory. She was stuck in the Soviet Union while he was here, almost halfway around the world from her. If he hadn't received his orders that caused this, he may have actually asked her to marry him. But, life always did find a way to throw the kneazle into the works. So, he spent his days practicing his swordsmanship, practicing his martial arts, practicing his magic, and training his body. Today, he was taking off and resting, the walk allowed him to focus and clear his mind. He, also, considered playing his guitar later as it always helped him to relax.
Then, he felt it. It was an indescribable joy that came out of nowhere. And, he knew. The child had been born. A future Lord for him and the other Harbingers to protect was born. He smiled, but his smile faded as quickly as it came. The storm was coming, the storm that could make or break the Harbingers and House Potter.
Hong Kong
23:00
Lin Jiayi was looking out of her window at her parents' place in Hong Kong at the small garden outside. She was tall at 5' 5". She was muscular with well defined breasts that were a cup size larger than average. She, also, was as normal dressed in emerald green. She had forgone her normal veil, as she was not in her Harbingers persona. Her piercing brown, nearly black, eyes were filled with sadness. She sighed, remembering Connie telling her that every member of the Harbingers was to head to their respective homelands. She had been furious at the time.
[Flashback]
She was standing there inside the safe house in a run-down suburb of London alone with Connie. The room in the safe house was sparse, with only some tables and chairs. Her veil was removed. She glared at Connie.
"Why did you agree to these orders, Shadow?" she asked, turning Connie's codename into an epithet.
"Because, Havoc," came Connie's steely reply, "our Lord ordered me to do so, despite my objections. Believe me; I've vehemently objected to them moving to Godric's Hollow, ordering us out of the country, and ordering us to separate. He gave me an additional mission, which was part of the reason for the other orders."
"What mission is that?" she asked.
"I am to protect someone very important, but I cannot say whom," Connie replied. "All I have is a minor description, no name nor address."
"They don't go easy on you, do they?" she questioned, softly. She realized that Connie hated this situation as much if not more than she did. She knew this particularly because these orders would separate him from Natasha.
"No, they do not," was Connie's reply. "Good luck, Jiayi. Hopefully, we'll all be working together, again, soon."
"Good luck, Connie. I'm sorry about earlier," she replied. "I shouldn't have been so angry with you."
"It's okay," he smiled, "It's what I expected."
After that she left the safe house to prepare to head home.
[/Flashback]
She was shaking her head to clear it of the memories of that night, when she felt it. A joy so great it was indescribable spreading out from her heart. She knew the child had just been born.
Leningrad, Soviet Union
18:00
Natasha Ivanova was worried; she missed Connie and was all alone in the Soviet Union. Her parents did not like the fact that she was involved with an American. She was glad that they didn't know what her full relationship with Connie was or her involvement in the affairs of Wizarding Britain. Here she was sitting in the small apartment provided by the Communist government, and all she could do was think about the man she loved.
[Flashback]
Her bow and tiara were lying nearby on the table in their room next to Connie's katana and wakazashi. Her white robe, white blouse, and white pants were draped over a chair. Meanwhile, the 20-year old was lying on the bed next to Connie, whom was fully dressed except for his duster, boots, and fedora. They were cuddling and caressing each other on their bed.
"My love," she said, "do I have to return to Leningrad? It's a terrible place, and it will be most difficult to be there without you."
"I know, but we have to split up for now." Connie sighed, "At least until we know if what Lily saw, according to James, will come true. Our presence here can cause a great deal of damage for all of our futures, from what I've been told. And, if we were together, we'd both want to return here, at least at first. We might be able to find ways to spend time together, but not for the next year or so."
"Then, my love," she whispered seductively, while unbuttoning his shirt, "why don't we make the best of this night?"
Connie smiled wickedly, as he kissed her and started removing her bra. "I know exactly what to do to make this night one of the best for us."
[/Flashback]
She was smiling now at the memories, the joy of the memory of their night of lovemaking suddenly being added to. She could feel it, the birth of a new future Lord Potter.
Nigerian Coast near Lagos, Nigeria
16:00
Abaeze Okafor stretched after he emptied his catch from his nets. As his family had done for centuries; he loved the traditional fishing along Nigeria's coast. Even though he did not need the fish, fishing helped keep his upper body fit. He'd run early in the mornings, and then fish until the late afternoon. After fishing, he'd eat a light meal and then practice with his staves. He thought back to the orders he was given to return to his homeland and sighed. He had been happy in Britain, even if it was during a time of great darkness.
[Flashback]
The tall, thin Nigerian towered over his commanding officer, but held him in the highest regard. Connie, or Shadow, had done quite well for someone new to command and for one being so young. While being not much older than Shadow, Abaeze had experienced more combat which sadly included the tribal wars that flared from time to time throughout Africa. Now, as they all were, he was embroiled in what could be best described as the Civil War of Magical Britain, Voldemort's Death Eaters on one side, and the Ministry of Magic, the Order of the Phoenix, and Potter's Harbingers on the other. Now, he was receiving orders from his commanding officer.
"Abaeze, you need to return home for the time being. Lord Potter has ordered me to order all the Harbingers to return to their homelands until things blow over here," Connie stated.
"Why?" was Abaeze's shocked question.
"Because, he has a mission for me to do alone and because he ordered us to." Connie replied. "That's all I can tell you now, Gaunt. I've already told Havoc, and later tonight, I'll tell Victory."
The use of the codenames meant that Connie was bringing his role of Shadow, Captain of the Harbingers, to bear. It also meant that he would brook no argument against the orders from Lord Potter. Abaeze sighed and bowed his head in acquiescence before giving Connie a farewell and leaving to prepare to return to Nigeria for an indefinite period.
[/Flashback]
He was brought out of his reverie when he felt joy. He could feel the joy spreading from his heart throughout his body, and he knew now. There was a future Lord Potter born to this world.
Oct. 24, 1981
Potter Cottage, Godric's Hollow
Voldemort's and his Death Eater's attacks throughout Britain were getting worse. They had to add more protection to the cottage. It was the only way to protect Harry. James and Lily had finally consented to have Albus Dumbledore conduct the Fidelius Charm to prevent the cottage from being found by anyone that wasn't allied with them. They had also agreed not to use Sirius Black as their Secret Keeper as he would be too obvious. They had chosen Peter Pettigrew, otherwise known as Wormtail, as their Secret Keeper.
Today was the day that the cottage would be hidden from their enemies by the Fidelius Charm. Peter was already present and Albus would be arriving soon. Little did Peter and Albus know that this was the second step that James and Lily were taking in order to expose those that betrayed the Light to the Servants of Darkness. It was a necessary evil for James and Lily, to sacrifice their lives in order to protect the future. Yes, it would be years before all their enemies would be exposed and some of their friends and allies would suffer, including Harry. But for the sake of all, it had to be done.
James was worried for both Harry and Sirius. According to Lily's visions, they would suffer the most. Albus Dumbledore would be granted a temporary victory and temporary control over their son. But, the Harbingers and the girl that Lily had seen in her vision could turn things around quickly after the girl met Harry, even with all of the meddling that Albus would do to try to gain control over the Potter fortune and lands. It would take Albus decades to steal from their vaults in the meantime with all the laws and paperwork that needed to be filed even for him to transfer even a Knut from the Potter vaults to his own or his allies' vaults.
As they stood outside waiting for Albus to arrive as Harry slept upstairs; James hugged Lily close. Lily turned in his arms and kissed him. Their plans were in motion and there was no turning back now. She just hoped that Connie and the rest of the Harbingers would be able to help Harry as she had foreseen. Even though her visions had always been accurate, she still couldn't help but worry about the future.
