It was Halloween and Dark Lord was becoming impatient. He was determined that someone would become more powerful than him and destroy him. The others didn't believe it. They were naïve, childish. His followers, the Death Eaters, held on to what the Dark Lord wanted. Either it was out of fear or loyalty. Molly never knew which. He believed was going to be overpowered because one of the Death Eaters had overheard a conversation. Albus Dumbledore, the head master at Hogwarts, was looking to hire a new professor for Divination. She was a seer and while Dumbledore was asking her questions, Severus Snape, the one who overheard the conversation, said that the seer had made a prophecy. However, he had only heard the first part of it. Snape was found out and told to leave.
He had come back and told the Dark Lord everything he heard. The Dark Lord was furious. He is one of the most power wizards in the world and he wasn't going to go down without a fight. Since then, he has been searching and wondering who will be the child that will vanquish him. Snape had recited the part of the prophecy he had heard.
"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 … and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but the child will have power the Dark Lord knows not"
That was all Snape had heard. The Dark Lord and the rest of us knew of two families who have defied the Dark Lord and he became consumed with figuring out who was more of a threat. What they didn't know was there was a third family, Molly's family. Her daughter and her son-in-law came to Molly about two years ago and had told her and the rest of the family what they were doing. They were outraged. They would be exposed. They knew what would happen if they were caught: death.
"I don't care if I die, the Dark Lord only cares about himself and I'm tired of helping him," her son-in-law, William told her and the rest of the family. They were at William and Victoria's house. It was a small house on the edge of Godric's Hollow. The family was gathered around the fireplace where they had come through. The others were shaking their heads.
"Mother, please understand. This is our choice," Victoria started but Daniel, Molly's husband cut her off.
"Victoria, how long have you been doing this? Does anyone know? If the Dark Lord finds out . . ." he rambled but William stopped him.
"He won't," William stood his ground and wrapped his arms around Victoria.
"And how do you know? How can you be so sure?" Daniel eyed him suspiciously.
"Because we will be protected," Victoria came forward. Everyone looked toward her.
"What did you do?" William's mother, Ashley, asked in alarm. She shot up from her seat.
"We went to Dumbledore. We're a part of the resistance," William explained.
"We're spies," Victoria smiled to diffuse the growing tension.
"This is insane!" Ashley yelled in frustration. She almost lost her husband. The Dark Lord had been upset when he found out about the prophecy and William was in the line of fire. William went over to his mother and hugged her.
"I know," he whispered into her ear. "But the decision has been made."
A few months later, William and Victoria had told everyone that Victoria was pregnant. But she wasn't the only one expecting. As far as Molly was told there were three other mothers excepting. One of them was one of the Death Eater's wives, Narissca. But she was much further along than the others. The Potters' and the Longbottoms' were expecting as well. Molly knew about both of the families because Victoria and William were working with them. They were a part of the resistance as well.
What Molly and the family didn't expect was the other two children would be born on the same day as Victoria's child. Thankfully, it was before the prophecy was made. The day was exciting. Molly and Daniel went to 's to visit Victoria and William. Just doors down were the other families. Peter was saying hello. Molly was just glad no one from their Death Eater circle was here. She was still on edge about defying the Dark Lord. Molly was a seer as well but for some reason she couldn't see anything. Every time she tried, she came up with noting. The only thing she had were her instincts and her instincts were never wrong. Molly was standing behind the door to the room. William came up behind her and put his arm around her. She jumped.
"Don't do that," she scrunched up her nose in protest. "You scared me."
"I'm sorry," he pulled away from her. "Why would you be scared?"
"Because I haven't been able to see since you and Victoria told us what you've been doing," Molly whispered looking down. She had learned to keep secrets to herself. Nothing good ever came from telling people your weaknesses. It was hard enough trusting that their secret would be safe.
"I . . . why didn't you tell us?" he asked with concern written on his face.
"I didn't want to scare you. I was hoping it was temporary," Molly explained.
"Let's hope it is," he replied looking to Victoria. She was cradling the child. William went over to her.
"What should we name her?" Victoria looked up. Peter kissed her forehead.
"Let's name her after your mother," William suggested gesturing towards Molly. She shook her head.
"No," Molly interrupted them. "What about you dear?" She said walking over to them. At that moment, Ashley came up behind Molly.
"Do I not have a say in what my granddaughter's name should be?" she asked striding over to them. Looking down at the child, Ashley saw the child's eyes. They were changing! "My god! She's a metamorphmagus!" Victoria looked down in time to see the child's eyes change from blue to green and back again. Everyone stared at the child in awe. Ashley was the first one to recover from the shock.
"Just like her grandmother," she smiled. Victoria looked down at the child and suddenly her head popped up.
"I know what to name her," Victoria exclaimed. Glancing at the others, she then found Ashley's eyes. "Ashley."
"Ashley Victoria Taylor," Molly looked at Victoria. "It has a nice ring to it." Smiling at the memories, Molly shook her head to focus on what the Dark Lord was saying. He was certain that the child was from the Potters' and he would not stop until the child was dead. Peter and Victoria were not here. They claimed their child was too much to handle and had stayed behind. Once that the Dark Lord declared his plans on when he would attack, Ashley would warn the Potters' and tell them to flee. They had protection but that was not the case anymore. Just an hour ago, one of James Potter's friends came over and gave away their location out of fear of being killed. He said he would help us. None of us had told Dumbledore yet. Molly, Daniel, and Ashley gave each other looks that said one of them needed to tell Dumbledore soon.
"Finally, I can get rid of that wretched child," the Dark Lord spat as he walked around the room. Ashley looked close to tears. This whole time Daniel had been thinking of their grandchild, Ashley. He couldn't imagine someone killing her.
"But my Lord," Daniel interrupted him. He turned on the spot." He is just a child, a baby." He closed the distance between them.
"What is this?" the Dark Lord put his hands up.
"Why can't you just wait . . . until the child is older?" Daniel didn't look away from him. "Must you kill this child now? It just seems . . . cruel." The Dark Lord stood up straight and pulled out his wand. Before Daniel could react, the Dark Lord had waved his wand. He didn't expect the Dark Lord to look into his mind to see why he said such things. Daniel tried to hold him off. Peter realized what was happening.
"My Lord," Peter interrupted him. "Forgive my brother-in-law; he does not know what he is saying." Daniel shot Peter a look that said to back off. The Dark Lord could never know their secret or they would all die and their granddaughter would grow up without a family, Peter thought.
"Perhaps he does," the Dark Lord smirked. "Are you willing to bet your life on it?" He had his wand pointing at Peter now.
"Leave him alone," Ashley spoke softly but with confidence. "Peter hasn't done anything."
"Except defy me," the Dark Lord spoke through a clenched jaw. "I don't have time for this! Avada Kedavra!" Peter dropped to the floor with a thud. Ashley put her arms around him and screamed. Looking over at Molly, she mouthed 'I'm sorry'. The Dark Lord had just turned around when Ashley jumped up and punched him in the face.
"That's for my husband!" she cried. They heard something crack. Was that his nose? Molly watched in horror as the Dark Lord stumbled from being hit. One of them had to leave. Molly started inching her way to the door. She couldn't stop to think about what was happening or she wouldn't be able to do anything. Everything looked slowed down. Molly became fully aware of what was happening and was determined to leave. If she couldn't save her family, the least she could do was save the Potters'. The Dark Lord looked ready to kill . . .
"Avada Kedavra!" he screamed in fury trying to hold his nose in one hand. Ashley had broken his nose clean off.
"Expelliarmus!" Daniel shouted to stop the Dark Lord. It was too late and now Daniel was in trouble. Molly's first instinct was to protect him but she knew if Victoria and William were to survive, she had to comply with what the Dark Lord wanted. He twisted around. Daniel's eyes widen. He knew what was coming. But instead of killing Daniel on the spot, the Dark Lord walked over to Daniel slowly.
"You dare defy me? Do you want to die?" he asked him eyeing him suspiciously. Molly was inching closer to the door. She hit something or someone. Molly turned around in time to see Severus.
"Where do you think you're going?" he snapped under his breath so not to interrupt the Dark Lord.
"To save innocent lives," Molly whispered in his ear.
"No, sir. I do not wish to die but forgive me," Daniel started crying silently. "They were my family." He held his head down in fear of giving the Dark Lord another reason to kill.
"Love: a weakness. Without love, one can truly live," he sneered. Once again, the Dark Lord cast a spell and looked into Daniel's mind this time. Peter had been able to resist him. What were they hiding that he would do that? The first thing, the Dark Lord saw all of them surrounded by a fireplace.
"Victoria, how long have you been doing this? Does anyone know? If the Dark Lord finds out . . ." Daniel started.
"We will be protected," Victoria came forward and put her hands on William. Everyone looked toward her. The vision changed and now he saw a child: Victoria's child.
"I know what to name her," Victoria exclaimed. Glancing at the others, she then found Ashley's eyes. "Ashley."
The Dark Lord pulled away from Daniel's thoughts. What had they done? Had they betrayed him? Victoria seemed certain that she would be protected, but she's wrong. She will die as well as the rest of her family. They don't deserve to live. About to flick his wand, he had an idea. Why not let Nagini take care of him? She was on the floor in the corner.
"Nagini, dinner," he told her. Slowly, she made her way to him. Daniel screamed in pain and then went limp. The Dark Lord then turned around in time to notice that the other Taylor was still here. Molly was her name. She seemed wise for her old age. He wanted to see why she hadn't done anything like her family did. He recalled he did not see her in both visions, but that didn't mean she wasn't there.
Molly knew she should have left when she had her chance, now she might be dead like the rest of her family. She was rooted to the spot because the Dark Lord looked upon her, as if fascinated by her. He walked over to her. The Dark Lord took his precious time; he studied her carefully. Why had she not started crying like the others?
"My Lord," she bowed. Scared out of her mind, she was willing to do anything to get out of this mess and help the Potters'. Stop! She told herself. That's how he figured it out; by looking into their minds. She started to think of an alibi, where could she have been when Victoria and William told her about what they were doing. Molly immediately thought of her abilities. She was a Seer; she could make up something. Or the better thing to do was to shut him out. Only think of what was important.
Suddenly, a flash of light blinded her. At first, Molly thought the Dark Lord had killed her but she was wrong. She was standing on one of the streets of Godric's Hollow. Oh no! This was Victoria's street. There was a loud crash behind her and Molly turned just in time to see a house blow up. That was the Potters' house! Not even three seconds later and boom! Another house goes crashing down. It's Victoria's! Molly felt like she was being pulled away. This was the future and she had to stop it. Opening her eyes, Molly realized she was on the floor.
"Get up," the Dark Lord seethed. Molly quickly picked herself up. He had his wand out and he was growing impatient. Pulling his wand back to kill her, Molly stopped him.
"Please, sir, I haven't done anything. Spare my life. Have mercy," Molly bowed once again knowing full well she could die. He did not have time to be playing games. Waving his wand, he looked into her mind.
"I don't care if I die, the Dark Lord only cares about himself and I'm tired of helping him," her son-in-law, Will told her and the rest of the family. The family was gathered around the fireplace. The others were shaking their heads.
"Mother, please understand. This is our choice," Victoria started but Daniel, Molly's husband cut her off.
"Victoria, do you know what you are getting into? If the Dark Lord finds out . . ." he rambled but Will stopped him.
"He won't," Will stood his ground and wrapped his arms around Victoria.
"Because we will be protected," Victoria came forward. Everyone looked toward her.
"I will not be a part of this," Molly shouted. "I will not defy our Lord." She grabbed a fist full of floo powder, threw it into the fireplace and stepped through.
Pulling out of her memories, the Dark Lord cried out. He was angry. Right in his very circle people were defying him. But their grandchild, it was a girl. Surely, this wasn't the child who would vanquish him? No, it couldn't be. He paced back and forth. Molly was certain the Dark Lord believed what he saw was true. If that were the case she might have a chance at getting out. The Dark Lord turned and pointed his wand at her. She didn't disobey him. But what could she offer? As if on cue, her eyes widened.
"I could help you. I could find the Seer that made the prophecy," Molly rambled stalling for time.
"I don't need to know. I'm killing the boy," he snapped.
"Wouldn't you want to . . . kill the Seer?" Molly asked almost regretting it. "How dare she make a prophecy about your demise!" The Dark Lord seemed intrigued. Perhaps, she could be useful after all. He put his hands up asking for silence.
"Find the Seer," the Dark Lord snipped at Molly. He then turned to the other Death Eaters. His eyes found Severus, walked over to him and whispered "Kill her grandchild." With the sweep of his robes, he left stunning the Death Eaters into silence. Severus followed him out the door a minute later.
Molly stood there frozen. What have I done? She looked down and saw Peter, Ashley, and Daniel on the floor. Molly couldn't stop and think about their deaths. She couldn't lose everyone she ever loved. Maybe, she could stop this. Molly picked herself off the floor and headed for the door. She had no time to lose. She was at the door when Luscious stopped her.
"And where do you think you're going?" he raised his eyebrows for good measure. Feeling ashamed, Molly looked to the floor. She took in a deep breath.
"I need some air. Please move," tears rolled down Molly's cheeks. He wasn't moving. Anger bubbled to the surface and Molly couldn't take it anymore. "My family was just killed in front of me. I need some air." Pulling open the door, Molly wiped her tears. She ran down the drive way and when she was able to apparate she fell down. Hearing the door closing behind her, she was able to disapparate. She was on Victoria's street. Okay, Victoria had said the Potters' house was down the street from their house, but which way?
Bright green light illuminated from behind her. Molly turned around just in time to see the Dark Lord's back. Rushing over to the window, she saw James fall to the floor. Molly wanted to scream but knew she shouldn't. Molly saw the Dark Lord go up the stairs, probably to kill Lily and Harry. About to run inside and save her, Molly smelled smoke. Something was on fire. Looking around her, she found the source of it. It was Victoria's house! Amazingly, the houses were not that far apart. Barely, five house over. Molly now had a decision to make: save the Potters' or her family. If she tried to save the Potters' she would surely die, but her family was important to her as well. Not wanting to waste time, she disapparated and re- apparated in front of the house. Wiping away tears, she ran into the house.
Victoria was on the floor and little Ashley was crying on the couch. Flames engulfed the room, leaving only the front door as an exit. Scooping up Ashley, Molly ran out the door and put her on the ground. Dashing back into the house, Molly levitated Victoria off the floor and brought her outside. She gently put her on the ground. Coughing, Molly nearly collapsed on the ground. I am getting too old for this kind of running. Lifting her head, she saw people coming out of their houses. Picking up Ashley, Molly stood there at the end of the street Godric's Hollow with tears streaming down her face. There was a loud crash behind her and Molly turned just in time to see a house blow up. That was the Potters' house! Not even three seconds later and Victoria's house went crashing down.
Many people ran in fear of the blasts but none stopped. None of them noticed a witch silently crying over the loss of losing most her family in one night. Not understanding how she was able to stay strong, Molly recalled that William wasn't there. Somehow, Molly had hope that he was still alive. Molly felt like going to the Leaky Cauldron to drown her sorrows, but knew full well she shouldn't. She glanced down at her daughter. Victoria had always been outspoken and bright. Closing her eyes, Molly braced herself for reality. The only people still alive in the family are herself, Ashley and possibly William. Molly grabbed Victoria and held on to Ashley. Before disapparating she looked around. No one was in sight not even the Dark Lord. Godric's Hollow disappeared and with it replaced a quiet neighborhood. There were street lamps lighting up the road. Molly stood in front of her other child`s house.
Samuel was a squib. A squib was someone without magic but was born into a magically family. In the wizarding world, squibs were seen as second class, sometimes as scum in general. It had taken a great deal to hide him. So, as to not seem like an unloving mother, she gave Sam up for adoption and when he hit eighteen, Molly went to find him. She explained that she had to give him up, told him about the magical community, and said she wanted to be in contact with him, though Molly had never told Daniel anything. Somehow, Sam forgave her quickly and told her everything about his life.
Now, after four long years Molly would be coming back and to ask a favor. She felt terrible but it had to be done. It would just be for a few days. Molly needed time to bury everyone and find William. They could hide for awhile. Leaving Victoria behind on the drive way, Molly made her way to the door and knocked. It was late and Molly hoped they would still be awake. A moment later, a man in his early thirties opened the door. His hair was dark brown like hers was but it was untamed. He wore light blue striped pajamas and a quizzical expression.
"Mom?" Sam stared back in disbelief. Seeing the baby, he scrunched up his face. "Who is that?"
"This is your niece," Molly explained cradling Ashley.
"Wait! I have a niece? Then, where's my . . ." He trailed off. Molly had not mentioned that he had a younger sister.
"I'm sorry to tell you this way but your younger sister, Victoria, is dead."
"What about . . . her husband? Is he dead too?"
"I'm not quite sure. I need to find him. In the meantime, I need you to look after her for a couple of days," Molly gestured toward Ashley.
"You're serious?" his eyes widened. "But I can't. I . . . I." Sam was at a loss for words.
"I don't know anyone else. If I did I would not bother you. Please, Sam, it's just a couple of days. I need to bury my daughter and my husband along with my brother and sister in law. So, please, help me," Molly pleaded.
"Wait! What happened?" He asked in shock finally realizing more than one person was dead.
"All you need to know is that a mass murder killed your family," Molly started tearing up. "And here I thought we would all come visit you in a few weeks." She was going to try and persuade Daniel and the others to visit Samuel, her first child. But now . . .
"Mom, I'll take care of her," he said finding her eyes. Handing Ashley over to Sam, Molly tried not to cry but tears came anyway.
"What's her name?" Sam asked. Suddenly, realizing she could give her a new name, Molly picked her grandmothers name.
"Brianna," Molly beamed.