Albus Dumbledore was tired, in fact so tired that he had trouble keeping his eyelids from finding each other behind his half-moon spectacles. The war had took its toll on the ancient wizard, but only his most trusted knew that. You see, Dumbledore was important in many ways. From spearheading the war against Voldemort, to running the most successful school in wizarding Britain, it was a marvel that his old and aching frame could carry such a man. Dressed in robes of the most royal purple, with boots highlighting his already tall appearance, Albus was doing something that was very frowned upon in the wizard world. He was walking the streets of muggle London.

You see today was October 31st, but most people are familiar with it as Halloween. The day before the day of the dead, gifted Albus with a certain freedom. He could walk around unhindered by anyone of authority because everyone, wizards and muggles alike, dressed outrageously for Halloween. In fact, Albus was sitting in one of his favorite muggle sweetshops, enjoying hot tea while watching the local kids go by dressed as their favorite monsters. If they only knew what true monsters looked like.

A sharp crack brought him out of his thoughts, and rounding a corner near the table where the professor was seated was none other than his colleague Horace Slughorn. Horace taught potions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, a subject most noble if you ask Horace. Horace had a way of finding the children most destined for success and giving them the "needed push."

"I knew I would find you here Albus. You wouldn't believe the morning I've had, let me tell you." Stated Slughorn while pulling a seat next to the headmaster. "If I never hear the name Lucius Malfoy again I shall die a happy man."

"I take it he has been recruiting you again Horace?" asked Dumbledore.

"Not just asking this time, pushing harder than ever. He seems to think that the war is already won, and is trying to score a commitment from me. I feel as if I'm some sort of dog being called by separated owners. You Albus, with all of your secrecy, that won't let a single bit of clarity my way. Don't you trust me? If you could allow someone as horrid as Severus Snape into your order, then surely my candidacy is solid." Barked a flustered Horace.

"I fear that you remaining neutral in this is vital to our survival Horace, you're influence is too important to either be targeted or preyed upon. We have been over this many times before." Answered Dumbledore.

"I know its just that"- Horace knew he wasn't going to get anywhere with the stubborn old man. "Is their any news on Lilly? Somehow my dear owl cannot seem to find her with any of my letters?"

"Lilly's whereabouts aren't known to me Horace. Perhaps she and James ran away with little Harry and left this forsaken crusade behind them." Said Dumbledore with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "It is my greatest wish for them to leave this life behind and start anew. They have already sacrificed so much. "

"In all my years Albus, I've never felt a soul such as hers. The way magic reacts to her, as if she where born from it." Smiled Slughorn. "Her boy, Harry how is he?"

"Harry is everything that a child born of Lilly and James Potter is supposed to be. I feel his destiny could be a great one. I feel it in the child Horace, Lilly's power." Stated Dumbledore.

"I'm worried about it being tainted with the likes of James Potter." Spat Horace

"You underestimate him Horace. James is as brave and righteous as his father. He is also the most naturally gifted duelist that I've ever tutored. He was able to best everyone in the order save Fillius."

"Ha that I would have loved to see, the mighty James Potter outclassed by little Flitwick." Replied Slughorn with a smile. "I suppose I could always call upon dear Sirius for information on their whereabouts.

"I wouldn't try it my dear friend. Loyalty between friends is a magic most powerful. It has built its foundation upon love, and I fear you would be disappointed with its outcome." Said Dumbledore.

You see it wasn't that Horace didn't like James Potter, sure he and his father Henry where acquaintances, it was the wasted potential that soured Horace Slughorn. In all his years he had never seen someone so naturally charismatic, he could have been minister if he wanted.

No James Potter was a different story, but whom Horace really wanted was Sirius Black.

Attractive, rich, infectious smile, and from the perfect family. Sirius Black was Horace's redemption story. Troubled youth from dark family rises up the ministry to clean house. He could see the headlines clearly.

Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Sirius Black didn't enjoy responsibility, In fact, he pretty much ran from it. He had lost track of the witches courted by the youngest Black. Wasn't Rosmerta the last?

"I fear the hour is getting late Horace. I have to get back to my duties and I suspect a bottle of brandy is calling your name after today." Remarked Albus.

"Oh Headmaster you know me so." Chided Slughorn. "One last thing before I go, Peter came to see me, he seemed upset about something. The poor lad couldn't stop stuttering. Before our conversation got anywhere a student walked in and interrupted. Do look after the boy will you, I fear this war is affecting him most of all. He never was as talented as his lot, and I believe the boy is drowning."

"Peter is as much an asset to James as Sirius or Remus. Never forget the value of friendship Horace." With that Albus stood and walked away from Professor Slughorn to vanish into the fading sky.

Many hours later Albus was reading at his desk, when he felt a stirring in the wards he had placed for the Potters at Godric's Hallow. Checking the wards like he had done countless time before, he found everything to be in order. It was probably just accidental magic from the child. Seconds had passed and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

Then a feeling of dread washed over Dumbledore as the disturbance came back tenfold. He stood up faster that many would believe to be humanly possible and called out to his Phoenix Fawkes. (You see phoenix's have many wonderful abilities. One such as teleportation to places, including those that can be previously blocked by magic.)

In a flash, Dumbledore surprisingly landed outside the small village of Godric's Hallow. Knowing something was wrong because he should have landed on the doorstep. Magic was blocking Fawkes's entry. Fear flooded his veins as the ancient wizard raced towards the cottage. Passing the last remnants of Halloween stumbles, he spotted his target. Approaching the front gate, he noticed the door off the hinges. NO, NO, impossible thought Dumbledore while walking into the smoking house. Upon reaching the living room he spotted the body of James Potter, lifeless eyes gazing upon the ceiling through his glasses. Wandless, defenseless to a wizard more powerful than he. Turning to head up the stairs, the professor approached the first door he came upon, Harry's nursery. It was there that Albus Dumbledore saw something that shocked him beyond this hundred plus years.

The body of Lily Potter was lying lifeless in front of a crib. Tears still fresh upon her face. The magic that once lit up every room she ever entered was gone, faded away from this world like a ghost.

The professor then heard the child cry. It wasn't a wailing cry that most infants use. It was a confused can you hear me sort of yelp. Could this be? Is Harry still alive?Stepping around Lilly's corpse, Albus approached the boy with open arms. Young Harry was bleeding from a lightning shaped cut on his forehead.

Albus recognized magic residue on the child, dark magic residue. Examining the boy, Albus felt it. Magic in its purest form was radiating out of Harry! It was like hearing a phoenix sing for the first time. Oh Harry I've failed you. Thought the headmaster.

Tears ran down the Headmasters face when out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar wand.

Bone white, and sinister looking. This was the wand of Tom Riddle. The wand lying atop a pile of ash and cloak. Was this the remains of Lord Voldemort? Had the prophecy come true?

Pulling out his own wand and sending a message to Hagrid, Albus heard rustling in the hall. Placing Harry back into his crib and whipping his wand into defensive position, the professor came face to face with Sirius Black.

Broken, the only word able to describe the man. The once permanent smirk on his face was replaced with anguish.

"You where supposed to protect them! They trusted you! I'll kill him! I'll kill the rat." Screamed Sirius

Before Albus could do anything to stop him, Sirius was already out the door and apparated away.

For the second time in his life, Albus Dumbledore felt helpless.

Hagrid arrived a few minutes later fighting back tears. "Ar they dead? Is ne'one alive? asked Hagrid.

"Harry." Is all Dumbledore could muster

Hagrid let out a howl like a crying wolf. So loud the neighbors started to show signs of life.

Ushering Hagrid inside before the whole neighborhood came knocking, Dumbledore asked Hagrid to pack up Harry's clothes and anything he might need.

"Where is he going ter go? Sirius? Hogwarts with you surely? He'll be safest with ya." Asked Hagrid pleadingly.

"I'm afraid Harry does have family left Hagrid."

"Surely you don' mean them Albus." Hiccupped Hagrid

"Petunia Dursely is Lily's sister, Harry will need family, I will make sure he gets everything he needs, then when he comes of age I will personally retrieve him." Answered Dumbledore

"Now go pack his things and meet me at this address." Said Dumbledore handing Hagrid a slip of paper.

Placing everything in his giant coat, Hagrid noticed Sirius's enchanted motorcycle parked outside.

"Do y'reckon he'd mind?" asked Hagrid

Dumbledore didn't answer. He called out to Fawkes and whispered for Hagrid to Hurry.

Arriving at little Number 4 privet drive, Albus pulled out a silver lighter shaped device, and took out all of the lights on Privet Drive. He then noticed Minerva sitting in her animagus form in front of house.

"Hello Minerva."

"How did you know it was me?" replied McGonagall

"Never in all my years have I ever seen a cat sit so stiffly." Replied Dumbledore.

"Is it true? What they are saying; that Lily and James are…. Oh Albus" said McGonagall.

"I'm afraid to say that it is Minerva, Lily and James where murdered by Lord Voldemort."

"And Harry? Is it true he lives? Did he really kill you-know-who? Is he really gone? Asked Mcgonagall.

"Yes, for the time being he is gone, though I fear he will return in some form. Someone such as Lord Voldemort will have ways of fending off death, but today was a great victory, and may have bought us some much needed time."

"Time? Time for what exactly Albus? This war has torn apart everything that we have known. Families split, fathers burying sons. Missing children. Whispers of the undead. People are going to want answers. They are already calling Harry the Boy Who Lived. Worshiping a child as a hero." Stated McGonagall.

"That is why Harry has to grow up here. With the Dursleys, away from the chaos that is going to ensue. It is his only chance for a normal childhood. The world owes him that." Said Dumbledore with a grim expression.

"Where is the boy now?" asked Mcgonagall

"I asked Hagrid to bring him here."

"Surely you wouldn't trust him to Hagrid alone?" Asked Mcgonagall critically

"I would trust Hagrid with my life. He will deliver Harry here and the boy will grow up with family."

"but these people they are horrib."- Whatever Minerva was going to say was drowned out by the echoing of an engine roaring through the night sky.

Hagrid landed safely into the street and parked the bike a few feet from the driveway. Picking up young Harry and bringing him to Albus.

"the little tyke fell asleep while flying over London." Said Hagrid while bellowing out cries.

"I suppose I better be getting Sirius his bike back." Said Hagrid while giving Harry one last whiskery kiss on the forehead.
"You did very well Hagrid. Thank you for bringing him. I promise you it will mean a lot to him one day. Now destiny is approaching and I fear that we have done all that we can. The rest is up to young Harry here." Said Dumbledore while carrying the crib to the doorstep.

Casting a charm to keep Harry warm and protected until the Dursleys would discover him the next morning; Dumbledore pulled out a letter and placed it in the crib. "I have one last thing to give you my boy." Said Dumbledore while reaching into his pocket. He pulled out a gold oval shaped ring with a lion and eagle crest and crimson P in the middle. Placing it onto the child's finger the ring shrank until it fit, and then vanished from sight.

"When you turn of age the ring will find you. It symbolizes you as the heir to the Potter line. All is explained in the letter. Good luck young Harry. We will be waiting for you."