October 31, 1981
Dorea Potter nee Black was not someone to be taken lightly. The Death Eaters had learned that the hard way when they decided to kill her husband and now, her son and his wife. Now, the "hero of the light," the great Albus Dumbledore was going to learn just who he had messed with! How dare the he take away her grandson and give him to those despicable muggles! Fuming, she apparated to Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey. From where she had arrived, she could make out the enormous form of that pathetic half-giant handing Albus a little bundle. She snarled. He wasn't allowed to touch him! She could distinctly see him walking to the door and leave Harry on the front porch. After what seemed like hours, they finally left and there was silence. She hurried to the door and what she saw made her ice cold heart crack. Her grandson (oh she would never tire of the word!) lay, seeming so innocent. Tufts of raven hair stuck up on his head and in his tiny hand, he clutched his green baby blanket. His face seemed so innocent and completely unaware that he would never see his beloved parents again. She picked him up with the utmost care and gently stroked his hair. He stirred in his arm and blinked up at her with those emerald eyes so like his mother's.
His eyes lit up in recognition and he cried, "Gama!"
Her heart almost broke all over again. He didn't deserve this fate. She would take care of him, but he would need somebody to act like his mother and father. She knew just the people. With that, she began the journey to Malfoy Manor.
o0o0o0o0
Contrary to many popular beliefs, the Malfoys were not a completely dark family. They had never taken the Dark Mark they associated themselves with the known Death Eaters and were known to spout pureblood ideologies, but this was a necessary pretense. If they didn't keep up their masks and act aloof in public, they would have been killed and done with. Currently, Narcissa and Lucius were anxiously waiting for news from Dorea regarding Harry. Suddenly, the flames glowed green in the fireplace and out stepped Lady Potter, elegant as ever.
Immediately, Dorea was met with two worried faces.
"Is that him?" Narcissa inquired., even though she knew the answer. She face showed sympathy for the raven-haired child.
Dorea's face was soft as she stared at him. "Yes. Poor baby." Suddenly her face acquired a fierce look. "But he will not grow up like James did. Oh, how I loved how he was always so free and mischievous. That's what made him special, but he had no subtlety. He was known by Voldemort only because he openly defied him. I want him to go up carefree and innocent like any other child, but if this is the way to keep him safe. . . so be it." Her voice cracked and tiny rivulets ran down her ivory cheeks. Yes, she thought, I will teach him to be the perfect combination of Gryffindor and Slytherin.
o0o0o0o0
July 2, 1987
Harry was going to turn seven in just a few weeks and was currently bubbling with excitement. Just like Dorea had predicted, Harry grew up with James' charming ways. He absolutely loved pulling pranks, and unfortunately for Dorea, inherited James' obsession with Quidditch. Honestly! The boy gave her a heart attack every time he pulled one of his ridiculous stunts. Lucius had claimed he would be a prodigy and had already bought him the newest model that wasn't even supposed to come out until a few months later! At least Harry let her coddle and fuss over him. Draco and Harry were like twin brothers. They pulled pranks together and drove both Dorea and Narcissa crazy with their Quidditch magazines and games. She sighed. However, Harry had also inherited his mother's kind and inquisitive nature, whereas Draco sometimes came across as arrogant. The time Harry didn't spend on planning pranks and driving her crazy with Quidditch stunts, was spent in the library. Draco moaned about this fact and had flatly stated, "Only nerds go the library." He had gotten a nice slap for that.
However, the time was coming where they both needed to be taught the ways of Slytherin. They needed to be introduced to the all the other traditional pureblood families if he even stood a chance of beating the evil sorcerer in the future. Voldemort would come back later, and in the meantime, both boys needed to be taught how to defy him without painting targets on their backs, although she knew that would be near impossible for Harry. However, if they played their cards right, maybe, just maybe, things would turn out ok.
One thing just kept nagging at her though. Over the past years, she had been to scared to even think about him, the one who had supposedly betrayed her children. But no. He was too chivalrous to even think about it. She would have to look more into the matter.
o0o0o0o0
On the same day, Albus Dumbledore sat in his office pondering the events that had taken place roughly six years ago. He really didn't like wasting the potential that James and Lily had known, but they had known he was not as light as he claimed to be. They knew he would do anything for the "greater good", even if it meant thousands of people would die in the process. This is precisely why he made sure a Death Eater had heard the prophecy. As soon as he confirmed Snape had heard it, he knew it was only a matter of time before the Potters died. No one could evade the Dark Lord forever. Sometimes, he regre. . . no. They had born a thorn in his side and they had needed to be dealt with. Little did he know that his actions would cost him much in the future.