Chapter 1

Lily struggled against the chains that bound her. "James, please," she begged. "Let me go."

James stared at her, His face expressionless. "When were you planning to tell me," he said pleasantly. "Were you ever going to be honest with me?"

"What are you talking about? You know everything about me."

James's harsh laughter echoed around the room. "Know everything, that's a joke. I can trust nothing I know about you. You have proven to be a liar. Hell, is our child even mine?"

Lily's green eyes flashed. Her red hair seemed to float in an invisible wind. The air around her crackled and thrummed with power. Her skin began omitting a soft glow. "How dare you," she hissed. "I have never been unfaithful to you. I swear on my life and magic that the child growing in my womb is yours." There was a flash of light. James watched Lily interestedly, and she glared right back.

"Well, that settles that. You may be a liar, but at least you're not a whore."

"What is going on? Why have you chained me up?"

"I know your secret," James bellowed. "I know what you never told me."

Lily frowned. What was he talking about? Had he gone mad? She had told him everything about herself. She had held nothing back. Her parents had always told her that honesty was the best way to maintain a relationship. Her eyes suddenly widened. There was one thing she hadn't told him. "Oh," she whispered. "I almost forgot about that."

"Figured it out have you?" James sneered. "I know you're not human. How could you have forgotten about that?"

Lily looked up at him. "I was going to tell you," she said her voice shaking slightly. "I never meant to hide it from you. As for almost forgetting, it just didn't seem important."

James paced back and forth, never taking his eyes off her. "I should've known. You were always great at magic. You were the best in our year. They said you were a prodigy, and now I know why."

Lily shifted in the chains. Her skin where the metal touched was beginning to itch. Looking down, she could see red welts blossoming on her arms. James, who had followed her gaze, grinned.

"I heard that dragon's blood was poisonous to your kind, so I soaked those chains in it before binding you. Don't worry, from what I read, it's not fatal unless it enters your bloodstream, isn't that right?"

Lily nodded. Tears spilled down her cheeks. "Why did you do this," she cried. "Did our love mean nothing to you?"

"Did it mean anything to you?" James growled. "You lied to me for four years. I can understand why you didn't tell me before we were together. Hell, you didn't even like me back then, but I can't understand why you didn't tell me once we were engaged."

"I know how the wizarding world, even the light side, feels about elves. They believe that all elves are evil."

James nodded. "Your kind are evil. They killed thousands of wizards and muggles alike for no other reason than trespassing on their land."

"The elves can be vicious sometimes, that is true, but they are not evil."

James snorted. "Oh, so they are all innocent, are they? They're just misunderstood. Is that what you are telling me?"

Lily shifted, trying to ignore the burning in her arms and legs where the chains touched her. She could hear a faint sizzling sound and knew it was her skin burning from contact with the dragon's blood. She had to hurry. If she began bleeding, the dragon's blood would mix with hers. "James please, you have to let me out of these chains."

James's smile was all teeth. "Do you think I am stupid? If I let you lose, then you will kill me. I imagine that it would be a horrible accident, wouldn't it? Tell me, would you blame it on the death eaters?"

Lily grit her teeth until her jaws hurt. James took an involuntary step backwards as her eyes began to glow. "If you don't let me out, our child will die. Do you want that? You are the last of the Potter line. Is your anger at me so great that you would end your line to see me dead?"

James paused. She was right. His child grew in her belly. If she died, so would he. Part of him thought that he could get a new wife, and have a new child, but he pushed that thought away. Regardless what Lily had done, he was not going to blame his child for her mistakes.

On the other hand, he couldn't just let her go. What if she ran away? If she left him, he knew that he would never find her. The elves were supposed to be gone from this world, but what if she knew of a way to find them? He'd heard stories that if a child of an elf and a mortal was raised by mortals, then the child would be mortal. However, if the child was raised by elves, then that is what they would be. He didn't want his child to lose its humanity and he didn't want it to die. What was he going to do? A soft voice broke into his thoughts.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance?"

James turned to see an old man with white hair and a long white beard. Both were so long he could have tucked them into his belt. He smiled at James, his blue eyes twinkling. "I would be happy to aid you in this matter. I believe I have a solution."

James sighed in relief. "Dumbledore, thank goodness. Lily is…"

"An elf, I know. I also know what we can do with her. I finally received approval this morning."

"This morning," James said outraged. "You knew and you didn't tell me?"

"My apologies, but she insisted I not tell you. She was afraid that you would be unable to keep it to yourself."

"Who? Lily?"

"No, a voice said from the hallway. "I told Dumbledore not to tell you."

James turned to see Millicent Bagnold, the minister of magic standing behind Dumbledore. She was a short stout woman with iron grey hair and cold brown eyes. "You?" James asked. "Why would you take interest in my wife's lies?"

"Because her secret endangers our entire society. If people find out that Morgaine Le Fay walks the earth again, it could, and most likely would, cause a mass panic."

James stared at the minister in shock. "Morgaine Le Fay, but she'd dead."

"No she's not," Bagnold said, staring at Lily. "Somehow, she returned."

Lily looked at the minister. What was the highest ranking official of the British ministry of magic doing here? How had she found out who she was? She had to tread carefully. The chains binding her had leeched a lot of her strength. "I used to be Morgaine Le Fay, but I haven't gone by that name in a long time. I am Lily Evans Potter now."

Minister Bagnold smiled kindly at Lily. "Have you forgotten we are at war? The most powerful dark wizard in a hundred years is trying to take over our country. We have no idea which side you would fight for. According to the legends, you switched sides when you fought Merlin. How do we know that you wouldn't do the same again?"

Lily glared at the old woman. "How dare you. I would never side with that murderer. He killed my parents and has tried to kill me on multiple occasions."

Bagnold said nothing, just continued to stare at Lily. "I am truly sorry," she said, "but we can't allow you to walk free." She turned away from Lily and looked at Dumbledore. "Is the cell ready?"

Dumbledore nodded. "We will not move her into the general population until the child is born. The cell you requested is ready. It has been fitted with magical suppression runes. That should hold her for the time being. Pregnant elves have a difficult time using their magic."

Lily's eyes widened. "You can't do this. I've done nothing to warrant being locked up."

James spoke up, glaring at Lily. "You killed thousands as Morgaine Le fay. I'd say you deserved more than to be locked up."

Lily looked at her husband. "The only thing I did was glamour Morgaus to disguise her, thereby aiding in the conception and birth of Mordred."

"Which makes you indirectly responsible for the fall of Camelot."

Minister Bagnold looked at her sadly. "I am truly sorry, but we have to. Think of it as a matter of national security, if you must."

Lily struggled against her chains as Dumbledore raised his wand. There was a flash of red light and her world went black.

Dumbledore flicked his wand and the chains binding Lily vanished. Looking up at the ceiling, he called, "Fawkes." There was a flash of fire and a red and gold bird appeared. "Would you heal her please?" He pointed at Lily.

Fawkes trilled and flew over Lily. The magnificent bird lowered its head and began to cry tears on to Lily's burns. As they all watched, the burns faded away as if they'd never been. When he was done, Fawkes rose into the air and alighted upon Dumbledore's shoulder. He trilled softly as if to say, "My job is done, Albus."

Dumbledore looked at James. "We could arrange for house arrest if you like. She would be bound to this house and couldn't leave. Once she had the child, we would then lock her in Azkaban until the end of the war."

James shook his head. "I could never trust her. She might kill me for binding her after you left. Besides, she is one of the fiercest dark ladies in history. I still don't know how I feel about having a child with Morgaine Le Fay."

Dumbledore patted his shoulder. "I am truly sorry for all you have suffered, my boy."

James nodded. "Let's just get this done."

Bagnold nodded. She gestured and two Aurors entered the room, wands drawn. She pointed at the prone Lily. "She is not to be harmed in any way during transportation, do you understand?"

The aurors nodded silently and levitated Lily. They made their way out of the room and down the hallway. James stared after her a solitary tear ran down his cheek. For the first time since he found out Lily wasn't human, he wondered if he was doing the right thing. He was punishing Lily for not being human and for things that had happened centuries ago. How was he any better than the Death Eaters. Sure, she hadn't told him what she was, or who she was, but could he really blame her. He had reacted exactly as she had feared he would. As if sensing his disquiet, Dumbledore touched his shoulder.

"I know how you must feel, James, but this is for the greater good. We can't trust Lily."

"We still trust the goblins and the centaurs," James argued. "How are elves any different?"

"Because elves are savage, wild, untamed. From what I've read, they could be cruel and monstrous as they could kind and benevolent."

James scowled at the old man. "So in other words, they're just like people, is that what you're telling me?"

Dumbledore stared at his former student. Why didn't the boy understand? He had hoped that springing what his wife was on him would make him comply with his wishes, and it had seemed to work. What had changed? Why was he arguing with him now that the decision was made and it was too late to do anything?"

"James," Minister Bagnold said gently. "You will have my word that we will make your wife as comfortable as we can."

James whirled to face her, his eyes flashing. "It's bloody Azkaban," he growled, one of the worst wizarding prisons on the planet. How exactly are you going to make her comfortable and what about my kid? What if the presence of the guards causes her to miscarry?"

"The cell we have fitted for her is special. Dementors will go nowhere near her cell. It has carpet on the floors, a bed, a sink, and even a bookcase with several Muggle books. We may need to lock her away, but we do not want to torture her. Up to this point, she has been a model citizen. We aren't going to punish her for being nonhuman. That would make us no better than Voldemort. If we knew more about the elves, we wouldn't lock her up at all."

James relaxed slightly. "What about after Harry is born?"

"That will depend on her behavior," Bagnold answered. "If she is good, she will be allowed to stay in her cell. If not, well…" She broke off and looked down at the floor. "We have to insure that she doesn't join Voldemort, no matter the cost. She is being told all this as we speak."

XXX

Lily sat in a plush armchair staring into the fire. It may look like a room in a moderately successful inn, but it was still a prison cell. She shivered and moved her chair closer to the fire. It may be early June, but the island of Azkaban was as cold as midwinter. The air nipped the flesh and sank razor teeth into her bones. Each time she exhaled, her breath smoked in the icy air. She supposed she should be grateful for the accommodations, but that was difficult when she thought of the reason she was imprisoned here. She stroked her belly absently. "Don't worry, baby," she whispered. "Mummy won't let them hurt you."

The baby in her womb kicked as if to say, "I know, Mum." She chuckled and patted her belly. "Mummy will always love you, no matter what." A tear ran down her face. "I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe." More tears fell as she thought of the future.

She had no illusions. James was going to leave her in here and take her child from her. What then? Would he allow Dumbledore to do as he wished? She hoped not, but James's faith in the headmaster had always been so strong. He believed, like the rest of the wizarding world, that Dumbledore could do no wrong and had the best interests of everyone at heart.

Lily snorted. She knew better. Dumbledore might do what he thought was best, but he often paid far too much attention to the big picture and not enough to the individual. The question was; what was she going to do about it? She needed to review what she knew to formulate a plan.

The war was not going well for the light side. Any fool could see that. The ministry was losing aurors every day. Half of their auror force had been decimated already while Voldemort's ranks continued to swell. Then there was the prophecy.

Voldemort believed it, and she was sure that Dumbledore did as well. Lily didn't know the exact wording of the prophecy, but she knew the gist. Supposedly, this prophecy foretold the birth of a child at the end of July. This child would have the power to defeat Voldemort. As she thought of the prophecy, Lily's face tightened.

Was that what Dumbledore was planning? Was he planning to sacrifice her child to stop Voldemort? Fear twisted like snakes in her gut. She had to do something. Could she induce labor early? No, that would be too dangerous for the baby. Could she hide it somewhere after he was born? Again, no, they would find him. Slowly, she reached for her magic. How much did the suppression runes inhibit her abilities?

She still had some power, not as much as she'd like, but she was sure it was more than she was supposed to have while in a room with suppression runes. She looked over at the iron grate that served as the door to her room. Her emerald green eyes flashed. When they came for her child she would be ready. If she didn't use any magic until her child was born, she should be able to store up a significant amount of power. She absently stroked her belly again. "I will keep you safe."

XXX

Voldemort, AKA Tom Riddle stared at the kneeling man before him. "You are sure of what the prophecy says?"

The man nodded. "Yes, My Lord," he groveled. "I don't know the exact wording, but it refers to a child that will be born at the end of July. This child will supposedly have the power to defeat you."

Voldemort pulled at a strand of his silver hair, staring off into space. The Death Eater said nothing. His master usually got this way when he was thinking. Finally, Voldemort looked back down at the Death Eater; his cold blue eyes met the Death Eaters fearful grey ones. "Do we have any Death Eaters in Saint Mungos?"

The Death Eater shook his head. "No, my Lord."

"Alright then, listen closely. Go to Saint Mungo's and cast the imperius curse on one of the Healers. Tell that healer to inform us of all the babies born on July 31st. I do not want to waste time on this. I want this child found and dealt with as soon as possible. Do you understand?"

The Death Eater bowed. "It shall be done, my Lord."

"Good, now go."

Voldemort leaned back in his chair and watched the man hurry from the room. He would find this child and deal with him. He was not worried. After all, the prophecy said defeat, not necessarily kill. Nevertheless, he would kill this child, whoever he may be. He could not allow a challenge to him to go unanswered.

XXX

July 31st, 1981.

Lily screamed as a contraction tightened her belly. She felt the warm gush between her legs. 'I peed myself,' she thought deliriously and giggled.

Dumbledore, Minister Bagnold, and James stood around her. The Hogwarts healer, Madam Pomfrey, knelt between her legs. "I see the head," she said. "Now Lily, push."

Lily's scream rent the air. She felt something being taken from her and fell back on the bed exhausted. The wail of a baby filled the small room.

"It's a boy," Madam Pomfrey said holding the child up. She turned to James. "Would you like to cut the cord?"

James stared at his son. He looked human enough. James smiled. The kid had his untidy black hair. His heart skipped a beat as the baby opened his eyes. Lily's emerald green eyes stared up at him. He shook himself. It didn't mean anything. His child would be raised as a wizard, regardless what his Mother was. Drawing his wand, he made a slashing movement, cutting the am biblical cord. Madam Pomfrey healed the place where the cord had been and passed the baby to Lily, saying, "Would you like to hold your son, dear?"

As soon as Lily's hands touched her son, she knew. She could feel the power thrumming through him. It was like laying her hand on a telephone pole and feeling the current traveling through it. The baby looked up at her and smiled. Bending over, Lily kissed his forehead. "Mummy will always love you," she whispered.

"Lily, it's time to go," Dumbledore said gently.

Lily looked over at James. "Please," she begged. "Let me go with you. I want to raise my son."

James's expression was distant. "No, he will be raised by a wizard. He will not be taught whatever kind of dark magic you know."

Anger flashed through her at those words. She wanted to fight. She wanted to make him suffer like she'd been forced to suffer, but she couldn't. A fight now could endanger the baby. She would not put her son at risk just to satisfy her wounded pride. There was no way to fight them. With tears rolling down her face, she handed the baby to Dumbledore. No sooner had the baby left her arms, than it began to cry.

Lily couldn't help it. She began to sob. "He will be well cared for, I swear it," Dumbledore said solemnly.

Minister Bagnold stepped forward. "There is the matter of your stay here," she said calmly.

Lily looked up at her, face wet with her tears. "What do you mean?"

Millicent Bagnold smiled. "Did you think we wouldn't notice? The suppression runes aren't having near the effect that they should. We will be moving you to the maximum security part of the prison."

Lily's eyes widened. "But you said if I was good," she began.

"But you haven't been good," Bagnold interrupted. "You didn't tell us that the suppression runes weren't as effective as we thought. You knew that they were supposed to stop a wizard from using any magic, but you said nothing. That was naughty."

Before Lily could respond, three jets of red light hit her in the chest, and she slumped backwards, unconscious.

A/n I do not own Harry Potter. It belongs to J.K Rowling and Warner Brothers.