CHAPTER 1 – THE PROPHECY
2AM, 31 July 1980.
James Charlus Potter shot straight up. It was just a dream, he told himself. Everyone knew the Trelawneys were renowned seers, but the youngest Trelawney made the art a running gag between the Wizarding families. Known for her constant predictions of death, it was come to terms with his dream. But this prediction was more of a prophecy. As much as James didn't believe in predictions, he agreed that prophecies was the real deal. The last Great Prophecy made was about Grindelwald and his ride to power and subsequent defeat by the greatest wizard of his time, Albus Dumbledore. The rasping, the double timber in her voice, and subsequent amnesia to the matter. It showed signs of a true prophecy.
"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 he will have the power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…"
James looked over to the form of his peacefully asleep wife. Lily, dear sweet Lily. Curled up into a ball, protecting their unborn son. He slowly got out of bed, making sure he does not wake Lily. A million thoughts ran through his mind. Lily's due anytime soon, and it's already the 30th. Alice gave birth to baby Neville in the morning… Born as the seventh month dies… Maybe the Longbottom heir is the child of the prophecy? I should discuss this with Sirius and Remus. Has Dumbledore heard the prophecy?
Creeping down to his Potions lab in the basement, James searched for a vial labelled Veritaserum from his satchel. James brought this particular potion whenever he went on Auror missions, when interrogations were needed. His Invisibility Cloak was stuffed into the bottom of the satchel. With the satchel slung over his back, he quietly made his way back into the bedroom.
I've gone out to meet Sirius and Remus. It's important. Please don't be worried, I'll be back by dawn. Send me a Patronus if I'm not back by the time you're awake. Love you and Harry loads.
James placed the note on his pillow. He pulled up the blanket to Lily's neck, kissed her forehead once and stalked out. Casting his Patronus silently, he whispered his messages to both Sirius and Remus, asking them tob meet him at the Shrieking Shack immediately.
James better have a good reason for forcing me to meet him. It's after midnight, this better be bloody important. Sirius sighed. It's the first time James has ever demanded for an emergency meeting in the middle of the night. He probably doesn't want to be overheard, considering the location. But, it's past midnight! I don't want to get off my bed, I'm too lazy! Fine, only for you, James Charlus. Sirius chuckled.
Sirius marched out of 12 Grimmauld Place. He looked around the empty street, making sure there wasn't anyone else in the vicinity. He spun in place, and with a huge crack, Sirius was gone.
Remus Lupin was not a heavy sleeper. He was, actually, quite the contrary. The last he remembered was that he was reading the day's copy of the Daily Prophet, and then he heard the unmistakable whoosh of a Patronus. He stared bleakly at the form of Prongs infront of him.
Moony, get your furry butt to the Shrieking Shack. It's important. Extremely important. Don't tell Wormtail about where you're going.
Remus' brows furrowed. 'Don't tell Wormtail'? Prongs better have a damn good reason for this. Remus sighed and stood up. This is gonna be a LONG night. Might as well pack some chocolate. It is nearing the full moon, anyway.
James laid back on the middle of the floor of the Shrieking Shack, staring up at the dusty ceiling when he caught the musky scent of Padfoot. He sat up, knowing full well that Padfoot will lick his face. The hairy Grim jumped onto James' back and barked.
"Get off, Padfoot. Don't make Prongs come out and kick you again. You know how it felt the last time." James chastised. Padfoot barked out, suspiciously sounding like a bark of laughter. Padfoot sat, and started to enlarge to Sirius, wearing a huge smile on his face.
"What's with the face, Prongs? Lily decided to leave you for Snivellus? Ow!" James smacked Sirius on the back of his head. "You'd better have a good reason for dragging me out at this time of night. I was about to tuck in with a rather curious Muggle book." Sirius was about to start babbling about his book when Remus Apparated at the door.
"If you two would consent to it, I'd like you two to drink up. The Butterbeers are laced with Veritaserum, and so is mine. I've brought you guys out here at such short notice, so I'm willing to answer any questions you might have for me." James took a gulp of the Butterbeer as Remus sat infront of James and Sirius.
"Since I have nothing to hide from my two best friends, why not?" Remus agreed.
"If this would at least clear the suspicion that I'm Voldemort's spy, then bottom's up!" Sirius happily chugged down the Butterbeer.
A/N: Hi everyone! I'm new to this, haha. Please be kind and leave me a review! Questions will be answered in the best way I can. Some things that I want to clarify:
1. I consider the Shrieking Shack as the Marauders' property. Considering Dumbledore erected the Whomping Williow at the entrance when Remus started school, Dumbledore opened it up to them whenever they wanted to use it. There are still wards in place to keep out everyone except Dumbledore and the Marauders, as a precaution.
2. James dreamt about everything that Harry did in the books. The Stone, the Chamber, the Deathly Hallows, everything. He's going to try to change everything, even trying to save everyone Harry loves from certain death. He's going to make sure that Harry grows up with love and care, and without endangering his life every year.
So, please do leave a review for this story, it'll help me out greatly! See you in the next chapter (:
- Kat
