Blood and Honey

by siela14

Harry was neither dark or light. Slytherin nor a Gryffindor. He was just a teenage boy growing up in a world where he was never wanted - until one day he was. He was the toast of the Wizarding World. Only to have it all slowly taken away. Alive!Potters, Mild HP/TR for a long while, and Harry's not the "Chosen One".

1. Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I do not own the world of Harry Potter nor ANY CHARACTER!... well the ones you recognize at least. Trust me if I was the genius herself (Mrs. J.K. Rowling) I would be off in some Caribbean island, sipping margaritas mind you, while thinking of creative ways to spend the billions shes made... But. I'm. Not.

Chapter 1 – Goodbye Harry

"James, I can't do this." Lily declared. She snatched the pile of folded clothes from inside the suitcase and started placing back into their respective drawers.

"Lils..." James sighed. Lily has been doing this continually for the last hour. Grabbing clothes from the suitcases and shoving them away, only to burst into tears as soon as she realizes she has no choice in the matter.

They already signed away the custody of Harry James Potter over to Vernon and Petunia Dursley.

Lily's body shook with tremors, her broken sobs resonating throughout the room. "No... no I can't. That's my baby. My first baby."

James swallowed his own tears. Slowly he got up from the bed, careful not to move his body too much. "Honey I know. I don't want to do this either. But we're not going to abandon him. We'll visit every chance we get. Take him away every once in a while on holidays."

"I don't want to be the aunt that visits on holiday James! I'm his mother!" she snapped. Her voice lost a bit of its edge as she continued, "I should be there for his first day of school, his nightmares, sick days and.. and.." she sunk to the floor clutching on one of Harry's favorite shirts to her chest. It was bright green with a stitched on snitch on it – it matched his eyes.

James sunk down slowly to embrace her tightly. "It's better for him Lils. He'll never have to grow up jealous of his brother for being the Boy Who Lived, or ever feel left out when Dumbledore starts training Daniel and not him. He'll.. he'll never be shoved aside by Danny's admirers or feel less being in his shadow. He'll be a normal kid, without the fame of being the brother of the Boy Who Lived-"

"Harry will understand..."

"Harry is only 1. He won't be understanding for a while."

Lily stayed quiet, eyebrows scrunched up in agony. "Lily, we won't have to worry about feeling guilty over always thinking about Danny's safety over his. Only one child's future is ruined here, let's not do the same to Harry."

She closed her eyes and sighed. "But.. Petunia hates me, James. How do I know if..."

"Because, flower, Petunia loves you too."

Lily turned to James and bit her lip. She gave a last shaky smile and slowly stood up. They finished up packing Harry's belongings silently – each one hoping that one day Harry will understand.

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5 MONTHS LATER

"JAMES!... JAMES!.. Merlin where are you?!"

Worried James ran towards the living room where he can hear Sirius' yells coming from where he can only assume to be the fireplace. "Sirius?! What the hell?" He stared down at his friends face in the ashes, angry that he almost woke the sleeping inhabitants of the house.

"Emergency Order meeting. It's really serious."

James stared at Sirius' grave face not detecting a hint of laughter nor humor at his signature pun. It must really be urgent. "I can't." He made a sweeping gesture towards the door, "I just managed to convince Lily to take a calming drought and take a nap. She hasn't been sleeping well and we only just dropped off Harry at Petunia's place again. Throws a fit every time we leave him. We really just need the rest of today...I'm sorry. Not even for the Order."

"James." Sirius pleaded. "Trust me I understand more than anyone, but you need to be here for this. It's about Danny."

James heart dropped. The last time something like this happened Lily was 6 months pregnant with Danny and Dumbledore had informed them, before the Order, about the Prophecy that concerned his youngest son. The duration of her pregnancy became at high risk due to the added stress and fear. "Okay. I'll go." He nodded to himself as if agreeing with his own thoughts. "Let Lily rest while she can..."

Sirius nodded and turned his head, disappearing from view and allowing James to step into the green flames. Soon enough green flames danced around him, turning him around in an array of color and sparks. Before the queasiness can manifest into something more disgusting, James felt his stomach settle as a new room came into view. He stepped out of the grand fireplace, ample enough to fit 5 people, and stared at the faces of the Order members. All of the higher ranking ones and veterans from when the Order of Phoenix was first founded were sitting in a long dark wooded table that took up most of the room. They usually had their meetings here, preferring the security and efficiency of Hogwarts over any ones house or parlor.

James stared at the Dumbledore at the head of the table, noticing immediately the solemn look on his face. He cleared his throat and asked, "What is it? What happened?"

"James, please sit." Dumbledore gestured at the nearest empty chair near him. "Where is Lily? I was hoping..."

"She's not coming." James shook his head. His head was coming up with a hundred different scenarios, each one worse the the former. He also does not appreciate Dumbledore's ability to beat around the bush so many times, a person sometimes doesn't catch the topic he wanted to tell them until they realize he already mentioned it underhandedly a few seconds ago. Because that's certainly happened to James quiet often."And I can't sit. I just need you to tell me now."

"My boy..." Dumbledore sighed but nodded, getting straight to the point. "Severus just came back from a Death Eater meeting," Dumbledore ignored the way James nostrils flared and gave his focused glare unto the potions master to his left. "... and Voldemort has found out your location. He's planning a raid. We do not know the exact date but every Death Eater is on call for the next few days."

James continued staring at Snape. He ignored the pitying glances the other members were throwing him and focused his attention on his old classmate.

"James.." he heard Sirius whisper next to him.

He ignored Sirius and spoke to the man who was returning his glare just as strongly. "How did they find out where we lived? The location of my ancestral home has been a well-kept secret for generations!" His voices got louder and louder as he rounded on Snape.

Snape stood up as well, sneering at the red faced Potter. "Well apparently its not that well-kept."

"You bastard! I know you had to have something to do with this! You slimy snake...!"

"Enough!" Dumbledore's voice boomed across the room silencing James and gathering the attention of the room back to him. James swallowed his pride and stepped away from the presence of the old slytherin. Dumbledore stared at James steadily, not finding any of the old Slytherin vs. Gryffindor feud amusing. "The issue is not about how he found out anymore, it's about what steps to take from here. Now I have an idea on what that step is," he paused before continuing. "or you also have the option of doing things in the way you see fit on your own."

James would be a fool not to take the greatest-wizard-who-ever-lived's help. He finally went to take the seat that was offered to him. "What would you have me do?"

"I have a comfortable house that you'll be able to occupy for the next few months. Of course it will have to be put under the Fidelius. No one, not even the members in this room will know the identity of the Secret Keeper."

James frowned. They were going into hiding. Under normal circumstances James would rather die than to hide like a coward. But Danny was just an infant – nowhere near ready to face Voldemort.

James nodded slowly. "Okay."

Dumbledore gave a small reassuring smile. "Do not worry James. As soon as it is safe, you will be able to go back home, but for now it is imperative to stay away from the public for a while. Daniel needs to grow and mature his magic before we begin training him for a war that is sure to come."

James flinched and turned away. What kind of was he – preparing his baby boy for the slaughter? Voldemort is one of the two most powerful wizards alive, the other sitting in this room choosing to pull strings instead of fighting him dead on. Dumbledore is convinced only Daniel will be able to defeat Voldemort for good. It was prophecised. If Dumbledore himself cannot take on Voldemort anymore due to his increasing age, Daniel was everyone's last hope. A martyr, or a hero if lucky.

"Wait, Prongs." James turned to Sirius, hoping that the long haired auror had a miraculous solution to all his problems. Sirius turned his attention to Dumbledore. "If the James and Lily are not allowed to go out into the open now, what will happen to Harry?"

There was a murmur of confusion sweep across the room. Dumbledore blinked, for the first time tonight looking as if someone surprised him. "What about young Harry? I assumed he was already safe and living out his childhood with his aunt and uncle?"

James scowled at the surprised faces of the Order members. Did they really not know James had an eldest son? He must have mentioned him... one or twice? "He is," James murmured, pausing for a moment, "well I'm sure I'll still be able to visit every once in a while. Dumbledore?"

The old man stared sadly, shaking his head. "No, James. Going into the muggle world, even for a few hours is too dangerous. There will be no way to provide proper assistance at a moments notice in the case of an emergency. Harry Potter is safe, James. No reason to add attention to him being there and effectively putting his life in danger."

James heart dropped. Harry's big doe-like green eyes popped into his mind; he won't be seeing those eyes for a very long time. He felt the comforting pats on his back from Sirius, but wanted nothing more than to go home and have a good cry with his wife. "It'll only be for a few months, mate. You'll see him again in no time."

James grimaced. Life was so fucked up. It'll only be for a few months.. just a few months.. James kept the mantra in his head to try to ease some of the guilt weighing in on him while the others made preparations for the ritual tonight.

Tonight. They were leaving tonight.

As soon as James feet touched the floor of his living room, he made a beeline towards the bedroom. His wife's small figure still sleeping soundly where he left her. Sighing, he decided not to wake her for at least another hour and silently closed the door behind him. He easily darted into the next room - Daniels nursery. A quiet colorful decoration of toys and stuffed animals met his eyes when he opened the door, along with the subtle aroma of baby powder and lotion.

Making his way towards the center of the room where his large, white crib stood, James peered down at the napping baby. Tufts of red hair so much like his mothers covered his small head. He raised his arms and swept a careful finger softly across his plush red cheeks. Smiling at the scrunched face the baby pulled, James stepped away determined to do what is right to protect the baby in front of him. Grabbing the suitcase from the closet he began packing all the clothes, pampers, and necessities Daniel would need. As much as he loved Harry, he wasn't the one in danger and Lily will just have to understand and support his decision.

Unfortunately, James had no idea that the few months they would spend in hiding quickly turned into years. Voldemort slowly started gaining more and more support during their years away. Giving out enthralling speeches and campaigns to the public about education reforms, strengthening foreign alliances, and bringing back wizarding traditions. Voldemort threw himself into politics just as strong as he did with his blood-filled raids.

The wizarding world was torn in half, every day closer to a civil war than ever before.

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"One of the top stories today is the Brangelina wedding!" Petunia raised her eyebrows and turned away from bowl of cake batter to the celebrity gossip on television. "Yes! The two finally tied the knot on-" A loud screech of a laugh reached Petunias ears causing her to scowl. That damn boy made her miss what the reporter said.

Grabbing the remote, Petunia aggressively turned the volume 2 more bars. "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have have been together since their 2005 on screen-" Again a high pitched laughter interrupted the leggy blonde on television.

Fed up, Petunia wiped her hands on a rag near the sink and marched over to the open door that connected the kitchen to the backyard. "Shut up, boy! If I hear- Ahh!" Petunia shrieked, her hand flying to her racing heart. Frozen, she stood at the doorway watching incredulously as 2 – maybe 3 – garden snakes slid and wrapped themselves around Harry. The boy looked as if he was having the time of his life, laughing joyously as one flicked its tongue out on his cheek. If only the boy had puppies or kitten on him, she would have found the scene downright adorable.

The freak is not normal. Petunia thought fearfully as she slowly backed away, groping blindly at the side wall for her broom. As soon as her hand grabbed hold of the handle, she yelled out a shriek of a battle cry and lunged. "Off! Get off!" She shook the bristles of the broom on Harry managing to scare off and push the snakes off him.

Harry startled and now under the same attack burst out crying. "No! No Auntie Tunia!" he managed to cry out as the sharp pokes from the bristles caused red scratches to appear on his pale skin. One of the snakes raised its head and hissed threateningly at the hysterical woman. She gasped, eyes widening comically and, not a second later, was flying back inside the house sliding the door shut behind her.

Petunia leaned against the glass door taking the chance to catch her breath. Looking at Harry, her brown eyes met teary green ones. Petunia has had it with that boy and his freakishness. Shes tired of the floating of the floating objects, clearing the broken glass from whenever he throws a crying fit, and his cries at night for his mother. A mother that abandoned him here a year ago and stopped coming to at least visit 7 months ago.

Surprised when she heard the front door unlock and open, she let a breath of relief escape her. "Vernon! Vernon you won't believe what just happened with that freak!" She walked into the living room, eyes immediately softening at the sight of her diddykums wrapped up snugly in his pink puffy coat. "Oh my baby!Come here, sweetie," she cooed as she grabbed Dudley. Peering up at her husband she noticed his stiff posture and reddened face. "Whats wrong?"

"He's what's wrong!" He pointed towards the kitchen. "I've had it with your nephew. He is not your problem and definitely not mines! He was supposed to be here for a few months only. I wont have him here any longer!" He spit out, careful not raise his voice too loudly in front of Dudley.

Petunia nodded earnestly. She's not apt to handle his magic, and neither is she supportive of witchcraft in general to allow him in her house anymore.

Vernon continued, "I understand the parents for throwing him onto anyone that would take the bastard. The boys a menace! But to not even continue sending in the money is a bit too much! I visited the bank to see if maybe it was something on our end, but no. Not a single penny was deposited in the last 7 months to help with the boys expenses. What does your sister expect? That she and her rich husband can get away without helping with clothing, medical expenses and.."

"Oh, and what a sickly child he is as well! I can already tell the freak will need glasses soon. Just like the father I reckon." Petunia sighed, bobbing Dudley up and down as he began to fuss. "We'll have no choice now but to put him under your insurance. Schools won't take him without vaccinations as well."

"No," Vernon growled, shacking his fat head. He shook one chubby finger at her. "I refuse to put any more money into a child that is not mine. And do those ungrateful freaks more favors?" Vernon barked out a mocking laugh. "Their not even dead to be able to get away with this!"

Petunia stared puzzled. "Well what do we do with the boy? I don't fancy going to jail for child neglect, Vernon. Imagine what the neighbors would think. They'll take Dudley away as well." She clutched the oversized baby closer.

"No, none of that will happen. If his parents do not want him and we cannot afford to, then we just give him up."

"To who?"

"An orphanage of course." Vernon smiled as if finding it hilarious. "The answer is so simple. I know of one just a few towns over."

Petunia bit her lip and stared towards the kitchen. Slowly she started nodding. "Your right. I don't want any of his freakishness rubbing off on Dudley. My Dudley won't be tainted by that devil child." She sneered looking back at Vernon's triumphant face.

"Come, let's do it today." Vernon went into the cupboard under the stairs that they had stuffed Harry's baby cot and belongings in. For the second time in less than a year, Harry's clothes and shoes were stuffed into a small suitcase, ready to move on to another home.

That night Harry James Potter was officially signed over as a ward of the state at St. Mary's Orphanage.

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