Harry Potter and the Second War: Book 1.

Prophecies, Secrets and Lies

Disclaimer: if you recognise it, I don't own it. I seriously doubt JKR has the time to sit around writing online stories about her characters (although at the time of writing I hear rumours that she's just finished Book 7, so you never know…) I own the plot, and the laptop I'm writing this on.

Summary: Right, this is an AU of the Harry Potter series, hopefully a bit different to others you may have read, although not so different that it's completely unrecognisable as Harry Potter except for the names. I'm a first time author, so PLEASE review and let me know what you think. Criticism is not only welcomed, but begged for.

And now, enjoy…

Chapter 1: 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 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..."

The solemn tones of the liquid figure from the Pensieve died away. Dumbledore's office, which had seemed to glow with a silver light, returned to normal as the figure melted back into the memory. The people surrounding the desk sat, silently, while the phoenix in the corner of the office gave a melancholy trill.

"So… well, without wishing to sound rude, what, Albus? You think that this is a genuine prophecy? We've never heard of the woman who you say made it, Trelawney, did you say? How do we know that she isn't working for Voldemort? Even if she isn't that's no guarantee that what she says is true. You've always had your doubts about Divination, we all know that it's one of the reasons that you get on so well with Minerva!"

"Very true James and I agree that Sybil – soon to be Professor – Trelawney will be a far from magnificent Divination teacher. Just because she will be a bad teacher does not mean that she is entirely without talent however. You are an auror, it is only natural that the fact that you did not see this with your own eyes makes you suspicious, but I would hope that my word would be good enough for you."

James winced. "That wasn't what I meant Albus, you know that I trust you, but if you are right then this is our children you're talking about – "

"He's right Albus, I don't want to risk our sons lives based on something as vague as Divination. For Merlin's sake, telling us that our son might end up being attacked by You-Know-Who doesn't exactly fill us with confidence about the future!"

"You are right, of course Frank. Forgive me James; I know you weren't making a personal attack." The Headmaster sank back in his chair, wearier than any of them remembered seeing him, even during their school days, when the Marauder's had been provoking people in a particularly vicious fashion. "It has been…difficult these last few weeks. The deaths of the Prewett brothers alone… Well, I know that this is a significant change of direction for me, but I am prepared to swear by Merlin and my magic that this is a genuine prophecy. Will that be good enough for you James?"

The four people on the opposite side of the desk shuffled uncomfortably. While it was true that Dumbledore had condemned the woman himself, the fact that he was prepared to swear such an oath did push them towards a re-evaluation of the evidence; Albus Dumbledore was not known for making such oaths lightly. Could there possibly be even a grain of truth in what appeared to be nothing more than the ramblings of a madwoman? As they debated this, Fawkes began to sing quietly.

The blonde woman on the left cracked a weak smile; "I really hope this isn't genuine Albus. I won't happy if you really have given away whether the baby's a girl or boy, you know I wanted it to be a surprise, but this woman seems pretty definite on the subject!"

Her husband rolled his eyes, as the other couple sitting with them laughed.

"Well, if Miss Trelawney has ruined the surprise I assure you that you can express your displeasure as vehemently as you wish Alice" Dumbledore said, his trademark twinkle returned to his eyes.

"Just so long as that's understood."

The Headmaster swept his eyes over the group in front of him.

"So, are we agreed that this is important and that I haven't, in fact, lost my mind completely?"

The two couples, the Potters and the Longbottoms, looked at each other.

"I don't see that we can take the risk really James. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Even if this is rubbish, its not as if You-Know-Who has any reason to spare us, so our son will still be a target, prophecy or not." Lily's eyes had an intense gleam to them, which was only heightened by the soft glow coming from Fawke's feathers. To James, it was obvious that she was more worried than she was letting on.

"Ok Albus, I'll hand in my notice at the Ministry tomorrow. Can't let Lils go off on her on can I, might have the boy turned against Quidditch or something by the end of the war if I don't!" Lily just smirked, while the twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes got, if it was actually possible, even brighter than they were accustomed to.

"Well, we certainly wouldn't want something like that to happen would we? Frank, Alice, what say you?"

"What, about James's obsession with Quidditch or the prophecy?"

"Either."

"Well, sadly I think James's problem is basically genetic, so there's not a lot we can do about it. As for the prophecy, like Lily said, we can't afford not to take it seriously. So, what do you suggest we do?"

"Well, you'll have to go into hiding, that's obvious. I know that Potter Manor is well warded James, but it's just too big. Your best option is the Fidelius Charm, and that has been known to weaken if stretched over too large an area. Frank, Alice, I think we can probably perform the charm satisfactorily over your house."

"Hold on a minute, the what charm? I don't remember covering that in O.W.L.s or N.E.W.T.s"

"You wouldn't, its an extremely complex charm Alice, and there aren't many people who could pull it off."

"I bet you can do it can't you Lily?"

"Well, one doesn't like to brag Alice –Hey!"

James had snorted at this. Lily looked at him, eyebrow raised questioningly.

"Merlin, don't look at me like that Lils, you remind me of Snape! And it's true, you know it is, when it comes to charms you can be a horrible show off!"

"Well, maybe on occasion… But in all seriousness Alice I have no idea if I can cast it, it's not something I've ever tried."

"Which is why I will be casting it for you."

"A house warded by Albus Dumbledore himself! We'll be the safest people in the country then."

"Your confidence in me is most appreciated Alice. Now, although I will be casting the charm, you will need to find someone to be your Secret-Keeper for each house. Whoever you chose will be the only person who can reveal the location of the house, and, so long as they keep the secret, Voldemort – I wish that you wouldn't flinch like that, there's just no sense in being afraid of a name you know – will be unable to find you, even if he can be seen from your window."

"Very nice."

"Only you James Potter would describe one of the most incredible pieces of magic ever created as 'very nice'."

"I happen to value the art of understatement, it's a valuable skill for an auror."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. You don't get at me about when I get back after an arrest and just say that it didn't go well do you, you just accept that it was probably a lot worse than I'm saying."

"Fair point. Anyway, getting back to the topic at hand, any further advice for us Albus, or shall we just get on with recruiting a Secret-Keeper?"

"There is one more thing. Tell nobody about the prophecy. We have been taking too many hits lately. I believe that a member of the Order has gone over to Voldemort. I don't know who at this stage, but please be careful. There is a possibility that Voldemort may know the first stages of the prophecy, Aberforth was chasing someone out of the Hogshead during the interview, someone who had been upstairs, outside the bedrooms. It may just be some thief attempting a robbery, but it would be foolish to assume that this is the case, and Alastor would certainly have something to say about it."

"A traitor in the Order? Shit… I bet its Snape, he always was an evil minded little git, and its not as if he isn't in contact with Death Eaters is it? How can you be sure that he isn't just messing you around Albus?"

"Because I have been inside his head James, and that is my last word, and the last time I will have this discussion on the matter with you. Severus risks his life on a daily basis for our cause, the least you could do is treat him with a little respect."

"If you're waiting for that to happen Albus then You-Know-Who will have died of old age before you get the relationship you want."

"Thanks for sticking up for me dear."

"Anytime, darling, anytime."

"Huh. Anyway, we'd best go get Sirius."

"Why?"

"Well, who else do you suggest as our Secret-Keeper?" Lily rolled her eyes. She was well aware that Voldemort would start running a Muggle orphanage before James would even consider Sirius as a traitor. Which, although sometimes irritating, was at least a conclusion she could agree with, albeit grudgingly. Sirius was almost as fixated with the Light as Dumbledore himself, a product of his extremely Dark, and extremely unpleasant family, a family who had cast him out once they realised that his Light tendencies were not, as they assumed, normal teenage rebellion, but were genuinely what he believed.

"Yes, ok, Sirius it is. What about you guys, who are you going with?"

"Hmm… I think Caradoc would be a good bet, don't you Alice?"

"Absolutely, especially since the Secret-Keeper would have to go into hiding themselves wouldn't they? He could use the extra safety after that attack at Hogsmeade…"

"Excellent, well, I'll leave you to make the arrangements regarding the Secret-Keepers, and I will attend to warding the houses. Speaking of which, where are you able to stay James, Lily?"

"What about Godric's Hollow? It's the Potter holiday home, not too large, but big enough for all of us certainly."

"Excellent. Well, I shall see you all in a few days. Good luck, and stay safe."

The two couples walked out of the Headmaster's office, Lily and Alice debating how soon their respective children would be born, knowing that there could only be a few weeks left. James and Frank seemed to be quietly discussing tactics for possible battles; their Auror training left them suspicious of any 'foolproof' plan, and they knew that there was still a risk. As they climbed down the spiral staircase, Fawkes ceased his low song. Dumbledore looked over at him. "Thank you my friend. This was a difficult enough discussion with your influence, I shudder to think how they might have reacted had you not been able to calm them. I wonder… would Tom pick the Longbottoms or the Potters? The pure-blooded child of skilled aurors, or the half-blood? The Longbottoms would be the obvious choice, with his beliefs, but the Potter boy might be uncomfortably familiar to him… Ah well, hopefully we will never have to find out, what say you my friend?"

The phoenix trilled in agreement, fluttering over to Dumbledore's shoulder and leaning into him. The headmaster turned back towards the Pensieve and replayed the prophecy once again.

It was a bright August morning, a few weeks after the meeting in Dumbledore's office. The Longbottoms were safely concealed inside a Fidelius charm, under the care of Caradoc Dearborn, another member of the Order of the Phoenix. The placement of the spell on Godric's Hollow, the house that the village that Dumbledore was now walking through was named for, had been delayed by complications after Lily went into labour, the child already showing what Lily lovingly called "his father's bloody-minded streak". The newly christened Harry James Potter was waiting for his home to be warded. As Dumbledore walked up the path outside the house, he could hear James and Sirius playing with Harry, while Lily occasionally interjected with pleas for them to be careful with him.

"Good morning Lily, and may I say that you are looking particularly radiant today?"

"Oh! Merlin Albus, you startled me! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that. And thank you, that's very kind of you. Much nicer than either of this pair ever manages!"

"Hey Lillikins, we're just making sure that your head doesn't swell so much that you can't take care of Harry anymore!"

"You really don't care whether you eat a decent meal again do you Sirius?"

"NO!! Prongs, she's threatening me with starvation again! You've got to stop her, I can't be your Secret-Keeper if she starves me, and then You-Know-Who –"

"Speak up a bit mate, the neighbours are a bit deaf, they might not quite have worked out that we aren't estate agents by now, they need all the help they can get."

"Oh, yeah, sorry…"

"And Lils, don't threaten to starve him, you know that threats just get him excited, and then Harry won't go to sleep."

"Hmm. Fine, but call me Lillikins again and I'll hex you senseless Sirius Black!"

"Message received! Now, what precisely have we got to do Albus?"

"It's simple enough, for you and James at any rate. All you have to do is clasp hands while I chant the incantation, and then, once I have stopped, James will tell you the secret, in this case the location of Godric's Hollow, and voila!"

"Right, sounds like fun. Come on, we need to get this over and done with – if people can't see the house they can't see us take Harry flying –"

"Don't. You. Dare."

"Sorry Lily, just a joke you know…"

James and Sirius moved into the middle of the garden. After checking to make sure no-one was watching, Dumbledore cast a spell to make sure that no Muggles would be able to see what was happening. He then proceeded to chant in Latin, a long stream of words that none of them could quite make out. As he chanted, the house began to glow, at first a deep blue, but gradually lightening so a blue so pale it was almost white. As he finished chanting, the glow shrank into a little ball, which floated away from the house to hover over James's head. Dumbledore nodded to James, who leant towards Sirius and murmured "I, James Potter, do solemnly declare that the Potter family can be found in the house called Godric's Hollow, in the village of Godric's Hollow." As he spoke, the light flew from its position over his head and into Sirius, who staggered back under the force of the little ball of light. They both looked over at Dumbledore, who nodded, confirming that he could no longer see the house. Harry gurgled, and they all turned and looked at Lily. "I think that he liked the magic" she said, smiling beautifully. Dumbledore twinkled at her. "He is already entered on the Hogwarts register; he should grow up to be a powerful wizard. You should be pro –" He was cut off as Lily suddenly went from radiant to horrified. "Lily? What's wrong?"

"Oh Albus, I'm so sorry…"

"What…"

Then he looked down. "Ah. Accidental magic so early in life, most impressive." He waved his wand thoughtfully. "Hmm. I believe I might need Filius's help for this. No matter, I shall return to Hogwarts immediately. Beautiful as it is, the Wizengamot might have something to say about their leader sporting a blue beard!"

Several days later, and many miles away from the Potters, in the village of Little Hangleton, the Order spy approached the Dark Lord Voldemort. Even if you had never heard of him, or what he had done to Wizarding kind, he was an intimidating sight, hairless, with glowing red eyes, and skin – more like scales really – that seemed to have been melted, then cooled, making him look almost as dangerous as he actually was. When he smiled, which was rare, you could see that he had several small fangs in place of some of his teeth, the product of several unforgivably Dark rituals involving snakes. What was worse, if you were as sensitive to magic as the spy was, was the foul stench of the Dark magic which surrounded his body, as if he was corrupting the air simply by existing. As the spy approached, the figures of Evan Rosier and Bellatrix Lestrange became clear through the murk, waiting on their master and discussing the latest reports.

"Well, my faithful servant? What have you to report? What news of this prophecy?"

"My Lord, my humblest apologies, but I have been unable to find out any further details of the prophecy. My life in payment should you so desire Lord. If that be so, I would request that I be able to inform you of the likely candidates for the prophecy."

"Go on."

"Two families have recently gone into hiding, under the Fidelius Charm. The Potters and the Longbottoms. If I might dare to offer an opinion my Lord, the Longbottoms seem the more likely target; their child is at least a pureblood."

"Do not underestimate Mudbloods my servant. Just because they are inferior does not mean that they are completely without ability. I do have knowledge of half-bloods ability, I assure you… No… No, I think the Potters a more likely candidate. There is something about them that calls to me… You said that they were under the Fidelius Charm. Who are the Secret-Keepers, do you know?"

"I do indeed my Lord."

"Excellent. Then my superiority will be confirmed within a matter of days!"

"My Lord… Dumbledore is suspicious, not of me personally, but he is aware that there is a spy in the Order. The boy can do nothing to you yet, and I can still be of service to you. Might I humbly suggest a waiting period before you destroy the child, to ensure that suspicion does not fall on me?"

Lestrange sucked in her breath, and Rosier looked inquiringly at this breathtaking impertinence. The Dark Lord stared at his spy, before nodding thoughtfully.

"Yes… after all, destroying this boy is no guarantee that Dumbledore will give up. If anything he will oppose me even more forcefully. Yes, we will wait for a while. Your performance continues to please me my servant."

"My Lord is too gracious, I can hardly claim credit for the fact that my 'allies' are utter cretins, unable even to contemplate that I might be able to betray them."

Voldemort laughed softly. "Very true, very true. Now, unless you have anything further to report, return to your duties."

"Of course my Lord."

With that, the spy retreated, returning home for a shower. The Dark Lord might have admirable principles, but the spy never felt clean after a meeting. The Dark Lords magic was just too strong to be ignored. Quite apart from personal sensitivity, if the spy turned up at Headquarters reeking of Voldemort's magic, then Dumbledore would begin asking very pointed questions. If he didn't like the answers, then Moody could be replied upon to ask the questions in a slightly less vocal manner, although the questions would be even more pointed if he could get away with it. And that bastard Lupin would easily recognise the scent of Lestrange at the moment, it was nearly full moon. For all that it was a dangerous job though, the spy would never have given it up. There was too much enjoyment to be had in seeing the trusting glances from the Order members. The spy couldn't wait for the moment when the Dark Lord could afford to reveal his spy's identity, hopefully just before the Order was wiped from the face of the earth. Hopefully the spy could watch. It would be so amusing to watch, and participate in.

One year and two months later, three days before Halloween, 1981

Once again, the spy approached Lord Voldemort. This time, the spy was near breathless with excitement. Was the Dark Lord about to announce the attack on the Potter's? The spy mingled with the gathered Death Eaters, awaiting Voldemort's announcement.

"Welcome, my friends welcome. It is now over a year since my nemesis arrived on this earth – the only year that he will survive. The time of his death is upon his, the time of my ultimate victory. After the death of the Potter boy, no-one will be able to stand in our way, and we will sweep aside this pathetic opposition, and rid the country, then the globe of the scourge of Muggles and Mudbloods. We have achieved much, but we must remain dedicated; the Order cannot defeat us, but they have proved that they can be an annoyance, an annoyance that I will not tolerate. Each of you will have work to do on Halloween. I will go after the Potter's myself, now that we know where their Secret-Keeper is hiding. Bellatrix, I want you to take a group after the Longbottoms, its long past the time they should have paid for their defiance. First, I want all of you who don't have prior missions to just go out and cause havoc, anywhere you like, in Wizarding or Muggle areas. I want the Potters absolutely defenceless! Talk to the giants, the werewolves, the vampires – use any tactics you wish, I don't care, so long as its visible and terrifying."

A ripple of excitement went through the crowd. They had never had such a good opportunity to show off their inventiveness – duels were hardly the place for prolonged and sadistic torture, however much fun it was. As Voldemort stepped down from the stand, they began to disperse, forming small groups to discuss tactics. The spy slipped out; not being involved in the attacks on Halloween, there was little point staying to get jealous about the fun the others would be having, and the Dark Lord would be better served if the spy's identity was kept secret, even among the Death Eaters. It was dangerous enough that Rosier and Bellatrix knew, but at least they would never tell anyone, if their Lord had forbidden them to.

Three nights later, in the Auror's Offices at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, an alarm went off. The two senior Aurors on duty, Alastor Moody and Dorcas Meadowes, shared a resigned glance; it was, of course, too much to expect that the Death Eaters would have let Halloween go past without marking the occasion with their own particular brand of trick or treating. They both headed into the main office, where junior Aurors were frantically checking the monitoring spells, trying to find out which magical community was under attack.

"Well, spit it out lad, what are those scum up to this time?"

"No idea sir, there's nothing on the maps – they must be attacking –"

"Muggles. Damn it, anything from the Improper Use of Magic Office Shacklebolt?

"Already on it sir, should be through any second… yeah, there we go, Dark Mark cast in Oxford, looks like a small group, only three or four of 'em."

"Right, Shacklebolt, Bones, Washburn, get over there, bring 'em in. Cleanly now, I don't care what Crouch says, a dead Death Eater is a useless Death Eater, and satisfying though it may be, we need the information. Dorcas", this in a quieter tone "Get on the Floo to Headquarters; let them know that there's at least one attack tonight, probably more to follow."

"Will do. Are you staying here or shall I? You know Albus will want one of us there."

"I'll stick around here, see if I can't scare people into shifting a bit quicker. Tyler, Hunt, stop arsing around, this is a serious situation! You'd think those idiots would know I can see them wherever I am by now… Get going Dorcas, we'll be fine."

As Dorcas vanished through the Floo, another alarm went off… then a third, a fourth… Soon nearly every alarm in the office was going off.

"Bloody, hell… Sir, Giants in…

"Death Eaters attacking St. Mungo's!

"Death Eaters in Derby"

"Vampires and werewolves near Hogsmeade, they've killed three people already!"

As the reports washed over him, Moody stared at the map of England in confusion. There had never been so many attacks in one evening? Halloween might be a night focussed around magic, but this was still unusual. And the attacks never seemed to last long, more hit and run tactics before moving onto another location…

"Get more guards on the Ministry, it looks like they're acting as a distraction for the real target, whatever it is. And send people to Diagon Alley, might be looking to strike there. I'll let Crouch know" And Dumbledore he said to himself silently. We need all the help we can get, and they might be looking to take Hogwarts as well.

As the Aurors and the Order of the Phoenix were struggling to combat Voldemort's followers, the Dark Lord himself was walking through Godric's Hollow. He hissed to himself in disgust at the clearly Muggle architecture. I might be able to enjoy myself after dealing with the Potters. That would really scare them, the destruction of an entire village of Muggles as well as their little saviour. Oh I do hope that Dumbledore's paying attention; if he is he might come himself, and then, then I can defeat him as well. I won't have to hold back, not if my nemesis is dead, I can just obliterate him… He had reached what appeared to be the end of the road he was walking down. He looked to the left of the last house, and thought to himself Godric's Hollow. Another house seemed to grow out of the side of the Muggle house next to it, a few lights still on. Voldemort smiled, and raised his wand.

Inside the house, Lily was reading the Daily Prophet, shaking her head at the latest reports. "What's the matter Lils? Oh come on! Tornadoes win again!"

"Do you ever listen to anything but Quidditch dear? And nothings wrong really, just the usual rubbish from the Ministry. Crouch sent someone else off to Azkaban without a trial, and I'd be willing to bet that at least half of them are innocent."

"Yeah, well, at least they can control the Dementors. They might be miserable, but they're unlikely to get murdered while they're there, so at least they're safe – oh don't look at me like that, I don't like it anymore than you do, but you've got to look on the bright side haven't you?"

"Yes, I suppose, but still…" There was a cry from upstairs. "Oh, is it that time already? I'll go and feed him. Can you bring me a drink up please?"

"Sure thing"

As Lily reached the top of the stairs, the doorbell rang. She froze. The few people who knew where they were would surely have called before coming round, and nobody else should have been able to see the house. Could something have gone wrong with the spell? James walked into the hall, his wand in his hand. He went over to the door, casting a spell that would show who was on the other side. "Sirius? What's he doing here?" He opened the door, and the glamour that Voldemort had cast fell. "Bombardia! Lily, it's him, take Harry and run! Incineratus!"

As Lily ran towards Harry's room, she heard a high, cold voice call out "Avada Kedavra!" and a thud as James's body hit the floor. This was closely followed by the crack of someone apparating up the stairs. She slammed the bedroom door shut, only to be knocked flat as it was blown in by Voldemort's curse. She knelt in front of Harry's crib as Voldemort entered the room. "Stand aside you foolish girl, and I might even spare your life."

"Go to hell, I'll never let you take Harry!" She raised her wand, conjuring a shower of razor sharp metal shards straight at Voldemort. He just laughed as they vanished centimetres from his face.

"Well, it was unlikely I'd have kept my word anyway. A good effort though, and from your husband. A pity you're a Mudblood. Spirit like that deserves an honourable death, but your blood… No, only one thing for it. Crucio!"

Lily screamed as pain wracked her body, and began to writhe on the floor. Voldemort held the curse on her for several seconds, before lifting it and watching as she gathered her breath, gasping and occasionally twitching. "So, care for another dose?"

"Sectumsempra!" The curse did little more than cut Voldemort's cheek. He sneered at her. "Pathetic! You're not as strong as I thought you were. Pity. This could have been fun. Oh well, can't have everything I suppose. Avada Kedavra! Now Harry," he said, stepping over the body, "Time to die. Avada Kedavra!". The curse flew towards the screaming baby, and he laughed as it hit Harry on the forehead. Then… the curse just vanished, and the boy went silent. A look of confusion fell across Voldemort's face as Harry started to glow green, the green of the Killing Curse he had just been hit with. As Voldemort watched, the boy's forehead split, like a lightening bolt, and an ache developed behind his eyes. For a minute, it was as if he was seeing through the boy's scarily green eyes, and then the green glow surrounding Harry's body flew back out of him striking Voldemort full in the chest. It looked and sounded like the Killing Curse that he was so familiar with, but it clearly wasn't. He knew that the Killing Curse didn't hurt the victim, that they were dead too quickly for pain, but this, this pain was indescribable. Voldemort screamed as his body began to crumble, and his escaping magic struck the house, destroying parts of the walls. The roof began to fall around them as his spirit fled Godric's Hollow, astonished and scared at what had happened. There was a different glow coming from the bedroom now, a pale glow that seemed to be deflecting the debris from the area around the cot. A cold wind picked up as Harry began to cry again.

A/N Remember, please review! Also, I do read a lot of fan-fiction. I'm not aware of having stolen anything, but of you think I have, let me know in a review and I will check and then grovel/ignore you as appropriate.