Chapter 1 'Moments'

The world is filled with people, people who go about day by day, hour by hour, living their lives. Lives that are filled with moments. Moments filled with happiness, joy and peace. Moments filled with hate, bitterness, and sorrow. There are moments in time where lives are changed forever; happy moments that are suddenly twisted and contorted until the small amount happiness that once resided within the moment have been brutally replaced with hurt, despair, and anger. Most of these moments are based on arguments, misspoken words, and short tempers; yet there are some moments that are twisted and turned by forces that are out of the control of the moment's participants. Such moments happen with increasing frequency as the world is pushed further and further in the brink of multicultural war. One such moment happened on July 31st at 7 in the evening. This evening started out as any other evening for two different families, each woman in the families are pregnant, and have both gone into labor the night before. For twenty hours these women felt the pains of their children moving closer to life outside of the womb, but with little success. At 6:30 on the evening of the 31st, on of these women began the last stages of her labor, fifteen minuets later the other woman followed. 7 o'clock in the evening on July 31st two piercing cries could be heard in the homes of these two women. A boy and a girl had been born on the same day, of the same month at the same time of day. These seemingly harmless similarities have long lasting consequences. Two people will bridge the gap between good and evil, they will find comfort within each other when all else seems to be void of hope. They will end the war; they will be the ones that the world turns to when all other paths have crumbed to nothing. Their lives will be filled with moments where they will have to prove their strength and courage or fall into a pit of despair. There are individuals whom wish to know what their future holds, and then there are some who wish that they never found out the truth. Moments of weakness lead to moments of choice all based on a moment of wanting the truth. This is the story of their moments.

Yet a time shall come

She of life shall be born

She of darkness shall rise

She whom brings both life and death

She shall be killed yet she shall live

From the depths of hell

From the light of Heaven

Her fate is unclear

But her destiny is bright

Bring her to him

Or to he she shall come

Ether way she shall Live

July 31st 6:59 pm-Godrick's Hollow

"Push dear! Just a little bit further, I can see the top of the head. James, the babe's got your hair…" the midwife trying to talk an exhausted Lily through the last few moments of her extended labor.

"Well," James replied from his station at his wife's side. "I hope that it's a boy. No girl should have my mop."

Lily had been paying attention only half way, after twenty hours of painful labor all she wanted was to have her child in her arms and to sleep until the weariness and pain melted away.

"Come on dear! Just one more!" James encouraged his tried wife. With one more half-hearted push, Lily collapsed at the sound of her babe's first cry.

"A little boy!" The midwife cried happily, cleaning of the newborn. She then wrapped the infant in a little blue blanket and handed him off to his father's awaiting arms. Once the young boy was safely in James's arms, the midwife turned to her assistant to fill out the birth certificate and the magic registration card.

"Born July 31st at 7 o'clock in the evening to Lord James Daniel Potter; full-blood, and Lily Emma Potter nee Evans; Muggle-born. Weight-" The midwife paused and pointed her wand at the baby, who was now happily feeding, to find the weight, length and the circumference of the babe's head in order to finish filling out the forms. "Weight," she repeated, "3.5 kilograms, one half meters long, and 0.3 meters in circumference."

The midwife turned back to the new family and smiled at the sight before her; Lily was almost asleep, holding her son and leaning against her husband who had seated himself next to his wife and son.

"Lily? James? I need a name."

The two look at each other as if they were silently communicating, then coming to a decision about their son's name.

James answered, "Harry James Potter." The midwife nodded to James and then to her assistant to write the name down. Once the birth certificate had been completed, the midwife sent the document to the Ministry of Magic Department of Births and Magic

Registration via one of the Potter's family owls. The next document was registering Harry's unique magical signature. Once the documents were completed, the midwife and assistance exited the room to allow the new family to continue to bond.

This moment they will remember for ever. The midwife thought with a happy smile, which disappeared as she watched a dark eagle owl fly towards the Potter residence.

"Holy SHIT!" Screamed Bellatrix, her brow glistened with sweat. "Get this kid OUT OF ME!" The midwife, who was helping the laboring Bellatrix, tried to calm the screaming woman but to no avail. The woman would not calm down until her soon-to-be-born-child was out of her body.

6:50 pm. hopefully this kid will make an appearance soon. I'm not sure if I can handle her screaming anymore. The midwife's unpleasant thoughts filtered through her head as she tried, somewhat unsuccessfully, to coach a tired, aggravated Bellatrix through the last few moments of her long labor.

"I can see the head miss. One more push and your beautiful child should be here!"

"I don't give a DAMN if the child has two fucking heads! Just get the little beast out of ME! NOW!" With Bellatrix's last explosive out-burst, the child came into the world.

"It's a girl," The midwife said wearily, showing the child to the hooded woman in the corner of the birthing room. The woman exited the room, and the midwife heard hurried, whispered voices in the hall. She knew that she did not have long until the child's father arrived to inspect the child, she must work quickly to fill out the necessary documents to insure that her magic would not be bond by the Ministry of Magic. She set the child carefully into the basinet that had been set up for the child, and then she began to fill out the documents she had pulled in font of her.

July 31st at 7 o'clock in the evening to Bellatrix Lestrange- Full blood. Weight 3.9 kilograms, 0 .19 meters long, and 0.14 meters in circumference. Name (undecided).

The midwife sent the birth certificate off quickly, leavening the name blank so that the child could not be traced, then went to the child to record her magic signature. When her magical signature connected with the parchment a blue light emanated from the center of the parchment. Words written in the same shad of blue appeared at the bottom of the parchment.

It has come to the attention of the Department of Birth and Magic Registration that two children have been born at 7 o'clock on the evening of July 31st. These births have invoked the power of Merlin's Gift. By this ancient spell the two children must be united within a week of their births. The other child was born to James Daniel Potter and his wife Lily Emma Potter, he was named Harry James Potter.

The midwife was unable to move from the shock of this development, her master was not going to like this, not at all. The child's father swept into the room, looking for his heir. The midwife pointed at the basinet in an answer to his to his unasked question.

"It is a girl."

"Yes. I am aware. What did you put down as her name?"

"I haven't so that she can not be traced. The name shall be your choice, sir. Sir…there is…um…a…development…of sorts…."

"What do you mean?" The man hissed at the frightened women.

"Well…sir…there was another child born tonight…a male child…"

"So? What does this other child have to do with my daughter?"

"He was born at 7 pm, the same time as your daughter…"

The man was silent for a moment; digesting the information he had just been given. His daughter was now pat of an ancient piece of magic that Merlin himself had created. It was nearly impossible for such a piece of magic to be enacted, and yet here they were, directly in the middle of it.

"You mean to tell me that my daughter-my HEIR- is now betrothed to some unworthy boy?" He screamed at the young woman.

"I'm not sure about him being unworthy, sir, but yes she is."

"Who is the boy?"

This was the one question that the midwife did not want to be around to witness his reaction, let along be the one to deliver the news to the now angry father.

"Harry James Potter," the midwife answered softly looking down to avoid the furious eyes of her master.

The room was silent except for the small noises from the bassinet, not even Bellatrix, who had been laying on the bed moaning in pain for the first twenty minuets of her daughters life, was making a sound. Everyone was waiting for the nearly guaranteed out burst of anger from the father.

"Send for the boy. I will not have my heir living away from me," the man turned from the midwife and looked upon his child for the first time. She had his dark black hair, pale complexion but her eyes where the same shade of blue that the Black family was known for. He reached out to run his fingers through her hair, suddenly missing his own which had fallen out as he forced his body through a drastic metamorphous. His daughter resembled his former self more than she will even resemble his newer, harsher appearance.

"My Lord," a man said from behind the new father. "The Potters have been informed and will be ready for pick up in one hour's time."

"Very well Malfoy. Return to your manor, I do not want you seen there."

"Yes my Lord, you are very kind."

Malfoy rose and walked out of the room. While he had been talking, Bellatrix and the midwife had left the room, leaving the new father with his child. He looked down at the girl, letting a small smile play on his lips, the first one his face had warn in many a summer. He had to name the girl before too long, defiantly before the Potters arrived with their son.

"Emily." He said slowly, "Emillie Rennea Riddle. Yes, that will do. My little Dark Princess."

The room had fallen silent, two letters had just arrived. One from the Ministry informing the new family of their son's betrothed. The other had the Malfoy family seal on the parchment and had yet to be read. Sirius, getting fed up with his friends lack of movement to open the letter, snatched the offensive object out of James's hand and ripped it open.

"Let's see what my thrice damned cousin has to say." Sirius was feeling slightly off balance, his godson was betrothed to some newborn; they did not have a name, apparently there was not one provided on the girl's birth certificate. Sirius tore the letter from its enclosure and shook out the folded parchment.

Potters-

By this time you must have learned that your son is betrothed-thankfully my heir was born earlier this year so I will not have my line spoiled by your blood. However, Bellatrix Lestrange is the mother of your son's betrothed. We shall be at your home within the hour to collect you and your son. Have your bags packed. You will be allowed to return to your home if you wish, but your son will be staying with us. We can offer much better protection for the children. Be ready. We are coming.

Lord Lucius Melovant Sinest Malfoy

Everyone stared at Sirius as he finished the letter. Sirius had to reread it just to make sure that he understood what it contained. James jumped up from the bed and re-snatched the letter from his friend. They remained still for several moments in order to process what had just happened. Their little Harry was betrothed to the child of one of the most feared, and well-known Death Eaters.

"Did the letter say who the father was?' Lily asked in a small voice, fearing the answer.

"No, but she is married so it is safe to assume that it is her husband's spawn," James answered.

"Can't be," Sirius cut it. "Bella married young- when I was fifteen- the man is sterile, some potions accident in his third year I think. Once my family found out that there would be no heir by Bella, they were livid. I was able to sneak out of the house more often and stay away for weeks without them noticing my absence. No, whosever child this is, it is not Lestrange's."

No one spoke. They were trying to figure out whose child the girl belonged to. Their musings were interrupted by a loud banging at the front door. Sirius left to answer the door, with a scowl on his face.

"Well Black, should have known you would be here." Sneered a voice from the other side of the now open door. "Aren't you going to let us in, or has spending so many years away from a proper family left you unable to remember manners?"

"Malfoy," Sirius sneered back. "Would you like to close your mouth, or would you like me to do it for you? I found this spell that removes body parts; I might be temped to go a little lower as well."

"Enough of this!" A voice said from behind Malfoy, it was only then that Sirius realized how many people stood on the Potter's front step. Six hooded figures stood in a semi-circle with Malfoy in the center. "We have come to retrieve the Potter boy and his parents, not swap petty insults with this Blood traitor."

"Sniviluss? Is that you?" Sirius asked, laughter filling his voice.

"Enough! Where are the Potters?" Snape asked again.

"Not that it's any of your business, but they are in the back room."

Malfoy pushed past Sirius, leading the other hooded figures to the back of the house. When they arrived, they found James and Lily in much the same position that Sirius had left them in five minuets earlier.

"Potter!" Malfoy barked. "I thought my letter was clear? We expected you to be ready."

James turned to look at Malfoy then cast a quick Tempus charm.

"It is now just after seven-thirty; your letter said an hour."

"It said within an hour I believe," Malfoy said, a superior sneer in place on his face. James just looked blankly at Malfoy before removing his wand from within his robs, which cause the six men in front of him to do the same. James pointed his wand to the ceiling, but the other men did not relax. He did a complex wand movement before placing his wand within his robes. Upstairs, the sounds of items being packed into trunks could be heard, only then did the men relax. Five minutes later four large trunks were next to the front door waiting for the occupants of the house to make their journey. In the back room no one has moved, Harry had fallen asleep in his father's arms, which allowed Lily to clean up and finish getting ready for the trip.

He's hardly an hour old and already his life has been changed. Some good must come out of this; I just know it .Lily thought. Twenty minutes later the group was ready to leave. Two of the hooded men had the trunks levitating in front of them, two other men stood next to James and Lily who was holding Harry.

"We will take you to the Manor," Malfoy said. "Avery! Nott! Make sure that you have a firm hold on them, especially you Nott! Get them there in one piece!" The men followed Malfoy's orders and grabbed James's and Lily's upper arm, preparing to Apparat the new family to their Lord's Manor.

"Dumbledore, what do you mean betrothed?" The angry professor asked the aging man sitting in front of her.

"Just what I said, Minerva. Harry Potter has been betrothed, and it would seem to Mrs. Lestrange. The father is unknown." Dumbledore answered.

"But we cannot let the Potters be taken in by Death Eaters! We need them to try to fight You-Know-Whose army! They must go into hiding."

"I agree, but there isn't much to be done, this type of magic cannot be undone. But yes, the Potters must not been taken with the Death Eaters. It is customary that the daughter will come live with her betrothed's family."

Dumbledore rose from behind his desk and lead Minerva McGonagall out of his office and outside of the Hogwarts' wards so they could Apperate to Godrick's Hollow. When they arrived at the small home, they found Sirius sitting in the darkened Parlor with his head in his hands.

"Their gone." Sirius said tonelessly, without raising his head. "About twenty minutes ago. Malfoy, Nott, Avery and a few others. The father is You-Know-Who, I think. Makes sense, Lestrange is sterile, stupid inbreed prick." Sirius was ranting by this point, not paying attention to the two shocked professors standing before him.

"Sirius," Dumbledore said slowly. "James, Lily and Harry are all gone?" He got a nod in response. "Do you know where they were taken?" This time Sirius shook his head. "Do you know if they will be allowed to leave?"

"Maybe. That's what Malfoy said. But never trust a Malfoy."

"Dumbledore, what are we going to do?" Minerva asked in a worried tone.

"I'm not sure." Was the reply she received.

"My Lord, we have the boy and his family." Malfoy said, bowing low before Lord Voledmort.

"Good. Bring them in; the children must be united as soon as possible."

"Right away, My Lord." Malfoy bowed again, and retreated from the room, only to return a few moments later with the Potter family in tow.

"My Lord, the Potters."

Voledmort turned to look at the young family, Lily, though a Mudblood, had always been a beautiful woman, Voldemort had seen her image through Snape's mind. The Lord Potter, on the other hand, had a mop of unruly black hair and dull brown eyes. Both adults looked nervous, Lily clutched her son closer to her body, fearing that someone was suddenly going to rip the infant out of her arms. Death Eaters surrounded the room, blocking all exits from the scared adults in the center of the room. Voldemort made a slight movement toward one of the people standing at the edge of the room. A few tense moments passed as the person exited the room with everyone waiting for his return. When the man did return, he was carrying a small bundle which he carried to his Master then back away and returned to his spot against the wall. Voldemort looked down on the small bundle laying in his lap and a look of near caring pass over his face.

"You see Potters," Voldemort started after a few moments of silence. "I have needed an heir, I am not as young as I once was, and my attempts of becoming immortal-well that is none of your concern. Needless to say, I had a child. This child," he said, now looking at the family in front of him, "is now betrothed to your son. The traditional way to handle such an arrangement is for the girl to move in with the boy's family, but this will not be happening. You and your son will live here until the time when they are to be married."

James spoke up for the first time. "There is no way that we can live here! We are at war!" he thundered.

"Potter! That will be enough! Nothing can be done! As much as I detest saying this, there will have to be a peaceful end to the conflict. Until that time, you must stay here; it is the safest place for you to hide."

Lily still hadn't said a word but clung to her small son. She was pale and shaking, waking Harry from his slumber. His emerald green eyes focused on his mother for a moment then trained on the small bundle in the Dark Lord's lap. He started to squirm and wriggle in his mother's grasp, in hopes of reaching the small bundle. Voldemort looked at Harry and then at the bundle in his lap, which had begun to wriggle as well.

"My daughter awakes. She can feel his presence. Mrs. Potter, bring your son up here."

Lily gave a scared look to her husband, then, slowly, walked toward the front of the room. As soon as Lily was with in five feet of the Dark Lord, both bundles wriggling increased, causing Lily to stop suddenly.

"Put him on the floor." Voldemort instructed, as soon as Harry was on the ground and Lily had stepped away, Voldemort rose with his daughter in his arms, setting her down next to Harry. Both children stilled for a moment before trying to get closer to each other. Lily, who was slightly closer to the two newborns, stepped towards them to push the bundles together until they were touching. The newborns made a few content cooing then fell into a deep sleep.

"Bella!" Voldemort shouted. "Take her and the Potters to the nursery where the children will be staying then show the Potters to their rooms."

"Yes, my Lord." Bella said, bowing, then picked up her daughter and led the way through the maze of hallways to the nursery and the Potter's living quarters.

"Sirius, what are you saying? The Potter boy is betrothed? To whom?" a middle aged witch asked in agitation.

"My cousin is the mother, the father is unknown. The child's name is unknown." Sirius answered wirily, he had been answering questions such a this for over an hour, first to Dumbledore, then to some of his coworkers in the Auror department and now to the agitated form of Minerva McGonagall. This night couldn't be any worst, but fate seem to have an enjoyment of kicking Sirius in the teeth, for Dumbledore just reentered the room holding a scroll of parchment and wearing an pleasant look on his face.

"Riddle." He said. "The child's name is Emillie Riddle."