A/N: I still don't own Naruto or Harry Potter.
October 26th, 1981
"We just don't know what to do anymore! No matter where we go, how we hide, the Dark Lord is only half a step behind us! What do we do!" a distressed James Potter ranted at his former headmaster and undisputed leader of the Light, Albus Dumbledore.
Albus looked at his former students and their one year old baby over his half-moon spectacles deep in thought. "There is only one explanation as to how Voldemort seems to catch up with you so easily – we have a spy in the Order. I had been suspecting it due to the high number of failures any recent missions have been met with. Unfortunately, the fact that the Dark Lord is only able to keep up with you and not the Longbottoms suggests that it is one of your close friends who is indeed the traitor. I'm afraid that it is best that you tell no one where you are going next. It is too dangerous otherwise."
"You can't be serious! There's no way any of the Marauders would turn traitor! You're off your rocker!"
James' angry rant succeeded in waking up Harry who gave out a wail letting the room's occupants know his displeasure at being woken up. Lily was quick to calm both her son and her husband.
"Now James, we can't ignore the facts. We have moved no less than 4 times in the past 2 weeks. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that one of our friends is a traitor – what if they're under the imperious curse or had their minds read by someone at work without their knowledge or consent? Either way Dumbledore has a point – we can't trust your friends like we used to and we need to find a way to keep Voldemort away from Harry."
Seeing that Lily had successfully calmed her husband Albus decided it was safe to re-enter the conversation. "If I may? There is one spell which will not only hide you, but it is impossible to hoodwink your location through spells and potions. The location must be willingly given by the secret keeper."
"Of course, the Fidelis Charm! That would be perfect!"
James looked back and forth between Lily and Albus. "Umm...the what charm?"
"The Fidelis Charm," his wife replied, "it hides a location within a person's being so that no one can find it until it is revealed by the secret keeper. The only problem is that is only works on a stationary location; so to remain hidden we'd have to stay there 24/7. Once we step outside the boundaries of the spell we're fair game. Also, the secret keeper can't live in the location they're hiding – it deteriorates the spell. At most the secret keeper could visit the location 24 hours for every month but it is preferable if the secret keeps a 50 km distance at all times from the location."
"If you would like, I am willing to be your secret keeper. Then all your friends may be told the secret to visit you, but unable to reveal your location willingly or not."
Lily and James shared a look. As tempted as they were by the offer, they knew they couldn't take it. As much as Albus portrayed himself as the undefeatable leader of the Light, those who took the time to notice were able to tell that the combined efforts of being the headmaster of Hogwarts, leading the Order of the Pheonix, being Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot and Supreme Mugwump of the International Wizards Confederation and unofficial leader of the light was tiring 100 year old man out. The added stress of being the secret keeper and maintaining the charm would be too much to ask for. No, the Potters could not take up Dumbledore's offer in good conscience.
"Thank you for the offer Albus," Lily declined, "but we'll just use one of our friends that we are 100 percent certain are loyal. This way we won't have to wait until you're available to perform the spell."
Though Dumbledore saw through their weak excuse, he let them go with no more than another offer of lemon drops. He could only hope that he was wrong about there being a traitor and things would work out for the young family.
The members of the council of Konoha liked to pride themselves on the fact that they are generally powerful, smart and authoritative people. However at this point in time they didn't seem like it, as the Sandaime could attest to. Currently the members of the council were yelling incoherently and gave the impression of toddlers in the middle of a tantrum than the stoic, dignified men they usually portray themselves as.
"The demon should be killed!"
" – all my land, destroyed! I demand – "
" – monster! The Fourth gave his life and how do you respect his demise? By protecting his murderer – "
It was the last yelled comment that caused the Third Hokage to put an end to the council's never-ending protests.
"Enough! I have heard enough of your opinions about something you know nothing about! Perhaps if you'd take the time to let me explain, then you'd realize what I'm doing is for the best."
Though everyone knew that the Sandaime was wise and powerful (he was a Hokage after all), the monkey-summoner was generally fairly passive (especially since his retirement), making many forget just how powerful he really was. But it now became obvious that despite his years of relaxation, the Third was no pushover and was going to perform the duties of the Hokage with his all once again.
"You all dare to come in here, demanding for retribution and vengeance against an innocent babe! If you are all well and able enough to plot assassination attempts on an infant then you should be helping Konoha and do more important things; healing the wounded, building houses, burying the dead!"
Those in the crowded office at least had the decency to be slightly ashamed of themselves for thinking of their own anger instead of the needs of others, but it did not reduce their need for vengeance against the one they blamed for the massacre.
Sarutobi had hoped that no one would find out about Naruto's role in the Kyuubi's defeat; just pass him off as one of the numerous victims who had lost all his family. Unfortunately there were too many witnesses (and among those witnesses a few high ranking shinobi who were able to understand what the seal on Naruto's stomach meant) to do so. Word spread of the baby who contained the nine-tailed fox before the Third had a chance to stop it.
"Now let me explain a few things to you all. The Fourth was a Seals Master; he knew what he was doing. The child is the Kyuubi's jailor, not the Kyuubi himself. Uzumaki Naruto is no more a demon than you or me. If anything, Naruto is a hero. He is just as responsible, if not more so, than the Yondaime for the defeat of the nine-tailed fox. It was the Yondaime's last wish that the child be treated with the dignity and respect which he deserves! How dare you come in pretending that you kill the child in the name of the Fourth when his dying wish was for the child to be cherished and loved!"
The Sandaime's words were able to silence the protestors, but the Third knew that their anger and need for vengeance was not sated. Unfortunately there was only so much he could do, even as the Hokage. Any special treatment would be seen as favouritism, or heaven forbid, as the demon manipulating him.
Sarutobi briefly considered telling the villager's that Naruto was the Yondaime's son. That way they would have more respect for the child, being the only son of their hero and feel more obligated to honour the Fourth's wishes. But there were downsides as well; as the Yellow Flash of Konoha, Minato had gained a fair number of enemies who would go after his son. And what if the villagers didn't believe him, thinking it was just a ploy to protect the child? Or even worse, believe that he was Minato's son who was overtaken by the Kyuubi? Then they'd be even angrier at the child, believing the demon had killed their hero's only son and probably help any of Minato's enemies kill the baby, if they didn't do it themselves.
What could he do to keep his promise to Minato without causing a riot? How could the villagers hate one so young who wouldn't even know or understand the negative thoughts and emotions directed at him?
"As of now Uzumaki Naruto is under my protection. I expect him to be treated with the same respect and fairness you show to every other member of Konoha. Any action taken against the child will be met with three times the punishment. No mention of the demon he contains is to ever be mentioned, on penalty of death. As far as the younger generation is concerned, the Fourth killed the Kyuubi and Naruto is an ordinary boy."
Seeing as how the Sandaime would not budge on the matter, the Hokage's office gradually emptied. Sarutobi only hoped that his new law would ensure that Naruto not be prejudiced against his own generation, since it appeared that it was too late for everyone else.
October 30th, 1981
One year old Harry Potter yawned cutely as he woke up from his nap. Lately he'd been having odd dreams, even though the baby himself didn't realize that his dreams were unusual.
When he falls asleep, he often finds himself in the presence of another baby. But the other baby was younger and smaller than he was, which was something of a curiosity to Harry, since he had never seen another baby before. The other baby couldn't even crawl, let alone walk (albeit Harry could only take a few wobbly steps).
That was okay with Harry though; he liked the other baby and would often cuddle with him since he was both warmer and comfier than Hoggy, his stuffed dragon. The other baby probably liked him too, since he rarely cried and smiled whenever he got hold of Harry's hair or fingers.
But now that he was awake all thoughts of other baby were pushed to the back his mind, too occupied by thoughts of food, where his parents were and what that fun looking shiny thing on the shelf was.
First things first though. He needed to escape his crib. "Mommy!"
A few moments later Lily Potter entered the nursery to fetch her son. "Hello sweetie. Did you have a nice nap? I bet you're hungry. And after you eat you can play with your silly godfather who should be here any minute now. But first, let's change your diaper."
Harry didn't really understand what his mother was saying, but he loved being picked up and showed his appreciation by giggling and clapping.
After being changed and fed, Lily brought her son to the living room. When Harry saw who was there, he started squealing. Paddy was always so much fun! Lily however was distracted by the unexpected third man in the room.
"Oh! Hello Peter. I didn't know you were coming over today, or I would have made more lunch."
Today was going to be the day they performed the Fidelis Charm. They had already discussed with Sirius, James' best friend and Harry's godfather, and he had agreed to be their secret keeper. Lily didn't want to be rude, but she hoped Peter would leave soon; she wanted the spell over and done with so she could sleep at night knowing her baby was safe. Peter's presence was making her confused and uncertain.
"Actually Lils, I invited him. I know we had originally agreed that I be the secret keeper, but I thought this way you would be safer."
Lily looked to her husband to see if he had any idea what Sirius was talking about.
"Padfoot thinks that he's too obvious a choice as secret keeper. He suggested switching to Wormtail." James' voice and expression showed just how reluctant he was of the suggestion.
Seeing how neither Potter was taken by the suggestion, Sirius defended his idea. "Think about it; everyone knows that I'd be your first choice. Peter would be the last person they'd suspect as the secret keeper! While he goes into hiding to keep you guys safe, I could lead Voldemort and his merry band of death eaters on a wild goose chase. And this way I can visit lil' Prongslet as much as I like without straining the wards!"
Peter was feeling more and more upset the longer the conversation went on. When Sirius had first approached him asking him to be Lily's and James' secret keeper he had felt honoured (and guilty) that his friends would trust him so much. Sirius had told him the reason for the switch was to find out who the traitor in the Order was as they'd obviously go after Sirius (Harry's godfather and James' best man) for the Potter's location. (That had made Peter feel both nervous at the fact that they knew there was a spy and proud that he had fooled everybody, including the great Albus Dumbledore, since obviously no one suspected him if he was to be the secret keeper).
But now he finds out that not only did James and Lily not know about the switch, they didn't like the idea of him being their secret keeper. And the reasons Sirius was now listing are slightly different than the reasons he gave to Peter. When Sirius told him the reasons for the switch, it sounded like it was because he was trustworthy and dependable. Now it sounded like Peter was only chosen because he was thought to be too weak for the enemy to consider himr and so Sirius could spend more time with the Potters.
He might not have gotten the highest scores at school, but that didn't mean he was weak or stupid! And why wouldn't Lily and James at least consider the idea before rejecting it? Did they think so little of his loyalty! (Never mind the fact that he was already a spy...). And why should it matter that Sirius wouldn't be able to visit as often as opposed to him? Shouldn't he have just as much right visiting his friends and little Harry?
"I don't know Paddy...it'd be awfully dangerous leading around a bunch of death eaters by their noses. I don't want to see you get hurt."
'Geez, thanks for worrying about my safety James. I mean it's not like I'm the one who's going to suffer the stress of the spell and be responsible for your family's well-being or anything.' Peter thought sarcastically.
Peter may be a bit of a coward, willing to do just about anything to ensure his own survival, but that didn't mean he was all bad. If there was any way to leave Voldemort (and remain amongst the living) he would do it in a heartbeat. He agreed with neither Voldemort's ideals nor his methods. And Peter was still loyal to his friends whom he had shared the best times of his life with. He only gave the dark lord information when his life was on the line (which was almost always) and even then tried to limit it to information that wouldn't put his friends in harm's way. And any time he was forced to reveal the Potter's location, he'd try to make sure they got out alright. But the longer Sirius tried to convince the Potters to switch secret keepers, the more Peter was feeling underappreciated, angry and bitter.
"If you're sure..."
"Of course I am. Trust me, this will work." Sirius assured.
Sirius was excited. They were going to do it! As much as Sirius would have liked to be the secret keeper to ensure the Potters' safety, he felt that this plan was better. When James told him of a possible spy in their group, he had been adamant that there was some sort of mistake. A marauder turn traitor? Never! But James had wanted to perform the Fidelis charm regardless.
Later, when the idea of a traitor had time to take root, Sirius began thinking on who it could be. Obviously it wasn't James, or he wouldn't have married a muggle-born and little Harry would be dead. That only left Peter and Remus.
Peter was a pureblood, but only a third generation one. His grandparents (except one) were muggle-born and his mother had been a half-blood. He didn't possess the influence or power that the Dark Lord prefers when it comes to his followers. The only reason the Dark Lord would tolerate him would because of he had friends in high places and the fact that he was an animagus (which the Dark Lord didn't know since he wasn't registered). He'd be no more than a lackey. In contrast, on the Light side Peter had good friends, morals he could agree with, and an adorable pseudo nephew who may or may not have the power to end the war. He'd have nothing to gain and everything to lose by joining Voldemort.
Remus was a half-blood and a werewolf. While most of those on the Dark Lord's side would consider Remus to be a mere insect, in an effort to increase his numbers Voldemort has been appealing to magical creatures (including werewolves) who have been discriminated against and subjugated; promising equal rights and freedoms as every other wizard. If the Dark Lord actually kept his promise Remus would have much more to gain by joining Voldemort.
But even though there was proof of a spy and all signs pointed to Remus, Sirius couldn't help but hope that there had been some sort of mistake. With this plan he'd know for sure – he'll purposely allow Remus to make his move with the false knowledge that Sirius was the secret keeper. He needed to know for sure where Remus' loyalties lay.
"Then it's decided, Peter will be the secret keeper."
November 1st, 1981
Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Head of Gryffindor House and professor of transfiguration sat patiently on the stone wall in front of 4 Privet Dr. It has been a long, eventful day and she would like nothing better than to go back to her quarters and sleep until late afternoon tomorrow, but she was determined to see her plan through.
It had started early in the morning – or late last night – when Dumbledore firecalled her to tell her that he had to deal with an emergency situation and that she was in charge until his return. Even though it was had become common for Minerva to take care of the Headmaster's duties since the war begun, it didn't change the fact that she was always left worried and nervous for whatever had called Dumbledore away from Hogwarts this time.
It wasn't until hours later that the news of the Dark Lord's defeat reached her. Classes were cancelled and a nation-wide celebration took place. Owls flew everywhere and people were dancing in the streets. Thankfully Minerva wasn't the type to get carried away by the hype as others were. As much as she wished she could believe as easily as others that the dark lord was indeed gone, she needed to know for certain.
Which brings us back what Minerva was doing sitting on the stone wall in front of a muggle house in her tabby-cat animagus form. According to the rumours, during the night of October 31st, the Dark Lord attacked the Potters; killing Lily and James. But then the story becomes unbelievable. They say that the Voldemort tried to kill little Harry, but the killing curse (which, as the name implies, kills what it hits) didn't work. It hit Harry, and it had more than enough power to take the child's life, but for whatever reason it rebounded and killed the Dark Lord instead. She had overheard Hagrid talking about how Harry would be left with his aunt, which is why the transfiguration professor was on the cold wall waiting for Dumbledore to bring the baby back from St. Mungo's where he had been looked over to determine if there were any adverse side-affects from surviving the killing curse.
Finally, after long hours of waiting, the headmaster arrived.
The eccentrically dressed man strode down the dark and deserted street chuckling softly at the sight of the stiffly sitting cat. "Minerva, I should have expected you to be here. I do hope that you weren't here all day and took part in some of the festivities."
Minerva changed back into her human form and glared at the idea that she would be off partying with the rest of the masses; getting drunk and dancing around was hardly her style. Not to mention that she spent her whole day out here on this wall and she would not be deterred from finding out what she wanted to know.
"I heard the Dark Lord attacked the Potters last night. I heard that Lily and James...that they were killed."
Dumbledore's bowed head was all the answer she needed. They were dead. Minerva spared a moment in respect and to gather her thoughts. Though she hadn't been particularly close with the Potters Lily and James had been among her favourite students and she had gotten to see them every now and then at Order meetings.
"That's not all," Minerva continued, "I heard that the Dark Lord also tried to kill their son Harry. But for whatever reason he wasn't able to and Harry survived with nothing more than a scar on his head."
Once again the headmaster confirmed it as truth.
"B-but how?! It shouldn't be possible! After the hundreds who have died by that curse, someone survives? And the Dark Lord somehow defeated by a baby! How was it possible?"
"I don't know for certain. Indeed we may never know for sure how it was possible. But it has happened."
Their conversation was interrupted by the approaching sound of a motor.
In the sky was a descending motorcycle, with a giant of a man holding something close to his chest. He gently touched down and dismounted, obviously trying not to jostle the bundle in his arms.
Minerva and Albus walked over to get a better look at the sleeping baby.
"Is that where...?" Minerva asked indicating to the lightning shaped scar on the child's forehead.
"Yes, that is scar left by the killing curse." After a moment of everyone just staring at the baby lost in their thoughts, Albus broke the silence. "Well, there's no need for us to be here any longer. Pass him to me Hagrid and I'll leave him by the door."
Minerva looked up; she had almost forgotten that the headmaster had planned to leave Harry here.
"No Albus! You can't leave him here! I was watching these people all day and they're the worst sort of parents; why I saw their son kicking and screaming all up and down the streets for candy and the mother just gave in to the child's every whim! And when the boy started bullying another child, the mother did nothing to stop it! He'll become spoiled and insufferable!"²
"And if he grew up in the wizarding world it would be ten times worse. This is the safest place for him to grow up with a chance at a normal childhood. Don't worry, I have an old friend of mine who will be moving here soon to look after little Harry as he grows and make sure he had a level head."
Minerva sighed and bowed her head in agreement. With the fuss everyone was making about the 'boy-who-lived' there was no way for Harry to grow up as he should in the wizarding world. She only hoped that Harry would turn out okay.
After depositing the baby on the doorstep with a letter to explain the situation (and making some wards to make sure Harry would be safe), the three adults took their leave, not seeing Harry again for another decade.
Posted February 2, 2008
A/N: I know the conversation between McGonagall and Dumbledore didn't quite go like that, but I can't find the book. Also I wanted to take out "the worst sort of muggles" line since she wouldn't really know that, having never seen how the Dursley's react to magic. Any other time Minerva would have seen/met Petunia would have been in the presence on her parents and therefore she would have been more reserved and polite. And any animosity between Lily and Petunia could have been taken as sibling rivalry, especially since Lily was the favorite.
Therefore Minerva doesn't want Harry to grow up there because she's afraid he'll turn out like Dudley - mean and spoiled. If they knew that Harry would be forced to sleep in a cupboard and was denied food then they wouldn't have left him there (not that the way they raise Dudley isn't really child abuse in its own way).
Next chapter: time skip by 5 years.
