Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling is a god to have given us that world.

Chapter 2

Lily Luna Potter set her quill down as she looked at the parchment in front of her, which had been covered with her neat handwriting. She re-read the answer she had just written, and then gave a short nod of approval to herself, her answer was better than she had expected.

Earlier, if someone had told her that NEWETS were going to be such a breeze, she would have called them mental, or get angry at them for insulting her hard work. But after giving six papers her mind-set had altered a bit, she was not saying that NEWETS were easy; it was not as hard as she had assumed it would be.

'Okay! Time's up! Quills down,' announced Penelope Hastings in a loud and clear voice, instantly stopping the sound of quills scratching the surface of the parchment. But it was quickly replaced by a few sighs of relief. Then Hasting waved her wand summoning the answer scripts to her. Lily's answer script began to float from her desk, along with rest of her hallmates, and gently settled down into a neat stack on the table near Penelope Hastings. After all the answer scripts were assembled on her table Penelope Hastings said, 'You are free to leave.'

The hall was suddenly filled with the sound of students standing up from their seats and walking out of the hall. Lily, like everyone, followed the same pattern and walked out of the hall.

'Red, wait!' cried out a voice just as Lily had exited the hall.

Lily scowled at the nickname, she hated it when people called her red, it was like a discriminating word against redheads. And more importantly, she absolutely loathed the tone in which she had just been called, it was irritating and vexing, and there was only one person who was capable of achieving such a feat; her best friend Sarah Logan. Lily turned her head around and saw Sarah rushing towards her.

'How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that name,' Lily said hotly, as soon as Sarah caught up with her.

'What name?' Sarah asked acting confused.

'You can save your act for someone else Logan. It's not going to work on me,' Lily countered, her tone signalling her rising temper.

'Is the head girl going to give me detention?' Sarah said in a teasing tone. Lily didn't rely, she just huffed and began walking in angry strides. Sarah began to snigger seeing Lily's childish actions. 'All these years and you still don't get humour,' Sarah said quickly catching up with Lily.

'It is not humour when everything is aimed at me,' Lily shot back.

'Ok let's talk about something you would enjoy,' Sarah said in an unenthusiastic voice. 'How was your exam?'

'It went better than I thought,' Lily replied ignoring the tone of her friend's voice.

'Of course it will go well, you have been holed up the entire year doing nothing but studying. I swear I have seen more of Professor Rivers than I have seen you, and I'm not even in his class.'

'You know that I require a good score to get an apprenticeship under the Magical Archaeological Survey of Western Europe,' Lily said.

'Isn't your step-mother the Director of Magical Research,' Sarah pointed out.

'I don't want to play the family game. I want to achieve something on my own,' Lily retorted, a scowl materializing on her beautiful face. 'It's hard enough being Harry Potter's daughter.'

All their lives she and her brothers had been compared with their great father. Harry Potter, the hero; Harry Potter, The Man-Who-Conquered. She acknowledged the things her father had done for the magical world, but she hated the man that he had become. Once upon a time she adored her father, but he had changed, and it was not for the better. Yes, he had brought changes, and it was for the betterment of the society, but for all that he had forsaken them, he had forsaken his family. Yes, she felt sorry for him, when her real mother had left him for another man, but it did not give him the excuse to become what he was. She did not know why people expected the children of Harry Potter to be like him, maybe it was because they did not know the true Harry Potter, Harry Potter was a monster and she was happy none of her brothers had turned out like him. If a better world meant the creation of men like Harry Potter, then she did not want a better world.

'Where are we going?' asked a confused Sarah as the climbed up the stairs.

'To the Owlery.'

'Why?'

'I need to send a letter to Sev. I have not written to him since the beginning of my exams,' Lily answered increasing the pace of her ascension.

'Is he still in South America?' Sarah inquired matching her pace.

'In his last letter he mentioned that he was in Venezuela,' Lily answered with a nod.

Albus Severus Potter had not come home for the past two years, and no one knew the exact reason. Everyone thought that it was because of their father's marriage to Daphne Greengrass, but Lily knew it was not the case. Daphne was in fact an excellent step-mother and had been more of a parent, the last five years, than their own father. Even though she was not born from her, Lily wished she had. Daphne was the type of woman Lily wanted to be when she grew up. She was her mother through her deeds, unlike her real mother who had left them with their uncaring father. Her father, she knew he was responsible for Sev not coming home.

There was a vast difference in thinking between her brother and her father, and it had only grown wider after Sev had graduated from Hogwarts. They were always getting into heated discussions, and it always ended with Sev storming off. Sev was unlike Jamie, who agreed with whatever father said. She felt that Jamie was always trying to please father, and in doing that he overlooked his many flaws.

Lily had been heart-broken when Albus had left, as he was the closest person in her life. She had made him promise to write to her every week, even if there was nothing to write about, and he had kept that promise. The letters had strengthened their bond even more, and she could feel his presence even if he was not there with her. Albus did not keep much contact with anyone else, which made Lily a vessel for many of their queries about him: What is he doing in South America? Is he living as a muggle? Has he gotten married? When will he return? She tried to answer them the best she could, and told them everything was fine. But she wanted him to come back, more than anyone else. She had felt something lacking ever since his departure, it was like something within her craved for him.

'Miss Potter.'

Lily was jerked awake from her thoughts as her eyes found the person who had called her, it was their Deputy Headmaster, Professor Longbotton.

'Good afternoon, Professor,' Lily squeaked in a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.

'Good afternoon, Professor Longbottom,' Sarah greeted.

'Good afternoon, ladies,' Professor Longbottom returned, giving a curt nod to both of them. He then turned his eyes towards Lily and said, 'The Headmistress has requested to see you in her office.'

Lily noticed that the usually warm tone in the Professors' voice was missing, making her suspect if something had gone wrong. 'Can I come after sending a letter?' Lily asked.

'It is something urgent, it is better you go see her immediately,' replied Professor Longbottom in a grave voice.

Lily began to worry about the way the Professor was acting so she asked him, 'Is everything alright Professor?'

'It is better you go to the Headmistress' office, she will explain everything,' answered Professor Longbottom. 'I will accompany you.'

Professor Longbottom's actions were confusing her very much, he was not specifying anything which made her even more anxious. Lily was about to ask the professor what was such an urgent issue, but before she could ask her question, Sarah spoke: 'Okay, Red I will see you later. Have a good day Professor.'

'You too, Miss Logan,' Neville returned.

Lily turned towards her friend, but she had already vanished out of sight. Lily half thought that her friend had disappeared under an invisibility cloak. Lily wondered if there was a secret passageway there. Lily then turned her attention back to Neville who was looking at her very sympathetically at her.

'Are you all right Professor?' Lily asked a bit confused.

'I'm okay,' Neville said and quickly began to move.

Lily felt awkward, she had never seen Professor Longbottom act the way he was acting, both as a teacher, and as the husband of her godmother. She was accustomed to see Aunt Luna act all weird, but Uncle Neville was always the sane one to her.

'Why does the Headmistress want to see me Professor?' Lily asked, following Neville a few steps behind.

'Your-,' Neville paused for a moment, as if to he was trying to find the right words. 'I think I'm not the right person to answer that question.'

Lily hated it when people did not tell her everything; she was not a child. She did not need to be sheltered from the realities of life, she was strong enough to face everything.

'You can go ahead and tell me Professor,' Lily said confidently. 'Whatever is the matter I assure you I can handle it.' Neville simply ignored her words and did not reply.

Neville's silence began to frustrate Lily, but she was able to control herself. She concluded that there was probably a good reason Neville was not telling her anything, if he could he would have told her instantly that was the type of person Neville was, noble; unlike her father. So, Lily refrained from questioning him further about the matter, and silently followed him.

They finally arrived before the large gargoyle that led to the Headmistress' Office.

'Naktasha,' spoke Neville.

The gargoyle began to descend downwards giving way to a staircase which led to the Headmistress' Office. After the staircase had completed its descent Neville began to climb it; Lily dutifully followed him.

They finally reached outside the door of the Headmistress' Office; Neville was about to knock on the door then he hesitated for a moment. He then turned his eyes towards Lily who was staring back at him, a bit surprised by his action.

'Listen Lily,' Neville said in a sympathetic voice. 'I want you to know that Aunt Luna and I are always there for you. So, never hesitate to ask us for anything, okay.'

Lily was taken aback by his words, they surprised and scared her at the same time.

'What are you trying to say Uncle Neville?'

Lily had never called Neville 'uncle' during her entire stay at Hogwarts, she felt that Neville was Professor Longbottom in school, and Uncle Neville at home. She had learned to keep that distinction from an early age, but the words spoken by Neville briefly caused her to forget that distinction.

Neville ignored her question once again and knocked at the door.

'Come in,' called a female voice from the other side of the door. Neville twisted the doorknob opening the door, before Lily could question him further.

In the past Lily would always marvel at the Headmistress' Office. She would be entranced by it, the various portraits of the previous Headmasters and Headmistresses of Hogwarts. She would longingly looks at the vast array of books, secretly wishing to stay inside the office, and take in the immense knowledge bound inside the little room.

But today she could do those things, as her eyes directly fell on the person sitting in front of Headmistress Vector. He had the same dark red coloured hair as hers, and was wearing the round shaped glasses like her father.

'Jamie!' Lily shrieked in surprise. 'What are you doing here?'

James looked like he had not slept for days, and the expression on his face only scared Lily even more. James ran his hands over his hair, a reaction to his nervousness, something which Lily was very familiar with.

'Jamie, what's wrong?' Lily asked, her voice quivering with an unknown fear.

'Why don't you sit down Miss Potter,' offered Vector, motioning her to the chair adjacent to where James was sitting.

'What's wrong, James?' repeated Lily not listening to what Vector was telling her.

'Mom-,' James said is a stifled voice.

Mom, Lily thought. Jamie only called their real mother that.

'What's wrong with mom?' Lily was unable to keep her voice from sounding frightened. She despised Ginevra Weasley for what she had done, but a part of her still loved her. James remained quiet which only increased her anxiety. 'Speak, Jamie!'

James stood up from his chair and suddenly pulled Lily into a hug. 'Lil's mom is dead.'

It took a moment for James' words to register in Lily's mind. And when she finally understood the meaning, she felt the floor being pulled away from beneath her feet. Yes, she despised Ginevre Giles nee Weasley. It was true Lily ignored her every time they met, but she was still her mother. She never wanted her dead.

Her entire body was numb, and her brain was no longer functioning. Only a faint whisper escaped her lips: 'How?'

'She was…. murdered.'

#

Harry Potter with a furrowed brow looked at the scroll in front of him. He had not been able to understand the script used in the scroll, it was unlike anything he had ever seen. He had tried to compare it with other scripts but the symbols did not match with any other language known in the magical world. Was it really the language of the gods? Were the Heavens really the law of the gods? Harry inwardly laughed at himself for thinking that way. It made him sound like he believed in the Heavens. Maybe he should give the scroll to Daphne, thought Harry. She had what one would call a gift, when it came to decrypting ancient languages. And she knew what he was doing, so she would not hesitate to help him.

A soft sound caused Harry to look up from the scroll. The room was dark and the only light was the candle burning on his table. He could not see properly but a slight movement of the shadows made him realise that someone was inside the room.

'Ivo is that you?'

'As always you are quick as a cat,' said a black cloaked man stepping inside the light.

Ivo was a middle-aged man with dark hair, similar to Harry's. He had deep blue eyes which always looked calculating; it was as if he never stopped planning. And most importantly he was Harry's weapon against the Heavens; a man standing alongside him in his fight against the self-proclaimed gods.

'I hope you have brought me good news this time?' Harry said staring at the man.

'Michael Paine is dead,' Ivo replied in a mechanical tone.

Harry just nodded his head. 'Did we find out who he worked for?'

'Interestingly, it is Travis Bent.'

'It seems the Heavens have already started to act against me,' Harry said amusedly.

'But we still have not made an impact that would affect their authority,' Ivo pointed out.

'It is only a matter of months now, Ivo,' Harry responded with determination. 'The Heavens are going to feel the first defiance of man.'

'I have truly made the right choice in choosing your side,' Ivo remarked smiling at Harry. 'Only you would want to suffer the wrath of the Heavens.'

'If I have to suffer their wrath to destroy them then I am willing to make those sacrifices.'

'Speaking of which- what do we do about Ginevra Weasley's murder?' asked Ivo.

'Nothing. We cannot afford to make an issue about it. We should give them the illusion that they have the upper hand,' Harry replied.

'And your children and wife?'

'James can look out for himself. Albus, even if he returns for his mother's funeral will not stay here. Lily is under Daphne's care. As for Daphne- you know how dangerous she can be.'

'You seemed to have prepared well for this moment,' said Ivo thoughtfully.

'I knew this day would come. The day I decided to challenge the Heavens I knew about the sacrifices I had to make to achieve my goal.'

'I have also news about O'Brien requesting your wife for a meeting,' Ivo informed.

'So, they are going to use her,' Harry said thoughtfully. 'That might be a slight hindrance I'll take care of it.'

'What about Mr Bent?'

'We leave him for now. At least until all our pieces are set in place.'

Ivo nodded. 'So, what is our next move?'

A small smile broke into Harry's serious expression, and he said, 'I become Britain's Minister of Magic.'

A/N: I write stories for my own pleasure...and hopefully yours. And the only way I can know you have enjoyed my story is through feedback. So, please review.

P.S. English is not my first language, so please be free to point out my errors.

P.S.S. This is my first story in this site; no flames please.