Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. JK Rowling does. I'm just an avid fan.
A/N: As always, any comments or constructive criticisms are freely welcomed. As I am still new, please feel free to let me know of any uncertainties and I will to the best of my abilities fix any mistakes or address. Positive support is also freely welcomed, always a good motivation to keep on writing. Hope you enjoy!
Chapter 2: The Secret Keeper
The next day Albus quickly fire called the Longbottoms and the Potters, yesterday's events fresh in his head. James popped his head into the fireplace and looked at Dumbledore. "Something wrong, Albus?" James asked, very concerned.
Albus nodded his head gravely, "The most urgent news, bring Lily and the children." James nodded, "Of course, Albus. Be there soon." The Longbottoms arrived at Albus' office immediately. Albus drew up several chairs. Lily, James, accompanied by little Jamie and Harry arrived moments later.
Alice bouncing a happy Neville asked, "What's wrong, Albus? Are we in danger?" Albus sighed and told them everything he witnessed yesterday, the prophecy, the possibility of their children as the regarded prophecy baby, and the person who overheard the prophecy being made.
James in a fit of anger banged his fist on the table, "This is outrageous, Albus! How are you so sure that the prophecy is true? There is no way any son of mine is going to have to face that monster!" Lily, Alice, and Frank all nodded in agreement, all of them very shocked and frightened.
Alice in barely a whisper said, "Albus, this can't be true. Please tell me this was all a lie." Albus bowed his head, "I'm afraid not, my dear Alice. Any one of these children could be the one the prophecy is mentioning. Born as the seventh month dies…" Albus looked at Jamie, Harry, and Neville in sadness and sighed deeply, "I'm truly sorry, I didn't want any of this to happen. We can only hope for the best that Voldemort does not receive a word. For now, it is imperative for you all to go into hiding. I offer you my services to be Secret Keeper."
Frank placed a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder and looked at Albus with grateful eyes, "Thank you, Albus. We don't want to inconvenience you, we Longbottoms have a private warder. Have a good day." Frank stood up and picked up his sleepy Neville and led Alice into the fireplace and back to Longbottom Manor.
Albus turns to Lily and James and felt his heart drop when he sees the expression of sadness and despair written all over their faces. James manages a faint smile at Dumbledore, "It's alright Albus. We have just the right person to be our Secret Keeper." Dumbledore nodded. James and Lily with Harry and Jamie disappeared through the fireplace as well.
They arrived inside Potter Manor and in a gloomy mood prepared the boys for bedtime. Lily smiled sadly at her two little boys, each of which had equally the chance to be the chosen one of the prophecy. She retired to the master bedroom herself. James was already in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Lily changed into her pajamas and then slipped into the bed covers. They both remained silent for a while before James kissed her forehead and reassured her, "Everything is going to be fine."
The next day James had woken up super early and had all the Potter elves pack up everything into suitcases. That morning during breakfast both Lily and James decided that they should move into their safe house in Godric's Hollow. Everything they needed was transported into their safe house which was named Potter Cottage. The boys didn't notice any change as they were too busy childlessly fighting over teething toys and their stuffed plushy wolf Moony.
That afternoon James had fire called Remus, Sirius, and Peter over and told them everything. James trusted all his best friends with his life and wanted them all to be safe. Sirius jumped at the chance to be his friend's Secret Keeper. "James, I should be your Secret Keeper. I would never betray you ever" Sirius stated proudly. James pondered over the idea of Sirius being Secret Keeper and found himself debating over.
"But that would be too obvious. Anyone knows that you are my best friend and will target you, it would be a risk. Wouldn't it be a mighty prank to make someone less inclined to be our Secret Keeper?" James said, his mischievous Marauder side shining through. A glint in Sirius' eyes said it all, Remus kept to himself and Peter, well he was probably day-dreaming or something. James kept his eyes trained on Peter and Sirius shifted uncomfortably, "Um, James? Why are you staring so fixedly on Peter? You're making me slightly nervous."
James smiled brightly, "Well I think Peter should be the Secret Keeper. He is the best candidate." Peter snapped out of his dreamy state and stared confusingly at James, Sirius felt his jaw drop and asked incredulously, "Peter? Our scrawny little brother? Are ya outta your mind?" James shook his head, "No I am serious. I will make Peter our Potter Secret Keeper. I do not doubt that he would never betray us." That statement brought silence to the cottage however something about Peter felt slightly off but James shooed the thought away. That night Lily and James made Peter Pettigrew their Secret Keeper. Everyone else still thought that Sirius Orion Black, James' best friend had been made the Secret Keeper, but no one knew that it was a ploy. Someday that would backfire.