Chapter 2
The woman paced back and forth in front of her throne. Her blond hair swung with each of her movements. Her green eyes stared at a picture of Harry unblinkingly.
The white-haired man entered the throne room causing the woman to cease her pacing.
"What is it that worries you?"
"Do you think he is safe?"
"There is no reason he shouldn't be. None of our kind venture into the Wizarding world after the death of Arthur. The protections we placed on him in the womb will protect him from all but the strongest of magics"
"Can't we go check on him?"
The man's blue eyes hardened. "You know we can't. It is forbidden for us to have contact. If we do, we're breaking our own laws and risking dire consequences."
"So be it," the woman said. "I don't care. I just want to make sure he is alright."
The man shook his head. "Could you keep from taking him back? He is safer there than he would be here. Besides, if we as royals, do not follow our own laws why should anyone else?"
"He is mine," the woman hissed.
"By our laws, He also belongs to the Potters," the man said.
"I just want to see him again."
"I know. I do too, but we have to leave him there."
"What if something is happening in the wizarding world?"
"Whether it is or not, we can't interfere."
The woman sank back on her throne. "I just have a bad feeling," she said sadly.
**C**
Lily sat in a large armchair, cradling Harry close. As James walked in, Lily looked up at him.
"Are you sure Peter is the best choice?"
James shook his head. "Lily, Peter is one of my closest friends. He would never betray us."
"Are you sure?" Lily asked. "This is not only our lives, but Harry's we're gambling. Sirius is Harry's Godfather. "Why don't we make him the secret keeper. We know for sure that he wouldn't do anything to harm Harry."
James frowned. "Wouldn't Voldemort expect that?"
"He might, but Sirius is much more Trustworthy than Peter. Besides, If Sirius goes into hiding as well, that is double the protection."
"We could do the same with Peter," James said. "Why not make sure he goes into hiding?"
Lily frowned at her husband, her eyes narrowing. "You want the truth? I don't trust Peter. He's always seemed weak. I'm afraid that he'll betray us at the first opportunity."
James stared at her without speaking. "I see," he said. "That simplifies matters. "I'll tell Dumbledore we've decided on Sirius."
"Really?" Lily asked.
"Where the safety of our child is concerned, we need to agree on the best person to keep the secret of our location. I think Sirius is an obvious choice, but I cannot deny that he would die to protect Harry. You don't trust Peter and I can see why you would be concerned. Sirius Black will be our Secret keeper if he agrees."
"Is there a way to keep Sirius safe?"
"Ideally, we could keep him here with us, "but the spell will not allow the secret keeper to stay in the location under the charm for any significant length of time."
"What if you were the secret keeper for his Flatt and he was the secret keeper for the manor?"
"That would work," James said. "So long as Sirius stayed in his Flat, He'd be safe."
James stood. "I'll go talk to Sirius and see if he agrees. Why don't you contact Dumbledore?"
"Okay," Lily said.
**C**
Voldemort frowned at Snape. "What do you mean no one knows where the Potters live?"
"I mean their location used to be registered with the ministry of magic, but it's gone. There is no record of any residents owned by the Potters."
Voldemort scowled. "Dumbledore," he hissed.
Snape looked up at Voldemort. "There's more," he said.
"Go on," Voldemort said.
"Dumbledore has informed me that the prophecy was a fake."
"A fake?"
"Yes, Trilawney gave the prophecy trying to get a job at Hogwarts."
Voldemort chuckled. "I should've known and I almost made it valid."
"So will you stop hunting the Potters?"
"No, we're going to find and kill the Potters, but this does change things a bit. Leave me, I need time to think of my next move."
"Yes Milord," Snape said.
**C**
As he watched Snape leave, Voldemort leaned back in his chair. Snapping his fingers, he lit the logs in the fireplace.
It annoyed him that he'd nearly fallen for the prophecy. How could he have been so foolish? First things first, he must find the Potters and then he could figure out how to deal with them.
A shadowy figure appeared in front of him.
Tom Riddle," it said.
"I do not answer to that name,"
"Perhaps not, but it is the one your mother gave you It will always be yours, whether you want it or not."
"Who are you and what do you want?" Voldemort asked.
"I wish to help you," the figure said."
"Help me how?" Voldemort asked.
The figure held out a silver disk on a silver chain. The disk was engraved with strange sigils that glowed with arcane energy. "This will help you bypass the Fidelius charm."
"I see," Voldemort said. "And why would you help me?"
"Because I want the Potter boy dead. You do not need to know why, but I want the boy out of my way."
Voldemort nodded. He would've preferred to know why this person wanted the Potter boy dead, but it didn't matter.
"How does this work?" Voldemort asked holding up the silver disk."
"When you wear that, you will be able to find the information you seek regardless of what spells may hide it. Once you have Located Sirius Black, use a House Elf to enter his home. Wizard magic can be bypassed by elf magic."
"Thank you," Voldemort said, but the figure was already gone."
**C**
Sirius Black shifted uncomfortably in the chair in front of the fireplace. He'd never spent much time here before casting the Fidelius charm, so he hadn't ever focused on the furnishings. So long as they looked nice, that was all he cared about. Having been stuck in here for the past three months was about to drive him round the bend. It was Halloween for Merlin's sake. He should be out partying. Thunder rumbled outside, causing him to scowl.
First, he was stuck inside his bloody flat and now it had been raining for the past three days. He knew Harry needed to be protected, but he never realized how tough staying in his flat would be.
A creaking sound caused him to look up. He drew his wand and stood. His Grey eyes stared around the room looking for the slightest movement.
A figure stepped from his bedroom smiling at him. Sirius froze.
"Voldemort," he whispered.
"Sirius," Voldemort said. "How've you been?"
Sirius stared into Voldemort's reddish blue eyes, not allowing his fear to show. "I've been great. I'm not one for uninvited guests though. I also don't like traitors, so I guess I'm going to have to deal with James once I'm out of here."
Voldemort chuckled. "As fun as it would be to mess with your mind, I have to correct you. James Potter did not betray you."
"Then how did you get in here?"
"I had some help. Turns out wizard magic can be bypassed by elf magic."
An old elf with drooping bat-like ears stepped from behind Voldemort. "Master Sirius is a traitor to his family," he grumbled.
"Kreacher," Sirius said in shock.
Voldemort smiled. "Indeed, it appears I have been remiss in the abilities of magical creatures. That is something I shall have to rectify." He stroked Kreacher's wrinkled bald head with one long finger.
Sirius thrust his wand towards Kreacher. A beam of red light flew from it, streaking towards the house elf.
Voldemort gestured an azure dome appeared around Kreacher. The red light impacted the dome with a sound like a gong. Sirius flicked his wand at Voldemort, a wave of fire appeared from nowhere, setting the carpet ablaze as it sped towards the sorcerer.
Voldemort conjured the same dome to protect himself, but the force of the spell was enough to send him sprawling. Quick as a flash, he was back on his feet, ducking a ring of silver light that tried to wrap around his neck.
Seeing Kreacher take a step towards him, Voldemort shook his head. "He is mine," he said firmly.
He flung a hand towards Sirius, four jets of green light leaving his fingers. Sirius ducked and rolled, barely avoiding the four Death Curses. He waved his wand, large black crows appeared from thin air, diving towards Voldemort.
Voldemort roared in pain as talons and beaks dug into his face and neck.
A burst of flame reduced the crows to nothing. Blood ran from several small cuts, staining his black robes. Panting, Voldemort glared at Sirius. "I'm impressed. It has been a long time since anyone has made me bleed."
Sirius didn't respond, spinning his wand in a complicated pattern. Knives flew from the tip.
Voldemort twisted, avoiding some of the blades, but several still plunged into his shoulder and chest. Leaving them where they were, he flung out both hands. Fire and light flew from his hands, obscuring the other side of the room. Voldemort kept up the barrage for several seconds before stopping. To his Surprise, Sirius stood behind a pile of stone that had obviously once been a wall.
Sirius swayed on his feet clearly exhausted. Voldemort pulled the knives out, placing his hand on each wound in turn. When he was done, all his wounds were healed. Even his clothes had been repaired.
Sirius looked up at him defiantly. "I won't tell you anything," he rasped.
Voldemort nodded, stepping closer to the other man. "I know. Fortunately, I don't need you to. You see, I've learned a fatal flaw in the Fidelius charm. If the secret keeper dies, then all those that knew the secret become the secret keeper."
"That won't help you," Sirius said. "None of my friends would betray us."
"Really?" None of them?"
A short Plump man with mousy brown hair stepped from the shadows. "S-Sirius," he whimpered. "I-I'm so sorry."
"Peter," Sirius said, his eyes wide with shock. "Why would you do this?"
"He's taking over everywhere Sirius," he whispered. "Fighting him only causes more death and destruction."
"You've killed Lily and James Peter," Sirius said. "You've killed Harry."
Peter winced. "I didn't want to," he wailed. "I just wanted to live. Is that so wrong?"
Sirius flicked his wand at Peter. Voldemort deflected the spell into the ceiling.
"Now Sirius," he chided. "He may be a pathetic little rat, but I still need him."
"Did you hear what he said Peter? He doesn't care about you. He'll kill you first chance he gets."
"I swear on my magic that I won't kill him," Voldemort said. "I have no need to kill him." There was a flash of light.
Peter shot Sirius a smug look. "See," he crowed. "I made the right choice."
Sirius straightened. If he was going to die, he would die with honor. "Lily, James, I'm so sorry," he whispered.
Voldemort stepped closer to Sirius. "You have no reason to be sorry," he said gently. "You fought well and you will have died well." There was a flash of green light.
Sirius Black fell to the floor, dead.
**C**
James looked up as a shiver went through the wards. "Oh no," he said dazedly. It couldn't have happened. No, it was impossible.
"James?" Lily asked worriedly. "What is it?"
"It's Sirius," James said.
"What about him?" Lily asked.
"There was a shift in the wards. Something has changed with the Fidelius charm."
"Changed?" Lily asked. Her eyes widened. "No," she whispered. "Are you sure?"
"It's the only thing that makes sense," James said. "Sirius is dead which means Voldemort knows how to find us. We've been betrayed."
Lily drew her wand. "What do we do now?"
"We have to get out of here before Voldemort shows up. Begin packing, I'll try and strengthen the wards."
Lily rushed upstairs. James drew his wand and strode down to the seller where the wardstones were located. Placing the tip of his wand into a rune carved into the stone, he sent his magic out, examining the wards.
The other wardstones placed around the property were still intact. No one knew where the stones were buried. That meant they were safe for a while at least. James tapped another rune with his wand. The wards flared as heavy iron shutters dropped over the doors and windows.
James fidgeted nervously. His Father had paid for these wards to be installed before his death. They were designed to stop anyone from getting in to the manor, but wouldn't stop him and Lily from leaving."
No sooner had the wards went up, there was an impact against them that caused James to stumble. Turning, he rushed upstairs to find Lily. He found her in their room, shrinking a bag and tucking it away in her robes. She lifted a quiet Harry and tucked him into the crook of one arm. "He's here," he panted.
Lily nodded. She didn't have the same connection to the wards that James had, but she had enough of one to feel it when the wards were attacked. "Do you have the Portkey?"
James nodded, pulling a rope from his robes. He jerked as the wards were struck again.
"Will they hold?" Lily asked rubbing her hands together nervously.
"I don't know," James said. "I've never felt magic like this. I don't know how he can attack the wards with this much strength. We have to get out of here while we still can." He and Lily grabbed the rope, but nothing happened.
"What's wrong," Lily asked.
"I don't know," James said. He drew his wand. "Portus," he said tapping the rope with his wand. The rope glowed blue, but nothing happened.
"Could it be the wards?" Lily asked.
"I don't think so," James said. There was a deafening boom and James grunted. A trickle of blood dripped from his right nostril.
"James?" Lily asked.
"He found one of the wardstones," James said.
"Lower the wards," Lily demanded.
"What?" James asked.
"Look," Lily said. "Either we lower the wards and get out of here, or we sit here and die."
"We can't," James said.
**C**
The woman stood up, her blond hair blowing back from her face in a sudden breeze. The man appeared in front of her. "What are you doing?"
"I can't just sit here anymore. I'm going to check on our son."
"You'll be cursed if you lay eyes on him," the man said. "Your powers will be weakened drastically even being near him."
"Then so be it," the woman said. "At least I'll know he's safe."
The woman vanished. There was a whoosh as air rushed in to fill the space where she'd stood.
**C**
Voldemort raised his hand to attack the wards again when a gust of wind sent him flying backwards.
He looked up to see a small blond woman standing in front of him, her green eyes narrowed in fury. "Why are you attacking this place?" she demanded.
Voldemort ignored her question, pushing himself to his feet. "Stand aside girl," he said.
"No," the woman said. "You'll have to get through me if you want the Potters."
Voldemort grimaced. "Very well."
Voldemort swept his hand through the air, sending jets of light and flame at the woman.
A wall of stone rose up, stopping Voldemort's attack. The wall dissolved into shards of razor-sharp stone which flew at Voldemort's face.
Voldemort drew back, but was not quick enough to avoid being cut by flying shards of stone. He looked up, just in time to see a whip of flame arcing through the air. A silvery shield sprang to life around him, but the impact of the whip sent him flying. He smashed through a tree before rolling to a stop.
Voldemort spat out a mouthful of splinters and tried to rise to his feet, but he couldn't move. He struggled, but to no avail. Moving his head, he looked down to see his arms and legs had been fused to the earth.
"With a grunt of rage, he tore himself free, leaving bloody strips of skin behind. "That's enough," he snarled.
A burst of light left his palm, sending the woman flying back into the wards. The woman jerked as if being electrocuted. She moved weakly, struggling back to her feet. Her blond hair was charred at the ends and smoke rose from her clothes. It appeared that contact with the wards had taken its toll on her.
Scowling, Voldemort thrust a hand at her, a bolt of red light sending her flying.
The woman was back up within seconds, sending chains of ice to bind him.
Voldemort snarled as the chains wrapped around his arms and legs. "Get out of my way," he bellowed. Green light exploded from him, slamming the woman flying through the wards. She cried out as she struck the iron shutters that covered the windows before collapsing on the ground unmoving.
Ignoring her crumpled form, He strode towards the house, his reddish blue eyes blazing. The wards pushed against him, but the destruction of one of the stones had weakened them considerably. Roaring in frustration, Voldemort released his magic, the wards shattering under the impact.
**C**
James collapsed in agony as the wards fell. Through the haze of pain, he sought Lily with his eyes.
"Go," he choked. "The Portkey should work now."
"I think not," Voldemort said as he appeared in the room.
His body aching, James pushed himself up, drawing his wand. "Lily," he said. "Take Harry and go."
Clutching Harry to her, Lily rushed from the room, casting a terrified look back at her husband. Voldemort made no move to stop her, merely smiling at James.
"You know there is a reason I am the greatest wizard to have ever lived," he said conversationally.
"You talk too much," James said. "I was arrogant in school, but not even I claimed to be the greatest wizard ever."
"Do you not notice that I have no wand?" Voldemort said. "I have mastered the art of wandless magic, while you have not. This leaves you at an extreme disadvantage."
James shrugged. "I've accepted that I'm going to die. I'm fine with that so long as my son survives."
Voldemort shook his head. "Fine," he said. "You know you could've been great."
"Greatness is fleeting," James said.
Voldemort didn't answer. His hands began to glow as he readied himself for the fight ahead.
James raised his wand, sending a bolt of blue light at Voldemort.
Voldemort sidestepped the light, watching as it blew a hole in the wall behind him. It was obvious to him that the destruction of the wards had taken its toll on the younger man. He unleashed a burst of green light that James barely avoided. He could draw this out, but the man was trying to defend his family. He wouldn't toy with him.
"Mr. Potter," he said solemnly. "I'm sure had you been at full strength, you would be a worthy opponent. As it is, you are barely able to stand." He gestured sharply.
James flew backwards colliding with a table, stunning him. Before he could get up, a jet of green light ended his life.
Voldemort knelt down, closing James's eyes. "I will not extend their suffering," he said. "I promise."
**C**
Lily took a step back as Voldemort appeared in front of her. "Stand aside," he said calmly. "You don't need to die."
"No, if you want to kill my son, you'll have to kill me first."
Voldemort shook his head. "Are you sure? It doesn't have to be this way."
"Yes," Lily said firmly.
There was a flash of green light and Lily fell to the floor.
Voldemort approached Harry. "I'm sorry," he said, "But your death is for the greater good. I cannot allow any of the Potters to live to oppose me. The Prophecy may not be real, but I cannot take the chance of people rallying behind you. Good-bye." He pointed his hand at Harry, a green light forming in his palm. As the ball of green light left his hand, blue flames sprang up around the child absorbing the light.
Voldemort's eyes widened in horror as a sphere of green flames formed in midair before speeding towards him. Before he had a chance to move or even cry out, the ball of flame struck him in the chest.
Voldemort's skeleton was revealed as the flames consumed him from the inside out. Within seconds, nothing remained, but a pile of ash.
The ash was still smoking when Albus Dumbledore stepped into the room. He gazed around the room, his eyes lighting on Lily's body and a wailing Harry. They widened when they saw what was left of Voldemort.
"He did it," Dumbledore whispered. "Could the prophecy be true?"
**C**
Several hours later, Dumbledore lowered a wrapped bundle onto the steps of an ordinary looking house.
A stern looking woman stared at him; her green eyes narrowed.
"Are you sure that this is a good idea?"
Dumbledore nodded. "It's the only way to protect him. They are his only blood relatives. I'm sure they will love him like he is one of their own."
"They haven't seen Lily or James in years. Lily said they hate magic."
"Exactly," Dumbledore said. "What better place to hide the boy than in a Muggle home of people that have the reputation of hating magical folk. I'm sure once Harry is accepted into their home, they'll learn to love him."
The woman stared at him. "Alright Albus," she said. "If you think this is what's best."
The two of them walked away, leaving Harry Potter lying on a doorstep in the cold night.