Intro note: Hi everyone! I hope you're all safe and well during this pandemic. I'm sorry for the hiatus – I've been juggling a few other projects while trying to deal with some stress. Anyway, this chapter focuses mainly on Ivy and James, but Remus and Lily will be back for chapter 3! Hope you like this one… it's a bit emotional ;_;


- 2 -

The Prophecy

Spring 1980

*.*.*.*

The Order meeting had just concluded when Professor Dumbledore approached James. "Would I be able to discuss an important issue with you and your wife this evening?"

James furrowed his brow. "Sure. Is there something you want us to do?"

"No, you do enough for the Order, James." Dumbledore sighed. "What I have to tell you is rather troubling. But I will say no more until the three of us can sit down together."

The old man's grave expression worried James. A knot of anxiety formed in his stomach. "Let's set off right away then." It was raining heavily when they left Headquarters. James pulled up the hood of his cloak. "Shall I take you by side-along, sir?"

"If you would be so kind," Dumbledore said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

James Apparated to Chelsea. As they walked towards his flat, a bolt of lightning lit up the sky. This was swiftly followed by a ground-shaking rumble of thunder. James removed the protective wards and opened the front door. "After you, professor." Dumbledore cast a drying spell over his wet robes before stepping into the hall. James locked the door behind them and put the protections back in place. "Ivy will probably be in the living room."

His wife smiled when she saw him. "Hi, babe. How was your meeting?"

"It was fine." He cleared his throat. "I've brought Professor Dumbledore with me."

"Oh! Good evening, sir." She set down her book and walked over to them. "It's lovely to see you again," Ivy held out her hand and Dumbledore kissed the back of it in a courtly gesture.

"The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Potter. I humbly apologize for intruding upon your privacy."

"Not at all! James and I rarely have company. I'll put the kettle on."

"Thank you, my dear. That would be most delightful."

"Professor, please sit down," James said, pointing to a squashy armchair near the fireplace. "Err, before Ivy comes back, would you tell me if this is about Voldemort?"

"Yes. There is a prophecy predicting his downfall."

James's eyes widened. "That's bloody brilliant! Why didn't you tell the Order?"

"I think it best that only the parties concerned are made aware of it."

It took a moment for Dumbeldore's words to fully sink in. The knot of dread tightened. "The prophecy is about me and Ivy?" Dumbledore nodded and he sank onto the couch. "Are we in danger?"

"At the moment, no. Although you might be in the future."

James took off his glasses and started cleaning the lenses. "I was afraid this might happen. I shouldn't have pursued Ivy. But like always, I was too bloody selfish!"

"My dear boy, you mustn't blame yourself for falling in love."

James rubbed too hard, causing the frame to bend in his hands. I ruin everything I touch. He felt physically ill.

Ivy came back into the room a minute later. "Here you are, professor." When she joined him on the couch, he was still clutching his broken spectacles. "James, what have you done to your glasses?"

"I can fix them." He used the incantation 'Oculus Reparo' and put them back on. If only I could use a spell to fix the mess I've made of our lives…

She touched his arm. "You seem upset, honey. What's wrong?" Her blue-green eyes were full of concern.

"I'm afraid it's my fault, Mrs. Potter," Dumbledore replied. "I told your husband something just before you entered the room."

"Oh? Then I suppose you haven't come for a social call?"

"I have not, unfortunately." Dumbledore set down his cup of tea. "I'm not sure how much James has told you about Hogwarts, but one of our elective classes deals with the rather imprecise art of predicting the future. I was interviewing a woman for the Divination post last week, and during the course of it, she made a prophecy. If I may, I would like to show it to you."

"Show us?" Ivy asked, puzzled. "How will you do that?"

"I am in possession of something which allows me to remove my memories and play them back like a Muggle film." Dumbledore pulled something from his robe pocket, restored it to its original size, and carried it over. "This is called a Pensieve," he said, placing a shallow stone bowl on the coffee table. He touched his wand to his temple and pulled away a gossamer strand. The headmaster shook it into the basin, where it began to swirl. After prodding the silvery substance with the tip of his wand, a small, wispy figure rose from the basin. However, the voice that emerged was powerful and hoarse.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... a child will be born as the seventh month dies... a child whose grandparents were murdered on the same fateful day… born of two worlds, the boy will heal the rift that divides us. And the Dark Lord will view him as a threat… he will try to kill the boy, and in so doing, bring about his own downfall. For they have a power the Dark Lord knows not… a power that will destroy his body, if not his soul. A savior will emerge, and we will know peace. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches…"

James sat there in shock as the Seer sank into the bowl. Even if Dumbledore hadn't warned him, he would have figured it out right away. The child mentioned in the prophecy was his and Ivy's. And to be more specific: their son. They hadn't even known the sex of their unborn child until this very moment.

"My due date is at the end of July," Ivy said, breaking the silence. "You think this prophecy is about our baby, don't you?"

Dumbledore shrunk the Pensieve and tucked it back into his pocket. "Yes. The line about his grandparents and being 'born of two worlds' leaves little room for doubt," he replied, returning to the armchair.

"But this is ridiculous! How can a baby defeat a powerful wizard?"

"That is as much a mystery to me as it is to you, Mrs. Potter. However, prophecies are not absolute. It is merely one possibility. A best-case scenario if you will."

"A best-case scenario?" James asked, furious. "My son hasn't even been born yet and he already has a death sentence hanging over him! How is that a good thing?!"

A sob escaped Ivy's mouth and James slipped an arm around her. "I'm sorry, love. I shouldn't have shouted."

"Why is this happening to us? Haven't we suffered enough?" she asked, her voice thick with emotion.

James kissed her forehead. "I don't know, sweetheart. But I will never let that monster hurt our son. I swear it."

"Forgive me for causing offense," Dumbledore said gently. "It was insensitive of me to speak of the prophecy that way. I have no children of my own, and therefore cannot fathom what you are going through right now. But there is every reason to be optimistic. The wording of the prophecy indicates to me that your son will indeed survive – should Voldemort seek him out, that is. Ms. Trelawney said the 'Dark Lord will try to kill the boy,' and just before that, she gives us a promise of sorts by naming your son as the savior who 'will heal the rift that divides us.' Surely that is cause for hope."

"That's about the only consolation," James muttered.

Ivy wiped her eyes. "What can we do to keep him safe? There must be stronger spells than what James is already doing."

Dumbledore inclined his head. "There is a protective enchantment that will conceal your home entirely. No one except your Secret Keeper will be able to find it, let alone enter."

"Should we move to a new location?" he asked.

"Yes, that would be wise. I would also recommend that Mrs. Potter go into hiding until the birth of your son." He looked at Ivy. "I don't mean that you should remain under house arrest, although you will need to be disguised whenever you're out in public. Having an Auror with you would be beneficial as well."

"I agree," James added. "If I can't be with you, I know that Sirius or Remus or Frank would be more than willing to act as your guard. I can't ask Alice because she's on maternity leave." His brow furrowed. "In fact, I think her baby is due around the same time as ours."

A smile crept over Ivy's face. "Then Harry will have two playmates in the future: Silas and the Longbottom child."

Hearing their son's name gave him a warm feeling. They had already decided on calling him 'Harry' after Ivy's father. James touched her round stomach. "You hear that, Harry? You already have two friends."

Dumbledore interrupted the tender moment by standing up. "Well, I think I have imposed upon you enough for one evening. I apologize once again for being the bearer of such distressing news."

"Before you leave, sir, I have a question about the Secret Keeper," James broke in. "You said that only they would be able to find our house. Does this mean we won't be able to invite our friends over?"

"You can if the Secret Keeper writes down the address and shows it to them, but I would not advise this. The less people who know where you live, the safer you will be. If you want to get together with your friends, you can meet them at a secure location. And remember to confirm their identity by asking a question that only they can answer. If the prophecy becomes known, Voldemort's followers may try to impersonate your friends."

"How would the prophecy become known?" Ivy asked, looking worried.

"Ah, well each prophecy is stored in the Department of Mysteries. Not everyone has access to the room of course, but the Order already believes that Voldemort's followers have infiltrated the Ministry of Magic." Dumbledore stroked his long beard. "It is also possible that someone may have overheard the prophecy. The Seer who made it doesn't recall going into a trance, however, a skilled Legilimens could access the memory. She will be working at Hogwarts come September, and this will offer her protection against Voldemort."

"But until then, she'll be vulnerable," James added. "I'll see if I can get an Auror stationed outside her home."

"That is an excellent idea," Dumbledore replied. "But now, I really must be going. James, if you would be so kind as to remove the wards for me."

"Yes, of course." As James headed for the front door, a feeling of detachment came over him. The last time he had felt like this was after the deaths of his parents. That situation hadn't felt real either, but the prophecy made no sense at all. A baby as the savior of the wizarding world? Surely it had to be some kind of mistake… an unfair, unthinkable mistake.

A hand touched his shoulder. He turned and saw Dumbledore gazing back at him with a sad expression. "James, I am truly sorry this has happened. Merlin knows you do not deserve it after everything you have gone through."

"Thank you, sir." James went back to his task. When he opened the door, he saw that it had stopped raining. Dumbledore bid him farewell before setting off down the street. He had just put the protective spells back in place when he heard a loud crash. James ran towards the kitchen and found Ivy crouched on the floor, gathering up china shards.

"I'll do that, love. You might cut yourself." And with a wave of his wand, he vanished the mess from the dropped tea tray.

"I'm so bloody useless! I can't do anything… I can't even protect my own son!" She was hysterical now.

"Oh, Ivy, that isn't true." He tried to help her up, but she pushed his hand away.

"It is true! You can do magic, so you can't possibly understand," she shot back. "You have no idea how helpless I feel!"

Her words broke his heart because she was right: he couldn't understand. James knew it must be a thousand times worse for her. Ivy hadn't been a part of the wizarding world, but he'd dragged her into it. And now she's in danger because of me. His stomach twisted with guilt.

"I'm sorry," James said in a trembling voice. "I wish I could take it all back."

"Take what back?"

He looked away from her searching gaze. "I should have left you alone." James let the tears fall down his cheeks. "If I had, none of this would be happening."

"How can you say that to me? Since my parents died, you've been the only good thing in my life! I would never want it to be any different." Ivy placed her hands on his face, forcing him to look her. "I love you, James Potter, and I am so grateful that you walked into my café. Do you hear me?"

He was too emotional to speak, but he managed a nod. Ivy pulled him into her arms and rubbed his back as he wept. "We'll get through this," she soothed. "I promise we will." James felt awful. He was supposed to be strong for his wife, yet here he was, clinging to her like a little boy.

After crying himself out, James went into the bathroom to wash his face. He had never been the sort to show vulnerability, and until the deaths of his parents, he could have counted on one hand the amount of times he'd cried since the age of ten. Now though… well, he's lost track.

He sat down on the closed toilet lid and tried to come up with a plan. His only thought was: I have to tell Sirius… he'll know what to do – he always does. Some of the tension in his shoulders began to reached over and turned on the taps. This long, stressful day called for a soak in the tub. He dumped in orange blossom bubble bath and went to get Ivy. His wife was sitting at the kitchen table, just staring at a spot on the wall.

"Sweetheart, I'm running a bath. Let's take one together."

His voice snapped Ivy from her daze. "Sorry. What did you say?" James repeated himself and she managed a small smile. "Sure. That sounds lovely."

When they got to the bathroom, James brushed her strawberry-blonde hair until it shone like gold. "You're so beautiful," he murmured as she undressed. Ivy's slim body had transformed into a softer one with fuller breasts and curvier hips.

"No, I'm bloated," she said with a laugh. "But I appreciate you saying that."

"Hey, I mean it." He pulled her into his arms. "You're gorgeous."

She gave him a lingering kiss. "Help me in?"

James held her hand as she stepped into the tub. Ivy let out a sigh as she sank under the warm water. "Mmm, that feels nice."

"You lay there for a bit. I'll get you something to eat." James returned a few minutes later with a slice of cheesecake.

Ivy's face lit up. "How'd you know I was thinking about that? Did you read my mind?"

He chuckled. "Nope. I just know you very well." James leaned against the vanity and watched her eat. She seemed to be coming back to herself. The hollow expression had gone from her eyes at least.

Ivy held out the fork. "Here, I've saved you the last bite."

"Thanks, sweetheart," he said, taking it from her.

"Aren't you coming in?"

"Yeah." James took off his clothes and climbed in behind Ivy. "I love you so much," he murmured, kissing her freckled shoulder.

"Me too, babe," she replied, leaning back against him.

James rested his hands on her belly. Everything I care about is right here. He made a silent vow to protect his family, no matter the cost. James wasn't naïve – he knew full well that he might lose his life in the process. But that was a small price to pay if it meant they would be safe.

*.*.*

Ivy carried the washing into the garden. It was a beautiful April day in Godric's Hollow – sunny, with a slight spring chill in the air. She hung the wet clothes on the line before going back inside to fetch her book. Ivy had only just sat down when a calico cat jumped onto her lap.

"Hello, Juniper," she said, stroking her soft fur. James had brought the cat home a few weeks ago as a surprise gift. Ivy was glad of the company now that she had to stay home nearly every day.

Adjusting to a new way of life was difficult to the say the least. Ivy missed working at the café and going on city walks and picking up groceries at the market. But most of all, she missed her friends. A life of aimless drudgery wasn't easy for an independent young woman from a working-class family. The prophecy had not only taken her freedom, it had taken away her peace of mind.

"At least I'll be able to see Susie in a few days," she told Juniper. Sirius would be tagging along of course – something that annoyed her a bit if she were being honest. Unlike the other Aurors, James's best mate wasn't content to stand back and watch over her silently. He viewed his guard duty as just another opportunity to socialize. Ivy put up with his behavior for one simple reason: Sirius Black could always make her laugh. And Godric knew she needed that more than ever before.

Ivy opened The Railway Children – one of her favorite childhood books – and read aloud to Harry. Her throat grew hoarse after a few chapters. I wish I could summon a glass of water. She heaved a sigh. "Sorry, Junie, but I have to get up now." The cat jumped down and found a patch of sun to lie in.

Ivy went inside the cottage for a drink. She glanced at the wall clock. 4:26 PM. Time to prepare dinner… She tied on an apron and began cutting up the vegetables, potatoes, and meat. It was tedious work, but at least it kept her mind free from anxious thoughts. She put the cottage pie in the oven, set the portable timer, and took it upstairs with her.

She headed towards the nursery; a room that never failed to cheer her up. James had used an enchanted roller to paint the walls a pale yellow. Ivy walked over to the crib. Inside was a blue blanket and several stuffed animals. She picked up one of the teddy bears and cradled it to her chest as she looked over the space. There was a small wardrobe full of baby clothes, a changing table near a Winnie the Pooh art print, and a shelf containing picture books and toys. Harry would have everything that he needed.

Ivy sat in the rocking chair and glanced out the window. Juniper was still sprawled on the grass, soaking up the sunshine. Seeing the cat lazing outside made her drowsy. Yawning, Ivy rested her head against the cushion, and within a minute, she had drifted off to sleep.

Ivy dreamt of a baby boy with dark hair and turquoise eyes. He was smiling up at her from his crib. "Mama! Up!" he cried, holding out his arms. She picked him up and kissed his chubby cheek. "Hello, Harry." He placed his little hand on her face. "Hi Mama." Ivy's heart swelled with love. She heard James calling her name. "Let's go find your Papa." But she never got a chance because a shrill ringing startled her awake.

Disoriented, Ivy fumbled in her apron pocket for the timer. "Dear god, that scared me," she said, trying to still her racing heart. Harry gave a wiggle in her tummy. Ivy placed a hand over the movement and said, "I'm sorry, darling. I didn't mean to frighten you."

She went downstairs to shut off the oven. Nearly six… James should be home soon. Juniper ambled inside, meowing for dinner. After feeding the cat, Ivy plopped onto the couch. Household monotony was somehow more exhausting than working a shift at the café. Ivy read a few more chapters, and finally, at six-fifteen, she heard the door unlock. James walked in with a bouquet of peach roses.

"Welcome back," she said, getting up to greet him.

He kissed her on the lips. "Hello, love. How was your day?"

"Boring. How was yours?"

"Busy. Stressful." James hugged her with his free arm. "I'm glad to be home."

Ivy took the roses from him. "What's the occasion? Don't tell me you forgot when my birthday is," she teased

"No, I'm perfectly aware that your birthday is on the first of July." He smiled. "I just happened to be passing a flower stall and the color reminded me of you, so I got them."

She put her nose to a bloom, inhaling the delicate fragrance. "Thank you, babe. They're lovely." Ivy arranged them in a vase and placed them on the kitchen counter.

"Smells delicious," James declared, taking out the cottage pie. "Godric knows I wouldn't be able to boil an egg without magic."

"Oh, don't exaggerate! You could so."

"I couldn't," he insisted. "I'm an utter failure in the kitchen. We always had house elves to cook for us."

"Privileged little rich boy," she said playfully.

James flashed her a grin. "It's true. I won't deny it."

While they ate dinner, Ivy told him about seeing Harry in her dream. "I wonder if he'll really look like that – with your untidy black hair."

"Probably. All the men in my family are cursed with these ridiculous cowlicks."

Ivy smiled at him fondly. "You know, that was the first thing I noticed about you. I remember thinking: that bloke will never go bald."

James laughed. "You're kidding!"

"No, really. Because my dad lost his hair before he turned thirty. Do wizards lose their hair by the way?"

"Yeah, but they don't need to. There's a hair growing charm, plus potions to make it thicker."

Ivy shook her head. "It's amazing the things you can do with magic. All of you are so lucky."

"I know. It might sound odd to admit, but until I met you, I never gave it much thought. I mean, it's all I've ever known. I suppose we take magic for granted."

There was a thoughtful silence as they chewed their food.

"Hey, Ivy? What are your favorite childhood memories with your parents?"

"Hmm, definitely our camping trips. Mum and dad used to pack up our VW van during the summer and we'd just set off. I used to think that was so adventurous, you know?" A bittersweet nostalgia came over her. "God, I loved those days… I'd give anything to wake up in that van and watch the sunrise with them."

James's smile was tinged with sadness. "It sounds perfect."

"What about you? Did you ever go camping?"

"Yeah, but it wasn't as fun. My parents would take me by side-along apparition, and part of what makes Muggle camping so great is taking in the scenery on the way there. I did love our tent though. It looked like a log cabin inside."

That intrigued her. "Really? Do you still have it?"

"Yeah. It's in the basement."

She brightened at this. "Do you think we could we have a camp out in the garden?"

"Sure. I'll set it up after dinner."

While James was busy with the tent, Ivy poked around in the cupboards until she found a bag of marshmallows. They roasted them over enchanted blue flames.

"If Sirius were here, he could play us some campfire songs," James said, blowing on his marshmallow.

"Don't get me wrong, I enjoy Sirius's company, but I wouldn't want him living with us. That's a little too much exuberance for me," she joked.

"Yeah, I reckon Marlene wouldn't appreciate it either."

Ivy wondered if this was true. Sirius was always flirting with Susie, and somehow, she had a hard time imagining him as the monogamous type. Then again, they could have one of those open relationships, she added to herself. Not that it was any of her concern. Sirius was a trustworthy friend, which was all she really needed to know about him.

As they lay gazing up at the stars, her husband told her about the trips he had taken with his parents. James had been all over the world, while Ivy had never once left the United Kingdom. Part of her wanted to suggest they go on the run… just leave everything behind and travel abroad like gypsies. But she knew that James would never do that. He had a sense of duty holding him here. Asking him to abandon his friends in the middle of a war would be selfish and unfair.

"When all this is over, we'll go traveling," James told her. "I want you and Harry to experience the beauty of this world."

She smiled at him. "That sounds wonderful."

Of course, what neither of them said was: if we survive this. Because it was too painful to contemplate that they might not. James was just twenty years old, and Ivy hadn't even turned nineteen yet. Their lives had barely begun.

Ivy sat up to hide the tears that were forming. "Can we go inside the tent now? I want to see this cabin."

"Of course, love."

She discreetly wiped her eyes before he had a chance to notice. Stop this! Don't ruin a perfectly good night by bringing up your fears, she scolded. Ivy dealt with her anxiety by keeping a journal. And after writing in it, she'd rip out the entry and burn it as a kind of spiritual cleansing. This seemed to help anyway.

James held open the tent flap. She ducked inside and let out a gasp when she saw how spacious it was. The living room contained comfortable furniture set around a large, stone hearth. There was also a kitchenette with an eating area, a fully fitted bathroom, and two bedrooms.

"God, I love magic," she said softly, but James must have heard because he chuckled.

He reached for her hand. "Seeing it through your eyes is refreshing."

When they were lying in bed sometime later, James asked if she was all right. "I suppose I am," she replied.

"Ivy, love, look at me."

She met his hazel eyes. With his glasses off, they appeared larger and more innocent. James's lashes were dark and thick – completely unlike her pale, sparse ones. Ivy had teased him on more than one occasion, calling him "the beautiful one in the relationship." Why he had fallen for such an ordinary girl like her was a complete mystery.

He stroked the hair at her temples. "I don't want you keeping things from me. It's bad enough that you're alone during the day, but I damn well don't want you to feel emotionally alone too. This is a horrible situation, and we won't be able to get through it unless we're honest with each other. We can't be strong on our own; we have to be strong together. Okay, sweetheart?"

Ivy nodded, biting her bottom lip.

"So let me ask you again. How are you really?"

She exhaled. "Scared. Overwhelmed. Everything feels hopeless." Tears pooled in her eyes. "I'm trying, James. I really am, but it's so bloody hard."

"I know, baby," he said, pulling her close.

She leaned her cheek against his chest and found herself wondering – not for the first time – if those beats were numbered… if their hearts were just clocks ticking down to the day of the prophecy. Ivy hated thinking such morbid thoughts, but she couldn't banish them. They burrowed inside her like a parasite.

"I'm terrified that Sirius will come here one day and tell me you've been killed. I don't know what I'd do without you," Ivy admitted, her voice breaking. "I couldn't deal with this on my own. I'd go mad!"

He rubbed her back. "Then I'll stop working. I'll stay here with you."

"Oh, James, you can't do that." Ivy raised her head to look at him. "You need a purpose. If you didn't have one, you'd go barmy."

"Well, at least we'd go barmy together," he joked.

"Honey, I'm being serious. I don't want you to shut yourself away like I have to. You asked me to be honest, so I am. But I'm not saying any of this to guilt you."

James wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Okay. Thank you for telling me about your fears."

Then something happened to distract Ivy from her misery. She sat up in bed. "Harry just kicked me! Here, feel," she said, guiding James's hand to the spot.

His face broke into a grin. "He's a spirited little chap, isn't he?"

Ivy smiled back at him. "Yes, he is. Harry will grow up big and strong, just like his Papa."

Before James switched off the light, he pressed a goodnight kiss to her belly. Ivy turned on her side and James nestled behind her – his arm draped protectively across her body. "I love you, Harry," she whispered. "Mummy and Daddy will always protect you." As though in response, Ivy felt a flutter beneath her fingertips. Sweet dreams, my darling boy.

*.*.*

Severus used a Portkey to meet Dumbledore for their weekly briefing. The location was always different. This time, he arrived at what he guessed was a Muggle inn judging by the television set. A pair of French doors were thrown open and Albus Dumbledore was standing on a balcony – his long, silver hair glinting in the moonlight. It took him a moment to turn around.

"Hello, Severus. I had a sudden urge to be near the sea. The sound of waves is remarkably calming, don't you find?"

"I suppose so." Not that Severus had ever given it much thought. He'd certainly never gone on any seaside holidays with his parents.

"Ah, well, please indulge this old man his whims." He walked into the room, shutting the doors behind him. "Take a seat wherever you like."

Severus chose an armchair near the television and Dumbledore sat on a nearby loveseat.

"Have you anything to report, Severus?"

"Not much, sir. I've been brewing a lot of Polyjuice potion lately, but I don't know what it's being used for. The Dark Lord has not spoken of it at any of his meetings."

"Then it's a secret mission," Dumbledore said. "That bodes ill for us."

"Yes," he agreed.

The headmaster stroked his beard thoughtfully. "If I had to hazard a guess, I would imagine they are using it to pose as a ministry employee. Perhaps even someone they suspect is in the Order. I will tighten the security questions and inform the Auror department to do the same."

"Very good, sir." Severus stood. "If that's all—"

"No, there is something of grave importance that I must discuss with you."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Dumbledore began pacing the room. "I witnessed a prophecy last month. One that predicts the fall of Lord Voldemort."

His pulse started to race. "Well, that's certainly some good news."

"It is, but I'm afraid it comes at a cost. As most things do." Dumbledore sighed. "This prophecy names an unborn child as the one who will defeat him."

"What?" he asked in disbelief.

"The child of Ivy and James Potter to be exact."

Severus leaned heavily against the chair. "How do you know that it refers to them?"

"The prophecy states: 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... a child will be born as the seventh month dies... a child whose grandparents were murdered on the same fateful day… born of two worlds, the boy will heal the rift that divides us.' It can mean no one else. As you know, James and Ivy's parents were killed at a London park two years ago. Ivy is a Muggle and James is a Pureblood, making their son 'born of two worlds.' He is also due at the end of July."

He met the headmaster's gaze. "Why are you telling me this, sir?"

Dumbledore looked miserable. "Because you must inform Lord Voldemort about this prophecy."

Severus sat back down, feeling nauseated. "I can't do that. It would put the Potters in danger."

"I know, Severus. I have wrestled with my conscience this past month, but it always leads me back to this truth. Can you imagine a world where Voldemort wins, and Muggles are enslaved? A world where Muggle-borns are eradicated and witches and wizards are forced into marriages to produce Pureblood children? Such a future is unthinkable! Voldemort must be defeated – no matter the cost." Dumbledore paused. "I care for the Potters, but I cannot allow my personal feelings to stand in the way. I must do the right thing. Surely you understand this?"

"I do, sir," he replied grudgingly. "That doesn't mean I approve of it."

"Believe me, I am just as conflicted as you. I wish there were another way, but Voldemort's horcruxes have complicated the matter. I have only managed to destroy one of them, so asking you to poison Voldemort would only expose you as a traitor. At this point in time, the prophecy is our best hope for success. And by informing him of it, you will be viewed as one of his most faithful servants." Dumbledore continued to pace the room. "We, will, of course do all we can to protect the Potters. The prophecy says nothing of their deaths, which means they could very well survive. We may even kill Voldemort before he has a chance to target them."

Severus clutched the arm rests, trying to steady himself. "I understand the points you're making, but if the Potters die, I will be responsible for it."

"No, the blame will rest solely on me because I am the one who has made the decision," he replied sadly. "I know what I am asking you to do is dreadfully unfair. You have sacrificed more for our cause than anyone should. And your fight is not over – in many ways it is just beginning. There will be more lives lost, more grief, more pain before we reach the end. But rest assured, there will be an end as long as we do what is required of us." Dumbledore looked at him. "I leave you with one question: what kind of world do you want your son to live in?"

Severus remained silent for a long moment. "I'll need to know where the prophecy was made and how I happened to hear it."

Dumbledore told him about the room at The Hog's Head Inn. "Say that you were there for a drink and you saw me going upstairs with someone. You were curious, so you followed me to see if you could overhear anything important. The barkeep discovered you eavesdropping and threw you out." He handed him a scrap of parchment. "This is only the first half of the prophecy. It is the second half that predicts Lord Voldemort's demise. But the less you know of that, the better."

"Is there anything else, sir?" he asked, his tone hollow.

"What I have asked of you must remain a secret. No one can know of this." Dumbledore's gaze was sharp, probing. "I'll need your solemn word."

"You have it. I won't tell anyone – not even Marlene."

Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Severus. I am in your debt."

He gave a nod, but he didn't say goodbye. He was too angry for niceties.

Severus Apparated to his childhood home in Spinner's End. He went into the kitchen, poured himself a firewhisky, and downed it in one gulp. At that moment, he hated Dumbledore almost as much as Voldemort. Severus threw his empty glass against the wall, where it shattered upon impact. Dumbledore had manipulated him by bringing up Silas. He'd known exactly what to say to get him to agree.

Severus slumped in a chair, his head in his hands. Everyone knew about the bad blood between himself and James Potter. The arrogant bully used to make his life miserable, but they had grown up, and the once bitter enemies even had a few things in common now. Yet here he was, being asked to sell out the Potters for the greater good.

With a shaky breath, Severus retrieved the piece of parchment and read the damning words. The prophecy had set something in motion which could not be stopped. They were all in the hands of fate now.


Closing note: Yeah, so that was pretty heavy stuff… but the good news is, the next chapter will be a lot happier and lighter! Until then, please take care of yourselves.