Chapter Two – To Ask Some Favors
The air around Hogwarts was cold, and sour. There was no sweet smell of rain, which Harry could usually sense when he arrived at his school. Instead of a deep blue, with specks of white stars, (which winked in a welcoming fashion at the students), there were heavy clouds, so thick, they completely covered the half moon.
The first years split from the rest of the students, going into boats, and floated across the water to get to their new school. The fog over the lake created a strange sight for all the students; none of them have ever seen it that way. The rest of the students traveled in carriages to the magnificent castle.
Just before Harry closed the door to his carriage, he looked around for his half human, half giant friend, Hagrid. When he couldn't see him through the dark, he sighed sadly. He closed the door, and sat back down, next to Ginny Weasley, across from Hermione and Ron.
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"This isn't right. You know for a fact he wants it; and you know for a fact he must kill him for it, Albus. You have to tell him."
Dumbledore shook his head profusely. "No, no, no!" He sat down into his large chair. "Minerva, I know you care about young Harry. I do too. But I can't have him living in even more fear. Besides, he's not ready to know the truth."
Minerva McGonagall gaped at the Headmaster. "Not ready? Not ready? The Dark Lord has risen again, Albus! Have you missed that fact? He may be afraid now…but he doesn't even know why!" She sighed sadly, shook her head, and spoke softly. "Albus, he may only be fifteen years old, but he's been through more then anyone I know." She paused. "Well, except you, of course."
"Minerva…" Dumbledore tried to smile. "I understand that emotionally he has lived hundreds of years, but he is still too young." He opened up a drawer, and pulled out a parchment. "Minnie, you must keep this document a secret. The only others who know of it, are Sirius Black, and Severus Snape." He unrolled the parchment, and began to read.
Dear Headmaster,
As you know, Voldemort is after my family. We have no knowledge of when he should attack, or if he will be coming with an army of Death Eaters. Because of this, my wife Lily and I would like to ask you some favors, of how to raise our son, Harry.
Lilly and I do not want Harry to know of his family's past until the age of eighteen. Then, everything may be explained by his Godfather, Sirius Black. Sirius knows everything which is happening. We do not wish for Harry to know of his ancestors, nor of why Voldemort wishes to kill all Male Potters. Should Voldemort survive during Harry's childhood, please protect him in anyway you can, until he has turned to a reasonable age to marry, and procreate. Remember to tell him before he weds he must have a son: or everything we Potter's stand for shall be gone.
Please, Albus, I know I can trust you. Keep this document a secret; only Sirius Black, Harry's Godfather and my best friends knows of this letter. It is very important to follow these instructions; Lily and I feel it best he not know anything until he is eighteen.
Thank you, Albus. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
James Potter
Minerva stared at the letter. "James was insane. This is ridiculous!"
Dumbledore shook his head. "It has been this way for centuries, Minerva. I can't break the Potter ways. And I must say, I agree. It was stared way back when…by…" he stopped. "Well, you know who the original Potter was."
Minerva nodded. "But there is no way James could have known things would be this bad. And who knows when Harry will get married." She frowned. "I don't know if you've noticed, but he isn't very…flirtatious."
"True," Dumbledore agreed. "But I honestly don't think we'll have to wait must longer until he notices Ginny Weasley. She's doing a fine job." He smiled.
Minerva gave a slight laugh. "I guess. I just hate knowing that Harry is living scared and confused."
"Three more years, Minnie. Then, he can know."
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Voldemort paced his room. How to get him...how to get him..., he kept thinking. His faithful snake, Nagini, slept by the fireplace, only waking to the sounds of a mouse scurrying in other caverns. He looked at her constantly, trying to get inspiration on how to kill The Boy Who Lived.
He fell into his chair, too weak to do anymore "exercise". "Oh, Nagini," he said quietly. "When will I win?"
The snake continued to sleep.