Prologue: The Heir of the Lion
Part 3: The Ties That Bind
Like sand in an hourglass, minutes follow seconds, hours follow minutes, days follow hours, and years slip away. Memories fade and details are smoothed over by the winds of time. It's amazing how children never seem to notice. It's all so simple when you're a child. The world is your backyard, and the evils beyond the fence don't exist. Jan sat on the back porch watching the little girl in the yard, bent over, diligently watching some insect on the ground. Her thick brown hair was tied into a ponytail, and was so dark it could have been mistaken for black in poor light. That girl doesn't miss a thing. She's a child of nature, Jan thought, just like her mother. Jan turned her head and looked at Anna lovingly, who was sitting nestled against her husband, Donald. Oh yes, so much like her mother was as a child. A proper little witch, always fascinated by the details of nature, isn't she?
"Holly? Are you going to come show grandma what you found?" Jan called out to the child.
Holly looked over her shoulder, giggled, picked up something, and trotted over to Jan, her feet kicking through a thick carpet of autumn leaves. "See grandma? It likes me!" She held out a garden snake.
"Holly!" Don yelped in surprise. "Put that thing down! It could bite you!"
"But Daddy, why would she bite me? She's my friend! You don't like her, do you, Daddy?"
"Really, Don," admonished Anna. "She's got quite the way with animals. She's fine. Let her be."
Donald looked at his wife helplessly. "She comes home with buckets of frogs and toads, and she's only 5 years old! My daughter comes trotting up to me carrying a snake, and I'm supposed to be happy about that? You never warned me about this when we got married." His face softened. "I guess it's the surprises like this that make me love you so much. Are you sure it's not going to hurt her?"
"Donald, if I thought that thing was going to hurt my granddaughter, I would have blasted it out of her hand by now," Jan said in a voice that left no room for discussion.
"I'd have figured that being married to a witch for seven years, I wouldn't be surprised by anything by now."
"Ah, my dear, surprises are the spice of life, don't you know?" Anna looked extremely amused by her husband's loss for words. "Ah! Mail's here!"
Bram swept towards the porch, dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet at Jan's feet, and landed softly on her shoulder. She clacked her beak and bobbed her head in greetings, then turned her head towards Donald and made a noise Jan swore was a raspberry. Jan chuckled to herself and reached for the paper. Donald had started to ask if the bird just did what he thought it had done, but Jan silenced him with a wave of her hand. "Yes, Bram just teased you. She has quite the sense of humor, doesn't she? Now, speaking of surprises, let's see what we have here."
She unfolded the paper, and started skimming the headlines. Holly had no interest in any of that, so she went back towards the trees and began looking for more interesting creatures. "Hmmm," Jan mused over the paper. "Death Eater captured. That's always good news. What else? New intern, Rita Skeeter hired. This girl looks like trouble, I don't trust her eyes. OH MY!!!"
"What is it, mom?" Anna leaned over to get a better look, and began reading the article aloud.
"James and Lily Potter proudly announce the arrival of their first son, Harry James Potter, born 2:00 pm, July 31st. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and had a full head of hair at birth. Harry was named in honour of his grandfather, Harold Potter, who died just over a year ago. The proud parents have named Sirius Black as Harry's godfather. Black told the Daily Prophet reporter that he's certain Harry will match his namesake's accomplishments, and someday receive the Order of Merlin, 1st Class. Lily then reminded Black that Harry has to learn to walk first."
Jan and Anna were beaming, but Don broke the silence first. "Who?"
Anna laughed at him. "I'll explain later, dear."
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That evening, Donald and Anna had gone to bed, and Jan was sitting in front of the fireplace, relaxing after the day's visit with her family. She knew she wouldn't be able to spend much more time with them. A scratching at the window grabbed her attention, and she got up to let Bram into the room. He bird flew past her and perched on the back of the couch, clacking at her, showing immense irritation.
"Whoa, slow down, dear!" Jan admonished. "Now please, what seems to be the matter?"
Bram looked at her sadly, and sung a note that was impossible for any normal raven. She let the note quiver in the air for a moment, and then hopped down to the table by the armchair, picked up the copy of the Daily Prophet she had delivered earlier, and brought it to Jan. Jan sat down slowly and held the paper out at arms length.
"Yes, I should have looked more closely, especially with what the Dark Wizards have been doing. I felt it coming, but here with my family, you know it's so easy to forget. The guards I set up around this house, the spells and the enchantments. It's better protected then my own house."
Bram trilled sadly again, and turned the pages of the paper with her bill. The paper fell open to a familiar headline: "Death Eater Captured"
"Yesterday, expert Auror Alastor Moody captured a Death Eater under unusual circumstances. Unlike most Death Eaters, this man was working alone. Under Veritaserum, he confessed to have been a junior operative of the Dark Forces working during the Second Muggle War, and is now working for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He said his mission for He-Who-Must-Not-Be- Named is a spy mission, seeking a witch or wizard who spied in the United States during Hitler's power. He did not know why the Dark Lord seeks this person, nor who he or she is. Ministry of Magic Intelligence experts have contacted the American Committee of Magic, but there is no record of such a person. The Death Eater has been sentenced to life in Azkaban. The Ministry of Magic is now searching for any evidence supporting the Death Eater's statements."
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"The fool got caught. He failed me. Do you understand why this displeases me so much?" Voldemort stood in front of a small group of his most faithful Death Eaters, all of whom had their faces pressed to the ground at his feet. They knew not to speak until the Dark Lord specifically permitted it. "Malfoy, explain to us all why this displeases me so."
Without raising his face from the ground, Malfoy replied. "My Lord, this displeases you because your search for the spy might be compromised."
"And do any of you know why this spy is so important?" the Dark Lord's voice was low and dangerous. "Any of you, speak."
It was Nott who finally replied, and not a moment too soon. "This is the spy you believe to have brought about Hitler's downfall, My Lord. This spy, if he is still alive, could pose a threat to you."
"You are only partly correct. Yes, I believe this spy had a hand in Hitler's downfall." Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "But Hitler was a fool who let the muggles get too close. Nott," Voldemort kicked his follower lightly, "Do you honestly believe me to be so weak that a single spy could stop my eventual conquest of the Wizarding world?"
"N-n-no! No my Lord, never, I. . ."
"Silence!" spat Voldemort. "I will not have a Death Eater whimpering like a cornered Muggle. Crucio!"
There was silence in the room, aside from Nott's tormented screams. Finally, he turned his wand away, leaving Nott gasping for breath. "Pitiful. Next time, do not whimper. Nott, think, if you are capable of such action. Why was this spy the downfall of who was once the most influential Dark Wizard in the world?" He paused, but answered himself. "Because he carried a rare magical ability that allowed him not only to infiltrate the depths of Hitler's influence, but also the ability to alter a person's thoughts, directly. It is stronger than the Imperio Curse. More subtle. It is that power I desire. I will have it. You will all continue this search. Do not fail me. Now, get out of my sight."
The Death Eaters backed out of the room, their faces still turned sharply towards the floor. Voldemort sat back in his chair, facing the fireplace. He considered his position. He had just sent one of his best operatives to the United States, searching for records that might match the time during which this spy was active. It was only a matter of time until he would be found.
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The clattering of pots and pans woke Jan from a restless slumber. She opened her eyes to see a bright pair of brown irises mirroring her own. She smiled and braced for the inevitable impact, and immediately received a lapful of rambunctious five-year-old witch.
"Grandma's awake! Good morning!" Holly flung her arms tightly around Jan.
"Oof! My goodness, you're getting too big for this!" she laughed, picking up the child as she stood. "Now, I believe it's time for breakfast.!"
She walked into the kitchen and sniffed the air. "You made me coffee! Oh my dear, you're wonderful. Down you go, Holly. Good morning Anna, Donald."
After a round of good-morning greetings, they sat down to a hearty breakfast, with Jan complaining that she could never get a proper cup of coffee in England. They were laughing and talking, but Jan couldn't shake the chill that kept running the length of her spine. Anna noticed it, but held her thoughts. Anything that could bother her mother this much wasn't something that should be discussed over breakfast. After the dishes had been cleared, Don had left for work, and Holly had gone outside in search of more frogs, Jan and Anna slowly made their way to the back porch, carrying fresh cups of coffee.
"Mom," Anna began softly. "What's going on?"
Jan looked through the open window to the living room and pulled out her wand. "Accio newspaper." Her copy of the Daily Prophet flew smoothly into her outstretched hand. She opened the paper wordlessly, and held it out for her daughter. Anna took the paper, her hand trembling almost undetectably. Her eyes traveled back and forth over the page. She read the article once, then once again. Finally, she looked up with tears in her eyes. "Oh mom."
The paper fell to the floor, and mother embraced daughter as if for the last time. For all they knew, it might be. They pulled apart, and Anna's eyes were dry again.
"Anna, you have to stay here. Your house is protected. Besides, they're not after you. They want me. They don't know about you. I can lead them away. I don't know how they're going to track me, but if they can, they won't find me here. I can't stay."
"Where will you go? What will I tell Holly?"
Jan sighed. "Tell her the truth, as I always told you. She's strong. So are you, just like your mother. I'll be fine."
"Anything else I should know?" Anna asked, finally accepting that she couldn't change her mother's course of action.
"I'm leaving Bram with you. She can take care of herself, but she'll also take care of you. Keep Holly hidden. She's safe within the bounds of this property. Your secret will always be safe with me."
Anna's eyes showed their understanding of this statement. At this moment, Holly thundered up the stairs of the back porch, tears in her eyes. "Grandma, why are you leaving? Don't go, I'll miss you."
"Oh, dear Holly-berries. You know I'm not leaving you forever. I'll always be right here," Jan said, tapping the teary-eyed child on the middle of her forehead. "And I have a job for you. I want you to keep something for me. It's very special to me, and I want you to keep it safe. Can you do that?"
Holly nodded and wiped her eyes. Jan reached up towards the back of her neck and undid the clasp of a fine silver chain. She lifted the necklace up and over her head and held it out for Holly to see. "This is a present I got from your grandfather, a long time ago. He gave it to me the last time I saw him before he went off to fight the Dark Wizards. It's very special to me, and I want you to have it."
She draped the necklace over Holly's head and hooked the clasp in the back. The girl reached up and held the pendant in front of her face where she could see it. Her small hands traced the delicate sculpting of the lion's head, the simple but elegant framework. She looked up, tears threatening to overflow her deep brown eyes, but she took a deep breath, blinked, and said, "Thank you, grandma. I'll keep it safe for you."
"I know you will dear. I know you will."
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Severus Snape was in a foul mood. He would have screamed in frustration had he not been certain the noise would alert the entire nighttime population of Salem Headquarters. He settled for deepening his scowl. He had spent a over half a year scouring every center of the American Magical Government, searching for anything unusual, any record of a spy who served during Hitler's downfall. Thus far, he had met with one dead end after another. He put down yet another sheaf of parchments and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Lord Voldemort would not be pleased if he did not send a report soon. Bad news or no news, the results would be equally painful.
He reached for yet another file, resettled himself, and opened the cover page. As he read the name on the file, his eyes widened. In bold lettering was written a name he would never had expected to see.
HAROLD L. POTTER
What on earth was going on here? Snape began scanning page after page, report after report. The mission dates, the time of service, the date of his return to Britain; they all coincided with the spy's most important activities. Snape's mind was spinning. Could Potter be the spy? Was this why he received the Order of Merlin at such a young age? Snape almost jumped out of his chair in relief at such a discovery when he remembered a very important detail. Harold Potter was dead. His shoulders slumped. He had no choice. He would have to report this discovery to his master immediately.
Voldemort was pacing his study when the crumbling embers in his fireplace suddenly flared up. He turned to see the face of his most dutiful spy, staring subserviently at his carpet.
"Ah, Snape. A report at last, I trust? You have been working a long time, so I will assume a fruitful yield of information." The Dark Lord's voice was deceptively conversational.
"My Lord," Snape began without raising his eyes. "I have discovered an unusual record in the archives of Salem Headquarters. It appears that Harold Potter, the father of James Potter, was working in the United States during the war. All of his missions coincide with the few known activities of the spy, as well as his return to Britain. In addition, he was noted to be highly successful in solo missions, a common trait for a spy."
Voldemort's reptilian face contorted into something vaguely resembling a grin. "This is indeed good news. You have done well. Is there anything else you wish to report or ask?"
Snape visibly blanched. "My Lord, Harold Potter has been dead for well over a year. Will there still be some fruits to this search?"
"You ask intelligent questions, and you shall receive an answer." Voldemort began pacing as he spoke, and while his back was turned, Snape breathed a tremendous sigh of relief. "Most rare magical gifts are passed on, either to children or through the generations to an heir. This particular trait should be no different. One way or another, the power of true mind control will be mine."
He paused, and turned back towards the fireplace, his eyes glowing a ghastly shade of red. "You will return to me and lead a raid on Harold Potter's old house. Do whatever you want with his widow, but bring back any writings, unusual magical objects, and oddities you find. Then, we shall turn our attention to his heir. I will have the Potters."
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It was late March, and although landscape was beginning to shed the thick icy mantle of winter, the magical community was frozen by the raw bitterness of fear. Death Eaters had been wreaking havoc across the community, and most people cowered in their homes, praying they would not be the next target. Rachael Potter sat back in her rocking chair with a cup of tea and wrapped a shawl around her shoulder. She had spent a long day visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and new grandchild. Oh my, Harry was growing up so fast. She hoped, wistfully, that by some gift of fate, Harry would not have to live his life in a world ruled by fear. She sipped her tea and smiled into the warm glow of her fireplace. Quiet evenings like this were when she missed Harold the most. She closed her eyes, and could almost let herself believe she was still with her. Every evening, he'd come home from the Ministry, knocking at the door because he knew she liked to open it for him.
She was shaken from her thoughts by a noise at the front door. Her heart jumped into her throat. She pulled her wand from the pocket of her robe, stood slowly, and moved silently into the entryway. With the force of a cannon, the door blasted inwards, showering the front hall with splinters, paint chips, and plaster.
Six robed figures filed rapidly through the hole that had once been the front door. Snape's voice emerged from the last figure. "You know your orders. Search the house quickly and return." He looked around. "Where's the old woman?"
"She's here," Malfoy's voice responded as his darkly shrouded shape pulled the door aside from where it had landed. "I did quite a fine job with this door. The impact killed the old wench."
Snape walked up behind Malfoy and looked down at the woman's limp form strewn across the floor, her neck bent at an odd angle. He nodded, and inclined his head, indicating to Malfoy to continue the mission.
Twenty minutes later, the old Potter house was burning in the night, as the Dark Mark drifted in the sky above it.
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James Potter wasn't upset. He wasn't frantic. He was so far beyond those states of existence that he had lost all sense of emotion. Lily was sitting in a chair, rocking back and forth with a tight expression on her face, holding Harry close. He was sleeping, completely unaware of the events taking place around him. James looked at his son, and a wave of pain gripped his chest. His mother's house had been attacked, but it must have also been searched. His father's old Muggle safe had been taken from the building before it had burned. The Death Eaters hadn't just attacked a random house. They were looking for something, and they were going to come after him and his family next. How could he protect his son? There had to be an answer. There had to be something.
The doorknob clicked and the head of the Magical Law Enforcement department strode in and settled himself behind his desk.
"Mr. Potter, I have some difficult news for you. You may want to sit down." He indicated the chair next to Lily's. James sat without really noticing the motion. The wizard continued. "The Ministry believes your family may be targeted by Voldemort because of your father. On two separate occasions, Death Eaters have been captured who have confessed to have been searching for a spy who had worked in the United States during the Second Muggle War. We think they may suspect your father was involved."
James started to object, stammering slightly over words he couldn't formulate. Lily reached over and took his hand, her presence reassuring him. Harry turned and cooed softly in his sleep, and James nodded, looking back at the Ministry wizard.
"At any rate, we wish to offer you refuge at the Ministry until another option can be arranged. We can't stop you from going home, but for your safety, we recommend that you accept our offer. We can send for your essential belongings for now."
Lily spoke first. "We're very grateful for your offer, and we'll accept, on one condition." The wizard nodded, and she continued. "You help us find a way to go back to our home as soon as possible."
"Of course we wish nothing more than for you to continue your lives normally, and we'll do. . ."
"Everything in your power," James interrupted. "We know, but that's not good enough. They're not going to stop until they actually find us, or until You-Know-Who is dead. We have no idea how long that will take. I'm not going to make my family live their lives running in fear." He stood abruptly. "Contact Dumbledore. Don't ask questions, just do it."
"James, why?" Lily looked at him with utmost confusion.
"Because if anyone can figure it out, he can."
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"May I offer you a lemon drop, James?" Dumbledore's voice was light, but his eyes were wrinkled in concern.
"No, but thank you sir."
They were seated in Dumbledore's office, and for the first time since the attack on his parents' house, James almost felt safe. He had been in that office so many times while he was at Hogwarts, usually for some sort of mischief making. His memories of the Marauders almost coaxed a smile to his face. He briefly wondered what happened to the Marauder's Map after Filch had pinched it. His father had shown him how to make it, and it had been his special contribution to the band of mischief makers. His father. James's thoughts turned grey again. Thank goodness his father had never known what had happened to his mum. Now, he wanted to know, what was going to happen to this generation of Potters?
"Now, what are we going to do with the three of you?" Dumbledore asked, peering over his steepled fingers. James marveled to himself how Dumbledore always seemed to know what he was thinking. The bearded wizard answered himself. "You're going to stay right here for now. I happen to have a suite in the north tower that used to belong to a certain professor, but was vacated when he moved into the Headmaster's rooms. I'll have the house-elves spruce it up immediately."
Lily's bright green eyes were rimmed with tears. James was about to ask her what was wrong when she burst out, "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore! Thank you so much!"
Dumbledore opened his mouth to reply, but he was interrupted by a tiny giggle. Immediately, the twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "Now, who have we here?"
Lily let out a small laugh and lifted Harry for Dumbledore to see. Dumbledore stood, moved around his desk, and gently picked up Harry. Harry was looking around, his big eyes taking in everything. Suddenly, he pointed and squealed.
"Oh, so you like my phoenix, Harry?" Dumbledore carried him over to where Fawkes was perched. "His name is Fawkes. Would you like to say hi?"
Harry was already reaching towards the stunning bird as far as his tiny baby hands could go. He giggled. "Bird!"
Lily and James were on their feet in a heartbeat, Lily exclaiming loudly, "Did he just say what I think he said?"
Dumbledore nodded.
James grinned broadly. "My son just said his first word."
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Most of the Death Eaters preferred to keep their time in Voldemort's presence to a bare minimum. Today, the inner circle answered their summons in utmost trepidation. They knew that it was best left unsaid, but an unspoken knowledge passed between them. The Dark Lord had made a mistake. In his haste to go after the easy target, Harold Potter's old house, he had alerted James and Lily, sending them into hiding. Although nobody knew for certain, they were fairly positive that the Potters were hidden at Hogwarts, the one place in Britain Voldemort could not yet penetrate.
When the circle was complete, Voldemort spoke. His voice was not loud, but it crackled with an energy that paralyzed the Death Eaters with fear. "Do not, by any means, assume that this minor setback is going to damage our eventual success. The Potters are not so far out of my grasp. They have weaknesses, and we shall exploit them. Do you know what those weaknesses are? Malfoy?"
Malfoy pulled the first obvious answer from his mind. "Fear, my Lord?"
"Ah, but that is nothing unusual. Every person alive has fear." Voldemort spun around swiftly, his wand aimed directly at Malfoy's heart. Malfoy visibly staggered. "Wouldn't you say so, Malfoy?"
"Yes, my Lord," he choked.
Voldemort turned, his eyes glowing a dangerous red. "Perhaps my question can best be answered by Pettigrew."
A frightened squeak issued from a smallish form with its hood pulled low over the face.
"Wormtail, step forward. That's a good rat. Now, listen well. You have known the Potters since you were children. What would you say is their weakness?"
"I-I-I, uh, my Lord, I don't know."
"Oh come now, Wormtail. Think quickly, before I decide to assist your mental agility."
Pettigrew hesitated, and then spoke in a barely audible squeak. "My Lord, the trust people too much."
"Ah Wormtail, there is hope for you yet. Very little, but there is hope. For now, you are our most direct route to the Potters. Your mission is to solidify their trust, and somehow bring them to me. Don't ask me how yet. Observe. Influence their actions. Learn to use that puny rodent-like brain. Report back with everything you learn. Now, all of you, go."
The ring of dark-robed Death Eaters bowed deeply, and Disapparated.
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Anna felt the worry and anguish embedded in her half-brother's mind. It kept her awake at night sometimes, but there was nothing she could do. They were safe for now, but how long could that possibly last? Donald had gone to bed hours ago, but Anna had returned to the sitting room for a cup of tea and to try to calm her mind. She had considered a sleeping potion from her supplies, but tonight, she felt more inclined to let the insomnia play itself out. She closed her eyes and let her mind drift to where James laid tossing and turning next to his wife. His dreams were tense, filled with dark images, flashes of his mother's face, the Dark Mark floating over her house, images of Lily and Harry dead at the hands of Death Eaters. In his dream, he roared, and it was the deep-throated roar of a lion, tinged by anguish beyond words. Anna sighed, tears beginning to sting at the corners of her eyes. She took a deep breath and reached out, letting her thoughts flow over James's tormented mind like a cool river over parched earth. She felt his dreams quiet and he relaxed into a deeper sleep.
There wasn't much that could pull Anna away from the safety of her house, her daughter, her husband. She had always enjoyed the quiet solitude of her childhood home, a small house with a large garden, set beyond the end of a dead-end road. Now, fully grown, she and her husband had a modest house set similarly to her mother's, just outside another local neighborhood. She had tea with Natalie Corson every Tuesday afternoon, and played Bridge with the local ladies on Wednesday afternoons. Her life was comfortable where it was, but despite how closely she had integrated her life with the Muggles, the fact remained that she was a witch, and blood is thicker than afternoon tea. Only one thing could lead her to take such a risk with her life. She reached out again to touch her half-brother's mind, and found him resting peacefully. She took a sip of her tea. Yes, only one thing.
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"I won't risk their lives." James looked at Dumbledore with an almost pleading expression. "Are you certain this could work?"
Dumbledore's face was set with an expression of resolve. "I am most certain this can work. It's an ancient spell, involving one of the strongest forms of magic in the world, trust, which is almost as strong as love. I knew I had seen it somewhere, and it was in a book I had almost forgotten existed. I feel bound to apologize to you for taking this long, but the school term kept me so busy. Once the students were gone, I was able to devote a proper amount of time to the search. I assure you, the spell will work, provided we find the right person for the job."
"But a Secret Keeper?" Lily interjected. "How exactly does this work?"
"It's a complicated spell, but a simple theory, really. The most binding act of trust is to place your life into someone else's hands. When a person becomes your Secret Keeper, your secret, in this case, your whereabouts is magically enclosed within the very soul of that person. The only way your location could be discovered would be if that person were to freely give up the information."
"So we have to find someone we can trust absolutely," said Lily.
"Exactly." Dumbledore turned to James. "Any ideas?"
James offered a reserved smile. "I think it's time to call up the Marauders."
The next morning, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black found themselves seated around the fireplace of Dumbledore's old living quarters. James was pacing back and forth in front of them, explaining the concept of a Secret Keeper. Lily was sitting next to Sirius, gripping his forearm for comfort. Dumbledore had made himself comfortable in an armchair, entertaining an energetic baby boy.
"So," James concluded, "basically, I want one of you to be my Secret Keeper."
The other three Marauders sat there, jaws slightly agape. It was Peter who spoke first. "Who do you think it should be?"
"I was thinking that it should be Sirius."
Black's eyes went wide. "James, Lily, you know I would do anything for you and my godson, but how can I trust myself? If I'm captured, what if I'm not strong enough? I want to, but I just don't know. James, how could I live with myself?"
James sat on the arm of the couch next to Sirius. "Sirius, I made you Harry's godfather. I couldn't think of anyone I'd trust more."
Peter was looking pensive. He made a small squeaking sound like he usually did when he was upset.
"Peter?"
"Well," Peter began, "You do trust Sirius the most. Problem is, everybody knows that. He'd be in danger the second they figure out that you've got a Secret Keeper."
James looked back at Sirius, who shook his head. "James, if I could save you, Lily, and Harry by my own death, I'd risk it gladly. Thing is, if they catch me . . . oh James I just don't know. What if they did something I can't fight against?" James slumped against the back of the couch and put his hands over his face.
Pettigrew squeaked again. "What about Remus?"
Remus shook his head. "I'd do it, gladly. You know I would, James. You've always been there for me when I needed you the most, but honestly, can you trust a werewolf with this?"
James sighed, and looked back at Sirius. "Sirius?"
"I have to think about it. I really do."
"Well, my masters of mischief, you don't have to decide tonight you know." Dumbledore stood up, cradling a sleeping Harry. "Why don't you all get some rest? Go on home for tonight. Sirius, sleep on it. It's an important commitment, and you might as well make your decision after a good night's sleep."
Dumbledore placed Harry into Lily's waiting arms. "Besides, I think this little one has had enough for today."
They all laughed softly, and let Dumbledore lead them out. James and Lily settled down next to each other on the couch, watching Harry sleep. A few minutes later, Dumbledore returned. "So, James, Lily. Any consensus?"
"I don't know," James said. "I'd really want to have Sirius as our Secret Keeper, but Peter is right. He is too obvious. I didn't really think about putting him in danger."
"He knows the risks, James. You trust him, so trust him to make the best decision." Dumbledore paused, an unreadable expression on his face. "Lily, do you still have it? From your seventh year?"
"What?" she furrowed her eyebrows, confused for a moment. The moment passed quickly as realization struck her. "Oh yes, it's hidden at home. Do you want it?"
"No, no. That is not something for me to carry. Put it somewhere that would never be suspected. As long as it is safe from Voldemort, I feel assured that you will be protected."
James cocked his head. "Why can't we just destroy it?"
Dumbledore straightened his spectacles on his nose. "There are many types of magical shields. That particular one is more powerful than it appears. Lily, you did perform the Binding Charm on it?"
She nodded, lips pressed tightly together.
"It's not every witch or wizard who could perform that charm properly." He smiled at her favourably. "You happen to be one of the ones who can. Now, you two get some sleep. Harry's already a step ahead of you!"
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"Wormtail, do not cower at the door. I know you're there. You breathe louder than a winded bull."
The diminutive Death Eater entered the Dark Lord's personal study, grateful that his loose robes hid his trembling. "My Lord, I have news for you."
"I am well aware of that. Get on with it!"
"Yes, my Lord!" Pettigrew squeaked in fright. "The Potters are planning to return to their home, but with a Secret Keeper to protect the knowledge of their location."
"Who is this Secret Keeper, Wormtail?" Voldemort's patience was wearing slightly thin.
"They have not yet decided, my Lord. Potter wishes to choose from amongst the Marauders, but it appears as though they will choose Sirius Black."
"Wormtail, listen to me, and listen carefully," Voldemort hissed. "You have one chance to prove yourself remotely useful to me; otherwise, I believe I will find myself a new toy. When you return, you had best tell me that the Potters have made you their Secret Keeper. You will deliver them to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes my Lord!"
"Now get out of my sight!"
Pettigrew needed no more encouragement.
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Black looked up in surprise from his reading when a green flash in the fireplace deposited a disheveled Peter Pettigrew on his carpet. "Wormtail! What are you doing here?"
Peter looked absolutely shaken up, and Sirius naturally assumed it was in worry over his longtime friend, James. "Padfoot, I had to come talk to you. I've been thinking about it all night. Are you going to become Prongs's Secret Keeper? You've always been the strongest person, well, maybe you and James. They need you."
"Wormtail, I don't know if I can do it. Anybody is bound to figure out it's me. What can we do?" Sirius collapsed back into his chair.
"Who else is there, Padfoot? Moony said it himself. Even he doesn't think anyone should trust a werewolf with something so important. And then there's me. Ha! I'm the last person he should pick."
The expression on Sirius's face changed suddenly. He sat up straight, as though seeing Pettigrew in a whole new light. "Peter, you're a genius."
"I'm a what?" Peter's heart was racing, and he prayed Sirius would mistake the frantically hopeful expression on his face for confusion and panic.
"Peter, you're the last person they would EXPECT! They'd never go after you. You could do this, Peter!"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I have to tell James."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My Lord, it is done. The Potters have made me their Secret Keeper."
**********************************************************************
When the Inner Circle responded to the summons that night, an undercurrent of excitement hung in the air. Only the Inner Circle knew the significance of that night's attack. They held their collective breath as the Dark Lord began to speak.
"Faithful servants, you know that we have now located the Potters. Tonight begins a new step in our purification and conquest of the Wizarding world. This is my own mission. None are to enter the house but me. Those few I have chosen to honour with this privilege are to surround the area as I enter the house. Upon killing the last member of the Potter bloodline, this power of mind control is open to magical claim, and I shall claim it. With it, we shall be unstoppable. Power is ours!"
With that, Voldemort Disapparated.
*********************************************************************
Lily set the dishes to wash and strolled out to the living room where James was entertaining Harry. She smiled as she looked at the two of them, lying on a blanket on the living room floor, and wondered which one of them was the bigger baby. Harry cooed and giggled. "Daadaa!"
"I see you! Who's Daddy? Do you see Daddy?" James looked up at Lily with a gigantic grin on his face. "Honey, isn't it good to be home? Look at him. Babies don't belong in drafty old castles, not that I don't adore Hogwarts, but, well, it's just good to be home, isn't it?"
Lily laughed at him. He'd been practically giddy since Peter had left, entrusted with the Potters' most valuable Secret. The spell had been performed successfully. The only person who even knew it was Peter was Sirius. Not even Remus knew, although James hated to keep anything from his friends. It was for the best though, and finally, for the first time in months, James and Lily felt safe. James scooped up Harry and held him up in the air. "You're going to be a fine young wizard, you know, Harry. Your grandfather would be proud to see his little namesake now. Lily, did I ever tell you who I was named after?"
"No, dear. Who?"
"My father's boss, from his time working in the United States. Apparently, my dad didn't think Llewellyn was a good name for me. That was my grandfather's name."
Harry scrunched up his face. "Look at this!' James exclaimed. "He doesn't like it either! Good to know he's at least got some common sense with that kind of thing."
"That was your grandfather's name? Oh my, no wonder! I wonder where that name came from."
"It's an old Welsh name. It means 'like a lion.'"
Harry stuck out his tongue, laughed, then yawned. James chuckled. "I think I'd better put this little guy to bed. It's almost midnight. He shouldn't be awake. Lily? Lily, are you ok?"
"There's something very, very not right here."
A crashing sound at the front door confirmed their worst fears. Lily's voice was barely above a whisper. "They've found us. . ."
"Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off. . ." James pushed Harry into Lily's arms and shoved her towards the kitchen and the back door. Lily heard the door burst in behind her as she ran. She skidded to a halt in the kitchen to see a dark, hooded figure waiting beyond the back door. She turned on her heel and ran up the stairs, the sound of cold, high laughter ringing in her ears, then words she never thought she'd hear in her life. "Avada Kedavra!"
Anna woke with a start. Her heart was pounding, and she immediately knew where the problem was. James. He was in a total panic. She jumped out of bed, shoving her glasses onto her face and grabbing her wand from the night stand. She was pulling her cape on when Donald sat up, a look of utter confusion on his face. "Honey, what's going on? Where are you going?"
"Donald, oh my god, I, I mean, it's James. He's being attacked! It's You-Know-Who. I've got to go! I can help him!"
"Anna, are you crazy? They'll kill you too! I knew this witch stuff was going to cause trouble, but don't let it kill you! For God's sake, Anna!"
She spun to face him, and his face was a terrible mixture of fear, anger, panic, remorse, and utter misery. "Anna, please," he begged her.
She looked into his eyes, the eyes she had sworn to love for the rest of her life. "Take care of Holly. I love you." She grasped him in a tight hug, then stepped back, and without another word, vanished.
Anna Apparated in a thicket, just out of eyeshot of the Potter house. She could make out the sound of a man yelling, and could feel James's mind in a state of total panic. She pulled aside a branch, and saw the front door wide open. Before she could react, she heard the Curse. A green light flashed inside the Potter's living room, and the presence that she had felt her entire life vanished from her mind. Her brother was dead.
Then she felt a mind like no other. It was cold and ruthless. It was like a fetid piece of trash that had sat at the bottom of a cold lake. Voldemort. He was after her nephew.
She closed her eyes, and felt the panic radiating from Lily, and the simple, confused, and very upset mind of a young boy, Harry. Harry was the target. She had to save Harry. Then, she was seeing through the eyes of the boy. They were in a small room with a closed door. Lily was crying, clutching Harry tightly. The door blew open, and the most hideous face she had ever witnessed stared directly into Harry's eyes. He made a move for the boy, and Lily screamed. "Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!"
"Stand aside, you silly girl!" He moved again to grab the child. "Stand aside, now!"
"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead. . ."
Voldemort shoved Lily forward and she toppled into the bureau, shielding Harry with her body. She turned over to face the Dark Lord, Harry pressed against the bureau drawers behind her. Her voice was ragged and exhausted as she cried her final pleas. "Not Harry! Please . . . have mercy . . . have mercy . . ."
Voldemort laughed, a high, cold laugh. He raised his wand, and as Lily screamed, he cried, "Avada Kedavra!" Her body sagged to the floor. Voldemort pulled her off of the child. Anna could almost hear his thoughts echoing from beyond Harry's. He didn't just want to kill the child. He thought Harry had something he wanted. Anna almost choked when she realized what Voldemort wanted. The Mind Touch. He thought Harry had the Mind Touch, and he was going to kill the child for it. It was too late to save her brother, but maybe she could still do something for his son.
As Voldemort raised his wand, Anna pushed Harry's consciousness fully aside, and took over the mind of the little child. She looked up at Voldemort, unafraid. "Avada . . ." Then she reached out and touched Voldemort's mind, and connected it to hers. You can't use the killing curse on yourself. If she was going to die, she'd take Voldemort down with her . . . "Kedavra!"
A brilliant green light flashed across Anna's vision. She could feel her mind releasing from her body, sinking slowly. Her life was flying away from her, but in her last moment of awareness, she knew two things. First, she had managed to maintain her hold on Voldemort, and his mind had been torn from his body. Second, she felt Harry's mind and spirit settle back into being . . . she had saved the boy.
Back in her bed, in a little house in Newmarket, Holly woke up screaming.
Part 3: The Ties That Bind
Like sand in an hourglass, minutes follow seconds, hours follow minutes, days follow hours, and years slip away. Memories fade and details are smoothed over by the winds of time. It's amazing how children never seem to notice. It's all so simple when you're a child. The world is your backyard, and the evils beyond the fence don't exist. Jan sat on the back porch watching the little girl in the yard, bent over, diligently watching some insect on the ground. Her thick brown hair was tied into a ponytail, and was so dark it could have been mistaken for black in poor light. That girl doesn't miss a thing. She's a child of nature, Jan thought, just like her mother. Jan turned her head and looked at Anna lovingly, who was sitting nestled against her husband, Donald. Oh yes, so much like her mother was as a child. A proper little witch, always fascinated by the details of nature, isn't she?
"Holly? Are you going to come show grandma what you found?" Jan called out to the child.
Holly looked over her shoulder, giggled, picked up something, and trotted over to Jan, her feet kicking through a thick carpet of autumn leaves. "See grandma? It likes me!" She held out a garden snake.
"Holly!" Don yelped in surprise. "Put that thing down! It could bite you!"
"But Daddy, why would she bite me? She's my friend! You don't like her, do you, Daddy?"
"Really, Don," admonished Anna. "She's got quite the way with animals. She's fine. Let her be."
Donald looked at his wife helplessly. "She comes home with buckets of frogs and toads, and she's only 5 years old! My daughter comes trotting up to me carrying a snake, and I'm supposed to be happy about that? You never warned me about this when we got married." His face softened. "I guess it's the surprises like this that make me love you so much. Are you sure it's not going to hurt her?"
"Donald, if I thought that thing was going to hurt my granddaughter, I would have blasted it out of her hand by now," Jan said in a voice that left no room for discussion.
"I'd have figured that being married to a witch for seven years, I wouldn't be surprised by anything by now."
"Ah, my dear, surprises are the spice of life, don't you know?" Anna looked extremely amused by her husband's loss for words. "Ah! Mail's here!"
Bram swept towards the porch, dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet at Jan's feet, and landed softly on her shoulder. She clacked her beak and bobbed her head in greetings, then turned her head towards Donald and made a noise Jan swore was a raspberry. Jan chuckled to herself and reached for the paper. Donald had started to ask if the bird just did what he thought it had done, but Jan silenced him with a wave of her hand. "Yes, Bram just teased you. She has quite the sense of humor, doesn't she? Now, speaking of surprises, let's see what we have here."
She unfolded the paper, and started skimming the headlines. Holly had no interest in any of that, so she went back towards the trees and began looking for more interesting creatures. "Hmmm," Jan mused over the paper. "Death Eater captured. That's always good news. What else? New intern, Rita Skeeter hired. This girl looks like trouble, I don't trust her eyes. OH MY!!!"
"What is it, mom?" Anna leaned over to get a better look, and began reading the article aloud.
"James and Lily Potter proudly announce the arrival of their first son, Harry James Potter, born 2:00 pm, July 31st. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and had a full head of hair at birth. Harry was named in honour of his grandfather, Harold Potter, who died just over a year ago. The proud parents have named Sirius Black as Harry's godfather. Black told the Daily Prophet reporter that he's certain Harry will match his namesake's accomplishments, and someday receive the Order of Merlin, 1st Class. Lily then reminded Black that Harry has to learn to walk first."
Jan and Anna were beaming, but Don broke the silence first. "Who?"
Anna laughed at him. "I'll explain later, dear."
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That evening, Donald and Anna had gone to bed, and Jan was sitting in front of the fireplace, relaxing after the day's visit with her family. She knew she wouldn't be able to spend much more time with them. A scratching at the window grabbed her attention, and she got up to let Bram into the room. He bird flew past her and perched on the back of the couch, clacking at her, showing immense irritation.
"Whoa, slow down, dear!" Jan admonished. "Now please, what seems to be the matter?"
Bram looked at her sadly, and sung a note that was impossible for any normal raven. She let the note quiver in the air for a moment, and then hopped down to the table by the armchair, picked up the copy of the Daily Prophet she had delivered earlier, and brought it to Jan. Jan sat down slowly and held the paper out at arms length.
"Yes, I should have looked more closely, especially with what the Dark Wizards have been doing. I felt it coming, but here with my family, you know it's so easy to forget. The guards I set up around this house, the spells and the enchantments. It's better protected then my own house."
Bram trilled sadly again, and turned the pages of the paper with her bill. The paper fell open to a familiar headline: "Death Eater Captured"
"Yesterday, expert Auror Alastor Moody captured a Death Eater under unusual circumstances. Unlike most Death Eaters, this man was working alone. Under Veritaserum, he confessed to have been a junior operative of the Dark Forces working during the Second Muggle War, and is now working for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. He said his mission for He-Who-Must-Not-Be- Named is a spy mission, seeking a witch or wizard who spied in the United States during Hitler's power. He did not know why the Dark Lord seeks this person, nor who he or she is. Ministry of Magic Intelligence experts have contacted the American Committee of Magic, but there is no record of such a person. The Death Eater has been sentenced to life in Azkaban. The Ministry of Magic is now searching for any evidence supporting the Death Eater's statements."
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"The fool got caught. He failed me. Do you understand why this displeases me so much?" Voldemort stood in front of a small group of his most faithful Death Eaters, all of whom had their faces pressed to the ground at his feet. They knew not to speak until the Dark Lord specifically permitted it. "Malfoy, explain to us all why this displeases me so."
Without raising his face from the ground, Malfoy replied. "My Lord, this displeases you because your search for the spy might be compromised."
"And do any of you know why this spy is so important?" the Dark Lord's voice was low and dangerous. "Any of you, speak."
It was Nott who finally replied, and not a moment too soon. "This is the spy you believe to have brought about Hitler's downfall, My Lord. This spy, if he is still alive, could pose a threat to you."
"You are only partly correct. Yes, I believe this spy had a hand in Hitler's downfall." Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "But Hitler was a fool who let the muggles get too close. Nott," Voldemort kicked his follower lightly, "Do you honestly believe me to be so weak that a single spy could stop my eventual conquest of the Wizarding world?"
"N-n-no! No my Lord, never, I. . ."
"Silence!" spat Voldemort. "I will not have a Death Eater whimpering like a cornered Muggle. Crucio!"
There was silence in the room, aside from Nott's tormented screams. Finally, he turned his wand away, leaving Nott gasping for breath. "Pitiful. Next time, do not whimper. Nott, think, if you are capable of such action. Why was this spy the downfall of who was once the most influential Dark Wizard in the world?" He paused, but answered himself. "Because he carried a rare magical ability that allowed him not only to infiltrate the depths of Hitler's influence, but also the ability to alter a person's thoughts, directly. It is stronger than the Imperio Curse. More subtle. It is that power I desire. I will have it. You will all continue this search. Do not fail me. Now, get out of my sight."
The Death Eaters backed out of the room, their faces still turned sharply towards the floor. Voldemort sat back in his chair, facing the fireplace. He considered his position. He had just sent one of his best operatives to the United States, searching for records that might match the time during which this spy was active. It was only a matter of time until he would be found.
**********************************************************************
The clattering of pots and pans woke Jan from a restless slumber. She opened her eyes to see a bright pair of brown irises mirroring her own. She smiled and braced for the inevitable impact, and immediately received a lapful of rambunctious five-year-old witch.
"Grandma's awake! Good morning!" Holly flung her arms tightly around Jan.
"Oof! My goodness, you're getting too big for this!" she laughed, picking up the child as she stood. "Now, I believe it's time for breakfast.!"
She walked into the kitchen and sniffed the air. "You made me coffee! Oh my dear, you're wonderful. Down you go, Holly. Good morning Anna, Donald."
After a round of good-morning greetings, they sat down to a hearty breakfast, with Jan complaining that she could never get a proper cup of coffee in England. They were laughing and talking, but Jan couldn't shake the chill that kept running the length of her spine. Anna noticed it, but held her thoughts. Anything that could bother her mother this much wasn't something that should be discussed over breakfast. After the dishes had been cleared, Don had left for work, and Holly had gone outside in search of more frogs, Jan and Anna slowly made their way to the back porch, carrying fresh cups of coffee.
"Mom," Anna began softly. "What's going on?"
Jan looked through the open window to the living room and pulled out her wand. "Accio newspaper." Her copy of the Daily Prophet flew smoothly into her outstretched hand. She opened the paper wordlessly, and held it out for her daughter. Anna took the paper, her hand trembling almost undetectably. Her eyes traveled back and forth over the page. She read the article once, then once again. Finally, she looked up with tears in her eyes. "Oh mom."
The paper fell to the floor, and mother embraced daughter as if for the last time. For all they knew, it might be. They pulled apart, and Anna's eyes were dry again.
"Anna, you have to stay here. Your house is protected. Besides, they're not after you. They want me. They don't know about you. I can lead them away. I don't know how they're going to track me, but if they can, they won't find me here. I can't stay."
"Where will you go? What will I tell Holly?"
Jan sighed. "Tell her the truth, as I always told you. She's strong. So are you, just like your mother. I'll be fine."
"Anything else I should know?" Anna asked, finally accepting that she couldn't change her mother's course of action.
"I'm leaving Bram with you. She can take care of herself, but she'll also take care of you. Keep Holly hidden. She's safe within the bounds of this property. Your secret will always be safe with me."
Anna's eyes showed their understanding of this statement. At this moment, Holly thundered up the stairs of the back porch, tears in her eyes. "Grandma, why are you leaving? Don't go, I'll miss you."
"Oh, dear Holly-berries. You know I'm not leaving you forever. I'll always be right here," Jan said, tapping the teary-eyed child on the middle of her forehead. "And I have a job for you. I want you to keep something for me. It's very special to me, and I want you to keep it safe. Can you do that?"
Holly nodded and wiped her eyes. Jan reached up towards the back of her neck and undid the clasp of a fine silver chain. She lifted the necklace up and over her head and held it out for Holly to see. "This is a present I got from your grandfather, a long time ago. He gave it to me the last time I saw him before he went off to fight the Dark Wizards. It's very special to me, and I want you to have it."
She draped the necklace over Holly's head and hooked the clasp in the back. The girl reached up and held the pendant in front of her face where she could see it. Her small hands traced the delicate sculpting of the lion's head, the simple but elegant framework. She looked up, tears threatening to overflow her deep brown eyes, but she took a deep breath, blinked, and said, "Thank you, grandma. I'll keep it safe for you."
"I know you will dear. I know you will."
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Severus Snape was in a foul mood. He would have screamed in frustration had he not been certain the noise would alert the entire nighttime population of Salem Headquarters. He settled for deepening his scowl. He had spent a over half a year scouring every center of the American Magical Government, searching for anything unusual, any record of a spy who served during Hitler's downfall. Thus far, he had met with one dead end after another. He put down yet another sheaf of parchments and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Lord Voldemort would not be pleased if he did not send a report soon. Bad news or no news, the results would be equally painful.
He reached for yet another file, resettled himself, and opened the cover page. As he read the name on the file, his eyes widened. In bold lettering was written a name he would never had expected to see.
HAROLD L. POTTER
What on earth was going on here? Snape began scanning page after page, report after report. The mission dates, the time of service, the date of his return to Britain; they all coincided with the spy's most important activities. Snape's mind was spinning. Could Potter be the spy? Was this why he received the Order of Merlin at such a young age? Snape almost jumped out of his chair in relief at such a discovery when he remembered a very important detail. Harold Potter was dead. His shoulders slumped. He had no choice. He would have to report this discovery to his master immediately.
Voldemort was pacing his study when the crumbling embers in his fireplace suddenly flared up. He turned to see the face of his most dutiful spy, staring subserviently at his carpet.
"Ah, Snape. A report at last, I trust? You have been working a long time, so I will assume a fruitful yield of information." The Dark Lord's voice was deceptively conversational.
"My Lord," Snape began without raising his eyes. "I have discovered an unusual record in the archives of Salem Headquarters. It appears that Harold Potter, the father of James Potter, was working in the United States during the war. All of his missions coincide with the few known activities of the spy, as well as his return to Britain. In addition, he was noted to be highly successful in solo missions, a common trait for a spy."
Voldemort's reptilian face contorted into something vaguely resembling a grin. "This is indeed good news. You have done well. Is there anything else you wish to report or ask?"
Snape visibly blanched. "My Lord, Harold Potter has been dead for well over a year. Will there still be some fruits to this search?"
"You ask intelligent questions, and you shall receive an answer." Voldemort began pacing as he spoke, and while his back was turned, Snape breathed a tremendous sigh of relief. "Most rare magical gifts are passed on, either to children or through the generations to an heir. This particular trait should be no different. One way or another, the power of true mind control will be mine."
He paused, and turned back towards the fireplace, his eyes glowing a ghastly shade of red. "You will return to me and lead a raid on Harold Potter's old house. Do whatever you want with his widow, but bring back any writings, unusual magical objects, and oddities you find. Then, we shall turn our attention to his heir. I will have the Potters."
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It was late March, and although landscape was beginning to shed the thick icy mantle of winter, the magical community was frozen by the raw bitterness of fear. Death Eaters had been wreaking havoc across the community, and most people cowered in their homes, praying they would not be the next target. Rachael Potter sat back in her rocking chair with a cup of tea and wrapped a shawl around her shoulder. She had spent a long day visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and new grandchild. Oh my, Harry was growing up so fast. She hoped, wistfully, that by some gift of fate, Harry would not have to live his life in a world ruled by fear. She sipped her tea and smiled into the warm glow of her fireplace. Quiet evenings like this were when she missed Harold the most. She closed her eyes, and could almost let herself believe she was still with her. Every evening, he'd come home from the Ministry, knocking at the door because he knew she liked to open it for him.
She was shaken from her thoughts by a noise at the front door. Her heart jumped into her throat. She pulled her wand from the pocket of her robe, stood slowly, and moved silently into the entryway. With the force of a cannon, the door blasted inwards, showering the front hall with splinters, paint chips, and plaster.
Six robed figures filed rapidly through the hole that had once been the front door. Snape's voice emerged from the last figure. "You know your orders. Search the house quickly and return." He looked around. "Where's the old woman?"
"She's here," Malfoy's voice responded as his darkly shrouded shape pulled the door aside from where it had landed. "I did quite a fine job with this door. The impact killed the old wench."
Snape walked up behind Malfoy and looked down at the woman's limp form strewn across the floor, her neck bent at an odd angle. He nodded, and inclined his head, indicating to Malfoy to continue the mission.
Twenty minutes later, the old Potter house was burning in the night, as the Dark Mark drifted in the sky above it.
************************************************************************
James Potter wasn't upset. He wasn't frantic. He was so far beyond those states of existence that he had lost all sense of emotion. Lily was sitting in a chair, rocking back and forth with a tight expression on her face, holding Harry close. He was sleeping, completely unaware of the events taking place around him. James looked at his son, and a wave of pain gripped his chest. His mother's house had been attacked, but it must have also been searched. His father's old Muggle safe had been taken from the building before it had burned. The Death Eaters hadn't just attacked a random house. They were looking for something, and they were going to come after him and his family next. How could he protect his son? There had to be an answer. There had to be something.
The doorknob clicked and the head of the Magical Law Enforcement department strode in and settled himself behind his desk.
"Mr. Potter, I have some difficult news for you. You may want to sit down." He indicated the chair next to Lily's. James sat without really noticing the motion. The wizard continued. "The Ministry believes your family may be targeted by Voldemort because of your father. On two separate occasions, Death Eaters have been captured who have confessed to have been searching for a spy who had worked in the United States during the Second Muggle War. We think they may suspect your father was involved."
James started to object, stammering slightly over words he couldn't formulate. Lily reached over and took his hand, her presence reassuring him. Harry turned and cooed softly in his sleep, and James nodded, looking back at the Ministry wizard.
"At any rate, we wish to offer you refuge at the Ministry until another option can be arranged. We can't stop you from going home, but for your safety, we recommend that you accept our offer. We can send for your essential belongings for now."
Lily spoke first. "We're very grateful for your offer, and we'll accept, on one condition." The wizard nodded, and she continued. "You help us find a way to go back to our home as soon as possible."
"Of course we wish nothing more than for you to continue your lives normally, and we'll do. . ."
"Everything in your power," James interrupted. "We know, but that's not good enough. They're not going to stop until they actually find us, or until You-Know-Who is dead. We have no idea how long that will take. I'm not going to make my family live their lives running in fear." He stood abruptly. "Contact Dumbledore. Don't ask questions, just do it."
"James, why?" Lily looked at him with utmost confusion.
"Because if anyone can figure it out, he can."
***********************************************************************
"May I offer you a lemon drop, James?" Dumbledore's voice was light, but his eyes were wrinkled in concern.
"No, but thank you sir."
They were seated in Dumbledore's office, and for the first time since the attack on his parents' house, James almost felt safe. He had been in that office so many times while he was at Hogwarts, usually for some sort of mischief making. His memories of the Marauders almost coaxed a smile to his face. He briefly wondered what happened to the Marauder's Map after Filch had pinched it. His father had shown him how to make it, and it had been his special contribution to the band of mischief makers. His father. James's thoughts turned grey again. Thank goodness his father had never known what had happened to his mum. Now, he wanted to know, what was going to happen to this generation of Potters?
"Now, what are we going to do with the three of you?" Dumbledore asked, peering over his steepled fingers. James marveled to himself how Dumbledore always seemed to know what he was thinking. The bearded wizard answered himself. "You're going to stay right here for now. I happen to have a suite in the north tower that used to belong to a certain professor, but was vacated when he moved into the Headmaster's rooms. I'll have the house-elves spruce it up immediately."
Lily's bright green eyes were rimmed with tears. James was about to ask her what was wrong when she burst out, "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore! Thank you so much!"
Dumbledore opened his mouth to reply, but he was interrupted by a tiny giggle. Immediately, the twinkle returned to Dumbledore's eyes. "Now, who have we here?"
Lily let out a small laugh and lifted Harry for Dumbledore to see. Dumbledore stood, moved around his desk, and gently picked up Harry. Harry was looking around, his big eyes taking in everything. Suddenly, he pointed and squealed.
"Oh, so you like my phoenix, Harry?" Dumbledore carried him over to where Fawkes was perched. "His name is Fawkes. Would you like to say hi?"
Harry was already reaching towards the stunning bird as far as his tiny baby hands could go. He giggled. "Bird!"
Lily and James were on their feet in a heartbeat, Lily exclaiming loudly, "Did he just say what I think he said?"
Dumbledore nodded.
James grinned broadly. "My son just said his first word."
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Most of the Death Eaters preferred to keep their time in Voldemort's presence to a bare minimum. Today, the inner circle answered their summons in utmost trepidation. They knew that it was best left unsaid, but an unspoken knowledge passed between them. The Dark Lord had made a mistake. In his haste to go after the easy target, Harold Potter's old house, he had alerted James and Lily, sending them into hiding. Although nobody knew for certain, they were fairly positive that the Potters were hidden at Hogwarts, the one place in Britain Voldemort could not yet penetrate.
When the circle was complete, Voldemort spoke. His voice was not loud, but it crackled with an energy that paralyzed the Death Eaters with fear. "Do not, by any means, assume that this minor setback is going to damage our eventual success. The Potters are not so far out of my grasp. They have weaknesses, and we shall exploit them. Do you know what those weaknesses are? Malfoy?"
Malfoy pulled the first obvious answer from his mind. "Fear, my Lord?"
"Ah, but that is nothing unusual. Every person alive has fear." Voldemort spun around swiftly, his wand aimed directly at Malfoy's heart. Malfoy visibly staggered. "Wouldn't you say so, Malfoy?"
"Yes, my Lord," he choked.
Voldemort turned, his eyes glowing a dangerous red. "Perhaps my question can best be answered by Pettigrew."
A frightened squeak issued from a smallish form with its hood pulled low over the face.
"Wormtail, step forward. That's a good rat. Now, listen well. You have known the Potters since you were children. What would you say is their weakness?"
"I-I-I, uh, my Lord, I don't know."
"Oh come now, Wormtail. Think quickly, before I decide to assist your mental agility."
Pettigrew hesitated, and then spoke in a barely audible squeak. "My Lord, the trust people too much."
"Ah Wormtail, there is hope for you yet. Very little, but there is hope. For now, you are our most direct route to the Potters. Your mission is to solidify their trust, and somehow bring them to me. Don't ask me how yet. Observe. Influence their actions. Learn to use that puny rodent-like brain. Report back with everything you learn. Now, all of you, go."
The ring of dark-robed Death Eaters bowed deeply, and Disapparated.
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Anna felt the worry and anguish embedded in her half-brother's mind. It kept her awake at night sometimes, but there was nothing she could do. They were safe for now, but how long could that possibly last? Donald had gone to bed hours ago, but Anna had returned to the sitting room for a cup of tea and to try to calm her mind. She had considered a sleeping potion from her supplies, but tonight, she felt more inclined to let the insomnia play itself out. She closed her eyes and let her mind drift to where James laid tossing and turning next to his wife. His dreams were tense, filled with dark images, flashes of his mother's face, the Dark Mark floating over her house, images of Lily and Harry dead at the hands of Death Eaters. In his dream, he roared, and it was the deep-throated roar of a lion, tinged by anguish beyond words. Anna sighed, tears beginning to sting at the corners of her eyes. She took a deep breath and reached out, letting her thoughts flow over James's tormented mind like a cool river over parched earth. She felt his dreams quiet and he relaxed into a deeper sleep.
There wasn't much that could pull Anna away from the safety of her house, her daughter, her husband. She had always enjoyed the quiet solitude of her childhood home, a small house with a large garden, set beyond the end of a dead-end road. Now, fully grown, she and her husband had a modest house set similarly to her mother's, just outside another local neighborhood. She had tea with Natalie Corson every Tuesday afternoon, and played Bridge with the local ladies on Wednesday afternoons. Her life was comfortable where it was, but despite how closely she had integrated her life with the Muggles, the fact remained that she was a witch, and blood is thicker than afternoon tea. Only one thing could lead her to take such a risk with her life. She reached out again to touch her half-brother's mind, and found him resting peacefully. She took a sip of her tea. Yes, only one thing.
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"I won't risk their lives." James looked at Dumbledore with an almost pleading expression. "Are you certain this could work?"
Dumbledore's face was set with an expression of resolve. "I am most certain this can work. It's an ancient spell, involving one of the strongest forms of magic in the world, trust, which is almost as strong as love. I knew I had seen it somewhere, and it was in a book I had almost forgotten existed. I feel bound to apologize to you for taking this long, but the school term kept me so busy. Once the students were gone, I was able to devote a proper amount of time to the search. I assure you, the spell will work, provided we find the right person for the job."
"But a Secret Keeper?" Lily interjected. "How exactly does this work?"
"It's a complicated spell, but a simple theory, really. The most binding act of trust is to place your life into someone else's hands. When a person becomes your Secret Keeper, your secret, in this case, your whereabouts is magically enclosed within the very soul of that person. The only way your location could be discovered would be if that person were to freely give up the information."
"So we have to find someone we can trust absolutely," said Lily.
"Exactly." Dumbledore turned to James. "Any ideas?"
James offered a reserved smile. "I think it's time to call up the Marauders."
The next morning, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black found themselves seated around the fireplace of Dumbledore's old living quarters. James was pacing back and forth in front of them, explaining the concept of a Secret Keeper. Lily was sitting next to Sirius, gripping his forearm for comfort. Dumbledore had made himself comfortable in an armchair, entertaining an energetic baby boy.
"So," James concluded, "basically, I want one of you to be my Secret Keeper."
The other three Marauders sat there, jaws slightly agape. It was Peter who spoke first. "Who do you think it should be?"
"I was thinking that it should be Sirius."
Black's eyes went wide. "James, Lily, you know I would do anything for you and my godson, but how can I trust myself? If I'm captured, what if I'm not strong enough? I want to, but I just don't know. James, how could I live with myself?"
James sat on the arm of the couch next to Sirius. "Sirius, I made you Harry's godfather. I couldn't think of anyone I'd trust more."
Peter was looking pensive. He made a small squeaking sound like he usually did when he was upset.
"Peter?"
"Well," Peter began, "You do trust Sirius the most. Problem is, everybody knows that. He'd be in danger the second they figure out that you've got a Secret Keeper."
James looked back at Sirius, who shook his head. "James, if I could save you, Lily, and Harry by my own death, I'd risk it gladly. Thing is, if they catch me . . . oh James I just don't know. What if they did something I can't fight against?" James slumped against the back of the couch and put his hands over his face.
Pettigrew squeaked again. "What about Remus?"
Remus shook his head. "I'd do it, gladly. You know I would, James. You've always been there for me when I needed you the most, but honestly, can you trust a werewolf with this?"
James sighed, and looked back at Sirius. "Sirius?"
"I have to think about it. I really do."
"Well, my masters of mischief, you don't have to decide tonight you know." Dumbledore stood up, cradling a sleeping Harry. "Why don't you all get some rest? Go on home for tonight. Sirius, sleep on it. It's an important commitment, and you might as well make your decision after a good night's sleep."
Dumbledore placed Harry into Lily's waiting arms. "Besides, I think this little one has had enough for today."
They all laughed softly, and let Dumbledore lead them out. James and Lily settled down next to each other on the couch, watching Harry sleep. A few minutes later, Dumbledore returned. "So, James, Lily. Any consensus?"
"I don't know," James said. "I'd really want to have Sirius as our Secret Keeper, but Peter is right. He is too obvious. I didn't really think about putting him in danger."
"He knows the risks, James. You trust him, so trust him to make the best decision." Dumbledore paused, an unreadable expression on his face. "Lily, do you still have it? From your seventh year?"
"What?" she furrowed her eyebrows, confused for a moment. The moment passed quickly as realization struck her. "Oh yes, it's hidden at home. Do you want it?"
"No, no. That is not something for me to carry. Put it somewhere that would never be suspected. As long as it is safe from Voldemort, I feel assured that you will be protected."
James cocked his head. "Why can't we just destroy it?"
Dumbledore straightened his spectacles on his nose. "There are many types of magical shields. That particular one is more powerful than it appears. Lily, you did perform the Binding Charm on it?"
She nodded, lips pressed tightly together.
"It's not every witch or wizard who could perform that charm properly." He smiled at her favourably. "You happen to be one of the ones who can. Now, you two get some sleep. Harry's already a step ahead of you!"
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"Wormtail, do not cower at the door. I know you're there. You breathe louder than a winded bull."
The diminutive Death Eater entered the Dark Lord's personal study, grateful that his loose robes hid his trembling. "My Lord, I have news for you."
"I am well aware of that. Get on with it!"
"Yes, my Lord!" Pettigrew squeaked in fright. "The Potters are planning to return to their home, but with a Secret Keeper to protect the knowledge of their location."
"Who is this Secret Keeper, Wormtail?" Voldemort's patience was wearing slightly thin.
"They have not yet decided, my Lord. Potter wishes to choose from amongst the Marauders, but it appears as though they will choose Sirius Black."
"Wormtail, listen to me, and listen carefully," Voldemort hissed. "You have one chance to prove yourself remotely useful to me; otherwise, I believe I will find myself a new toy. When you return, you had best tell me that the Potters have made you their Secret Keeper. You will deliver them to me. Do you understand?"
"Yes my Lord!"
"Now get out of my sight!"
Pettigrew needed no more encouragement.
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Black looked up in surprise from his reading when a green flash in the fireplace deposited a disheveled Peter Pettigrew on his carpet. "Wormtail! What are you doing here?"
Peter looked absolutely shaken up, and Sirius naturally assumed it was in worry over his longtime friend, James. "Padfoot, I had to come talk to you. I've been thinking about it all night. Are you going to become Prongs's Secret Keeper? You've always been the strongest person, well, maybe you and James. They need you."
"Wormtail, I don't know if I can do it. Anybody is bound to figure out it's me. What can we do?" Sirius collapsed back into his chair.
"Who else is there, Padfoot? Moony said it himself. Even he doesn't think anyone should trust a werewolf with something so important. And then there's me. Ha! I'm the last person he should pick."
The expression on Sirius's face changed suddenly. He sat up straight, as though seeing Pettigrew in a whole new light. "Peter, you're a genius."
"I'm a what?" Peter's heart was racing, and he prayed Sirius would mistake the frantically hopeful expression on his face for confusion and panic.
"Peter, you're the last person they would EXPECT! They'd never go after you. You could do this, Peter!"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. I have to tell James."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"My Lord, it is done. The Potters have made me their Secret Keeper."
**********************************************************************
When the Inner Circle responded to the summons that night, an undercurrent of excitement hung in the air. Only the Inner Circle knew the significance of that night's attack. They held their collective breath as the Dark Lord began to speak.
"Faithful servants, you know that we have now located the Potters. Tonight begins a new step in our purification and conquest of the Wizarding world. This is my own mission. None are to enter the house but me. Those few I have chosen to honour with this privilege are to surround the area as I enter the house. Upon killing the last member of the Potter bloodline, this power of mind control is open to magical claim, and I shall claim it. With it, we shall be unstoppable. Power is ours!"
With that, Voldemort Disapparated.
*********************************************************************
Lily set the dishes to wash and strolled out to the living room where James was entertaining Harry. She smiled as she looked at the two of them, lying on a blanket on the living room floor, and wondered which one of them was the bigger baby. Harry cooed and giggled. "Daadaa!"
"I see you! Who's Daddy? Do you see Daddy?" James looked up at Lily with a gigantic grin on his face. "Honey, isn't it good to be home? Look at him. Babies don't belong in drafty old castles, not that I don't adore Hogwarts, but, well, it's just good to be home, isn't it?"
Lily laughed at him. He'd been practically giddy since Peter had left, entrusted with the Potters' most valuable Secret. The spell had been performed successfully. The only person who even knew it was Peter was Sirius. Not even Remus knew, although James hated to keep anything from his friends. It was for the best though, and finally, for the first time in months, James and Lily felt safe. James scooped up Harry and held him up in the air. "You're going to be a fine young wizard, you know, Harry. Your grandfather would be proud to see his little namesake now. Lily, did I ever tell you who I was named after?"
"No, dear. Who?"
"My father's boss, from his time working in the United States. Apparently, my dad didn't think Llewellyn was a good name for me. That was my grandfather's name."
Harry scrunched up his face. "Look at this!' James exclaimed. "He doesn't like it either! Good to know he's at least got some common sense with that kind of thing."
"That was your grandfather's name? Oh my, no wonder! I wonder where that name came from."
"It's an old Welsh name. It means 'like a lion.'"
Harry stuck out his tongue, laughed, then yawned. James chuckled. "I think I'd better put this little guy to bed. It's almost midnight. He shouldn't be awake. Lily? Lily, are you ok?"
"There's something very, very not right here."
A crashing sound at the front door confirmed their worst fears. Lily's voice was barely above a whisper. "They've found us. . ."
"Lily, take Harry and go! It's him! Go! Run! I'll hold him off. . ." James pushed Harry into Lily's arms and shoved her towards the kitchen and the back door. Lily heard the door burst in behind her as she ran. She skidded to a halt in the kitchen to see a dark, hooded figure waiting beyond the back door. She turned on her heel and ran up the stairs, the sound of cold, high laughter ringing in her ears, then words she never thought she'd hear in her life. "Avada Kedavra!"
Anna woke with a start. Her heart was pounding, and she immediately knew where the problem was. James. He was in a total panic. She jumped out of bed, shoving her glasses onto her face and grabbing her wand from the night stand. She was pulling her cape on when Donald sat up, a look of utter confusion on his face. "Honey, what's going on? Where are you going?"
"Donald, oh my god, I, I mean, it's James. He's being attacked! It's You-Know-Who. I've got to go! I can help him!"
"Anna, are you crazy? They'll kill you too! I knew this witch stuff was going to cause trouble, but don't let it kill you! For God's sake, Anna!"
She spun to face him, and his face was a terrible mixture of fear, anger, panic, remorse, and utter misery. "Anna, please," he begged her.
She looked into his eyes, the eyes she had sworn to love for the rest of her life. "Take care of Holly. I love you." She grasped him in a tight hug, then stepped back, and without another word, vanished.
Anna Apparated in a thicket, just out of eyeshot of the Potter house. She could make out the sound of a man yelling, and could feel James's mind in a state of total panic. She pulled aside a branch, and saw the front door wide open. Before she could react, she heard the Curse. A green light flashed inside the Potter's living room, and the presence that she had felt her entire life vanished from her mind. Her brother was dead.
Then she felt a mind like no other. It was cold and ruthless. It was like a fetid piece of trash that had sat at the bottom of a cold lake. Voldemort. He was after her nephew.
She closed her eyes, and felt the panic radiating from Lily, and the simple, confused, and very upset mind of a young boy, Harry. Harry was the target. She had to save Harry. Then, she was seeing through the eyes of the boy. They were in a small room with a closed door. Lily was crying, clutching Harry tightly. The door blew open, and the most hideous face she had ever witnessed stared directly into Harry's eyes. He made a move for the boy, and Lily screamed. "Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!"
"Stand aside, you silly girl!" He moved again to grab the child. "Stand aside, now!"
"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead. . ."
Voldemort shoved Lily forward and she toppled into the bureau, shielding Harry with her body. She turned over to face the Dark Lord, Harry pressed against the bureau drawers behind her. Her voice was ragged and exhausted as she cried her final pleas. "Not Harry! Please . . . have mercy . . . have mercy . . ."
Voldemort laughed, a high, cold laugh. He raised his wand, and as Lily screamed, he cried, "Avada Kedavra!" Her body sagged to the floor. Voldemort pulled her off of the child. Anna could almost hear his thoughts echoing from beyond Harry's. He didn't just want to kill the child. He thought Harry had something he wanted. Anna almost choked when she realized what Voldemort wanted. The Mind Touch. He thought Harry had the Mind Touch, and he was going to kill the child for it. It was too late to save her brother, but maybe she could still do something for his son.
As Voldemort raised his wand, Anna pushed Harry's consciousness fully aside, and took over the mind of the little child. She looked up at Voldemort, unafraid. "Avada . . ." Then she reached out and touched Voldemort's mind, and connected it to hers. You can't use the killing curse on yourself. If she was going to die, she'd take Voldemort down with her . . . "Kedavra!"
A brilliant green light flashed across Anna's vision. She could feel her mind releasing from her body, sinking slowly. Her life was flying away from her, but in her last moment of awareness, she knew two things. First, she had managed to maintain her hold on Voldemort, and his mind had been torn from his body. Second, she felt Harry's mind and spirit settle back into being . . . she had saved the boy.
Back in her bed, in a little house in Newmarket, Holly woke up screaming.
