Disclaimer: None of the characters in this fan fiction belongs to me. They're owned by J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros and a whole lot of other companies and people, but certainly not me. The only ones that belong to me are those that you don't recognize.
A/N: Thank you for reviewing! You guys are awesome…
Sami Potter: You cried?? Whoa…
Brittny: Good suggestion. I don't think I'll use it, though; sorry. Tell me when you update your story, 'kay?
Karen: I'm blushing like mad right now. I look like a clothed-tomato with hair. Haha. Wow…you sure know the right things to say. I'm so flattered right. You're officially my new angel. = )
I want to thank everybody who said that they're looking forward to reading my new story! You guys can't imagine how happy you've made me! I'm working really hard to perfect it right now. I've got a prologue and one chapter done so far. I'll send it to my beta-reader as soon as this story is over. I'm pretty proud of it; I think it's going to turn out well.
I know that I've been rushing, but you guys can understand that I want to get this over with, right? Please tolerate me.
Sorry this chapter took a while. I've had a bit of a writer's block. *Sighs*
Chapter 44
A year had gone by quickly. Harry James Potter was going to turn one year old today. His mother was dressing him up, while his father was outside in the backyard, entertaining the guests. All of their friends had stopped by, even Remus and Lorie.
"All right, Harry," Lily cooed. "You look so handsome! Just like a big boy, Harry." Little Harry giggled. Lily smiled and kissed her son's forehead. She observed his hair. It was exactly like his dad's…except for the fact that Harry had less hair.
"Hrmp!" Lily sighed, frustrated. She grabbed a comb and tried to flatten Harry's hair. It was useless. Lily sighed yet again. "You know, when your dad said you'd inherit his good looks, he didn't mention anything about his oh-so-wonderful hair. Oh well. Let's go, Harry. Mummy's going to get you some cake."
Lily carried Harry out to the backyard.
"Oh!" Lorie cried, walking over to them. "Harry looks absolutely adorable!"
Lily smiled. "Say thank you, Harry." Harry giggled. Lily shrugged.
"Does he talk?" Remus asked, walking up to them, accompanied by Peter.
"Not yet," Lily said, sighing. "We've been pushing him for weeks, but--nothing yet. I mean, we think he can--it's just that he doesn't want to."
"Presents!" Sirius said, as he, James and Bella joined them. "Here you go, Harry!" Sirius handed Harry a rather small and light box. Harry opened it slowly with the help of James. It was a toy broomstick and plush snitch.
"Wow!" James said, his eyes grazing over the miniature broomstick. He held up the snitch to Harry. "This is a snitch, Harry." Harry took it from his father.
"Snit!" Harry said.
"Oh!" Lily cried, bending down and hugging her son. "Harry said his first word! But--but…"
"But what?" Bella asked.
"I expected him to say 'Mum' or 'Dad'. Not…'snitch'. Well, actually 'snit'." Lily turned back to her son. "Harry, say 'Mum'."
"Snit!"
"'Mum', Harry. 'Mummy'."
"Snit!"
"Let me try, Lily," James said. "Harry, say 'Dad'."
"Da!"
James smiled and ruffled Harry's hair. "Good boy." He smirked at his wife. Lily frowned. She pushed James aside and squatted down to Harry's level. "Harry, if you can say this, Mummy's going to get you some cake, 'kay? Say, 'Daddy is stupid."
Harry giggled. "Da-da?"
"'Stupid', Harry. 'Daddy is stupid.'"
"Da-da…too-pit!"
"Hey!" James cried, while everybody else laughed. "That was harsh, Lily."
Lily smiled innocently back. "Come on, Harry. Let's go get the cake I promised you."
For the rest of the party, they ate cake, opened presents, and cooed over Harry. Then, Dumbledore and McGonagall showed up.
"Professors!" James greeted them.
"Hello, James." And the exchange of "hi's", "hello's", and "how do you do?'s" began.
"Would you like some cake, Professors?" Lily offered.
"No, thanks, Lily," McGonagall replied.
"We're actually here because of some bad news," Dumbledore said.
"Bad news?"
"Yes. Do you and James want to go somewhere more private?" Dumbledore quickly glanced at the guests.
Lily shook her head. "These are all our close friends," she said. "I'm sure whatever it is, we can discuss in front of them." James nodded in agreement.
"Well, all right," Dumbledore said. "But maybe you should sit down."
Confused looks were all around, but they each grabbed a seat.
"What's wrong, Professor?" Remus asked.
"A personal spy of mine had recently informed me that Voldemort is after…Harry."
Bella and Lorie gasped, and covered their mouths with their hands. Lily picked Harry, who was playing with his toy snitch on the grass, up and hugged him tight, tears stinging her eyes.
"W-why?" James asked finally.
"A prophecy was made, and Voldemort is probably concern that your son may be his downfall."
"What should we do?" Lily whispered.
"I'd suggest that you go into hiding."
"Is that enough?" James asked. "I mean, Voldemort isn't exactly the easiest person to hide from."
"Your best chance right now, James, is to find a new house and perform the Fidelius Charm."
"Ooh!" Bella suddenly cried. "I saw this advertisement in the paper. There's a pretty decent house in Godric's Hollow."
"Good," Dumbledore said. "And who would you like to be your Secret-Keeper? I'd be happy to do it, if you like."
"We couldn't possibly ask you that, Professor," Lily said.
"I want Sirius to be the Secret-Keeper," James added.
"Are you sure?"
"Positively." James turned to Sirius. "That is, if you want to."
"Anything to help you, Prongs. I'd rather die than betray you."
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A/N: I wasn't really sure how to right this chapter. I'm not sure if it turned out all right or not, but it's the best that I've got. Please review.
