Chapter 5

Only Prongs

There was total silence.

James? The Heir of Gryffindor? It seemed impossible. How could James- the troublemaker; the Marauder; the star of the Quidditch team- be Godric Gryffindor's heir?

"M-me?" James muttered with a small laugh, as though the headmaster were joking. Dumbledore's crystal blue eyes twinkled. "A-are you sure?"

"Positive, James." Dumbledore said.

"But, why wouldn't they- my parents, that is- tell me? Why would they keep that from me? I mean… the heir?" James stuttered. "How…?"

"They were going to tell you when they thought you were ready." Dumbledore said. "But, under the circumstances, I thought you should know as soon as possible."

"The circumstances?" Lily repeated. "What kind of circumstances? I mean, Riddle wouldn't try to… to kill James, would he?" She asked, as an involuntary shiver spread through her.

"This, Lily, I can not say." He replied. "But, with Lord Voldemort gaining power as we speak, it seems apparent to me that James needs to be protected."

"Do you honestly think this Voldemort character is that much of a threat?" Sirius asked. "I mean, he's just one man… what could he do against James and all of Hogwarts?"

"As I have said, Mr. Black, Voldemort is gaining supporters- and quickly. I have no doubt in saying that Voldemort was the one who raided the Hogwarts train. I am certain that the Ministry will be facing a very difficult time, soon." Dumbledore replied.

"He… he was looking for me? Wasn't he? When he attacked the conductor?" James exclaimed.

Dumbledore did nothing but nod.

"Oh God…"

"As I said, I think that it is time we enforced some rules for you, James." Dumbledore replied. "For example, no leaving your dormitory after 8:00pm. No Quidditch. No going near the Forest, unless a teacher is present. No trips on the grounds after dark…" James and Sirius exchanged a small glance. "There will definitely be no Hogsmeade trips for you, as well."

"But Professor! This will be my last year to visit Hogsmeade! And 8 o'clock is the curfew for the first years! That's ridiculous."

"For your safety, I think it would be best if you waited until Voldemort's threats have subsided before doing anything risky." Dumbledore said forcefully.

"I have one question, professor, sir." Lily interrupted. "What was that thing in the sky? It was bright green… a skull with a snake as a tongue…"

"It is what Voldemort calls 'the Dark Mark'. I suppose he will fire it into the sky whenever there is to be death. But I do not know for certain." He answered dismally.

"As for you two," Dumbledore said to Lily and Sirius. "I'm expecting the both of you to keep a close eye on our young Mr. Potter. You both are exceptional students, and I'm sure that with your judgment, we will avoid any huge problems. All right?"

"Yes, sir." Lily and Sirius replied anxiously.

They left Dumbledore's office in silence. Lily's head was churning with thoughts, questions, and confusion. Voldemort didn't seem like so much of a threat now. That may have been because he seemed so far away. Something in the back of Lily's brain kept nagging at her, saying "He could be closer than you think… he killed that conductor, he could kill you too."

"Damn, this sucks." James whispered to himself. "Can you believe it? It's our last year at Hogwarts, and I have to be trapped inside like a prisoner. They may as well toss me in Azkaban—I'd be safe there."

"James!" Lily gasped. "This is such… an honor. Don't you see that? You're the Heir of Gryffindor! You're family must be legendary!"

"Legendary? Right. More like cursed. Now I've got some would-be sorcerer freak on my tail trying to kill me. And all because of some long-lost dead guy twice removed!" James shouted in frustration.

"James…" Lily whispered.

"I mean, what if I don't want to be the Heir of Gryffindor? What if I don't want to? They can't force me!" James ranted.

"James, you're being stupid and immature about this…"

"No, Lily." Sirius said. "He's right you know. I mean, who's to say that Dumbledore's right? How does he know? Wouldn't James know his family a little bit better than some teacher?"

"Sirius, you should listen to yourself!" Lily lectured. "Dumbledore knows these things. And if you don't want to believe him, write to your parents, James. Stop being in such denial. You'll have to face this at one point…"

"But, what if I choose not to believe Dumbledore? How does he know, anyway?" James snapped. "I'm going to the owlery."

"I'm coming too." Sirius chirped.

"Fine, then. You boys go! Write to your family, James! Dumbledore doesn't lie!" Lily shouted after them. They didn't seem to listen or care. Lily rolled her eyes and started to head up to her dormitory. Boys could be so stupid.