Disclaimer: All right, I admit it… I am J.K. Rowling. I also have a beautiful bridge for sale… if your interested… and some nice beach front property… in Arizona.

What if the Potters protected their son in such a way that no one even knew he was alive?

Spoilers: I am not sure. . . This is the first time I have done this. Don't get angry if I let things lip out in the wrong order.

Big Thanks to HermioneGreen! Her ideas and suggestions were instrumental in the creation of this chapter. Thank you so much. You had some great ideas, and I hope you like what you read.

The Phoenix Rises

By TexasJeanette

Chapter Two - Prophecy Shmophecy

"How could this have happened?"

"It's Insane!"

"Perhaps we misunderstood…"

"No, or Voldemort would still be around."

"Perhaps it is finished?"

"Impossible!"

"Insane!"

"Albus, what do you think?"

The group of witches and wizards that have been grieving and arguing for the last several hours, suddenly quiets and turns as one to look at their chosen leader, father figure, mentor, and friend. What they see shocks them.

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore sits with his head in his hands. His long hair and beard weighs down the wrinkled features and looks dusty gray instead of the spun silver it usually resembled. As he raises his eyes all those assembled gasp. He looks every bit his 140 years. But more distressing than that, he looks broken. Tears flow freely as his shoulders shake with unsuppressed sobs.

In silence those assembled respectfully wait while Dumbledore reigns in his emotions. Clearing his throat and sipping some water give him a few more seconds to compose himself. Finally he stands and addresses those assembled. With the firm voice they have come to depend on he says the last thing they would have ever expected.

"I don't believe it. It. Is. Not. True."

Silence. No one quite knows how to respond to this.

"Remus, I want you to retrieve the remains immediately! I don't know why I did not think of this before. I want a full autopsy and magical verification of the identities of the deceased. . . if that is, in fact, what they are."

"You want what! Why?" Remus sputters in disbelief.

"You heard me. This was too big, too monumental for Lily and James to rely on anyone besides themselves. You all know them. They would not have trusted Harry's safety to a charm alone. They must have done something that we never expected, something so outrageous, so unbelievable, that they thought it would never be discovered. I refuse to believe he's dead" Dumbledore speaks fervently with conviction born of desperation. As he finishes and sits his eyes are wide and his voice is fanatical.

Remus approaches Dumbledore's office. He is not sure what to expect. He has served, respected, and even loved this man for many years. . . Dumbledore is Headmaster of the most respected school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world. . . but the display last night scared him… and he was not looking forward to whatever Dumbledore may do with the news he now carries.

Approaching the stone gargoyle that marks the entrance to Dumbledore's office Remus suppresses a chuckle as he whispers the password. "Gummy Bears," Remus remembers the joy the Headmaster showed when he discovered these relatively new muggle sweets.

As soon as the words leave his lips the stone statue jumps aside and a winding staircase is revealed. Stepping on the bottom step Remus stands still as the staircase lifts him to the Headmaster's Office. Knocking and then quickly entering Remus swallows as he approaches Dumbledore's desk.

"Ah, Remus my boy, what news have you on the status of the investigation" Asks Dumbledore.

"None, sir. The Ministry of Magic has denied your request and issued this response." Remus hands Dumbledore a roll of parchment. And watches as the color fades from Dumbledore's face.

To: Albus Dumbledore – Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry; Order of Merlin, First Class; Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot; Chairman of the International Federation of Wizards

From: Millicent Bagnold – Minister of Magic

Regarding recent request received for full autopsy, magical medical investigation, identity verification, and substance analysis. The request made on your behalf by one Remus Lupin, has been thoroughly reviewed and rejected.

We at the Ministry understand and sympathize with your wish to deny the truth, and if it were even remotely possible that you were correct we would immediately launch a full-scale investigation. The Ministry of Magic appreciates your dedication and service to the defeat of the Dark Lord and is not at all surprised to find it was one of your students who finally managed to rid us of that terror.

The funeral and burial services are scheduled for November 4, 1981. A special monument will be erected and dedicated to the fallen family. You are invited to say a few words during this dedication. Please notify the Ministry immediately if you accept.

Sincerely,

Millicent Bagnold, Minister of Magic

"Idiotic, Politicking, Paper Pushers." Dumbledore growls. "Don't they see they are being blind?"

"Excuse me for saying so, sir. . . but many have been saying or thinking the same thing about you. You never really explained why you believe the way you do. You appear to be ignoring all evidence to the contrary to hold on to some invisible shred of hope in something that simply makes no sense." Remus speaks quietly and evenly, not wanting his emotions to taint what he is trying to say.

Dumbledore shakes his head sadly. "Remus, I have no proof, no evidence for what I 'feel'. I have no actual belief. Just this… hope that we are all wrong. That this has been some great colossal joke and we are sobbing when we should be laughing in relief. Can I prove it? No. But I would certainly like the opportunity to try. If we did this investigation and I was proven wrong, what harm would have been wrought? But if I am correct and we fail to realize it, I shudder to think what will happen when Voldemort returns."

"You don't think he is dead?"

"No, I don't think he is dead. There is no body and though it is possible that it was destroyed in the explosion, as the Ministry believes, I find this too simple an explanation. I find it too neat, too easy that a single Wizard who has failed to apprehend Voldemort on three previous occasions was able to defeat him now. There has got to be more to it, I know it!" Dumbledore slams his hand down on his desk, shaking the papers and causing Remus to jump.

Remus looks at Dumbledore thoughtfully, "Sir, I hope that you are wrong because if your right. . ." his voice fades as he suppresses a shudder.

"I too hope I am wrong, it would be a pleasant surprise."