A/N: Yet another chapter of Bloodlines, the writes block was long but the floodgates have opened and in a chapter or two I will finish my first HP fic. Yes, there are other started before this one but this one will be finished first.
Chapter 5: In Which the Lines are Explained Again
Lilly was indeed correct the help was too late. As Remus Lupin and the rest of the team arrived at the Potter home all that was left was a torn up home, and two of his best friends dead. As if by some miracle, however, Remus discovered as he was going through the house that Harry had survived.
"It just doesn't make sense."
"What's that, Lupin?"
"I said it doesn't make sense Mad-eye." Remus picked up Harry from the Crib attempting to calm him. "He's gone, just disappeared and Harry here has a lighting bolt scar on his forehead."
"It's strange but perhaps it has to do with some of the protections put around the house and there are countless ancient magical spells and charms that have protected Minerva's family for centuries. We may never know, Lupin but one thing is certain there is no sign of him or his followers it's as if they have been scared off."
Lupin put Harry back in the crib and asked one of the other team members to keep and eye on him. Moody and Lupin was downstairs and outside for a moment. "Whatever it is Moody we'll have to tell Dumbledore what has happened here and frankly I don't know how to do that the sight in there makes me sick. What did Lilly and James do the deserve this?
"We all knew the risks Remus. James and Lilly realized that their risk was a greater one but took the chance. As for Albus and Minerva I'll take care of that. You continue to do your best with things here."
"Yes, sir." Remus replied as Alastor Moody walked back into the house to speak to Dumbledore.
The young lad was right how exactly are you supposed to tell Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall that their daughter and Son-in-law is dead and their grandson survived. It was indeed no easy task. Alastor stopped by the fire and threw a bit of floo powder into it "Albus Dumbledore" he commanded and moments later Albus' head appeared in the fire.
"What's the word Alastor?"
"It is not too good here Albus."
"Meaning what."
"Old friend I'm not sure what or how to say…"
"Alastor is Lilly alright." Albus' heart began to race as he waited for his friend to respond. He had a feeling that something was wrong but he just didn't want to think about that.
"Albus, I'm so sorry but Lilly and James are dead." Alastor watched his friend disparately trying to hold in his emotions to no avail. He waited for a while before speaking again.
"Albus, Harry is alive and Voldemort is gone. He has disappeared"
"I had heard that rumor earlier this evening. How is Harry?"
"He appears to be unharmed save a lighting bolt shaped scar on his forehead."
"A curse."
"A curse gone wrong more than likely."
"Thank you Alastor. Watch over him until I get back to you. We must decide what to do with him and I must tell Minerva."
I'm truly sorry my dear friend give my love to Minerva and we will wait to hear from you."
Once Alastor's head disappeared from the fireplace Albus found a seat on the sofa in the sitting room. Albus felt as if he had just had the wind knocked from him-he did. He tried once again to not loose his composure but to no avail. He had to try to do his best not to wake Minerva. He couldn't face her like this, not yet, not to tell her that Lilly was never coming home again. He shut his eyes for a moment and then heard the one thing he didn't want to hear the opening of the bedroom door and Minerva walking into the sitting room. Minerva rushed to her husband's side. He didn't succeed- he would have to tell her. "Albus, whatever is the matter?"
"Minerva, please come and sit with me I have something I need to tell you."
Albus retold the story as Alastor had told it to him. Minerva sobs and scream could be heard throughout the castle. It took them both some time to calm down as they were both morning their daughter's sudden death.
Later that evening as Minerva slept in his arms Albus lied awake thinking of little Harry, they would have to keep him safe but the question still remained what was the best way to keep him safe. The bloodlines had protected him but he surely couldn't live with them in the wizarding world the boy was a hero. He would have to be well hidden. Albus was left with only one choice, a choice, he didn't particularly like, but the only one he could make now. The boy would have to live with Lucina daughter Petunia.
Albus was taken from his thoughts when Minerva began to wake. In a sleepy voice she asked. "Is this all a dream?"
Albus held her tight. "It is not, my dear, I wish it was."
"What do we do about Harry?"
"He will have to live with Petunia."
"WHAT!" Minerva jumped up "you cannot be seriously Albus Dumbledore. They are the worst kind of people."
"Minerva dear calm down. This is the only way the bloodlines will protect him without putting him in other danger."
Minerva was about to protect but Albus put is hand up. She stopped and surrendered to her own emotions as she put her head back on the pillow and cried herself to sleep. Albus did his best to comfort her but she made it clear that she didn't want to be comforted by him. When she fell asleep he left he side, went to his desk and wrote:
Mr. & Mrs. Vernon Dursley
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Lilly and James Potter. By taking this boy in you have sworn to protect him with blood and there is no turning him away. Petunia, it is your bloodline or should I say your mother's Bloodline that will protect him from harm. Whether you choose to believe them or not you have heard the stories of the McGonagall blood and the spell "Forever love" and it is that and you that will protect your orphaned nephew, Harry, from harm. If you choose to take him in he must never be turned away from your house or the spell will be broken and Harry as well as your family will be placed in grave danger.
Regards,
Albus Dumbledore
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The next morning Albus woke to find Minerva gone but he knew exactly where she had gone. He sat back at his desk and re-read the letter to Petunia and her husband. He than decided that it would have to happen tonight.
He walked over to his fireplace and threw in a bit of floo powder and call for "Alastor Moody"
When Alastor's face appeared he filled him in on the plan for tonight.
"Hagrid will pick him up and bring him tonight. I will speak with him after we have concluded here."
"Very well, Albus whatever you think in best."
"It is best." Albus said as Alastor's head disappeared from the fire.
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Albus appeared on number four Privet Drive that night as he extinguished the light he noticed a silver and black tabby cat following him. "I should have known you would be here Professor McGonagall"
"Good evening." Minerva seemed cold towards Albus as the walked down the street to number four. "You aren't seriously considering leaving with these people."
"It is for the best Minerva. It is the only family he has left Hagrid is bringing him."
"Now Albus you know that is not…"
Albus put his hand to stop her from talking. "It must be done like this."
For a moment Minerva looked as if she was going to protest but she didn't instead she look at her husband and asked, "Do you think it's wise to trust Hagrid with something as important as this?"
"My dear, Professor I would trust Hagrid with my life." A loud humming noise could be heard in the distance Hagrid appeared riding a motorbike a while later.
"Good evening, Professors." Hagrid carried the bundle of blankets towards them and handed a sleeping Harry to Professor Dumbledore. Minerva helped him walk Harry to the door they both could hear Hagrid crying behind them and Minerva was trying her best as well to hold back tears. "When it is time and he is ready, he will come back to us, Minerva. We must allow the bloodlines to protect him." He placed Harry on the doorstep of number four leaving the letter beside him. Albus placed a comforting arm around his wife as the walked away from their grandson's new home.