Disclaimer: I own nothing.
This chapter will start with mainly Harry's POV before switching to James' POV eventually
After reading thru the chapter, I have decided to rewrite it a little, do some editing here and there.
Chapter 1 : The Attack
5 year-old Harry Potter woke up with a start. It was hard to continue sleeping, what with the excited chattering going on outside. He remembered that it was his younger brother, Keith's birthday today. 'Why do they always treat his birthday as some kind of grand event, while never even remember mine?' , Harry thought angrily at the unfairness of it all.
Walking out, he could see that the manor had been painstakingly decorated. Any old furniture had been chucked away and replaced by gleaming new ones. 'His birthday might as well be renamed Spring Cleaning Day', Harry snorted at the thought.
Colorful balloons hung all over the place. Several huge banners bearing the words "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KEITH" and a logo of a Griffin flanked by 2 silver-colored broadswords he remembered his mother telling him what seemed like eons ago as the Potter family crest.
Keith Potter, seeing his brother, rushed to him and hugged him tightly. Harry returned the hug and felt a smile creeping onto his face. It was hard not to smile, looking at his brother's cute innocent face, with shining brown eyes.
Harry really did not know what he felt about his brother. On one hand, he loved his brother dearly, though on the other, he just could not help but feel jealous of him, and angry that his parents obviously cared for Keith more than him, if they even loved him at all.
"Keith, Keith, there you are!", exclaimed his mother Lily. "Your Uncles Padfoot, Moony and Wormsy (Harry had to keep himself from chortling out loud after hearing the nickname Keith had given to his Uncle Pettigrew) are arriving soon. Why don't you, (and Lily seemed to notice Harry for the first time since she stepped in), and Harry here go out and prepare to welcome them in", said Lily.
"You can open the presents Daddy and I have given you afterwards, together with the rest that you will be receiving later", she continued.
Keith had sped out of the room like a speeding bullet. Lily watched with slightly saddened eyes as her older son walked out slowly after him with a downcast expression on her face.
Neither Harry nor Keith had ever noticed the depressed expression that she and James wore almost whenever they are alone. It was hard enough to know that she and James were big targets of the Dark Lord due to James being one of the best Auror's besides Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, while she was conducting top-secret research with the Unspeakables in the Department of Mysteries.
Lily could barely take it when she, along with James were informed about the Keith and the Prophecy. Every new day brought about a renewed sense of fear that Voldemort would attack them. She also knew how valuable Keith Potter was to the Order and the Light side. She and James had to constantly worry about their son and never dared to let him out of side for even a few minutes.
This and the fact that they had to keep up a happy façade was a severe strain on her nerves. Never having the time for her older son, she did not even realize they they had neglected him, nor how it was affecting Harry.
While she was 'musing', her fingers absentmindedly stroke the golden pendent made intricately into a design of a phoenix that was worn round her neck. Every member of the Order wore one.
It was just basically an emergency, one-use Portkey that will send the bearer to the safety of Hogwarts. Lily hoped that they would never have to use it, though she had a bad feeling about today.
Godric's Hollow may have numerous wards and charms protecting it from both Muggles and Dark Wizards, but the crux of its protection lies in the Fidelius Charm, hiding the entire manor from anyone that is not shown the location by the 'Secret-Keeper'. The problem was that Peter Pettigrew was elected as Secret Keeper by the Order since "No one would ever suspect Peter, of all person".
Lily, though she did not know why, distrusted Peter. Little did she know her suspicions were about to be proven valid.
One week ago
Sitting a on huge throne made of obsidian and covered with snake leather was a tall but somewhat frail looking man with cold, blood red eyes that seemed to penetrate right through to the soul.
However, do not let Tom Marvolo Riddle's appearance deceive you. The bony hands could crush even the hardest of rocks and bend the strongest of metals with practically no effort.
He had to thank this to the numerous rituals he had undergone since leaving Hogwarts nearly 20 years ago. Strength-Enhancing Rituals, rituals to increase Magical reserves, a variety of Blood Rituals (ones that made use and warped the user's blood to grant different abilities or powers) and most notably, the Salazar's Bloodline Ritual where he rightfully confirmed his position as Slytherin's Heir were just some of the many he had undergone.
That particular ritual had increased his magical reserves by nearly ten times and presented to him a tome of some of the oldest and darkest spells, created and used by Salazar Slytherin himself.
At this point of time, the Dark Lord was awaiting the daily 'report' from his Death-Eaters. It was a usual routine that everyday his Inner-Circle members, the most trusted of his Death-Eaters, would convene and update him on any news, movements, and decisions of the British Ministry of Magic.
One would be astounded at how well-informed Voldemort was about the MoM's every single action. The number of spies Voldemort has was surprisingly large. There was at least 2 in every single department in the MoM, from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to the Department of Mysteries and even Auror Headquarters.
That was precisely how the Death-Eaters had always almost managed to stay one-step ahead of the Ministry and their pathetic efforts to counter the Death-Eater threat. Speaking of which. Voldemort smirked as he remembered the previous Minister for Magic, Milicent Bagnold announcing to the public that they would "stamp out the Death-Eaters with ease" nearly 5 years ago, at the start of the war.
Another thing worth noting was that the Death-Eater count had grown impressively. 5 years ago, the Dark Lord had only a small following of about 25 Death-Eaters, whose ranks had now swelled to nearly 300 followers.
Though Tom had to admit, majority were unless dunder-heads who had only joined for personal greed. He had only about 80 competent fighters, the best of which were also part of the Inner Circle.
There was a shuffling sound and two of his Death-Eaters, Lucius Malfoy and Walden Macnair stepped in, kneeling and kissing the hem of his robes. "My Lord", they said respectfully and undeniably fearfully. "What news do you have for me", he hissed in a cold voice while lazily fingering his yew wand.
"We found this disgusting creature, a filthy mudblood servant of that muggle-loving fool outside the Lair, My Lord", Malfoy had answered.
Lucius Malfoy had been one of his most, ah, how to put it nicely, useful servant. The pure-blooded tycoon's vast fortune was extremely important in funding his cause. Though Malfor was part of the Inner Circle, the Dark Lord never really did trust him as much as he trusts others like Bellatrix and her husband Rudolphus Lestrange, Alexander Nott, Antonin Dolohov and Marcus Mulciber.
Lucius was much too greedy and ambitious for power of his own good, oh that man was. Malfoy was also slippery as a fish. The only reason the Dark Lord had let him into the Inner Circle was his wealth and excellent duelling skills.
Walden Macnair, on the other hand is an idiot through and through, with only a thirst for blood and killing. Now he would never pose any problems.
Salazar's Lair, the place Lucius had mentioned, was the resting place and Headquarters of Voldemort and his Death-Eaters. Though, in all due respect, it was not so much of a 'lair' than of a huge dark fortress. It was the exact place Salazar Slytherin had resided in after leaving Hogwarts due to his fight with the other Founders.
The number and variety of Dark protection, Anti-Revealing and Sensor Charms on it could put those on Hogwarts to shame. It was also a reason why neither the Order nor the Aurors had the faintest trace of a dark castle. Another reason was that it was not located in England at all, unlike the rest of their smaller 'bases'. The Lair was situated deep in the dark forests of Rastenburg, Eastern Prussia. (Guess where I got the location from?) Back to the lovely 'conversation'.
"Sssend in our visitorrr", the Dark Lord commanded. Jugson and Mulciber strode in, in their usual Death Eater garb of black robes with a snow-white mask, straddling a short plump man with watery blue eyes and a nearly bald head, who was also trembling and nearly pissing his pants I might add. "My Lord, here is Peter Pettigrew", they said, after kissing his robes.
The identity of the intruder need not be revealed to him as right now, Voldemort was already shuffling through Pettigrew's mind like one would a book.
"Do not even think of leaving, Wormtail. Do not for one moment think I can't tell whats going on inside that useless brain of yours! Oh yes, I even do know your idiotic nickname", Voldemort hissed angrily.
To say Peter Pettigrew was shocked would be an understatement. 'How did the Dark Lord know that I am starting to regret my decision in coming here. And my nickname for that matter'. He blurted out, "H-How did y-you know"
Immediately as one, Jugson and Mulciber had chorused, "The Dark Lord alwaysknows". "Always", echoed Malfoy.
Voldemort's 'reply' was swift and straight to the point. "Crucio", watching as Wormtail fell to the floor screaming in agony as every single pain nerve in his body seemed to have been pushed to the max. Releasing the Cruciatus Curse, Riddle continued, "One thing you should learn is never to question me."
"So Wormtail, tell me what you are doing outside here. Your answer better be satisfactory or I don't see why you should live another day", the Dark Lord said, his voice icy-cold as usual.
"My-my Lord. I came to te-tell y-you the location of the
Potters which is also the Headquarters of the Or-Order", Wormtail said while stuttering. "I also want to j-join your cause, My L-Lord".
Voldemort decided to see hear what the little bugger had to say, "We shall see how useful you are first". The Dark Lord decided to summon his Inner Circle to see how they could effectively make use of Wormtail's information.
"Jugson, get over here", he commanded. Touching a long, bony finger to the Dark Mark on the Death-Eaters arm, Voldemort summoned the rest of his Death-Eaters, an evil smile on his face.
Godric's Hollow was a huge manor, complete with a lush field with a clear stream running, and a Quidditch pitch. The latter had been insisted upon by James, who according to him, will "die without it". It was situated in the quiet, open countryside with only a small 'neighborhood', though which consisted of mainly rich pureblooded wizards.
Right now, the Potters are celebrating the birthday of their younger son, Keith. Everyone (majority of the Order and their children turned up. Keyword: Order. Only the Order members knew how to enter the Fidelius hidden manor) was enjoying themselves. Okay, save for one 5 year old boy with messy dark hair and piercing emerald eyes.
"Oh, look what Padfoot got you, Keith. The Complete Prankster's Kit for Kids. Looks like your mother and I have to be on our guard.",James said excitedly. "Thanks Uncle Pafood", Keith had squealed.
"Awww, how cute", Molly Weasley said with an amused expression. Keith had gotten nearly a treasure trove of presents, ranging from the good, for example the Infinitus Candy Cauldron which automatically fills to the brim with whatever candy that had been put inside, to the weird like Magical Underwear which always remain clean and would change in color every hour, in addition to the junior broomstick his father had bought for him, which apparently, "looks like my top-of-the-line Nimbus 1501".
They were still waiting for one Mundugus Fletcher to arrive before cutting the cake, a truly huge chocolate fudge cake fit for the Dursley's, which was saying something.
"Why didn't Dumbledore turn up", James asked. "The new Minister, Cornelius Fudge needed his help and pulled him off to attend an International Convention of Wizards conference in Brussels.", answered Arthur Weasley, who worked in the Ministry.
James had wanted Albus to be there. After all, the man was like a pillar of reassurance to not only him and his family, but the entire Order. But though, there was nothing he could do. "Come on Keith, lets see if Mundungus is here."
At that very moment, Mundungus Fletcher, Order member famous for his unkempt appearance and shady dealings with crooks, was just about to step through the huge gates in front of the estate, when he heard numerous 'whooshes' and 'pops' behind him in the neighborhood area.
Turning around, his face turned milky white as he was greeted with the sight of nearly 30 wizards clad in black robes and white masks, all with wands raised.
"Avada Kedavra".
That was the last thing he ever heard as a jet of dark green light impacted upon him, and he fell dead before he even hit the ground.
A tall dark figure appeared beside the Death-Eaters, looking fearsome and to many, a living spectre of Death. The Death-Eaters now started to chant, wands forming complicated patterns in the air.
The Dark Lord raised his wand, weaving a complex string of magic, before muttering, "Clausula Fides Consitatus" A huge dome of blue energy completely surrounding the Hollow could be seen, flickering, before disappearing. The wards around the manor had fallen…
The Death-Eaters finished their chant together with "Coepere!" A new sphere of magical energy, this time dark in color appeared around the entire neighborhood. Voldemort smiled, pleased at the new wards, which prevented apparation of anyone, without the Dark Mark on his arm, in and out of the area.
Practically everyone in the manor felt the wards fall. There was a shocked look on everyone's face. "What the hell?", muttered James. Looking out, the shocked expressions soon turned to one of confusion and extreme terror, as Death-Eaters started to pour in by the dozens. Other houses in the neighborhood were already under attack.
"Lily! Grab Keith now! Go to Hogwarts. He must be kept safe at all costs", shouted James over the panic that had broken out. Those with kids tried to apparate out with their children, only to find out they could not. "Darn. They must have raised Anti-Apparation wards. LISTEN! Those with kids, portkey to Hogwarts now! The rest stay and try to hold them off. We need to destroy or remove with us some very classified information about the Order."
Most of the Order had drawn their wands, preparing to fight.
Stepping out, James aimed at the nearest Death-Eaters.
"Stupefy, Excisum, Expello"
The Stunning and powerful Banishing Hexes flew towards the Death-Eaters. Only one Death-Eater was hit; he was blasted all the way out of the huge gates, which had bent upon his impact.
The rest conjured gleaming bronze and iron shields which deflected the spells. James, for a moment watched as multi-colored spells and charms were casted by the Order members. The Death-Eaters returned it with a barrage of dark curses. He noticed one of the Death-Eaters turning towards him.
"Crucio". James ducked and rolled to his left as the Cruciatus Curse sped past him.
"Ablego Flamen". The Death-Eater's eyes widened as the orange colored advanced Blasting Curse flew towards him. He sidestepped and saw the curse flew forwards, colliding with a brick wall and blowing a huge hole through it.
The Death-Eater returned with a string of curses. "Contundo, Aboleo, Confractum, Adflictatio" Streaks of purple, pale blue, yellow and a vicious looking brown jet of light flew towards him, who recognized it as different bone breaking and a Crusher Curse.
Seeing this, James drew a circle in the air, muttering "Aegis Contego" A transparent silver sphere of energy, shining brightly, enveloped him, effectively absorbing the curses. The standard Protego would never had been able to withstand those dark curses.
"Stupefy, Petrificus Totalus, Ferramenta Conligo", James released a barrage of restraining spells. The latter had been the "Bind of Iron", which had been used by Aurors to restrain the most violent of criminals. It conjures up thick unbreakable, not to mention electrified ropes of iron which binds round and clamps down on the victim. For each struggle by the victim, the ropes would bind tighter and the electric charge get more intense. Crminals have been known to suffer sever injuries after too much of struggling.
The Death-Eater flicked his wand. A shimmering blue shield was formed and rebounded the spells onto James, who had to duck.
The DE seemed to get angry. He flicked his wand and muttered " Deliquesco Corrosio" His wand gave a throb as a buge black jet of acid flew forwards toward James, sizzling the air as it traveled.
Instinctively, James waved his wand and a partition of a wooden door flew forward to intercept and absorb the acid. Immediately after that, he banished the acid-covered, corroded piece of wood back towards the DE, who looked shocked for a moment before hastily rolling to his right.
James knew he had surprise the DE. He had to end this duel now. Curses were starting to be sent towards him by the other Death-Eaters. He took aim. "Avada Kedavra", watching with relief as the DE finally fell.
As an Auror, he was authorized to use the Unforgiveables. (Bartemius Crouch Snr had legalized the Auror's use of it) James had sworn to himself only to use them in desperate situations. And this certainly could count as one.
Looking around, James could see that the Order were losing. They were being outnumbered nearly 3 to 1, and the Death-Eaters weren't exactly playing around.
Quite a few Order members had fallen already, either dead or sporting gruesome wounds as the Death-Eater threw Pain curses, Slashing and Stabbing Hexes, and a variety of fire spells at them.
James barely heard the near silent cold voice muttering "Explodra". The ground shook after the huge explosion, which took the life of quite a few Order members, their mutilated bodies strewn in all directions. Lord Voldemort had entered the fray.
Voldemort had watched with satisfaction as the Phoenix members started to fall like ants. Though he had noted with a slight frown that one of his Inner-Circle members, Alexander Nott, was killed by the auror bastard James Potter.
He sighed. It was time for him to join in. Turning to a clump of Order members, he muttered, "Explodra"
After knocking down another Death-Eater with a strong Bludgeoning Hex, James turned to survey the situation. Most of the Order members had either portkeyed away, or were dead.
"Potter. Looks like we meet again. I have seen you haven't tried to run away like the coward that you are", a cold voice spoke behind him. 'Oh shit! Its Voldemort'.
"You will never win this war, Tom", said James, purposely using Voldemort's 'muggle' name to anger him.
"Incarcerous, Stupefy, Icio, Concido"
Voldemort just lazily waved his wand and the spells just disappeared in mid-air. "Textbook spells. Seriously James, do you think you can hurt me with these spells", Voldemort sneered.
The Dark Lord gave a wave of his wand, sending a huge wave of dark energy arcing towards him, which James barely ducked. The wave hit a shed behind him, causing it to totally disintegrate.
The next few spells that James sent, Voldemort had easily deflected. Voldemort slashed downwards with his wand, a streak of dark blue flames flew at him. James had to hastily erect a shield of purple energy to absorb it.
"Oblitero". James had sent a Destruction Hex (which was borderline dark magic) at Voldemort, who twirled his wand and a shield of the deepest black James had ever seen materialized, looking nearly like a void and swallowed up the hex with ease.
James knew he had to leave. He was barely able to survive, not to mention unable to even put a scratch on the Dark Lord (who had not even moved from his original position).
He touched the portkey and felt the tug at his navel just in time as Voldemort completed his next curse.
"Perfructus Finis Conglacio!", ending a series of complicated wand movements. The air grew cold as the area in front of the Dark Lord completely froze into ice (even the air…) before shattering into a billions of miniscule crystals.
James Potter had managed to disappear just in time. The Dark Lord scowled at this revelation.
Harry all this time had been sleeping by a rock next to the stream. He had chosen not to enter the party. At least not just yet. Seeing everybody celebrating happily and his brother receiving presents after presents would undoubtedly make him feel upset. He had went to his usual place of 'solitude'.
Harry was woken by the sound of shouts and explosions. He turned and saw that a huge fight, no make that battle, had broken out. He hurriedly went to hide behind a rose bush, hoping it would be safe.
After what seemed like an eternity, Harry heard a hissing voice. "There isss a boyy nearr usss, massterr".
He looked up to see a tall dark figure with crimson blood-red eyes. The man looked a little menacing to him.
"So, a Potter boy. I guess there is no other way. Avada Kedavra"
Harry barely registered the words before a sickly green jet of light struck him and he knew no more.
Voldemort watched as the boy, after being hit, glowed an eerie green before toppling down.
It was then that he had the only shock in his 50 plus years of life. The boy was still breathing!
'How could anyone survive the Killing Curse, unless… unless he is the Prophecy child, not the younger one', Voldemort thought, running through the words of the Prophecy mentally.
The boy would grow up to be a powerful wizard, the only one able to stop him. Then, a sudden thought struck Tom. If he raised Harry Potter as his heir, he would be able to kill 2 birds with 1 stone- No one else would have the ability to truly oppose him, and he would be able to train Harry to fight for his cause
. Anyway, he spies had informed him of Harry's neglect by his parents. He could use this fact to mould the boy into a merciless dark wizard when Harry grows up.
With that, Tom Riddle took the boy and apparated away with his Death-Eaters, though not before waving his wand at the direction of the estate, which blew up in a huge wide column of searing hot black flames that rapidly rippled outwards like a shockwave.
The Storms of Hell Curse soon incinerated the estate. Flames that was un-extinguish-able soon spread to the other houses. By the end of the day, everything within a 3 mile radius was totally incinerated.
James had managed to escape the lethal freezing spell just in time. He landed with a thud on the floors of the Great Hall of Hogwarts.
Looking around, he saw many injured members, who were being healed by Poppy Pomphrey.
"Phew. Sure is good to be able to survive duelling with Voldemort", he said, trying to lighten the atmosphere.
Suddenly, he saw Lily rushing towards him.
"James! Harry! Where's Harry! He was not in the house with the rest!", Lily had shouted, near hysterics.
James paled. 'Oh no! Harry! He's still in the manor', he thought desperately.
"I want to go back! Don't stop me! I need to get Harry!", Lily was shouting in tears and struggling against Molly, who was holding her back.
"You cant go back. Its too dangerous!"
Lily eventually had to be stunned as she continued to struggle against Molly violently. For the first time in his life, James Wilfred Potter broke down in desperation and helplessness.
Finally done with this chapter. Hope you like it. Please don't mind the names for the spells I came up with. I don't take Latin and merely used a translator. Yep, the wonders of a Latin-English translator! Please review and tell me what you think. All suggestions welcome.
I'm thinking of someone or any creature at the Dark Lair whom would serve as an anchor to Harry's emotions. One that Harry would grow to love and respect. Cant have him be totally emotionless and uncaring or there would be no question whether h will remain Dark. I would appreciate any suggestions.
