Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling. I do not claim to own it, though I wouldn't mind if I did.
.PROLOGUE.
"Aww, eat it up, sweetie," Justine Perkins-Ashford cooed to her darling Marnie. The little toddler only proceeded to giggle and spit up her mashed potatoes. Justine frowned, but picked up her daughter and held her close. "I love you, Marnie. So much," Justine whispered, kissing the top of Marnie's head. The phone rang, and she listened to her husband's rushed footsteps. She heard the murmur of his voice from the next room and then his footsteps, again, as he walked into the room, phone in hand.
"Who is it, sweetie?" Justine asked her husband, Matthew Ashford. He beamed down at his amazing wife and daughter, whom he loved with all of his heart.
"It's only Albus," Matthew told her, his voice deep. Justine's face brightened as she placed the phone to her ear.
"Daddy!" She squealed into the phone, something she hadn't done in years.
"Hello, Justine. How's Marnie doing?" Albus Dumbledore asked. Justine frowned slightly – his voice had an edge to it. He meant business.
"She's fine, Daddy. I can't believe you actually figured out how to use a phone," Justine joked, trying to keep the mood light. Albus chuckled on the other end.
"Of course. I'm getting better, with time. Justine, darling, there's something I need to ask you. I know you wish to have nothing to do with your magic, or the Wizarding world, but I need you to do me this one last favour," Albus said, his voice tired. Justine sighed and bounced her daughter on her knee.
"What is it, Daddy?" She asked. When her father spoke again, his voice was rushed and quite.
"Go to your sister's house. You need to be protected by magic, right now, no matter whether you like it or not. Say you will," Albus said. There were angry voices in the background and Justine was worried.
"Yes, Daddy, but wh— " She was interrupted before she had the chance to find out why.
"Go. Now. Good-bye, Justine. Tell Marnie that I love her," And, with a click, Albus was gone. Justine set the phone down and looked at her husband, fear building inside of her.
"We're going to Julianne's house. Hurry. Pack only what we really need," Justine said, but it really wasn't her choosing the words. She could feel her Father's strong, psychic connection. Once the feeling was gone, she grabbed Marnie and ran to her bedroom. She quickly shoved an extra pair of clothes into a bag and then walked to Marnie's room. She grabbed only some clothes, diapers, and Marnie's favourite stuffed bear. It had been from Albus – he always knew what to give someone.
Matthew met her in the family room, holding two bags. Justine shifted Marnie in her arms, and the husband and wife made a silent agreement to meet out at the car. Justine ran back into the small kitchen, where she grabbed the still-warm bottle that sat upright on Marnie's highchair. She ran with Marnie out to the car, the fear of what lay ahead growing stronger yet. The car was already running when Justine slammed the door. She hadn't even bothered to put Marnie in the car seat. Justine's sister, Julianne, lived only three blocks away. Marnie began to cry as they drove – she could sense the tension in the air.
"Oh, Marnie, shhh! It's okay, sweetie. Mommy's here," Justine cooed, slowly stroking Marnie's cheek. Their car made an unbelievable loud screech as they pulled into Julianne's driveway. They both literally jumped out of the car and ran inside.
"Oh, Merlin, Justine. I was so worried!" Julianne said, taking Marnie from Justine's arms. Matthew frowned and turned back to the door, causing Justine to shriek.
"Matthew, where are you going?" She yelled, trying to be heard over Marnie's crying.
"I forgot the bags!" He said, running out of the door. Justine shrieked once more and ran after him.
"Don't be stupid! We don't need them! Matthew, get back here!" Justine shouted, but he didn't respond. He only kept running towards their junked-up car. Justine stopped dead when she saw an unfamiliar figure looming above her husband. Somehow, she knew exactly who it was. "Oh my… IT'S VOLDEMORT!"
"Hello, Mister and Missus Ashford. How are you on this fine evening?" Lord Voldemort asked, rhetorically. When their only responses were gulps, he held out his wand.
No one knew what Voldemort had muttered that evening as the sun set, but everyone knew the results when they found Matthew Ryan Ashford, Justine Rose Perkins-Ashford, and Julianne Rae Perkins lying dead the next morning, right where they had last been standing.
No one found Marnie until a week later. And, as if by a miracle, she had survived. A pair of Wizard investigators had even found evidence that a certain killing curse had been placed on her. But, no matter how much more evidence they found, they couldn't find out why or how she'd survived.
