A/N: It's finally here, the first chapter to Part IV ~ The Aftermath.
This is a shorter chapter than you are used from me, but as it deals only
with one day, I think it's long enough. I hope you like it. I'm sorry it
took me so long but summer is my busy season and I had so much to do and
not enough time to do it, so my writing had to take a second place to
everything. But I finally finished it and I'm going to start working in
the rest.
**~~**~~**
Disclaimer: Everything that you recognize is not mine, it all belongs to the wonderful J.K. Rowling.
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~Legacy of Two Generations ~
Part IV - The Aftermath
Chapter 1 ~ November 1, 1981
An exhausted owl arrived at Hogwarts as the clock rang midnight. Dumbledore sat behind his desk. The day had been exhausting for him. He had gotten word that Voldemort was about to show his hand and might attack the Ministry once more. He had sent owls throughout the day, trying to contact every member of the Order. They needed to be in London before Voldemort and his Death Eaters arrived.
He was thinking of the plans he had made with the Minister to protect the Ministry when a tapping was heard from a window behind him.
He frowned at the sight of an owl standing on the other side of his window. There was no reason he could think of for an owl to come to him at the moment. Unless there was a change in plans and Voldemort had decided against attacking the Ministry in the morning.
He walked rapidly toward the window and opened it. The owl dropped a letter on the floor and flew back out.
Dumbledore looked down at the parchment with worry. It held a single sentence. "He is at Godric's Hollow." There was no signature. Nothing to let him know who had sent it, but he couldn't take a chance of it being a prank. It could be a trap, his mind screamed. It doesn't matter, he thought, Lily and James could be in danger and he had promised to help.
The door to his office flew open as he neared it. He quickly made his way down the stairs and walked down the corridors until he left the castle behind. He was walking toward Hagrid's hut.
He could hear the rustle of the leaves from the Forest's trees. A cool breeze made waves upon the lake's surface and some unknown pet of Hagrid's could be heard whimpering from behind the hut.
He knocked on the door and instantly Fang's barking could be heard from within.
"Who is it?" Hagrid's gruff voice was heard.
"It's me Hagrid, I need you to do something for me." Dumbledore called.
"Right Professor, 'old on a minute." The sounds of grunting could be heard along with Hagrid's "Move Fang, gotta open the door to Dumbledore." Finally, the door was opened and Hagrid's face peered from behind the door.
"Sorry about that. Fang is in a funny mood tonight." Hagrid said as he opened the door wider for Professor Dumbledore to enter.
"That's all right Hagrid." Dumbledore said as he entered the shabby cabin.
Hagrid's bed was messy, it seemed that he was already asleep when Dumbledore knocked on the door. There was a warm fire burning in the fireplace and a small pot hanging on a nearby wall. There were several boxes and bags, which Dumbledore knew, were full of spices or tea leaves. And Fang was sitting by Hagrid's bed, his head leaning against his front paws.
"Said you wanted me to do somethin'?" Asked Hagrid as he tried to hide a yawn behind one of his large hands.
"Indeed I do Hagrid. I got word that the Potters are in trouble. I need you to get there as soon as you can." Dumbledore said.
"Yes, sir. But. how can I do that, I can't use magic." Hagrid asked with consternation.
"You can in this occasion, it is an emergency, Hagrid." Hagrid nodded his understanding. "I want you to send me an owl the moment you get there, let me know what the situation is. Stay there until you get word from me. Do you understand, Hagrid?"
"Yes, sir. Will leave in a second, Sir." Hagrid said and started to pace around the hut gathering a few things that he will need.
"Take care Hagrid. If we are too late, meet me at number 4 Privet Drive in Surrey." Dumbledore said and walked out of the hut, making his way quickly to the castle.
The night was silent, the only sound heard was a loud pop as Hagrid disapparated toward Godric's Hollow.
**~~**~~**
It was very dark when Sirius started to descend. He was near the lane that led to the town to Godric's Hollow, the sense of urgency that had driven him from the moment he left Peter's house was getting stronger as he got nearer to the Potters' Cottage.
He turned the corner that opened to the small lane leading to the town. The road was dark, the street lamps that usually lit the way were out and that made him feel very worried. Very worried indeed. The lights from his motorcycle lit his way to town.
Finally, he noticed the outlines of cottages and houses lining the lane. He had reached the middle of town. He knew his way around the place as he had spent many months visiting along with the Potters. Just a little further, he thought, I'll get there soon. He looked around looking for the dense part of the surrounding forest that opened to the path leading to the Potter's cottage.
He saw it, and with a roaring sound, he led his motorcycle toward the place he knew would open to the path. It was a rocky path, it was wide enough to allow a car to pass through as long as there was no car coming from the opposite direction. Both sides of the path were lined by trees, which passed quickly by as Sirius made his way to the cottage.
He glimpsed a dim light coming from the end of the lane. "Hurry, hurry." He whispered as he drove the last mile through the woods.
The road opened before him and a small hill came into view. The cottage that once had stood proudly above it was dark and nearly destroyed, it was a miracle that part of it still stood. The moon shone brightly against the surface of the lake that had been once hidden by the large house. Now it was clearly visible from the lane.
"James!" He whispered. "No!" He screamed as he leapt from the motorcycle and ran toward the house.
A faint pop was heard from the direction of the lane and he turned with his wand held high and ready to protect himself.
"It's me, 'agrid." A gruff voice yelled.
"Hagrid?" Sirius asked lowering his wand.
"Recognized the bike." Hagrid was panting as he ran up the hill. "Dumbledore sent me."
"What happened Hagrid? I just got here." Sirius turned back to look at the house. There was some smoldering and he could clearly see smoke coming from the ruins of what had once been a magnificent structure.
"Dunno. Dumbledore told me to come. Seems he had reason to be worried." Hagrid whispered as he looked at the around the dark building.
"James! Lily!" Sirius started to yell, as he climbed over some fallen stones and wood. He was now in where once had been the entrance hall. He pointed his wand around as he started to put out some the small fires that had begun.
"James! Lily! Harry!" Hagrid and Sirius yelled as both walked through the rubble.
"I don't hear anything Hagrid." Sirius exclaimed feeling angry and sad. His mixed emotions seemed to be getting in control of his mind and he didn't like the feel of it.
"Can't either." Hagrid said gruffly.
Suddenly, a cry rent the silent night.
"Shhh!" Exclaimed Sirius. "Did you hear that?"
"Yeah, what was it?" Whispered Hagrid.
"It came from the bedrooms." Sirius said.
"Are you sure?" Hagrid asked, how could anybody be sure where anything was?
"Yes. Come, this way." Sirius led Hagrid toward the kitchens. The staircase that once stood in the entrance hall was no longer there, and Sirius knew that the only way they could climb up to the second floor was through the service stairs from the kitchens. "Lumos!" He whispered after he stumbled around the debris and he led the way down the darkened hall. Hagrid followed closely behind.
The service stairs seemed intact. Sirius climbed carefully each step, making sure it was strong enough for Hagrid to follow. Slowly, they made their way up the stairs and sighed in relief as soon as they stood in the landing of the second floor.
"The master bedroom is at the end of this corridor. If I know Lily and James, and I do, they must have decorated a room nearby for Harry." Sirius said.
They hear whimpering as they walked closer to what had once been the master bedroom.
At the end of the corridor stood a large oak door, it was open and led to an extravagant looking bedroom.
"Here we are." Whispered Sirius. Hagrid kept looking around and behind him, whishing he was good at magic and could hold a wand in his hand. Sirius walked through the open door, Hagrid close behind him. The bedroom was dark, just as the rest of the house had been, but a dim light seemed to be coming through a side door.
Sirius and Hagrid walked through the room toward the lit room. The whimpering they had heard earlier in the hall was getting stronger.
"Harry!" Sirius called.
"Mama!"
"It's Harry!" Sirius screamed and ran to the side room. He could hear Hagrid running and panting behind him.
The sight that met their eyes made them stumble in the door.
One body lay on the floor. Lifeless. Harry was sitting in the windowsill. His eyes puffy and his cheeks wet with his tears.
"Oh Lily!" Exclaimed Sirius falling on his knees.
Harry cried. But Sirius didn't move, his eyes were focused on Lily's body, tears falling silently down his face.
Hagrid stepped around him in an instant and reached for Harry. "There, there, 'arry. You're fine now." He whispered as he settled Harry in his arms.
The room was silent and only the cries of Harry could be heard through the night.
**~~**~~**
Peter couldn't sleep. He had hidden in an abandoned house in London. Lord Voldemort should have joined him by now. Dawn was creeping over and the Death Eaters would soon apparate to join them. He had a feeling that things had not gone as planned. He didn't know why he felt that way, but he did. Things were not right.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore paced around his office. The paintings of the Headmasters slept fitfully in their frames, as if somehow sensing the present Headmaster's fitful spirit.
He had hoped that Hagrid's owl had arrived, and the lack of news made him think that perhaps they had been too late.
He looked out the window. Day would soon arrive.
**~~**~~**
Hagrid had managed to take Harry and Sirius out of the bedroom and down the stairs. They were sitting in the remaining chairs in the dinning room. Candles had been lit. He had thought it better to get them out before Sirius did something drastic. The sight of Lily's slain body clearly affected him strongly. Not that it hadn't affected Hagrid as well, but somebody had to take Harry out of that room.
"Oh Lily!" Whispered Sirius as if he could still see her body before him.
"There, there Sirius. We must care for Harry now, he will need us." Hagrid patted Sirius's back as he dried the tears from his own face.
"Harry! Where is Harry?" Sirius started to look around as if he had finally snapped from a hypnotic trance.
"I got 'im." Said Hagrid as he showed the small bundle of clothes where he had wrapped Harry.
Harry was still awake but tears still streamed down his cheeks and hiccupping as he sucked his finger.
"Give him to me Hagrid." Sirius said.
Hagrid passed the sobbing child to Sirius and watched as both, son and friend, mourned the loss of the two best friends and parents he had ever known.
But he couldn't stand there, with nothing to do. He had an owl to send.
Hagrid took a rumpled owl from the pocket of his coat. Next he took out a piece of parchment along with a small bottle of ink and large quill. He wrote quickly and quietly. Finally, he tied the parchment to the owls leg and took it to the window. It was open and the first golden rays could be seen in the horizon. Day would be upon them soon.
He let the owl go and watched as it made its way quickly toward Hogwarts.
He turned to look at Sirius and Harry. Harry had his head snuggled into Sirius' chest. While Sirius, sobbed raggedly above Harry's head.
For several minutes, they stayed like that. Hagrid watched silently feeling a deep sorrow, he knew would never leave him.
Finally, Sirius straightened his back and sat up. He dried his tears with a sleeve of his arms and looked down at Harry, who had finally fallen asleep.
"I'll take care of you Harry, I promise." Sirius whispered.
Hagrid cleared his throat. Sirius looked up in surprised, he seemed to have forgotten that Hagrid was there.
"Shouldn't promise that ye know." Said Hagrid.
"What do you mean?" Asked Sirius looking a little confused.
"I mean to say, Dumbledore will know what to do now." Hagrid said.
"What?" Sirius exclaimed. When Harry stirred in his arms, he whispered. "What does Dumbledore got to do with anything? I'm his godfather."
"But he promised, didn' he. He promised to care for Harry." Hagrid said.
"But I'm his godfather." Said Sirius.
"Yeah, and the next one in line." Said Hagrid as he pointedly looked around the house.
"You are right, until the Death Eaters are imprisoned he is still in danger." Sirius said.
"What about You-Know-Who? Do you reckon that charred lump up there was him." Hagrid shuddered at the memory of it. Beside Lily's body, they found some charred remains. It was difficult to identify, at first he had thought it could've been James, but something about his robes made it clear that it hadn't been James.
"Maybe, but he is not dead." Sirius said. "From what I could see, the body is destroyed but not him."
"What do you mean? You mean he is a ghost?" Hagrid looked around frightened to think that Voldemort would still be around.
"No, he is not a ghost, his essence was somehow separated from his body, he is powerless at the moment but he will return if he gets the chance." Sirius said.
Hagrid shook his head. "Hope he don't."
**~~**~~**
The servants in Gryffindor Manor were woken by a shrill wailing.
"What is going on? What is the meaning of this?" Mrs. Nichols asked as she belted her robes. She was standing in a small corridor, beside an open door, which clearly led to her bedroom. Torches lit the narrow corridor.
"It's the elves Mrs. Nichols, they are wailing and we can't stop them." One of the footmen said after knocking on Roberts' door, which was a few yards away from the housekeepers'.
"What?" Mrs. Nichols looked scared and apprehensive. "It can't be." She whispered.
The footman looked surprised at her reaction but didn't say anything as Roberts' appeared by his bedroom door.
"What is the meaning of this? What is that noise?" Roberts was clearly angry at being woken in such an abrupt manner. "Mrs. Nichols, what is this?"
"Oh Nigel, it's the elves, they are wailing." Mrs. Nichols exclaimed.
The footman was astonished. The butler had always been called by his last name, Roberts, by the masters of the house as well as the servants, that Mrs. Nichols was Mr. Roberts' sister didn't mean that she was exempt from calling him Roberts, in fact this was the first time he had heard the butler's first name since he had joined the Potter Staff. He looked apprehensively at Roberts, he was sure he would lose his temper at being called in such a personal manner. But the surprises weren't over for the young footman.
"Can't be. They are safe. Dumbledore said they would be safe." Roberts said not even bothering to look at the surprised footman.
"Oh Nigel, what does this mean?" Mrs. Nichols was trying to stifle her sobs in a large handkerchief she pulled from her sleeve.
Roberts listened to the wailing for a moment. The house was silent and the wailing was clearly heard through the servant quarters.
"I've only heard that wailing once before." Roberts finally said.
"When Master Alliaster died." Mrs. Nichols sobbed.
Roberts nodded. "I'm afraid that it means Master James is dead." He whispered.
The footman gasped. "But Sir, how can you be sure?"
"Because those are the personal elves that are crying. They are magically connected to their masters, they know when the master is dead." Roberts replied.
"But what about Master Harry?" The footman asked, scared of what this would mean for all of them.
"I don't know, they are only crying for Master James, he was their true master, but Master Harry could've been killed as well." Roberts put his arms around his sister, patting her back as she leaned her head against his chest. Her body shaking with silent sobs. "Go and get me an owl. I'll write to Dumbledore. Send somebody to the elves, they must be calmed, it may take some time." He ordered.
The footman nodded and ran down the corridor.
"There, there Alice, we must see what will happen now." Roberts whispered in her ear.
She nodded, but her sobbing didn't stop.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore stood by his window looking at the owl he just released flying away from Hogwarts.
He had not expected to receive the worst kind of news imaginable. And now, there were things that he had to attend to. The students would get up soon, but he knew that this day would be remembered for all time.
There was a knock on the door. Dumbledore was surprised. There were a few hours of sleep left, but there was only one person he knew who could possibly be awake at this early hour.
"Come in." He ordered.
Professor McGonagall entered. She was wearing a flannel sleep robes. Her hair was hidden beneath a cap and her feet were encased in a pair of fluffy slippers.
Dumbledore looked at her, his eyebrows raised in question.
"Something wrong, Albus?" She asked without preamble.
"What makes you think so Minerva?" Dumbledore asked.
"I can see your office from my bedroom window Albus, and I haven't seen so many owls flying in and out of here before as I have seen this night." Professor McGonagall said with a frown on her face.
"I just got some news that needed to be attended to." Dumbledore said. He didn't want to talk about what had happened hours before. There were many things that needed to be taken care of and the news would leak out soon enough.
"Couldn't they wait until morning?" Professor McGonagall seemed skeptical.
"No, I needed to do before daylight arrived. I will have to leave Hogwarts for the day Minerva, I know that you will run things appropriately." He said.
Professor McGonagall seemed surprised by this. Why would Albus Dumbledore need to leave for the day? If it had something to do with the Order, he would let her know.
"What is wrong Albus?" She asked.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I need to get things ready Minerva. I'll see you on my return."
Minerva McGonagall knew when she was being dismissed. She nodded and walked out of the Headmaster's office. She knew that something had happened. But what could it have been? And why was Dumbledore sending Hagrid to Number 4 Privet Drive in Surrey?
She had seen Dumbledore go to Hagrid's hut earlier. She was too late to learn the reason for the visit, but she did hear Dumbledore saying something about number 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey. If that's where Dumbledore was going, that's where she would go.
**~~**~~**
The first streams of daylight were appearing in the horizon when Hagrid saw an owl standing by the rubble in what had once been the entrance hall.
Sirius had stayed in the kitchen, watching Harry sleep upon the table with Hagrid's coat around him to keep him from falling.
Hagrid took the owl in his large hands and took the letter that it carried in its beak. The owl flapped his wings and flew out of sight moments later.
Hagrid opened the letter. It contained Dumbledore's orders.
"Take Harry to Number 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey as we had discussed. I will meet you there, Harry must stay with what remains of his family."
Hagrid took his large red handkerchief from one of his pockets and blew his nose. The thought of Little Harry made him sad. So much had happened to the Potter family and to have it end like this was tragic.
"At least 'e's gone now." He whispered. "You-Know-Who won't bother 'arry now."
He walked back to the kitchen. Sirius was still sitting by the table, looking down on the sleeping toddler. Harry seemed so peaceful as he slept, as if the horrors of the night were just that and would die with the beginning of daylight.
"Gotta take him now." Hagrid's gruff voice startled Sirius from his pensive mood.
"Where? Where are you taking him?" Sirius asked, he didn't want to let Harry go. He was his godfather, he thought, I should be caring for him. But he understood why Dumbledore needed to take him. The Death Eaters were still on the loose and after this night's work they will be after Harry looking for a way to bring Voldemort back.
"Litte Whinging in Surrey, to his aunt's house." Hagrid said. He enveloped Harry in some blankets.
Harry, woken by the movement, started to cry. "Mama!" He wailed.
"Shh! Harry." Sirius said taking Harry from Hagrid's arms. "You'll be alright."
Harry whimpered.
"You can't take him to Petunia. She will not care for him as I would." Sirius exclaimed.
"But he needs to be with family. Dumbledore said so." Hagrid said.
"I don't care what Dumbledore says. Harry cannot go to that woman." Sirius raged. Harry was starting to fuss.
"Dumbledore promised Lily and James that if anything happened, he would take care of Harry." Hagrid tried to sound patient, but daylight was coming and he needed to be out of Godric's Hollow, with Harry, before anybody noticed what had happened during the night.
"And they chose me to be his godfather. In case you don't know Hagrid, a godfather takes the place of the father in cases such as this." Snapped Sirius.
"But Harry will be safer with the muggles. Dumbledore will take care of that. You want him safe don't you?" Hagrid argued patiently.
Sirius thought about it for a minute. The sun was starting to peak in the horizon. Daylight was streaming through the area and smoke could be seen from some of the chimneys of the surrounding houses.
Sirius sighed with resignation. "I suppose you're right. There are things I need to take care of anyways and it will be better if he stays with Petunia until everything has been taken care of." Sirius said. He had come to a decision, he needed to look for Peter, he was not going to leave James and Lily's death go unpunished.
"Give 'im 'ere Sirius. It'll take me long enough to reach Surrey. Don't know where to get transportation." Hagrid grumbled as Sirius passed Harry to Hagrid.
"How are you getting him there?" Asked Sirius as he grudgingly settled Harry into Hagrid's arms.
"Dunno yet. I have to walk out of the village before anybody comes nossin' around. I s'pose I can take cart or something once I get to a larger town." Hagrid said as he settled Harry into his coat.
Harry was fussing and crying for "Mama" as Hagrid tried to comfort him.
"Take my bike, I won't be needing it anymore." Said Sirius.
Hagrid looked up in surprise. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, you need it more than I do and I have things to do. The bike will not be of use to me." Sirius responded. "It will take you the whole day to get there, but it will be safer than if you go around looking for transformation. The Death Eaters will be out in full force once word of this gets out, Harry will be in danger once it is clear that he survived and Voldemort didn't." Sirius didn't bother to acknowledge Hagrid's wince at hearing Voldemort's name, he was to used to it by now, most people didn't like hearing or saying his name, it was only a small group that did so.
"If you're sure." Hagrid was looking forward to riding that bike. That motorcycle had been the envy of so many for years and the idea of him flying on it was thrilling.
"Take it, make sure he gets there safe." He leaned to see Harry, cocooned in blankets between the lapels of Hagrid's coat. "Be happy Harry." He whispered. "I'll look over you, and so will Lily and James." He kissed Harry's cheek and with a faint pop disapparated.
"Come Harry, need to get you to your aunt's." Hagrid said as he left behind the rubble that had once been the Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow.
The roar of a motor was heard echoing through the woods. Many people in the sleepy village of Godric's Hollow were awakened by the sound. Some, who had been out of doors at an early hour, made their way to the Potter Cottage where they could see smoke coming. The sight that met their eyes was one of tragic and horror.
As the morning progressed news of the Potter's death reached every corner of the village. Those of wizarding blood knew how it had come about, and the fact that little Harry was not found in the ruins was testimony that Dumbledore had taken him to a safe place. Owls were seen flying out of the outskirts of the village and word spread like wild fire.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore received many owls as the morning progressed. He responded none, except one.
It was close to ten that morning when Dumbledore appeared in the front door of Gryffindor Manor.
Tenants could be seen shuffling around the extensive grounds of the estate and gardeners were working diligently getting rid of the fallen leaves that covered the grounds.
Seconds after his knock, the door opened and a saddened Roberts appeared. Roberts usually wore a black suit that had been presented by the Potters when he first became their butler. Black coat and slacks and a black tie around the neck of a starched white shirt. But on this morning his attire differed in one thing, instead of the white shirt he wore a black shirt.
"Is it true?" He asked instead of his usual greeting.
"I'm sorry to say that it is." Dumbledore replied.
A deep sigh escaped Roberts, he had hoped that it wasn't that the magic Dumbledore had performed on the personal elves to keep them away from Master James had broken the bond that united them to their master, that they were wrong and Master James had not been killed, only hurt.
"And Master Harry?" Roberts dreaded the answer.
"He is alive, he survived Voldemort's attack." Dumbledore responded.
Roberts sagged with relief. The Potter name was not lost and the family had a future after all.
"Perhaps we should speak inside. I'm sure Mrs. Nichols must be worried as well." Dumbledore said.
"Oh yes, of course. Come in Professor, perhaps you should wait in the parlor, I'll get Alice." He led Professor Dumbledore to the front parlor and then hurried to find his sister.
Dumbledore looked around the room. It was the same as it had been the last time he had been in it. Frames with muggle pictures stood on top of the mantel. Pictures of Harry, Lily and James were abundant, but he could also see a few of Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans as well as some of the twins.
Dumbledore sighed, almost all of the people in those pictures were now dead. Harry was the only survivor.
He heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming toward the parlor, and the swishing sound of heavy skirts. Roberts and Mrs. Nichols were almost upon him.
The door opened promptly and Mrs. Nichols shuffled into the room followed closely by Roberts.
Mrs. Nichols was sobbing softly into a pristine white handkerchief. Mr. Roberts placed his arm around her and led him to one of the chairs.
"She has been like this since the elves awoke the household with their wailing." Explained Roberts as Professor Dumbledore sat near the sobbing housekeeper.
"There, there Mrs. Nichols, we are all saddened that it happened, but we must keep in mind that Young Harry is alive and well." Dumbledore said patting one of Mrs. Nichols' hands.
"Oh, are you bringing him here? When is he arriving?" Mrs. Nichols asked as she dried the tears from her eyes.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Nichols, but the Manor is not safe for Harry at this moment. Voldemort has disappeared but he was not defeated and as long as he can return Harry must be safe." Dumbledore said.
"But you can do something that will keep him safe. This is his home, this is all his now, and he must learn how to take care of it now that Master James is not here." Mrs. Nichols exclaimed.
"What I can do is not enough, Mrs. Nichols, the only thing that can keep him safe now is what protected him against Voldemort's attack. And that was his mother. She died trying to keep him safe, and it is her bloodline that will continue to do so. That means that Harry must go to her sister to be safe." Dumbledore explained.
"Oh, but you cannot take him to that woman! They will not take care of him, they will treat him bad, I'm certain." Mrs. Nichols gasped. How could Dumbledore think of sending Master Harry to that woman?
"Nevertheless, that's where he needs to be. As long as he is with his mother's blood, Voldemort cannot touch him. There are spells already in place that protect them from the Death Eaters, he will be safer there than anywhere else." Dumbledore said.
"And he will able to grow up as a normal child." Said Roberts.
"Nigel! How can you possibly say that?" Mrs. Nichols asked in shock to her brother.
"Alice, just think of what this day means. You-Know-Who is finally gone, and Master Harry brought that to pass. This will not be a secret for long, I would be surprised if by this afternoon the whole Wizarding World does not know of it. He will be famous, people are bound to come here trying to catch a sight of him, you know they will. If he grows up with the Muggles, he will have the chance to grow up a normal child, no worries of what the Death Eaters could do to him, or trying to hide from reporters of curious people trying to meet him." Roberts said, he watched the family pictures on the mantel as he talked. He could remember what it was like for Master James when he grew up, and imagined how different it would be for Master Harry if he returned to Gryffindor Manor.
"But what about his heritage, his inheritance. There is so much that he needs to learn and so much for him to do." Mrs. Nichols wailed. She didn't like the idea of not having Master Harry in the Manor, she had looked forward to seeing him grow up.
"I think it would be a good idea if we contact James' solicitor, he will tell us what we need to know about the Potter finances and estate, but I assume that James made plans of every contingency and that the estate and all the Potter inheritance will be kept in trust until Harry is old enough to step into his father's shoes." Dumbledore said.
"It is best if we do so. I also think Master James must have left orders to that effect. Master Harry is too young to understand the importance of his inheritance." Roberts said, agreeing with Dumbledore.
"Very well, if that is what is best." Mrs. Nichols sighed with resignation.
Dumbledore relaxed, he thought he would have a longer fight in his hands the moment he spoke of his plans for Harry. "Very well, I will make arrangements for Harry. He will be at his aunt's house no later than tomorrow morning. The spell retaining the elves to the grounds around the estate is still intact even if James is no longer their master. They will not be able to join Harry until that time he learns of the worth of his inheritance." Dumbledore directed.
Roberts and Mrs. Nichols nodded their understanding. The elves were still disconsolate even though their wailing had long stopped.
"I will return after Harry has been delivered to Petunia Dursley and we will contact the solicitors and see what orders James left in place." Dumbledore stood up. Mrs. Nichols and Roberts stood with him. "Don't worry, he will be safe now."
"Thank you Professor, we know Master Harry will be safe in your hands." Roberts said. Mrs. Nichols has begun to cry anew; her crisp, white handkerchief clutched tightly in her hands.
Soon after, Dumbledore was gone and Mrs. Nichols was sobbing silently against her brother's disarrayed suit.
**~~**~~**
Sirius apparated in an alley in the middle of London. He had an idea of where Peter could've gone after reporting to Voldemort.
How was I so stupid? Sirius thought angrily. How could I have turned James and Lily into his hands? How was I supposed to think that Peter would have been the better choice? But I did, I actually thought he was a friend. Of the four of us, Remus seemed the better placed to betray us.
"I'm sorry Remus, I'm sorry I thought you could betray James and Lily." Sirius whispered as he walked briskly through the streets. People looked at him askance. He looked wild, his hair tangled and his clothes dirty. But Sirius didn't notice or would've cared if he had.
"Come, don't get near him." A woman hissed to her boy as Sirius walked by them. The boy looked curiously at the passing Sirius as the woman pulled him away by his arm.
Sirius walked through the crowded city, and it wasn't long when he spied the figure of the man he was looking for.
"Peter!" Sirius yelled across the street.
Peter looked back, a look of terror written across his face. "Sirius!" He whispered to himself.
He had known that after Voldemort's visit to Godric's Hollow, he would have to deal with Sirius and Remus, but he had planned to be with Voldemort, and he would protect him. Now he was alone. Voldemort was gone and Sirius was out for his blood.
After he had heard the whispers around the city of what had happened at Godric's Hollow the night before, Peter had wandered around the city trying to find out the latest news. For the first time in history the wizarding world had come out of hiding attracting some attention from Muggles, something that the Ministry of Magic was not happy about. Cloaked wizards and witches were seen in groups in the sidewalks of the city talking about what had happened the night the before. The names of James, Lily and Harry Potter had become household names.
"Poor little Harry, what will happen to him?" Wizards wondered.
Peter didn't know what would happen now. The Death Eaters were out in droves but the Ministry, for once, had agents all over the country and many of Voldemort's followers were being killed or captured. He knew it wasn't going to be long before his name was linked to the Potter's death but Sirius was his greatest threat.
As he stood across the street, watching Sirius coming nearer to him, a plan started to form in his mind. If he pulled it off, he would be free.
People around them looked wary some sensed that a fight was about to start, and by the look of them, the tall wild looking man had the better chance of winning than the short wimpy looking one.
Sirius bared his teeth in anger and advanced toward Peter.
Peter started to sob, surreptitiously, he took out his wand and placed it behind him. Sirius was advancing, his wand clasped tightly in his hand.
"Lily and James, Sirius! How could you?" Peter screamed and made as if going for his wand.
A moment later an explosion erupted from where Peter had once stood. Muggles around them screamed, some were caught in the explosion and others ran. Sirius stood rooted. As the smoke cleared only Peter's clothing remained on the floor and muggle bodies littered the street.
Sirius was horror struck until he saw a fat rat scurrying trough the bodies and escaping through the crater that had appeared in the middle of the street and leading to the sewers. He chuckled, then his booming laughter filled the air. Muggles were screaming and crying, as bodies lay deathly still around them
Popping sounds filled the air as agents of the Department of Magical Catastrophes started to apparate around the area. Obliviators soon made their appearance as well as members of the Department of Magical Enforcement.
Sirius didn't say a thing, he laughed and looked down at the crater where his former friend had disappeared through. He knew that things looked bad for him, but he didn't care. Lily and James were gone, and Harry was safe with Petunia. Dumbledore would keep him safe, that was all that mattered.
Hit wizards walked toward Sirius cautiously. They looked warily at him as he stood laughing, finally, one of the hit man was brave enough to get hold of Sirius' arm. Sirius' didn't move. The others took courage and soon they were seen leading him from the area.
**~~**~~**
Professor McGonagall left the school at an early hour. She knew that Dumbledore was visiting Privet Drive that night, and Hagrid was going to meet him there. But why, she didn't know, and she didn't like the idea of being left in the dark. The moment she stepped out of the castle, she turned into her animagus form.
A few minutes later, a tabby was seen leaving the Hogwarts' grounds and making its way south.
The cat stopped now and then as groups of cloaked people were seen through the cities and towns it passed. The cat glared at the groups as if it didn't agree with their appearance, but it listened attentively at the news they whispered among themselves.
Professor McGonagall apparated and disapparated in alleys throughout the cities and towns she passed, transfigured into her animagus form before stepping out of the alleys, she walked around the crowded streets, listening before finding another alley to disapparate from.
She finally found her way to Surrey, and in her animagus form she started to look for Little Whigging. She walked through the awaking streets. Cars were pulling from their driveways as the inhabitants made their way to work. She stopped now and then to check the names of the streets. Finally, she spotted Privet Drive. Now all she had to look for was the house with the number four on its door. Just as she found Privet Drive, she saw a car drive by. A beefy man with a large mustache was behind the wheel. The man looked at the cat standing in the corner to Privet Drive. The cat looked back. The man shook his head as if clearing his head.
Professor McGonagall looked away from the car and looked down Privet Drive and started to make her way down the street.
Number four Privet Drive was a tidy looking house. Large bushes of plants stood in the garden lining the wall, the beg hedges around the back yard were clearly seen and the grass looked healthy and well taken care of. There was a small wall at each side of the garden.
The cat climbed up to the wall and sat looking in through the windows.
Everything seemed in order even though the screams and cries of an infant could be clearly heard through the house.
Professor McGonagall shook her head. Why on earth did Dumbledore think he was doing?
**~~**~~**
The day progressed and the news of what had happened the night before had been spread through every corner of the wizarding world. Parties broke out in several towns and cities, celebrating the end of the darkest time in anybody's memory. Harry Potter became a well known name and toasts were said in his honor constantly in pubs and homes everywhere.
Professor Dumbledore had started to make his way to Little Whinging apparating now and then in towns and cities along the way to see how matter stood in the wizarding community. He was hailed several times by partying groups hoping to get information from him. He declined to join them. The day was progressing rapidly and he wanted to have Harry settled as soon as possible. He had sent an owl to Little Whinging before he left, things were now set for the coming evening and Hagrid was making his way with Harry.
He knew people were eager for news, so far, everything was very vague. The Daily Prophet had printed the bare facts along with some speculations. But the truth was, nobody knew what had really happened in Godric's Hollow the night before, and the only one who could was not old enough to do so and it would be something that Harry would forget as he grew older.
Night started to fall. The celebrations continued. Muggles were noticing things although the majority just turned a blind eye to it all. Everything had a logical explanation after all.
**~~**~~**
Privet Drive had been quiet the whole day, except for those times when Petunia Dursley took out her son in his carriage toward the grocery store and later the park.
The cat on the garden wall cringed every time the piercing cries rent the air. How a child could make that much noise, she didn't know.
Unknown to Professor McGonagall, the house was being watched by another cat. Across the street from number four, hidden beneath the trailing plants in number three, a small cat lay quietly looking across to number four. It had perked up when Professor McGonagall had made her appearance. But nothing had happened, the new cat in Privet Drive just sat on the wall and looked into number four.
Afternoon arrived and everybody returned from work. Children played in the streets for hours before being called in for dinner. But soon, it started to get dark and the streetlights were turned on. The dim lights of room lamps blinked behind the curtained windows and the sound of the televisions in each living room could be heard.
Night was falling and the small cat quietly made its way out from the plants and left Privet Drive.
Professor McGonagall stayed on the wall. She sat stiffly waiting for night to fall. She didn't even moved when the beefy man returned and tried to shoo her away. She saw him enter the house and later heard the sound of conversation from the dinning room.
Night continued to fall. Dinner was obviously over in 4 Privet Drive as the sound of a television was heard from the living room and the last reports from the news came on.
"And finally, bird-watchers everywhere have reported that the nation's owls have been behaving very unusually today. Although owls normally hunt at night and are hardly ever seen in daylight, there have been hundreds of sightings of these birds flying in every direction since sunrise. Experts are unable to explain why the owls have suddenly changed their sleeping pattern." The reporter's voice reached Professor McGonagall outside. She wanted to groan and shake her head, but she was so stiff from sitting on the wall for so long she didn't want to break her equilibrium. "Most mysterious. And now, over to Jim McGuffin with the weather. Going to be any more showers of owls tonight, Jim?"
Professor McGonagall tried to shift her aching muscles while trying to hear what else the news reporter had to say.
"Well Ted," said the weatherman, "I don't know about that, but it's not only the owls that have been acting oddly today. Viewers as far apart as Kent, Yorkshire, and Dundee have been phoning in to tell me that instead of the rain I promised yesterday, they've had a downpour of shooting stars! Perhaps people have been celebrating Bonfire Night early - it's not until next week, folks! But I can promise a wet night tonight."
McGonagall was angry. How could they? She thought, how could they be so stupid as to allow themselves to act in such a way. Of course muggles were going to notice anything uncommon. Right time to leave secrecy behind just when it seemed that You-Know-Who was finally gone.
It wasn't long after the news were over that she heard the Dursleys retiring to bed. It would be soon now, she thought, Dumbledore will make his appearance soon enough.
She continued to sit stiffly on the wall as one by one all the lights inside the rooms of every house in Privet Drive were turned off and the only lights left were those of the street lamps. Professor McGonagall turned to look toward the opposite corner, where she was positive Dumbledore would make his appearance.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore arrived at Little Whinging just as the sun was setting, but it was too early still to go to Privet Drive. Instead, he appeared in a small house in nearby Wisteria Walk.
"I have been waiting the whole day!" I tiny old woman exclaimed the moment he apparated in a living room full of cats.
"I imagined you would be." Chuckled Dumbledore as he watched the old lady pace around the room.
"Where is he, where is Harry?" She asked as Dumbledore took the only seat that was not covered with cats.
"He is on his way. Don't worry Arabella." Dumbledore said as an orange cat jumped on his lap and rubbed its head against his hand.
"Humph!" Sniffed Mrs. Figg. "What is going to happen now?"
"He will stay with the Dursleys. It's the only way he can stay safe, he will be out of danger if he stays here." Dumbledore said.
"What makes you so sure of that? It seems to me that those gits have no sense of family honor, they will not want him here with them." Said Mrs. Figg.
"Don't worry, I will make sure he stays." Dumbledore said.
Mrs. Figg looked skeptical but didn't reply. Night was falling.
"What do I have to do once he is with them?" she said instead.
"Keep an eye on him. Attract their attention if you must, get close to them, just enough for them to trust you with his care if they leave home. We must know where he is at all times." Dumbledore said.
Mrs. Figg nodded. "I had Mr. Tibbles keep an eye on the house the whole day, he says nothing has happened, except for a cat sitting on their wall."
"A cat?" Dumbledore asked distracted.
"Yes, it appeared on the wall early in the morning. Dursley had barely left for work when it did." Mrs. Figg said.
"Hmmm."
Night had finally fallen and the other houses were dark.
"I'll send you further information later. But remember, keep an eye on Harry from now own." Said Dumbledore before he disapparated.
Darkness had fallen quietly to Privet Drive. The houses were dark and all its inhabitants were sleeping peacefully in their beds. The only creature stirring was the cat that continued to sit on the Dursleys' garden wall.
Silently a man appeared in the far corner.
Mrs. Figg had left her home as soon as Dumbledore had disapparated and crossed the alley that made the shortcut between Wisteria Walk to Magnolia Crescent. She walked briskly in the darkness, one small kitten following close behind. In Magnolia Crescent she turned to Privet Drive and hid behind a hedge in the corner just in time to see Dumbledore put out the lights in the streetlamps.
She peered closely trying to see what was happening. Soon, her eyes got accustomed to the darkness and could see Dumbledore talking to a witch sitting on the Dursleys' garden wall.
"Who is that Mr. Tibbles, I can't see who it is." She whispered.
A soft "Meow!" was heard at her side.
"Hmmm? The cat you say? Well I only know of one person who can transfigure into a cat and that's Professor McGonagall." Mrs. Figg whispered and continued looking toward the couple that was clearly in deep conversation.
Suddenly, a roar was heard from the sky. Mrs. Figg looked startled into the sky and saw a flying motorcycle making its way to Privet Drive.
"Fool!" She exclaimed. "He is going to wake everybody up." And she looked at the surrounding houses dreading to see any light coming from any of them. But she didn't see a sliver of light.
The motorcycle landed in front of 4 Privet Drive. Dumbledore and McGonagall were now standing nearby. A gigantic man stepped from the bike.
"Meow?"
"It's Hagrid." Mrs. Figg said. "How could Dumbledore trusted Harry into his care? It's not that he is mean-spirited but let's face it he is not one of the most careful of men."
She saw Hagrid handing a bundle of clothes to Dumbledore. "Harry." She whispered as Hagrid started to wail and McGonagall shushed him. Dumbledore spoke, she was too far away to hear what he had said but she tried to strain her hearing to see if she could catch something. But she couldn't. The group in the garden turned to the door in number 4 and Dumbledore placed the bundle on the front steps.
It was done. Harry was now in his aunt's care.
Mrs. Figg saw Dumbledore leaving a letter among the blankets before they all left Privet Drive behind as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Mrs. Figg left her hiding place in silence and walked toward the bundles laying silently on the steps of number 4. She kneeled beside them and watched a sleeping child within.
"Hello Harry." She whispered.
The infant stirred as the night started to get chilly.
Mrs. Figg took Harry into her arms and tried to keep him warm. Harry didn't wake but eventually settled to sleep peacefully not knowing that his name was now famous and that the years to come would be different now that his parents were not at his side.
Sunrise was near when Mrs. Figg left the steps of number 4 and walked back to the corner where she had hidden earlier.
She signs of the neighbors stirring within the houses, it wouldn't be long before the Dursleys found their nephew at their door. She hid once more and looked toward number 4. She could see the bundle of blankets on the steps and could see the curtains being drawn in the house.
She stilled when she saw the door open and cringed when a scream rent the air.
Windows and doors were opened all around the street, hoping to see the source of the scream, but Petunia had taken Harry into the house and the door had been closed. Mrs. Figg sighed with relief and looked down at the small kitten at her side. "Stay here. Keep an eye on them."
"Meow!"
She nodded and walked briskly back to Wisteria Walk.
**~~**~~**
A/N: That's it, the first Chapter, as some of you may have noticed that part where McGonagall was listening to the news was from The Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 1. I was thinking of how I'm going to break this part down and I decided that I'm going to write a chapter for each year until Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts, so that makes this Part 16 chapters long, unless I have to divide a year into two chapters. We'll see. I appreciate all the reviews, specially from all the new readers, I like to know that new people are finding my story and liking it. The next couple of weeks are going to keep me away from the computer. My days are busy lately and my schedule full, but I'll write whenever I get the chance and I'll upload it as soon as I have it ready. I'm going to keep this story in the section of Lily and James until we get to Harry's Sixth Year. Right now it's going to be very general so it doesn't make sense to change it yet. Let me know what you think about that, I know some of you agreed that I should change it to Harry but I don't know yet if I should as this is not going to be a HP/HG story nor a HP/GW and although I like Ron and Hermione together I want to focus more on Harry. Oh well, I still have time to decide. Please review!
**~~**~~**
Disclaimer: Everything that you recognize is not mine, it all belongs to the wonderful J.K. Rowling.
**~~**~~**
~Legacy of Two Generations ~
Part IV - The Aftermath
Chapter 1 ~ November 1, 1981
An exhausted owl arrived at Hogwarts as the clock rang midnight. Dumbledore sat behind his desk. The day had been exhausting for him. He had gotten word that Voldemort was about to show his hand and might attack the Ministry once more. He had sent owls throughout the day, trying to contact every member of the Order. They needed to be in London before Voldemort and his Death Eaters arrived.
He was thinking of the plans he had made with the Minister to protect the Ministry when a tapping was heard from a window behind him.
He frowned at the sight of an owl standing on the other side of his window. There was no reason he could think of for an owl to come to him at the moment. Unless there was a change in plans and Voldemort had decided against attacking the Ministry in the morning.
He walked rapidly toward the window and opened it. The owl dropped a letter on the floor and flew back out.
Dumbledore looked down at the parchment with worry. It held a single sentence. "He is at Godric's Hollow." There was no signature. Nothing to let him know who had sent it, but he couldn't take a chance of it being a prank. It could be a trap, his mind screamed. It doesn't matter, he thought, Lily and James could be in danger and he had promised to help.
The door to his office flew open as he neared it. He quickly made his way down the stairs and walked down the corridors until he left the castle behind. He was walking toward Hagrid's hut.
He could hear the rustle of the leaves from the Forest's trees. A cool breeze made waves upon the lake's surface and some unknown pet of Hagrid's could be heard whimpering from behind the hut.
He knocked on the door and instantly Fang's barking could be heard from within.
"Who is it?" Hagrid's gruff voice was heard.
"It's me Hagrid, I need you to do something for me." Dumbledore called.
"Right Professor, 'old on a minute." The sounds of grunting could be heard along with Hagrid's "Move Fang, gotta open the door to Dumbledore." Finally, the door was opened and Hagrid's face peered from behind the door.
"Sorry about that. Fang is in a funny mood tonight." Hagrid said as he opened the door wider for Professor Dumbledore to enter.
"That's all right Hagrid." Dumbledore said as he entered the shabby cabin.
Hagrid's bed was messy, it seemed that he was already asleep when Dumbledore knocked on the door. There was a warm fire burning in the fireplace and a small pot hanging on a nearby wall. There were several boxes and bags, which Dumbledore knew, were full of spices or tea leaves. And Fang was sitting by Hagrid's bed, his head leaning against his front paws.
"Said you wanted me to do somethin'?" Asked Hagrid as he tried to hide a yawn behind one of his large hands.
"Indeed I do Hagrid. I got word that the Potters are in trouble. I need you to get there as soon as you can." Dumbledore said.
"Yes, sir. But. how can I do that, I can't use magic." Hagrid asked with consternation.
"You can in this occasion, it is an emergency, Hagrid." Hagrid nodded his understanding. "I want you to send me an owl the moment you get there, let me know what the situation is. Stay there until you get word from me. Do you understand, Hagrid?"
"Yes, sir. Will leave in a second, Sir." Hagrid said and started to pace around the hut gathering a few things that he will need.
"Take care Hagrid. If we are too late, meet me at number 4 Privet Drive in Surrey." Dumbledore said and walked out of the hut, making his way quickly to the castle.
The night was silent, the only sound heard was a loud pop as Hagrid disapparated toward Godric's Hollow.
**~~**~~**
It was very dark when Sirius started to descend. He was near the lane that led to the town to Godric's Hollow, the sense of urgency that had driven him from the moment he left Peter's house was getting stronger as he got nearer to the Potters' Cottage.
He turned the corner that opened to the small lane leading to the town. The road was dark, the street lamps that usually lit the way were out and that made him feel very worried. Very worried indeed. The lights from his motorcycle lit his way to town.
Finally, he noticed the outlines of cottages and houses lining the lane. He had reached the middle of town. He knew his way around the place as he had spent many months visiting along with the Potters. Just a little further, he thought, I'll get there soon. He looked around looking for the dense part of the surrounding forest that opened to the path leading to the Potter's cottage.
He saw it, and with a roaring sound, he led his motorcycle toward the place he knew would open to the path. It was a rocky path, it was wide enough to allow a car to pass through as long as there was no car coming from the opposite direction. Both sides of the path were lined by trees, which passed quickly by as Sirius made his way to the cottage.
He glimpsed a dim light coming from the end of the lane. "Hurry, hurry." He whispered as he drove the last mile through the woods.
The road opened before him and a small hill came into view. The cottage that once had stood proudly above it was dark and nearly destroyed, it was a miracle that part of it still stood. The moon shone brightly against the surface of the lake that had been once hidden by the large house. Now it was clearly visible from the lane.
"James!" He whispered. "No!" He screamed as he leapt from the motorcycle and ran toward the house.
A faint pop was heard from the direction of the lane and he turned with his wand held high and ready to protect himself.
"It's me, 'agrid." A gruff voice yelled.
"Hagrid?" Sirius asked lowering his wand.
"Recognized the bike." Hagrid was panting as he ran up the hill. "Dumbledore sent me."
"What happened Hagrid? I just got here." Sirius turned back to look at the house. There was some smoldering and he could clearly see smoke coming from the ruins of what had once been a magnificent structure.
"Dunno. Dumbledore told me to come. Seems he had reason to be worried." Hagrid whispered as he looked at the around the dark building.
"James! Lily!" Sirius started to yell, as he climbed over some fallen stones and wood. He was now in where once had been the entrance hall. He pointed his wand around as he started to put out some the small fires that had begun.
"James! Lily! Harry!" Hagrid and Sirius yelled as both walked through the rubble.
"I don't hear anything Hagrid." Sirius exclaimed feeling angry and sad. His mixed emotions seemed to be getting in control of his mind and he didn't like the feel of it.
"Can't either." Hagrid said gruffly.
Suddenly, a cry rent the silent night.
"Shhh!" Exclaimed Sirius. "Did you hear that?"
"Yeah, what was it?" Whispered Hagrid.
"It came from the bedrooms." Sirius said.
"Are you sure?" Hagrid asked, how could anybody be sure where anything was?
"Yes. Come, this way." Sirius led Hagrid toward the kitchens. The staircase that once stood in the entrance hall was no longer there, and Sirius knew that the only way they could climb up to the second floor was through the service stairs from the kitchens. "Lumos!" He whispered after he stumbled around the debris and he led the way down the darkened hall. Hagrid followed closely behind.
The service stairs seemed intact. Sirius climbed carefully each step, making sure it was strong enough for Hagrid to follow. Slowly, they made their way up the stairs and sighed in relief as soon as they stood in the landing of the second floor.
"The master bedroom is at the end of this corridor. If I know Lily and James, and I do, they must have decorated a room nearby for Harry." Sirius said.
They hear whimpering as they walked closer to what had once been the master bedroom.
At the end of the corridor stood a large oak door, it was open and led to an extravagant looking bedroom.
"Here we are." Whispered Sirius. Hagrid kept looking around and behind him, whishing he was good at magic and could hold a wand in his hand. Sirius walked through the open door, Hagrid close behind him. The bedroom was dark, just as the rest of the house had been, but a dim light seemed to be coming through a side door.
Sirius and Hagrid walked through the room toward the lit room. The whimpering they had heard earlier in the hall was getting stronger.
"Harry!" Sirius called.
"Mama!"
"It's Harry!" Sirius screamed and ran to the side room. He could hear Hagrid running and panting behind him.
The sight that met their eyes made them stumble in the door.
One body lay on the floor. Lifeless. Harry was sitting in the windowsill. His eyes puffy and his cheeks wet with his tears.
"Oh Lily!" Exclaimed Sirius falling on his knees.
Harry cried. But Sirius didn't move, his eyes were focused on Lily's body, tears falling silently down his face.
Hagrid stepped around him in an instant and reached for Harry. "There, there, 'arry. You're fine now." He whispered as he settled Harry in his arms.
The room was silent and only the cries of Harry could be heard through the night.
**~~**~~**
Peter couldn't sleep. He had hidden in an abandoned house in London. Lord Voldemort should have joined him by now. Dawn was creeping over and the Death Eaters would soon apparate to join them. He had a feeling that things had not gone as planned. He didn't know why he felt that way, but he did. Things were not right.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore paced around his office. The paintings of the Headmasters slept fitfully in their frames, as if somehow sensing the present Headmaster's fitful spirit.
He had hoped that Hagrid's owl had arrived, and the lack of news made him think that perhaps they had been too late.
He looked out the window. Day would soon arrive.
**~~**~~**
Hagrid had managed to take Harry and Sirius out of the bedroom and down the stairs. They were sitting in the remaining chairs in the dinning room. Candles had been lit. He had thought it better to get them out before Sirius did something drastic. The sight of Lily's slain body clearly affected him strongly. Not that it hadn't affected Hagrid as well, but somebody had to take Harry out of that room.
"Oh Lily!" Whispered Sirius as if he could still see her body before him.
"There, there Sirius. We must care for Harry now, he will need us." Hagrid patted Sirius's back as he dried the tears from his own face.
"Harry! Where is Harry?" Sirius started to look around as if he had finally snapped from a hypnotic trance.
"I got 'im." Said Hagrid as he showed the small bundle of clothes where he had wrapped Harry.
Harry was still awake but tears still streamed down his cheeks and hiccupping as he sucked his finger.
"Give him to me Hagrid." Sirius said.
Hagrid passed the sobbing child to Sirius and watched as both, son and friend, mourned the loss of the two best friends and parents he had ever known.
But he couldn't stand there, with nothing to do. He had an owl to send.
Hagrid took a rumpled owl from the pocket of his coat. Next he took out a piece of parchment along with a small bottle of ink and large quill. He wrote quickly and quietly. Finally, he tied the parchment to the owls leg and took it to the window. It was open and the first golden rays could be seen in the horizon. Day would be upon them soon.
He let the owl go and watched as it made its way quickly toward Hogwarts.
He turned to look at Sirius and Harry. Harry had his head snuggled into Sirius' chest. While Sirius, sobbed raggedly above Harry's head.
For several minutes, they stayed like that. Hagrid watched silently feeling a deep sorrow, he knew would never leave him.
Finally, Sirius straightened his back and sat up. He dried his tears with a sleeve of his arms and looked down at Harry, who had finally fallen asleep.
"I'll take care of you Harry, I promise." Sirius whispered.
Hagrid cleared his throat. Sirius looked up in surprised, he seemed to have forgotten that Hagrid was there.
"Shouldn't promise that ye know." Said Hagrid.
"What do you mean?" Asked Sirius looking a little confused.
"I mean to say, Dumbledore will know what to do now." Hagrid said.
"What?" Sirius exclaimed. When Harry stirred in his arms, he whispered. "What does Dumbledore got to do with anything? I'm his godfather."
"But he promised, didn' he. He promised to care for Harry." Hagrid said.
"But I'm his godfather." Said Sirius.
"Yeah, and the next one in line." Said Hagrid as he pointedly looked around the house.
"You are right, until the Death Eaters are imprisoned he is still in danger." Sirius said.
"What about You-Know-Who? Do you reckon that charred lump up there was him." Hagrid shuddered at the memory of it. Beside Lily's body, they found some charred remains. It was difficult to identify, at first he had thought it could've been James, but something about his robes made it clear that it hadn't been James.
"Maybe, but he is not dead." Sirius said. "From what I could see, the body is destroyed but not him."
"What do you mean? You mean he is a ghost?" Hagrid looked around frightened to think that Voldemort would still be around.
"No, he is not a ghost, his essence was somehow separated from his body, he is powerless at the moment but he will return if he gets the chance." Sirius said.
Hagrid shook his head. "Hope he don't."
**~~**~~**
The servants in Gryffindor Manor were woken by a shrill wailing.
"What is going on? What is the meaning of this?" Mrs. Nichols asked as she belted her robes. She was standing in a small corridor, beside an open door, which clearly led to her bedroom. Torches lit the narrow corridor.
"It's the elves Mrs. Nichols, they are wailing and we can't stop them." One of the footmen said after knocking on Roberts' door, which was a few yards away from the housekeepers'.
"What?" Mrs. Nichols looked scared and apprehensive. "It can't be." She whispered.
The footman looked surprised at her reaction but didn't say anything as Roberts' appeared by his bedroom door.
"What is the meaning of this? What is that noise?" Roberts was clearly angry at being woken in such an abrupt manner. "Mrs. Nichols, what is this?"
"Oh Nigel, it's the elves, they are wailing." Mrs. Nichols exclaimed.
The footman was astonished. The butler had always been called by his last name, Roberts, by the masters of the house as well as the servants, that Mrs. Nichols was Mr. Roberts' sister didn't mean that she was exempt from calling him Roberts, in fact this was the first time he had heard the butler's first name since he had joined the Potter Staff. He looked apprehensively at Roberts, he was sure he would lose his temper at being called in such a personal manner. But the surprises weren't over for the young footman.
"Can't be. They are safe. Dumbledore said they would be safe." Roberts said not even bothering to look at the surprised footman.
"Oh Nigel, what does this mean?" Mrs. Nichols was trying to stifle her sobs in a large handkerchief she pulled from her sleeve.
Roberts listened to the wailing for a moment. The house was silent and the wailing was clearly heard through the servant quarters.
"I've only heard that wailing once before." Roberts finally said.
"When Master Alliaster died." Mrs. Nichols sobbed.
Roberts nodded. "I'm afraid that it means Master James is dead." He whispered.
The footman gasped. "But Sir, how can you be sure?"
"Because those are the personal elves that are crying. They are magically connected to their masters, they know when the master is dead." Roberts replied.
"But what about Master Harry?" The footman asked, scared of what this would mean for all of them.
"I don't know, they are only crying for Master James, he was their true master, but Master Harry could've been killed as well." Roberts put his arms around his sister, patting her back as she leaned her head against his chest. Her body shaking with silent sobs. "Go and get me an owl. I'll write to Dumbledore. Send somebody to the elves, they must be calmed, it may take some time." He ordered.
The footman nodded and ran down the corridor.
"There, there Alice, we must see what will happen now." Roberts whispered in her ear.
She nodded, but her sobbing didn't stop.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore stood by his window looking at the owl he just released flying away from Hogwarts.
He had not expected to receive the worst kind of news imaginable. And now, there were things that he had to attend to. The students would get up soon, but he knew that this day would be remembered for all time.
There was a knock on the door. Dumbledore was surprised. There were a few hours of sleep left, but there was only one person he knew who could possibly be awake at this early hour.
"Come in." He ordered.
Professor McGonagall entered. She was wearing a flannel sleep robes. Her hair was hidden beneath a cap and her feet were encased in a pair of fluffy slippers.
Dumbledore looked at her, his eyebrows raised in question.
"Something wrong, Albus?" She asked without preamble.
"What makes you think so Minerva?" Dumbledore asked.
"I can see your office from my bedroom window Albus, and I haven't seen so many owls flying in and out of here before as I have seen this night." Professor McGonagall said with a frown on her face.
"I just got some news that needed to be attended to." Dumbledore said. He didn't want to talk about what had happened hours before. There were many things that needed to be taken care of and the news would leak out soon enough.
"Couldn't they wait until morning?" Professor McGonagall seemed skeptical.
"No, I needed to do before daylight arrived. I will have to leave Hogwarts for the day Minerva, I know that you will run things appropriately." He said.
Professor McGonagall seemed surprised by this. Why would Albus Dumbledore need to leave for the day? If it had something to do with the Order, he would let her know.
"What is wrong Albus?" She asked.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I need to get things ready Minerva. I'll see you on my return."
Minerva McGonagall knew when she was being dismissed. She nodded and walked out of the Headmaster's office. She knew that something had happened. But what could it have been? And why was Dumbledore sending Hagrid to Number 4 Privet Drive in Surrey?
She had seen Dumbledore go to Hagrid's hut earlier. She was too late to learn the reason for the visit, but she did hear Dumbledore saying something about number 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey. If that's where Dumbledore was going, that's where she would go.
**~~**~~**
The first streams of daylight were appearing in the horizon when Hagrid saw an owl standing by the rubble in what had once been the entrance hall.
Sirius had stayed in the kitchen, watching Harry sleep upon the table with Hagrid's coat around him to keep him from falling.
Hagrid took the owl in his large hands and took the letter that it carried in its beak. The owl flapped his wings and flew out of sight moments later.
Hagrid opened the letter. It contained Dumbledore's orders.
"Take Harry to Number 4 Privet Drive in Little Whinging, Surrey as we had discussed. I will meet you there, Harry must stay with what remains of his family."
Hagrid took his large red handkerchief from one of his pockets and blew his nose. The thought of Little Harry made him sad. So much had happened to the Potter family and to have it end like this was tragic.
"At least 'e's gone now." He whispered. "You-Know-Who won't bother 'arry now."
He walked back to the kitchen. Sirius was still sitting by the table, looking down on the sleeping toddler. Harry seemed so peaceful as he slept, as if the horrors of the night were just that and would die with the beginning of daylight.
"Gotta take him now." Hagrid's gruff voice startled Sirius from his pensive mood.
"Where? Where are you taking him?" Sirius asked, he didn't want to let Harry go. He was his godfather, he thought, I should be caring for him. But he understood why Dumbledore needed to take him. The Death Eaters were still on the loose and after this night's work they will be after Harry looking for a way to bring Voldemort back.
"Litte Whinging in Surrey, to his aunt's house." Hagrid said. He enveloped Harry in some blankets.
Harry, woken by the movement, started to cry. "Mama!" He wailed.
"Shh! Harry." Sirius said taking Harry from Hagrid's arms. "You'll be alright."
Harry whimpered.
"You can't take him to Petunia. She will not care for him as I would." Sirius exclaimed.
"But he needs to be with family. Dumbledore said so." Hagrid said.
"I don't care what Dumbledore says. Harry cannot go to that woman." Sirius raged. Harry was starting to fuss.
"Dumbledore promised Lily and James that if anything happened, he would take care of Harry." Hagrid tried to sound patient, but daylight was coming and he needed to be out of Godric's Hollow, with Harry, before anybody noticed what had happened during the night.
"And they chose me to be his godfather. In case you don't know Hagrid, a godfather takes the place of the father in cases such as this." Snapped Sirius.
"But Harry will be safer with the muggles. Dumbledore will take care of that. You want him safe don't you?" Hagrid argued patiently.
Sirius thought about it for a minute. The sun was starting to peak in the horizon. Daylight was streaming through the area and smoke could be seen from some of the chimneys of the surrounding houses.
Sirius sighed with resignation. "I suppose you're right. There are things I need to take care of anyways and it will be better if he stays with Petunia until everything has been taken care of." Sirius said. He had come to a decision, he needed to look for Peter, he was not going to leave James and Lily's death go unpunished.
"Give 'im 'ere Sirius. It'll take me long enough to reach Surrey. Don't know where to get transportation." Hagrid grumbled as Sirius passed Harry to Hagrid.
"How are you getting him there?" Asked Sirius as he grudgingly settled Harry into Hagrid's arms.
"Dunno yet. I have to walk out of the village before anybody comes nossin' around. I s'pose I can take cart or something once I get to a larger town." Hagrid said as he settled Harry into his coat.
Harry was fussing and crying for "Mama" as Hagrid tried to comfort him.
"Take my bike, I won't be needing it anymore." Said Sirius.
Hagrid looked up in surprise. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, you need it more than I do and I have things to do. The bike will not be of use to me." Sirius responded. "It will take you the whole day to get there, but it will be safer than if you go around looking for transformation. The Death Eaters will be out in full force once word of this gets out, Harry will be in danger once it is clear that he survived and Voldemort didn't." Sirius didn't bother to acknowledge Hagrid's wince at hearing Voldemort's name, he was to used to it by now, most people didn't like hearing or saying his name, it was only a small group that did so.
"If you're sure." Hagrid was looking forward to riding that bike. That motorcycle had been the envy of so many for years and the idea of him flying on it was thrilling.
"Take it, make sure he gets there safe." He leaned to see Harry, cocooned in blankets between the lapels of Hagrid's coat. "Be happy Harry." He whispered. "I'll look over you, and so will Lily and James." He kissed Harry's cheek and with a faint pop disapparated.
"Come Harry, need to get you to your aunt's." Hagrid said as he left behind the rubble that had once been the Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow.
The roar of a motor was heard echoing through the woods. Many people in the sleepy village of Godric's Hollow were awakened by the sound. Some, who had been out of doors at an early hour, made their way to the Potter Cottage where they could see smoke coming. The sight that met their eyes was one of tragic and horror.
As the morning progressed news of the Potter's death reached every corner of the village. Those of wizarding blood knew how it had come about, and the fact that little Harry was not found in the ruins was testimony that Dumbledore had taken him to a safe place. Owls were seen flying out of the outskirts of the village and word spread like wild fire.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore received many owls as the morning progressed. He responded none, except one.
It was close to ten that morning when Dumbledore appeared in the front door of Gryffindor Manor.
Tenants could be seen shuffling around the extensive grounds of the estate and gardeners were working diligently getting rid of the fallen leaves that covered the grounds.
Seconds after his knock, the door opened and a saddened Roberts appeared. Roberts usually wore a black suit that had been presented by the Potters when he first became their butler. Black coat and slacks and a black tie around the neck of a starched white shirt. But on this morning his attire differed in one thing, instead of the white shirt he wore a black shirt.
"Is it true?" He asked instead of his usual greeting.
"I'm sorry to say that it is." Dumbledore replied.
A deep sigh escaped Roberts, he had hoped that it wasn't that the magic Dumbledore had performed on the personal elves to keep them away from Master James had broken the bond that united them to their master, that they were wrong and Master James had not been killed, only hurt.
"And Master Harry?" Roberts dreaded the answer.
"He is alive, he survived Voldemort's attack." Dumbledore responded.
Roberts sagged with relief. The Potter name was not lost and the family had a future after all.
"Perhaps we should speak inside. I'm sure Mrs. Nichols must be worried as well." Dumbledore said.
"Oh yes, of course. Come in Professor, perhaps you should wait in the parlor, I'll get Alice." He led Professor Dumbledore to the front parlor and then hurried to find his sister.
Dumbledore looked around the room. It was the same as it had been the last time he had been in it. Frames with muggle pictures stood on top of the mantel. Pictures of Harry, Lily and James were abundant, but he could also see a few of Mrs. Potter and Mrs. Evans as well as some of the twins.
Dumbledore sighed, almost all of the people in those pictures were now dead. Harry was the only survivor.
He heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming toward the parlor, and the swishing sound of heavy skirts. Roberts and Mrs. Nichols were almost upon him.
The door opened promptly and Mrs. Nichols shuffled into the room followed closely by Roberts.
Mrs. Nichols was sobbing softly into a pristine white handkerchief. Mr. Roberts placed his arm around her and led him to one of the chairs.
"She has been like this since the elves awoke the household with their wailing." Explained Roberts as Professor Dumbledore sat near the sobbing housekeeper.
"There, there Mrs. Nichols, we are all saddened that it happened, but we must keep in mind that Young Harry is alive and well." Dumbledore said patting one of Mrs. Nichols' hands.
"Oh, are you bringing him here? When is he arriving?" Mrs. Nichols asked as she dried the tears from her eyes.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Nichols, but the Manor is not safe for Harry at this moment. Voldemort has disappeared but he was not defeated and as long as he can return Harry must be safe." Dumbledore said.
"But you can do something that will keep him safe. This is his home, this is all his now, and he must learn how to take care of it now that Master James is not here." Mrs. Nichols exclaimed.
"What I can do is not enough, Mrs. Nichols, the only thing that can keep him safe now is what protected him against Voldemort's attack. And that was his mother. She died trying to keep him safe, and it is her bloodline that will continue to do so. That means that Harry must go to her sister to be safe." Dumbledore explained.
"Oh, but you cannot take him to that woman! They will not take care of him, they will treat him bad, I'm certain." Mrs. Nichols gasped. How could Dumbledore think of sending Master Harry to that woman?
"Nevertheless, that's where he needs to be. As long as he is with his mother's blood, Voldemort cannot touch him. There are spells already in place that protect them from the Death Eaters, he will be safer there than anywhere else." Dumbledore said.
"And he will able to grow up as a normal child." Said Roberts.
"Nigel! How can you possibly say that?" Mrs. Nichols asked in shock to her brother.
"Alice, just think of what this day means. You-Know-Who is finally gone, and Master Harry brought that to pass. This will not be a secret for long, I would be surprised if by this afternoon the whole Wizarding World does not know of it. He will be famous, people are bound to come here trying to catch a sight of him, you know they will. If he grows up with the Muggles, he will have the chance to grow up a normal child, no worries of what the Death Eaters could do to him, or trying to hide from reporters of curious people trying to meet him." Roberts said, he watched the family pictures on the mantel as he talked. He could remember what it was like for Master James when he grew up, and imagined how different it would be for Master Harry if he returned to Gryffindor Manor.
"But what about his heritage, his inheritance. There is so much that he needs to learn and so much for him to do." Mrs. Nichols wailed. She didn't like the idea of not having Master Harry in the Manor, she had looked forward to seeing him grow up.
"I think it would be a good idea if we contact James' solicitor, he will tell us what we need to know about the Potter finances and estate, but I assume that James made plans of every contingency and that the estate and all the Potter inheritance will be kept in trust until Harry is old enough to step into his father's shoes." Dumbledore said.
"It is best if we do so. I also think Master James must have left orders to that effect. Master Harry is too young to understand the importance of his inheritance." Roberts said, agreeing with Dumbledore.
"Very well, if that is what is best." Mrs. Nichols sighed with resignation.
Dumbledore relaxed, he thought he would have a longer fight in his hands the moment he spoke of his plans for Harry. "Very well, I will make arrangements for Harry. He will be at his aunt's house no later than tomorrow morning. The spell retaining the elves to the grounds around the estate is still intact even if James is no longer their master. They will not be able to join Harry until that time he learns of the worth of his inheritance." Dumbledore directed.
Roberts and Mrs. Nichols nodded their understanding. The elves were still disconsolate even though their wailing had long stopped.
"I will return after Harry has been delivered to Petunia Dursley and we will contact the solicitors and see what orders James left in place." Dumbledore stood up. Mrs. Nichols and Roberts stood with him. "Don't worry, he will be safe now."
"Thank you Professor, we know Master Harry will be safe in your hands." Roberts said. Mrs. Nichols has begun to cry anew; her crisp, white handkerchief clutched tightly in her hands.
Soon after, Dumbledore was gone and Mrs. Nichols was sobbing silently against her brother's disarrayed suit.
**~~**~~**
Sirius apparated in an alley in the middle of London. He had an idea of where Peter could've gone after reporting to Voldemort.
How was I so stupid? Sirius thought angrily. How could I have turned James and Lily into his hands? How was I supposed to think that Peter would have been the better choice? But I did, I actually thought he was a friend. Of the four of us, Remus seemed the better placed to betray us.
"I'm sorry Remus, I'm sorry I thought you could betray James and Lily." Sirius whispered as he walked briskly through the streets. People looked at him askance. He looked wild, his hair tangled and his clothes dirty. But Sirius didn't notice or would've cared if he had.
"Come, don't get near him." A woman hissed to her boy as Sirius walked by them. The boy looked curiously at the passing Sirius as the woman pulled him away by his arm.
Sirius walked through the crowded city, and it wasn't long when he spied the figure of the man he was looking for.
"Peter!" Sirius yelled across the street.
Peter looked back, a look of terror written across his face. "Sirius!" He whispered to himself.
He had known that after Voldemort's visit to Godric's Hollow, he would have to deal with Sirius and Remus, but he had planned to be with Voldemort, and he would protect him. Now he was alone. Voldemort was gone and Sirius was out for his blood.
After he had heard the whispers around the city of what had happened at Godric's Hollow the night before, Peter had wandered around the city trying to find out the latest news. For the first time in history the wizarding world had come out of hiding attracting some attention from Muggles, something that the Ministry of Magic was not happy about. Cloaked wizards and witches were seen in groups in the sidewalks of the city talking about what had happened the night the before. The names of James, Lily and Harry Potter had become household names.
"Poor little Harry, what will happen to him?" Wizards wondered.
Peter didn't know what would happen now. The Death Eaters were out in droves but the Ministry, for once, had agents all over the country and many of Voldemort's followers were being killed or captured. He knew it wasn't going to be long before his name was linked to the Potter's death but Sirius was his greatest threat.
As he stood across the street, watching Sirius coming nearer to him, a plan started to form in his mind. If he pulled it off, he would be free.
People around them looked wary some sensed that a fight was about to start, and by the look of them, the tall wild looking man had the better chance of winning than the short wimpy looking one.
Sirius bared his teeth in anger and advanced toward Peter.
Peter started to sob, surreptitiously, he took out his wand and placed it behind him. Sirius was advancing, his wand clasped tightly in his hand.
"Lily and James, Sirius! How could you?" Peter screamed and made as if going for his wand.
A moment later an explosion erupted from where Peter had once stood. Muggles around them screamed, some were caught in the explosion and others ran. Sirius stood rooted. As the smoke cleared only Peter's clothing remained on the floor and muggle bodies littered the street.
Sirius was horror struck until he saw a fat rat scurrying trough the bodies and escaping through the crater that had appeared in the middle of the street and leading to the sewers. He chuckled, then his booming laughter filled the air. Muggles were screaming and crying, as bodies lay deathly still around them
Popping sounds filled the air as agents of the Department of Magical Catastrophes started to apparate around the area. Obliviators soon made their appearance as well as members of the Department of Magical Enforcement.
Sirius didn't say a thing, he laughed and looked down at the crater where his former friend had disappeared through. He knew that things looked bad for him, but he didn't care. Lily and James were gone, and Harry was safe with Petunia. Dumbledore would keep him safe, that was all that mattered.
Hit wizards walked toward Sirius cautiously. They looked warily at him as he stood laughing, finally, one of the hit man was brave enough to get hold of Sirius' arm. Sirius' didn't move. The others took courage and soon they were seen leading him from the area.
**~~**~~**
Professor McGonagall left the school at an early hour. She knew that Dumbledore was visiting Privet Drive that night, and Hagrid was going to meet him there. But why, she didn't know, and she didn't like the idea of being left in the dark. The moment she stepped out of the castle, she turned into her animagus form.
A few minutes later, a tabby was seen leaving the Hogwarts' grounds and making its way south.
The cat stopped now and then as groups of cloaked people were seen through the cities and towns it passed. The cat glared at the groups as if it didn't agree with their appearance, but it listened attentively at the news they whispered among themselves.
Professor McGonagall apparated and disapparated in alleys throughout the cities and towns she passed, transfigured into her animagus form before stepping out of the alleys, she walked around the crowded streets, listening before finding another alley to disapparate from.
She finally found her way to Surrey, and in her animagus form she started to look for Little Whigging. She walked through the awaking streets. Cars were pulling from their driveways as the inhabitants made their way to work. She stopped now and then to check the names of the streets. Finally, she spotted Privet Drive. Now all she had to look for was the house with the number four on its door. Just as she found Privet Drive, she saw a car drive by. A beefy man with a large mustache was behind the wheel. The man looked at the cat standing in the corner to Privet Drive. The cat looked back. The man shook his head as if clearing his head.
Professor McGonagall looked away from the car and looked down Privet Drive and started to make her way down the street.
Number four Privet Drive was a tidy looking house. Large bushes of plants stood in the garden lining the wall, the beg hedges around the back yard were clearly seen and the grass looked healthy and well taken care of. There was a small wall at each side of the garden.
The cat climbed up to the wall and sat looking in through the windows.
Everything seemed in order even though the screams and cries of an infant could be clearly heard through the house.
Professor McGonagall shook her head. Why on earth did Dumbledore think he was doing?
**~~**~~**
The day progressed and the news of what had happened the night before had been spread through every corner of the wizarding world. Parties broke out in several towns and cities, celebrating the end of the darkest time in anybody's memory. Harry Potter became a well known name and toasts were said in his honor constantly in pubs and homes everywhere.
Professor Dumbledore had started to make his way to Little Whinging apparating now and then in towns and cities along the way to see how matter stood in the wizarding community. He was hailed several times by partying groups hoping to get information from him. He declined to join them. The day was progressing rapidly and he wanted to have Harry settled as soon as possible. He had sent an owl to Little Whinging before he left, things were now set for the coming evening and Hagrid was making his way with Harry.
He knew people were eager for news, so far, everything was very vague. The Daily Prophet had printed the bare facts along with some speculations. But the truth was, nobody knew what had really happened in Godric's Hollow the night before, and the only one who could was not old enough to do so and it would be something that Harry would forget as he grew older.
Night started to fall. The celebrations continued. Muggles were noticing things although the majority just turned a blind eye to it all. Everything had a logical explanation after all.
**~~**~~**
Privet Drive had been quiet the whole day, except for those times when Petunia Dursley took out her son in his carriage toward the grocery store and later the park.
The cat on the garden wall cringed every time the piercing cries rent the air. How a child could make that much noise, she didn't know.
Unknown to Professor McGonagall, the house was being watched by another cat. Across the street from number four, hidden beneath the trailing plants in number three, a small cat lay quietly looking across to number four. It had perked up when Professor McGonagall had made her appearance. But nothing had happened, the new cat in Privet Drive just sat on the wall and looked into number four.
Afternoon arrived and everybody returned from work. Children played in the streets for hours before being called in for dinner. But soon, it started to get dark and the streetlights were turned on. The dim lights of room lamps blinked behind the curtained windows and the sound of the televisions in each living room could be heard.
Night was falling and the small cat quietly made its way out from the plants and left Privet Drive.
Professor McGonagall stayed on the wall. She sat stiffly waiting for night to fall. She didn't even moved when the beefy man returned and tried to shoo her away. She saw him enter the house and later heard the sound of conversation from the dinning room.
Night continued to fall. Dinner was obviously over in 4 Privet Drive as the sound of a television was heard from the living room and the last reports from the news came on.
"And finally, bird-watchers everywhere have reported that the nation's owls have been behaving very unusually today. Although owls normally hunt at night and are hardly ever seen in daylight, there have been hundreds of sightings of these birds flying in every direction since sunrise. Experts are unable to explain why the owls have suddenly changed their sleeping pattern." The reporter's voice reached Professor McGonagall outside. She wanted to groan and shake her head, but she was so stiff from sitting on the wall for so long she didn't want to break her equilibrium. "Most mysterious. And now, over to Jim McGuffin with the weather. Going to be any more showers of owls tonight, Jim?"
Professor McGonagall tried to shift her aching muscles while trying to hear what else the news reporter had to say.
"Well Ted," said the weatherman, "I don't know about that, but it's not only the owls that have been acting oddly today. Viewers as far apart as Kent, Yorkshire, and Dundee have been phoning in to tell me that instead of the rain I promised yesterday, they've had a downpour of shooting stars! Perhaps people have been celebrating Bonfire Night early - it's not until next week, folks! But I can promise a wet night tonight."
McGonagall was angry. How could they? She thought, how could they be so stupid as to allow themselves to act in such a way. Of course muggles were going to notice anything uncommon. Right time to leave secrecy behind just when it seemed that You-Know-Who was finally gone.
It wasn't long after the news were over that she heard the Dursleys retiring to bed. It would be soon now, she thought, Dumbledore will make his appearance soon enough.
She continued to sit stiffly on the wall as one by one all the lights inside the rooms of every house in Privet Drive were turned off and the only lights left were those of the street lamps. Professor McGonagall turned to look toward the opposite corner, where she was positive Dumbledore would make his appearance.
**~~**~~**
Dumbledore arrived at Little Whinging just as the sun was setting, but it was too early still to go to Privet Drive. Instead, he appeared in a small house in nearby Wisteria Walk.
"I have been waiting the whole day!" I tiny old woman exclaimed the moment he apparated in a living room full of cats.
"I imagined you would be." Chuckled Dumbledore as he watched the old lady pace around the room.
"Where is he, where is Harry?" She asked as Dumbledore took the only seat that was not covered with cats.
"He is on his way. Don't worry Arabella." Dumbledore said as an orange cat jumped on his lap and rubbed its head against his hand.
"Humph!" Sniffed Mrs. Figg. "What is going to happen now?"
"He will stay with the Dursleys. It's the only way he can stay safe, he will be out of danger if he stays here." Dumbledore said.
"What makes you so sure of that? It seems to me that those gits have no sense of family honor, they will not want him here with them." Said Mrs. Figg.
"Don't worry, I will make sure he stays." Dumbledore said.
Mrs. Figg looked skeptical but didn't reply. Night was falling.
"What do I have to do once he is with them?" she said instead.
"Keep an eye on him. Attract their attention if you must, get close to them, just enough for them to trust you with his care if they leave home. We must know where he is at all times." Dumbledore said.
Mrs. Figg nodded. "I had Mr. Tibbles keep an eye on the house the whole day, he says nothing has happened, except for a cat sitting on their wall."
"A cat?" Dumbledore asked distracted.
"Yes, it appeared on the wall early in the morning. Dursley had barely left for work when it did." Mrs. Figg said.
"Hmmm."
Night had finally fallen and the other houses were dark.
"I'll send you further information later. But remember, keep an eye on Harry from now own." Said Dumbledore before he disapparated.
Darkness had fallen quietly to Privet Drive. The houses were dark and all its inhabitants were sleeping peacefully in their beds. The only creature stirring was the cat that continued to sit on the Dursleys' garden wall.
Silently a man appeared in the far corner.
Mrs. Figg had left her home as soon as Dumbledore had disapparated and crossed the alley that made the shortcut between Wisteria Walk to Magnolia Crescent. She walked briskly in the darkness, one small kitten following close behind. In Magnolia Crescent she turned to Privet Drive and hid behind a hedge in the corner just in time to see Dumbledore put out the lights in the streetlamps.
She peered closely trying to see what was happening. Soon, her eyes got accustomed to the darkness and could see Dumbledore talking to a witch sitting on the Dursleys' garden wall.
"Who is that Mr. Tibbles, I can't see who it is." She whispered.
A soft "Meow!" was heard at her side.
"Hmmm? The cat you say? Well I only know of one person who can transfigure into a cat and that's Professor McGonagall." Mrs. Figg whispered and continued looking toward the couple that was clearly in deep conversation.
Suddenly, a roar was heard from the sky. Mrs. Figg looked startled into the sky and saw a flying motorcycle making its way to Privet Drive.
"Fool!" She exclaimed. "He is going to wake everybody up." And she looked at the surrounding houses dreading to see any light coming from any of them. But she didn't see a sliver of light.
The motorcycle landed in front of 4 Privet Drive. Dumbledore and McGonagall were now standing nearby. A gigantic man stepped from the bike.
"Meow?"
"It's Hagrid." Mrs. Figg said. "How could Dumbledore trusted Harry into his care? It's not that he is mean-spirited but let's face it he is not one of the most careful of men."
She saw Hagrid handing a bundle of clothes to Dumbledore. "Harry." She whispered as Hagrid started to wail and McGonagall shushed him. Dumbledore spoke, she was too far away to hear what he had said but she tried to strain her hearing to see if she could catch something. But she couldn't. The group in the garden turned to the door in number 4 and Dumbledore placed the bundle on the front steps.
It was done. Harry was now in his aunt's care.
Mrs. Figg saw Dumbledore leaving a letter among the blankets before they all left Privet Drive behind as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.
Mrs. Figg left her hiding place in silence and walked toward the bundles laying silently on the steps of number 4. She kneeled beside them and watched a sleeping child within.
"Hello Harry." She whispered.
The infant stirred as the night started to get chilly.
Mrs. Figg took Harry into her arms and tried to keep him warm. Harry didn't wake but eventually settled to sleep peacefully not knowing that his name was now famous and that the years to come would be different now that his parents were not at his side.
Sunrise was near when Mrs. Figg left the steps of number 4 and walked back to the corner where she had hidden earlier.
She signs of the neighbors stirring within the houses, it wouldn't be long before the Dursleys found their nephew at their door. She hid once more and looked toward number 4. She could see the bundle of blankets on the steps and could see the curtains being drawn in the house.
She stilled when she saw the door open and cringed when a scream rent the air.
Windows and doors were opened all around the street, hoping to see the source of the scream, but Petunia had taken Harry into the house and the door had been closed. Mrs. Figg sighed with relief and looked down at the small kitten at her side. "Stay here. Keep an eye on them."
"Meow!"
She nodded and walked briskly back to Wisteria Walk.
**~~**~~**
A/N: That's it, the first Chapter, as some of you may have noticed that part where McGonagall was listening to the news was from The Sorcerer's Stone Chapter 1. I was thinking of how I'm going to break this part down and I decided that I'm going to write a chapter for each year until Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts, so that makes this Part 16 chapters long, unless I have to divide a year into two chapters. We'll see. I appreciate all the reviews, specially from all the new readers, I like to know that new people are finding my story and liking it. The next couple of weeks are going to keep me away from the computer. My days are busy lately and my schedule full, but I'll write whenever I get the chance and I'll upload it as soon as I have it ready. I'm going to keep this story in the section of Lily and James until we get to Harry's Sixth Year. Right now it's going to be very general so it doesn't make sense to change it yet. Let me know what you think about that, I know some of you agreed that I should change it to Harry but I don't know yet if I should as this is not going to be a HP/HG story nor a HP/GW and although I like Ron and Hermione together I want to focus more on Harry. Oh well, I still have time to decide. Please review!