Thanks to all of you who took the time to review my story! The story keeps getting longer thanks to your suppositions and remarks, but from your reviews, this should not be a disappointement.
AN: Huge thanks to Miette and dstone12 who have betaed this chapter :)
"We are doomed."
Jonathan dejected proclamation summarised Severus' state of mind perfectly.
After Lord Voldemort's announcement and discussion of the Prophecy, the long Death Eater meeting had finally concluded and the group of four had hastened to their "thinking room" at Prince Manor. No excuses had been needed this time to allay the suspicions of others. Lucius had been in a hurry to get back home and Evan had remained behind as one of the Death Eaters chosen to list the babies born late in July.
Severus was left with a sour taste in his mouth. Since his return, he had managed to meet with Evan at least once a week, sometimes with Regulus and Jonathan as well, but while Evan was always happy to see them, Severus had the feeling he was torn between Mulciber's group and them. To have him involved with this Prophecy... Severus wished Evan had gone abroad for his studies.
His brooding was not helped by Lord Voldemort's last announcement and his companions' mood was equally sombre. Their Lord and his followers—their own group!—were considering kidnapping helpless babies from their loving families because of a Prophecy made one year ago. Slytherin had to be crying in his tomb. Or raging.
"How can they even consider it? They are not children in need of our help. Their parents are not weak Muggles who hate Magic and cannot defend themselves," said Regulus with a shaking voice, reminding Severus he was the youngest here, barely out of Hogwarts.
"They think they are in the right," answered Augustus. "If you take a step back… If you look back to our beginnings… It seems surreal. Back then, any of them would have been horrified at the mere idea. But years have passed. The ministry has remained deaf to our griefs. We have become violent, maybe with good cause at first. Or so we thought. Is violence ever the answer?"
In the big and regal armchair, his Grandfather looked old. Worn.
"We fight, but so do those who support Dumbledore and the Ministry. We are fighting in a civil war, even if nobody wants to admit it," argued Jonathan.
Severus sighed.
"We won't convince them of the wrongness of taking those kids away. You know the Mark and the Horcruxes… They don't see clearly… I think..." said Severus, wondering if some of them would have accepted such action even at the beginning. Like the Blacks and the Mulcibers. Or the Lestranges. He pushed the thought aside. It did not matter today.
"You say we already are fighting a civil war," said Severus to Jonathan, "but if they kidnap these kids, their parents will stop at nothing to get them back. As they should! The entire Auror department will be after us. It will be open warfare."
He shook his head in disgust.
"Even if stealing the kids from loving homes was not morally wrong, how can they believe it will help the cause when they are from magical families?"
Augustus sighed wearily.
"Let's review the Prophecy, to be sure I understand how Lord Voldemort came to the conclusion that he needs to kidnap these children. We may be able to change his mind with the right arguments."
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not..." obediently reported Regulus.
"If I understand Lord Voldemort's reasoning, the Prophecy does not say this child will vanquish him, only that he will have the power to do so. None of the children from our members were born late in July, so we know the child will grow up in a family that is probably already an enemy to us. He will grow up hating us and our ideas. To prevent him from opposing us and killing Lord Voldemort, he must be raised by a family from our side, thus the kidnapping of babies," explained Jonathan, retracing Lord Voldemort's explanations.
"Vanquish could be meant in another sense, like he could simply beat him during the election," suggested Regulus.
"I doubt a baby will be elected Minister of Magic in five months," said Severus dubiously.
"Then, suppose Lord Voldemort wins the next elections and the following until twenty years from now when he loses against the kid from the Prophecy. The kid then proceeds to abolish everything we put into place in between," proposed Regulus.
"Or this child could discover the existence of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes," said Augustus. "Most so-called light families consider them abominations and would call Lord Voldemort a Dark Lord in the most unflattering sense because of this. The child could feel obligated to kill him."
This was so silly. Elaborating scenarios because of a prediction. He wanted to kick something. Of all the stupid things for Lord Voldemort to believe in.
"Prophecies are controversial but highly respected in all cultures," said Augustus, making Severus realise he had thought out loud. "Even Muggles have theirs. The end of the world will happen in less than twenty years if we listen to them."
"We are taught divination at Hogwarts," added Jonathan. "Foreseeing is a part of our world. I know my family believe in Prophecies, like most Wizards."
Severus scoffed, and his friend smirked.
"I know Severus believes it's b…...t created to manipulate credulous minds. What do you think, Augustus?" he asked curiously.
"This is a difficult question, Jonathan," answered Augustus. "Experts and philosophers have debated many centuries without agreeing on an answer. Without proof of their theories. The Fae believe they are the words of Mother Earth, trying to protect her children. Vampires consider them warnings of future choices which will define the world for many centuries. Goblins... Well, according to Goblins, Prophecies are Magic's tool when it feels threatened. How it chooses the recipient of a Prophecy or its contents remains a mystery still debated among specialists."
"So, you're saying Magic gave Dumbledore a Prophecy because our Lord made too many Horcruxes and it's threatening Magic?" asked Regulus puzzled.
Augustus shook his head.
"No. Horcruxes, Dark spells like Lord Voldemort's Mark and its effect on our comrades twist Magic and corrupt magical beings. But to Magic, it is the equivalent of bruises or infections to our bodies. It should not need a Prophecy for this. No, according to Goblins, prophecies are given when events might destroy Magic, render a place magic-less and dead."
"You are implying Magic is… sentient?" asked Jonathan, doubtful.
"Nobody knows why Magic exists. Some call it energy. Some say it can be joyful and excited, some say it can be sad and still. It just is."
"Let's not get into a philosophical debate on Magic please," said Severus, calling the group attention back to the problem at hand. "Anyway, if you really believe this rubbish, then the Prophecy cannot be about Lord Voldemort. He's a Pahuu, not a Dark Lord."
His statement was met with three blank stares. Severus looked at them incredulously.
"Seriously? Regulus?"
"I've never heard the word."
"Augustus?"
"I have heard it but I do not know what it means," answered his Grandfather.
"Right," said Severus. "Well. A Dark Lord is a Wizard who achieved impressive feats using the Dark Arts while always respecting the rules, like a Dark Arts Master grade I if it existed. A Pahuu is a Wizard, usually a Dark Lord, who stretched the rules so much he broke them to the point of twisting his core."
"I doubt we can use this argument to convince our comrades not to act on this Prophecy," said Jonathan.
"They will never believe Lord Voldemort failed to master the Dark," agreed Regulus. "Look how my parents do not realise they are failing our House motto."
Jonathan nodded.
"However, we may be able to find another possible interpretation, one that makes enough sense for Lord Voldemort and our group to at least consider it. Regulus, can you please tell us its content again?"
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not..."
"Alright," said Severus, thinking furiously. "If we admit this Prophecy is not just rubbish, the only currently known Dark Lord is Grindelwald. Dumbledore is the one who heard the Prophecy. Merlin, he was approaching that prospective teacher of Divination. What if it was a Prophecy about Dumbledore's past achievements?"
"You mean, about how he already vanquished Grindelwald years ago?" asked Regulus perking up.
Severus nodded.
"No," answered Augustus. "As controversial as Prophecies are, all agree they always are about the future. It is impossible in our case as it was said only one year ago, except if Dumbledore were to go back in time to defeat Grindelwald."
"Right," drawled Jonathan. "I liked the idea though."
He nodded to Severus.
"And I don't see how Dumbledore's parents could have defied Grindelwald thrice, they died when Dumbledore was barely out of Hogwarts if I remember well."
Regulus held up his hand.
"Are we sure about the defied part?"
"What do you mean?" asked Jonathan
"From what Lord Voldemort told us, Trelawney made the Prophecy at the Hog's Head Inn. It usually is pretty noisy, many people talking together. She could have said defiled instead."
"Defiled?" repeated Jonathan incredulously.
"Why not?" shot Regulus back.
"You may have a point Regulus," agreed Augustus. "It is not well known here in Britain, but Grindelwald's mother was suspected of having an affair with a Ukrainian Quidditch star. Dumbledore's parents could have accused Grindelwald of being a bastard."
It was a stretch but… Why not. After all, they were talking about Prophecies.
"Alright," accepted Jonathan. "Suppose I believe the Prophecy is about Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Was Dumbledore born late in July?"
Augustus frowned.
"Let me check."
He went and pulled out a heavy looking leather-bound book from the shelves, muttering to himself. The younger men watched him with interest.
"According to Famous Beings: all you ever wanted to know about those who shaped the world, Albus Dumbledore was born in June."
"Is that book really accurate?" asked Severus dubiously.
"Very," piped up Jonathan. "It's like the most famous international encyclopedia in the entire magical world. It only gives facts. Really dry read but Father said it's a need-to-possess when you are into politics."
"You can get it updated once a year in exchange for a consequent amount of galleons," added Regulus. "Its contents are approved by a group of experts from all magical Beings."
"So here goes nothing," concluded Severus. "We are back to square one. Unless..."
He looked at his Grandfather sharply.
"Can you know if the past July representative died on the same day as Dumbledore's birth?"
"Hmm. Let me see..."
The book obviously integrated a complex search system, but it took several minutes for Abraxas to find out the information, Severus pacing impatiently while the other two looked at them with curiosity.
"Unbelievable," finally whispered Augustus. "You are right Severus. Fathach, the representative of July at the time, died on the day of Dumbledore's birth."
"Great," said Regulus. "Mind shedding some light for us who do not know about those representatives?"
"Of course, forgive us boys. We sometimes forget... Never mind," answered Augustus with a smile. "In Chinese tradition, each month is embodied by a magical being. It does not mean Giants represent July or Vampires December. No. This Fathach, who happened to be a Giant, became the physical incarnation of July, from the moment the seers designated him to his death. At the beginning of July, he paraded all around China in a procession of dance and magic shows. Like every month incarnation, he even went among muggle villages. The occasion to make a bridge between all living beings. Asian people's ways regarding Magic are different from ours," he ended softly.
"Very different it seems," agreed Jonathan thoughtfully.
"We can tell you more about this later," said Severus, trying to remain focused on the goal of their meeting. "Let's go back to the Prophecy. We have checked the first sentences. We now have and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal."
"Weren't there rumours of a blood pact once preventing Dumbledore from attacking Grindelwald?" asked Regulus to Augustus. "I remember Mother talking of Dumbledore using his minions to destroy the blood pact before finally being able to duel Grindelwald and lock him in his tower."
"I had forgotten this. Well done Regulus," said Augustus with an approving smile. "Grindelwald and Dumbledore were once very close. And it is true Dumbledore did not move against Grindelwald for a long time. Some even accused him of agreeing with Grindelwald because he would not go and affront the man."
"But we do not have evidence," grimaced Severus.
"We don't," agreed his Grandfather. "Maybe I should pay a visit to Grindelwald."
"He could lie," shot back Severus.
Augustus nodded.
"I am quite certain I would know if he did but... it may not be enough for Lord Voldemort."
"We will take care of this later," interrupted Jonathan. "We need to see if the rest of the Prophecy fits or it won't matter anyway."
"But he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… Twinkling eyes? Bad fashion sense ? Huge white beard?" seriously enumerated Regulus.
"Didn't you forget the flocks of Gryffindor admirers?" asked Jonathan playfully.
"Not sure it's a power," drawled Severus.
"Children, please," chided Augustus gently. "Let's focus."
"He has a Phoenix in his office," said Jonathan. "It could come in handy."
"Of course, I had completely forgotten his Familiar," agreed Severus.
"His Familiar?" repeated Regulus. "He passed the Ritual?"
"Yes," answered Augustus. "No Phoenix would remain cooped up in a school otherwise. Grindelwald is not known to have a Familiar. And Dumbledore's Phoenix first appeared well after his defeat of Grindelwald."
"So it means the Prophecy might be about a future defeat of Grindelwald by Dumbledore. The same Grindelwald Dumbledore already locked up in his own tower, under watch of Russian Wizards not known for their tender care," said Jonathan grimly.
"As a matter of fact, Russians are not the only ones guarding Grindelwald. His continuous imprisonment is one of the few examples of global cooperation between all magical countries. Russia but also Japan, China, USA, UK, France, Argentina, Egypt, well almost every country really, loan their Auror equivalents to watch over Grindelwald. The guards change regularly to avoid corruption or ensnarement. Moreover, they cooperated to contract goblin guards as well as Vampires."
"Goblin guards?" echoed Regulus impressed. "It cannot be cheap."
"Lord Voldemort will never go for it," sighed Severus, disgruntled.
"That's a shame, because we were making sense here," added Jonathan.
Severus rolled his eyes.
"Don't tell me you're believing this."
"Why not Severus? It's not because we don't understand it that we must not take it into account," replied his friend.
"Seriously, what could Grindelwald manage in his tower that would endanger Magic?" asked Severus disgruntled at their failed effort.
"I have no idea," said Jonathan, "but if it's a threat to Magic itself, we should do something about him."
"We already have enough on our plate. And it's not our problem, it's Dumbledore's," retorted Severus.
"Do you really think Dumbledore won't interpret the Prophecy as Lord Voldemort did?" retorted Jonathan angrily. "He will try to use it as leverage against us and—"
"Exactly," interrupted Severus. "Against us. He's going to encourage Lord Voldemort's delusions about this Prophecy. We must focus on the Horcruxes so Lord Voldemort will stop believing in this stupidity and—"
"But—"
"Boys please!"
Augustus' stern voice brought both Severus and Jonathan short. They looked at the older man then at each other sheepishly.
"Sorry," they said in unison.
"You both raise a valid point. However, Prophecies usually span over several years. We will have time to focus on Grindelwald after we solve our little Horcruxes problem and Lord Voldemort wins the election."
"If the reunification gives him back his sanity," reminded Regulus darkly.
"Thank you Regulus for the vote of confidence," said Severus' Grandfather sarcastically. "That being said, it might be a good idea to look for babies who might fit Lord Voldemort's interpretation of the Prophecy."
"Are you suggesting we warn them?" asked Regulus without expression.
Dealing with the Horcruxes could already be considered treason from the other Death Eaters' point of view. Warning their enemies of the possible kidnappings would be even worse.
"Surely Dumbledore will," added Jonathan.
"Maybe," allowed Augustus. "If it serves his plans."
Lord Voldemort had announced that a group of Death Eaters was establishing the list of babies born late in July all over the Wizarding World but with a priority on British babies. Then they would cross the list with their parents' actions regarding Lord Voldemort, see if some could be interpreted as defying him. They were to focus on Aurors and ministry employees as well as Dumbledore's supporters.
Draco's early birth was a blessing. Severus did not know how the Lord would have interpreted the fact that one of his followers' children fit part of the Prophecy. It might be one of the reasons Lord Voldemort had waited almost a year after the Prophecy was first reported to him to share it with the group, despite his assurances he had only had troubles finding specialists on Prophecy interpretation.
On the contrary, Severus knew Lily's boy, born the last day of July, was a serious candidate. He was reluctant to warn her when the danger was not confirmed, especially when his warning could be used as the stepping point for an inquiry about the relationships between Severus, the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort.
"I think it would be safer to go faster with our search for Horcruxes and reunite them with Lord Voldemort before we get to the point where our actions could be... misinterpreted," stated Severus.
"I wholeheartedly agree," said Regulus darkly. "Unless we can wring out another interpretation from this Prophecy."
"If we decide to go with Lord Voldemort as the Dark Lord, we could argue that Dumbledore is the one with the power the Dark Lord knows not," remarked Jonathan. "Dumbledore was still born when the month of July died, if Lord Voldemort accepts this interpretation of month, it could work."
"You forgot the part with the parents," said Severus shaking his head. "I don't see how Dumbledore could have defied or defiled his parents."
"If he taught them at Hogwarts, it's possible," argued Jonathan perking up.
"You're right, especially since there are high chances they were in Slytherin!" added Regulus excitedly.
Augustus cleared his throat.
"You are getting ahead of yourselves boys. Lord Voldemort's parents are not supposed to have defied Dumbledore. Dumbledore's parents are the ones who have supposedly defied Lord Voldemort."
Severus wanted to hit himself.
"Of course. Sorry I mixed the words."
"You weren't the only one," said Jonathan wryly.
They wanted so much to find another plausible interpretation that would have nothing to do with kidnapping babies.
"Are we sure we cannot interpret it this way?" asked Regulus. "The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not..."
"I really don't see how," answered Severus regretfully. "Unless you consider the one who must have been born in July is also Lord Voldemort."
"Considering the wording, it is really too far-fetched," said his Grandfather regretfully. "And for Dumbledore's parents to have defied or defiled Lord Voldemort... Quite impossible I am afraid. They died during Lord Voldemort's Hogwarts years."
"I agree I do not see any reason for them to have defied Lord Voldemort. However, couldn't they have defiled him during a party?" asked Jonathan. "Dumbledore's parents were Purebloods. So were Lord Voldemort's. Even if they were not on the same political side, they must have met sometimes."
"Yes, look at the number of times I cross Potter at official parties and charities," agreed Regulus. "Dumbledore could even be unaware of it. They could have accused Lord Voldemort of being an illegal son or a slimy Slytherin or—"
"Lord Voldemort's father was a Muggle," blurted out Severus.
His friends looked at him in disbelief.
"No, he's a Pureblood," protested Regulus. "My parents would never have followed him otherwise."
"He never said he was," stated Augustus wearily, "only implied it. As we had planned because we knew it would be easier for some to accept his leadership if they thought he was like them."
"You knew," said Regulus surprised.
"I was among those who launched plan Slytherin," confirmed Augustus.
"Plan Slytherin?" inquired Jonathan.
Augustus nodded.
"The plan to protect our traditions and promote Magic while allowing all our people to flourish, without exception, no matter their parentage. Lord Voldemort was the catalyst. He was someone many could follow."
He laughed bitterly.
"He was the perfect choice. The perfect Slytherin. His last heir."
Severus spoke, trying to break his Grandfather's dark rumination.
"So this is a dead-end. What if it was not about Dumbledore? We thought of him because he was in front of Trelawney. What if there was a waiter approaching, or a nearby customer? Maybe the Prophecy is about them but they did not hear with all the noise."
"You're pulling at straws Severus," said Regulus dubiously.
"Obviously, I remind you we are talking of a Prophecy," replied Severus sharply.
"It is still worth checking out," said Jonathan with determination.
"We would need a copy of the memory," remarked Augustus thoughtfully. "To obtain it without implying we doubt Lord Voldemort's interpretation of the Prophecy will not be easy."
"I have every confidence you can do it Augustus," said Regulus fervently. "If Severus can bleed out a Werewolf without lifting a finger, you can get this memory."
"Yes, that spell was impressive Severus," chimed in Jonathan. "When did you create it?"
"In fifth year after my encounter with Lupin," answered Severus lightly.
He had killed a man tonight, yet he felt nothing. No regrets. No remorse. He had not been able to hurt his father when he had threatened Mother, but he had not hesitated with Greyback. Severus was persuaded that the Werewolf had committed atrocities, but he did not have any proof of it. He had acted to protect the group, but more importantly to protect himself and reinforce his place in the group. He should feel guilty. Except neither his friends nor his Grandfather acted like he had done anything wrong. He did not feel like he had either.
"It worked very well. This spell then the Lupacem… He really motivates you," said Jonathan wiggling his eyebrows.
Severus did not lift a finger as he wordlessly used his magic to pull his friend's ear.
"Oy Severus. It was a compliment. Really nice spell-work."
Severus looked at him impassively without releasing his hold on Jonathan's ear.
"Come on, we needed some Evan's kind of levity!"
Severus only let him go because for the first time this evening, his Grandfather and Regulus had a spark in their eyes, though Regulus also looked like he had had an epiphany. Severus would need to ask him what he knew about the that awful night.
"I won't always be so lenient."
"I'm happy you're not. You really saved us from a poisonous alliance tonight," said Regulus more seriously. "I'm not sure we would have understood how dangerous to our cause this Greyback could be without you."
Severus shrugged.
"I've spent several months among Werewolves. He did not feel sane. But I wonder why Lord Voldemort did not ask me for advice on whom to contact if he wanted an alliance with a Head-Pack so much."
"You think he does not trust you?" asked Regulus, frowning. "But you have done so much for us. For him."
"But Severus does not bear his Mark," remarked Jonathan gravely.
"Severus is walking a fine line," agreed Augustus. "As do the few of us who chose a coin. I strongly believe that for now, Lord Voldemort is watching you, waiting to see how you react. The ceremony for the Lupacem had a great impact in the polls and I think he appreciates your magical abilities and creativity. Of course, he would be a fool not to be wary when you became the youngest Wizard to create your House on your own."
"So you believe I am in the clear for now," stated Severus relieved.
"Yes. But be careful during the next meetings."
"I always am," shot back Severus seriously.
He had taken a calculated risk in killing Greyback in front of the group. It had been necessary to remind them that he was more than a gifted Potion Master. And if one of the others tried to undermine him by anonymously warning the Aurors that he had killed a Werewolf, he could easily plead self-defence. Of course, it should not come to that as he doubted that the group would take the risk of losing the votes of Werewolves, other creatures, and their sympathisers.
The mood was definitely lighter when they ended their meeting to go back to their respective homes than it had been at its beginning.
Only two days later, Severus learnt that a Death Eaters raid had failed against Lily and Petunia's parents' home. Severus had not been aware of the raid for the simple reason it had been decided as a last minute retaliation for the conviction of a previously caught Death Eater who was subsequently condemned to a one year imprisonment in Azkaban. The meeting had been held with marked Death Eaters only, leaving a sour taste in Severus' mouth and a feeling of urgency.
He refrained from flow-traveling to check on Petunia as a part of him wondered if this was a test of his loyalty. Could someone be wondering if his past attachment was a possible weakness and a reason for betraying the group? But in this case, they would have told him of the raid and waited to see if someone had warned the Aurors... The second reason he did not go to the Evans' home was his fear of being unwelcome.
His fears were for naught as he received a letter from Petunia the day after learning of the raid.
Dear Severus,
Thank you once more for your stone. You probably saved my father's life.
I do not know if you have heard but our home was attacked by Death Eaters yesterday. They claimed they wanted to give a warning to Lily because she was working against the Wizarding World, using her married name to try and impose muggle laws to their world. Apparently she helped win a case against one of their own by using a legal argument with parallels to those successfully used in a muggle case.
They intruded into our home as we were having dinner, wearing black and ugly scary masks. As you must imagine, they were quite disturbed when their spells did not affect us. They became really angry when Father used his gun from the war on them—I did not even know he had kept it—and injured one of them. They realised they could use spells to hurt us indirectly, though your stone still protected us far more than you ever indicated it would be able to.
Helhest, thank you.
Mother and I tried to use pans to hit them. It degenerated into a brawl—though they really did not seem keen on touching us—until James and Lily arrived, followed by Aurors. Only one of them was caught. He is so young. Barely out of school.
I do not think I realise what happened yet. My parents are very upset so I have to be strong. They wish to thank you with all their hearts. Of course, we did not tell the Aurors about your stone. They believe Lily erected wards around the house—which she did—and that they held until she arrived—which they did not. Only my parents, Lily and James know the truth. I asked her to make sure James would not spill the beans to anyone else, and she promised she would.
Thank Merlin for Petunia's forethought. The situation could become delicate for him. He still could not believe his group had attacked her and her family.
Lily insisted we come live at Potter Manor until she had strong enough wards around my parents' home. I do not know why but your stone broke the moment I put my feet inside her home. I think it held until it felt we were safe. I have joined the pieces of the stone to my letter in case it could be useful to you.
The stone had been put under much strain. He was almost certain Petunia's will was the only thing which had prevented it from breaking much sooner during the attack. He needed to send her another one right now.
I would very much appreciate it if you could send me another one, though there is no hurry as Lily does not expect the wards to be done for at least two weeks.
He was not waiting two weeks to give her protection. He already knew he would use tourmaline instead of jade this time.
I asked Lily to arrange a meeting between the Death Eater they captured and me. I want to speak with him, to show him Muggles are not monsters. To show him I am not a monster and that he was attacking a person.
It was a good idea though he did not think it would help as much as she thought. The Death Eaters attacked Wizards who did not support Lord Voldemort too. Unless she could show them Muggle did not equal evil.
I cannot wait for your elections to be over. I hope that no matter the winner, it will be enough to calm down those fanatics, but I may be naive.
She was. But she did not know of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. They had to succeed.
I trust you to take care ofyourselfand to know what you are doing.
He hoped he was doing the right thing. He had killed a man and felt nothing, but hearing of the attack against Petunia and Lily's family filled him with rage and fear. Lily had always told him he did not care enough about strangers.
Thank you once more. Please be careful,
Petunia.
He would express his displeasure at the next meeting for not being involved in the decision of attacking Lady Potter's parents' home. He would tell them it was foolish to attack anyone related to the Potters, even more when they had sent babies barely out of Hogwarts. Once more, one of them had been caught. He could work this angle. To those who would imply he was too scared to go on raids, he would remind them that he was a better asset to Lord Voldemort with his public support and achievements than as a thug.
Severus breathed deeply. He was angry, but he could not let his anger control him.
The owl that had brought Petunia's letter also had a letter from Lily. Severus opened it calmly.
Dear Sev,
Thank you so much for your protecting stone. I know I was really angry with you the first time I heard of it but it is the most wonderful thing you ever did. You saved my family. Thank you. I do not think I can ever thank you enough.
By now you must have heard of the Death Eaters raid on my parents' home. They attacked them to get to me. Because I did my job and sent one of them to Azkaban. Because they are cowards. They did not dare attack Potter manor with its thousand yearold wards. They did not dare raid Amelia Bones who was the official prosecutor but belongs to a powerful family. But,they had no such worries with mere Muggles. I am so angry right now. I can tell you they will rue the day they decided to attack my family.
If she knew they planned to kidnap her boy… They really needed to reunite Lord Voldemort with his Horcruxes before this madness went too far.
I am aware it would be unwise to let anyone know about you giving Petunia the protective stone. I told the Aurors the wards I had put on my parents' house held and protected them until I arrived. Auror Moody seemed to believe me. Only James and Headmaster Dumbledore know the truth, and I made them swear an unbreakable vow to never reveal this information nor discuss it unless it was with you or I.
Severus sighed. Of course she had told Dumbledore. He hoped she had been careful when wording the Oath.
I checked that James had not told Sirius about it before. I am surprised he had not, but I suppose he either did not want to risk Sirius reacting badly—I think he would be able to take it from Petunia because he is persuaded anything coming from you is evil—or he was ashamed you were the one who had taken steps to protect my muggle family when he had not thought about it.
I warn you; Dumbledore is intrigued by your stone. I admit I do not know yet if he is impressed or alarmed. If you ever accept a meeting with him, please be careful. I know you think I am still in awe of teachers but I have realised they are only human. I am aware Dumbledore has his faults but I believe hispositive qualities far outweigh them.
Severus snorted to himself. Trust Lily to open her eyes yet keep running in the same direction.
If he was honest with himself, the Death Eaters attack on her home had certainly cemented her faith in Dumbledore.
However, I understand he will try to manipulate you and use our friendship against you—did I tell you I also made James and him swear not to tell anyone we are friends? I do not want to risk you dying because he was careless.
Or because he thought he could get an edge by revealing their friendship to the Death Eaters. Severus was touched that Lily was thinking about his safety. He dearly hoped they could be friends after the elections, though he feared the losing candidate for Minister of Magic would not accept his defeat gracefully, which might strained his relation with Lily no matter the winning side.
Petunia and my parents have come to live with James and me until the wards around my parents' house are to my liking. As you must have guessed, I would also like you to make another stone for Petunia. I am scared the elections will not be the end of this mess. Today, I do not know if I am more afraid of Lord Voldemort's victory or of his defeat. I cannot believe the Death Eaters will stop if he loses. But what if they take on official functions if he wins?
Lily was pessimistic. The Wizengamot was a powerful counter-power to the Ministry. Only its majority could vote for new laws. Its composition today would never give free reign to the Death Eaters. Better, they would never have the opportunity to think about it because Lord Voldemort would be sane, reunited with all his Horcruxes before the elections. They had four months to pull it off.
On a lighter note, it is the occasion for Petunia to dote on Harry. He absolutely adores her. Sometimes, it almost feels like he recognises her with more than his senses. Do you think I am too arrogant for thinking my son is using Magic so soon? Especially with a Muggle?
No. He knew what Draco was capable of.
Thank you once more for your help Severus. I hope I can repay you one day. I hope to be able to meet with you soon.
Love,
Lily.