PLEASE READ MY NOTE AT THE END OF THIS CHAPTER!

Chapter 3: Nox

October 31, 1981 Potter Cottage, Godric's Hallows
9:45 p.m.

Lily Potter doesn't feel good at all. Her stomach has been churning the whole day. She doesn't know what it is but she has a hunch.

Something big is coming— disastrous.

The small family is inside their son's bedroom. Lily, who's leaning on the doorframe, has been watching her two boys bond as son and father. It's their nightly routine, and one of Harry's favorite: bedtime story. It was James's turn tonight, and Lily was glad that her husband is very intent on creating some semblance of happiness to their home despite the ongoing war outside.

A smile bloomed on her face when James animatedly acts out some parts of the story that makes the child giggle uncontrollably. Her son's brilliant emerald eyes, just like hers, shone brightly as he watches his father read the story for him, grinning.

As she watches her son intently Lily couldn't fathom the big responsibility that her son has been given. A prophecy of him and that blasted homicidal Dark Lord, is now in motion into happening. She knew it in her guts, and this realization made her frown deeper as she watches her son.

Who in their right mind would attack an innocent baby because of a useless prophecy? It's mind-numbing. Just because Neville and Harry were the only children known born 'as the seventh month dies,' doesn't mean it's only them. It's really vexing Lily and to add the fact that they don't even know the rest of the prophecy is worrying. Which means all they could do is to prepare for possible attacks anytime, and hope that this will be the end of it all.

Dumbledore was not even helpful at all. Yesterday he visited their home as per his request, phoenix firing all the way from Hogwarts.

"Lily, your son is in grave danger. You must prepare for what is to come. The worst might happen to your family, and especially to your House. A prophecy has been delivered speaking about your son and the Longbottoms," Dumbledore told the Potters, his tone grave, and face grim, "I have already spoken to Augusta about the situation and she's currently with her family."

"Headmaster, will you tell us the full content of this prophecy?" Lily asked her mind whirring with anxious thoughts about her family and their friends. James glanced sideways at her, immediately recognizing the change in her tone. He grabbed her hand and intertwined with his.

Dumbledore, stared at her his eyes lost its twinkle. "I can't disclose the content for security purposes, Lily. And I must insist that you take heed of this, it's for our world's safety that this prophecy must remain hidden and unknown." He replied. Lily pursed her lips at this and started opening her mouth to vent out her frustrations of not knowing the rest of the prophecy, but was stopped when James squeezed her hand, halting her from her potentially long tirade.

"What should we do then Headmaster? If you can't tell us the whole prophecy, what shall we do to protect our families?"

"Remain unseen. The prophecy is already in motion, our spy has provided us the information that Voldemort has been planning on your possible demise, especially your son— same with Longbottom's heir. He's not in one bit pleased that a mere babe could end his terror in our world." Dumbledore sighed, his face maintaining the grimness he feels.

Lily on the other hand was barely containing it. She was more than not pleased with not knowing at all what the blasted prophecy contains. Adding the vagueness of the Headmaster worsens it. It was only her husband's hand that was anchoring her from her possible outburst.

James suddenly stood up and cleared his throat, "Well if that is all Headmaster, my wife and I must retire for the night. We still have plans to do in case the situation goes south."

Dumbledore nodded and stood up, grimacing when they heard a certain popping sound, a reminder that the Headmaster is not young anymore.

The Potters watched as Dumbledore walked towards their fireplace, "Let's hope that Voldemort fails in his plan and that you'll all make it out alive, unscathed."

James gave him a nod, but Lily wasn't listening, she was openly glaring at her teacup on the table. Thoroughly disappointed with the current Headmaster.

Dumbledore nodded again as parting, then flooed back to Hogwarts.

Hope. They could only hope for the best. And that's her son; he's their only hope to survive this war. Hope.

Lily was shaken from her wanderings when she realized her husband was already in front of her, wiping her tears. She turned her eyes behind him and caught sight of her son, already lying in bed sleeping peacefully.

She didn't even realize that she was crying out her frustrations about what took place in their home yesterday evening. James wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly, while soothingly humming and swaying. Lily inhaled the scent of her husband in an attempt to calm herself down.

"I can't help but feel that the worst is going to happen soon, James." She hiccupped on her husband's shoulder, "I don't know if we'll make it out alive." Lily said her voice shaking at the possible implication. James only hugged her tighter, giving her a kiss on her neck.

"Harry will live."

Lily nodded, "Harry lives."

October 31, 1981 Unknown Location
10:51 p.m.

"Make sure you kill the boy, Bella. I don't care what you do, you must kill the boy. If they countered your attacks, kill them."

Bellatrix who has been listening to her master with her eyes full of admiration, nodded solemnly, "Yes my Lord. We shall not fail you; we'll kill the boy and his family."

Voldemort nodded once and gave them a wave of his wand hand, a sign for them to leave him now. Barty Crouch Jr., Bellatrix Lestrange, and her husband, Rodolphus Lestrange immediately left their headquarters by apparition.

Lord Voldemort stood from his throne and went outside his Death Eater chamber to his own private rooms. It's time to execute his second plan, and he's determined to do this personally.

Once inside his private ensuite, he transfigured his robes into something darker and foreboding. He decided on a black medieval style hooded cloak. He observed himself in front of his full body length mirror connected beside his wardrobe.

He first noticed his blood-red eyes the only good thing he's achieved ever from doing dark magic. But his nose, it is a disappointing outcome. Using darker magic took a great toll on his physical features, yet he couldn't blame himself for doing it since he's about to achieve his plans. If only the prophecy didn't happen.

The Dark Lord frowned at meddlesome children hindering his goals. With a swish of his hand, his precious wand immediately snapped back to his waiting hands, and with a dramatic black swirl of apparition he went to his destination.

Pettigrew has been patiently waiting for his Lord for thirty minutes, outside the boundary of the Potter's Cottage in Godric's Hollow. He's early because it wouldn't do to let the most powerful Dark Lord wait for such a basic killing spree. He planned on making their meet up place behind the boundary of the Fidelus Charm of the Cottage so as not to alert the occupants of the home. Peter knew that he's sacrificing his friends, however, he's doing this for his mother who's too sick and has been unwell since he graduated from Hogwarts. His friends had promised him to help him treat his mother, but they didn't do anything. He was hopelessly denied and couldn't approach them personally to bring the subject up.

He's magically unable to help his mother heal, and he couldn't apply for a job because his mother needs him constantly.

Hopeless and penniless, he took the matter on his own and approached the Dark Lord with anxiousness and hope that he'll be merciful enough to help healing his dying mother. The Dark Lord asked for an exchange, which he hesitantly gave his loyalty that officially made him become a branded Death Eater. Oh yes, he still has to prove himself to him that he could murder someone in cold blood, which by the way amused the Dark Lord.

Speaking of the Dark Lord, Pettigrew heard a rustling behind him and instantly turned around and kneeled, knowing who has arrived.

"Rise Wormtail, we must do this immediately. I have a very tight schedule and I need to still finish the ritual preparation I'll be having on the next new moon."

"Yes, milord," Pettigrew replied and stood up shakily. He took a big gulp and with shaking hands, reached for the paper where the secret was written and gave it to the Dark Lord.

Voldemort took it from him with a grace that made Peter flinch a bit. When he finished reading the content of the paper, it instantly burst into flames, removing its existence. "It still astounds me, Wormtail that you call these people your friend, yet they do not know that amongst them was a traitor. You must be great at hiding your identity." He observed him with pure amusement, "You really are your namesake, Wormtail. It'll be a misfortune if we lose an asset such as you. I never knew being a coward could be really," he paused and sneered at the cowering man in front of him, "—useful."

Voldemort went forward and raised his wand, checking if there are other wards erected that may harm him. The rat failed to tell him this, that's why he had to check it personally to make sure. When he realized there were no traps waiting for him, he erected anti-apparation and anti-portkey around the house. This already cost him a great deal of magic. he also locked their floor network in case they plan to escape.

He needs them all dead.

Peter has been quiet for a while, fearing that he might enrage the Dark Lord. He knows that his Lord was only using the amused persona when inside he's raging. Pettigrew can feel it— thanks to his animagus advanced senses— the Dark Lord reeks with foreboding dark magic, a sign he's been containing his magic within.

When he noticed that the Dark Lord dropped his wand hand, he knew its time. Peter quickly transformed into his rat form as Voldemort took his hood on obscuring his face from anyone.

"It's time." The Voldemort whispered, smirking as he took a step forward.

James quietly crept downstairs to grab a drink for Lily. The woman remained awake due to the foreboding energy she feels. Since Hogwarts years, they never dared tease her ability to have a very sensitive instinct, especially if it is something that changes a great deal of her personality. He and his friends even thought that Lily might be a Seer due to her premonitions, but she instantly denied that she doesn't see the future or spout prophecies. Lily did explain to them that she could unintentionally feel negative energies that may produce an unpleasant event.

This did happen one time that created a huge fight between the Marauders. It was when Sirius attempted on pranking Snape by telling him to enter the Whomping Willow, straight through the Shrieking Shack where Moony was taking resident. He was fortunate enough when Peter told him about the prank immediately and was able to save Snape from his possible demise.

James couldn't be more grateful for Lily's premonition at that time which made James alert the whole day.

Since then he started trusting Lily's premonitions, and because of this he can't help but feel worried about today. They just finished having breakfast and bathing Harry, leaving him to his playroom when he noticed Lily anxiously going in and out of the basement of the Cottage where their project to end the Dark Lord is being constructed.

When he asked if she was okay, he only heard her muttering about a bad premonition that might happen today. Yet, somehow James ignored this and considered it as a typical monthly period.

When lunch came, James knew that his wife didn't change much at all, and thought that probably Lily was really having the same episode of premonition. He figured that maybe because of fear, he disregarded the idea a while ago. That's why he let his eyes opened the whole day.

Now it's almost midnight, and James can't remove the same feeling of dread he'd felt when he rescued Snape from the Shack years before.

He was just about to open the cupboard when he felt a hint of tingle on his nape. Upon realizing this, he immediately looked outside the kitchen window where the back garden is located and saw a figure approaching their house.

James felt his blood run cold, tightening his hold on his wand. He turned around and ran upstairs two at a time, to tell Lily with frantic eyes.

James once again is very glad for Lily's premonition.

Lily upon noticing her husband's distressed entrance, understanding instantly dawned on her. She felt her body go numb as her premonition came true.

When James saw his wife paling too much, he shook her aggressively to wake her from her inner conflict, "Lily it's him! Grab Harry and run!" James whispered harshly, his eyes wild with fear and worry. "GO! I'll hold him off!"

Lily immediately jolted from her trance and kissed him hard on the lips, and bolted from their room after grabbing her wand from the nightstand. She raced through the hall going to Harry's room, and upon entering Harry's room, the boy was already awake and looking terrified. "Ma?"

"Shhh... It's okay, Harry. Everything's fine." She smiled at him but her tears were already falling.

The child frowned when he noticed her tears, "Ma? Da!" Harry yelled for his father when he saw how distressed his mother is.

Harry kept on screaming for his father but Lily ignored her son, she turned sharply to Harry's headboard and with a slash of her wand, the headboard disappeared, and in its place, a stone appeared, with runes engraved on it. This made Harry stop screaming. Her son watched her dismantle several more charms that preserved the stone, before starting her ritual.

Once her charm work was gone, she took a huge breath and quickly sliced open her left palm with the use of her wand, letting it bleed. She knew it's her only last hope. With their project not finished yet, she knew this is their only alternative to kill the Dark Lord and most importantly save Harry.

James doesn't know anything about this at all; he was unaware that Lily has made an emergency contingency plan, and doesn't know that she planned on using the forbidden sacrificial ritual.

Since this magic requires a great deal of sacrifice, Lily prepared with the same great care and dedication. She'd carved her runes into a stone that could hold the strength of the magic of the sacrifice. She'd carved a series of runes that includes the protection of her son, and the destruction of the Dark Lord.

But in all honesty, she's not very confident with the destruction part. Lily definitely poured everything in the safety of her son, and his life. It is her number one priority.

Harry was already crying hysterically behind her but she ignored him. She focused intently on what she was about to do, and prayed to all the gods above and magic herself that this works. That this sacrifice she'll be making will all be worth it.

A loud crash was heard below Harry's room, and Lily knew it's about time. She could feel the magic raging below, praying that James would give her enough time to finish this sacrificial magic she'll be attempting.

Without wasting any more time, she glanced down at her trembling bleeding hand and slowly raised it; Lily traced the first rune carved on the stone.

The initiation rune: pertho; "Hail Supremeness, hear my cry. Heed my call, and see-through my eye."

Lily watched with wide eyes as the rune pertho greedily soaked her blood— a sign that her rune is working and acknowledging her intention. She could feel her blood and magic stirring in her system. Realizing this, she gave a shaky harsh breath and marched on with courage, despite the fear and anxiousness she feels.

Lily chanced a glance at Harry before returning to her task. She saw him covered with a blanket, openly crying which made Lily's heartbreak. She opened her other arm in an invitation for Harry to seek comfort on her. The boy immediately went to her side and buried his head on the crook of her shoulder. Hugging him tightly to her side, and thinking about her husband, Lily continued.

Harry whimpered when they heard a loud blast that reached outside, which made Lily flinched and feel concerned for her husband.

Knowing that their time is very short she reached for the next rune, tracing her fingers vertically and diagonally across it.

The necessity rune: nauthiz; "I seek thee your divine prowess, as I commit myself in this ritual. I offer you myself in exchange for what I yearn. May your magic deem me eligible."

The birth/beginning and love rune: berkana and gebo; "I give you my soul, for the happiness, love, kindness, and the delicate health of Harry James Potter's soul."

The strength and divine protection rune: uruz and algiz; "I then give my blood and magic to you, for the safety, strength, and magic of one Harry James Potter."

Lily took a deep breath as she finished the tracing the last rune before pushing forward. She felt something squeeze her arm, looking down beside her, she saw Harry staring at her as if understanding what she was doing. Lily smiled down at him and kissed his forehead.

Tracing the last part of her rune work, Lily set into motion.

"Lastly, I give you my knowledge," the knowledge rune; kaunaz; "for the destruction of one Lord Voldemort," Lily said with grim determination, as she traces the destruction rune: hagalaz; "A filth of a monster, that stains the pureness of your magic.

"Therefore," Lily said faintly, her voice slowly getting silent due to blood loss and expended magic through the ritual. Tracing the rune of breakthrough, renewal, justice and warrior: dagaz, laguz, tiwas, teiwaz; "I ask with honor and pure intentions— cleanse thy magic; renew its integrity."

Lily is almost done when the whole house rattled because of the fierce fight happening downstairs. Harry trembled beside her, upon hearing the shouts of pain coming from his father.

Her son, despite his tears flowing down continuously on his cheek, remained brave. A quality of a true Gryffindor she took pride in. 'My little cub,' she thought smiling. As if feeling someone watching him, Harry looked up to his mother and offered a small smile, which she returned. Two pairs of emerald eyes, shining brightly.

Gaining a little strength from her son, Lily turned to finish her task. Bloodied hand still fresh and dripping, she continued, "Bearing all these, I surrender everything I am, as I seek your Divine prowess."

Before pursuing her last and final task, Lily grabbed her wand and transfigured a bassinet enough to fit Harry. She firmly placed a strong sticking charm on the bassinet to the bed so that in case the magical outburst was too much, the bassinet won't blast off from the bed. Since the runework were carved on the bed, it's best if the bassinet is in the bed as it is within the boundary of the headboard(stone). Once Harry's in the bassinet, she then finished it up with the strongest protective barrier she could ever conjure on her current condition.

Harry's disheveled appearance and bloodied clothes, were a stark contrast of how opposite Lily envisioned her life was. Instead of a peaceful, carefree home— they were in the middle of a war, hiding from the world hoping they'll survive; fighting for the light, saving others from their possible deaths. It's heartbreaking, that their only source of happiness is their children. In Potter's household, it's her son, Harry.

Now, instead of his entrancing joyful eyes, what is shining through her son's wide emerald eyes were hint of fear and concern for his mother who's sickly pale, and terribly bleeding.

This crushed Lily as she noted this.

Even though her hands were still covered with dried and fresh blood and as Lily cries silently, letting her tears fall down freely— she still watches her son with fondness and love.

She kept on reminding herself that this sacrifice she's doing, is for him. For her son; for his well being. Wiping her tears, not caring if her face got smudged by her own blood, she turned her back on him and straightens her back. Raising both her bloodied hand and wand hand, she started chanting:

"Hera supremeness

Ego autem factum est

Erit tibi quod tuum est

Nunc expetimus

Sacrificium matris

Sic fiat!

Sacrificium matris

Sic fiat!

Lady Magic, heed my call if you deem me deserving; I seek thee." She chanted loudly as she traces with her bloodied hand and with a trembling wand hand whispering the lightest magic: the patronous charm.

She delicately weaved her blood, magic, soul, and knowledge to the last rune: empress. The Supremeness' symbol— a circle with a cross below it, and has the pertho and sowulo rune engraved inside the circle: the divine power of feminine magic.

With a mighty sigh of relief, Lily felt the rush of magic coming from the stone where the runes were engraved. The blood that Lily traced on each rune was absorbed through the stone, assessing her true intentions in exchange for what she yearns. One by one, the runes activated with bright golden light, which made the Lily sigh in relief again.

It worked.

Lily's vision started getting swarmed by dark spots and tried massaging her temples to ease the feeling of lightheadedness, but despite her current state, she kept her eyes open on her runework as it operates to its satisfaction. She tried stopping the bleeding on her left hand using her wand, but her magic barely made an effect. Lily smiled in grim satisfaction. Her magic is slowly seeping out from her, charging the runes to do its work.

"I didn't know I'll have to experience dying slowly." Lily murmured to herself sarcastically. "Hopefully it wouldn't hurt much."

The runes grew brighter with golden light as it enveloped the whole room to protect her son from the outside force.

Too drained to even move, Lily lied down on Harry's bed as she turned her head and watches her son be mesmerized by the light show happening around his room. She smiled beatifically at his sight, silently thanking that Her Supremeness accepted her sacrifice. Because of this, she knows her son will be protected not only with her magic, but also the Supremeness'.

"Mama!" Harry shouted at her while pointing at something at the corner of his room. Lily turned her head to the direction he's pointing at and saw a figure standing watching her son with a serene smile. The figure was a platinum-haired woman who's wearing an all-white off-shoulder dress robe that has a plunging neckline. It has a gold strip that outlines the edge of her neckline, and a sash that shimmers with a different shade of green and blue. Her sleeves flare like its flowing in the water, and her sheer golden cloak strapped around shoulder flutters around her like glitters.

What made Lily trust her were her mystical purple eyes when it turned its attention to her.

"It won't." The woman told her, "I've made your sacrifice as peaceful and less painful as possible."

Lily stared enthralled by the woman's presence. Her voice felt like its touching her soul, and the way her aura visibly dance around her is enchanting.

"Thank you, my Lady," Lily replied gratefully at her.

The woman shook her head, "No. Thank you."

Lily furrowed her brow at her, the only movement she could do as she felt her body slowly feeling numb all over, "What do you mean by that? Why are you thanking me?"

The woman merely smiled at her elegantly, understanding her state of confusion. "Your handsome and charming son is destined for greatness. Together with his mate, they have an essential and crucial duty to heal this world from its sufferings. And because of the fuel of your sacrifice, your son will be more powerful than any average wizard. By weaving your magic through my symbol, and the pureness of your intentions, I decided to give Emerald your unwavering protective magic to aid him with his journey." The Supremeness explained to her.

Lily knows that Her Supremeness were leaving out specifics and despite her current state, she couldn't help but feel disappointed to not know everything about it.

"You'll know about it." The woman assured her, watching her amusedly when Lily visibly boggled at her.

Lily nodded gratefully and began closing her eyes as she felt her lower body numb from the sacrifice. She's nearing the end.

"Mama?" a small voice called out on her. She opened her eyes slowly and turned her head at the voice of her son.

The Lady of Magic smiled brightly at them and began humming while waving her both of her hands as if conducting in an orchestra. The woman's aura slowly began glowing with brilliant white light as she finalizes the mother's sacrifice.

"It's okay Harry, Mama loves you. Dada loves you." Lily smiled peacefully at her son as she kisses her fingertips, and places it to Harry's forehead. Since she couldn't move her body anymore, all Lily could do for now is watch Harry with tears blurring his image, and fueling her last bit of magic with unending love for him.

"You're loved by everyone my love. Be strong, and be safe."

"Mama?" Harry's eyes were already spilling with new tears not knowing what's happening as his mother and the woman's magic engage together, covering the entire room humming with light magic.

"He's coming." The woman intoned as she slowly dropped her arms, she stared at Lily and gave her a nod of her head. "It's time."

Lily just nodded gratefully at her in response, accepting her fate.

Her Supremeness slowly faded away from the room, smiling at her with a hint of pride and gratefulness.

"Your mate will live. Thou shall not worry, he'll understand." The woman assured her, her voice echoing around the room after disappearing.

Lily sighed happily and this time cried with pure joy.

A translucent mighty eagle flew swiftly through the city of muggle London; searching for its target to deliver the urgent message his master bears.

Sirius was glad that his Order mission is done for the night that he could finally take the deserving rest he desperately needs. He was just about to open the door of his small apartment when he noticed a distinct glowing figure flying towards him down the hall of his apartment building. Recognizing the owner of the Patronus, Sirius immediately apparated from the spot, not bothering to listen to the grave news he knows it bear.

What Sirius discovered was not what he was expecting. The Potter Cottage is utterly destroyed.

Sirius noticed certain spell marks from the patio of the Cottage through the kitchen. He could already imagine how the fighting evolved from here as he slowly walks through the disarrayed state of the home of his only family.

Upon entering the living room, Sirius couldn't stop the sob from breaking and fell down to his knees.

"Sirius?" a small voice called out to him cutting his wracking sobs, Sirius looked up and saw James trying to move, giving him a sign that he's still here. Alive. Breathing.

"James?" Sirius stood up from his spot and instantly strode across the room, kneeling by his brother's side. "Prongs, I'm here, I'm here. Can you hear me?" he asked the man lying prone and bloodied on the floorboards of his home. He grabbed James' wrist and placing his fingertips on his throat looking for the pulse, checking if he has enough time to send him to St. Mungos.

"Remus?" James croaked, breathing heavily due to physical and magical exhaustion. Realizing about his family, James immediately asked Sirius in front of him about Harry and Lily. But Sirius didn't hear him talk as he was busy checking for his health, trying to heal every bruise and cuts that he could heal easily, like removing the swelling of his throat, allowing the man to breathe freely.

"I'm here Prongs. I've got Snape with me." Remus said behind Sirius as he too, dropped down to the other side of James, "Let me have him Padfoot," Remus told Sirius, immediately waving his wand to perform diagnostics, which Sirius failed to realize.

James was too weak and exhausted to ask Remus the same questions; he couldn't help but lose his consciousness, hoping that nothing bad happens to his son, especially his wife.

Snape grabbed Sirius roughly on his shoulder and pinned him to the wall near to them, his wand digging under his chin. "You were their Secret Keeper, you traitor. How dare you?"

The feelings of anger, betrayal, anguish, and pain all grew exponentially inside him, intertwining within his being, while this man in front of him accuses him of the thing he didn't even do; the thing that he would not, and will not ever plan on doing. Yet, despite his inner turmoil, Sirius calmly raised both of his hand a sign of surrender and an act of trying to calm the man in front of him.

"I didn't fucking do it, you bastard. And I will never in my life, betray them nor hurt any of them. I swear it on my magic and life. So mote it be." He wordlessly and wandlessly disarmed Snape to show that the magic inside of him is still working. Severus stared at him for a long minute before something finally dawned to him, "Pettigrew."

They heard Remus growl at the background when they figured out who was the man behind this slaughter.

"We have to send him to the hospital. I've already healed some of his deep cuts, but some of his bones and muscles are broken or torn apart which needs professional healing. If we couldn't heal it as soon as possible, it could result in permanent damage. He also needs some potions—" Remus paused and looked around the area, sniffing. "I can smell him."

Both Sirius and Snape turned to look at him, waiting for him to continue. Snape though, elbowed the Marauder beside him, nodding his head towards the stairs. "I'll take it from here, you check Harry."

Sirius slapped his forehead soundly for forgetting his godson and gave the potion master a grateful nod.

"Who do you smell, Lupin?" Snape asked carefully looking around the destroyed home, preparing from any sign of possible attacks, calmly tightening his hold on his wand.

"Peter." He grunted, still sniffing the air, searching. Snape raised his wand, and did the human-presence-revealing spell "Homenum Revelio."

The magic instantly latched on two unknown figures inside the playroom. Remus was just about to get up from his kneeling position beside James who was already sleeping soundly, thanks to Sirius and Remus's healing capabilities when Snape stopped him by grabbing his shoulder, "I'll look at it, you take James to the Potter Manor and call for Madame Pomfrey. He needs immediate help. You said it yourself."

Remus only stared at the man, his eyes changing from gold to green, clearly conflicted to the task given to him by this person. His inner wolf's pride assumed that Snape was telling him he couldn't take this task alone and is too weak to deal with the traitor by himself. Yet, his logical side (the Remus mind) knew that Snape's trustworthy and knows the best of the scenario in case something happens.

Remus gave him a nod, and went back beside James, preparing for their travel back to the Manor.

Snape, on the other hand, strode immediately inside the playroom to check whose bodies were lying still on the floorboards.

Grateful for his reflex, Severus rapidly summoned triple stupefies and the strongest binding spell he could ever conjure to the prone form of one Peter Pettigrew. He also made sure that the rat wouldn't be able to transform to his animagus form, and proudly snapped his wand into two. He also spotted a white wand lying just four feet away from Wormtail's body, and definitely knew who the owner of that wand is. Droning the summoning spell, the skeletal-like wand, snapped at his awaiting hand and tucked it inside his robes.

He also noticed a small figure at the corner of the room and was shocked to recognize the features of the Potter House Elf.

"Tifa." The Potions Master walked silently towards the still body of the house-elf, gingerly picking her up and carried her out of the room. Her purple eyes were staring calmly behind him, a smile on her face that expresses pride and happiness for fulfilling her role. He pointed his wand on Pettigrew levitating his body so that he could also carry him out of the room with the dead house-elf in his arms.

Upon entering the living room, Snape saw Sirius with Harry in his arms sleeping peacefully, while talking to Remus whose shoulders were slumped and silently crying. Severus stopped mid-stride when he noticed that it wasn't only James who's on the floor lying. Lily has also joined her husband on the floor, with no sign of life.

Sirius gave him a knowing look, confirming to him that Lily is indeed gone. "I found her in Harry's room."

He willed himself to accept that not everyone could survive the war, especially those who they hold very close to them. For him, knowing that the only person that gave him a reason to survive this war was Lily. If it wasn't for his only best friend he would still be stuck from the path of darkness he'd unintentionally taken.

Taking a glance at Lily's beautiful face, he could recognize the tenderness of her love and that bravery which highlighted her features, as she partakes whatever task she did in her Harry's room that saved him.

"Voldemort's gone too. I saw his cloak, and left it there." Sirius told to both of them, breaking the silence. "Burning." His voice was hoarse, despite his nonchalance since the man was still mourning from the loss of a sister, and the almost death of his brother and godson.

But Severus was standing still when Sirius said those words. Slowly, he placed the dead house-elf beside Lily and conjured two white blankets to cover them. Severus turned to the unconscious floating man behind him and forced the man to transfigure into his animagus form. He ignored the sound of breaking bones when he forced Peter to his form, then re-applying the spell that blocks the animagus from transforming.

"How about his body? Have you seen Voldemort's body?" Remus asked Sirius, his tone monotonous while watching Severus lock the rat in a protective cage that will hinder the rat from escaping.

Sirius's only response was a shake of his head.

Silence once again descended upon them. Severus who has suddenly gone white and is standing ramrod straight knew what this could mean. Looking at the cage he's holding, he looked up at Sirius with wide eyes.

"He's not really dead if there's an absence of his body," Snape whispered harshly. Sirius and Remus simultaneously looked at him with concern.

"What do you mean by that Snape? What do you know?" Sirius asked him immediately, not happy about the fact that whatever Lily has included in her ritual, which is obvious from the blood on her arms that has already dried up, ending the bastard's life didn't happen. It just merely gave them a pause from the war, and for sure the Dark Lord will come back.

Yet he's still genuinely grateful for Lily's sacrifice and despite not ending the life of Voldemort, her son and husband remain alive. He'll just have to make sure that her boys make it through.

"Peter, was just about to leave the Cottage when he was met by Tifa." Snape pointed at the small body that is covered beside Lily's, "I'm guessing that Tifa's only purpose in fighting him was to incapacitate him, but I'm betting she didn't expect to be killed at all by him; a close friend of her master and mistress.

"Apparently, upon their encounter, the rat was carrying not only his wand but the Dark Lord's too. I don't know what Pettigrew knows about what has happened tonight, but clearly it's obvious that the Dark Lord isn't totally dead. However it could mean many things, but I have only one in mind."

"What is it?"

"He's in his spirit form, probably roaming around already, looking for something to cater his needs to remain in this plane. From there I do not know anymore. I'll have to look for more about it."

"Let's just….." Remus sighed as he rubs his face with both of his hands, "I can't with the stress, we still have to fix James, and I…. Lily and Tifa has to be buried and that damn rat deserves to be in the prison."

Sirius nodded his head in agreement, "Yes, Harry needs a good rest too. There are so many things that needed tending."

Severus was just about to say something when they heard the distinct loud thumping of Hagrid's boots, coming from the front garden of the Cottage. The men inside looked at each other in question, but Snape moving quickly, gave the rat cage to Remus, and immediately apparated from the scene leaving them with a look of 'let's meet soon.'

"Hagrid? What are you doing here?" Sirius asked the half-giant once he'd finally entered the living room, "Did Dumbledore send you here? Where are the others? Are they on their way here? Is the help arriving?"

Remus stopped Sirius from rapidly spouting questions towards the poor half-giant who's obviously trying to keep it together. "Sirius let the man answer first."

Sirius looked chastised at that and looked apologetically at the huge man. Hagrid just waved at them and said, "Dumbledore ordered me to take Harry from you."

Sirius who was already carrying the sleeping child in his arms instantly tightened his hold at the babe upon the mention of his name. "Why?" Sirius replied coldly to Hagrid, "I'm his godfather, he's my godson. Why take him from me? I can take care of him while James recuperates from the events tonight."

"Wha'? James 's alive? Merlin's Beard! I didn't know! Dumbledore—"

"Hagrid, did Dumbledore say anything more about your orders? Do you know why he's asking for you to take Harry from Sirius?" Remus took over as he carefully placed a hand Sirius' shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.

"No, he didn't elaborate why," Hagrid replied his eyes apologetic. "He only told me that the Potters are dead, that I needed to fetch Harry and return back to him with the boy."

Remus and Sirius shared a glance, recognizing the red flags on that statement. "Sirius? Can you floo with Harry and James?"

Sirius immediately began moving and grabbed Harry's bag where he shrank all of his godson's salvaged clothes and toys.

When they were gone into the green fire, Remus turned to Hagrid who made a choking sound, "Hagrid, tell this to Dumbledore: you can't take the child away from us. Whatever plans you have for him, disregard it. He's not a chess piece for you to play with, and most likely not part of your agenda. Leave us alone, peacefully. If you persist on taking Harry from us, we'll regard you as an enemy."

Hagrid could only stare at him, as Remus began creating portkeys to attach on Lily and Tifa's body so that it could transport back to the Potter Manor. Sirius who has popped in with three more house-elf that will help with the transporting and salvaging, heard the last part of Remus tirade. "Take my bike that's parked inside the shed on the back garden, Hagrid. That way you could travel fast wherever Dumbledore's meeting you and deliver that message. Oh, and tell him, Voldemort's not dead but weakened."

Privet Drive, Surrey

"What?"

"They said that they won't give Harry to you ever. That if you persist in taking the kid from them, in doing so would result to you becoming their enemy." Professor McGonagall summarized for him.

Hagrid has arrived to their meet up place, just near the Privet Drive where Harry should be taking residence in the near future. Oh, the image of a noble boy living in a crap place like the Dursley's household is a total disgrace to her. Why? Well, she was fortunate enough to be able to observe this excuse piece of a family. Their revolting attitudes and personalities are enough for McGonagall to start an argument with the Headmaster in his plans on bringing the boy to them. She's been expressing her displeasure over Dumbledore's plan, hiding her concern over the possible life the boy could have if Harry did indeed become an orphan.

Yet, Albus merely ignored her rants and remained clueless on what she's telling him. It's obvious that the ancient man has plans for the boy.

Now with Hagrid arriving with some message coming from Remus and Sirius, she's happy to know that the boy is safe. For now. In the meantime, she'll have to watch Albus and see how this will affect his plans.

"Where did they go Hagrid?" Dumbledore asked the half-giant, pacing in front of them, his magical aura vibrating with anxiety. McGonagall ignored the old man while checking and rebuffing her nails.

"No, they didn't mention where they've gone," Hagrid replied to the Headmaster, itching to get on the bike again and ride it so that he could mourn alone over the loss of Lily.

"You said James is alive?" Dumbledore asked again, never stopping from his pacing. This time McGonagall sighed exasperatedly, "Yes, James is alive. Yes, they're keeping the child safe from you. Yes, they're hiding him. Yes, Voldemort's gone but not dead. Yes, they may consider you their enemy if you don't stop pursuing the boy without them knowing. Yes, you can't bring Harry to the Dursley's. Yes, your plans are done. Period. End of discussion." Minerva rolled her eyes when she caught Dumbledore staring at her mouth hanging open, while Hagrid watches the blank sky above them dotted with stars.

When she didn't receive any response from the Headmaster, she swiftly clapped her hands and nodded, "Right, time to go. I need to rest, my body hurts from the long duration of transfiguring into a cat and from standing here watching your pacing, not accepting the fact that you don't have the authority over the child." Minerva turned around and started walking towards the corner of the Privet Drive where she could portkey herself back to Hogwarts, "You desperately need a reality check, Albus." She said one last time before tapping her wand two times on her Gryffindor brooch.

Rough translation:

Lady Supremeness

The deed I've done

Is yours as you will

I now invoke

The sacrifice of a mother

So mote it be!

The sacrifice of a mother

So mote it be!

Hello to everybody~! First, I humbly apologize for everyone who has anticipated this chapter to be posted sooner rather than later. Since I'm still in the beginnings of the story, I am expected to update as often as possible. But I would just like to remind everyone that I have been busy these past few days due to uni. I'm a freshie and well I guess some of you could relate. I have also returned to editing vids (and pics) recently, a hobby of mine.

I'm also grateful for the hearts and follows I have received from everybody who stay tuned in the progress of my attempt of writing my potter fanfiction. I'm seriously grateful!

The action scene will be in the next chapter, and I'm telling you this now, it's still being edited into a presentable kind of way. I'm doing my best in delivering the fighting scene through words. I find it hard, please bear with me.

I have no plans in abandoning this piece! I'll update as often as possible from now on! Another thing, I am still looking for beta/s! Please email me if you're willing to help me improve my story, I might not have the time to revise everything as I don't have enough free time with me :(