Chapter 8: Nightmares

After Elizabeth's death, my life went downhill. Shortly after her death, Professor Sybill Trelawney made a prophecy, one that changed the wizarding world forever. The prophecy referred to a boy who was born at the end of the seventh month of the year 1980, who would be able to defeat the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort.

You were born where all magical babies are: at St. Mungo's. As soon as you were born, James sent me an owl, telling me you had finally arrived. I got to the hospital as fast as I could, for I was eager to see my new godson. You were as perfect as I had imagined you. The first time I held you in my arms, you gazed up at me with your mother's eyes. From that moment on, I just knew you would someday be a great Quitditch player like your father, and have his handsome looks, but would have your mother's sweet, loyal, and gentle disposition. While I was there, I never heard you cry, or even whimper, not even once.

Dumbledore was very aware of the prophecy made by Professor Trelawney, for he was the one who heard it. However, he wasn't concerned because there were very few people that actually heard the prophecy. Soon however, Voldemort learned of it, and all of the order knew what Severus Snape had done. Dumbledore advised James and Lily to go into hiding, and he made me their secret keeper. Everything might have gone fine, until the night I had a very troubling dream.

In this dream, I was pacing throughout the halls of my home. I was very concerned I was going to lose everyone I was close to. During the first wizarding war, I believed Remus was a spy in the service of Lord Voldemort, and I no longer trusted him. Now, I know he had nothing to do with Voldemort, and I regret making the wrong assumptions about him.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang, like the sound of a firecracker.

"SIRIUS!" A loud voice called to me. I immediately knew it was Lord Voldemort who had spoken. I was so frightened, I couldn't speak. It didn't matter anyway, because Voldemort didn't wait for me to answer.

"I know you are the Potter's secret keeper. I will find you and use you to find the Potters. One way or another, I will get it out of you. I will kill the Potters, and there is nothing you can do to stop me." And then, there was silence.

I woke up from my nightmare in a sweat. The rest of the night, I was paranoid. When I went to see you, James, and Lily off, I knew I had to convince James and Lily I wasn't the man for the secret keeper job. I asked Peter if he would be willing to take over, and he quickly agreed.

When I discussed my plan with your parents, they were very disappointed.

"But, why Sirius?" James asked, shaking his head sadly. "I don't understand."

I sighed. This was hard enough as it was, but James was making it worse. "It would be too obvious to Voldemort if I were your secret keeper. He would suspect me right away. Trust me, James. It's better this way."

"I suppose you're right." James sighed.

Saying goodbye was difficult. I hated the possibility that I might not see my best friend again. Even as your parents were walking away, I wished there were some way for them to come back.

Several days past, and I became nervous. Finally, on Halloween night, I went to check on Peter, just to make sure he was alright, but he was nowhere to be found. I knew something was wrong, so I raced to your parent's house. By the time I had gotten there, it was too late. I had no time to break down and cry. My best friend had just been killed, and I was infuriated. My heart was set on killing the man who had betrayed your parents, and that man was Peter Pettigrew.

When I found Peter, I chased him down. I finally cornered him on a street crowded with muggles.

"YOU BETRAYED LILY AND JAMES!" Peter screamed and blew apart the street, making it appear like I had committed the crime. Then, he disappeared into the sewer. From that moment on, everyone from the muggle witnesses and Cornelius Fudge to Dumbledore, Remus, and the order believed I was a convicted murderer. I knew I was the one who now needed to go into hiding. Despite knowing this, one thing was holding me back.

When I found out you were still alive, I felt a mix of emotions. I was relieved you were alive and Voldemort was left powerless, but I also still feared for your life and was concerned for your future. I was determined to have you in my full custody and raise you myself, despite the fact that I would always be on the run. Unfortunately, I couldn't achieve this, and you were sent to live with your dreadful aunt and uncle. Meanwhile, I fled, hoping I would be able to find you again someday.

Author's note: I'm sorry for such a short chapter. Hopefully everyone still enjoyed it. Don't forget to review. Please. :)