A/N: Hey guys! Thanks for reviewing the first chappie of Stuck Between a Thunderstorm, it makes me really happy to read you guys praise me although, I'm beginning to fear inflating my ego … Anyway just to let you know this chapter is going to be about old Voldie, Malfoys, and Death Eaters(including Snape)! Now on to the disclaimer!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that is referenced in this work of fanfiction that hence follows this chapter or any other chapter TT_TT. Riddle you should be mine!

N:

….Parseltongue….

/Spell casting/

"Speech."

'Mind speaking'

Chapter Two: The First Prophecy

Unplottable land, Slytherin Manor, somewhere . . .

"Curse that meddling old codger and his thrice-bedamned Order!" cursed Voldemort who sat on his throne-like chair as he sighed wearily and rubbed his eyes. Really, he was tired of that old buffoon continuously deterring his efforts for the war.

His brown-black hair that fell in waves above his shoulders was tied by a Slytherin green-ribbon. Voldemort's skin was alike unblemished porcelain, soft and glowing, further emphasizing his gleaming ruby eyes as it glared at the wall adjacent to his throne in the Slytherin Manor. He was the perfect image of a Pure-blood. Meanwhile he focused his thoughts on the war to distract himself.

His Death Eaters had recently heard that Dumbledore was planning to employ Sybill Trelawney as the Divination professor at Hogwarts. Voldemort scoffed, there was no way to instruct students on being a seer, and one had to have seer blood to learn it. How Dumbledore could consider letting a fraud like her teach divination, he wondered.

Voldemort's lips curled in disgust. He was insane not barmy unlike that senile old codger. At the thought of Dumbledore alike himself, he shivered. He was slowly losing his sanity and beauty from his Horcruxes but he did not care. His appearance meant nothing to him; sure it allowed him to manipulate the sheep that was true. He had been beautiful for as long as he could remember and because of that people at that orphanage always wanted to touch him, it made him feel disgusting. He felt his wards shift, signalling the arrival of his Death Eaters via apparition. Voldemort stowed his emotions behind his Occlumency shields and donned his cold-blooded mask just as all of his Death Eaters gathered before him.

His inner circle Death Eaters assembled and kneeled before him. One of them however came forward.

"My Lord," murmured Pettigrew as he kneeled once more to the Dark Lord and kissed his robes reverently. "I come bearing information regarding the day and location of where Trelawney's interview will take place." Voldemort caressed his Death Eaters mask almost kindly before he dropped his hand and stood up. He circled his Death Eater who became slightly nervous with the way his Lord was fingering his wand.

Voldemort paused turning his cold-ruby gaze at the pathetic Death Eater who kneeled towards his throne. "Oh and where did you hear such…. sensitive…. information?" the Dark Lord inquired in a deathly, soft voice.

"From James Potter and the blood-traitors Black and Lupin my Lord," Pettigrew whimpered. "They were saying it quite loudly within Florean and Fortescue's with mudblood Evans. Black said that Dumbledore will be holding the interview at Hog's Head in Hogsmead, tomorrow." The Death Eater grinned triumphantly beneath his mask whilst Severus clenched his fists at his fellow Death Eaters' blatant disrespect of his former bestfriend.

At the thought of Black, Potter, and Lupin, Voldemort sneered in distaste. He disliked Potter and his friends, not because they were Gryffindores but because they had the bloodtraitor Sirius Orion Black. He could never understand how on earth the Blacks could spawn a light wizard such as Sirius whom firmly supported Dumbledore. Blacks should always be by his Death Eaters' not The Order since they were known to educate their children in the darkest of Black magic.

Voldemort turned his attention to Severus as an idea came to him. "Severus," the Dark Lord spoke softly in a long, torturous way for the sheer purpose of seeing his Death Eaters tremble agitatedly, they could be so amusing at times. "You are to head towards Hogsmead and eavesdrop in Trelawney's interview within Hog's Head and afterwards inform me of whatever takes place during it. There is a high probability of Trelawney making a prophecy even though I doubt it, we cannot be too quick to disregard this opportunity seeing as Dumbledore has so foolishly chosen to interview a seer in such a public setting ….Then again, this might be one of his attempts to frighten me by whatever this prophecy might contain…." The Dark Lord stated the last words in parseltongue; his hands clenching into fists.

Severus, one of those who shuddered at hearing his Lord speak the sacred tongue, nodded. "Yes, my Lord, it shall be done." With that the Death Eater went back amongst his fellow comrades in front of the Dark Lord whilst said Lord spoke of his plans to his beloved minions.

Tomorrow and after that will be the mark of the rise of the Dark Lord Voldemort, for they would make sure of it and damn anyone who stood in their way.

Godric's Hollow, Potter Cottage, England . . .

Lily sat under the shade of the tree of their home, reminiscing about her days at Hogwarts, specifically about Severus. For so long they have been apart, Lily's concern for him hadn't yet wane. She respected his determination for desiring what was best for the Wizarding world. She too, once upon a time, agreed with Voldemort's mindset, certainly not their bigotry of Muggleborns mind you or maybe that was Dumbledore talking.

She neither liked nor hated Slytherins or Dark magic. For her, magic was magic. It is not distinguished by good or evil, for magic was corporeal because it was just there. It cannot be said about other people's views though. Dumbledore insisted that Dark magic was evil so should Voldemort gain upper hand in the war, their way of living might collapse as the old coot stated morbidly.

She was planning to inform the Marauders of where she stood in the war and her suspicion of one Headmaster, with the exception of Peter Pettigrew. She disliked the whimpering man the first time she laid her eyes on him; she couldn't explain why, she just knew.

A cold breeze passed by Lily and she shivered. She stood from where she had seated herself, gathered the muggle paperback she had been reading the moment before and advanced towards the back entrance of their home just as she felt the wards tingle simultaneously, alerting her of the presence of her husband and his band of pranksters.

Lily stilled her thoughts as she entered the threshold of their home; she heard the familiar boisterous laugh of Sirius and smiled fondly as she thought of the grim animagus. He had slightly matured over the years though he still retained his childish behaviour setting him apart from the other Blacks.

"- what can I tell you James? The ladies just adore my charming gentlemanly manners, I mean who wouldn't?" Sirius boasted at James and Remus whilst puffing up his chest. Remus' shoulders were shaking from restrained laughter while James just rolled his eyes at him, saying, "Yeah, they really love you Padfoot which is why one of them kneed you at your family jewels, looking like a drowned cat."

Sirius looked offended before it was replaced by a pout as the grim animagus sullenly replied, "Well okay, I admit not everyone could fall for my charms, they do have preferences after all. Look at Lily she fell for you instead of me, I don't fancy redheads anyway." He said; trying to salvage his manly dignity.

Remus smiled at Sirius. "That's true, she would have run you rugged by the time you managed to seduce her, redheads are fiercely domineering that way, definitely not your type." The werewolf said just as Lily entered the room.

Lily's gaze shifted from the three of them warily when they immediately stiffened. "And what is this about… domineering redheads hmm?" She said with her hands placed upon her hips as she gave them a narrow-eyed look that stated verbatim 'continue what you're saying or I'll have your hides skewered at the end of my wand' glare.

James being the strong man that he is, immediately crumbled at the force of Lily's gaze, "Darling, we were just talking about your endearing personality and Sirius' misfortune at Hog's Head." Her husband said defensively; his eyes pleading at Lily's. Sirius who stayed silent along with Remus cleared his throat; effectively catching the couple's attention, "Err Lily, James said we could crash in your house a bit and experience your mouth-watering skill in the kitchen, pretty please?" The Black said throwing Lily a puppy-eyed look.

The Muggleborn witch laughed warmly and said, "Sure you can, and I'll even prepare my special dish for you guys as well." She grinned when the trio beamed at her, excused herself and went to the kitchens to set the house-elves to do some other tasks; started to work on dinner.

Meanwhile, James and Sirius set about playing exploding snap whilst Remus took out a book from one of the many shelves on the walls of the living room beside the hearth. After thirty minutes dinner was ready and so Lily called the trio for dinner whilst talking about light subjects around the table.

Once they finished eating and praising Lily's exemplary skill as a wife and as a chef, they ascended towards the James study. Lily called on a house-elf to set biscuits and warm tea on the coffee table in the middle of the room whilst sitting down on the plush couches surrounding it.

"Now," Lily started once she made herself comfortable. "I've got something to confess and I don't need unnecessary interference without permission from myself first," she said this while glaring at her husband and Sirius, "As I was saying, what are your thoughts on the war?" Lily asked.

"What do you mean Lils?" James asked truly confused. "Were supposed to side with the light right? To fight for Dumbledore's campaign?" A house-elf popped in and placed the snacks and tea on the table.

"James is right Lily. Those evil gits on You-Know-Who's side are about to destroy our way of living! We can't let them get away with that, you know?" Sirius chided the lone female of the group.

Narrowing her eyes at them, she said,"Who's to say they are evil Sirius? Have you heard of what they are fighting for? What they seek to preserve for the betterment of our community?" She shifted her gaze at the three of them, daring them to challenge her.

Sirius spoke up, incensed. "But they're Dark wizards Lily! Dumbledore already told us what they're attempting and need I remind you that they plan to purge the world of muggles?!" He shouted.

"That's what we are about to discuss here tonight, it concerns Dumbledore." Sirius withered under her glare.

James and Remus exchanged glances and turned their gaze at Lily. "What about Dumbledore Lils? Surely you can't mean that he's merely deceiving the masses with his goody-two shoes and grandfatherly persona?" James asked his wife hesitantly, silently hoping that it wasn't the case.

Lily gave them a stiff nod. "I'm sure of it. Except the part where he is evil, after all Dumbledore might think what he is doing is for the greater good." She raised the cup to her lips, her hand tightening around its handle.

Remus, who stayed silent throughout the ordeal, spoke up. "If what you're saying is true Lily, what else do you think he has kept from us?" The werewolf asked quietly. Lily turned to gaze at the blazing fire, a thoughtful expression on her face, mirroring James' own.

"I think," Lily started, a frown marring her features. "He's been keeping his machinations to himself, only giving us lies mixed with half-truths at best." She said.

"Damn!" cursed Sirius.

"Yes damn definitely sums it up," James said whilst rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "That's a pretty serious accusation against the Headmaster Lils, if he is anything like You-know-Who, he wouldn't have helped Remus study within Hogwarts. It just isn't likely." He said, frowning; apparently not believing everything Lily told them.

James immediately regretted what he said as Lily faced him, pain flashing behind her emerald gaze that made him feel like crap. He sighed. "I'm sorry Lils but do you have substantial evidence if he is indeed playing us like puppets on strings? No? Then we oughtn't to assume such things in respect to the Headmaster, okay?" He said, moving forward to embrace Lily.

She gave him the green-light and a nod coupled with a sigh.

"Well I've got to get to work," James declared, kissing Lily on her forehead. "You know Lord of House duties and some." She smiled up at him and left quietly with Sirius and Remus, who clapped him on the back before they left.

"Siri," said Remus when he was standing beside the animagus. "You can go home without waiting for me, I'll catch up with you later, and I've got things to discuss with Lily." The werewolf informed the Black, who gave him a curious look before nodding and heading towards the floo alone.

Lily was walking morosely towards their bedroom when she was stopped on her tracks by an insistent werewolf. She turned and faced him. "What is it Remus?" She asked wearily.

"Sorry about this, I know it's late but can we talk somewhere private? It's about Dumbledore." He stated; a serious gleam in his amber eyes. He still trusted Dumbledore but if Lily suspected something, he had to hear her out. If she turned out to be right, then he'll follow her lead wherever she may go.

Shrugging, she told him to follow her towards the library. Lily flicked her finger to wandlessly open its massive dark wood doors. Remus was awed by this display of skill as she had never showed it to anyone before.

Once they were seated, she spoke up. "Remus, what you've just seen was wandless magic. I didn't divulge this one secret to any of you simply because none of you were capable of secrecy, especially from Dumbledore."

As loathe was Lupin to admit, he would've told the Headmaster instantaneously, if he so asked him to. His hands tightened around the arm of the chair he sat on, as he considered swearing a vow. Lily still didn't trust him enough and it hurt. He gritted his teeth and did what he never thought he'd do ever. He threw caution to the wind. Remus cleared his throat. "Err, I swear on my magic that whatever information you impart onto me, will never be divulged and if further evidences concerning the machinations of one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore are discovered, I will promptly recount it to you. This I swear." He swore, ultimately binding himself to a Wizarding Vow.

Lily's eyes grew wide with shock. Remus was known to be logical whenever he did something and seeing him do this for her, it was a lot. She immediately regained her composure. "Thank you Remus, you don't know how grateful I am for this. I promise you, your trust is not misplaced." She said; her face was alight with determination.

Remus smiled. "Lily, you've been a part of my pack since you married James and it ultimately means that no matter how ridiculous your claims are, I still value what you say." He said. Lily nodded and explained what she knew.

According to her, Dumbledore was the one who caused the DADA to be cursed for there was a rumour about Voldemort once applying as a professor of Defence, but Dumbledore refused his numerous attempts before he finally had enough. He decided to curse it so if Dumbledore were to find a professor, they had to be replaced after a year.

Lily point-blank told him even if the Light side were to win, the discrimination against werewolves wouldn't promise him a better life. Dumbledore was on the Light side yet he has not made moves on lifting the law that makes werewolves second-class citizens, and he's the leader of the Light.

She also confided to him that she studied ancient magic, and boy did that shock him. What shocked him more was that Lily supported a few of Voldemort's ideas for the Wizarding world that was cast aside in favour of the light. She explained to him the inner workings of magic, why it wasn't anything remotely close to evil just as it wasn't good. Magic had the potential to be both for everything was possible with magic. Dark was once Earth magic, for the force of will. Light was once Sky magic, for those who make themselves the medium of the magic they take externally.

She explained that maybe, just maybe Voldemort's aim in the first place was to ensure that Wizarding traditions were not replaced by muggle ones. As opposed to the Muggleborns, who continually integrate muggle culture into the wizarding one; Purebloods had to relinquish their Wizarding traditions just to appease the Muggleborns who were uncomfortable with the olde traditions. This caused a rift between both light and dark factions, with the Muggleborns siding with the light and the Purebloods siding with the dark. Thus, the equilibrium of magic was broken.

After that hefty explanation, Lily paused to catch her breath and she turned to look over Remus who was wide eyed at the revelations.

"Wow," the werewolf started. "I have never looked at it like that before; I suppose it does make sense." Remus breathed out, overwhelmed. "But Lily, I need to research everything first. If the information I gather back-up your claims, and then I will believe you then." He said apologically.

Lily heaved a sigh. "You wouldn't be Remus if you didn't research everything you do, not would you?" She said. "And of course it does," Lily said smugly. "James just doesn't see it, probably since his family, specifically Charlus, was knee-deep in his friendship with Dumbledore. And since Dorea was a Black, she must've at least tried to make them both see sense." She murmured sadly.

Remus laughed. "Yeah, but if Charlus was anything like James – probably worse – he would have refused to budge that easily." They both shared a laugh at that one before turning sombre. Moonlight streamed from the window and a calming breeze caressed them gently.

"Do you really think Dumbledore is a manipulating old bastard?" Remus questioned quietly.

"Well you know what they say about old codgers," She whispered as she leaned conspiratorially. "It's always the grandfatherly ones." Again they laughed and bid each other farewell, with Remus promising to find evidence to prove to James and Sirius that Lily's suspicions were not unfounded and to see for himself if this was true.

This time, Fate swore, everything shall go the way it should have in the first place.

The next day, Hogsmead, Hog's Head . . .

Severus apparated to a corner of Hogsmead and looked around carefully, making sure that nobody was around to see him. Mentally declaring the cost clear, he charmed himself invisible as he slowly entered the pub.

He positioned himself at the darkest corner of Hog's Head while waiting for the old fool Dumbledore and fraud Trelawney to appear. He was tasked for spying on the Prophet's interview and report back via pensive memories to guarantee the validity of the prophecy. Severus was determined not to fail; this was for the betterment of the Wizarding world after all. Not just Severus, but many purebloods and several halfbloods were supporting Voldemort, so that their world would no longer remain stagnant and eventually implode upon itself.

Suddenly, the chimes sounded, alerting Severus of the newcomers. He recognized them as Dumbledore and Trelawney. The Headmaster was looking as unprofessional as always, with his fuchsia robes adorned with orange stars and yellow moons on them, and his obnoxiously long, white beard.

Trelawney was frazzled with nerves. Her brown hair was ridiculously bushy, paired with her round glasses that made her eyes appear bigger than they should; she was wearing a long-sleeved puffed green turtle-neck robe underneath a brown woollen vest with a hood. She and Dumbledore made quite an odd pair.

Disgusting.

They approached Aberfort Dumbledore who greeted them gruffly, specifically Dumbledore; led them upstairs to one of the private rooms. Severus followed them as he cast a noiseless charm on his footsteps and rustling clothes.

They stopped on a door at a dead end. Aberfort opened the door curtly whilst stepping aside as the odd duo entered the room and closed the door behind him and left without even a word.

Severus stopped at the door and pressed his ear on it just as Dumbledore sighed and motioned for the interview to start. After a few meaningless and totally fake prophecies, Trelawney went into a trance and spoke in an eerily deep voice,

"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 . . . "

Before Severus could hear the rest, he was yanked crudely by the collar. He whipped his head to snarl at the transgressor when Aberfort threw him down the flight of stairs. Due to the commotion outside the door, Dumbledore appeared in a split-second with a cold demeanour but a furious fire in his eyes.

Alarmed, Severus' Slytherin self-preservation kicked-in as he pelted out of the pub and onto the streets. He didn't bother to glance behind him knowing that it would simply slow him down and get himself captured.

He darted into an alley and directly apparated himself into the Slytherin Manor to deliver his Lord the Prophecy. Then it struck him like a bucket of iced water.

It was solely Dumbledore who managed to hear the whole prophecy.

Dammit!

Unplottable Land, Slytherin Manor, somewhere . . .

Thereafter the prompt torture session of Severus Snape and the hasty retreat of his followers, the Dark Lord found himself seething – not that it was surprising – quietly in his study with a glass of Firewhisky in his hand.

His tranquil countenance belied his actual mood, for if one was in his shoes you wouldn't be either. The knowledge of someone matching the Dark Lords superiority was absurd! He would not acquiesce to a brat, let alone a babe, who did not yet grasp the meaning of magic.

He was nevertheless worried – though he would never admit it to anyone – about the possibility of somebody capable of holding his own against him. The Prophecy stated that 'the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches' it did not say that this person would attempt to defeat him, rather that person had the power to do so.

He would not delude himself into thinking that he could sway the brat to the Dark side, Dumbledore would have sunk his claws into the babe the moment it breathe the same air that the manipulating old codger did.

Dumbledore's pretentiousness astounded even himself. How the old codger managed to keep a calm facade around brain dead morons was impressive to anyone that saw through his machinations. If the brat was as powerful as the Prophecy hinted, no matter how unfortunate it was to snuff a bright flame, it was best to rid of the threat immediately.

Voldemort's eyes gleamed viciously as he smirked. He was a Dark Lord and anyone who crosses wands with him dies and he would not let anyone stand against his way, prophecy or not.

Order of Phoenix Headquarters, January 2, 1980, unknown land . . .

Albus sat on a plush purple chair whilst sucking on lemon pops as his mind strayed towards the Prophecy. The part where neither can die while the other survives troubled him greatly. To know that one of them had to die before the other perishes was putting stress on his psyche, he could not kill the child of one of his followers for that will reflect badly on him and he will be suspected of being evil. No, that would simply not do. This must be what seers feel, to shoulder such burdens, he thought sadly as he stirred his tea and poured honey in it.

The Light had to win for if the Dark did, all his sins will be laid bare publicly and he would not receive retribution he needed by defeating the Dark! The Wizarding world will be safer under his rule; he had done this for the whole of his life. Then Several Order members apparated subsequently and he adorned his indulgent old man facade. They all entered the massive mahogany door where Albus resided and smiled at him. Alice Longbottom, spoke.

"Albus," greeted Alice. "It is nice to see you, how have you been these days?" She asked politely when she and the others sat down.

Albus twinkled as he turned his bespectacled gaze at her. "I have been well, my dear, although I have been stressed as of recently." He said, taking a sip of his tea. Ah, chamomile tea, always there to brighten his day.

Just then Moody gruffly asked. "Get to the point Albus. I have no time for meaningless chatter; I have Dark wizards to catch." The Auror sneered at Albus without venom.

"I'm sure you do Moody. Very well then," The old man started. "Some of you might've heard that I interviewed the great-great granddaughter of Cassandra Trelawney this morning for the position of professor at Hogwarts." They all nodded in affirmation, it was common knowledge by now.

Dumbledore paused, building the suspense in the air. "It seems I have come across a Prophecy that might change the tide of the war on both sides." He said as he gazed at them at the rim of his glasses, his twinkle dimming slightly.

Their jaws-dropped. James' eyebrows rose to his hairline whilst Lily's eyes were widened in shock. "Is it for the better or for worse?" Sirius barked at him, sitting at the edge of his seat. The others nodded anxiously, fidgeting in their seats; their hands sweaty with perspiration.

"It will be for the better, my boy," Dumbledore reassured. "I believe it said, "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 . . . for neither can live while the other survives . . . 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 . . ." " The headmaster finished solemnly, allowing them the opportunity to compose themselves.

Dumbledore knew that keeping the true Prophecy to himself was inexcusable, but they would understand. This was all for the greater good after all. The greater good for Albus Dumbledore.

Remus, who recovered quickly, stared at him with an undecipherable glint in his eyes. "I see Headmaster." The werewolf said thoughtfully, his brows furrowed in concentration. The others who have recovered by now looked very much like Remus, except for James and Sirius.

"So," Sirius started loudly. "The one that will defeat the Dark Lord will be born in July, huh? What're you going to do Albus?" The Grimm animagus said, much quietly this time.

"We can only wait for the couple who have thrice defied him," Dumbledore replied seriously, his twinkling coming back stronger. "The ones that can qualify in this category are the Longbottoms and the Potters." He said scrutinizing both couples silently, watching their reactions. If one of them were the destined couple, his job would be a lot easier.

Said couples exchanged narrow-eyed glances. Moody tired of the conversation shooting around him, inquired if Albus had anything else to say. Dumbledore shook his head and watched as Moody stormed out of the room to resume his Dark wizard hunting. Soon, they were exchanging goodbyes with the others following suit. Then they left.

Dumbledore found himself alone once more. He wondered who this child might be and his connection with Voldemort. Will he be Dark or will he be light? He hoped the child would forgive him for sacrificing its life. What was one life for the lives of many more? For him? The great Albus Dumbledore, Defeater of Grindelwald, Supreme Mugwump, Headmaster of Hogwarts, and Leader of the Light? Dumbledore tried to convince himself that it was for the greater good of the wizarding world.

He wasn't very successful.

Thanks for reading guys! R & R! This was reedited.

-FreyaClaire