J K Rowling owns all the rights to the books and the amazing characters she created. I write only to satisfy my imagination and use my creativity and make no money from my writings.

Chapter 2 – Butterflies

"In chaos theory, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state." To put it simply if there is one change in "what was meant to be" such as a butterfly flapping or not flapping its wings or making a change in its flapping, the entire history of mankind could change.

On October 31, 1981 one very small but extremely important, history changing thing was done. Lily Evans Potter stepped aside the very first time Voldemort gave her the option. Although he had promised one of his most faithful followers, the very valuable Severus Snape, that he would spare the Mudblood if she proved reasonable, he didn't think she would actually willingly step aside. He had seen too many "real mothers" sacrifice themselves for their child(ren) and he had expected the woman to at least beg for mercy or to be asked two or even three times to let him have his way and kill her only son.

But she hadn't. She didn't beg or try to fight she just stepped aside without saying a word leaving her baby exposed to Lord Voldemort. He paused for a moment because from what he had heard about the witch everything pointed to the fact that she would fight tooth and nail for her child's life and yet here she was stepping aside to let him kill her baby. He just had to ask the question.

"What – no fight, no begging for mercy, no tears for your recently dead husband and all that is left of him – the man you love more than your life?"

"I've never loved James. Dumbledore arranged for Amortenstia to be administered to me since after six long years of hating James Potter for the person I really knew him to be, I simply refused to succumb to 'his charms' and be his even after heaven and earth was moved by James' friends and McGonagall to 'make me see sense' even after they spelled me and Severus to end our friendship. Although James was already Dumbledore's minion – despite what James thought – to 'get me' he had to promise Dumbledore many things."

The Dark Lord hesitated even though he had heard rumors. But the witch was not finished her speech and continued.

"Dumbledore made James marry me for many reasons but the main one is lying in his cot as we speak. As you might know, Dumbledore has heritage tests done on certain 'promising students' especially if they are Muggleborns to see if they are descended from a line gone extinct due to producing Squibs. It is very illegal because Purebloods like to keep any inheritances from Squib lines and thus have made it expensive for such a test to be done and then permission - and expensive fees – must be had and given to the Ministry and Goblins for such a test to be performed."

"Yes" replied the Dark Lord. "I know that for a fact having…first-hand experience. It took me years to find out and then convince my peers and others that I was indeed the Heir of Slytherin because certain laws had been written and pushed through by a certain 'Savior' and it is also rumored that he has an arrangement with the Goblins and the Ministry for a 'discount' shall we say and acting in his capacity as Headmaster of Hogwarts but only when he thinks that an heir of the Founders might be found. I gather you were one such person and were tested?"

"Yes" she replied "and that was why he forced James into actually marrying me after he had had his way with me – his victory in seduction as he called it. You see, Dumbledore had created, how do I say this nicely? Dumbledore needed another invincible foe, another sinister and evil Dark Lord to defeat

just like he had Grindelwald. He chose a formidable wizard, ruined his life in every way possible just so he would be forced into becoming an opponent worthy of him and dangerous enough to be undefeatable by the Ministry of Magic and then he could…."

"Are you referring to me?" Voldemort asked angrily.

"Yes I am but you proved to be too powerful, too intelligent and although he could and has been able to control many of your actions – your wand is spelled as it contains a feather from Fawkes, Dumbledore's phoenix" she quickly added sensing Voldemort was about to kill her out of anger. "He found a dark spell which uses a feather from Fawkes to influence you and your behavior."

The great dread wizard glared at the witch with his dangerous red eyes so she quickly added "Surely you realize how much you have changed in the last 3-4 years. You've been doing illogical things, recruiting the very dregs of the earth, thinking irrationally and…."

"Yet I am still winning" he added.

"This was why Severus was allowed to hear that fake prophecy – or at least half of it. Dumbledore had arranged for Sev to have no choice but to join your cause, but you know that already and were delighted that he did because Sev is a very valuable, talented and powerful wizard and you TRUST HIM."

"No doubt he used Severus' prior and foolish feelings to use you for bait?"

"Among other things. However, the main reason was to get you here to finally defeat you by having you kill your own great grandson and only male heir!"

Voldemort froze upon hearing this but only for a moment before asking "The girl. The one I sired while still in Hogwarts and who was adopted out. She is…your mother…making the boy my male heir and since the Slytherin line prevents the Lord, especially the last lord from destroying the line if he killed the heir then…."

"You would die and win Dumbledamnit the war he started. He has this house spelled and Harry and I are prisoners. We have no floo connection, there are anti-apparation and portkey wards still in place despite your entering the house and if you look you will notice that certain runes are in place, disillusioned but working to force you to kill me despite promising Severus to spare me. Check them for yourself but please be sensible and use the other wand you have hidden in your boot because I can see your hand beginning to move and you want to, NO NEED TO KILL ME."

The Dark Lord threw down his yew and phoenix feather wand and whipped out his secret spare wand. He did a quick check and made a swift decision.

"Grab the child and follow me out of the house if you want him and yourself to live."

Lily didn't have to be told twice and she grabbed Harry, threw a blanket around him and hurried after the Dark Lord. They passed James' dead body and if she had had the time she might have spit on it but she didn't as they had to clear the wards. She wouldn't put it pass Dumbledore to have recording runes so that he could listen in and if that was the case, the entire Order of the Phoenix might be waiting for them outside. Mercifully he did not and as they raced away from the house and neared the gate Voldemort went through but Lily and Harry couldn't.

"He spelled us here" she told the Dark Lord frantically. "I tried to escape with Harry to safety once but it wasn't allowed so we were spelled to stay in the house and grounds. James even took my wand away from me so I 'wouldn't do anything foolish' so we can't leave unless….

Voldemort solved the problem by casting a spell of his own invention. It was a combination of an explosive like Muggles used which would blow up the house and then a limited version of fiendfyre would burn everything but quickly stop once it had destroyed its certain objective or area. This would destroy anything Dumbledore had monitoring or "protecting" the house like the Fidelius and it would break down the wards. There would be no evidence of Lily, Harry and Voldemort escaping. He then grabbed them both and apparated them away if not to safety at least away from Dumbledore's clutches.

Voldemort took the witch and baby to one of his private bolt holes. Once there before allowing them access he checked them both for trackers and other spells, allowed them through the wards and took them into the house. He placed both in the care of his house elf telling "Larry" (Voldemort hated house elf names so he redubbed the elf Larry when he bonded the elf to his personal service) to see to their needs but to basically keep them prisoners until further notice.

Voldemort then went to his private potions lab and started brewing a simple but effective heritage test. He was a man of many talents and was a potions master in his own right. He utilized people like Severus Snape because Voldemort was simply too busy to brew his own potions – except for certain rare and secretive ones which only he knew about. He would brew this potion as he could trust no one else to do it. He did believe the witch as based on what he had heard about her he wouldn't be surprised if it was all true. Although he had seen her when she was "defying him those three times" as the prophecy said it was only from afar. Once he heard her speak, saw her facial features and eyes – those special eyes – up close, and listened to her hypothesis he was inclined to believe every word she said as it sound like something Dumbledore would do. However, Tom Riddle a/k/a Voldemort hadn't survived as long as he did by trusting people so he had to brew this potion just to make sure.

It was a complicated potion and took four hours to brew. Then some of his blood and Lily's had to be added and it had to be mixed and poured out on specially treated parchment. It would be close to dawn when it was finished. Fortunately he had all the necessary ingredients required and he never stopped to wonder what was going on in the outside world since his earlier date with destiny. He would find out later just what was happening.

Although Dumbledore didn't have recording or viewing runes placed in the house, he did have little twirling, twinkling gadgets which monitored certain things at the small cottage in Godric's Hallow. He was eagerly waiting for "IT" to happen and then he could put into operations the other plans he had made, head to Gringotts regarding the Potters' Will and then announce the "Happy, wondrous news" to Magical Britain, of Voldemort's defeat.

Suddenly all the gadgets went crazy and then melted. That shouldn't have happened but it did so he called Fawkes to his side and had the phoenix flash him to Godric's Hallow. He was met with a conflagration which some of the inhabitants of the Hallow were trying to put out and were nearly done. Since both Magicals and Muggles were at the scene, he kept his distance as it meant the Fidelius had been destroyed. He then was flashed back to his office where he took a piece of one of Fawkes' feathers and started chanting a ritual. It proved to him that Voldemort must be dead as his wand no longer existed and Albus Dumbledore knew Voldemort had only one wand and if it was destroyed along with the house then all inside the house were dead.

He really hadn't expected that to happen but since the curse was a Slytherin Family curse even he didn't know how powerful it had been. At least the Slytherin line was ended. If Voldemort had indeed made Horcruxes he would need the help of his most faithful followers to help him resurrect so now he had to make arrangements to see that those he trusted most would be out of action and not in a position to help their master return.

He still had a lot to do and better start doing it quickly – after he went to Gringotts and made the announcement.

Meanwhile back at Godric's Hallow one of the magical residents contacted the Ministry reporting that a new spell had been used and a house, which was spelled not to be seen by anyone, had been exposed then destroyed. Mad Eye Moody and four Aurors arrived along with an Unspeakable and an investigation was made. It was about this time that Sirius Black showed up, howled out his grief and despair, told Moody that this was where the Potters had been hiding and that Peter Pettigrew was the secret keeper and had thus betrayed them to the Dark Lord. He was going off to find the rat and then…. Then Moody had him stunned and taken into custody for questioning and so that the Auror could cool down. Moody was also going to personally administer Veritaserum to him as he had a few other questions to ask the young Auror and hopefully Albus Dumbledore would not be around to prevent it.

Just as Voldemort was finishing the potion the Minister of Magic Millicent Bagnold and Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot were announcing to the world the death and defeat of Voldemort. Apparently Voldemort had attacked the Potter Family and killed them all but Dumbledore had been alerted when the attack began due to the monitors he had placed on the house which he had also cast a Fidelius on to protect the Potters. It had all happened so quickly and without warning that Dumbledore had not been able to summon any help and had rushed off alone to save the Potters.

Unfortunately, Voldemort had already killed them and was making his escape when Dumbledore arrived and after a short but intense duel Voldemort knew he was losing and cast one final very destructive and dark spell causing the house and grounds to be destroyed and threatening the rest of the village. "Tom (as Dumbledore always called Voldemort) knew that I would stop fighting him to protect the village thus allowing him to escape. However, Merlin must have been witnessing the scene as Tom actually tripped over his long cloak and fell directly into the spell and caused his own death. I then saw the inhabitants of Godric's Hallow come to fight the fire and left it in their capable hands while I went to Gringotts to ascertain if any of the Potters survived. Unfortunately they did not" he announced sadly and dramatically wiping a non-existent tear from his eye.

Thus the world was told – quite erroneously – that once again Albus Dumbledore had saved them all and defeated another, evil, wicked, undefeatable Dark Lord. He vowed that as long as he lived he would dedicate himself to the total eradication of dark magic so that never again would another dark lord arise, at least in Britain. He asked that the people of Britain would help in this great and noble crusade, etc., etc., etc. and that the only way it would ever happen was if they placed their trust in the Leader of the Light and defeater of Dark Lords, Albus Dumbledore.

Then the celebrations began and the world went wild. As the first corks were popping all over Britain, the heritage test was completed and many interesting facts were discovered. Yes, Lily Lilac Evans was the daughter of Tom Riddle and his lover's illegitimate daughter and thus his granddaughter and Harry his only male heir. Also, two of his other daughters had given birth to daughters and besides Harry he also had a great granddaughter. Tom Riddle also had a sister which surprised him greatly and which he had to do a lot of investigating. Another interesting fact was that James Potter was NOT the biological father of Harry but he'd have Lily explain that another time as he had much to do.

He left Lily and Harry in the capable hands of Larry and went off to see what stupid things some of his followers were doing because he knew that Dumbledore would probably be telling everybody that he was dead and that he had done it. However, it might be to his benefit to let the world think that he was dead, at least for a while, so he apparated to Lestrange Castle and sought out Bellatrix.

She had just left as did Rudolphus and Rabastan because Lucius Malfoy had called an emergency meeting at Malfoy Manor. Since Lucius was not authorized to call an emergency meeting Voldemort sent one of the Lestrange house elves to "quietly and discreetly tell Bellatrix to sneak away from the meeting, not tell anyone she was going and to return home because her Lord was waiting for her and didn't want anyone to know he was summoning her."

So the elf went to find his mistress but his mistress was busy, wouldn't listen to the elf and cursed the hell out of the poor creature and told it not to disturb her or else. Voldemort had foreseen this and told the elf that if Bellatrix didn't listen then to find Rabastan and/or Barty Crouch, Jr. and have them "quietly and discreetly leave and not tell anybody" and go to Lestrange Castle.

Fortunately for Rabastan, Barty and the poor elf, they obeyed and snuck out. Both wizards beheld their Dark Lord and immediately sighed with relief and briefed him about the Ministry announcement and the reason for Lucius calling the emergency meeting.

"Simply put my Lord" Rabastan said "You are officially dead, defeated by Albus Dumbledore after you killed the Potters. Lucius, in his capacity of being an advisor to the Minister of Magic and probably for just…being a Malfoy…was personally summoned by Bagnold to witness this great historic event."

"Just as Lucius was going off 'to start celebrating'" Rabastan said using air quotes "Dumbledore took him aside and mentioned that he knew that Lucius was a Death Eater and knew that many others were also. He had a list of names which he was going to turn over to Minister Bagnold but first he wanted to give people like Lucius and the others, the chance to 'repent'" he said again using air quotes. "However, at that very moment Dodo got my attention and delivered your message and Barty and I came as soon – and as quietly and discreetly as possible – to your side my Lord."

Voldemort had Rabastan send two of his elves to the meeting to find out what was being said, by whom it was said and any other information. He told both faithful wizards some, but not all, of what happened after swearing them to secrecy.

"As you can see, not only am I not dead but we now have many possible scenarios to bring down Dumbledore if only for lying. However, I want to know how many will take up Dumbledore's offer, whatever it is, and who will remain faithful. For the moment at least, I will 'remain dead' – but not defeated. As two of my most faithful you just might have to go in hiding with me as I think I will remain dead for a time, if only to lull people into a false sense of security."

While they waited for the two elves to return, breakfast was served. Voldie didn't realize how hungry he was and he usually didn't eat with his Death Eaters except for the occasional snack during long meetings. He still always checked his food and drink which was the main reason he didn't stay for dinner or dined alone if he was at his main residence and his followers were present. Voldemort had his own particular tastes which some people, like Lucius, Bellatrix and Rudolphus would call plebian – but not to his face.

Tom Riddle liked good food and being an orphan during the Great Depression living in an orphanage in the worse part of London, he had gone hungry on occasion as there was never enough food to completely fill young bellies and the older kids would bully and steal the "good" food from the younger ones. It wasn't until he became more attuned with his magic that he was finally able to get fed properly or at least as properly as one could at the Orphanage and hellhole which was Tom Riddle's home.

Some of the rich food his followers ate was too much for his stomach and he preferred plain but interesting cooking. By interesting he meant he would eat cuisines other than "Good, honest British cooking" such as Italian, German, French and even American. He didn't like the heavily fried foods – except for fish and chips (with mushy peas) and washed down with a pint. Yes a pint as although he did enjoy the fine wines and brandy offered by his followers, he liked a good lager on occasion, which was something no real Pureblood (at least the ones with money) would ever stoop to drinking.

Being their dread Dark Lord and Master he had a certain reputation to uphold. The likes of Lucius and even his very faithful Bellatrix would be horrified to know he didn't like fire whiskey "a real drink for a wizard" and preferred single malt Scotch Whiskey and American Bourbon, Snapps from the Germanic countries and good ice cold Russian Vodka. He wouldn't touch gin in any form as one of the reasons why there were sometimes food shortages at the orphanage was due to the staff "fixing the books" and using food money to buy and then consume cheap gin to drown their sorrows.

But today he was ravenous and ate heartily of the scrambled eggs, bacon, toast with marmalade and excellent coffee. He requested – and of course received – an assortment of fresh fruit. They had just finished eating when Bellatrix, followed by Rudolphus, stormed into the castle and screamed out for all of the elves, as well as her brother-in-law. When told he was eating breakfast in the family dining room, she barged in wand in hand shouting out a severe curse which just missed the Dark Lord.

Naturally upon seeing him alive, well and drinking coffee she threw herself at his feet and expressed her happiness that he was alive – not that she had any doubt that her Lord would ever be defeated by anybody even Dumbledore – and would have gushed out more had not her dearest Dark Lord hexed her silly. "You nearly sliced me in half you $*#&4#**#&&&."

"I thought you were Rabastan."

"And why would you slice poor Rabastan in half?"

Rudolphus answered for his wife knowing that she would only make a mess of things if he didn't. By this time the two elves scampered in and were frantically whispering to Rabastan no doubt apologizing for not getting back before the Mistress and Master because they had left and the elves stayed behind to continue spying. It was a good thing they did because they heard Lucius' plans for certain people starting with the Lestranges. Rabastan interrupted his brother's report as it was an emergency.

"Raddy, Dodo and Dobby said Lucius is going to send Aurors here and to the homes of the others who didn't agree with him and…."

"Rudolphus" Voldie snapped out "Send all your elves to warn those people and have them fortify their wards and then take themselves and their families to their bolt holes. Tell them that Lucius has betrayed them but don't tell them I'm alive. I need to find out who is faithful to me."

He then told Bellatrix to finish telling him about the meeting without embellishing anything including praises of him or her faithfulness as "I just need plain, simple facts and I need it now!"

Eventually Voldie was told that Dumbledore did offer him a "chance to reform" but there were conditions. Lucius was given a copy of "the list" and ordered to add any names which were missing and bring it back to Dumbledore no later than 9:00 a.m. on November 2nd. Lucius was to call a meeting of ALL Death Eaters and inform them of the offer and report back with the names of anyone who "refused to be saved" as they would not be if they didn't cooperate with Dumbledore.

Naturally Lucius had no intention of siding with Dumbledore or "being saved" but as usual he had a plan to fool Dumbledore into believing he was and was going to "bring others into the Light" meaning making arrangements for the other Death Eaters to escape Azkaban while still carrying on the late Dark Lord's crusade. It was agreed by most that Dumbledore was gullible enough to be fooled into thinking they had all "reformed" but, as usual, there was a catch. Lucius would be the acknowledged leader of the Death Eaters until such time – if ever – the Dark Lord returned.

This was the part where despite being ordered to keep it short and simple, Bellatrix had to tell her Lord exactly what she thought of Lucius' plan and what she had told Lucius. Since Voldemort didn't have all day he took a good guess and then sent her and Rudolphus off to do some much needed errands. They had to be done immediately and without anyone "catching them" whether it was other Death Eaters, Ministry personnel, "friends" and definitely not anybody connected with Dumbledore in any way, shape or form.

"That means don't stop to talk, taunt, torture, spy, kill anyone, have a drink and definitely DON'T VISIT NARCISSA OR ANY OTHER RELATIVE LIKE YOUR AUNT WALBURGA" he warned Bellatrix.

However, he knew his Bella and just to be careful checked her first for spells, charms and curses and then he would be spelling her into obeying his orders precisely without any deviation whatsoever. Unfortunately for Bella but fortunate for Voldie, he found out that she had already been spelled and recognized the magical signature. Once he removed the spell he cast his and did the same to Rudolphus – who had also been hexed – and reiterated that there would be no deviation. They were to accomplish their missions within the next half hour which would be how long it would take for Voldie to cast the Fidelius. He wouldn't do the final part until they returned.

By the time everything was ready, orders had been obeyed and house elves returned to the castle, it was time for lunch, but Voldie wasn't in the mood for hospitality as he really needed some peace and quiet, a long, hot bubble (yes bubble) bath, comfort food prepared by Larry and to check up on his new found progeny. Then he was going to sleep and when he woke up would see how things had gone and if he had to kill any of his "faithful" starting with Lucius Malfoy.

It had been a very long two days and even an evil, wicked, dread Dark Lords need their beauty sleep. Hopefully it would be dreamless or at least not have the face of Albus Dumbledore haunting him and things would be better when he woke up.

Except it wouldn't.