Chapter 21 (An Unexpected Will)
After the death of Rainie and the birth of her daughter Lily became careful. She became obsessed with the safety of her daughter and left the Order for a while to take care of her. She refused to take her out of the house. And, James made no objection. He , too, was scared. His daughter was his only hope now. And, her protection was his top priority. Taking care of the baby was tough when James wasn't around. Which was most of the time. He was putting in overtime for the Order as more and more people were becoming victims of Voldemort's reign of terror. Two more years passed and Lily and James had a son whom James named Harry. He was only six weeks old when the prophecy was made that a child born on the last date of July would be the end of Voldemort. Lily didn't pay much attention to it except for adding more protection charms on the house. James's mind worked in different directions. Harry was six months only when one day James Potter went out and never came back.
Lily was putting Harry down for a nap when the door opened and a muggle man walked in.
"Mrs. Potter?" He asked. "Lily Evans-Potter?"
"The mother of Rose Adriana Potter?" He asked again. "And, Harry James Potter?"
"Yes," Lily said, impatiently. "But, who are you?"
"I am Kessler." He said, "Aaron Kessler. I am Mr. Potter's attorney."
"Attorney? You magic?" She asked.
"Magic? Is that supposed to be a joke, Mrs. Potter?" He asked.
"Muggle." She murmured.
"What's that?"
"Nothing." She smiled, "Why are you here? James's isn't home."
"I know." He said. "I have come to deliver a message from Mr. Potter."
"What message?" She asked, curiously.
She had just seen James at dinner last night. He didn't mention anything about getting a muggle attorney.
"He gave me this letter." He took out a sealed paper from his pocket and gave it to her. "And, he said to tell you not to show it to anyone. Burn it when you have memorized it."
She nodded.
"On no account can anyone see it." He said, warningly. "Not even Mr. Black."
It must be really serious if even Padfoot wasn't in on this secret.
"Thank you, Mr. Kessler." She showed him out.
She opened the letter carefully.
"Dearest Lily.
You must be surprised why I am sending you a letter when I saw you earlier today. I have to tell you something important. Behind this paper are written the location coordinates of a safe house that is spelled with the most powerful spells there are. I want you to take Rose and Harry to that safe house till the war is over. Go to the safe house, now! There are troubled times ahead, Lil. Take my children away…..I can't lose anyone anymore. I can't see you hurt anymore, Lily. The Potter Manor nor the Potter men have any more strength to witness anymore death. Go to the safe house and I shall come get you.
And, if I die in the war, I have made arrangements for you. The doors of the safe house shall not open….not until certain things are resolved. Then, I shall send for you."
Lily sat down. She had no idea what these certain things were.
"Don't say a word to anyone. Not a word. Not even Padfoot. Burn the letter after you have read it. Run, love, run for the life of our children. Once the war is over…..everything here in Godric's Hollow will be waiting for you.
(PS: Don't come looking for me because I assure you, you shall not find me.)
My love for you and the kids.
Eternally yours,
James Potter."
At the moment, Sirius Black rushed into the house.
"Did you hear?" He shouted.
"What?"
"Gone! He's gone." Sirius shouted. "James has been taken by the Death Eaters."
That explained the letter. It must have been a thought-out elaborate plan. A muggle attorney James used. The safe house because he could no longer protect them……The details…..She was amazed, angry, happy and upset….All at the same time. How could he do this? How did he foresee this? What….Her mind raced with questions.
"Yes…He told me to leave," Lily explained. "A safe house."
"Okay, let's take you there then!" Sirius said, enthusiastically.
"He said not to tell you where." Lily said, hesitantly.
The look on Sirius's face broke her heart. Oh….James loved him like a brother. How could he not trust him?
"Okay, then." Sirius recovered himself. "I'll help pack up."
"I am sorry, Sirius."
"It's fine." He said, with a stone-face.
Two hours later, Sirius Black stood at the door of the Potter Manor with Lily and her two kids. Tears welled up in his eyes as he sat down on his knees and hugged two years old Rose.
"I love you, sweetie," He whispered. "Okay? I will always love you. My sweet, sweet Adriana."
Lily raised her eyebrows but didn't correct him.
"I will see you again, won't I?" He looked hopefully at Lily. "I will see you, beautiful."
He kissed her cheeks.
"Huggie for Uncle Sirius?" He smiled.
Rose hugged her uncle tightly.
"Goodbye, beautiful." He whispered.
He hugged Lily.
"I will see you again, won't I?" He asked.
"I am sure he didn't mean that, Sirius." Tears ran down his cheeks and hers but their relationship wasn't one of pride.
"It doesn't matter." He smiled, "I am sure he was just being protective."
"He was." She repeated, firmly.
"I will see you again, won't I?" He said, "Sister?"
"You will."
"I have to go." Lily whispered.
It was nightfall. James's instructions clearly told her to leave that night. So, she did.
