Prologue
Herbert Fleemont Potter may have had the same black hair as his brother James, but he was always a bit more levelheaded. Back in their days in Hogwarts, Herbert was always the one to reign in the Marauders, usually accompanied by a disapproving glance from his amber eyes. He was only part of the group to ensure that the pranks never got out of hand. Among the group, he was known as Stonewall. Not just because he kept them from being too cruel with their pranks, even if that was part of the reason. The other reason was because of his animagus form, which was an armadillo.
During their last year at school, both James and Herbert got girlfriends. James started dating Lily Evans, and Herbert found a lovely blonde girl named Ceres Lovegood. At first, Herbert thought that Ceres' brother Xenophilius might be against his sister dating Herbert. But when the two met, his fears were abated. A few years after graduation, Herbert got married to Ceres. They both attended James' wedding, where he married Lily.
Not long after, Voldemort and his Death Eaters started causing trouble. Herbert, James, Ceres, and Lily were all on the frontlines working together with the Order of the Phoenix. However, after James and Lily had defied Voldemort thrice, they went into hiding because Lily was pregnant. Herbert and Ceres followed suit, seeing as Ceres was also pregnant.
After nine months, the two Potter couples both had children. To James and Lily a son was born, and they named him Harry. To Herbert and Ceres twins were born, a boy named Vincent and a girl named Katherine. For a year and a half, they were all on edge, wondering when Voldemort would be defeated. But on October 31st 1981, Herbert left the safety of his home to check on James and Lily. He arrived at James' home in Godric's Hollow at the same time as Sirius Black.
As they ventured into the house, they saw James lying dead in the foyer. They clambered up the stairs and looked into Harry's room. Lily was dead on the floor, and Harry was crying in his crib. As Sirius was about to leave and "Catch that traitorous Pettigrew", Herbert cast a stunning spell on him. It was this scene that Dumbledore came in upon.
Dumbledore quirked an eyebrow and questioned Herbert. "Now, why did you do that? You know he wasn't their Secret Keeper."
Sighing heavily, Herbert replied. "If he goes after Pettigrew, he's likely to get caught in a compromising position and be arrested for something he didn't do. I'll take him and Harry with me." He then took Harry in his arms, and called out. "Vexus!"
A male house elf garbed in a red shawl with the Potter Family Crest on it appeared in front of him. "Master Herbert, what do you request?"
Wasting no time, he answered the inquiry. "Apparate Mr. Black back to the estate, I will follow shortly." Vexus took Sirius by the arm, and the two vanished. Herbert then looked back to Dumbledore. "Rest assured, I will take care of my nephew. I know that this is what James and Lily would have wanted. As for Sirius, I'll get him to calm down. I'll see you around, Albus." And with a crack, Herbert disappeared.