Chapter 2: Abandonment and Oaths

The autumn morning was crisp and quiet, but inside Number Four, Privet Drive, tension hung heavy in the air. Petunia Dursley stood stiffly in her doorway, glaring at her sister, Lily Potter, with a mix of resentment and disbelief.

"You can't be serious," Petunia snapped, her bony arms crossed over her chest. "You expect me to take them? To raise your brats?"

Lily's jaw tightened. "They're not brats, Petunia. They're your niece and nephew. And it's not permanent," she added hastily, glancing back at James, who stood awkwardly on the front step, holding a small bag of the twins' belongings.

Petunia scoffed. "Not permanent? You're leaving them here, aren't you? While you run off to play your little wizarding games."

James's hand twitched toward his wand, but Lily shot him a warning glance. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to her sister.

"We'll pay you," Lily said evenly. "Every month. Whatever it takes. Just… just keep them safe. We'll be back for them when they're eleven, when they can go to Hogwarts."

Petunia narrowed her eyes, her lips curling into a sneer. "Oh, how generous of you. Dumping them on me like unwanted luggage and throwing money at the problem."

Lily bristled but kept her voice calm. "This is for Jamie. You don't understand. He's…" She hesitated, glancing at the two small figures standing silently behind her.

Harry and Isabella were clutching each other's hands, their wide green eyes filled with confusion. They didn't understand what was happening, only that they were being left behind.

James cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Petunia, we wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't absolutely necessary. We'll make sure you're well compensated. And you have Dudley. The children can grow up together. It'll be… good for them."

Petunia's expression twisted, but the mention of money seemed to soften her resolve. With an exasperated sigh, she stepped aside. "Fine. Leave them. But don't think for a second I'm doing this out of the goodness of my heart."

James and Lily quickly ushered the twins into the house. Lily knelt down to their level, smoothing Harry's messy black hair and brushing a strand from Isabella's face.

"We'll come back for you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "When you're old enough for Hogwarts. You'll understand one day."

Harry frowned, his small brows furrowing. "Why can't we stay with you?"

Lily's throat tightened. "Because Jamie needs us right now. But you're so brave, both of you. I know you'll be all right."

She kissed their foreheads quickly and stood, unable to meet their confused, hurt gazes any longer. James placed the bag by the door and gave the twins a forced smile. "Be good, okay? We'll see you soon."

And then they were gone.

Petunia slammed the door shut behind them, her face contorted with annoyance. She turned to the twins, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Well, don't just stand there. Upstairs, now!"

Harry and Isabella flinched but obeyed, trudging toward the staircase. Petunia's voice followed them as they climbed.

"And don't think you'll be getting special treatment here. You'll earn your keep. Ungrateful little burdens."

Back at Godric's Hollow, James and Lily Apparated into the living room, relief washing over them. The house felt quieter without the twins, but the weight of their decision still lingered heavily in the air.

Before they could speak, the fireplace roared to life, and Sirius Black and Remus Lupin stepped out, their expressions grim.

"We need to talk," Sirius said sharply, brushing ash off his cloak.

James sighed, sinking into a chair. "If this is about Harry and Isabella—"

"It is about them!" Sirius interrupted, his voice rising. "Where are they? Where have you sent them?"

"They're safe," Lily said quickly, her tone defensive.

Remus stepped forward, his usually calm demeanor strained. "Safe? Where, Lily? They're our godchildren. We deserve to know where they are."

James stood, his expression hardening. "It's not your concern anymore, Sirius. Jamie is the one who needs us. He's the Boy Who Lived. If Voldemort comes back, he'll go after Jamie, not the twins. We have to focus on him."

Sirius's face darkened with rage. "Not our concern? Are you bloody serious, James? They're your children. They're being abandoned, and you're telling me it's not my concern?"

Lily crossed her arms, her voice growing colder. "We didn't abandon them. They're with family. They'll be fine."

Remus growled low in his throat, his amber eyes flashing. "They're not fine. Don't you feel it, James? Through the bond? They're scared, they're hurt, and we can feel every bit of it. And you're telling us to just let it go?"

James looked away, guilt flashing across his face. "It's for the best," he muttered.

Sirius stepped closer, his voice deadly quiet. "Where are they?"

"We're not telling you," Lily said firmly.

For a long moment, silence hung in the room. Then Sirius's voice cut through it like a blade.

"Then we're done. Don't ever contact me again."

"Sirius—"

"No!" he roared, his gray eyes blazing. "You've made your choice. You chose Jamie. But I swear to you, James, Lily… I'll find them. And when I do, you'll regret what you've done."

Turning on his heel, Sirius stormed toward the fireplace. Remus lingered for a moment, his expression one of deep disappointment. "They're just children," he said quietly. Then he followed Sirius into the flames.

Sirius and Remus appeared at Grimmauld Place, the old Black family home. Sirius's rage was still palpable, his fists clenched as he paced the room.

"They're monsters," he spat. "Those kids are suffering, and they don't care."

Remus sank into a chair, his head in his hands. "I feel it, too. The bond. They're scared, Padfoot. Trapped. It's like…" He trailed off, his voice breaking.

Sirius stopped pacing, his jaw tightening. "I'm done waiting. If James and Lily won't protect them, I will."

Remus looked up. "What are you going to do?"

Sirius's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm going to see my grandfather. It's time I became the Lord Black. With the family's resources, I'll find Harry and Isabella—and I'll destroy anyone who stands in my way."

Far away, in the cupboard under the stairs of Number Four, Privet Drive, Harry and Isabella huddled together. The door was locked with heavy padlocks, and the small space was cold and dark.

Isabella sniffled, her tears soaking Harry's shirt as she clung to him. "Why did they leave us?"

"I don't know," Harry whispered, his voice trembling.

Outside, the Dursleys went about their day, ignoring the cries of the children locked away.

In a distant, hidden location, Voldemort's wraith-like form hovered in the shadows, watching as a powerful witch performed a series of intricate spells. Her face was obscured by a hood, her voice low and melodic as she chanted.

The air crackled with dark energy, and Voldemort felt his essence strengthening with each passing moment.

"Soon," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Soon, I will return. And when I do, those children will be mine to protect."

The witch glanced up, her hood concealing her face. "Patience, my Lord. The process takes time. But when it is complete, you will rise stronger than ever."

Voldemort's crimson eyes gleamed in the darkness. "And the Potters will pay for their mistakes."