Chapter 1
Chapter 1
James Potter stared out the window. He could hear his wife moving in the bed behind him. The cold November wind blew the branches of the trees outside. The icy wind was a stark contrast to the white-hot rage burning inside him.
Lily Evans Potter, the love of his life had lied to him. She had kept things from him, and he was unsure how he was supposed to handle that. He heard the rustling of the sheets as she climbed out of bed and stood behind him. He could sense her hesitance. With an effort, he reigned in his temper. He had to relax. Sure, she had hidden things from him, but it wasn't as if she'd cheated on him. He should at least hear her out before flying off the handle.
"James," she said softly. "Say something."
"Say something?" James snarled. "You lied to me." He turned to face her. "Why did you lie?"
Lily brushed her red hair out of her face. Her green eyes bore into his hazel ones. "I never lied. I have always been honest with you."
"No, you just left some bloody important things out. How am I supposed to take the fact my wife is a changeling and isn't even a witch?" James threw his hands up in frustration. "What the hell is a changeling anyway?"
"A changeling is a fae child swapped with a mortal child. The Evans Family is an old family that has dealt with the fae a long time. In this case, my parents were assassinated right after I was born, so I was left with the Evans.,
"So, no switch in your case?"
"There was a switch. The Evans youngest daughter was stillborn. She was buried in Elphame with my biological parents. This," she gestured at herself. "Is a powerful glamour that keeps me looking like my adoptive parents. I don't even know what I look like." Lily shrugged. "I suppose that's all history now."
"History huh," James sighed. "What else have you hidden from me and what is Elphame?"
"Nothing," Lily said. "I'm still the girl you went to Hogwarts with. I'm still the woman you married.
As far as Elphame, it is the land of magic. It is where all magical creatures come from. Vampires, werewolves, fae, hags, unicorns, and every other creature comes from Elphame."
James drew his wand and summoned a bottle of whisky from a nearby cupboard. Uncorking the bottle, he took a long drink and stared off into space.
"None of that matters to me. What I want to know is did you ever love me?"
"I do love you," Lily said fiercely. "I have for a long time, but…"
"But?" James asked.
"I wasn't in love with you when we started dating. I was attracted to you, but I didn't swoon at your feet."
James smiled briefly. "You still called me an arrogant berk when you thought I needed it."
Lily nodded. "I did. The point is I chose to follow that attraction. I saw you were trying to change from an arrogant little boy into a strong and responsible man. I chose to start dating you and I chose to let the attraction I felt for you grow into love. I didn't fall in love. You fall in a mud puddle. I chose to love you."
James drew her into a hug. "I guess it really doesn't matter. Fae or human, you are still the woman I married."
"So, no divorce?"
James chuckled briefly. "No, I'm not letting this tear us apart. I'm sorry," he lay his head on top of hers and hugged her tighter. "It's going to take time, but I think we can get through this." Pulling back, he looked into her eyes.
"Do you know anything that can help me with my problem?"
Lily nodded. "I went to speak to someone in Elphame."
"What did they say?"
"He gave me an artifact that can help." Lily drew a golden vial filled with a crimson liquid from the black robes she wore. The vial was etched with swirling runes. As Lily held the vial up, the moonlight shining through the window caused the runes to glow faintly. "This contains the blood of a fae. I don't know exactly what it does, but according to the fae I spoke to, if you wear It while we make love it will fix your sterility."
"Whose blood is in that vial"
Lily shook her head. "I don't know. All I can tell you is that the person is a distant relative of the Potter family, so your bloodline will continue."
James took the vial from Lily and examined it. He ran his fingers along the golden chain affixed to a loop on the cork of the vial. "I don't believe in coincidence," he said mildly. "What are the downsides?"
"Like I said, I don't know who the fae was that created this artifact. I know they are related to your family, but I don't know what will happen once we use this."
"Is it dangerous?"
"I've taken it to rune experts, and they all agree that it is a powerful fertility spell. They found no dangerous magic, but wizards do not understand fae magic and that is what this is. It's up to you love. We know it won't kill you, but we don't know what will happen."
Without hesitation, James clasped the golden chain around his neck. No sooner had the vial touched his skin, it glowed faintly. He shuddered. It felt as if someone were standing right behind him, staring over his shoulder.
"Are you alright?" Lily asked taking a step towards him.
"Yeah," James grinned. "Now come on, if we're gonna do this, let's have some fun.
Lily rolled her eyes as she followed her husband out of the Room. "Men," she muttered closing the door behind her.
**ROE**
Afterwards, James lay on his back staring up at the ceiling. Lily nestled into his side and smiled. "Do you think it worked?"
James lifted the vial and blinked. "Um Lily?"
"Yeah?"
James held the vial out so she could see it. The blood that had filled the vial was gone, leaving no trace behind. As they watched, the gold began to flake away. Within seconds, all that was left of the vial was a small pile of golden dust and a length of golden chain.
**ROE**
In an unknown location, a man sat up in bed. He rubbed his eyes and looked around his Bedroom. That dream had been so real. It had been decades since he'd had a lover. In that dream, he was with a beautiful redhead. Who was she? Why had he had that dream? A surge of magic ran through him.
"Ah," he murmured smiling widely. "It's about time."
He lay back down. He would begin the search tomorrow to find those that had used his charm. He had waited long enough for an heir. There would be plenty of time to find them.
"Cousin," he said through a yawn. "My debt to you is paid. Your line will continue."
Still smiling, the man drifted back into a deep sleep.
**ROE**
In a small village called Little Hangleton, there was a large manor. Everyone had heard stories of the murders committed in that home thirty-six years before. No one had ever been arrested for the murders and the house had sat empty for decades.
That all changed a year ago. A handsome middle-aged man had bought the property, fixed it up and moved in. Everyone in the village were astonished at how fast he had repaired the home. "It's like magic," they said. They had no idea how right they were.
Tom Riddle AKA Lord Voldemort sipped his glass of scotch and smiled to himself. His war on the muggle-born was going far better than he'd expected. Many of the older families were willing to follow him if it meant getting rid of what they perceived as those unworthy to practice magic.
Fools, muggle-born, half-blood, or pureblood. It didn't matter. For whatever reason, be it a quirk of fate or divine intervention, muggle-born had magic. That wasn't the problem. For him, it had never been the problem. The problem was the muggle filth that bore the muggle born.
He had been born in the 1920's and grew up during the horror that was World War II. He knew firsthand what the Muggles would do to anyone or anything they thought of as different. Muggles were hypocritical animals that had no loyalty to anyone or anything that didn't fit their narrow views of the world. He hated having their taint in his blood, but some things couldn't be helped.
Grindelwald had begun the purge that would save the wizarding world from future destruction, but the stupid fool was not willing to take things far enough. It wasn't enough to subjugate the muggles. No, they had to be wiped out completely. Lord Voldemort would finish what Grindelwald began. Once it was all over, people would realize he was right. He would rule over a united wizarding world free from any persecution. After all, how could there be any persecution when all wizards remaining were purebloods.
It was unfortunate, but the muggle-born had to be purged. The risk of the muggles finding out about magic through the muggle-born and turning on the wizards was too high. If he was viewed as a hypocrite or monster, then so be it.
He looked around the study and smiled. Muggle filth his father's family may be, they did have good taste in decor. He'd repaired all the furnishings of the home with magic. The leather on the chairs showed no sign that it had been rotting and falling apart when he moved in. The oak desk he sat at positively gleamed in the moonlight coming through the high windows. He may not tell his followers of his Muggle heritage, but he was not above using what he needed from his Muggle family.
It had been difficult to obtain the money to buy this house, but it was worth it. Now he had a headquarters of his own and was not forced to rely on anyone else for food or lodging. Once he had removed all the Muggle trash, the house was quite pleasant. The fact that this house helped keep the illusion of pureblood nobility was merely a bonus.
"Kreacher," Voldemort called.
An ancient looking being appeared. It was covered in skin like wrinkled leather. Long bat-like ears flapped as the being knelt. Long white hair grew from the creatures' ears. It bowed, it's snout-like nose nearly touching the carpet.
"Master Tom calls for Kreacher?"
Voldemort nodded. "Yes Kreacher, may I have another bottle of scotch please?"
Kreacher snapped his fingers and another bottle appeared on the table in front of Voldemort.
"Thank you Kreacher," Voldemort said. "That is all."
Kreacher bowed and vanished with a soft 'pop.'
Voldemort refilled his glass and took a sip. He was glad Regulus Black had agreed to let him use the House elf whenever he wished. Kreacher may not be the most talkative sort, but there was no denying his usefulness.
A knock on the door caused him to look at the clock. It was after midnight. Who would be bothering him at this hour.
"Enter," he called.
A man opened the door and stepped into the Room. His long greasy black hair nearly brushed his shoulders and his black eyes sparkled with excitement. "Milord," he said bowing. "I have news."
Voldemort raised an eyebrow. "Really? You do surprise me Severus. Why, I just thought you came to share a drink with me at midnight. Candlelight is so romantic you know."
Snape blinked at him. "I… pardon?"
Voldemort chuckled and conjured a second glass with a snap of his fingers. "It is quite alright my friend. Now, sit down and share a drink with me." Once he'd poured Snape a generous measure of Scotch he leaned back in his chair and stared at Severus. "What is this news that is so important it couldn't wait until morning."
Snape took a long drink of his scotch and sat the glass on the desk in front of him. "It is a good ventage milord."
"Yes," Voldemort said. "Lucius does have good taste."
Snape nodded. "Thank you for the drink."
"You are quite welcome, but what makes you so nervous?"
Snape took a deep breath. "I was following Dumbledore as you requested. He had an interview for a teaching position tonight."
"Indeed," Voldemort said pouring Snape more scotch. "I wasn't aware any of the staff were retiring."
"It was for divination."
"Ah," Voldemort said drily. "Of course, it was. I don't see why they have that blasted course at Hogwarts anyway. When we take over that will be the first class we do away with."
"Anyway," Snape continued. "Part way through the interview, she went funny. Her voice changed and she said something about a child that would defeat the dark lord approaching as the seventh month dies. She said the child would be born to those that had thrice defied the dark lord. Unfortunately, I didn't hear anymore. Dumbledore's brother caught me and threw me out of the pub."
"I see," Voldemort said placing his glass on the desk in front of him. "This complicates matters."
"Milord?" Snape asked.
"Well, since you didn't hear the rest of the prophecy, I have very little to go on. The child will be born at the end of July to parents that escaped me three times. That is too vague to do any good."
"I beg your pardon milord," Snape said. "I should've been more careful."
"Yes, you should," Voldemort said, "but we live and learn do we not Severus? All of us, even I, can make mistakes. I will not punish you for this mistake, but I do ask that you be more careful in the future."
"You are merciful," Snape said inclining his head. "Thank you."
Voldemort nodded. "This changes nothing at the moment Severus," Voldemort said briskly. "I do ask that you keep me informed of any births around the end of July."
"Of course, Milord." Severus stood and turned for the door.
"And Severus," Voldemort called.
Snape turned to face him.
"Thank you for this information. I am proud of you. True you were caught, but you have helped us advance our cause."
Snape lowered his head. "Thank you, milord," he said quietly. "Not many have told me they were proud of me before."
Voldemort nodded. "Fear not Severus," he said gently. "We will create a world where no muggle will beat a wizard ever again."
Snape's eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
"Severus," Voldemort said gently. "Do you not think that I would research those in my service?"
Snape swallowed. "And you do not think less of me for being a half-blood?"
"We cannot help who our parents are dear Severus. At least half-bloods have a connection to our world. From now on, you need not worry about that filthy muggle ever again."
Snape bowed. "Thank you, milord. Have a good night."
"And you to Severus," Voldemort said. He watched as the door closed behind the man. Severus Snape was an adequate servant. Perhaps not as loyal as some of his other followers, but he did have a resourceful streak that some of the others lacked.
Waving his hand, both glasses vanished from the desk. He rose from his chair and stretched feeling his back pop. He looked over at a floor length mirror in the corner of the Room.
His dark hair was beginning to grey at the temples, but his blue eyes were still as sharp as ever. Some people may prefer eternal youth, but he preferred a more mature appearance. He wanted people to see him as someone to be followed, not as someone that would succumb to the brash impulses of youth.
Voldemort yawned widely It was late and he had much to do tomorrow. He would not worry about the prophecy yet. It would be best to see what happened. If he tried to stop the prophecy from happening, he might cause it. He headed for his Bedroom. He had time to think of his next move. As the savior of the wizarding world, he could not afford to make mistakes. For now, he was going to rest.
**ROE**
On July 31, 1980, James and Lily Potter welcomed their firstborn son into the world. "It worked," James said staring down at the infant in his arms.
An exhausted Lily Evans Potter lay back in the bed smiling at her husband and newborn son. "He has your hair," she said through a yawn.
"And your eyes," James said running his fingers through the baby's jet-black hair.
Glancing at the door of the hospital Room, he lowered his voice. "I'm surprised he doesn't have any odd features."
"Protective magic," Lily mouthed. "All fae have it. It keeps us from standing out. Before I was given to the Evans family, my glamour was enhanced so that it would not fade as I got older."
James nodded going back to staring down at his son. "What should we name him?"
"Why not Harry James Potter. Isn't it tradition for the child to have the father's name as his middle name?"
"Yes, in some families, but the Potter family has never observed that tradition too closely."
Lily shrugged. "I like Harry."
"Alright then, James will do for his middle name I suppose."
"Then Harry James Potter it is."
"It is a good name," a young woman said entering the Room. Her blond hair was scraped back in a severe bun and her blue eyes never left the small family.
"Everything appears to be in order. Now that you have given the little one a name, I'll add him to the records of magical births."
Lily nodded. "When can we go home?"
"If everything goes well, I see no reason you can't return home tomorrow."
James handed Harry back to Lily. "Thank you," he told the healer. "If you'll get me any paperwork that needs my signature, I'll take care of that now. No offense, but I'd like to get home as soon as possible."
The healer nodded. "I quite understand. With the current unrest in the wizarding world, I can't say I blame you. I shall be back shortly." Turning, she left the Room without another word.
**ROE**
Out in the hall, the healer stopped dead when she saw a tall slim man leaning against the wall. His snow-white hair and amber eyes earned him some strange looks from those that passed him. Approaching slowly, she inclined her head.
"Should you really be walking around without a glamour?"
The man's thin lips twitched. "Please, anyone who sees me will just assume I have done this to myself."
"Should you really be here?"
"Why not? I've waited seven hundred years for this. I can at least make sure that the child is alright."
"His parents won't be happy."
The man shrugged. "Firstly, I mean the child no harm. Secondly, it was my blood in the charm James Potter used. Like it or not, the boy is mine. He has my blood flowing through his veins."
"He looks like Mr. Potter."
The man shrugged. "All part of the spell. I am a master of glamour after all. Looks or not, the child is mine. He is my heir."
"It is a boy."
The man's smile revealed teeth far sharper than they should've been. "Excellent."
"What will you do?"
The man's smile widened. "Introduce myself."
**ROE**
Lily woke when she heard Harry's soft whimpering. She rose and made her way down the hallway to the nursery. She froze when she saw the figure cradling Harry and rocking gently.
"James," Lily shrieked causing Harry to begin wailing.
"Now look what you've done," the man said mildly.
James rushed into the Room his wand drawn. He froze when he saw the man standing there with his son in his arms.
"Hello James," he said calmly. "I'm glad to see my charm worked."
"Let my son go?" James growled.
The man nodded. "As you wish," he said handing the child to Lily.
Lily gently took Harry from the man and hurried to stand beside James.
James pointed his wand at the man. "Who are you?"
"My name is Arawn, lord of Annwn and the reason little Harry there exists."
Lily's eyes widened. "It was your blood in the charm."
"Very good Lily Evans Potter."
"What do you want?" James asked.
Arawn winked at the couple. "I wanted to see our son."
"Our son?" James asked.
"Where did you think the blood went hmm? It was your magic that woke the charm, but it is my blood that flows through Harry's veins. It was my seed that gave him life."
Lily's lips drew back from her teeth. Her green eyes began to glow. "You can't have him."
Arawn raised a hand. "Be at ease," he said. "I'm not going to hurt you or Harry."
"Why should we believe you?" James asked.
Arawn rolled his eyes. "Maybe because if I'd wanted, I could have taken him without you even knowing."
James relaxed slightly. He looked at Harry in Lily's arms. "He looks like me?"
"Naturally," Arawn said. "As I said, it was your magic that fueled the charm. It was designed so that the child conceived would assume the appearance of those that used the charm. It's a very complicated glamour. I had to design it in such a way that it would not draw on the child's magic to maintain it."
"So, it's an illusion?"
"Not exactly."
"Shapeshifting?"
"Not exactly. It's more like a mild form of reality alteration. He looks like you until he doesn't. Don't worry, the glamour won't fail unless Harry here is exposed to a very destructive substance. Not even the killing curse could break it."
"I see," James said, "so why are you here? What are your intentions?"
"I just came to see him."
"You can't have him."
"I'm not going to take him, but he is fae and will need training. When that time comes, you must call me."
Lily glared. "I can train him."
"While you have made great strides in learning of our culture, you are woefully behind in using your fae magic."
"And you can teach him what he needs to know?"
"I am old, older than I remember, but I still know how to use my own magic."
Lily paused. "Not unless you promise never to take him from us."
"I will not promise that?" Arawn said. "What if he is ever in danger?"
"Promise," James snapped. "I've heard stories about the fae. I've heard of your tendency to trick people. Promise you will never remove him from the mortal realm without our permission."
Arawn glared. The light in the Room darkened and the air grew noticeably colder. Lily and James could see their breaths steaming.
"You dare," Arawn growled. "I come to help you and you do this? I've already said I do not intend to take him from you, but my word is not good enough for you. There will come a time where you regret forcing me into this agreement. Very well, I promise I will not remove him from the mortal realm without your permission."
Lily felt the oath settle over them. She relaxed slightly. "It is agreed. We will call you when the time comes."
Arawn didn't speak merely stared at Lily in silence for several seconds. "For the sake of my son, I shall work to insure yours and your husband's safety." With those words, the shadows in the Room appeared to stretch and ingulf the fae.
James stared at the spot where the fae had been. "I think we might have been a little too paranoid."
Lily nodded. "I think you may be right." She looked down at Harry who had fallen asleep in her arms. "We will do whatever it takes to protect him," she whispered kissing his forehead.
"Yes," James agreed. "Whatever it takes."
**ROE**
Albus Dumbledore was an old man. Over his long life he had seen two world wars and fought against two dark Lords. He had been forced to be a general, but his true passion was as a teacher. He loved educating young minds in the ways of magic. It was how he wanted to finish out his life. And yet…
This war was taking its toll on everyone. He needed to find a way to end it. Two much blood had been spilled already and there were no signs that Voldemort was ready to stop. A knock on the door caught his attention.
"Enter," he called.
A woman entered his office and smiled at him. Her long blond hair fell to her shoulders in soft waves and her blue eyes shone with a gentle sweetness.
"Ariana," Dumbledore said his face splitting into a wide grin. "How is my favorite sister tonight?"
"Fine," Ariana said, "but I am your only sister."
"That doesn't mean you can't be my favorite."
Ariana chuckled. "I look young enough to be your Granddaughter," she observed.
"Perhaps, but fifty years in Elphame will do that."
Ariana nodded, looking down at the floor. "I wish I'd gotten to see Mother and Father before they passed."
"They would be proud of the woman you've become."
"Maybe, but I wonder why Arawn took me that day. I was only six years old and there was nothing special about that day. I was just in our yard practicing my magic."
Dumbledore frowned and looked away. "The fae do strange things for their own reasons."
"Albus?" Ariana asked. "You know something don't you?"
Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled. "I know many things."
Ariana scowled. "You and Abeforth are always hiding things from me."
"Isn't it the job of big brothers to protect their little sister?"
"I don't need protecting, not anymore. I may look like I'm in my twenties, but I'm over ninety years old for Merlin's sake."
Dumbledore chuckled. "You will always be my sister and I will always protect you. I thought I'd lost you once and I never want to feel that loss again if I can help it."
Ariana stared at him for several moments. When her brother got like this, there was no point in arguing with him. She decided to change the subject. "Have you heard the news? James and Lily had a son today."
Dumbledore's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "Indeed," he murmured. "That is two children that could fit the prophecy."
Ariana's blue eyes hardened. "Albus," she said warningly. "Tell me you are not still fixated on that crazy woman's ramblings."
"Ariana," Dumbledore began.
"No Albus," Ariana interrupted. "This needs to stop. You are playing with people's lives."
"It may be our only hope to stop Voldemort."
"If you would start killing Voldemort's followers you might be able to thin his ranks. The aurors can only do so much. Your little vigilante group can help them. Allow your people to kill Albus, if you continue to hold your people back, you will lose this war."
"Killing is never the answer," Dumbledore said. "You don't understand Ariana. I've watched most of his followers go through these hallowed halls. I've taught most of them. They can all be redeemed. They were innocent children once."
"Innocent children grow up Albus," Ariana said softly. "Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler were innocent children once to."
Dumbledore stared at his sister. A single tear ran down into his long white beard. He leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "I know you are right, but I don't know if I can kill these people. They are the closest thing to children I will ever have."
"Then find someone who can do what you are unwilling to," Ariana said as gently as she could. "It's not your fault if you can't kill, but if you can't, you need to let someone that is willing to fight this war lead your order." Leaning over his desk, Ariana grasped his hand.
"Killing in cold blood or for pleasure is wrong, but sometimes killing is necessary to protect those that cannot protect themselves."
Dumbledore nodded. "I know," he whispered.
Ariana stood. "I've got to get going. It's getting late and I have an early shift at St. Mungo's tomorrow."
Leaning over, Ariana kissed Albus on the cheek. "I'll talk to you later."
Albus watched as Ariana left the office. When he was sure she was gone, he rose and strode to a small cabinet. Opening the top drawer, he drew out a small stone basin. Several runes had been carved around the rim. Sitting back down, he drew his wand from his robes. Placing the tip to his temple, he drew out a long silver thread of white mist. Placing it in the bowl, he swirled it with the tip of his wand.
A tall thin figure rose from the basin. When it spoke, it's voice seemed to come from a great distance.
"The one with the power to slay the Dark Lorde approaches, born to those who have thrice escaped his wrath; born as the seventh month dies.
And he shall have power the dark lord knows not, but hark ye, one must die at the hand of the other, for the war shall not end so long as both survive. The one with the power to slay the dark Lord approaches, born as the seventh month dies."
Dumbledore waved his wand and the figure collapsed back into the basin. He'd never been great at divination, but this prophecy seemed to be straight forward. Perhaps there was a way to stop Voldemort, or if not stop him, at least bring an end to the war.
Returning the basin to the cabinet, he strode towards his Bedroom. He would think about this prophecy tomorrow. Harry Potter was one candidate, but there was another. He needed to think. Would he have to sacrifice a child to stop Voldemort?
Shuddering at the thought, he entered his Bedroom and climbed into his bed. He would not do that. No matter what it took, he would find a way to stop Voldemort without sacrificing an innocent. He may have made several mistakes in his long life, but he wasn't that man anymore.