When It All Happened

In a second, all was silent. The street that had once been full of people was now deserted, and was now completely dark, as if by magic.

At that exact moment, in London, Sirius Black lazily waved his wand and made a cigarette lighter fly in his direction. He turned around suddenly; there was very definitely a loud popping noise behind him.

Another series of popping noises followed this, and very suddenly, three people looked very seriously back at Sirius.

They were Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore, and Remus Lupin. "We have something to tell you," said Dumbledore, very gravely. "The Potters are dead."

Sirius felt his stomach drop to his knees. He looked frantically to Remus, hoping this was some sort of joke. But Dumbledore had been headmaster when he was at Hogwarts, and he knew Dumbledore never joked about anything that was that serious.

"Where's Peter?" were the first words that came out of his mouth. It surprised even him.

"Don't know. We think he died," said Remus.

"But-- who betrayed them? How did they find out where the Potters lived? Who killed them?" These words came out of his mouth faster than he meant them to. The whole time, he kept thinking horrible thoughts to himself.

Someone betrayed the Potters. Someone had killed his best friend and his wife. He'd never get to be a godfather. He'd never be able to take Harry outside and teach him how to ride a broomstick, or to read the Maurader's Map, or to apparate in just the right spot.

"We don't know who betrayed them. Peter was their secret keeper, but--" started Remus.

It was impossible. Could it be Peter? He was a little thick, a little annoying at times, but not a betrayer.

"But who killed them?" said Sirius quietly.

"Voldemort," said Dumbledore. There was an audible shudder in the room as he said this. Hagrid winced.

"All three?"

"Actually, that's what we came to tell you," said Dumbledore, coming around and sitting on the other side of the table. "Only Lily and James are dead. Harry is still alive."

Could it be? How--

At that precise moment, owls started to fly through Sirius' window. The streets outside looked considerably brighter and witches and wizards in cloaks crept outside.

"They know," said Hagrid in an awed voice as an owl perched on his large shoulder. Apparently confused as to whom he was supposed to deliver the letter, the owl dropped it in Hagrid's large hand and fluttered away.

Hagrid read it out loud. " 'I was shocked when I learned of your tragedy. I'm so sorry. If there's anythin' I can do, let me know. Matilda Mathews.' She jus' graduated. Excellent student, Sirius..."

Letters flooded the table. One was a special edition of The Daily Prophet. VOLDEMORT DEFEATED! SMALL BOY APPARENTLY IMPERVIOUS TO DEATH CURSE! The Quibbler read POTTER CHILD HAS SPECIAL POWERS: TO LEARN HOW TO GIVE YOUR CHILD THESE POWERS, TURN TO PAGE THREE.

"How did he survive, sir?" said Sirius, trying to take it all in.

"If they don' stop makin' so much noise, they'll wake the bloody neighborhood," said Hagrid, distracted by the rather raucous group of people outside the window.

Dumbledore put his arm over Sirius' hand. "No one knows how he survived."

"He has a nasty scar, though," said Remus, helping himself to some strong butterbeer in Sirius' fridge. "Looks like a lightning bolt."

"It's a curse scar," explained Dumbledore. "I think it'll most likely be useful."

"So," said Sirius, looking back over The Daily Prophet, "does this mean Voldemort is dead?"

"No," said Dumbledore, quietly. "He seems to have lost most of his powers. I knew Tom Riddle when he was a child and I know he'll do what he can to come back. I imagine he's just biding his time somewhere."

"Will he try to attack Harry again?"

At this Dumbledore stood, and with a firm but gentle voice said, "I'll refrain from telling you all that tonight. I imagine you'll want to worry about burying the dead before you'll want to worry about the future. You'll know in due time."

"Can I take care of the child?" asked Sirius, standing, too. "I can find an apartment of my own, away from my mother. I can raise him and--"

But Dumbledore raised a hand, much to Sirius' surprise. "I'm placing him in Lily's family."

"Lily's family!" Remus said, splattering butterbeer all over the carpet. "But they're cruel, they're the worst sort of Muggles!"

"Yes, but Petunia Dursley has Lily's blood. I just discovered from Ministry officials that Lily died to save Harry. And the love she showed tonight is a powerful thing. It will stay with Harry for the rest of his life. I placed a very powerful charm on the Dursley house, and there he cannot be touched."

"But--" Sirius protested.

"That does not mean you can't have Harry over for visits like a normal godfather. He just can't live with you until I'm certain Harry is out of harm's way.

"Hagrid, will you take Harry to the Dursley's? I'll meet you on Privet Drive. I do believe Professor McGonagall has been watching the family ever since the events of the evening occured." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. Sirius wondered how he could look so cheerful at a time like this.

"I certainly will, Albus," said Hagrid, puffing out his chest a little.

"How?" said Remus. "You can't Apparate."

"Take my motorcycle," said Sirius. He desperately wanted to raise Harry, but if this is what it took to protect the boy, he'd do anything. "It flies and everything."

"Good then, I'll see you when you get to Surry," said Dumbledore, and apparated on the spot, taking Hagrid with him.

Suddenly, another letter fluttered down from the window. "Wonder who this is from?" said Remus, eyes sparkling. Maybe he was teasing, maybe it was because he'd had a little too much butterbeer. "A secret admirer?"

"Give me that," Sirius grinned. He snatched it out of his friend's hands and opened it.

Dear Mr. Black,

Peter Pettigrew has informed Ministry officials that you were the Potters' Secret Keeper. You have betrayed the Potters, and worse yet, you have betrayed the government and everything we stand for.

The Dementors will be along to send you to Azkaban. We'll talk a release date at a later time.

Sincerely,

Aster Hornaby,

Minister of Magic

Remus stopped smiling when he saw the look on his friend's face. "What's wrong, mate?"

Sirius showed him the letter, too astounded to speak.

"You didn't-- you couldn't-- did you?" said Remus in a frightened voice.

Sirius shook his head and both of them felt the cold at the same time.

"No, Remus. We'll be fine. We're all in equal danger, being in the Order. We'll build a safe house for everyone in the Order..."

"Remus, it's my sad duty to inform you that James and Lily Potter are dead..."

"No, the war's not over. I imagine Voldemort's just biding his time..."

Two large black figures swooped down and escorted Sirius out of the house.

That was the last memory Remus had before collapsing on the couch.

The loud group of witches and wizards outside the window continued to send up fireworks as Remus realized he'd probably never see any of his friends again.