Sins of the Innocent

Sins of the Innocent

"For behold darkness shall cover the earth and gross darkness its people."

Prologue

As Harry left the headmaster's office, Dumbledore sat down and sighed to himself. His dull blue eyes watched as Fawkes flew back in the window and he conjured a cup of hot chocolate.

"Oh Fawkes, my boy, what have I done by leading Harry on this long?" Dumbledore questioned himself. Undoubtedly, he wanted the boy to have a normal life but he realized that had just been a lie from the beginning.

"I believe that he still blames himself for Sirius's death, even though it was due to a multitude of factors. Even I share the blame." Dumbledore stared into the fire, anger growing evident on his face, and with a hard slaping sound he pitched his hot chocolate into the fire. "Damn him, James and Lily knew of the prophecy! That is why they and the Longbottoms went into hiding; but he was always one step ahead of us."

At this outburst, Fawkes the phoenix let out a single wavering note, as if to say, let the past be past.

"I know it is past Fawkes, and who could have known that the rat Pettigrew was a traitor, but I fear that the next years to come will be much, much worse than the first time. And they are all so innocent. The sacrifices they will make and the sins they will commit will break them, or break our world in the process. It has been foretold. I just hope that Harry comes into his powers before much longer. A short war will mean that the world will be able to save a shred of innocence." At this Dumbledore sat down again, obviously exhausted, and let Fawkes sit on his lap for comfort. "Pray it happens soon Fawkes; our world needs a savior quickly, and that savior is Harry Potter."

At Privet Drive the Dursley car pulled quietly into the driveway.

"Now Potter- I am not going to let those hooligans at the station boss me about running MY household." Vernon fumbled with the keys while getting out of the car. "Any of this funny business that occurred last summer, and out you go, whether Dumbledore likes it or not. After all, I have the safety of Petunia and Dudley to think about as well." Vernon stood there looking extremely smug with himself as if the issue was a done deal.

"Well, Uncle Vernon," Harry started, "it is so very nice that you care about me that much." The sarcasm in Harry's voice was clear

"Boy, you will not speak to me in that manner again!" Vernon was turning a particularly lovely shade of puce.

"Sure, Uncle Vernon, but just think of the irony. When I leave this place you will no longer be protected by the magic that has kept you safe for so long." With that Harry grabbed his trunk out of the car and dragged it into the house. Flopping onto the bed, he silently wept.