Young Again: The Rewrite

Harry woke up when he felt arms lift him and wrap around him, and sleepily heard the voices of his parents as they spoke to the nurse.

"... slept like an angel," he finally was awake enough to hear. "Nothing to worry about."

"Thank you so much, Madam," replied his mother. "We're really sorry to have bothered you so late at night with nothing serious."

"Nonsense, Lily, nonsense," replied the nurse briskly. "Besides, I perfectly understand. You two are new to parenthood, and your child's very first nightmare was bound to get you both shaken a little. Now, don't apologize, I won't accept it. Take the child and go, I heard you say you needed to visit your home today? Better get a start on that, then."

"Thanks, Madam Pomfrey," said James, and Harry finally cracked his eyes blearily open. "Ah, how's our little Harry doing? Awake, finally?"

Harry gurgled tiredly in response, as his parents proceeded to the dining hall. It was true he didn't have any nightmares, but that didn't mean he slept pleasantly. There was a deep uneasiness within him about today, Halloween, and it reflected in his not-so-pleasant, but not completely uncomfortable, rest.

Not to mention the helplessness that curdled within his gut--after all, if something did happen today, what could he, a fifteen-month old baby, do?

"Sirius, Remus," called out James as they went down the last stairway to the Great Hall, and Harry, snuggled within his mother's arms, saw them both standing and talking to each other.

"James," answered Sirius with a smile. "Lily--and my godson!" He rushed over and pulled Harry away from a protesting Lily, hugging the baby. Harry squeaked as he was squeezed to death. Sirius, you're killing me here!

Remus laughed at Harry's protest. "Sirius, you're strangling the poor kid." Air! Need air!

"Sirius Black, you will hand him over this instant," snapped a slightly irritated Lily, whose attempts to grab Harry back from his godfather failed, as Sirius danced quickly out of her reach.

"Aw, Lily, you're no fun," whined Sirius, and Harry knew from his bundle that Sirius was only play-acting.

Lily groaned, snatching Harry back. "Sirius, I told you never to whine like that again, didn't I? It's disgusting, coming from a grown man."

"I'm a grown man?" joked Sirius. "Whenever did that happen?"

"Oh, quit it, you two," interrupted James with a tone of long suffrage. "You do this every time you guys meet with Harry along. Every single time. I mean, seriously."

Remus gave another chuckle. "And you, James, always say the same thing to them."

All four broke out in laughter, and Harry looked at them with a deep longing. I never knew that. Remus never told me. It's a nice thing to know.

"Well, come on, then," said James, taking command of the situation. "Let's go eat breakfast--I don't know about you, but I'm starved."

Lily shook her head sadly. "Men, oh, and boys, too. All they ever think about is food." Then she looked down at Harry, smiling. "Promise mummy, Harry dear, that you won't think only about food when you grow to become a big boy."

Harry did the only thing he could; he giggled.

Sirius snorted. "Dream on, Lily, dream on. I'll be here to make him into a proper boy--one who'll only think about food. Oh, and girls too. Never forget them." At a glare from her, Sirius raised his arms up in defeat.

"Good morning, James, Lily," said Minerva as they approached the Head Table, around them the loud chatter of students creating a pleasant and cheerful atmosphere. "Sirius and Remus, you as well. Good morning to you all."

Harry looked around, and saw that Albus was missing, as well as several other staff members. Probably aren't awake yet. In fact, even Snape was missing. He must be sleeping in from the late interrogation last night.

After saying the usual pleasantries, Harry and his parents, as well as Sirius and Remus, got ready to eat breakfast--which was a very interesting experience, to say the least. For the first time in his life, he was forced to be hand-fed by someone, but it wasn't as weird as he had expected. Sure, his uncooperative muscles made him miss the spoon a few times, as his mother lifted them to his mouth--but he was getting better.

The very worst was that Minerva was unsuccessfully hiding an amused smile, and Harry glared whenever he could in her direction--but this just seemed to make her smile grow larger. In fact, he could swear he heard her amused chuckle when he missed once and had a spoonful of porridge all over his nose and eyes.

"So, James, are we going to go to your home right after breakfast?" asked Remus when everyone was slowing down and nearly done.

James shook his head. "We'll need to talk to Dumbledore about the Fidelius first, and then we'll go."

"Yes," said Lily with a forcefulness that Harry did not understand. "We all will go together."

Harry saw James sigh, and thought he knew why. Mum wants to go too. And dad doesn't want her to. They were probably arguing about it this morning. "Yeah, we'll all go. Even Harry." There was a touch of irritation as he said that, and Harry rolled his eyes. He doesn't want me to be there, obviously.

Lily only nodded, and soon breakfast was over.

After a quick cleaning spell that took care of the food stains on Harry, the group left for the Headmaster's office, leaving behind the last few straggler students, most of whom only had time enough to grab a piece of toast before rushing off to class. Within minutes, they made it up to the office and James knocked.

"Enter," called the warm, genial voice of Albus.

And so they did. Harry looked around and remembered suddenly what it used to be like--before he had destroyed everything after Sirius' death, before everything turned into hell. Large portraits of old Headmasters and Headmistress still lined the walls, exotic figurines and shapes still cluttered shelves, and many tomes were still stacked neatly. This going-back-in-time thing is getting rather disturbing, Harry thought to himself, and very strange. You know, some one could probably make a book out of Minerva's and my life--of course, no one would believe it, but I'm sure it'd be interesting, to say the least.

"Ah, yes, I knew I would be seeing you soon. Come in, come in, and do sit," said Albus when he saw them. "Now, I know you have many questions to ask, but I must ask that you wait a moment while I bring you up to date." The Headmaster lifted a plate of lemon drops and asked them, "Perhaps a lemon drop to start with?"

Lily and Remus both refused, but James grabbed two and carefully unwrapped one for Harry, while Sirius nabbed a handful for himself. Albus' eyes twinkled merrily, and Harry very nearly rolled his eyes. I forgot how playful Sirius could be, at times.

"Now, as you all know by now, Mr. Pettigrew has indeed exchanged his allegiance to Lord Voldemort, and has been divulging Order secrets to him for quite nearly a year now."

"Bastard," hissed Sirius, and James only shook his head, his eyes colder than ice. Harry looked at them both, and knew what they were feeling. After all, he, too, had experienced that cold feeling of utter betrayal from a close friend once, didn't he?

"Our Secret as well, Professor? Did he reveal our home to him?" asked Lily.

Albus gravely nodded. "Indeed, he has, Lily. And it seems that Voldemort is planning to strike at your home tonight. It is my belief that your deaths, and the destruction of your home, is to be this Halloween's act of violence."

James grunted, and Lily closed her eyes briefly. Peter, thought Harry angrily, you'd better watch out. When I'm big enough, I'm going to kick your skull in. Just you wait.

"So, what now? Can we still go to--" James' throat moved, but no sound escaped. With a sigh, he shook his head. "I can't say the location. Can we still go to our home? To pick a few things up?"

"I believe it will be all right. Voldemort has yet to know of Mr. Pettigrew's discovery, though I would stress that you practice immense caution. Lord Voldemort already knows of the location, and it is entirely possible that he may have entered without your knowledge to place hidden traps--"

"Impossible," cut in James. "The Potter wards would stop him. Or at least, it would have alerted me to the fact." No, they won't. The Potter wards are ancient, but Voldemort is powerful. You trusted the Fidelius and the wards, and you were killed because of it.

"To underestimate Lord Voldemort is a folly you must never have," replied Albus wisely, obviously thinking along the same lines as Harry. "It is entirely possible that Voldemort may have found a way to get around your wards."

"James, shush," said Lily as James opened his mouth to argue. "It won't hurt us to be careful. And we will," she turned back to Albus, "we will."

"Very good, Lily," said Albus. "Now, I suggest you leave quickly and return soon. I shall be spreading word to the other Order members to be prepared and ready for tonight when Lord Voldemort strikes at your home. If all goes well, we may be able to capture many of his supporters and thus weaken the strength of his armies."

"What about the Fidelius charm?" asked Remus. "Have you broken it, Professor?"

"I am afraid that there are only two ways to end the spell, and I cannot do either." Shaking his head sadly, the Headmaster explained. "The first is the willing consent of all parties involved to release the Secret--which, you will undoubtedly find, will be impossible without Mr. Pettigrew's consent. The second is to destroy the foundation that the charm was locked into."

"Does that mean Remus and I can't go with James to his house?" asked Sirius.

"I'm afraid you must ask Lily that, as she is our resident Charms Mistress," replied Albus with his usual twinkle.

"Well?" said Sirius, turning to face Lily.

Lily frowned. "I suppose we can't get Peter--Pettigrew, I should say--to release it? Or at least to tell Remus and Sirius?"

Albus shook his head. "He cannot be coerced into it through any magical means, as you well know Lily--the Fidelius forbids it. And he refused to tell us willingly last night."

Nodding as if she expected that, she answered, "Well then, the only way I can think of to get around the Fidelius is to transfigure the both of you into inanimate objects until you're within the boundaries of the spell. It won't affect you once you're inside."

"Great!" said Sirius cheerfully. "For a second there, I thought we'd be left behind." Sirius stood up and stretched. "Well? Let's get on it, then. How long do you think it'll take to pack up?"

"It should take no more than a few minutes in each room," said Lily. "I'll be the one packing up. James'll be going to the Potter vault."

James nodded. "I'm going to lock it up for now. Seal it until it's no longer in danger of Lord Voldemort."

"Very good," said the Headmaster. "However, if I may make a suggestion?" At their quick nods, he continued, "All four of you should keep your Order cards close at hand, so that you can raise an alert if, and I only say if, something were to happen. You will, of course, have to disable the Fidelius for the portkeys to work."

"I'll handle that," said James. "The Foundation Key is in our family vault. I'll have to destroy it from down there."

"And I'll handle the lookout as--" Sirius hesitated in front of Albus, "--I'll watch from outside." He means he'll watch out as Padfoot, realized Harry. He doesn't know that Albus is already aware of their Animagi transformations.

"I'm not sure I can be of much help to either of you," put in Remus. "I'll be in the living room, watching from there. Maybe I could take care of Harry?"

"You are bringing Harry along?" asked Albus, an eyebrow rose in question, just as Lily nodded.

"Yeah," replied James. "Lily and I decided it was best. Since I'm going to lock up the family vault, it'd be nice to show Harry around before I do. I don't know how long it'll be sealed, but Harry won't be seeing the inside of it for a while, I think, and I'd like to show my son the Potter legacy before closing that door on him for a while."

"And, of course, you will tie Harry into the wards so that they will recognize him?" asked Albus. At James' nod, he continued, satisfied, "Wonderful! It seems everything is in order. I shall meet with Minerva soon to draw out our plans for tonight. Perhaps you could even be able to lay a few traps while you are there?"

Sirius saluted him with a smile. "I'll be on it."

"Excellent," said Albus. "Do remember to keep a look out for anything suspicious, and know that you may be needed if Voldemort decides to strike elsewhere. Be prepared for anything--constant vigilance, as Alastor always says." And don't I know it, Harry thought wistfully, he hammered that into me very well.

"Don't worry, Professor," assured Lily. "We will all keep our cards safe. And I'll make sure the boys behave well." Sirius sighed, as though disappointed, and Harry nearly chuckled.

Albus nodded. "Thank you, Lily. Now, time is ticking away. Will you be using the Floo?"

"Yeah," said James. "We'll Floo to the village, then Apparate directly in."

"Good." Albus looked at each of them closely as thought measuring them, then nodded. "Well, off with you now. Do enjoy your trip."

Hogsmeade was fairly empty as the group exited from the Floo station at the Owl Post Office, and James, who was the best at Transfigurations, quickly turned Remus into a miniature figure of a wolf and Sirius in a dog figurine. Harry saw his father wear a rather smug smile as he handed them over to Harry to play with. He wants me to chew on them, I think. As babies usually do. Not wanting to disappoint his father, Harry began to gnaw on them with his few teeth, and heard James let out a delighted laugh.

"James!" said Lily, appalled. She took the figurines from Harry, and glared at her husband. "You shouldn't have done that."

"Oh, Lily," said James, wiping away tears. "Just imagine what Sirius and Remus are thinking right now."

Lily sighed, and pulled out her wand, shaking her head all the while. But Harry, snuggled now within her arms, could see the grin that threatened to break out. "Let's go. I'll Side-Along Harry."

With two pops they were gone, reappearing after a brief moment outside of Godric's Hollow. Harry saw, for the first time, the true beauty of the Potter manor before it had been destroyed. The Ancient and Noble House of Potter, the land on which generations of Potters had lived and died on, the ground that had belonged to his family since before they were even magical--Harry looked over and saw James relax as they entered the manor, hearing him whisper, "Home sweet home," to himself. Home sweet home. I wonder if I'd be able to say that some day. Maybe this time around I'll actually have a home to call sweet.

"James, you'd better turn Remus and Sirius back," said Lily briskly, bending over to place the two figurines on the carpeted floor. "We don't have all day, and frankly, I don't feel too comfortable right now. The hair on the back of my neck's standing--never a good sign."

James turned around to face them, and Harry knew that James didn't feel the same uneasiness, but his father quickly cancelled his spells--and with two pops Sirius and Remus were back into their original, human forms.

"James, you idiot," said Sirius as he hastily stood, "how could you let Harry chew all over me?"

Remus groaned, and stood as well. "We'll have to do something about that later, Sirius. James, you won't be getting away with this."

James looked at them innocently. "Hey, don't blame me! Harry was the one who wanted to play with you guys."

"Ha, ha," said Sirius, disbelief clearly in his tone. "Whatever. I could still hear you, you know. Harry would have done no such thing if you didn't give us to him in the first place--"

"Guys," cut in Lily. "Really, we haven't got much time. I don't feel good about this at all. Can we please just get on with it?"

Remus raised an eyebrow, but Sirius only glared briefly at James before speaking, "Yeah, all right, Lily. I'll be watching out from outside, and I'll also put a few of my own spells for tonight's ambush. As long as I don't leave the boundaries I'm safe, right?"

Lily nodded quickly. "You should see a slightly different colored strip of grass lining the boundaries, which I've charmed. Don't go outside of it, and you'll be within the Fidelius."

"Good, good," said Sirius, nodding to himself. "See you in a bit, then." He turned and left, the door closing behind him.

"Here, Lily, give Harry to me. I'll go to the basement right now and disable the Fidelius. You sure you can handle all the packing by yourself?" James careful hugged Harry close to himself with one arm as he spoke to Lily, the other holding his wand.

When Lily raised an eyebrow at him, Harry saw James shrug and take told of him, before leaving. "See you guys."

Well, here we go, thought Harry uneasily. Now we're all split up. I hope nothing happens.

Minerva watched Harry and his family leave the hall, and quickly stood to leave as well. She had much to do today, and most of it concerning private matters. She had no classes scheduled for that morning and part of the afternoon, and she fully planned to make use of the time. It took only a short walk to her office, and another short moment to locate her Floo powder.

My old office, almost unfamiliar to me now--isn't that amusing? Grabbing a handful, she quickly lit a fire and threw the powder in. "The Water House," she said into the green sparking flames as she stepped forward, and landed within minutes at her ancestral home, where she usually stayed during summer. The familiar sight of the large living room greeted her, and Minerva sighed. It had been so long she had stepped foot in here. It had been destroyed shortly after her first year as Headmistress, and she had never had a chance to pack up the precious heirlooms that were kept safe within her family vault. Indeed, she had nearly lost everything she owned when it was destroyed, except for the few things she had brought with her to Hogwarts.

Minerva walked down the large entrance hall, ignoring the milky, ever-swirling walls that her ancestors had spelled, as she briskly went toward the hidden room that kept her family vault sealed to all but the head of the McGonagall family. Nodding quickly to the greetings hailed down to her from the portraits of all the past heads that lined the walls, Minerva swept along until she reached her destination.

Better get this over with, growled Minerva to herself, I'll have to face her sometime. Better now than later. She entered the hidden room, her face composed, and coolly glared at the portrait of her mother, the last head of the McGonagall family before Minerva, and a declared Dark witch.

"You're here, are you?" said her mother disdainfully, the Lady Athena Juno McGonagall.

"Mother," replied Minerva coolly. "Open the vault, I have nothing to say to you." Indeed, the day after Minerva had declared for the Light, she and her mother had had a very long discussion that ended with Lady Athena nearly disowning her. Had it not been for Minerva's elder brother, her mother very well would have done it.

"You are not worthy to enter the family vault," snarled Lady Juno, twisting her beautiful face into something truly hideous.

"You will open it," said Minerva coldly. "I am the head of our family, and I demand it be opened." Every time she tried to enter the family vault, she had had to go through the same process--and she was sick of it.

It was always the honor of the last head of family to guard the vault; indeed, some day her own portrait would hang there, watching over it. Her mouth twisted with distaste. You should be glad, mother, that I honor this practice. Otherwise, I would have destroyed you long before now, the moment I became the head.

The portrait swung open very reluctantly, and Minerva ignored the glare from her mother as she stepped inside. She quickly swept through the vault, knowing exactly what she needed and where it was located.

I really don't understand Mother. The McGonagalls have always been a family of both Dark and Light. Each generation is allowed the freedom to choose, and the choice always made when the children of that generation attains the rank of Master or Mistress in the art of Transfigurations. I chose the Light as her mother before her, as she chose the Dark after my father. Why does she not understand?

Minerva paused when she reached her destination, a large shelf reserved for her own personal contributions to the family vault. The words Minerva Athena McGonagall were engraved elegantly on the shelf, and there were perhaps a dozen items spread across the smooth, flowing rock shelf. Reaching out, she closed her hand around an item located right in the middle, and lifted it up. The item was exotic and strange, threads of gold twining in a complicated and chaotic manner, with two small hanging orbs whose surfaces rippled as though they were globes of a liquid substance. The orbs were a deep red, and as Minerva held them up, a small spark of golden light seemed to burst to life in the centers.

Carefully Minerva threaded the gold strings into her hair, and spun it in such as way so that it coiled around her head in a tight, but comfortable net--it was a complex pattern, designed in such a way that the golden threads were hidden from casual sight within her hair. The orbs were the only visible part of the item that showed, hanging loosely against her temples.

Minerva felt it again when she finished, as she had long ago, the pride that came with wearing a Manifestation. It had taken her nine years after Hogwarts to be given the privilege of starting to make her own Manifestation, and three afterwards to finish it. To wear a Manifestation signified mastery of a certain subject--Transfigurations in her case. In fact, she was the second youngest to have attained the right in her family--the youngest being the very first McGonagall head of family.

Oh, how proud Mother had been--until she learned of my oaths to the Light, Minerva thought with regret. No, now all she feels for me is contempt; and the worst is that I feel only the same for her.

Stepping away from her shelf, Minerva paused, then moved over to her elder brother's, Maximus Ortimus McGonagall who had died decades ago, and picked up the ring he had left her after his death, the signet ring of the McGonagall family. She had left it on his shelf when he had died, when he had passed on the responsibility of the head to her. She had never worn it before, but now she knew she would. Her foolish sentimentality in leaving the ring on his shelf had, in the end, caused much grief for her. Had she worn it, she might have been able to save Nicholas. Had she worn it, she might have been able to save Albus.

No. It will all change. We have a chance, now, Harry and I. And we will not fail again.

Minerva turned, and left her family vault. She was ready to face the future.

Sirius stepped out from the manor--the name of which he still could not recall, the bloody spell--and turned to survey his battlefield. The estate was large, and the different colored line of grass far-flung. There was a double-lane cement road leading up to the house, but there were no other signs of human existence within sight--and probably not for miles.

The Potter family had always been rich, and the manor was obviously built in a large estate. Rolling hills of smooth green, empty of trees for another two hundred yards, was all he could see from where he stood. Sirius shook his head. It's too clear. When Death Eaters attack tonight, there'll be nothing to slow them down.

Sirius grinned. Slowing people down was his specialty.

Raising his wand, he began.

Lily watched her husband leave the room with Harry, and slowly shook her head. Nothing's going to happen right now, she told herself firmly. Later tonight, yes, but right now, I'm just a little stressed--nothing to worry about. She turned and nodded to Remus. "I'll just be going then. To pack." She tensed when she again felt the hair on the back of her head stand again, but forced herself to relax. Save your strength, woman. You'll be out fighting in a while.

Remus nodded. "I'll be here; yell for help if you need me." Nothing will happen. Get a grip, Lils.

Tightening her grip on her wand, Lily briskly walked upstairs, towards her and her husband's rooms. A few charms later, the room was stripped and everything was miniaturized. She moved on. There were twenty-six rooms in the Potter manor, and she was down one.

Twenty minutes, she thought to herself as her magic spun. Only twenty minutes. Nothing can happen in twenty minutes.

Another room was stripped bare. Twenty-four were left.

Light, please don't let anything happen.

Remus slowly walked over to the living room, and sat down carefully on the expensive mauve-colored couch. The whole room stank of wealth, and he shook his head sadly. He had been rich, too, once. Before he had been bitten as a child, and before his parents had unwisely spent all their money on false cures for his lycanthropy. He was grateful, truly he was, at their selflessness as they wasted out their lives searching for a cure, but nevertheless felt regret that they had left him penniless when they had died. Penniless and without a place to live.

Leaning back into the soft cushion, he took a few deep breaths to calm the turmoil of emotions within him. It was dangerous to be so emotional so close to the full moon. Emotions eroded control, and he could not afford to lose control of himself. He shuddered to think of what he might do if he did.

Remus relaxed, closing his eyes as he did. He wasn't being lazy, he told himself. He wasn't sleeping in on the job. He just hadn't had much sleep for the last few days, working extra shifts at low-paying jobs to earn a little more money. He was just going to rest his eyes a little. He deserved that, didn't he? And he would be better-rested for tonight's battle, wouldn't he?

Besides, it's not like anything's going to happen now.

Harry watched as his father carefully headed down a hidden stairway deep underground. It was surprising clean, though, and the stairway was not at all made of the gothic worn-down stones that he was used to at Hogwarts, but was rather a white pearly marble that was both smooth and clean.

Small disks of light lit the way, and after half a minute's worth of walking they reached an underground cavern--a very large and empty underground cavern. What? Why is it empty? Are there illusions, perhaps, that hides the true treasure from our eyes?

James looked around for a second, but didn't seem surprised at all--which confirmed Harry's theory of illusions hiding everything. "Harry, look. This is the last line of defense for our family vault. We're right now in a pocket existing outside of reality." Suddenly, James groaned. "What am I doing? I'm explaining advanced magic to a baby." He just shook his head, and strode to the middle of the large cavern with Harry in his arms.

A baby. That's how they all see me. I can tell this is going to be very annoying for the next few years. When will I be able to even talk and not sound abnormal?

James' voice drew Harry out from his thoughts as he heard his father say in a deep, commanding voice, "Sei litanea Potter fernun im Veril tesder er li nyera."

Mouth opened in surprise, Harry watched as the large empty cavern dissolved before his very eyes, making him very dizzy, and with a flash turn into a sea of red and gold fire that roared and bellowed around them, stretching out as far as the eye could see. The fire shifted and turned, red and gold rippled, and suddenly it was gone. The sea of flames was doused, and before him lay the Potter family vault.

It wasn't as impressive as he'd hoped. The vault was much smaller than the cavern, and was neatly organized and structured. A circular room, it was well-lit, and as Harry looked around, he saw that while he and James had been standing in the middle of the cavern just moments ago, they were now located towards the side.

"Welcome to the Potter family vault, Harry," murmured James as he surveyed the room. "This is our vault, where the most sacred of our family's heirlooms are hidden and kept safe. This is our vault, more protected than Gringotts--but then again, harder to access." Harry saw him shake his head again. "I really don't know what I'm doing, Harry. It's not like you're going to understand what I'm saying." He sighed. "I'd better go disable the Fidelius."

And then Harry saw it, and he was impressed. There, glowing in ethereal light that shined up from the floor, was a condensed shaft of gold and red mist--the Potters sure like those colors, Harry thought--centered at the very heart of the vault. And within that mist of light were sparkles of different colored spheres of magic, bobbing and swirling through it, as though dancing in intricate designs known only to themselves. There were dozens of them, floating up and down, zigzagging almost as though sentient. The spheres spun and danced to a music of their own, complex and chaotic. That shaft of light must be the anchor, Harry realized, and those magical spheres the wards and enchantments that keep Godric's Hollow safe. Indeed, he was very impressed. No wonder Voldemort waited until the night of Halloween to strike at this. His only chance of destroying the wards was to use the Dark magic that flowed freely during the darkest night of the year.

As James paused a foot from the mist, Harry looked at the brilliant dance of the magical spheres, and within his mind, he smiled coldly.

At least, this time, Voldemort would be caught unawares.

Sirius crouched down in his Animagus form, hidden from plain sight behind a few concealment spells, and watched. Fifteen minutes have passed since I came out here. I wonder how much longer it'll take Lily to pack up? And James hasn't disabled the Fidelius yet.

The flowing green grass before him seemed innocent enough, he thought to himself as he looked around, and to anyone else but Sirius, it looked perfectly normal. But to him, to him the grass was a marvelous mess of hidden spells and traps, of jinxes and hexes that lit up the grass in a multitude of different shades and colors. Not all of them were dangerous, of course, but that didn't mean they were harmless.

In fact, there were even spells laid outside the boundaries. He found that he could easily work hexes and jinxes from within the Fidelius' influence to affect areas outside of it.

Sirius couldn't help but feel satisfied with himself and his handiwork. It would certainly do a lot of damage to Voldemort and his Death Eaters tonight, and even if they came now, they would be slowed down greatly.

Yawning slightly, Sirius rested his eyes, confident that his sensitive ears would pick up any and all noise. There a slight breeze rustling the grass, and a peaceful silence--

CRACK!

The stillness was broken, and Sirius jerked his eyes open, taken completely by surprise.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

There was a continuous roar of noise as dozens of hooded figures materialized right outside the boundaries of Godric's Hollow. What the hell? Death Eaters! What the fuck are they doing attacking now? Damn it! Sirius transformed himself back into his human shape and tried to stand, just as the ground below him rumbled and powerful winds tore through the area, landing him flat on his back.

BANG!

Sirius felt satisfied at the triggering of his explosion spells, but when he was able to focus again, he was disappointed to find that the explosions had barely affected the Death Eaters. Indeed, he could see the blue tinged shields protecting many of them from his magic. Damn it! Sirius flicked his wand and released his other spells, and watched with narrowed eyes as nets of fire sprang up, as the ground broke open from under their feet, as the grass whipped around to wrap themselves around the Death Eaters--and grinned with triumph when his second line of spells easily bypassed their shields--

And his magic died. It was simply no longer there.

All of his spells laid down outside the boundaries winked out of existence, one by one. His carefully woven threads of hexes and jinxes, his hidden traps, his knots of curses--they evaporated. All that remained were the ones he had planted inside the wards.

Oh, fuck, Sirius thought to himself with dread. Voldemort's here. Frantically feeling out his Order card inside his pocket, Sirius quickly gripped it tightly, and spoke within his mind. Code Black. Code Black! The card buzzed and turned cold in his grip, and Sirius sighed in relief, before turning to face Lord Voldemort. Professor Dumbledore will know, now. He won't know where we are, but he'll be ready for when James disables the Fidelius

And there was Lord Voldemort. Darkness gathered where he stood, light shrunk away. Shadows sprang into being, and clouds shifted and coalesced above, hiding away the sun. His magic spread around him in a dark haze that had destroyed his spells of Light, broke them as though they were nothing but pieces of string. The dark haze writhed as though made up of thousands of snakes, and churned in a dizzying shroud of evil--but his dark magic did not pass the boundaries of the Potter wards.

"Sirius Black." The Dark Lord spoke, and Sirius shivered as he looked at Lord Voldemort, who stood no more than a hundred paces away, just outside the Potter grounds. "What are you waiting for? Should you not warn your precious Order of this attack?"

I've already sent a message. You just don't know it. Sirius lifted his wand before him, and knew he was a dead man--but he would die standing tall, cursing the Dark Lord with his last breath. After all, it would only be a matter of time before Lord Voldemort's magic broke the Potter wards--doing nothing would be futile. He would strike from behind the protection of the Potter wards before they fell.

"Do not anger me, child. Nothing you can throw at me, not even your most powerful spell, is enough to stop me," said Lord Voldemort coldly. "Now, call for help. Call for your Dumbledore. We are all waiting for you to do so."

Sirius finally found his voice, and knew he only had one shot. He's right. I don't know any spells, except one, powerful enough to stop him--and though I don't want to cast it, I must. I have to. There is only this curse powerful enough. Gathering his strength, Sirius glared at the Dark Lord, and roared with as much power as he could, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"

And to Sirius' complete surprise, Lord Voldemort threw back his head and laughed, a high-pitch laughter that made the hair on the back of his neck stand. The Killing Curse, the Unforgiveable, the flash of green light sped and tore through the intervening space between them, tore through the air, tore through the ancient wards protecting the Potter house, and crashed harmlessly into a silvery mass that appeared before the Dark Lord.

"Thank you, Black," said Lord Voldemort as he stepped through the tear in the wards. "You have been most helpful. And now you shall die. Avada Kedavra!"

Green light flashed and the spell spiraled towards Sirius, who barely managed to dodge aside, cursing his stupidity under his breath. Of course, only a Dark spell from inside the wards could break it. Damn it! Already he could feel the rest of his spells, the ones that were kept safe behind the wards, wither and die as Lord Voldemort approached. The Killing Curse flew by harmlessly and exploded against the ground far behind him, lighting the grass on fire.

To hell with it, thought Sirius as he released all of his remaining spells. And like a whirlwind they sprang up, most of them evaporating before Lord Voldemort, but a few dozen slipping by and striking Death Eaters who were flooding in through the tear in the wards.

James, you better hurry it up. We need help. Badly.

The ground beneath Sirius heaved, and a fountain of grass and dirt exploded up. He tumbled through the air and landed heavily ten feet away, rolling as he made contact. He was back on his feet a split second later, using the momentum from the roll to launch himself up, and formed a powerful shield around him as he recovered. It was not a moment too soon, as a powerful Dark spell slammed into it with enough force to make Sirius grit his teeth as the shield wavered, then held.

"Oh, Sirius, Sirius," called a familiar sing-song voice, and Sirius narrowed his eyes as he growled. "I've missed you so! Have you missed me? Your dearest cousin Bella?"

Sirius felt anger burn deep within him as he glared at Bellatrix Lestrange, and beside her Rodolphus, her husband. Behind the two Death Eaters, Lord Voldemort had already dismissed Sirius and was heading up to the manor, other Death Eaters swarming before him. Sirius could see blasts of magic shoot out from within the house, and knew that Remus was holding fort as best he could.

There's nothing I can do to help him. I'm stuck outside, and there's no way I'll be able to get through all the Death Eaters to the manor. Sirius felt frustration and anger swirl within him, and growled within his mind, James, you'd better get that Fidelius down fast. Remus won't hold out much longer.

And in front of him was his cousin and her husband, two foolish Death Eaters who were perfect for Sirius to take his anger and frustration out on.

"Lestranges, both a pleasure," said Sirius with a snarl, and curled his lips into a wintry smile.

Indeed, he would take great pleasure in destroying his cousin, and her husband.

Remus was startled awake when the multitude of cracking noises from Apparitions shattered the peaceful stillness of the manor, and felt panic grip his heart as his mind sped into overdrive. There was only one thing this could mean, he knew instantly. Voldemort. He's here. And he's attacking. Light have mercy on us!

Remus rolled off the couch and wiped away the drool on his chin, and just barely managed to catch his balance as the whole house shook. Explosion hexes. Sirius' handiwork.

And then there was an uneasy silence, and he sped towards one of the windows just as he heard Voldemort speak. Light, he's trying to trick Sirius into casting a Dark spell. No, please, Sirius, don't fall for it. But he watched in dismay as Sirius did a moment later, and felt utter terror when Lord Voldemort stepped past the ancient Potter wards with no trouble. Merlin, help us!

Remus turned away from the window, and pulled out his wand, knowing he only had minutes before the enemy arrived. Glancing at all the openings into the home, he took a deep breath, then murmured, "Decipio Clausus." Magic drained out from him in a flood that sealed the doorways and the windows, flooding around him in an amount he knew was just a bit above average. He was not weak, nor considered very strong--but he was no slouch either.

When the spell ended, Remus was on his knees, breathing heavily, and felt magic in large amounts being hurdled around from the outside. Sirius, he thought to himself, please be safe! Grunting at the effort it took to stand, Remus hobbled over to the same window he had been at just a minute before, and saw with wide-eyes as Sirius flew ten feet into the air and landed nearly as far away. Light, protect him. Protect us all. Remus quickly took out his Order card and spoke to it clearly in his mind. Code Black. Albus, please, hurry! Code Black. He put it in his pocket when it flashed black and buzzed within his hand, and knew with certain satisfaction that his alert had been sent.

Turning back towards the window, he spotted Lord Voldemort, who was strolling towards the manor, and his Death Eaters around him.

Here we go, thought Remus. He flicked his wand, and a small window was created within his seal, just wide enough for him to send curses and spells outside--then he struck.

I am the best at Defense Against the Dark Arts, he thought grimly to himself as he powered spell after spell. Sirius may be the better dueler, James better at Transfigurations, but I am the best at defense.

And he was also the last thing between Lord Voldemort and the Potters, for it was only they that the Dark Lord could be after.

Suddenly the seal cracked and sparks flew from the web of magic holding tightly the doors closed, and Remus dropped his wand as his head swam with dizziness. Again came the collision, and Remus grunted, writhing on the floor at the third.

The window before him crashed open as the sealing spell finally died, and Remus felt powerful hands grip his robes and lift him off his feet. Forcing himself to focus, his vision cleared and before him, holding him suspended in the air with bared teeth, was Fenrir Greyback.

His vision flashed red. He heard a howl, a roar of rage, and realized a moment later that the sound was coming from himself, his throat working to express himself as he lost control of emotions--rage and anger flooding his mind with nothing but the bloodlust of a werewolf.

Greyback. Turned me into this. He cursed me. Remus didn't know what he did, but suddenly he was free and Greyback was on the floor with a bloody cheek, and he found he didn't care. He was seeing almost nothing but the red of his rage, and he roared once more as his last conscious thought fled from his animalistic mind--his werewolf instincts taking control of his body. A werewolf in control of a human body.

I will tear him apart.

Minerva sat calmly in the Headmaster's office, her irritation hidden within her mind. Albus had waylaid her just moments before, asking her to come to his office to prepare for tonight's ambush, ruining her plans for the day. I'll have to do it some other day, it seems.

"Well, Albus, let us get on with it," said Minerva, nearly wincing when her tone came out a little more snappish than it should have. Perhaps I've not as much control over my emotions than I thought. "What are you waiting for?"

The Headmaster frowned. "I cannot seem to locate Severus. Have you seen him since our meeting last night?"

Minerva shook her head slowly. Come to think of it, neither had she. "He wasn't in the dining hall during breakfast," she said just as puzzled. "Perhaps he is out gathering potions ingredients? You know he frequents the Forbidden Forests for the rare ones whenever he is free from class."

"Indeed," said Albus, but he seemed worried. "I am concerned for him, Minerva. He did not know of tonight's plot--and that speaks of distrust from Lord Voldemort."

I never did think of that, thought Minerva privately to herself. "Perhaps. But you mustn't worry yourself, Albus. He is a grown man, and can take care of himself."

Albus nodded. "True, very true. Nevertheless, it does--"

A deep, powerful music pierced the Headmaster's words as Fawkes suddenly glided down towards them, singing urgently. Minerva saw Albus freeze, as she herself did, at the interruption--and both felt dread, for it could only mean one thing.

Lord Voldemort is attacking. Someone has activated their Order card.

Albus wordlessly summoned his Order card, and Minerva leaned over to see what it said:

8:14 AM - FRANK LONGBOTTOM - 13 Pirmont Drive, Helman and Augusta Longbottom Residence

Minerva stared in shock. She knew that the younger Longbottoms were visiting their parents today for their annual Halloween get-together. Someone else knew as well, it seemed. Suddenly another line began to be written right below that one:

8:15 AM - SIRIUS BLACK - Location Unknown

Harry! Minerva briefly closed her eyes. Oh dear. Oh dear, dear, dear. What was happening? This didn't happen the first time around. What had changed? A single pebble thrown into a pond could cause great ripples, she knew, but how could a simple thing like Wormtail's revealing change so much? Could she and Harry have actually made things worse? No, she told herself firmly, you must not dwell on these thoughts. Pull yourself together; you cannot afford to fall apart now.

When she opened her eyes, she read another line,

8:16 AM - REMUS LUPIN - Location Unknown

Then another,

8:16 AM - LILY POTTER - Location Unknown

"Albus," she said, breaking the silence. "We must move quickly."

The Headmaster nodded, and Minerva saw his eyes harden, and felt his magic awaken. This is the Albus I once respected. Not the manipulating old Headmaster, but the Light Lord who led battles and struck with might. "I will rally the Order, Minerva. James has yet to disable the Fidelius, we cannot help him yet. I will direct our forces to Pirmont."

"As I will go to the Ministry call on the Aurors," said Minerva, standing, understanding what Albus was saying. "To ready them for when James is able to release the Fidelius." Even I cannot recall where it is. The Fidelius needs to be broken!

Then they parted ways, Albus in a flash of phoenix fire with Fawkes, and Minerva to the fireplace. Within her mind, as Minerva prepared herself, she recalled what Lord Gryffindor had written in his journals once, when he had prepared, as she did, for battle.

Let the song of battle be sung, the dance of conflict be danced. May Merlin watch over our combat, and protect those of Light. We go to war, we go to fight. The Light shall triumph once more.

Spinning from fireplace to fireplace within the Floo network, Minerva suddenly smiled, and knew all would be all right.

For the Manor of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter could be found at Godric's Hollow.

Lily put away her Order card, and knew she had not much time. She was currently in Harry's room, and felt relief that she had yet to strip it bare and shrink it.

I can still Call him, then.

Quickly moving over to his crib, she flicked her wand at the stuffed pillow and summoned to her a cord of braided red hair that had been placed in the middle of it. The hair of the mother, placed by its head; the child of mother's heart, Called to its bed. She had initiated this ritual of Calling when Harry had been born, thinking that it might one day be useful. It was a spell that all pureblood mothers initiated to protect their children, and she had done the same. Now it might be the very thing that saves Harry from death. I am glad I borrowed that book from Alice.

"Citatio mei liber Harry lectus," she said, her wand in one hand and her hair the other, and watched closely as the cord of hair in her hand flashed in sudden heat then disappeared. Please, let this work. Bring Harry to me. Downstairs Lily heard a crash, and knew the boundaries of the manor itself had been breached. Harry, come to me.

A mass of red hair appeared in the crib, like a ball of thread cocooned into the shape of a baby--then the hair vanished, and before Lily was Harry.

The baby quietly looked up at her, with strangely intelligent green eyes, and Lily felt a tear drop from her eyes. My poor baby, I can't let you die. She picked him up gently, and reached again for her Order card, hoping that the emergency portkey might work.

It didn't.

There was no escape. Even if the Fidelius was released, Lord Voldemort would probably have already raised his own wards to prevent any escape. He had done so many times whenever he attacked Wizarding families.

We are doomed. We will all die. There is no escape. Lord Voldemort is here, and he is here to kill us all. Even Harry. Oh, Harry.

"Harry," she said, her voice choked with emotions. "Whatever happens, know that I love you. I love you so much." Her voice cracked once again, and another few tears rolled down her cheeks as she placed Harry back into the crib, and blinked away more as she repaired the pillow. She continued again, once she thought her emotions were under control. "Even if I die tonight, I cannot let you die. You are my life, Harry. And I will give it freely to save you." She breathed in deeply. "I love you so much."

Lily gripped her wand tightly, her Manifestation, and prepared to face the power of Lord Voldemort--and in her heart, she prepared herself to die.

James sealed his family vault, calling on the most powerful and the most ancient locks, and knew a moment later that the vault was safe, impossible to reach, until he opened it. Or until Harry opened it. Lily, keep Harry safe. He may be our last hope, and he is our future. He had recognized the Calling that took Harry away, and felt relief that Lily was protecting their child. There was no one else he could trust to keep their son safe than her.

The Potter vault is safe from Lord Voldemort. The heirlooms of Lord Gryffindor and the Potter house are safe.

Taking a deep breath, James finally turned around, and quickly headed back up the stairway. He, as the head of the Potter family, could already feel the heated battle taking place above on the ground, could feel even now as Aurors Apparated in, and knew he would be joining them soon. Lord Voldemort has dared to attack me and my family, in my house.

The moment he had felt Voldemort appear eight minutes ago, the moment he had felt the tear in the wards, he had immediately immersed himself within the golden heart of Godric's Hollow and spent several minutes unraveling the Fidelius from the heart, and dissolved it at last. He had then used the very magic imbued within the Potter grounds to stop the Dark Lord's advance, creating trenches that opened up the ground beneath Death Eaters, making the doors and the windows disappear, asking the furniture to animate and move against the walls to reinforce them. He had reached out with the couch in his living room to pin the werewolf Greyback down when Remus lost consciousness, he had shifted and hid the room Lily and Harry were located within, and finally, he had used nearly the rest of the magical reserves to power the seals to lock away the family vault.

Eight minutes had passed. Help now arrived.

Gritting his teeth together in anger, James stepped out through the hidden stairway to the basement of his home, and with a flick of his wand sealed the stairway as well.

James suddenly felt one of his fingers sting with an icy coldness, and ducked immediately as the Potter signet ring warned him of danger. Bits of shattered stone and marble fell with loud crashes as a spell exploded against the wall above his head.

Contego! James rolled onto his feet and saw the bluish glow of his shield before him, and whirled around to face his enemy.

It was Peter Pettigrew, with half his nose still missing.

"Peter," James hissed, thoughts racing through his mind until finally everything came together. "You escaped somehow. You told him, didn't you? You told Lord Voldemort we were here."

"You are quick to catch on, Potter," said the man coldly, and James narrowed his eyes. This isn't the way Peter--Pettigrew--acts. What's happening?

"Shut up, Pettigrew," said James, lifting his point to point it at his former friend. "You were always stupid, always thinking you were better than you were." James slowly shook his head. "You shouldn't have come here, Pettigrew. Because now, Dumbledore isn't here to protect you."

Discerpo! James flicked his wand, and a bolt of light spat out from the tip of his wand, racing towards Pettigrew--but arched an eyebrow when the rat waved his wand and the spell returned back to him.

Interesting. He's better than I thought. No matter. It'll give me more satisfaction when I break him.

"So quick to attack," drawled Pettigrew, still unmoving from his spot on the last steps leading to the first floor of the manor. "You Gryffindors are fools."

James narrowed his eyes. What did he mean by that? "That, coming from a Gryffindor," said James, snorting.

Pettigrew smiled darkly, and James forced himself not to shudder. What's going on? "James, James, James, one of the last defenders of Gryffindor's treasures, you are the stupid one. Now. Go back down stairs with me and open your family vault. There is an item there that my Lord Voldemort desires, and he is willing to spare your wife for it."

Lily. What about Harry? James shook his head. "I'm disappointed in you, Pettigrew. Do you actually think I'd do it?"

Finally Pettigrew moved, walking down the last few steps, as he chuckled. "No, Potter. I rather hoped you would not. You see, I promised Wormtail that I'd beat you up for him. And it won't hurt me to keep my promise, this time." What the hell? Since when does Pettigrew talk about himself in third person?

James' eyes widened as the rat's wand flicked suddenly in his direction, and his blue shield crumbled. Bloody hell! James jumped away from where he stood and raised his wand, another shield wordlessly brought up, just as Pettigrew struck again.

Bloody bastard, why is he so fast? James moved again, but this time struck with his own spell. Pulsus Flamma! A roar of flames burst from his wand just as a red ball of magic erupted from Pettigrew's and the two spells exploded as they struck each other. But James had already expected this, and had another spell ready to cast the next moment after his first. Erradico Separte!

Pettigrew summoned a large chunk of stone that littered the floor and James' spell hit it, dissolving stone to nothing within seconds.

"I'm getting bored, Potter," said Pettigrew. "I thought you were an Auror. One of the best out on the field, I've been told. Well? Shall I up the challenge? Very well. Cruc--"

The floor exploded and Pettigrew flew.

I think I'll enjoy this duel. We'll see who wins.

Minerva materialized just outside of Godric's Hollow, and heard behind her the various noises as a squadron of Aurors, led by Alastor Moody, Apparated in as well. Eight minutes have passed since the alert, and already Godric's Hollow is in ruins.

"Do whatever is necessary to stop them, Alastor," said Minerva as she surveyed the Potter grounds. The house seemed to be sealed completely, there were no windows or doors, and several dozen Death Eaters were lingering outside, trying to break through. Interesting. It seems James sealed his home. Minerva's eyes widened suddenly. What is that! There, off to the side, was Sirius Black, dueling against two Death Eaters, ignored by the rest of the Death Eaters. Two Inner Circle Death Eaters! "I see no sign of Lord Voldemort. He may already be inside."

"All right, lads," growled Moody from behind her. "I'm authorizing you to use any and all spells necessary to incapacitate them. Work together, and remember, constant vigilance."

Minerva watched as Moody led his squad through the tear and quickly attack the unsuspecting Death Eaters, a small strike force against a much larger foe, and stepped in after them. More Aurors will be coming, she thought to herself. Hopefully soon. And I wonder how is Albus faring with--

There was an almost silent whisper from her side, and Minerva spun, instinctually flicking her wand out. A spell struck against her defensive net and a recoil of power rippled away from the collision, forcing her to take a step back. Powerful, too powerful for a regular Death Eater. This sort of attack could have only been from an Inner Circle member.

Already Minerva was spinning out of the way, her wand drawing up grass and dirt from around her as she flung them up in a hazy cloud that covered and hid her from plain sight. By the end of her spin, the mess of grass and leaves was already destroyed and cleared, but Minerva was ready.

A net of fire spun out from her wand and shot out in the general direction of her enemy, a foundation of dirt exploded from before her and twisted at her command, and she struck them both as hard as she could against the Death Eater--and felt surprise as they bounced off a defense net very similar to her own.

Indeed. Very surprising. Minerva hastily transfigured the grass before her, and a flash of the green Killing Curse destroyed the board of wood that materialized before her. Enough!

Minerva swung her wand and a dozen darts shot from her wand towards her opponent, and shifted away when they exploded into shards of purple fire that flickered around and shot back against her. This is one powerful Death Eater. A fountain of water whipped out from her wand, spiraling around her and dousing the flames as they drew near.

Abeo Flammera! She commanded within her mind, and the fountain of water burst into a bright yellow tongue of flames that whipped around towards the Death Eater, who jumped aside and flicked his own wand against her.

Minerva winced as her defensive net shattered against a shimmering red sphere that had exploded from the Death Eater's wand, and one of her Manifestation orbs grew a little cold against her temple. You will not get away with that, she thought angrily, and flicked her own wand in a powerful gesture that flung her power out before her--

--and destroyed the Death Eater's own net of defense.

"It has been a while since I was so well challenged," said a cool, musical voice from the Death Eater. "Minerva, it has been too long since we last met."

Minerva paused. She knew that voice. She would recognize it in her sleep. Lysandra Yaxley. The murderer who had killed Minerva's brother. There had been no proof, but Minerva had always known it was her. And now she stands before me, she sought me out. Forcing those thoughts away, she narrowed her eyes and spoke coldly, "Indeed, Yaxley, it has been a while."

Yaxley laughed delightedly. "Still so bitter, Minerva? You really must let go of the past. It was quite an accident, what happened to your brother. Do not blame his death on me."

Accident, what accident? You tricked him into your rooms, and poisoned him with your wine. Just so you could finish at the top of your class. Minerva tightened her grip on her wand. You committed suicide last time instead of surrendering yourself to the dozen Aurors the Ministry sent after you.

Minerva smiled, showing her teeth, and watched in satisfaction as Yaxley tensed before her. This time, you will not be so lucky.

Harry wanted to curse. He wanted to scream. He wanted to shout in anger. But most of all, he wanted to fight. But he couldn't. I'm a baby. I'm lying here, watching my mother prepare herself to fight, and I can't help.

At this very moment, Harry hated himself. He hated life. He hated the fucking world. He hated.

Outside there was a battle raging. Outside there were people dying. Outside there was Lord Voldemort.

And in front of him was his mother, below in the vault was his father. Harry, I love you so much. Lily's voice. His mother's voice. Who's life might very well end today.

Harry, it is imperative that our time traveling remains secret. Minerva's voice. He couldn't do anything. He couldn't speak out. He couldn't open his mouth and tell his mum how much he loved her.

Suddenly, Harry made up his mind. Fuck secrecy. Damn it all!

He would tell his mother. He would tell her he loved her.

He opened his mouth--

--and the far wall exploded in a whirlwind of fire and wood.

Lord Voldemort had arrived.

Minerva looked down at the slug before her, trying to calm her harsh breathing, and tiredly brushed away a few wisps of hair from her face. It is done. She slammed her boot down, and crushed the slug. Justice has been served.

Both of the orbs against her temple were cool against her skin, and she knew it would be awhile before they could be used again. The battle is not yet over, Minerva. There is still much to do.

Indeed, as she finally looked up and surveyed how the battle was going, she was startled to see that several more teams of Aurors had arrived without her noticing, and the battle was raging heavily. Trenches had been dug, mounds of earth were created, and bolts of lights flickered everywhere. Aurors and Death Eaters battled fiercely, neither side with the upper hand. This will need to end soon. We are at a stalemate, and prolonging this will only cause more death. Quickly casting a wordless Tempus charm, Minerva was surprised to find that only about forty minutes had passed by since the alert.

Flicking her wand, she called up another defensive net and went in search for Alastor Moody, who was currently dueling, she saw, Evan Rosier. Alastor has always had a particular dislike of this Death Eater. Perhaps it is because Alastor lost a part of his nose to him?

"Alastor, I hope I'm not bothering you," she called out.

"Not at all, Minerva," said Moody, turning to face her. His magical eye was pointed off towards the side, where Rosier was. "What can I do for you?" He flicked his wand and a spell from Rosier twisted midair and shot back at him.

"Can you see the Dark Lord?"

"One moment," said Moody. He faced to face Rosier with his good eye, and Minerva knew that his other eye was roaming around, trying to find Lord Voldemort. "Yep! He's in the manor right now, Minerva. You might want to hurry. He's found Lily and Harry. Up the stairs, the wall towards the end of the hallway."

"Thank you," she called, but winced when Rosier managed to slip a curse by and create a large gash across Moody's thigh.

Moody waved her away, and as Minerva quickly strode to the house, she heard distantly him yell, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"

There is not much time. Lord Voldemort is on them. Albus is not here to stop him. It seems I must face him again. As Minerva neared the house, her wand absentmindedly conjuring shields and transfiguring grass and dirt to stop spells from reaching her, she had to stop herself from shuddering. I have faced him before. Three times in fact. Four, if the encounter in the Headmistress' backroom counts. This is no different. I have survived him, I can do so again.

Of course, the third time she had faced him, he had nearly torn her left arm away, and shattered all the bones in her right leg--but still, she had survived. Now, how do I get into the manor? Death Eaters and Aurors have been trying for a while now--what chance have I?

Narrowing her eyes, Minerva searched for a weakness, a place where she could force open the wall--but there was none. Of course there wasn't. If there had been, the Death Eaters would have been all over it by now. Frowning thoughtfully, forcing her irritation and panic away--ruthlessly eliminating any hurry, which she knew would be detrimental--Minerva looked around her, ignoring the yells and screams of others as the battle waged before her eyes. The manor was no longer the focal point, it seemed. In fact, both sides were completely ignoring it, and as she stood right next to a wall, hidden within the shade of the manor, no one realized she was there.

Perhaps, she suddenly thought to herself, I can reason with the manor. Could it be sentient, like Hogwarts? Well, there was only one way to find out. Tapping the wood with her wand, as that was what usually initiated a magical conversation, she spoke clearly to the wooden boards, "I am Minerva McGonagall, a declared Light witch, and close friends with the Potters. Will you allow me entry, so that I may keep them safe?"

For a moment, nothing happened, and Minerva very nearly sighed--before there was a small groan, and the wood before her bent inwards. The manor truly is alive. Interesting. She stepped inside, turning quickly to glance behind her to see if anyone noticed, but felt relief when she was still ignored. In any case, it was better to be safe rather than sorry, and Minerva quickly conjured other boards of wood that fit in perfectly and sealed shut the opening. "Thank you," she told the manor.

A growl from the corner of the room surprised Minerva, and she quickly lifted her wand, narrowing her eyes as she saw Greyback pinned to the floor by a large couch, four of its legs merging into the carpet itself. The werewolf was a bloody mess, patches of his hair were missing, apparently having been ripped off, his eyes were swollen and his face was puffed up in areas--but he was still conscious.

Did the furniture do that do him? Minerva wondered briefly, but then saw Remus Lupin over by the corner, and realized quickly that no, it was not the furniture, but her former student who had caused such physical damage to the feared Greyback. Remus' head was bleeding profusely, Minerva noted, and one of his arms was bent in a strange angle. At least he is breathing, she thought to herself. He is still alive.

"Greyback," she said loudly in anger, and met his glare coldly. So many children have been kidnapped by this werewolf, so many given the curse because of him. He is responsible for ruining the lives of hundreds of people. He is responsible for Remus' childhood. "This is, I'm afraid, going to be your last hunt," she continued commandingly. "I judge and condemn you, Fenrir Greyback. The Light be witness to my justice, and protect me from retribution." Minerva pointed her wand at him, and focused all of her power into a single spell, a single powerful spell, a single powerful permanent spell.

There was a loud crack, and Greyback howled and screamed, thrashing from where he was pinned. Then he was silent, and the couch lifted off from him, detaching itself from the floor. Minerva took in a deep breath, then released it audibly. I seem to be dishing out much justice today. She winced as she heard a loud explosion above. And it seems there is one more I must see to.

She left quickly, taking just a moment to place a Stasis on Remus, before spotting the stairway and racing up towards where she had heard the explosion.

And behind her, lying unconscious within the living room, judged and condemned by a powerful Light witch, by one of the most talented Transfigurations Mistress, was Fenrir Greyback, the Ferret.

Harry froze as Lord Voldemort entered, his dark magic coiled around him like writhing snakes, and knew with horror that right now, at this moment, he was utterly useless. It was not a feeling he enjoyed.

Then his mother struck, her wand flung out before her, and light magic heaved with a large thwap noise as wind roared--her power was like liquid, like flowing water, and like a waterfall it came crashing down, exploding against the darkness that was the Dark Lord's magic. Harry saw Lord Voldemort's sharp intake of breath and felt pride bloom in his heart, but terror quickly replaced it as the Dark Lord hissed, and Lily was blown away as though she were nothing but a rag, her magic shredding apart.

"Lily Potter," he said, his voice harsh and cold. "Is this any way to welcome a guest to your home?"

Harry watched with wide eyes, unable to move, as his mother struggled to stand. "Invited you?" she rasped, her wand still clutched tightly in her hand.

"Oh, but yes, you did," said Lord Voldemort, amused. "The moment you utilized the Fidelius, you challenged me. The moment you withdrew to your ancestral home, you dared me to come. And now I am here, and I must admit, I find your hospitality less than welcoming."

"I would have it no other way," said Lily Potter, her eyes flashing--then she struck again.

The floorboards beneath Lord Voldemort exploded, Lily's magic eating through the wood in a flash, and a large hole, wide enough for someone to fall through, appeared beneath the Dark Lord's feet. The hooded figure did not fall, however, and he stood suspended, his magic coiled around him and holding him up.

"I am beginning to get annoyed, girl," he said harshly. "It is time a Mudblood like yourself learns your place in life. Crucio!"

Lily screamed. She was on the floor, convulsing as a flood of pain tortured her body--

--and Harry screamed in rage, a scream of pure anger and fear, needing no words, but it was enough.

The very air within the room turned to fire, light flooded the room with a burst of power, and the untamed magic residing within the baby rose up to challenge the might of Lord Voldemort.

The Dark Lord took one step back, then another, as power almost as strong as his own struck him again and again--catching him completely unawares. The curse on Lily ended abruptly as wild magic broke loose within the room, and Lord Voldemort screamed in anger--then fought back.

The very air within the room turned to ice, darkness flooded the room with a burst of power, and the wild darkness of Lord Voldemort ruthlessly tore through the baby's untamed magic.

Harry screamed, this time in pain, as his magic was being torn apart.

"I have heard of you, boy," hissed the Dark Lord through the turmoil, his voice ringing with power and authority. "Possessed, are you? The one with power to vanquish the Dark Lord, child?"

There was silence, suddenly. Lord Voldemort's magic drew back, and Harry lay panting in his crib. He looked up slowly, and saw the Dark Lord point his wand in his direction, and shuddered weakly as Lord Voldemort spoke. "You are dangerous, I see that now. I will not toy with you any longer. I had hoped your death would serve me as my last insurance of immortality, but I cannot let you live any longer on the chance that you may escape my wrath."

From beneath the crib, on the floor, Harry could hear Lily whispering, "No, please, no. No, no, no. No."

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

Green light flashed. Death whispered as a rush of wind. Harry's green eyes reflected the emerald light of the Killing Curse. Time slowed.

I failed. I came back to stop him. Now, I won't even live past Halloween.

"NO!"

Lily Potter's voice. Mum, I'm sorry. I couldn't tell you I loved you. But don't worry, Minerva will carry out the fight. Minerva will carry out the fight.

Minerva. Minerva!

A shield of silver and diamond appeared before Harry's eyes, reflecting the Curse of Death, and Lord Voldemort roared with anger.

And there she was. Minerva McGonagall had arrived. There, right by the torn-down wall, behind Lord Voldemort, stood she with her wand raised, a few wisps of her hair escaping her tight bun, but still powerful and commanding.

The Dark Lord swung around, and seemed to freeze when he saw her. I bet he was expecting to see Albus. He definitely did not expect to see Minerva coming to the rescue.

"Mr. Riddle," she said coldly as she entered, and Harry couldn't help but grin. She flicked her wand, and Harry's crib jumped and became animated, moving towards the corner of the room, while several blankets lifted off of Harry and wrapped themselves around Lily, helping her stand, then leading her to Harry's crib.

"McGonagall," said Lord Voldemort. "I see that Dumbledore took the bait for the Longbottoms."

Longbottoms? What does he mean? Did he attack them too?

"Always the Slytherin," Minerva replied, her wand steady before her. "I remember you from Hogwarts, Mr. Riddle."

"Of course," said Lord Voldemort coldly. "You gave me a week of detention for cursing a student; your best friend, I recall?"

"Indeed, you were so full of yourself, making it so that everyone knew it was you," she replied frostily.

"And you, McGonagall," he hissed with anger, "were the epitome of Gryffindor--simply assigning detentions and never taking revenge for your friend's plight."

Then they danced. There was no other way to describe it. It was not the wildness of enormous magics clashing together, nor the screaming and raging of Light and Dark magic exploding as they collided. It was not the chaotic manner of lesser duels between weak-willed wizards and witches, but it was the intricate dance between two powerful people who were both master and mistress of their art. Precise and controlled, no gesture wasted, they struck against each other.

And it was very apparent, to Harry at least, that Minerva was weakening fast. She had probably already been dueling with other Death Eaters, by the looks of her appearance when she arrived, as opposed to Lord Voldemort who had probably done nothing useful to help his minions.

Suddenly a spell got through her shield, and Minerva grunted when her right arm was dislocated from the shoulder, and quickly exchanged her wand with her left. Lord Voldemort laughed, his voice a high-pitch cackle that made the hair on the back of his neck stand.

"Surely you can do better," hissed the Dark Lord, as he destroyed a spell from Minerva. "Unfortunately, you will have no further chance to try. I'm afraid my time is valuable, and rather limited at the moment. And as enjoyable as this has been, it is time to end this triviality. I have people to kill, you understand."

Then it happened. Before Harry could react, before Lily could react, before Minerva could react, Lord Voldemort's frenzied magic spun and exploded, soaring with a shriek of evil, then slammed into Minerva. It wasn't a spell--the Dark Lord's magic was unformed--simply a blast of his own darkness, a sledge hammer of sheer power that he struck with all his might. There were no sharp edges. It did not break Minerva's shield. It simply, simply, pushed.

Minerva screamed as she was launched into the air, her defense net destroying the wooden wall behind her as she soared--then she out, away, through the wall into the open sky outside the manor.

And Voldemort laughed. He threw back his head and cackled with the same high-pitch he always used. He shook with insane delight, and his magic laughed with him. It hissed with pleasure, relishing with its master.

Then he froze. His laughter died abruptly, his magic stilled. He turned and faced Lily and Harry in the corner. "Now, it is your turn to die," he said, cold and harsh.

"No!" said Lily as she stumbled forward. "Spare him! Take me instead. Please, spare him!"

"Stand aside, girl," he said. "You need not die tonight."

"No, please, spare him. Take me. Kill me. Torture me! Just, leave him alone! Please."

"Stand aside!"

"No!"

Harry watched as Lord Voldemort flicked his wand and Lily choked, her hands trying to pry invisible fingers from her throat.

No. That is quite enough. You are hurting my mother. You are hurting MY MOTHER!

"Sthop dat!" Harry yelled, using his mouth to speak for the very first time since he came back.

Everybody froze. Everything froze.

Lily was released from the spell, for the Dark Lord lost control of it in his shock.

She, herself, whipped around to face Harry, the look of utter surprise on her face.

Harry tried to stand, and found he could if he leaned against the crib walls. "Sthop hurting my mum! You fuh-ing loother!"

"Possessed," hissed the Dark Lord to himself quietly, but Harry heard. Lord Voldemort pointed his wand at Harry. "Legilimens!"

Love. Use love as your shield, Harry. Nicholas' voice. Love is your strength, and Lord Voldemort cannot stand it. When you face him within your mind, love is your best bet.

Harry thought of his mother, he thought his father. He thought of Ron and Hermione, and of Luna. He thought of Hagrid, he thought of Minerva.

I love them all.

Lily's voice. I love you so much.

And within all this love, he drove them home with the final thought. I cannot let him have my secrets!

Lord Voldemort screamed in rage, and took a few steps back from where he stood, gripping his head tightly.

Harry saw Lily suddenly lunge for her wand, which had been on the floor near Lord Voldemort, and spin around to face the Dark Lord. Yes, mum, take him down when he's distracted! But before she could cast a spell, the Dark Lord waved his wand, and Lily was blown away, her head striking the wall with a loud sickening crunch, and Harry screamed in rage, "I twold you to sthop hurting my mum! I hate you, Wriddle! I'm gonna fuh-ing kill you sthomeday!"

But to Harry's complete surprise, Lord Voldemort only looked at him. His black hood covered his face, but Harry could feel his puzzlement. "Harry James Potter," he said slowly. "Harry Potter. The Boy Who Lived?" What! The Dark Lord shook his head, as though greatly confused. He seemed to look around the room, the hood turning this way and that. "Last night. I remember this place. I have been here before."

What is going on? How the hell did he know about the Boy Who Lived? He couldn't have read it from my mind--it's too well-protected!

"Halloween. Night," Lord Voldemort hissed. "I... must think on this. The Boy Who Lived."

The Dark Lord turned and looked out at the battlefield from the tear in the wall. Harry watched him, and in the back of his mind, he began to realize what was happening.

Lord Voldemort somehow remembers the future. A little bit of it. How? Did a part of his soul travel back in time with us? How the hell? Harry tried to stop from panicking. This is bad. Really bad. Fucking hell, bad!

"Morsemordre!" A sickly green spat out from Lord Voldemort's wand, and the fighting outside seemed to quiet for an instant. The Dark Mark formed, a large ghastly sight, and from under it Death Eaters began portkeying away.

"Scar. A lightning scar." Lord Voldemort turned back to face Harry, who was still frozen in shock. "You are a very interesting baby, Harry Potter. Back from the future, no less. I can see that things will become very interesting indeed." The hood bowed slightly. "I shall bid you a good day, then. We shall meet again soon."

Then he was gone--by portkey, Harry assumed--leaving behind destruction and mayhem. Leaving behind death and injury. Leaving behind chaos.

And for Minerva--Light, please let her be alive and safe--and himself, the future did not look quite as promising as it had just hours ago.