Dark Destinies

Disclaimer: Most characters featured in this story are not of my creation. They belong to their respective creators, J.K. Rowling, Joss Whedon, and any and all parties related to Bloombury Publishing, Scholastic Inc., AOL/Time-Warner, Fox, and Mutant Enemy. Grrrr, arrgh.

Chapter 9

"I refuse to leave," Lily Potter said with conviction.  She placed her hands on her swollen belly.  "This child will be born here, in England."

"But, Lily," Rupert said.  "You've got to.  We've...got to.  He'll kill us...all of us if we don't.  I've seen his work first hand..."

"So have we," added James Potter.  "We're Aurors.  You seem to keep forgetting..."

"Lily's safety will always be first and foremost in my mind," Rupert said.  "I made a promise to protect her.  I always will.  So, Lily, please reconsider.  It doesn't have to look like we're fleeing.  Just a holiday, a month, two months, until this...this...Voldemort..."

Lily winced.  "No one enjoys hearing that name, Rupert."

"Why shouldn't he say it?" James asked.  "It's silly, getting worked up over a name.  Do you think it'll conjure up the Dark Wizard himself?  I'll say it if I want!  Voldemort!  There!  His eyes and ears aren't everywhere..."

"Yet," murmurred Lily.

"If you won't leave England, I can't either," Rupert said.  "Perhaps you can stay with a friend.  That Remus or...or...Peter...yes...I trust Peter."

James looked at Lily.  It seemed as if they were having a secret conversation that Rupert wasn't allowed to listen in on.

Rupert glanced at the pair.  "What is it?"

"There's something we haven't told you," Lily said.  "It's important."

James scowled. "Lily, please, he's a Muggle.  He shouldn't know..."

"I am Muggle-born," Lily said, her gaze steady.  "Do you think of me any less?  Will you think of our child any less?"

"No, but..." James said.  "We made an oath.  Secrecy from all Muggles..."

"Rupert is no ordinary Muggle!" Lily countered. "He's a Watcher.  He already knows that you and the rest of the Marauders are illegal Animagi.  Has he told anyone?  No, he has not!  He can be trusted, and I personally think the Council should be informed!"

Rupert leaned back in his chair, hardly believing that Lily and James were arguing over his own integrity.  "It's all right, Lily.  Watcher or not, family or not, I'm not a part of your...your world.  Magic does not run through my soul as it does in yours.  I rely on books, not talent."

"Oh, you mustn't belittle yourself like that!" Lily said.  "It upsets me so.  You're so strong, Rupert...and bright.  The Council should consider themselves lucky to have you as a Watcher.  I am proud to be related to you."

James sighed.  "Fine, if we should tell Rupert anything..." he paused for a long while, trying to put his words together.  He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose before he began.  "As you Muggles have groups such as Watchers to protect your population from the Darkness, we have Aurors."

"I know that much," Rupert said.

"But," James continued.  "These are not ordinary times in the Wizard world.  He-who-must-not-be-named has control over our weak and gullible, as well as those who seek power for themselves.  The Death Eaters have killed too many of us.  Professor Dumbledore agrees, so he has put together a special group of allies.  We are called The Order of the Phoenix.  Our numbers are small, but together, we plan on stopping the Dark Wizard from claiming any more victims."

"An admirable goal," Rupert said.  "But does Dumbledore really believe he can defeat Volde--er, the Dark Wizard?"

"Dumbledore has always kept his promises," Lily said.  "I've no doubt he can lead us to victory.  The Dark Wizard hasn't dared to infiltrate Hogwarts.  He must be afraid of Dumbledore's power.  The Order meets weekly at Hogwarts, but I haven't been able to attend the meetings lately because of...well..." she looked down at her stomach.  "He's due in a fortnight or so now."

Rupert blinked. "How do you know it's a he?  More magic, I suppose?"

Lily smiled.  "No...just a mother's instinct..."

"Harry Potter," Rupert said, holding a tiny bundle in his arms.  "Such a common-sounding name." He frowned slightly.  "I suppose you don't care a bit, do you?" he asked, addressing the newborn.

"I don't think he minds at all," Lily said.  She held out her arms, and Rupert gave Harry over to her.

"You know, you weren't any older than this when I first met you," Rupert said.  "Seems so long ago."

"Speaking of family," Lily began.  "How are Petunia and little Dudley doing?"  The sisters hadn't seen each other since before Petunia married Vernon Dursley.

Rupert gave a slight frown.  "They're spoiling the baby.  I don't think it's good for little Dudley, at all.  He wants for nothing."

"Petunia always wanted a family," Lily said.  "She was overjoyed when she had a son before I did.  I just hope she's happy."

"I think she is," Rupert said.  "She seemed content the last time I visited.  Vernon doesn't like me too much.  He doesn't like my job at the Museum, says working among old relics from the past is irrelevant.  If he only knew...but I can't tell him the entire truth.  "

"Vernon doesn't like anyone, so don't feel too bad.  You're in good company," Lily said.

"When is James due back?" Rupert asked.

"Hmmm, he might be a while.  He's gone with Sirius and Peter to investigate some stirrings up in the north.  They've heard that the giants are once again causing trouble.  Obliviators are having a horrendous time trying to keep Muggles from spotting those huge creatures.  Dumbledore suspects that the Dark Wizard must have allied with the giants.  Dreadful!  I hope Harry doesn't have to grow up in a world dominated by Darkness."

"He won't," Rupert said.  "The Order will see to that.  And if all else fails, I'll protect him."

"Rupert..."

"He's your son Lily, your blood.  I made a promise to protect you.  That goes for Harry as well."

"When did you promise that?" Lily asked.

"The moment I first saw you, I knew...I knew that I had to keep you away from any danger.  You were just so small and innocent.  But now, you're a powerful witch, much more powerful in magic than I'll ever be.  But still, I have this need to protect you."

"And you feel the same way with Harry?" Lily said.

"Of course!" Rupert said quickly.

"If anything happens to us...if we succumb to the Dark Wizard," Lily said.  "I'd want you to take care of Harry.  I wouldn't entrust him to anyone else.  Teach him what it means to be a Wizard, and what it means to be a Potter."

Rupert nodded.  "I promise, I will."