Chapter the Eighth

Days after my victory as Lily, Harry and I were welcomed to manor in a touching ceremony by the local bonds-wizards and elves Dumbledore appeared like the proverbial spectre at the feast. He stood to one side chatting with a group of the elves until we had time to speak to him. I came to face him with the sort of dread normally associated with facing a dementor, or the tax man.

"Albus, how delightful to see you here. You should have let us know you were coming," I said, smiling politely.

"How are you?" Lily asked warmly, smiling as she approached.

"Well thank you Lily, though I come with grave tidings," Dumbledore said solemnly. "Is there somewhere we might speak privately?"

"Of course, will you just give me a moment?" I asked. He nodded and I turned to announce to the guests that a small banquet had been prepared in the adjacent room and that we would join them as soon as possible. I led the way to the study and shut the door behind us. "Now what can we help you with Albus?"

"Lily, James, there is something I must tell you. Do you recall that in February I appointed a new divination teacher?" Dumbledore asked, conjuring himself a seat and sinking into it wearily.

"Yes, but I don't really see how that affects us," Lily said slowly.

"During that interview she gave a prophecy. The prophecy described a boy who was to be born at the end of July to parents who had thrice defied the Dark Lord, a boy who could defeat him. A prophecy which an agent of Lord Voldemort heard. I have recently been informed that Voldemort has decided that this prophecy relates either to Harry, or to Frank and Alice's son, Neville," Dumbledore said. He plucked his half-moon spectacles from his nose, without them he looked far, far older.

"He's coming?" I asked shortly.

"Not yet, but it will not be long. We need to get you into hiding. There is a charm, old magic: the fidelius. It can be placed upon a building to hide it from all save those who know the secret. A secret-keeper can prevent all those whom he or she does not trust from entering," he said with a sigh.

"Right. Then tell me how to cast it. I'll do it now," Lily said firmly.

"I think it would be better if I cast the spell," Dumbledore suggested, "if the caster is not experienced enough they must bind the secret within the soul of one who does not live in the house. If I were to cast it one of you two would be able to hold it, or I might myself."

"I think I would prefer it if Lily were to cast it, sir," I said. "We have friends we can trust. Can we cast on the manor?"

"Very well James, Lily. The spell's complexity grows almost exponentially with the number of people who know the secret to begin with, however. It would be safer to cast it upon somewhere small and less well known. Your cottage in Godric's Hollow, for instance," Dumbledore said agreeing smoothly. Either he was truly worried, or he had a plan in place I decided, in either case I could not risk Lily's life and Harry's by ignoring him.

"Very well, I will contact Sirius. Dumbledore, Lily, will you be able to work on the spell whilst I do that?" I asked, walking over to the door to fetch my two-way mirror to Sirius.

"Of course James. Hurry though," Lily said, as she sat down opposite Dumbledore.

Which leaves us here. Perhaps it was paranoia but when Sirius suggested that we make Peter the secret-keeper to avoid suspicion and I agreed, Voldemort and Dumbledore will have no idea who to press for our location (although I fear that Dumbledore knows in any case; it would be unlike the old man not to work a fail-safe into a spell). Thus, the great irony is that Lily, Harry and I have been imprisoned, albeit benevolently, not for my sins but for resisting the evil of Lord Voldemort.

Even if the War comes to an end though I may not be safe. Despite my imprisonment in this tiny cottage, robbed temporarily of my prize, I have heard occasional snippets of news over this long, barren year. Dumbledore has not ceased to investigate the other Potter's deaths.

To my sorrow I cannot be sure that he will not in the end strike against me. I have written this account because I would not wish my story to go untold. If this ever comes to trial I wish that there should be a whole and pristine account of my actions, untainted by the sordid mess of a courtroom. In any case this account will show that Lily was in no part complicit in my actions.

This is a full confession of my crimes. I trust that it shall never be put to use, but should there ever be a need for such an account I have written it. In the meantime, however, shall spend my time now that this is finished doing the far, far more important work of playing with my son and heir.

I hereby sign this document to assure any who may come to read it that it is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth,

James Potter

31st October 1981