CLOSE TO YOU • jp + sb [1]

02.06 | PROPHECIES

CHAPTER SIX

     THE grandeur of Potter Manor was evident in every corner of the estate. The house, recently inherited and refurbished after the tragic loss of James's parents eight months ago, now stood as a testament to resilience and new beginnings.

The past year had been a rollercoaster for the Potters. James and Selyna had faced unimaginable challenges but found strength in their love for each other and their son. When Harry was just five months old, James's parents had succumbed to dragon pox, leaving a void that no amount of time could fill. James leaned heavily on Selyna and his best friend, Sirius, to navigate the grief. Despite the heartache, James threw himself into his duties as an auror and his involvement with the Order of the Phoenix. Selyna, meanwhile, balanced raising Harry with her studies to become a healer. She had chosen not to join the Order, prioritizing Harry's safety over everything else.

Tragedy struck again two months prior when Sirius's girlfriend, Mary McDonald, was brutally murdered by Death Eaters. Mary's death was a significant blow, especially for Sirius, who had deep feelings of respect and appreciation for her. Though Sirius's heart truly belonged to Selyna, he mourned Mary's loss profoundly.

On a warm August afternoon, the house was filled with the laughter of a parent and the babble of a one-year-old. James was on the living room floor, playing with Harry, who squealed with delight as he reached for a bright, crinkling toy. Selyna, busy in the kitchen, hummed softly as she prepared dinner.

The peace was interrupted by a knock at the door. Dumbledore arrived, accompanied by Sirius. Selyna greeted them with a welcoming smile, though the presence of the esteemed headmaster and Sirius together was unusual. "Hello, Professor Dumbledore. Sirius," she said, inviting them in. "Would you like to join us for dinner?"

Dumbledore accepted graciously, and James, sensing the serious undertone in Sirius's demeanour, took Harry to the nursery. The baby, exhausted from playing, fell into a deep sleep as James settled him into his crib. He returned to the kitchen with a light-hearted comment. "Kid sleeps like the dead," he said with a grin, but his amusement was cut short by Selyna's playful swat with a towel.

"James," she chided, though her smile betrayed her affection.

Dumbledore chuckled softly at the light-hearted banter, his eyes twinkling despite the gravity of the situation. He cleared his throat and addressed the group. "I'm afraid I do not come bearing good news, my dear." His gaze shifted to James and Sirius. "You remember what we spoke about in the last meeting?"

James and Sirius exchanged nervous glances. James turned to Selyna. "Professor Dumbledore says there has been a prophecy spoken. He wishes to share it with us."

Selyna's brow furrowed in confusion and concern. "A prophecy? What would that have to do with us?"

Dumbledore sighed deeply before beginning. "The prophecy goes as follows: 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies...'"

A profound silence filled the room. James reached out and grasped Selyna's hand tightly, his face pale as he absorbed the weight of the prophecy. Selyna's voice trembled as she asked, "Harry?"

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "I'm afraid so, my dear. It is between your Harry and Neville Longbottom."

Sirius, his protective instincts flaring, spoke with urgency. "What do we do?"