Disclaimer: According to the right-hand doorman, the left-hand doorman would say that I own Harry Potter.


"So, Dumbledore," said Lord Potter, "you believe that Voldemort is only temporarily vanquished, and that, when he returns, my grandson will require the protection of his mother's sacrifice – which can be effectual only if the boy 'calls home the place where his mother's blood dwells'."

"Indeed," said Dumbledore.

"Very well." Lord Potter smiled mysteriously. "Give him to me, and I pledge my magic that he shall."

Dumbledore hesitated, but only momentarily: he dared not scorn a Noble's oath. He surrendered the bundle –


– and, next morning, Privet Drive awoke to a despairing shriek from Number Four: "Vernon! Vernon! They've taken Dudley!"