Family Crisis
Author's Note: Sept. 15, 2011 4:41pm - If you have read my previous works then you know how I write my stories. This is my character in Harry Potter if I could rewrite it (which will never happen, hence the fanfic). As usual, I will stay with canon; the only reason I would divert from it would be to alter events that are directly related to the new character. Other than that, I will follow what happened in the books and movies. (And yes, my author's notes are usually long. [Shrug] What? I've got a lot to explain, so there are no misunderstandings.) Btw, If you don't absolutely love my story or you just downright hate it, that's okay. Flames are not unwelcome but will be pretty much ignored. (Sorry. But I won't lose sleep at night for it. That fanfiction website is big. There are other stories if you don't like mine.). I'm doing this for MY personal enjoyment, and if a few people like it along the way: BONUS!
December 19th, 2016 15:32(military time by the way): [Pops in from stage right.] Hey. Hi. Been awhile, hasn't it? Well, needless to say I am much older and wiser than I was; therefore, the story can only get better right? So, I have developed a new interest in the Harry Potter universe. (Mostly because I just watched 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' over the weekend. Loved it! Now I am re-watching the whole series in order at home.) For those people that have been following this, so-far, sad excuse for a story, I will be making changes to some minor details (Ahem. Ahem. Major details). (Name of the main character and so on.) Sorry for the long delay. I will try to keep up regularly, but my moods of what to watch, read, and play change. I will do my best. Words in full Italics are thoughts. Full passages surrounded by [brackets and italicized] are flashbacks. Enjoy the revised version!
WARNING: This is a re-telling of Harry Potter with my character in it. It will take a while to write and will probably be long and arduous. So if you're looking for a quick story, you won't find it here. So, shoo.
Disclaimer: I do not own the events or characters in Harry Potter series except what I have changed. Warner Bros, JK Rowling, and other creative minds own everything except what I have changed.
Spoilers: All of the books and movies, in order, with some glimpses in-between. However, most of my references of events will be from the perspective of the movies. But, I will include certain aspects of the books that weren't in the movies.
Rating: Rated T for most of the story. Rated M for bloody action scenes, excessive violence, cruelty, language (my character has a mouth when she's mad), and slash later. Warning: character deaths (the only characters that die are the ones that already exist in canon) EXCEPT if I make an exception. (And because of the pairings, you KNOW I will. Severus Forever!)
Pairings: SiriusxOC(Artemis). SeverusxOC (It's complicated. And he's a Hot mess. And has a beautiful soul. I'm sorry, but I can't let the bravest man in the Harry Potter series die. BTW, Severus may or may not be OOC in this story. I will be as reliable as possible, but he is never in love with anyone but Lily, so I will do my best. But this is fanfiction so some liberties can be taken). And any other pairings that are found in the books. (Remember: Other than my character, I didn't change anything!) If you have questions, you will find out as you read. Or PM me for a quick answer.
Chapter 1: Family Crisis
31st October 1981 – Godric's Hollow
A thunderclap rumbled through the sky and shook the foundation of the house. The windows shook with such force, that if the young witch hadn't known that they were protected by magic, she thought they would surely shatter. It had been like this ever since He started his genocide and domination campaign of the Muggles. Voldemort. The very name ignited a spark of hatred in her oblique, ocean-blue eyes. This nasty weather is a direct result of this stupid war! It's all his fault!
She was a part of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization opposed to the self-proclaimed, Dark Lord's, rule. He wanted to dominate over all of the Muggles and kill Muggle-born witches and wizards, creating a pure-blood empire. Hmph! She laughed at herself. Although he might hesitate to kill her despite her being quarter giant and half-Veela to boot. Voldemort won't kill what he can use, and he had sent many of his followers to try to persuade her to join his side because of her power. The rest of her small family would not be so lucky. She thought of her father, Gamekeeper of Hogwarts, and wondered if he was okay. She hadn't heard from him in weeks. Voldemort made every moment full of fear. Fear of losing someone you love was a constant, looming reality. The Dark Lord was extremely powerful and cunning, probably too smart for his own good. So, fighting, even resisting, him was difficult. Allies were hard to come by, too. Not because they were scarce; almost everyone hated him. It was because you didn't know who to trust because of the Death Eater's. They were followers of Voldemort and his ideals, and they could be anyone, and everyone suspected everyone else. Very few people were too willing to put their lives on the line, or the lives of their families, to fight back. It was simply easier to conform to what they told you and stay out of the way. He had extremely powerful wizards and dark creatures at his side. The Order had tried their best to defeat and oppose him where ever they could, but it seemed like a losing battle.
She had greatly aided the war effort due to her vast knowledge and in-born ability to understand the Dark Arts and her prodigious talents at dueling and her time as an Auror, but now her sole duty was to protect her best friends, Lily and James Potter. However, their infant son, Harry, was the most important; he was the key to defeating Voldemort for good. UGH! Scum bag! She could never understand how someone could willingly cause so much pain and suffering without feeling the least bit of remorse. But she put that thought aside; she had given up on trying to understand the workings of the Dark Lord who was threatening the existence of everything she held dear. The only thing that concerned her was keeping the source of his defeat alive.
Another lightning bolt streaked across the sky and made her jump in surprise followed by a loud clap of thunder. A baby's cry came floating from the other side of the room, startled from sleep by the sudden noise. Artemis put down the book she had been reading, brushing her wavy silvery-blonde hair out of her eyes, and crossed the room of the small nursery. Rain pounded the windows and more lightning streaked across the sky, lighting the warmly lit room erratically. The weather had become chaotic and dreary at the start, seeming to reflect the sorrow of the innocent victims and their families that were caught up in this hateful war. Bending down she scooped up young Harry Potter out of his crib and tried to comfort her distressed god-son.
"Shh, It's okay, Harry." she whispered softly, "Mummy and Daddy will be back soon." She looked out the window as the young boy continued to cry, almost magically aware of the condition of the broken world he was born into. Rocking him back and forth, Harry had grabbed a fistful of her shoulder-length hair before settling back into sleep. Artemis looked out the window at Godric's Hollow below. It was a quiet town with only a few shops and a generally well populated community and was mostly a wizard village. It had been her childhood home where she had been raised by one of her half-Veela maternal Aunts. Aunt Maira had declared that, 'Raising on child on school grounds is not a proper upbringing.' She smiled at the memory, knowing her strict but loving Aunt still lived a few doors down the street. Though she currently resided in Hogsmeade, she had felt quiet reminiscent upon coming back to her old home. A good place to hide, she thought, doesn't stick out too much. Seeing two hooded figures walk up the foggy drive, she stiffened. Hushing the, now awake, Harry as she placed him back in his bed, she reached toward the end table for her cedar wand. She had a pretty good idea of who it was, but she had to be safe. She couldn't afford to take any risks; he was the only hope for the future and someone she held dear.
Quickly, but silently, she made her way downstairs and positioned herself on one side of the front door, wand at the ready. Upon reaching the door, her mind instinctively reached out to touch the minds of the figures approaching. From a very young age, Artemis had the instinctive ability to sense the true intentions and feelings of anyone she met. It wasn't true mind-reading, but it did allow her to know who to trust and who was lying which had been a crucial trait during the war. She had been sent on numerous missions as an Auror because of her unique ability. The shuffle of feet nearby brought her attention back to the present. Despite acknowledging that it was Lily and James, she stayed her hand to wait for the proper signal. She listened as the two walked up the drive. Just then, a light shown at the bottom of the doorframe, and a glowing mist filtered into the room. Watching patiently, Artemis saw it materialize into a stag and knew that it was them for sure.
Promptly opening the door, she saw her two friends standing in the rain holding several brown paper bags. The shorter of the two lowered their hood, and Artemis immediately smiled at her dearest friend's bright green eyes. Nodding toward the house, Lily smiled back, "Come on, Arty! We'll catch a cold at this rate."
Still smiling, Artemis stepped aside to let them in the house, "Harry was awakened by the storm, but he just went back to sleep." She whispered.
She took a few packages out of James' hands to help him in the house. "Thanks, Queeny. But what took you so long. You already knew it was us before we even touched the gate." Artemis smiled at the use of her Marauder nickname from their school days. She playfully admonished him, "I have to be sure. Professor Dumbledore said, if I don't observe these precautions during times of calm, it will be easier to forget them in times of danger." James shook his head as if trying to wrap his head around the issue was difficult. Shaking the rain off of his over-coat, he hung his outer-wear in the hall closet. "You are too uptight. No one's going to find us with the Fidelius Charm active, you know. You've really changed since becoming an Auror." He smirked at her. "Man, it's ghastly out there, isn't it?" He asked lightly, trying to brighten the mood. Artemis turned and peered out at the deserted street before shutting the door. "You don't have to be so on edge." James playfully teased her once again for her over-protectiveness.
Not moving, Artemis gave James a look of reproach. "Please, don't you even start James. You never know when something might go wrong. With Death Eaters at every door you . . . you just never know." She finished worried, but forcefully. They both stopped what they were doing and turned to face her. James' face was serious as he searched for something to say. Lily looked surprised but became suddenly uncomfortable. The three friends had been through a lot, having known each other since their school days.
Lily Evans, now Lily Potter, and another wizard, Severus Snape were her very first friends she had made when she attended Hogwarts. They had met on the train and become fast friends ever since. James was . . a little different. She had liked him because of their mutual 'interest' for causing trouble but didn't actually associate with him due to his slightly cruel nature until their later years at Hogwarts. Eventually, however, after everyone's maturity came through, they got along well because of his bravery and loyalty to his friends. Lily and Artemis had been Maids of Honor at each other's respective weddings. And when Lily's son was born, Artemis and her husband Sirius were made Harry's god-parents. It was something Artemis treasured because of her inability to have her own children.
And now, she was worried more than ever. Their lives were in grave danger due to the prophecy of "the one who would have the power to defeat the Dark Lord". There were two children in question, but rumor has it that Harry was the intended target due to the tip off from Severus. Her thoughts floated to the Death Eater who had changed sides for the sake of Lily. Warmth filled her heart, followed by a painful squeeze. She had loved him from the moment Lily had invited him to sit with them on their first train ride. She would spend her summers at Lily's house just to see him. And she understood how he felt. It's difficult to love someone unrequited for so long. A dark cloud of grief filled her heart.
Suddenly, something had filled her vision. Lily. She brought her arms comfortingly around her, giving Artemis a squeeze as James went to put the groceries in the kitchen. When he was out of earshot, she pulled back and gave her a worried gaze. "You're thinking about Severus again, aren't you?" Taken aback, Artemis gave her a quizzical look. Lily smiled, "You always wear the same expression when you think of him. Warm and gentle at first, then pain, but the warmth never leaves your eyes. I know that you love Sirius as well, but why didn't you marry Severus? It seems you care for him more." Lily took the package Artemis was still holding and put it on the coffee table in the center of the room.
Sighing, Artemis' shoulders dropped. Lily was still unaware that Severus had felt an unrequited love for Lily herself since childhood. During their third year, Artemis had confessed to Severus in front of a group of students that included Lily, James, Sirius and a few other's to no success. He acted like she didn't exist. Thankfully, it didn't affect their friendship, but he would never mention the event. Artemis did care for Sirius, but she felt guilty over marrying him because he was the only one who asked. Sirius never seemed to mind, and she came to care for him more each day. But occasionally, her thoughts would float back to Severus.
As James came back into the room, Lily whispered in her ear, "I'm sorry, Arty. I just don't like seeing you filled with such sadness. I'm not doubting you, I just . . ." She continued until Artemis gave her arm a small squeeze and a gentle smile. Lily still looked unconvinced but dropped the subject as James drew nearer.
Unaware of the melancholy topic the girls were discussing, James entered with his trademark smile. "Besides, He wouldn't know where to look. The secret is safe with Peter." James continued as he approached them. A frown creased her brow as the thought of one of their 'so called friends' caused a churning in her gut. She had never trusted Peter since they had graduated from Hogwarts. She stopped being able to get a proper 'reading,' as she called it, of his intentions which meant he was hiding something, and he was prone to disappearing for days on end without giving a straight-forward answer. After James and Lily decided to switch Secret-Keeper duty to Peter, Artemis had vehemently protested, stating that she couldn't fully trust him. James' voice interrupted her thoughts. "So, when is Sirius going to get here?" He looked out the window to check if someone was wandering around outside.
"Oh!" Artemis, her mind distracted, looked over at the grandfather clock against the wall. "Ha-ha, I almost forgot! I have to pick him up in an hour." She looked at the clock after placing the bag on the kitchen table.
Suddenly, a clap of thunder, far louder than any they heard before, sounded overhead and shook the very ground they stood on. There was something odd about the noise, and the three friends stood still, trying to figure out what had just transpired. Slowly, Artemis cautiously moved toward the front window. She couldn't shake an overwhelming sense of dread creep over her. She could sense something was moving, but she couldn't figure out what it was. She had felt this feeling in the past, right before-
Gasping, she whirled around, fear shaking her voice, "We have to go, now!" Lily suddenly looked frightened. "He's coming!" She whispered hoarsely. Running to the window, James looked down the seemingly empty street.
"B-but that's impossible!" Lily stammered, her voice filled with dread. Running to a closet, Artemis pulled out an emergency satchel that held extra supplies in case of emergencies. "B-but P-Peter." Lily continued, wringing her hands. "What happened to Peter?" As she stood up, Artemis growled maliciously. "He's betrayed us!" James waved his hand for silence. Running to Lily, Artemis put an arm around her shoulder to calm her, as Lily sobbed quietly.
He squinted his eyes looking through the storm in both directions then widened when he saw what he had feared. A single pillar of black smoke flew down from the sky. "Yes, he's already on his way now!" Motioning to his wife, he quickly preceded upstairs. Running up the steps two at a time, Artemis paused at the top of the stairs waiting for Lily to grab Harry. It was an emergency plan they had laid out in case they needed it. Escorting Lily to the nursery, James was giving her important instructions to follow once they had escaped the house. Artemis would escort Lily and Harry out the secret passage that led to the moor on the outside of town. Afterwards, they would head to Professor Dumbledore while James would hold off whatever threat was approaching. Tears began to stream from Artemis's eyes as she knew that James was most likely going to die.
Artemis shifted from one foot to another, fear rising in her as she sensed the figure approaching. Despite being halfway down the street, Artemis could already get an overwhelming reading from the enemy and knew it was Voldemort himself. Artemis continually threw nervous glances at the front door. "James!" she whispered desperately. "James, hurry!" James ran from the nursery and stopped in front of Artemis at the top of the stairs.
"You'll be alright, won't you?" James asked smiling, out of breath. He wiped the tears from her eyes.
Artemis threw her arms around him, "Please, be careful, James." She begged. She couldn't lose any more friends to this war. "They're going to need you." She tried to sound hopeful despite the gut-wrenching sense of dread that crept over her.
"Go on, then. Keep them safe, for me." He smiled, then he ran down the steps. "I'll hold them off as long as I can." Afterwards the door flew open, and James was caught in a bright green light. And everything unfolded like a nightmare.
A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A
[Artemis had just finished putting on her new robes with the Hogwarts logo bold against the dark fabric. She straightened her freshly combed hair and put her pale blue headband back into place behind her ears. Sitting on the cushioned bench once again, she tried to calm her over-excited nerves as the train continued ever onwards. It was going to be her first time officially learning how to do magic. She didn't know what to expect on her first day. But she knew it was going to be exciting judging from what her father and Auntie Maira had told her. Pulling out her copy of 'The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection,' she attempted to continue where she left off at home, but her mind was too pre-occupied.
Just as she began to wonder what mysteries would await her on the road ahead, there was a gentle knock on the carriage door. Looking up she saw a young girl of the same age with long, thick, wavy red hair and bright, almond-shaped green eyes. The bright smile on her face made Artemis smile in return. Already in her robes for school, Artemis detected a bright and positive heart which put her at ease when she opened the carriage door. "Hello," the girl piped up. "It's nice to see another friendly face. I'm Lily Evans! What's yours?" She extended her hand warmly.
Taking the young girl's hand in her own, she gave a friendly shake as a smile spread across her face, "My name is Artemis Estellise Chrysalis Valqua Hagrid." When Lily raised her eyebrows humorously, she shrugged as an apology. "My mother's family has long names. My first name is Artemis. My dad calls me Arty. Did you want to sit here? I thought I would be alone." Artemis' eyes shifted to a lone shadow hiding beyond the door in the hall. It appeared to be a student who felt unsure if it was okay to enter. Looking into his heart, she sensed of darkness but goodness was there too. It was the kind of goodness that could be nurtured with the right nudge. She glimpsed that his only wish was that she wouldn't find him revolting like the rest of the students did. Artemis smiled inwardly knowing that he would never have to worry about that with her. She liked to form her own impressions and was open to being friends with everyone. Nodding her head in his direction, Artemis asked Lily, "It seems that we may have another visitor."
Lily turned and smiled at the boy, waving him inside. "Come one, Sev! She seems like a nice person!" Cautiously, the pale-faced boy inched his way into the car, looking at her furtively. His clothes were patchy and old as were his belongings. Without hesitation, Artemis stepped up and offered her hand with a friendly smile, "I'm Artemis Hagrid. Nice to meet you! What's your name?" Keeping his head slightly down, he offered his hand and flinched when she grabbed it. "Severus Snape." He mumbled, shaking hers weakly.
Startled, she gripped both of his hands in hers. "My goodness! Your hands are freezing!" Pulling his hands quickly out of hers, he turned away to put his trunk on the rack. "Sorry," he mumbled. "My hands are always cold." She smiled at him. "Well," she offered gently, "as my father always says, 'Those who have cold hands have warmer hearts.'" Surprised by her comment, he turned to look at her. She could almost see a smile start to form on his lips, but it quickly retreated, almost as he thought better of it. Nodding gently, she sat down on her bench while Lily and Severus sat on the other. Turning to her, Lily pointed to Artemis' hair. "I've never seen someone with hair like yours. It's pretty!"
Blushing, Artemis turned to look out the window by fingering her slivery locks. "My mother was a Veela. I get my hair from her. Most people laugh at me. I'm quarter giant too. Everyone else calls me a freak, but I'll show them. I'll be a great witch who protects everyone." Reaching across the distance between them, Lily gripped her hand warmly. "Well, I think it's wonderful!" Severus also seemed to be staring at her hair and nodded his agreement. After this, Artemis knew that the ice between them had been broken. They talked for hours the whole train ride. Towards the end, Artemis felt that they had been friends their whole lives.
Having arrived at the school, they started to pull their belongings down from the racks. Without turning around, Lily's voice drifted to Artemis' ears, "You should visit me during the summer. There is a wonderful meadow near our house. Isn't that right, Sev?" Severus nodded while, he too, grabbed his books and belongings. "I would love, too!" Artemis looked around to see if there was anything she left behind. Feeling satisfied, she turned to her new friends, "I've got everything. Do you two need help with your things?" Turning around, Lily smiled, "No. That's alright. You go on ahead. See you on the platform."
"Alright see you there." Artemis turned and stepped out into the hall of the crowded train. Making her way onto the platform, she reached into the pocket of her robe looking for her mother's keepsake. Suddenly, her hand froze. She felt again for the necklace thinking she had been mistaken. She inwardly started to panic when she didn't find it; she couldn't lose something so important! Stopping in the middle of the crowded platform, she began to frantically search her pockets.
Then, someone reached up and tapped her on the shoulder. Whirling around with tears in her eyes, she saw Severus. He held up a glittering, silver necklace with a sapphire tear-shaped gem that seemed to glow from within. "Is this yours?" He asked meekly. "It was left in the car. Lily said it wasn't hers." Nodding and wiping away the tears, she gingerly reclaimed her necklace, holding it close. "Yes. My mother died years ago. This is one of the things she gave me. It's very important. Thank you." He nodded. Before he turned away, he looked at her hair before looking back at her, "Your hair is very pretty." Startled, she felt her face grow hot. Trying to find something to say, her thoughts were interrupted when Lily's voice cut through the crowd. "Sev, Artemis, come on! The others are leaving!" The two new friends ran to catch up while Artemis tried to calm her racing heart.]
A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A
With the disappearance of Lord Voldemort, Artemis could move again. Gasping, she tried to sob and calm her ragged breathing at the same time. It wasn't working. Her chest hurt with each breath and she couldn't move her legs. She was still reeling at the very thought of being alive. She was sure that Voldemort have liked to use the killing curse on her but he didn't. Of course, she though vehemently. He won't kill what he can use! She did have horrible, bloody gashes across her chest. Suddenly, a nauseous feeling crept up from within her as her body violently coughed up a spray of blood.
She coughed at the dusty, cramped air around her. It was dark and it appeared that the house had collapsed, if not the whole thing, then at least part of it. She wondered if Voldemort was dead. He had to be or else he wouldn't have left her there. She tried to remain quiet as she didn't know if any Death Eater's had come to investigate. Her face was streamed with countless tears as she recounted the horrible attack.
A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A-A
[The door had been blown open and Voldemort stepped through. James brandished his wand as he deflected a stream of green energy. "Lily, take Harry and go! It's Him!" Another deflected curse bounced away from him and splintered the coffee table. James retaliated to no affect. "Artemis! GO! Run! I'll hold him off!" Then a green beam of light had hit him square in the chest. He was sent flying into the wall at the foot of the stairs and slumped to the floor, lifeless.
"NOOOO!" Artemis heard the scream, but wasn't fully aware that she had made the noise. Then slowly turning to her, Voldemort proceeded to unleash the same form of death on her. As the beam headed towards her, she raised her wand and diverted the attack to blow a hole in the side of the house. She had a better understanding of the Dark Arts being an Auror, but that would only give her a slight advantage.
Whirling around, she bolted down the hall toward the nursery. A grief-stricken Lily poked her head out. Waving her off, Artemis looked behind her as a black cloak ascended the stairs, "Lily, GO! Get out through the window!" Then Lily's eyes widened in horror and Artemis knew why. Turning around to face her attacker, she saw the ugly, red beam come for her. Not able to right herself fast enough the curse hit her square in the chest; blood sprayed from her chest as her body collapsed and slid across the floor before stopping in front of the nursery door.
"ARTEMIS!" Lily didn't have time to react. She ran in the room and slammed the door shut. Artemis knew that wouldn't hold of the Dark Lord for long. Wait! How did she know that? She's supposed to be dead! But, no. She clearly saw the bottom of his cloak sweep across the floor towards her before stopping at the door. He was apparently alone as he blasted the door open. Artemis moved to get up, but her body didn't respond, she couldn't even talk. Everything hurt to move, but she was certainly still breathing as a pool of her blood gathered beneath her. All she could do was lay there and watch events unfold.
Voldemort stepped into the room as Lily moved in front of the crib, blocking his progress. She was frightened, but she held fast. Raising his wand, Voldemort spoke for the first time, "I am giving you the opportunity to save yourself. Step aside and you may live." His voice was harsh and smooth at the same time. She could only shake her head frantically. "Stand aside." He said more forcefully.
"Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead . ." She pleaded, starting to cry in desperation.
"This is my last warning . ." he insisted. "Stand aside now, or die."
A burning pain began to grow in Artemis' chest as she attempted to move her body; whether it was from the curse she had been hit with or the deep grief and fear of what was to come, she didn't know. Impending doom compelled her to move her arms as Voldemort took a step closer. Still Lily would not move, bravely standing up to the most powerful dark lord in magical history for the sake of her son. "Not Harry! Please . . have mercy . ." She tried to reason with him one last time. "Not Harry! Please - I'll do anything . ." Then that familiar green light shot out and Lily screamed one last time as she crumpled to the floor. NOOO! Fighting off her paralysis, Artemis tried to move her arm toward her wand but it wasn't moving fast enough. By the stars! Please, not Harry! She begged silently. Lines of tears flowed undeterred down her face. He was only a child, just a baby. But she could only watch in horror as he approached the crib. Raising his wand, he unleashed his attack out of pure malice.
Then as suddenly as it was released from his wand, it bounced back and engulfed Lord Voldemort in a violent green explosion. Afterwards, all feeling had disappeared.]
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
She paused her memories as a searing pain developed behind her eyes. When she opened them, she found herself still in the hallway of the second floor. The ceiling of the nursery and part of the hallway had been blown off and she saw a green light in the sky. Recognizing it as the Dark Mark, she spat in disgust. How dare they mark this house with such slander! She thought contemptuously. Still sobbing, she began to will her body to stand and find her bearings. Her legs were weak but obeyed as she leaned against the wall. Three grisly, red marks that had slowly blossomed across her chest were starting to clot as her blood-stained shirt clung to her. Dirt, dust, and debris riddled her clothes, and the ends of her shirt and pants were frayed and torn. Reaching up to her head, she felt a steady stream running down from her right temple. A chilly wind blew across her chest chilling the blood that had spread and causing her body to shake. Bringing her arm up to brush blood out of her eyes, she heard a faint sound that drew her attention back to the nursery. A small precious sound she never thought to hear again. A baby's cry!
Harry! Harry was still alive! By some great miracle, he was still alive! She forced her trembling, aching body into the nursery and stopped short at the sight of her dearest friend. Lily. She fell to the floor on her knees as new tears streamed down her face. Lily. Her best friend. The weight of her grief seemed to crush her. Harry's cries filled the night as he continued to lay under his upside down crib, bringing her back to reality. The danger had not passed. She needed to get him out, to Dumbledore, to somewhere safe. Turning the crib to the side, she lifted the strewn blankets, and she saw his bright green eyes that he had inherited from his mother. New tears flowed as she picked him up, the small boy crying out into the night.
Suddenly, a new presence had filled the house. She quietly placed Harry back in between the crib and what remained of the exterior wall as she hushed the distraught child. Could it be Death Eaters? Come to finish what your master couldn't? Her contempt was quickly replaced by terror as the reality of the idea set in. She was alone and, because of Voldemort's attack, very weak. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to defend against any sort of attack by Death Eaters. She frantically, fumbled to find her wand discarded on the floor as she hushed Harry once more. Placing a temporary Shield Charm on the room, she leaned against the wall in the hallway. As quietly as she could and using the wall for support, she crept along the hall toward the stairs on the other side of the house with her wand at the ready. With each step she took, the terror she felt seemed to rise, gathering at the back of her throat until it was choking her. She swallowed thickly as she clenched her left hand tightly to stop its involuntary shaking, nerves damaged long ago from the Cruciatus Curse.
Only a few paces from the top of the stairs, she felt the presence of another body cautiously stealing its way up the staircase from the lower level. As if sensing her presence, the approaching figure also stopped short from rounding the corner. With her heart in her throat and a pounding in her ears, Artemis gulped again as they waited. After what seemed like an eternity, luminous, blue wisps floated up from downstairs and began to coalesce at the top landing. Being cautious and ready to defend herself, Artemis watched as it slowly started to take the shape of something she knew well. A doe. It was Lily's patronus; however, there was also one other person who had the same. Exhaustion and pain made her voice sound barely above a whisper. "Se-Severus?" She weakly whispered his name like a precious treasure, hope being the only motivation for speaking aloud.
The figure began to move with purpose now as it climbed the last few stairs. A darkly, robed figure stepped into the hallway; to her, his pale face was brighter than the sun, her heart skipping several beats at the sight of her heart's greatest desire. Terror and danger receding, relief came like a tidal wave, washing over her and leaving her too weak to stand. Sliding to the floor, new tears streamed down her face as Severus knelt beside her and gently cupped her marred face in his cool hands. He's always so gentle, she thought to herself. She always liked his hands. Gently, he tilted her face to look up into his endlessly, black eyes worry creasing his angular features.
"I'm s-s-sorry!" The pain from her wounds made it difficult to talk. She shook her head side to side in shame and grief. She was only of two people in the world who knew about his love for Lily. The fact that she had been tasked with protecting her and had failed was more than she could bear. "I'm so sorry, Severus! I'm so sorry!" She dissolved into sobs as his face contorted into heart-wrenching grief. Turning to stand, he made a beeline for the bedroom, and she flinched when she heard his heart-rending cry. "I'm sorry." She whispered to the hallway.
Gathering what remained of her strength, she pulled herself upright and slowly began making her way back to the nursery. She reached the door to find Severus holding Lily's body as tears streamed from his eyes. Looking away to give him privacy, she made her way to Harry's hiding place as the young boy started crying again. She unwrapped him from the piles of scorched blankets and hugged him to her chest. Shushing her god-child, she kissed the top of his head which got a giggle out of him. She then looked toward Severus to see him gingerly place Lily back on the floor and move the hair out of her eyes. He then fixed his eyes on her, still red from his weeping. There was anger in gaze, but she could sense that it wasn't directed at her. "What happened?" His whisper drifted toward her, soft and tense.
"It all happened so fast." Recounting the story brought back the painful memories afresh bringing tears once more. Her sadness upset young Harry and caused him to bawl loudly. "Oh. I'm sorry, Harry. Shh! Shush now. It's alright!" After she quieted him down, she turned her attention back to Severus who had moved to sit by her side to begin healing her cuts. "They had returned from being out. Almost immediately, he showed up. We didn't even have time to get to the secret passage in the basement! He blasted the front door and killed James right off. I hadn't even made it halfway down the hall before he got me with this." She nodded down to indicate the grisly wounds on her chest. "Then he went after . . . he t-talked to her!" She sobbed. "He tried to get her to move. But she wouldn't. She wouldn't let him by. Then he got her! He tried to kill Harry but something happened. It-I don't know. I think-"
Suddenly, she heard a roaring sound from in the sky, growing louder as it approached the ground. Swiftly she looked up toward the east and saw a single headlight coming towards the village. Her face fell with horror. She knew that sound. Grabbing Severus' arm as he tried to stand, she whispered urgently. "You have to go! Now!" She said louder when he hesitated. "The rest of the Order still doesn't trust you, and if Sirius finds you here, he won't believe anything you say. You have to go!" He reached up and gently stroked her face. She cupped his hand in hers, "I'll be fine. Go, please." Nodded, took off in the opposite direction of the growing noise. Artemis made her way down the stairs and out of the house.
Looking up she saw Sirius on his motorbike land on the street in front of the house. Jumping off, Sirius ran towards his wife, worry-stricken. "My luv! Dumbledore told me the Fidelius Charm had been broken." He gloomily looked at the house. His voice cracked with emotion, "Artemis, I'm so sorry. Are you alright, Luv?" He kneeled next to her as Harry grabbed a fistful of her hair and released another round of tears. All she could do was nod. Wrapping his arms around her and Harry protectively, Sirius let his own tears fall. "How could this . .?" Snow began to fall softly around them.
After a few moments, he looked around at the surrounding streets. Eyeing the gathering witches and wizards, he gingerly gripped the back of her head. "C-come on, sweet," he sobbed, "We have to get him out of here."
A loud booming voice echoed across the drive, "ARTEMIS!" Her father had arrived. He was far taller than any normal man because of his half giant's blood. Hagrid lumbered his way toward them. "Artemis, are you alright?" His large shaggy beard was wet with tears that still flowed. Stepping on the gate, he cautiously approached them, "I saw the Dark Mark from the other side o' town. Oh my, is that him? What happened ter his mum and dad? Oh, Merlin's beard!" His heavy sobs echoed in the valley town.
Handing Harry to Sirius, she stepped toward her dad. She only came up to the middle of his chest. Looking up at him, she wiped the tears from her eyes, "Dad, remember what Dumbledore said?" He nodded, letting out another loud sob. "You have to take him there; I'm going to find out what happened." Sirius walked to stand next to her, handing Harry over seemed like the hardest thing he had to do.
But, Sirius knew that they must do what Dumbledore instructed. "You'd better hurry, Hagrid." He smiled weakly. "You can take my motorbike." He nodded at the bike in the middle of the street.
"Don't worry, Arty." Hagrid reassured her, through his tears. "I'll take him straight there." Positioning the small boy in his coat he turned and headed off. Climbing aboard he looked back, "You two take care, yeh hear?" Artemis smiled one last time as he started the engine and took off into the air. She watched after him until she couldn't hear the roar of the motor anymore. Turning back, she buried her face in Sirius' shoulder and sobbed. He wrapped his arms around her again and cried silently along with her. The anguish at losing two of their dearest friends, as well as everyone else they had known that suffered in this war was too much.
Finally, pulling away, she looked at him, "I think Voldemort is dead." She sobbed. "It is the only reason that Harry is still alive. But I don't know why. It must have been powerful magic because it blew the house off." She sobbed. "I was-I was completely useless." She cried, new tears streaming down her face.
"Shh, no you weren't, luv!" he soothed, "You did everything you could."
She heard something behind her. She felt an oily presence creeping up on her. Turning around with a start, she examined the damaged house. "What? What do you see?" Her husband asked quietly.
There! She saw a figure in the middle of the house. Silently running along the side of the property she made her way into the backyard with Sirius close on her tail. Hiding by the bushes, she waited with baited breath to see who it was. As he emerged, she gasped. It was Peter! Completely unharmed! That could only mean that he wasn't tortured for the information! He gave up Lily and James' hiding place willingly!
She took a deep breath. She would give him the opportunity to explain himself . . . then she would kill him! Stepping out of the bushes, she made her presence known. "Peter! What happened?" He spun around appearing to be clutching something in his hand. She saw that he was retrieving Voldemort's discarded wand! Knowing that he had been caught by the wrong people, he took off across the meadow and Artemis gave chase.
"Artemis!" Sirius took off after her. "Artemis, he could be dangerous by now!" All she was aware of was her anger. How could he do this to them! Lily and James were our best friends! We protected him. They didn't deserve this! She felt heat begin to creep up her body as her anger grew. There was no doubt now that he willingly betrayed her friends. Of course, there was the possibility of him being under the Imperius Curse, but that was unlikely. Peter was a lot smarter than people gave him credit for. He would only cower and flee if he knew he was in the wrong or if he was afraid for his own safety.
I really hate cowards! She thought bitterly. She hated the whole lot of them. It wasn't fear that she hated or anyone who experienced fear. That was normal. It was a natural part of being alive. She just hated cowards (which in her eyes, was a completely different issue). When your friend is a coward, they look to you for protection when they are in danger. But the moment you're not around and their safety is threatened, and the only way to save themselves is to stab you in the back: they'll do it, gladly! Because when their backs are against the wall, they'll turn against you. She had hoped that through the encouragement of his friends and his schooling, he had become braver. But, I guess you can't change someone away from their true nature completely. She thought, suddenly saddened. But that didn't quell her anger.
Peter headed toward a moor on the outside of the town. It was a typical moor, flat, empty and smoke seeming to rise from the ground making it unpredictably murky. Transforming into her lioness animagus, she was able to run faster. Peter looked over his shoulder, his eyes widening when he realized that he would soon be caught at the pace he was going. Almost tripping on a log, he doubled his efforts to get away. Artemis heard Sirius by her side and surmised that he was in his respective animagus form as well. Darting to his right, Peter headed back toward town. Following close behind, Artemis and Sirius transfigured into their natural forms before reaching the outskirts of town.
"PETER!" She screamed, her voiced echoing around the empty alleyways they darted through. She launched a few hexes at him, but they missed as the alleyways were too narrow.
She saw a few Muggles turn on their home lights, but she didn't care. Her sole focus for the night, and so help her, the rest of her life if need be, would be to kill Peter like the deceitful, filthy rat he was. She had no idea what had made her trust him in the first place. Oh yeah, Lily. She was always too kind. Which wasn't always a bad thing, she thought, as new tears fell from her eyes. But if this was the result of putting your life into someone else's hands, she vowed she would never trust anyone ever again. Of course, in the back of her mind, she knew she was being irrational, but she would deal with that later.
"Artemis, p-please listen to me! It was a mistake to be sure, right?" Peter stammered, his voice shaking terribly with fear. She launched a stunning spell in his direction in rage. It bounced off a trash can and blew a few bricks loose on the adjacent brick wall, exploding more forcefully due to her anger.
"A mistake?" She hollered, disgust evident in her voice. "Oh, Yeah! I'd say it was a mistake, Peter!" She spat his name as if it were an obscene word that she was forced to say. "And it will be the last 'mistake' you will ever make." She vehemently yelled, her sobs shaking her voice. She stopped before she got to the edge of a main road, looking for Peter, who had disappeared.
"Calm down, Art." Sirius tried to reason with her when he had caught up, but she turned away from him. She will gladly take the consequences of her actions later, right now she would do what, she thought, was pre-dominantly necessary. A couple of the locals had finally managed to dredge up the courage to venture out-of-doors to find out what the commotion was about. Seeing a shadow move in the corner of her eye, she took off down the road with Sirius on her heels. She only imagined that the Muggles followed, no doubt to watch the 'excitement' that was brewing.
Peter jumped out of his hiding place, but then tripped on a wooden crate and was sent tumbling to the ground. This allowed Sirius and Artemis to catch up to him, drawing their wands. Some of the on-lookers laughed, no doubt under-estimating the power of the 'pieces of wood' they directed at their captive. Peter, however, understood the gravity of his situation; looking around for an escape route.
Shaking her head, she tried to calm her ragged breathing, "There's no escape, Peter!" Sirius looked at her uneasily, however, he too was becoming increasingly more angry. "You will pay for your crimes."
Wringing his hands in agitation, he spoke in a soft voice, "You're going to kill me, aren't you?" He whined. Even as the anger boiled inside of her, a corner of her mind softened her emotions. Spending time with Lily over the years had softened her heart and calmed her, seemingly ever present, temper that she had developed in her adolescence. As much as she wanted to make him pay, she realized it wasn't her job to place to bestow judgment. Besides, she doubted that becoming a murderer would be the best way to respect Lily's memory.
Lowering her wand, she sighed heavily, "No. But we will take you in to the Ministry of Magic." She added forcefully. His eyes grew to the size of golf balls when he realized he would be sent to Azkaban Prison for treason. He seemed to consider his options, then finding none, hung his head in defeat. He pulled out his wand in a gesture of surrender.
Then, pointing it at the sky, he yelled at the top of his voice, "Sirius Black murdered Lily and James Potter!" She was about to yell her retort to such a mark when he lowered his wand to the ground. Sensing the danger, she whirled around, "RUN!" She yelled at the Muggles, who suddenly looked frightened. Sirius had attempted to disarm Peter before he could unleash his attack. "Hurry, RUN . ." The street beneath her exploded; Sirius and Artemis were thrown into a small shop on the other side of the street. Breaking through the front glass window, they tumbled across display tables. A Muggle alarm system went off as she scrambled to her feet and bolted outside. Several dead bodies covered the streets as a result of Peter's suicidal attack. He was nowhere in sight. But then she saw a small rat jump down into the sewer through the, now exposed, underground. She and Sirius were about to give chase when they were surrounded by several Aurors from the Ministry of Magic.
TBC! Done!
December 19th, 2016 18:53 – Alright! Whew! It has certainly been awhile! I haven't worked on this story in a while. Okay a few things. I will try to be reliable, but life does get in the way sometimes. TBC means To Be Continued: the story isn't done yet. Done! means the chapter is over and complete.
Also, for those who have seen 'Fantastic Beasts', my nickname Queeny isn't copying the movie. I made that nickname as a play on my patronus and animagus form as a lioness a few years ago (Queenie's character was created for the movie). I think that's everything! Let me know what you think. Enjoy! Oh! The picture for this story is more or less what my character looks like. (Updated December 21st: I am trying to upload the cover photo for this story, but I may not be able to do that until I get my new computer.)