A/N: Hey guys! Phaedra Delamire here! I'm sorry I didn't update. My mum ground me when she found out I was failing Math and I was forbidden to touch the computer for three whole days. Why is it that I find Math so hard?
Disclaimer: I own nothing except for a few OC's! The rest are J.K.'s!
Chapter Seven: Susan and Tarquin
by: Phaedra Delamire
Lily Flooed into the Ministry of Magic. She coughed and brushed the ashes on her clothes as she stepped. Lily gasped as she saw the majestic golden fountain in front of her. People were Flooing in and out and a few were Apparating in. Lily headed over to a security desk that led to a corridor. Lily smiled at the man there.
"Hello," said Lily, "I'm looking for the Committee on Experimental Charms."
"Level 9, Department of Mysteries," said the man. "Please give me your wand for a moment." Lily looked at him, perplexed but handed it to him anyway. He rested it on what looked like a metal weighing scale. He pressed a button and a strip of parchment flew out of an opening in it. The man squinted at it.
"You are Lily Antoinette Evans and your wand is 10¼ inches, willow and unicorn hair core, is that correct?" he looked up at Lily. Lily nodded. He gave back her wand. Lily paused.
"Which door do I go into when I get there?" said Lily. The man pressed a button and called into what looked like a receiver for a telephone.
"Department of Mysteries," said a female voice which was filled with excitement.
"Pauline, send someone over here, there's a woman over here by the name of," he squinted at the piece of parchment, "Lily Evans and she wants to apply for a job, I think?"
"Lily Evans…" said Pauline, "Ah! Yes, I've wanted to talk to her. I'll send Gideon over." And with that her voice disappeared with a pop. The man turned back to Lily.
"Please, wait over there," he pointed to a set of purple chairs, "Someone will come over. The Department of Mysteries is quite a weird department." Lily nodded solemnly and sat down on a chair.
How did that Pauline recognize her? And why did she want to talk to Lily? Those were the questions in Lily's head as she waited there for one whole minute before a ginger haired man arrived and told the man at the security desk.
"I'm here for Lily Evans?" The man at the desk merely pointed at Lily. She stood up and smiled as the man walked towards her. Lily realized with a small jolt that this was Gideon Prewett!
"You must be Lily Evans," Gideon smiled and held out his hand. Lily took it in hers and shook it.
"Gideon. Gideon Prewett?" said Lily. "You were Head Boy when I was in first year." Gideon laughed.
"No, that was my twin brother, Fabian," said Gideon amusedly.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I never really got your names right," said Lily embarrassedly.
"No, it's fine," said Gideon, "So, shall we go?" Lily nodded. Gideon led her through the corridors and into a circular room with lifts. They hurried over to a lift with a few people in it. Gideon pressed the number nine button.
"I'd hold the hand rails if I were you," he told Lily.
"Why – oof!" Lily was pulled backwards when the lift moved backwards so hurriedly.
Damn, inertia, Lily thought and grabbed one of the hand rails. After a few stops they finally arrived in the Department of Mysteries. It was a bit eerie. The walls were painted black and the floor had black tiles. They hurried down one corridor and turned right to one corridor which led to one door.
"That's it," said Gideon as they stopped in front of the door. He opened the door quietly. Inside was a circular room with a highly polished floor that looks almost like standing water and twelve handleless doors. They stepped in and the door closed. To Lily's immense surprise, the walls rotated swiftly then stopped abruptly. Gideon sighed.
"I was afraid that would happen," he said. He uttered something and raised his wand. He lowered it again and moved toward one of the doors.
"Err – Gideon, what just happened?" asked Lily.
"Oh, the walls rotate when an unauthorized personnel enters. It's a security thing," said Gideon. He pushed the door open.
"Welcome to the Confidential Creation of Charms and Spells Division," said Gideon. The room was rectangular and the walls were dark purple. The carpeted floor was black. Cubicles like in the Daily Prophet stood and a lot of people were working in their own individual ones. At the end of the room was a large, heavily padded room with a sign, "Experimentation Room". A wooden desk sat beside the door and a woman that looked like she was in her early forties grinned up at them.
"Hello, Miss Evans," said the woman. She stood up and reached forward and shook Lily's hand. "My name is Pauline Trevett, Head of the Department of Mysteries. I've heard so much about you from Filius and Albus. They say that your Charms work is amazing."
"Urm thanks," said Lily. Gideon had left them and went to his own cubicle. Pauline gestured to a seat in front of her desk. Lily sat down.
"Albus, an old friend of mine, sent me a letter regarding that you would absolutely love a job in the Committee," said Pauline, "I also read about your N.E.W.T.S. and you got straight Outstandings! I was so impressed and so were a few examiners that tested you in your N.E.W.T.S. I was just about to write you a letter when dear old Roger called in and said you were here." She laughed.
"Well, yes, and Madam Trevett-" said Lily but Pauline cut her off.
"Oh, please, call me Pauline, everyone does," she said. She took out a piece of parchment and started writing.
"Pauline, I came here to ask for a job," said Lily. Pauline stopped writing and grinned.
"You got the job," said Pauline cheerfully. Lily's eyes widened.
"What?" she said, shell-shocked.
"You got the job!" Pauline repeated. She took hold of the parchment and handed Lily a quill. "All you need to do now, Lily, is to sign there. It's an oath to secrecy since you will be an Unspeakable once I give you the job." Lily took the quill and parchment. She read the contract quietly and thoughtfully. Lily looked up again.
"You're really serious about giving me a job?" said Lily.
"Yes, of course, Lily," said Pauline. Lily reread the contract and finally signed it. Pauline flicked her wand at it and the parchment flashed in a ray of light.
"There, that should make the whole contract binding," said Pauline. "Lily Evans, you are now an Unspeakable."
Lily arrived at the Evans household, a bit breathless. Pauline had shown her around the Department of Mysteries and everything was so fascinating, Lily couldn't hide her excited look. Then after that, Pauline taught her a spell that would make her know where she was going. They had practiced until Lily knew where all the rooms were. Then Pauline showed Lily her cubicle which looked rather like her old Daily Prophet one. Pauline then introduced her to the whole Confidential Charms and Spells Division. Then Pauline let Lily go home since she would start work tomorrow.
Lily headed into the living room and grinned as she watched her parents slow dancing to a slow song.
"Want me to play the piano for you?" said Lily. Mrs. Evans grinned at her daughter and nodded. Lily turned off the radio and went over to the piano that looked identical to the one at her room. Almost like a twin.
"What do you want me to play?" said Lily as she sat down on the piano bench.
"How about that piece Rachel made for your Mum and I in Christmas eve last year?" said Mr. Evans thoughtfully. Another proof of Rachel's "musical geniusness" is that she writes songs. She played this little melodramatic one for Sirius in their first anniversary and that was the only time anyone saw Sirius Black cry. It's kind of a talent of hers that she developed into pure genius. It's really amazing when you get passed her not so pretty looks and shy personality, (which really clashes with Sirius' – No one knows how they ended up together) she always sings and plays like it's her last performance.
Lily stood up and opened the lid of the piano bench to rummage for the sheet music. And there it was in black in white.
"Susan and Tarquin," Lily muttered. She put it in the stand and eased her fingers on the keys. The piece started from cheerful harmony. Mrs. Evans and Mr. Evans started dancing. The piece was beautiful. Nothing could describe it any better than two words, heart tugging. Then the piece descended into a dark harmony that was a bit tear jerking too. Lily slid her hand on the keys, making the music sound like going up in a ladder and it finally turned into soulful and peaceful. The piece ended with a melodramatic flow of the keys.
"That was beautiful," said Mrs. Evans as they stopped dancing. Mr. Evans nodded. Lily smiled.
"I have good news," said Lily. "I have a new job at the Ministry of Magic."
"What really?" said Mr. Evans excitedly. Lily nodded. "I'm so proud of you."
"Where are you working exactly?" said Mrs. Evans.
"At the Department of Mysteries in the Committee on Experimental Charms or the Confidential Creation of Charms and Spells Division," said Lily. Mrs. Evans smiled.
"So you'll be making spells then?" she said. Lily nodded. Mrs. Evans hugged Lily. "I'm so proud!" then in a split second she started screaming in agony.
"Mum!" Lily yelled as Mrs. Evans collapsed into Mr. Evans' arms.
"Susan!" yelled Mr. Evans. Petunia came bounding off the steps.
"What's happening?" she asked, her eyes open wide at the sight.
"It's Mum!" Lily screamed, tears started streaming down her eyes.
"I'll get the car, we'll go to the hospital," said Petunia who hurried out. Mr. Evans hoisted Mrs. Evans into his arms and hurried out.
"Tarquin!" screamed Mrs. Evans, "Let the pain end!" she gasped, tears running down her face. Mr. Evans' eyes were watery as he tried to soothe his wife. Lily pointed her wand at the door and it burst open just before Mr. Evans went out. Lily dashed out, sent a non-verbal Colloportus at it and jumped into the car.
"I-I don't know what to say," said Dr. Pennifold, "her cancer is very aggressive. It's starting to spread to her bones and – I'm sorry to say – she has stage four breast cancer."
"What?" Petunia yelled. "But that's almost impossible to heal!"
"I am aware of that," said Dr. Pennifold quietly. Lily stared at her.
"Can't you do anything?" said Lily.
"Take more vitamins," said Dr. Pennifold. They talked for a few more minutes before the doctor left. Mr. Evans wasn't even paying attention. He kept stroking Mrs. Evans face and her hair as she slept. He didn't let anyone see it but he's cracking up inside.
"I-I'll go to the bathroom for a minute," said Lily quietly, standing up. She didn't need the bathroom, she needed to succumb. Lily went out to find Mary, Rachel, Remus, Sirius and James outside, sitting on the chairs that lined the hospital corridor. To Lily's relief, they dressed like Muggles. Rachel stood up and hugged Lily.
"W-What's going on?" asked Mary.
"We heard you screaming and fighting with the doctor," said James. Lily merely shook her head and fell on an empty seat. She put her head in her hands and screamed. They all scrambled to her side and started comforting her. James wrapped his arm around her comfortingly. Nurses and visitors that passed by gave her a sympathetic look; a few even had tears in their eyes.
"I-I-I c-c-can't bear it!" she said in her whisper through her sobs. "Seeing h-h-her like that!"
"Shh, Lily," said Sirius who rubbed her back. "Everything's going to be fine." Lily gave him a tearfully glare.
"How, Sirius?" said Lily disbelieving. "How are you going to make this okay? Tell me!" Sirius fell quiet. Lily buried her head in her hands again.
"Rachel," she murmured. "How's that research thing going?" Rachel frowned and shoved her large glasses up her nose.
"We're getting there, Lily," she said reassuringly. "We're getting there." Lily sighed, frustrated. James cleared his throat.
"You know you could tell us anything, Lily," said James quietly. "You could vent out on us."
"I don't want to talk about it," Lily choked. They fell silent for a while and waited for Lily to open up.
Lily cried into her palms. She wouldn't let her family see her like this, all broken and temperamental. She only had a little time with her mother left. A year? A month? A month? A week? A day? A bloody second? Lily didn't know. Her mother might be dying in there already by now. With that thought, Lily went pale and her bottom lip quivered. She couldn't lose her yet, not yet. She cried and cried with her friends rubbing her back and stroking her hair comfortably. Lily gasped for breath. Her tears finally dried and she wiped her face. That's right, she had her friends with her. They've always been with her. They never left her side and in turn, Lily never left theirs. Except of course for Black and Potter, they've only been friends since a few months ago but nonetheless, they showed they were true friends. She'll have to vent.
"Mum has stage four breast cancer. The cancer's spread to her bones," Lily moaned. Her voice shook a bit as she said the word cancer. Rachel and Mary gasped. "That means that we could barely save her now."
"Don't say that, Lily," said James strongly. "You should believe your mum'll be saved."
"I know but face the facts! Mums cancer is very aggressive, a very rare thing for cancers," said Lily, "The only thing I could do now is stay with her at all times." Remus who had been quiet ever since, took out a Chocolate Frog from his pocket and handed one to Lily.
"Chocolate will make you feel better," he said. He smiled at Lily, and she took it. She opened the wrapper and ate the frogs head first. She took out the card and grimaced.
"Professor Dumbledore," she murmured. She smiled a little as she watched the Professor smile up at her with X-ray like blue eyes through his half-moon spectacles.
Dear Prof. Dumbledore,
Thank you so very much for telling Pauline Trevett from the Department of Mysteries about me. I really appreciate it.
Yours Sincerely,
Lily Evans
Lily read the letter and folded it up. She set it aside on her desk. She took out another piece of parchment and dipped her quill in the emerald green ink. She started writing,
Dear Benjamin,
I'm sorry to say this but I am resigning from the Daily Prophet.
I have found a job in the Ministry of Magic and they have accepted me. I will be leaving my job straight away as I will be starting my job at the Confidential Creation of Charms and Spells Division tomorrow. Please send my things in my cubicle by Owl post.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
Yours Sincerely,
Lily Evans
She reread it and folded it up. She picked both letters up and went over to Hermione who was sleeping soundly in her cage. Lily poked the owl. Hermione's eyes drooped open and looked up at Lily as if to say, What now?
"I'm sorry, Hermione but I need you to deliver these," said Lily as she let Hermione out. "Don't wait for a reply just set off after your finished delivering it, okay?" Hermione hooted and nipped Lily's finger a bit sharply. She tied the letters to her leg and let her out through the window. Lily watched as her owl disappeared from the horizon and sat back down. She glanced around her cluttered room in Surrey and waved her wand in a swooping motion.
"Pack!" she said. The clothes sprung up and went into the dresser in a cluttered mess. Lily didn't mind any bit as she watched the sky outside. She'll have to go back to the hospital soon so she took a bag with a few toiletries and a pair of pajamas, her wand and her Gryffindor coin and Apparated out.
A/N: I hope you guys like it. If you have any corrections or anything to say at all, please review. It could be either saying, "This is boring." or "What a waste of my time." or "Good." or anything negative or positive. Reviews make me want to keep on writing and I'm losing confidence a bit.
Thanks for reading.
With love,
Phaedra Delamire xoxo
P.S.: Yes, Mrs. Evans' name is Susan Stuart Evans. Stuart is her maiden name. She's named after the flower black-eyed susans. And yes, Mr. Evans' name is Tarquin. That's why the piece Rachel wrote is named Susan and Tarquin as a sign of thanks for the care they've given her so far.
Lily Evans, James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Mary MacDonald, Petunia Dursley (nee Evans), Gideon Prewett, Albus Dumbledore, Ministry of Magic, Daily Prophet, Chocolate Frog © J.K. Rowling
