August, 5th, 1995
"Don't do anything stupid" Remus told me as we took our brooms.
"Why would I do anything stupid?" I frowned as I took my Twigger 90 that Hooky had brought.
"Because you are a Potter and I saw you flying in your quidditch games" he shot me an amused look. "Just be careful alright?"
"I promise" I said smiling up at him.
"And about Harry... you can talk to him once we get back"
"I know, Remus"
He smiled and kissed me softly before we walked to the foyer where Mad-Eye, Nymphadora, Kingsley, Emmeline Vance and Elphias Doge were waiting. I glanced at the dining room where the rest of the Order was gathered to discuss the details of the prophecy watch and other things.
"Took you long enough" Mad-Eye grumbled and opened the door. "Let's go"
Loud footsteps were heard behind us and I looked at the stairs. Lily and James had descended, and were staring at us with frowns. I shot them a smile.
"We'll be back soon" I assured them. "With Harry"
"Okay..." Lily nodded nervously.
I tugged on Remus who was frowning at them and he shot them a smile before following me.
"They will be fine" I assured him as we crossed the street and into the park.
"I know. I just don't like seeing them worried" he said.
"I think we better get used to it... Dark times are ahead of us, and there will be many battles for them to worry about"
The street was dark and silent as we walked towards the house. I took Remus' hand as we followed Mad-Eye. The silence was eerie, and I didn't like it at all. It had been years since I had been to that place, but not much had changed. I looked up at the dark sky, and though it was hidden behind clouds, the moon still shone through. Remus would transform again in a couple of weeks. He looked down at me as I sighed and I shot him a sad smile.
"The full moon will be in a couple weeks... Maybe I should go with you this time" I said quietly.
Nymphadora apparently heard me anyway, for she glanced back at us, and her cheeks turned red as she met my eyes. She tripped as she turned back ahead, and Moody grumbled something at her.
"What?" Remus frowned.
"Well... there will be people to keep an eye on the children, and I think it will be good for them to have some time alone with Sirius. I need a break from the Order, so I should go with you" I reasoned.
"I am not going on a vacation, Elladora" he grumbled.
"I know, Remus... but I can help you and..."
"Let's discuss this later" he said.
I opened my mouth to retort, but I saw we had arrived. The house was dark, there were no signs of the muggle family that lived there. My skin prickled with anxiety, but I felt sweat gather on the nape of my neck. The warm summer air seemed hotter for a moment. Moody unlocked the front door and we entered quietly, so as not to scare the muggles in case they were there. I sincerely hoped Petunia wasn't there... I would not hesitate to torn her into pieces. Emmeline and Elphias separated from the group to check the first floor and Dedalus stood by the living room's window, watching the street. Remus' hand slipped from mine as we silently took the steps that led to the first floor. Tonks was looking around the house with awe, her fingers carefully brushing the still paintings. Mad-Eye had stopped in front of a door and twisted his wand at the doorknob.
"Very clean, these muggles" Tonks observed.
"Tonks, for God's sake!" Moody barked.
"Very unnatural" she muttered, raising her wand.
Her lumos illuminated the room Moody had just opened, and Harry's surprised face was revealed. His hand fell, lowering his wand.
"Professor Moody!" he said and looked at Remus. "Professor Lupin!"
"I am no longer your professor, Harry" Remus said amusedly. "Remus is fine"
"Or Moony" I said quietly, unable to keep my thoughts from straying to James once again.
"Mrs. Lupin" Harry smiled at me, and I couldn't help but grin.
"How are you, Harry?" I asked.
"Leave the stupid, useless catch up for later, Elladora" Moody grumbled, pushing past me on his way back to the stairs. "Come on"
"What are you doing here?" he asked frowning.
"Rescuing you, of course" I said, slipping past him into his room and looked around the mess. "Your trunk?"
"Ah..." he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck while his cheeks turned red. "I don't have it ready..."
"No matter" I flicked my wand. The trunk slipped from under the bed, and while the stuff inside was reorganized, the clothes out were folded neatly and pilled over his school robes. His books were tucked by alphabetical order and his owl hooted happily as I walked towards it. It was snowy white with bright amber eyes who watched everything with clear intelligence.
"Very beautiful, your owl, Harry" I said reaching a finger into her cage. She nipped my finger lightly.
"Yes, thank you... She is not very happy to be stuck here, though" he said.
"I imagine neither were you" Remus said, taking Harry's now organized trunk and with Tonks following, went to join the others downstairs.
"Here" I said extending the invisibility cloak that had been under his pillow. "Keep it with you, you might need it"
"I... I don't understand" he frowned, playing with the cloak. "The letter said I was expelled..."
"Not to worry. Dumbledore had managed to convince the Ministry to have a hearing before expelling you... Meantime, you cannot stay here. It clearly isn't as safe as we expected"
"But Dumbledore said..."
"You have spent enough time with your aunt for Lily's protection to be reinforced" I reached out to smooth his messy hair, and gently laid my hand on his cheek. "Do not worry, Harry... we would never put you in danger"
He gave me a little smile and nodded. I put my hand on his shoulder and gestured for him to go ahead. He opened the window and let Hedwig go before we went downstairs. Moody was pacing impatiently around the front door and glared at me.
"Took you long enough" he grumbled.
"Don't get your knickers twisted" I rolled my eyes and saw Harry trying to contain a smile. Tonks laughed freely.
"Funny, hm, Nymphadora?" Moody snapped, opening the door. "Should put you back in the Academy"
"Don't call me Nymphadora" Nymphadora growled, following him out, her hair turning bright red.
Remus chuckled and shrunk Harry's trunk and put it in his pocket. Dedalus was playing with the TV's control, but put it down and rushed to catch up after I cleared my throat.
"Very odd, Muggles are... what they need a piece of plastic with buttons for?" he asked.
Harry seemed amused by him, but I shot him a look before he tried to answer. Much like Arthur Weasley, Dedalus Diggle had a fascination with the muggle world that would drag Harry into a long, tiring conversation instead of a simple answer.
"I will explain later, Dedalus, but we must go" I said walking out.
"Oh, yes, yes"
"Are we going to the Burrow?" Harry asked, as Tonks gave him his broom.
"No... Somewhere safer and closer" Remus said. "We are staying somewhere hidden"
"On your broom, Potter" Moody barked.
Harry mounted the broom that had been levitating at waist high.
"Form up around Harry" Moody ordered and Remus and I stood by Harry's sides, with Tonks ahead of him and Dedalus and Emmeline behind us. "We'll be flying in close-quarters formation. Tonks will be right ahead of you, keep close to her at all times" Moody told Harry. "Don't stop, and whatever you do, don't break formation. If any of us are killed, the rest of you, keep flying... east, the rear guard is standing by, they will find you"
"Rear guard?" Harry frowned.
"A surprising amount of people volunteered to come and get you" Remus said mounting his broom.
"Yes, we were fighting over it, in fact" I said mounting my broom and grinned at his sceptic look. "Siriusly" I joked.
He chuckled and my heart soared at the sound. Remus smiled at us, and we turned to Moody. He was ahead of Tonks. He mounted his broom, glanced at all of us, and shot forward in the air. We immediately, followed, as fast as we could, and soon we were almost reaching the clouds.
"Higher!" Moody barked.
Harry looked down, and I followed his gaze. From where we were, London seemed like one of those snow globes replicas, so small. As I lifted my gaze, I felt the temperature drop, and the night sky seemed even darker. A dementor was following, his black tattered robes snapping in the wind as he reached his decayed hand towards us.
"We'll slow them down!" Emmeline called out.
Emmeline, Dedalus and Elphias separated from our group, and I looked back. The dementor I had seen was almost reaching us, but he was not alone. There were three more.
"Moody!" Remus shouted in warning.
But it was too late. At the same time the dementor reached out for me, another emerged from a cloud close by, and grabbed the front of my broom. I pulled out my wand, but my sight was darkening, and I could hear mad cackling, my own voice screaming, James' crying...
"Ella!"
"Expecto - "
"Harry, no!"
"Take him to the safe house!"
"Expecto Patronum!"
Light burst behind my eyelids and I opened them. I was free falling, in the distance Tonks and Moody were still flying, Harry between them... Remus was coming towards me. I reached out as he extended his arm, and was able to grab onto his forearm tightly. He pulled me up onto his broom, and wheeled it around. My arms tightened around his waist, and he briefly put his hand over mine. The dementors were gone, and Dedalus, Emmeline and Elphias reached us. We all were able to reach Moody, Tonks and Harry as they touched down and dismounted their brooms. We all had our wands drawn, even after Elphias assured Moody and the rest of us the dementors were gone. Harry looked at me, and his frown softened as our eyes connected. I gave him a weak smile to reassure I was fine, but knew he could see my hands shaking. Remus cupped my face and looked into my eyes. I looked up at him and leaned into him as he kissed my forehead.
"You will have bloody time for that later, Lupin, let's go!"
Remus sighed but we went back to our positions at Harry's sides, and again, the group separated, checking the perimeter.
"All clear!" Dedalus said, returning.
"Let's go" I said to Harry quietly.
We crossed the park, and being careful to not be seen by the muggles, but it was late enough for them to be already going to bed.
"Here" I said, taking the paper from my pocket and giving it to Harry. "Read it"
He unfolded and seemed to recognize Dumbledore's neat scrawl. 'The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix may be found at 12, Grimauld Place, London'. He frowned and looked up. I grinned as his frown of confusion became a look of surprise, clearly he was seeing the house emerge between the two others. Moody threw me a look, and I sighed, nudging Harry to keep moving. Moody opened the door with his wand and we all slipped in.
"Be careful not to touch anything and don't speak too loud" I warned Harry, glancing at the painting of Walburga. "I'll explain later"
He nodded and I took the paper Dumbledore had written and with a tap of my wand, it burst into flames in my hand but I was not burned.
"You'll need to teach me some of your tricks sometime" Harry said quietly. "Like the spell you used on my trunk"
I chuckled lowly and ruffled his hair.
"I believe handwork grows character... so you might need to learn to organize your things on your own"
Moody grumbled under his breath as he pushed past us and into the dining room. Remus shot me an apologetic look and followed. We could hear people arguing inside, the voices raising.
"Stay here for a moment" I told Harry and Tonks nodded at me.
I walked into the room, and although Dumbledore was missing, the rest of the Order was there... Including Snape, who was disagreeing with Sirius.
"There've been no sightings" Snape was saying. "No deaths. No proof"
"He almost killed Harry" I said, announcing my presence. "If that isn't proof enough…"
"Yes, but guarding you-know-what is the most important… We must trust Dumbledore on this" Elphias said, as always standing by Dumbledore's opinion. It was no secret that Elphias' opinions were most of the time influenced by Dumbledore's, opinions or actions, maybe a little too much.
"Elphias is right" McGonagall said. "If Albus thinks that is our priority he must have good reason for it..."
I understood Sirius need to do something, but at the same time, I was hesitant not to follow Dumbledore's advice. Despite everything, I could not deny he was the greatest wizard of our time, the only one Voldemort feared, and we would do well to listen to him. Like many times before, we might not see why, but Dumbledore knew what he was doing.
"Was he able to protect Harry last year? Tonight I say it's time to take action" Sirius said, eyeing me. "The Ministry..."
"Cornelius Fudge is a politician first and a wizard second. His instinct would be to ignore it..." Kingsley said, hands laced together on the table, deep in thought.
"Keep your voices down." Mrs. Weasley said, frowning as she walked towards me to slip out of the room.
"He's getting stronger and stronger by the minute. We have to act now" Sirius said firmly, scowling at Snape and McGonagall.
"While I agree that we must keep an eye out for Harry, for I do not believe that he is safe, being You-Know-Who's priority or not, Snape, McGonagall and Elphias are right, Sirius" I said and ignored his annoyed look. "I know, I understand the need to act, but... We must trust Dumbledore. For now, Harry is safe with us. Once he returns to Hogwarts..."
"If he returns" Snape said quietly. "He might still be expelled"
"Once he returns to Hogwarts, he will be safe with Dumbledore and Minerva" I continued ignoring Snape's attempt to annoy me. "But it would be wise to try to recruit more people... war is inevitable, no matter how much the Ministry denies it"
"Elladora is right" McGonagall said. "I am returning to Hogwarts and shall speak to Albus about what we've discussed, but for now, let's stick to the plans"
Molly returned to the room, and gave me a smile as she stood next to me.
"I've told him to go be with Ronald and Hermione upstairs" she told me. "But we better finish soon, knowing those three, they must be itching to know what we are talking about"
"And Nathan, Lily and James?" I asked, nervous with the thought of Harry meeting them and the truth coming forward horrifically.
"With Ginny in the kitchen, they were helping me with dinner" she assured me.
"Thank you" I sighed. "Speaking of... What will we tell Harry?" I asked the others.
"If anyone has a right to know, it's Harry. If it wasn't for Harry we wouldn't even know Voldemort was back" Sirius said.
"Absolutely not!" Molly burst. "He is too young for this"
"He's not a child, Molly" Arthur said.
"But he's not na adult either" I said quietly. "He will want to take part..."
"He is good enough, brave enough... old enough" Sirius said.
"He's not James, Sirius" Molly said, as if reading my thoughts.
"Well, he's not your son" Sirius sneered.
"He's as good as" she huffed."Who else has he got?"
"He's got me" Sirius said. "And he knows it"
I could not help but feel like it was a jab at me. Harry knew Sirius and knew he was his godfather, he knew he could Always count on Sirius. But not me. He thought I was just Remus' wife.
"How touchingly paternal, Black" Snape sneered. "Perhaps Potter will grow up to be a felon, just like his godfather"
"Now, you stay out of this, Snivellus" Sirius said nastily. His voice was as cold and his tone as superior as when he was fifteen years old. "And about your supposed reformation... I know better"
"So why don't you tell him?" Snape dared.
"I should"
"Enough, Sirius!" I snapped. "As much as I don't like Snape, and wouldn't trust him, I trust Dumbledore. And if he says we can trust Snape, I trust him" I said, glaring at Snape's smirk. "There, this is what you wanted to hear, wasn't it?"
"I couldn't care less about what you think... clearly you have the worst taste in people" he said shooting a look at Sirius and Remus.
"I should hang you by the ankle and show everyone your pathetic grey underwear" I sneered.
"Enough" McGonagall snapped as Snape stood up angrily. "I think the meeting is over"
I huffed and put my wand away. I noticed Remus and Sirius had stood too, their wands out, and Sirius' glare could have killed someone. I put my wand on my pocket and walked out of the room. Molly followed me out and went upstairs to tell the children that dinner would be served soon and that they could come down. I decided to go to the kitchen to see my own children, remembering how worried Lily looked before we left. She was peeling apples with Ginny while Nathan and James were peeling potatoes. I leaned against the doorway smiling.
"Now, look at you... all domesticated. I should leave you with Molly more" I said.
"Mum!" James said jumping up.
I chuckled as he rushed to me, hugging me around the waist and making me stumble back. Lily followed him and was smiling widely. I pulled her hair back from her face and kissed her forehead.
"Everything went okay, then?" Nathan asked.
"Yes" I said, choosing not to tell them about the dementors or my near fall to death.
James pulled back and grinned up at me. I flicked his nose and he chuckled.
"Back to work" I told them.
"How is Harry?" Ginny asked as I moved towards the cabinets.
"He was a bit stubborn about some of Moody's orders, but otherwise... he listened and got here perfectly fine like planned" I told her as I looked for chocolate.
"Does he know already?" she asked softly.
I closed the cabinet I had been looking through and sighed. I shook my head and rubbed my temples. I felt someone approach from behind and sighed as he kissed my head. I leaned back against him and felt something press against my lips. I opened my mouth and bit into the chocolate.
"Thank you" I murmured. "I couldn't find it..."
"You're welcome"
I jumped and turned around. Sirius smiled and before I could open my mouth to snap at him, he extended the chocolate with a smile. I sighed and took it from him.
"We'll do this together" he whispered. "He will understand"
"No. He won't" I said sadly and smiled. "But thanks"
It didn't take very long. Tonks had just joined the girls who continued to help preparing dinner, Nathan had started a game of wizard chess with James, and Arthur, Remus, Charlie and Bill were discussing at the edge of the table, quietly and over a piece of parchment, surely setting the last details of the Ministry watch we were planning. Sirius had sat by James, whispering advice on the chess game, and Nathan would shoot him light glares when a piece of James would destroy one of his. I had just started with the dishes, glaring as Moody took a recently cleaned pair of glass to have a drink with Kingsley, when Harry walked in, following Ron and Hermione. He looked around, taking in the room and everyone in it, and smiling as Molly complained about the twins apparating behind her to scare her.
I paused on the cleaning of a pan, watching as Harry watched Sirius interact with James and Nathan, and Ginny and Tonks laughing with Lily. Hermione caught my eye and tugging on Ron's sleeve, they took a seat quietly.
"Harry!" Molly said. "Settled in alright? Dinner will be ready soon"
Arthur quickly rolled up the parchment and vanished it with a flick of his wand, shooting Harry a smile.
"Hey, Harry!" Charlie said good-heartedly. "Good to see you alive and not escaping from a Horntail" he teased.
"I still can't believe Fleur escaped it" Lily murmured.
"I think she would like to see you and Nathan" Bill said. "Surely she misses home and Beauxbatons"
Harry slowly took a sit between Hermione and Sirius, frowning at Nathan. I had completely forgotten about the dishes. Even Nathan had noticed how Harry was staring at him. Nathan glanced at me, and smiled awkwardly at Harry. Harry looked at Sirius and back at Nathan.
"Sorry... I..." Harry mumbled.
Remus sighed and cleared his throat.
"Sorry, Harry" Remus said lightly. "Those are Nathan, James and Lily. Hm... Ella's children"
"James and Lily?" Harry mumbled looking between James, who beamed at him and Lily who smiled shyly. "Ella's...? Your sons and daughter, you mean?" he asked Remus. "I didn't know you had a family, Prof... I mean, Remus"
Hermione and Ron pretended to have all their attention on a copy of the Daily Prophet. Molly put a hand on my arm, and I realized the sink was completely full of water. I shook my head and flicked my wand, making half of the excessive water vanish. Molly gave me a towel, and squeezed my shoulder. Sirius looked at me, before leaning back and looking at Harry.
"Not exactly, Harry" he said. "Nathan and Lily are... my biological children"
"What?" Harry scowled in confusion. "But..."
"I am a year older than you are" Nathan said.
"And I'm a year younger" Lily mumbled.
Harry looked between them and Sirius before turning to look at me.
"You and Sirius..."
"Harry..." I breathed.
"What are you all not saying?" he snapped, turning his accusing glare at Hermione and Ron. "The whole summer without any news while you were here... knowing all of this!"
"We wanted to tell you, Harry!" Hermione said pleadingly.
"I'm sure you would have found a way if you had" Harry said coldly, staring down at the table.
We all fell silent, and Iwalked and reached for Harry. Sirius shot me a look that confirmed my thoughts. Maybe that was not the best idea... But I couldn't wait anymore. He needed to know now, or he would be even angrier later.
"Harry, love..." I said quietly.
He scowled at me, and I was instantly reminded of James when we were young. Always fighting, always mad at one another.
"Harry, there are many things we need to explain" Sirius started when I wasn't able to finish my sentence.
"Like?" Harry asked, more calmly.
"Ella and I were once married... She is your godmother" Sirius said carefully.
Harry turned to me again, his eyes disbelieving. I swallowed hard and focused on his green eyes.
"I am also... your aunt" I whispered. "I'm a Potter"
For a moment it seemed he would laugh. I wouldn't judge him, for this really seemed like a mean joke. He looked at Sirius, who could not meet his eyes, and then he looked at Hermione and Ron. Hermione had tears in her eyes, and Ron was pale, another avoiding his eyes. Harry snapped, hitting the glass of pumpkin juice that had been on the table and jumped up.
"Harry!" Hermione cried out, standing as well.
I reached out but recoiled my hand at the look of pure hatred he threw me as he rushed out of the kitchen. Hermione rushed to catch him, and we heard her calling him several times before a door slammed closed. Ron muttered something under his breath and went after them.
I fought against the burn in my eyes. I knew it was coming.
"Maman..." Lily said softly.
"He hates me" I mumbled.
"He's... mad" Sirius mumbled, but it brought me no comfort.
"No. He's not angry... he hates me" I said quietly.
"He'll come around, dear" Molly said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "He just needs to calm down and then you can talk"
Remus was approaching me, carefully, like he would with a wounded animal that could snap at him. I buried my face in his chest and he sighed against my hair, rubbing my back soothingly. But that look, Lily's eyes full of hatred, would haunt me for a very long time, confirming that I had failed. Failed on my promise to Lily, to James... I had failed Harry.
"He won't talk to us" Hermione said sadly. "Keeps staring out the window and ignoring us"
"Maybe you should try it, mum" Nathan said softly.
"He's angry at me" I reminded him, like anyone needed reminder.
Harry had spent the rest of the night in his room, ignoring everyone who had tried to talk to him. When Ron didn't leave, since it was his room as well, Harry had simply lied in bed, turned away and staring at the wall.
"His hearing is today, you can talk to him on the way" Arthur said.
"Do you still think it is a good idea for me to go with him?" I asked.
"Yes, I thought we agreed it would be better if Elladora's return to England were discreet" Sirius said crossing his arms.
"That was before what happened to Harry" Remus. "I agree that it would be better if we were discreet with Elladora, but, her presence in the Ministry for Harry's hearing is essential"
"Remus is right" Arthur said. "Cornelius thinks he can get to Harry, but he needs to realize that not only Dumbledore will protect Harry. Elladora's presence will ensure that he gets the message"
"If he wants Harry, he'll have to go through me" I nodded and sighed, standing from the table. "Ron, would you please tell Harry he needs to hurry, we must leave soon. It's better to get there early"
He nodded and walked out of the kitchen with Hermione. I took one last sip of my coffee and put it in the sink. I set a charm on the dishes and looked down at myself.
"I'm going to change since we are aiming for making my presence intimidating in a way" I mumbled.
"You are fine the way you are" Sirius said.
I shook my head and walked out. The boy's door was opened a crack and I could hear Harry and Ron talking inside. Hermione was with Ginny, Lily and James in the room she shared with Ginny.
"… you didn't tell me!"
"Dumbledore said..."
"I don't care what Dumbledore said, Ron!" Harry snapped. "This is... If there is something you had to tell me, it was about her" Ron didn't answer. "I just... Sirius was in Azkaban, but where was she!? While I lived with the Dursleys, unhappy and unloved, where was she? Marrying off with Lupin and..."
There was a loud sound of something being kicked. I winced and felt my hand tighten around the stairs' banister.
"Look, mate, from what I gather, she isn't so bad... Surely she has a good motive for never talking to you, but you should talk to her. She is miserable..."
"I won't ever forgive her!" I closed my eyes. "My parents were gone and they had trusted her to be there for me, but she wasn't!"
As they continued to argue, Ron reminding Harry that either way he had to be with his mother's family, I opened my eyes. Remus had followed me and was staring at me with a sad frown. He was pitying me. I rushed upstairs, not caring that I was loud enough to interrupt Harry and Ron. I entered my room, and my eyes flickered to the pile of photos I had been looking through. I grabbed it and threw it in the garbage, sitting on the bed with my head in my hands. I should have never let Petunia bully me into giving them some space. I should never have listened to that dreadful woman! I should have known better. I should have persisted, never given up on seeing Harry. Behind my closed eyelids, the image of James' happy face on July 31st, 1980, as he announced Harry James Potter had just been born. His serious eyes meeting mine as he told me about the prophecy and that I would be godmother... The words of his letters flow through my mind, like whispers, and one sentence kept repeating.
I trust you with my son's life...
"Ella?"
My eyes snapped open and I stood. Remus closed the door softly and glanced at the trail of fallen pictures to the garbage can. I grabbed some clothes from my suitcase and pulled my T-shirt over my head.
"I'll be down in a minute" I told him as I put on a silk red shirt.
"I didn't come here for that" he said. "I wanted to check on you"
"I'm fine"
"You clearly aren't"
"What do you want me to say, Remus?" I snapped as I took off my jeans. "I need to get my act together. Moping around won't help. What I need to do is help Harry not to lose the only good thing he has in his life, which is Hogwarts..."
I stopped as he touched my shoulder. I flinched, but his hands grabbed my hips and held me still as he leaned into me.
"Harry is like James in many ways... But also like Lily. He will give you a chance, a chance to explain, to ask for forgiveness and a chance to be the other great thing he has in his life beyond Hogwarts" he said softly.
I sighed and turned around. His hands continued on my hips, his thumbs brushing against my hipbones slowly. I looked into his eyes and leaned my forehead against his chest.
"My heart won't be at peace until he at least listens to me" I mumbled.
"He will"
"You can't guarantee me that"
"Maybe not" he said and leaned down to kiss my shoulder and neck. "But I can guarantee you that I will be with you through whatever happens"
I looked up at him and smiled sadly.
"I never thought I would say this but..." I paused and cupped his cheek. "That's not enough for me, Remus"
And although it may seem like I was heartless, for dismissing his declaration like that, he smiled sadly and I knew he had understood. Despite all the troubles we had faced recently, and all the troubles our marriage would undoubtedly face on the future, he was not one of my priorities. Nathan, Lily and James were. Harry was.
Even though I had taken a long time to change, Harry wasn't downstairs when I got there.
"We really must be going" Arthur said looking at his watch. "Dumbledore asked us..."
"I will get him" Sirius offered, standing up.
He paused in front of me and touched my arm softly. I looked up, and stopped pretending I was focused on my bracelets and watch. He looked into my eyes and his hand squeezed my forearm in comfort. I forced a smile and he kissed my forehead. I might have leaned into him. As he turned to the stairs though, Harry and Ron came down. He paused when he saw everyone gathered, staring at him, and suddenly everyone tried to find something to do.
"Morning, dear" Molly said with a warm smile. "Did you get some sleep?"
I hated that I envied her. I envied her as she gently touched his cheek, eyeing the dark marks under his eyes. He smiled at her. Remus pulled my attention from them as he kissed my temple. I realized he had been trying to hold my hand, but I had involuntarily clenched my hands in fists. I relaxed my fingers and kept my attention on the slow rising and falling of Remus' chest.
"No, my scar kept hurting" Harry answered Molly.
My eyes snapped up to him and then met Sirius' and Remus'.
"Probably just nerves" Molly said, while trying to tame a particular lock of Harry's black hair, but her voice was not firm and did not pass any comfort.
"Yes, nerves" he mumbled.
She touched his cheek again and smiled.
"Good luck today"
And she hugged him. I looked away again and my eyes met Lily's. Her eyes were dark and sad and she was frowning... it was so rare for her to look sad or worried, and now she was all the time. I offered her a small smile, but it didn't work.
"Well, let's get going" Arthur said. "We are already late, and I was warned not to trust muggle transportation"
"Muggle transportation?" Harry asked frowning.
"We're taking the tube" I informed him.
He nodded, not meeting my eyes. Hermione suddenly launched herself at him, almost knocking him flat. Sirius chuckled and I couldn't help but smile as Harry tried to free his arms from Hermione's embrace to hug her back.
"They'll have to let you off, Harry... you were defending yourself!" she said vehemently. "I checked the laws"
"Thanks, Hermione" he said smiling.
"What does he get a hug for?" Nathan murmured.
"He always gets a hug" Ron muttered.
"When you have to go to a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic, I'll hug you too, Ronald" she chuckled, letting go of Harry and looked at Nathan. "Not you though"
"Like I would want you touching me" Nathan rolled his eyes crossing his arms.
I hit him in the head and gave him a glare to which he sighed.
"Behave" I ordered.
He nodded, rolling his eyes again, and I gave Remus a peck.
"Spank him if needed" I joked.
"Sirius and I decided that if the kids get out of control we'll hang them upside down" he smirked.
"That works too" I smiled and kissed him again.
"Good luck" he whispered against my lips and then turned to Harry. "You too"
Harry had apparently been looking at us, but avoided my eyes as he thanked Remus quietly. I sighed and started walking to the door, with Arthur and Harry following. The street was quiet, for it was too early for the children of the neighbourhood to be out enjoying the nice summer weather in the park. Arthur was talking to Harry about his work and the muggle world, but Harry only gave quiet, short answers, clearly still upset. The walk to Highbury & Islington station went like that, with me walking ahead to try to avoid Harry's anger, make him as comfortable as possible, and still feeling his eyes on my back. Although Arthur had some trouble entering the station, unaware of the need of travelcard. Harry helped him, and seemed to lighten up with Arthur's ignorance of the world in which he grew up. They amicably talked of muggle transportation on the way to Green Park where we had to change lines. Still, all the time, he did not look at me, and if he accidentally did, he made sure to pretend he wasn't seeing me. From Westminster station it was a short walk to the phonebooth in Whitehall. With cautious looks over our shoulders, Arthur and I ushered Harry into the booth, where we three squeezed in. Harry seemed extremely confused at the situation. It took some squeezing and some strength from Arthur to close the booth, but once he did, and we looked throught the glass to check for any muggles, Arthur picked up the phone and held it to his ear, but listening in the wrong end.
"I do love using the Fellyphone!" he said excitedly.
"It's upside down, Arthur" I said amusedly.
"Oh!" he turned it and nodded, indicating he heard something. "Let's see..." he punched in 6-2-4-4-2 and smiled as he listened to something.
There was a tap on the glass and I turned to see a muggle man looking at us with a confused frown and then tapped the watch on his wrist. I smiled and held up a finger. He eyed me and smiled before stepping back and turning around.
"Hurry up" I told Arthur.
"Harry Potter, disciplinary hearing" he said.
I glance one last time to the muggle, now smoking and not paying any attention to the booth. The booth which starts to sink down into the ground, and into darkness. Harry looked up in wonder and I can't help but smile.
"Usually I apparate, but you're too young" Arthur said with a smile.
The booth shudders to a halt and I open the door, revealing the large lobby, with polished dark wood floor, gilded fireplaces set on the walls. Right after we stepped out, the booth closed and slid up and out of sight. Harry looked up, smiling, and I followed his gaze to the peacock-blue ceiling in which there was a notice board, constantly changing. As we walked towards where the lifts were, we could see windows from offices, and windows to the outside world.
"Are we underground still?" Harry asked, glancing at the sunny London we could see from one of the windows.
"The Magical Maintenance Department is responsible for the windows showing whatever weather they have choosen" Arthur explained.
I looked up and scoffed at the large banner with Fudge's photograph. My eyes fell to the Fountain of Magical Brethren, the large golden statues still the same as I remembered from when I was younger. I eyes the tallest statue, the wizard and the smallest, the house elf, looking up with adoration. My thoughts strayed to Hooky, and I sighed.
"They still have that" I said and Arthur nodded. "My department suggested you destroyed it on the last meeting to discuss the centaurs" I looked at Harry, who had stopped, looking around. "Harry" I called. "Keep close, please"
He nodded and rushed to follow us as we continued on our way to the elevators. As we waited, a stooped, white-haired, timid-looking man approached Arthur.
"Ah!" Arthur said smiling at him. "Perkins, good morn-"
"Oh, Arthur! Thank goodness, I didn't know what to do the best, whether to wait here for you or not. I've just sent an owl to your home but you've obviously missed it - an urgent message came ten minutes ago" he glanced at me and gave me a nod. "It's the Potter boy's hearing - they've changed the time and venue"
"Dumbledore thought they would try that" I said, rolling my eyes.
"It starts at eight o'clock now and it's down in the old Courtroom Ten" Perkins said.
"Merlin's beard!" Arthur exclaimed, looking at his watch. "That was five minutes ago! Come on, Harry, Elladora"
We apologize to the witch and wizard we pushed on our way into the lift, and held on as it closed. Harry almost fell, but I grabbed his arm as the lift lurched before descending to Level 9.
"I'll accompany him from here" I assured Arthur.
He nodded as we stepped out and I rushed towards the stairs, Harry right behind me. My heels were loud against the ceramic dark floor of the Department of Mysteries, and ministry workers eyed and glared at us as we passed them. After running down a flight of stairs to Level 10, I stopped by the heavy wooden doors, with large iron bolts and keyholes. I turned to Harry and eyed him. I adjusted the lapel of his jacket. It was a bit too big on him, and I eyed it, recognizing it from somewhere.
"It's Sirius' jacket" he mumbled, looking down. "Said I should look presentable. Dudley's clothes were too big"
"It's great" I said patting his shoulder and smiling. He stared blankly at me. "I will be in there, but I can not help you much... Tell them the truth, that's all the matters. You did nothing wrong..."
"And if I am expelled..."
"I will make sure you aren't" I promised. "Don't worry about Fudge, I'll handle him"
He nodded hesitantly and I smiled one last time, and we opened the doors. We rushed to Courtroom Ten, and as we entered all heads of the Wizengamot. All fifty members, plus Fudge, stared at us as we entered. I had suspected they would blow this out of proportion, suspicion which grew when we were told the hearing was not in Amelia Bones' office anymore, but never imagined they would hold a full trial for underage magic.
"You're late" Fudge said coldly, looking down from his seat.
I glared at him, putting a hand on Harry's back and pushing him gently towards the chair in the centre of the room.
"So very sorry, Cornelius" I said sarcastically, smiling coldly at him. "Must have got lost looking for the courtroom. It has been many years"
"Mrs. Potter" Cornelius said, and although he tried not to show it, he seemed nervous. "This is merely a hearing, the accused does not need..."
"Don't worry" I said, walking to one of the benches behind Harry. "I only came to accompany my nephew... I do know the procedure, although this is very uncommon... but it seems many things changed since Albus was Chief Warlock of this court" I smiled sweetly at him as I crossed my legs. "But, please, do go on"
Harry looked at me before taking his seat, clearly nervous as he glanced at the chains in the chair.
"Very well, we are ready to begin" Fudge said and looked down at Harry. "You..."
"Witness for the Defence" we turned to see Dumbledore walking in. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore"
"Oh! Albus..." Fudge said, clearly unhappy. "I see you got our notice about the time change of the hearing..."
"I must have missed it" Dumbledore said lightly. "But by a happy mistake, I arrived at the Ministry three hours early" he cocked na eyebrow at Fudge. "Charges?"
"The charges to the accused are as it follows: That he did with deliberation and fore-knowledge of the illegality of his actions, produce a patronus charm in full sight of a muggle" Fudge recited and looked down at Harry. "You are Harry James Potter?"
"Yes" Harry said frowning.
"And you conjured a Patronus on the night of the second of August?"
"Yes, but-"
"Within full sight of a muggle?"
"Yes, but-"
My eyes met Dumbledore's and he nodded in reassurance that he would intervene.
"You produced a Patronus?" Amelia Bones asked. "A fully-formed Patronus, with a clearly-defined shape?"
"Yes" Harry said again.
"That is most remarkable, Mr. Potter" she said eyeing him.
"It doesn't matter how impressive it was!" Fudge snapped. "What it matters is that the accused has admitted to using magic in front of a muggle, knowing it's consequences! It is not the first time either. The penalty for..."
I stood abruptly.
"But I did it because of the dementors!" Harry said desperately.
"What do you mean?" Amelia Bones asked.
I sat back down and continue to glare at Fudge.
"My cousin and I were attacked by Dementors. That's why I had to use my Patronus, to drive them away" Harry explained.
"Ah, yes, yes, another cock-and-bull story" Fudge said amusedly.
"It's true!" Harry snapped.
"Of course it is" Fudge said sarcastically.
"Dementors in Little Whinging?" Amelia Bones asked.
"Oh, come now, Amelia. He's clearly lying" Fudge said and turned back to Harry. "Mr. Potter, you are aware, I assume, that muggles cannot see Dementors, therefore, you have no witness..."
"Actually, we do have a witness to the presence of dementors in Little Whinging" Dumbledore said.
"We haven't got time-"
"I may be wrong but I do believe it says somewhere in the Wizengamot Charter of Rights that the Accused has the right to present witnesses to prove his or her case" Dumbledore interrupted Fudge. "In fact, I do believe I wrote that particular bit myself"
I grinned as Fudge sat back, glaring at Dumbledore.
"Very well" Fudge gave in. "Weasley, fetch the witness"
A red-headed boy, who I guessed was Percy, the Weasley who had broken Molly's heart and gained resentment from all his siblings, walked out of the courtroom, and returned, letting a fragile-looking middle-aged woman in. She was clearly nervous as she stood by Harry and Dumbledore, fidgeting and twisting her hands.
"Full name?" Fudge asked.
"Arabella Doreen Figg, resident of Little Whinging" the woman said timidly.
"So, what is your story?" Fudge asked. "What did they look like?"
"Well, one was very large... the other very skinny" she said.
"Not the boys!" Fudge said irritably. "The dementors!"
"Oh. Ah... They were big and wore great, tattered cloaks" she said swallowing nervously, and the Wizengamot members started muttering. "Everything went cold, and I felt like... like I would never be happy again"
"Very well, you may go" Fudge said coldly.
Mrs. Figg met Dumbledore's eyes, and instead of walking out, came to sit by me. I smiled at her.
"Thank you" I whispered.
She nodded with a sad smile and we turned back to the trial.
"Not very convincing" Fudge said.
"I disagree" Amelia Bones said, frowning at Fudge. "She described the dementor's effects very completely"
"So two dementors just happen to be in Little Whinging?" Fudge scoffed. "I think not..."
"Only if the dementors are still taking their orders from only the Ministry these days" Dumbledore said. "You know my view on this, Cornelius"
A toad-like, small woman, who had been sitting beside Fudge, cleared her throat, cocking na eyebrow at Dumbledore but in her eyes you could clearly see deep dislike.
"Excuse me, Dumbledore, but..." she paused and gave him a cold smile. "It seemed to me, for a moment, like you were accusing the Ministry to be ordering an attack onthe boy"
"Not at all, Madam Undersecretary" Dumbledore said politely. "What I meant was, that if the dementors are taking their orders exclusively from the Ministry, then it must certainly follow logically that someone inside the Ministry has ordered the attack. And if so... I'm sure the Ministry will make a full inquiry. And if not, then they are taking their orders from someone outside..." Dumbledore paused and approached Fudge. "Cornelius, I implore you to see reason. The evidence the Dark Lord has returned is incontrovertible"
"He is not back!" Fudge snapped, face turning angry red.
Dumbledore sighed and returned to his post beside Harry.
"Very well" Dumbledore said tiredly. "The sentence?"
"All for clearing the charges?" Amelia Bones asked, raising her hand in the air. Like many of the members did. "All opposed?" only a few raised their hands, Fudge including.
"Fine!" Fudge snapped. "Cleared of all charges!"
"Excellent" Dumbledore said, before turning and walking out.
"Professor!" Harry called, standing as the Wizengamot members got up from their seats. "Professor Dumbledore!"
But Dumbledore ignored him and didn't stop. Mrs. Figg and I walked to Harry and accompanied him out of the courtroom, where Arthur was waiting. He congratulated Harry and frowning at the members of the Wizengamot exiting, asked if he was tried by the full court.
"I'll catch up with you in the lobby, alright?" I told them, seeing Fudge walking towards the stairs, Percy following.
Arthur frowned, clearly not thinking it was a good idea, but I turned and walked away before they could say anything. It took a few quick strides to catch up with Fudge, and he didn't seem pleased.
"Cornelius, could we speak?" I asked and not waiting for na answer, turned to Percy. "Do excuse us, Percy"
He frowned at me, but didn't move. Fudge sighed and turned to him.
"It's fine, go ahead, Weasley" Fudge said.
Percy still glared at me before walking away, nose up in the air. I scoffed and rolled my eyes before turning to Fudge. He gestured for us to walk and I made sure to stay a bit ahead of him as we walked to the stairs.
"Cornelius, as much as I appreciate you recent help to my family in the past few years..."
"We are close to getting Black" he assured me. "Magical Law Enforcement has informed me that they had evidence to his presence in the Faulklands... very foolish of him, escape the country but stay in British territory"
"Yes, well, that does not concern me any longer" I said rolling my eyes.
"It does not?" he frowned.
"We have bigger things to worry about" I said, stopping once we reached Level 9.
"Elladora..."
"I should have known" I interrupt him. "That this Ministry would remain apathetic, and truly, I will not discuss this matter with you, for you do not wish to listen"
"Are we speaking as Minister to French Ministry's Head of Department, or are we speaking as Minister to Dumbledore's pet?" he asked with a cold smirk.
"We are speaking as man to aunt and godmother" I glared, stepping closer and smirking as I towered over him by a couple inches. "Let's make something very clear. You do not wish to act, then don't. But do not dare interfere on matters regarding Harry, am I clear?"
"Since when do you participate on the boy's life?" he asked. "I would bet the galleons on my vault that I have had more contact with the boy than you, Elladora"
"Your galleons?" I scoffed. "That is worth the change I receive for my lunch, Cornelius, do be serious" his face turned bright red. "So, let's not forget that despite your position, my family was and still is an important name in the Wizarding World... I shall have a meeting with the French Minister to let him know my opinions on how Great Britain is being ruled" I smiled sweetly, and put a hand on his shoulder. "So, don't forget, stay away from my nephew"
I turned and bumped into a hard chest. The chuckle made the hairs on the back of my neck stand.
"Always the mother bear" Lucius said smirking down at me.
"Always the snake, slithering around" I smirked back. "Get out of my way"
"I remember you being a Slytherin as well, Elladora"
"Not the snake I was referring to" I said with a glance to his arm. "It is a very warm summer... Why not wear short sleeves, Lucius?"
He continued smirking, amused by my jab and I pushed past him. I met Harry and Arthur and they glanced at Fudge and Malfoy, talking quietly as they walked down the corridor. Harry frowned, but then focused on the dark corridor, with polished black marble walls, and a black door.
"I've been there before..." Harry said wonderingly.
I exchange a glance with Arthur. Harry had never been to the Ministry, much less to Department of Mysteries... why would he know the place?
"I find that highly unlikely, Harry" Arthur said, nervously.
"Let's go home" I said, anxious to get out of that place.