Chapter 38

As Christmas neared, it became even more festive around Godric's Hollow. For days on end, fluffy snowflakes fell on the sleepy village. Gail did her best to stay away from Sirius and James. When she wasn't studying, she ended up spending more time in the kitchen, helping Mrs. Potter out. Christmas dinner would be the biggest meal so far, so of course the woman needed a hand. Gail was quite glad to be in the kitchen and away from James and Sirius. The two boys had stuck a charmed bug onto her back that wouldn't stop singing. It took her nearly an hour to figure out that she wasn't going mad, and that the music was following her. Needless to say, she never wanted to hear that song again.

"Mr and Mrs. Lupin will be coming over, too," Mrs. Potter said kindly as she finished spicing the mashed potatoes, "have you met them before?"

"No, I haven't," Gail responded as she finished cutting up the raw vegetables. Mrs. Potter didn't seem like she was going to say anything about it. The woman was focused on pulling the large roast out of the oven.

The food was just about finished. Gail hadn't noticed how warm the kitchen was until she left the room. She almost walked into the back of a man as she turned around the corner. Looking up, she recognized his hair colour. The man turned around and took notice of her. He had very soft, exhausted features. His robes were fraying and patched in several places.

"Oh, am I in the way?" The man asked serenely, "I'm sorry."

Gail quickly shook her head, "no, I just turned the corner too quickly. You must be Mr. Lupin."

"Gail!" Remus entered the hallway, too, with his mother following him closely. He quickly moved to Gail's side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Excitement licked at Gail's insides, "ah, I see you've met my father. Mother, Father, this is Gail Forester."

Remus' mother looked shocked by how close her son was to a girl, but her shock eventually melted into a warm smile under her son's stare. It was quite apparent that Remus' mother was quiet; she didn't say a word to Gail, but offered a small nod.

"It's nice to meet you, Gail," Remus' father shook her hand amiably. It was quite apparent where Remus got his kindness from, both of his parents were beaming warmly at both Remus and Gail.

"It's nice to meet both of you, too," Gail responded cheerfully. There was a long, rather awkward pause in which no one really knew what to say. Thankfully, Mr. Lupin was quite eloquent.

"You two are in Griffindor together? Same year and everything?" Mr. Lupin asked calmly. Gail noted that his eyes and nose were very similar to Remus', "we were quite surprised that our Remus ended up in Griffindor when we were both in Hufflepuff... But that doesn't make us any less proud of him."

Before Gail could even respond, Mrs. Potter bustled in, "dinner is ready. Everyone, come in and take a seat. Hurry, before the meal gets cold."

When everyone was seated around the Potter's table, which had been charmed to be able to seat more people, Gail leaned over to whisper to Remus.

"Do they know I know?" Gail whispered quietly, as she passed him the bowl of mashed potatoes.

"They're under the impression that no one knows," Remus whispered back as he took the bowl. Gail noted that he didn't take any, either, "because I haven't been kicked out of school yet. So that's why they were a little bit perplexed by you."

Gail didn't know that 'perplexed' was the right word for it. Remus' parents had seemed to shy away from congratulating their son on dating her. Perhaps they expected the relationship to be cut short.

"You didn't tell them about me, did you?" Gail asked quietly. It was nice that James and Sirius were talking about Peter's rash quite loudly at the dinner table. The adults didn't seem to notice anything. It was the perfect atmosphere for a private conversation with Remus.

"I'm sorry," Remus looked at her, or rather, passed her. Trays of roast beef, vegetables and what have you seemed to be piling up on Gail's side, since Peter just kept trying to hand them to her.

"Oops," Gail frantically handed Remus a few platters to get the food moving again. She took a few vegetables here and there, as well as some roast beef. She noted the stark lack of vegetables on Remus' plate and how it was overcompensated for with meat. Mrs. Potter seemed to notice the same thing and made clucked her tongue quietly.

The meal was going splendidly, there didn't seem to be any hidden pranks anywhere. Gail thankfully ate while half-listening to the boys debating whether or not some quidditch team would win any games. The holiday mood was ruined by a loud crack, though. It sounded like a whip had gone by over their heads. Mrs. Potter turned to stare down the table at Sirius and James.

"What have you done this year, boys?" Mr. Potter asked, rising from the table. He carefully placed his napkin beside his plate before turning around.

"It wasn't us, Dad," James answered quickly. Gail would have thought he was lying if she hadn't seen the look in James' eyes. Mr. Potter seemed to believe his son. The man pulled out his wand and moved towards the window.

"It looks like our dinner is over now. Em, take the kids into the basement. Use the magic lock," Mr. Potter frowned over his should at the kids, "the Death Eaters are attacking Godric's Hollow. They've probably blocked off the Floo Network already. Lupin, old boy, are you ready for a bit of a fight?"

Before Gail could even protest, Mrs. Potter had brandished her wand and swept the children down into the basement. There were several protests while she was doing so.

"What about Dad?" James protested angrily, "you know he can't do everything himself."

"You're far too young to fight," Mrs. Potter bristled, forcing her son into the basement, "besides, you should stay down there and protect your friends, if the worst should happen. Remember, there are a few brooms down there, so run if you get caught."

Before James could protest again or Remus could say anything, Mrs. Potter swung the door closed and had already locked it. There was only one way out, and it was through a window that was hidden from sight by an enchanted rose bush. Even James knew that it would be a truly idiotic idea to sneak out that way, though. If they did, they would be walking out into the open and would be sitting ducks to the Death Eaters.

"Don't worry," James stared ruefully at the door, "my Dad won't lose."

Waiting.

Why was it so painful? The air in the basement was stale and gloomy. It looked like Mrs. Potter had once used the basement to store things, such as outdated brooms. It looked like she had also used the basement as a place to brew potions and dry different herbs. To pass the time, Gail stared at the herbs that were drying on the rack. She was doing her best to try and name them. After what seemed like hours, Gail turned her attention to her companions.

It seemed like James was worried. He kept pacing around while clenching and unclenching his fist on his wand. Gail understood that he was anxious to hear from his parents, but there was little he could do. The one person that could have calmed James down was looking quite anxious himself. Sirius kept staring at the door, as if he was willing it to open. He had sat himself on an old rocking chair in the middle of the room. By his actions, Gail couldn't tell if he was claustrophobic or just worried for James' parents.

Remus was no better off. Both of his parents were also still in the house, maybe fighting alongside the Potters. He was more reserved though, and had taken a seat on the edge in silence. Gail felt that she couldn't even approach him because the mood he was giving off was just that foul. As much as she wanted to sit next to him and whisper soothing words, she knew it would not help him at all.

Peter seemed to be the most upbeat of the four. Neither of his parents were in danger of dying. His only concern was survival, which would be easy if he could pop into his animagus form and just look like a rat that had been trapped in the basement. Of course, where would that leave everyone else? Gail shoved that thought out of her mind. Peter would definitely not run away while his friends were in danger.

"Why?!" James finally stopped pacing, allowing the dust to settle around him, "why should we be stuck in here while there's a fight going on? We could help them."

Sirius' head shot up. Gail couldn't see his eyes, "we can't get out of here, mate. Settle down for a bit."

"We could use the window," James suggested wildly.

"And risk walking right into a bunch of Death Eaters? That's the quick way to lose," Sirius snorted derisively, "I'm all for fighting, but we have no chance, mate."

"But-" James protested weakly.

"If we go out there now," Remus spoke over top of James. His voice was deadly serious, "then we risk getting not only ourselves killed, but also our parents. They can operate much better without having to watch over us."

It took a moment for James to let his friends' words sink in. He slumped slightly, relaxing his grip on his wand. Remus seemed relieved that James had given up the notion of running out of the basement to save his parents. With the tension in the room broken, Gail took a chance to sneak over next to Remus. Carefully, she placed a hand on his knee. She was quite relieved when he didn't brush her hand away, but instead took her hand in his own.

"You could send Peter through the window," Gail suggested finally. The boys gaped at her for a few minutes, as if realizing that she was there the whole time. James didn't seem to approve of the idea.

"We can't send him alone," James said quietly. Peter nodded his head.

"He'll be safe as long as he stays in his animagus form," Gail said quietly, "at least we'll know what's going on outside if he can peak outside."

Peter seemed to become slightly depressed when four pairs of eyes stared at him. He finally gave way and sulkily nodded his head. Before her eyes, Peter turned into a rat. Gail didn't even have time to admire how easily the boy had transformed. Sirius jumped to his feet and pushed open the window. The window squeaked and caused dust to fly around him for a moment. In an act of teamwork, James picked Wormtail up and lifted him to the window.

"Be careful, Wormy," James gave some parting words to his friend, "scratch on the window, and we'll let you back in."

The remaining teenagers settled themselves in to wait again. Gail sighed quietly. If she was an animagus, she would have been able to go with Peter. In her heart, she knew that she would study the notes furiously when she got out, in order to become an animagus as quickly as she could. The silence in the basement was stifling. After about five minutes, Gail heard a faint scratching noise. Peter was back at the window. Hurriedly, James opened the window and pulled the rat back inside. Quickly, Peter changed back.

"I didn't see any fighting," Peter reported to James, "it looks like one of the muggle families was targeted, since the mark was set up a few houses over. That's the cracking noise that we heard. I think the other wizarding families in the area have also gone to help out."

James seemed to relax slightly at the news. If the other families in the area had gone to help, then it was less likely there would be a fatality. Hopefully, the ministry would be fast with sending their aurors and the Order would send their members to help, as well.

"This is horrible," Gail said quietly, "those poor muggles... They couldn't even protect themselves from wizards."

James shifted slightly, "even if it was us... while we were eating."

"None of us had wands out, even," Sirius finished James' thought. He was staring darkly at the floor. Gail noticed that Remus' face darkened by the thought. The mood in the basement seemed to become depressing once again.

"Can I stay in here?" Peter asked meekly after a few minutes of silence, "I really don't want to go back outside."

"Sure, Wormy," James patted the plump boy on the back, "you did good. Thanks for looking outside."

Peter sat down on the floor, slumping against the wall. He seemed to be a little bit worn out. Gail faintly wondered if he had been running around outside. It would probably do the boy good to lose a few pounds, just so that he could keep up with the other marauders. It was probably embarrassing for him to be compared with the other boys, who were all reasonably tall and lanky, so Gail didn't say anything.

Without warning, the door to the basement was flung open. Standing in the doorway was a gruff looking man that Gail quickly recognized. Alastor Moody seemed to have a few new cuts on his face. Never would Gail have thought that she would be happy to seen the man.

"Mr. Moody," Gail gasped, standing up to face him.

"Everyone alright down here?" Moody asked sharply, his eyes darting around the room, "good hiding spot. Wouldn't have found it without my eye."

Moody made his way down the steps into the basement and came face to face with James Potter. Before James could even say anything, Moody spun around to stare at Gail. He quickly continued talking, "quick, girl. Affirm that I'm not under their control. Ask me a question that only I know."

"What did I give you the last time we met?" Gail asked quickly, watching the man's electric blue eyes spin around quickly.

"A letter and a recipe about your potion," Moody answered promptly. Seeing Gail nod, he gestured for them to exit the basement, "now you know it's safe to leave. There aren't anymore Death Eaters in the area."

After being stuck in the basement for almost two hours, the lights in the house stung Gail's eyes. She couldn't imagine being stuck in the basement for days. That would have been horrible. Faintly, Gail felt herself and the others being herded towards the kitchen. When they finally entered the kitchen, they were greeted by Remus' parents. The teenager looked so relieved when he darted forward to wrap his parents in a hug. For a moment, Gail completely forgot about the Potters because of the touching scene between the Lupins.

"Mother, Father, what happened? Was there a fight?" Remus finally asked his two parents. The three of them didn't seem to notice that they were the centre of attention in the warm kitchen.

Remus' father inclined his head, "there was a bit of a scuffle, but it was four against three before the aurors showed up. Luckily, it wasn't a large group of Death Eaters."

"Where are my parents?" James asked quite loudly, staring back and forth between Moody and the Lupins.

As if to answer her son's call, Mrs. Potter seemed to stumble into the kitchen. A man was helping her to stand up straight. He seemed to me a mediwizard. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with Mrs. Potter, just by looking at her, but here eyes showed shock and pain. Deep pain. Gail recognized the look, she had seen it in Mrs. Prewett's face many times. Gail's stomach seemed to close in on itself as she was waiting for the news.

"James! Oh, my sweet boy," Mrs. Potter launched herself at her son, wrapping her short arms around the lanky boy. James stood there, staring down at his mother through his glasses for a moment.

"Mum, listen to me," James gently pushed his mother away. He seemed to be trembling, "where is he?"

"He's... he's..." Mrs. Potter seemed to crumble slightly, whimpering. She didn't seem quite sane at that moment. She shook her head like she couldn't spit it out.

It hit Gail. Would James ever get the chance to introduce Lily Evans to his father, as he had promised?

"Where is he?" James asked more firmly.

"I'm sorry," the mediwizard stepped in, taking Mrs. Potter by the arm. He attempted to pry the woman's grasp off of her son, but Mrs. Potter refused to budge, "it looks like she got hit by a crucius curse. She's been a little unstable. She needs some rest and..."

"James!" Mrs. Potter clung to him, "your father, he's..."

Author Note:

Okay, so I planned that cliff hanger. Mr. Potter! What happened!

The next update will be on Friday, maybe earlier... Depending on how boring classes are.

-Rue

The Comment Gallery
Host: Gail Forester
Guest: Amber Button

Gail: Welcome to the Comment Gallery! Amber decided to drop by today.

Amber: Hello!

Gail: We have a bunch of reviews to go through. Thanks for reviewing guys!

Amber: The first review is from Apocolips. The last chapter was a bit slow, but I think it was necessary to show a bit of what James is like around his parents.

Gail: He's such a momma's boy... Or is it daddy's boy.

Amber: That's true.

Gail: Thanks for reviewing Three Faces Of Eve. You hit the nail on the head. Congratulations.

Amber: Revealing the mystery is necessary for those that don't know their Greek Mythology.

Gail: It's funny, but I ALMOST was a nymph, but Rue found that that would have made me too close to Faye, the main character of Hidden Flame.

Amber: And that would be stealing. Yep yep.

Gail: The next review is from Musik Drache. This story is AU, but Rue will do her best to keep it as close to the books as I can... with a few changes.

Amber: Deaths! No~! NOOOO!!!

-Gail twitches-

Gail: The next review is from Moonwalker. Where WAS Remus? Spending time with his family, I'm sure.

Amber: Peter has a crush on you, Gail?

Gail: Doubtful. The boy gets excited just by talking to girls.

Amber: The next review is from analogheart828. Congratulations on reading all of the chapters! Thank you for sticking with it!

Gail: Yes, we quite like Evanescence. Rue has two of their cds, and the older one is worn out.

Amber: -sings- Hello, I'm the lie living for you so you can hide. [Hello by Evanescence]

Gail: The last review is from MaxRideRox. Sirius Black. COOKIE?!

-Gail holds out hand-

Amber: Remus likes anything that isn't VEGETABLES. Haha

Gail: It's sad, isn't it.

Amber: The only one that's rooting for James and Lily... Very avidly. Wow.

-Gail scratches the back of her head-

Gail: That's all the time we have for today. Remember, the next update will be on Friday. See you then!