CHAPTER 38
3 DAYS BEFORE THE MARSHLAND BATTLE
REMUS & FRANK 'S TASK
"Of all the places to go, you chose this place. Why Remus?" said Frank.
Remus and Frank were standing beside the Egyptian obelisk on St. Peter's Square. The obelisk was around 25 meters tall made of red granite, supported on bronze lions and surmounted by the Chigi arms in bronze, in all 41 meters to the cross on its top. They could see the Basilica of St. Peter which was a huge church in the Renaissance style located in Rome west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian's Mausoleum. Its central dome was dominating the skyline of Rome. The basilica could be approached via St. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space was oval and the second trapezoid. The facade of the basilica, with a giant order of columns, stretched across the end of the square and could be approached by steps on which stood two 5.55 metres statues of the 1st century apostles to Rome, Saints Peter and Paul. They were in Vatican City.
"Well, this is a place where many muggles, from all walks of life, come. I think this is the perfect place for the task assigned to us," said Remus.
"Well, it seems kind of blasphemous to me that we are doing such a thing in front of church," said Frank.
"Its not like we are killing anybody," said Remus casually.
"You have been spending too much time with Death Eaters," said Frank and shook his head.
"Frank, we have to find someone," said Remus.
"All right. Anyway how should we proceed ?" said Frank.
"Lets split up. You search the east side and I will look in the west side. Bring the potential targets here near the obelisk," said Remus.
"Hmm, fine," said Frank and moved on.
Frank was moving through the crowd , that he bumped into a large man. That large man was wearing sleeveless leather shirt and had dragon tattoos on his both arms. He had a bandana on his head. He had black long hair tied in a pony tail. He was a scary looking guy. But Frank at once knew that this man was most probably member of some Biker gang. Thanks to Sirius and his obsession with heavy bikes, all boys were now well familiar with bikes and facts surrounding it.
"Sorry, I am very sorry," said the big guy almost crying like a big baby.
Frank was astonished by this attitude. But Frank knew that this guy was a potential target.
"Its fine. I don't mind. Why are you on verge of tears?" said Frank.
"Oh, I am so glad somebody finally asked. I have been feeling very lonely," said the big guy sadly.
"What happened? And my name is Frank," said Frank holding out his hand.
The big guy shook Frank's hand enthusiastically almost crushing his fingers. Frank noticed that he seemed cheerful all of a sudden.
"My name is Miller Bowman. I am a sinful man. When I realized how wrong I was, I asked my biker boys to stop. They abandoned me. I have come here for forgiveness," said Miller.
"Oh, really," asked Frank.
"It's a long story," said Miller.
"Why dont you tell me the whole story ? It will lighten your heart," said Frank.
"Really, you will listen to my story," said Miller happily.
"Yeah, sure why not. But this place is too crowded. Lets go beside that obelisk. It seems less packed," said Frank.
"Yeah, sure," replied Miller happily and they started walking towards their destination.
Remus on the other hand wasn't successful at all. Instead he decided to visit the church. The entrance of the church was through a narthex, or entrance hall, which stretched across the building.
"This is the Holy Door and it is only opened in Holy Years," a man with grey hair and pale complexion was telling to the group of people. Remus saw him pointing to one of the decorated bronze doors leading from the narthex.
The interior was of vast dimensions by comparison with other churches Remus had ever visited.
A young man was their observing the church. He looked at Remus, smiled and said,"Only gradually does it dawn upon us – as we watch people draw near to this or that monument, strangely they appear to shrink; they are, of course, dwarfed by the scale of everything in the building. This in its turn overwhelms us."
Remus smiled at the young man who reminded him of Sirius. Sirius was always enthralled by beautiful pieces of architecture especially the ones with history. The nave which lead to the central dome was in three bays, with piers supporting a barrel-vault, the highest of any church. The nave was framed by wide aisles which had a number of chapels off them. There were also chapels surrounding the dome. Moving around the basilica in a clockwise direction, Remus had noted that they were: The Baptistery, the Chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin, the larger Choir Chapel, the Clementine Chapel with the altar of St Gregory, the Sacristy Entrance, the left transept with altars to the Crucifixion of St Peter, St Joseph and St Thomas, the altar of the Sacred Heart, the Chapel of the Madonna of Colonna, the altar of St Peter and the Paralytic, the apse with St Peter's Cathedra, the altar of St Peter raising Tabitha, the altar of the Archangel Michael, the altar of the Navicella, the right transept with altars of St Erasmus, Saints Processo and Martiniano, and St Wenceslas, the altar of St Basil, the Gregorian Chapel with the altar of the Madonna of Succour, the larger Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, the Chapel of St Sebastian and the Chapel of the Pieta. At the heart of the basilica, beneath the high altar, was the Confessio or Chapel of the Confession, 'in reference to the confession of faith by St Peter, which lead to his martyrdom' ,heard Remus from another man leading a small group. Two curving marble staircases lead to this underground chapel at the level of the Constantinian church. The Confessio gave access to the tomb of St Peter.
The entire interior of St Peter's was lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. The basilica contained a large number of tombs of popes and other notable people, many of which, Remus noted were outstanding artworks. There were also a number of sculptures in niches and chapels, including Michelangelo's Pieta. The central feature was a baldachin, or canopy over the Papal Altar. The sanctuary culminated in a sculptural ensemble, and contained the symbolic Chair of St Peter.
Remus was so lost in seeing and observing the beauty of church that he didn't even realize that more than two hours had passed when he parted with Frank. When finally his eyes fell on his watch, he panicked and rushed towards the obelisk in the St. Peter's square.
Frank, on other hand, waiting for Remus, had listened to Miller's life story multiple times from different point of views; even asking few stupid questions along the way just to make Miller elaborate more.
"And Diana then left me. She said I was scum, man. Can you believe that?" said Miller.
"Why would she say that? You seem ok to me," said Frank who was now listening why Miller's twenty-third girlfriend left him. He was still amazed how this guy got so many girlfriends.
"Well, she came to know that I kissed Lyla. I told her it was one time thing. It happened all of a sudden when we came out of tight spot together. But she wouldn't listen," said Miller.
"Who is Lyla now?" asked Frank.
"Lyla was Diana's best friend and our new recruit," said Miller.
"So let me guess. After that you had huge fight with Diana and you accidentally hit her. She got furious and left you for good. Then saying in your language, you hooked up with Lyla," said Frank.
"Oh man, how do you know? Are you a fortune teller or something?" said Miller impressed.
"No, Miller. Apparently you never noticed but your all girlfriends left you like this," said Frank. He was now wondering that how thoroughly Remus was searching that he hadn't come back even once in two hours and how many girlfriends Miller had got.
"Really. But Lyla left me after few months saying she likes Roderigo, my best bud I told you about, more," said Miller.
"Oh, you must be heart-broken," said Frank.
"No, when she left, I had already fallen in love with my true love," said Miller.
"Your true love? You said that about all your girlfriends," said Frank in a tone of frustration.
"Man, this time it was true, really true," said Miller in a tone clearly saying he wanted Frank to ask about his true love.
"So who was your true love?" asked Frank inwardly cursing Remus.
"Marina, she was a light bulb in the darkness that shrouded me,"said Miller dreamily.
"And so you hooked up with her," said Frank in a song sing way.
"No man, your mind is so full about hooking up. Marina was a nun in the local church," said Miller.
Frank was angry at being told by a guy who had had twenty four girlfriends that his mind was full of hooking up thoughts.
"So Marina was a nun. What did you do?" said Frank controlling his anger.
"One Sunday when father was giving sermon, I entered the church shouted how much I love Marina," said Miller proudly.
Frank was wondering how stupid Miller can be and thinking that God might forgive Miller for his sins but women will never forgive him. Frank, however was saved by Miller's further life story when Remus came.
"Sorry Frank, I lost track of time inside the church. Its beautiful," said Remus breathing heavily. Apparently he had come there running.
"Really," said Frank sarcastically. He was now angry that while Remus was busy being tourist he had to listen to the babbling of Miller.
"So who is this?" said Remus sheepishly.
"Meet Miller. I met him just around the corner," said Frank.
"How do you do, man?" said Miller shaking Remus's hand.
Remus wasn't sure whether Miller was shaking his hand or trying to break it.
"I am Remus and I do fine Miller," said Remus.
"Lets go for lunch somewhere," said Frank.
"Yeah sure. Its my treat," said Miller happily.
"Oh ok," said Remus.
Frank started walking ahead leaving Remus to deal with Miller. He was looking for some empty street where he could cut Miller's hair and get rid of him. Remus who was walking with chatterbox Miller now realized what Frank had been suffering from for past few hours. Frank however found an empty street and entered in it. Remus and Miller followed. When Frank had made sure no one was looking , he gave a sign to Remus. Remus instantly took out his wand and stunned Miller. Miller fell. Frank and Remus, then carefully cut all his hair and apparated to Hogsmeade. Miller, whose memory has been modified, was sitting on the road, disoriented and confused. Remus had also used Imperius curse on him to make him stay at Milton Hotel, where he was currently staying, as long as he can, so they could acquire hair anytime they want.
JAMES AND SIRIUS'S TASK
James and Sirius were lurking in Champ de Mars. Instead of doing the task both were observing the puddle iron lattice tower located there. Sirius was telling James that the tower was built in 1889, and since then it had become both a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world. This tower was the tallest building in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; the main reason both wizards were there. James was surprised that Sirius even knew the name of its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel. They were in Paris in front of Eiffel tower.
The tower stood 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building. James found it very fascinating that muggles could build such high building or tower without magic. The tower had three levels for visitors. Tickets could be purchased to ascend, by stairs or lift, to the first and second levels. The walk from ground level to the first level was over 300 steps, as was the walk from the first to the second level. The third and highest level was accessible only by elevator. Both the first and second levels featured restaurants. James and Sirius were now choosing the restaurant at which they will have lunch in the afternoon,. Finally after their tour of tower was over they decided to focus on the task which was getting hair from some long haired boy. They however being mischievous had made slight alterations to the task.
They were looking intently at the crowds of people to find some potential target. Morning had turned to afternoon and their search was still fruitless. Just then a boy and a girl of twenty or so, came walking towards them. James and Sirius were about to give up but this boy and girl who both had very long hair, brightened their spirits. Boy was a handsome young man with very long silky blonde hair and emerald green eyes. The girl was stunningly beautiful with deep blue eyes and long brown hair. The boy was taking pictures enthusiastically whereas the girl would occasionally ask some questions from people there.
"Bonjour, mon nom est Kate Beckett et ceci est mon frère, Robert Beckett. " said the girl.
"Salut, nous sommes d'Angleterre. Alors s'il vous plaît parler en anglais. Mon ami ne marche pas connaître le français,"said Sirius in fluent French. Thanks to being Black heir, he knew French and Spanish,too.
James looked confused.
Sirius smiled at James and said," She is Kate Beckett and this is her brother Robert Beckket. I have told her that we are from England so she should speak in English."
"If you don't mind can I ask you few questions?" said Kate.
"Yeah, go ahead," said James cheerfully.
"Thanks. Actually we are writing a paper as college assignment titled "EIFEL TOWER , An effective Tourist Attraction". So, tell me why are you two here?" asked Robert
"To kidnap you. I hope you wont mind," said Sirius cheerfully.
Then with a swish flick of wand, James used Imperius curse on Robert, whereas Sirius did the same to Kate. The four started to walk towards the some place less packed. They found an empty alleyway after walking few blocks. James and Sirius cut the hair and gave the same commands as Remus has given to Miller.
"Thanks a lot, Becketts," said James with a big grin.
Robert and Kate stood numb there.
Sirius gave Robert a pat on the back and said, "Best of luck with your paper. And Eifel Tower is awesome."
Then they had lunch at one of the restaurants in Eifel tower. After some more sightseeing both apparated to Hogsmeade.
…
SEVERUS AND REGULUS'S TASK
Both boys were in the Room of Requirement looking at the six cauldrons full of polyjuice potion,wondering how Professor acquired it and waiting for others to arrive. The first to arrive were Remus and Frank, which was expected.
"You only found one person with long hair and Remus found none. Unbelievable! These are times of Rock and Roll, many people have long hair," said Regulus.
"Well, what else you expect us to find in Vatican City," said Frank.
"You people went to Vatican City?" said Severus in a surprised tone.
"Yes, it was Remus's idea," said Frank.
"Well it is a very crowded place," said Remus.
"It is but there are other crowded places,too. Anyway did you went inside St. Peter Church?' asked Regulus enthusiastically.
"You remind me of Sirius right now," said Remus.
Just the Sirius and James entered. Apparently the hair they have brought were very long and silky.
"Where did you two go? And don't tell me you went Cathedral of St Basil in Moscow?" said Severus.
"Why would we go to church?" asked Sirius.
"Because Remus and Frank went to Vatican City," said Regulus.
"Anyway, lets test this polyjuice potion," said Severus taking out polyjuice potion in two flasks.
James and Frank both put the hair in flask and drank the potion. Frank turned into a large scary guy. James, however, instead of turning into boy, transformed into a stunningly beautiful girl with deep blue eyes. Frank dropped his flask on seeing that. Remus and Severus were speechless and stunned. Sirius and Regulus started to laugh.
"You know, you two are perverts," said Regulus laughing.
"I would love to see the reaction on Professor Dumbledore and company's faces when they see you,"said Remus.
"May be I can use Miss James to make Dorcas jealous," said Sirius winking at Remus and James.
"Yeah sure, but I hope you have not forgotten that Dorcas is already in love with her hot examiner, Dean Winchester," said Remus.
"Sirius, don't give up. Remember how hard I worked for Lilly," said James.
"Really Sirius," said Regulus.
"He is joking, Regulus," said Severus.
"So now we have everything ready. All the props and stuff?" said Frank after laughter and chatter had ended had died down.
"All except for our background stories," said James.
"Now we will have to orchestrate a battle after few days after full moon, ten days that is," said Sirius.
However a real battle came earlier than they had expected. Dorcas and Marlene followed Peter to Voldemort's Lair. They would have retreated but few Death Eaters saw them and surrounded them. Boys knew they couldn't miss this chance even though it was very dangerous.