….
CHAPTER 39
PRESENT DAY
Order of Phoenix, HQs
Order members returned with dead bodies of James and Frank, and a very injured Dorcas. Dumbledore and few others were already there, waiting for the Order members who were fighting in marshland.
"Sirius, Remus, take James and Frank's bodies to Hogwarts, right now. Fabian and Moody, go with them. I am not sure how these two are still walking. Give both of them dreamless sleeping potion," said Dumbledore.
"Marlene, Joanne and Jessica, take Alice and Lilly to Bones Mansion and give them dreamless sleeping potion, too," continued Dumbledore
"I am taking Dorcas to Hogwarts, too. I don't think St. Mungo's can help her. I will call someone who can," said Dumbledore and left with unconscious Dorcas.
"How could all this happen?" said Emelline crying.
"James and Frank were so young," said Benjy in a voice filled with pain and sorrow.
"Sirius will break down. James was his biggest motivation to live," said Dedalus Diggle.
"Everything will be fine. It's a big loss but we somehow have to recover. I am calling two foreign wizards to assist us now. I don't know if they will be as good as James and Frank but still," said Edgar.
"Lets go to Hogwarts, too, Mathews," said Elphias who though wasn't in the meeting where all secrets were exposed, but later Dumbledore told him everything.
"You people should rest here or you can go to your home," said Mathews and got up.
Mathews, Elphias and Edgar then left for Hogwarts.
Hogwarts
Room of Requirement
"Lay low, you idiots. Don't you think it would be strange if anybody saw two dead men running around," said Moody angrily as they were walking towards Room of Requirement.
"Moody dear, you don't know how it feels to be alive," said James grinning.
"But our plan is depending on you two dead, so stay dead for some more time. Moreover, I am impressed by the muggle tricks James and Sirius know," said Fabian smiling.
"Well they spent a month with muggle conman to learn the tricks. Like to stop pulse of one hand, you just have to place a squash ball in the armpit," said Remus.
"Sirius and Remus, your acting was awful. Your best friends are dead. Be petrified or shocked. But I am happy Sirius that my Auror training was good. To cast two spells in few seconds, good boy," said Moody.
Sirius and Severus had first non-verbally casted stunning spell on James and Frank, and then threw killing curse barely avoiding the two wizards.
"Well, I can't imagine them dead so of course my acting will suck," said Sirius lost in his thoughts.
"But this all play depends on your reaction, Sirius and Remus," said Fabian.
"I am trying," said Remus looking at Sirius.
"So when is our debut and funeral?" asked Frank.
"You can debut day after tomorrow as tomorrow evening is your funeral," said Moddy.
"No way in hell, I am missing my funeral," said James.
"Why?" asked Moody angrily.
"Well, how many times can one visit one's own funeral," said James.
"Sirius and Remus, don't forget Lilly and Alice are your responsibility now. I don't think Alice would like my new look," said Frank.
"Make sure Lilly doesn't cry very much. I hate it when she cries," said James with a sad smile.
"Prongs mate, don't worry I will take care of her," said Sirius.
All of them entered the Room of Requirement.
"Now we four are going to infirmary to check on Dorcas. You two should get ready if you wanna attend your funeral," said Fabian.
Fabian and Moody went ahead to infirmary. Sirius and Remus were slowly walking behind.
"Are you worried about Dorcas?" said Remus.
"I don't know," said Sirius.
Remus smiled at Sirius and said," I am sure she will be fine."
Dumbledore's Office
"Phineas, ask Walburga to meet me instantly in Hogsmeade. Its very urgent," said Dumbledore.
"And you think she will come?" said Phineas.
"Yes she will," said Dumbledore
Minerva, Mathew, Elphias and Edgar entered Dumbledore's office.
"So far everything is going as planned," said Mathew.
"And I hope it stays that way," said Edgar.
"I have to go somewhere,"said Dumbledore and left instantly.
"I hope Dorcas will be ok," said Elphias.
Hagrid entered Dumbledore's office. He didn't know about marshland battle and its consequences.
"Professor, a young foreign wizard left two coffins in your office," said Hagrid looking at Minerva.
"When, where is he?" asked Minerva instantly getting up.
"He left and told me to give you this note," said Hagrid and gave Minerva the note.
Minerva took the note and read it aloud,
"Dear Professor McGonagall,
I hope you are doing fine. I have done what you asked for. Check the coffins. Sorry, cannot wait for you, have to give a weapon demonstration to Director.
Take Care,
Khalid"
"So Khalid was successful," said Edgar happily.
"He is Transfiguration genius after all," said Minerva and smiled.
Hagrid was confused.
"Whats going on? What are those coffins for?" asked Hagrid.
"Well, Hagrid. James and Frank died tonight. Those coffins are for them," said Mathew.
Hagrid was stunned by this news and more by so little reaction from the wizards sitting there.
"How, what happened?" asked Hagrid
"Hagrid, we don't know the details yet," said Elphias.
Hagrid started crying. Edgar got up trying to console him.
Hogsmeade
"Whats so urgent,Professor that you called me at night," said Mrs. Black.
"I need your help," said Dumbledore.
"What help? Are my sons fine ?" said Mrs. Black.
"They are fine. Its one of the member of Order of Phoenix. She was dueling with Voldemort and he threw some dark curse at her," explained Dumbledore.
"Take me to her. I am not sure if I can help but I will try to save the witch who was courageous enough to face Lord Voldemort ," said Mrs. Black.
"Thanks, I will be in your debt,"said Dumbledore and then sent patronus to Madam Pomfrey to ask everybody to leave infirmary.
Hogwarts
Infirmary
Mrs. Black was examining the scar on Dorcas's face. Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore were standing beside her.
"The elements of spell that hit her are lightening and darkness. Further breaking means darkness, water and wind," said Mrs. Black.
"What?" asked Madam Pomfrey.
"Poppy, she knows the lost ancient magic," said Dumbledore.
"Pomfrey, you know all spells and incantations are derived from four basic elements, Earth, Wind, Water and Fire. These spells can then be compounded with Darkness or Light to make them more powerful," said Mrs. Black.
"Where did you learn all this?" asked Poppy Pomfrey.
"From the books in the library at my home. Orion had quite a collection," said Mrs. Black examining Dorcas.
"I don't think Sirius and Regulus ever read those books," said Dumbledore smiling.
"No, those stupid boys thought that all the books there were on Dark Arts. Stupid boys. Sometimes I feel angry at their incompetence," said Mrs. Black.
"You think you can cure her," asked Dumbledore.
"Yes, we can heal her instantly if we have a spell that has element fire, earth and light," said Mrs. Black.
"Such spell, where will we find it?" asked Pomfrey.
"Spell could take time so instead we will give her a potion containing these elements. I will make the potion ,and Pomfrey I will need your help," said Mrs. Black.
Pomfrey instantly understood Mrs. Black idea.
"Professor, you can leave now. You will just be a distraction here," said Mrs. Black.
Dumbledore smiled and left.
Professor Minerva McGonagall's office
Sirius and Remus were standing with Minerva and Elphias looking at corpse of James and Frank in the coffin left by the young Arab wizard.
"Wow, they look exactly like them," said Sirius admiring the transfiguration.
"No wonder he is considered a transfiguration genius. I wanted to meet him," said Remus.
"So get ready for funeral tomorrow," said Elphias.
"And you two, get your act together. Such sloppy acting would give you away," said Minerva sternly.
THE NEXT DAY
Voldemort's Lair
"So Sirius killed James Potter and you killed Frank Longbottom," said Voldemort.
"Yes, My Lord," said Severus.
"Where are Sirius and Remus?" asked Voldemort.
"I haven't met brother since the battle last night, but I think both will be busy in funeral preparation," said Regulus.
"Well, they have to keep up appearances," said Voldemort.
Just then Peter walked in. Peter had fled from the battle in first few minutes.
"My Lord, forgive me, please," begged Peter.
"Oh, Wormtail. You chose the right moment. I forgive you as today I am finally content with my Death Eaters for the first time in a long time," said Voldmeort.
Peter was puzzled.
"Shouldn't you also help your friends for the funeral?" asked Lucius.
"What funeral?" asked Peter confused.
"Sirius killed James Potter last night," said Lucius.
"Sirius killed James. That's not possible," said Peter confused.
"He did it in front of my own eyes," said Bellatrix.
"That's not possible," said Peter and left repeating the same sentence again and again.
…..
Hogwarts
Infirmary
Sirius met Joanne, Jessica and Remus outside infirmary as he was going to check Dorcas.
"Jo, how are Lilly and Alice?" asked Sirius.
"They are not exactly fine, but me and Jess have convinced them to attend funeral somehow," said Joanne whose nickname was 'Jo' and only people she considered friends could call her that.
"Lilly was asking for you, Sirius," said Jessica.
"I will come around lunch," said Sirius.
Joanne and Jessica left but both were very suspicious of Sirius and Remus's behavior. They weren't exactly acting very grief-stricken at the death of their friends.
"So where were you?" asked Remus.
"Ma belle dame wanted some other dress," said Sirius.
"James is still James," said Remus.
"How is Dorcas?" asked Sirius.
"She says she is fine but her eyes say something else. Poppy has asked us, not to tell her about James and Frank. She is listening to radio in a loud volume, I guess music therapy we read in the muggle magazine," said Remus.
"Anyway, I will go check on her," said Sirius.
"Fine, I will go and check the funeral arrangements being done in James's Home," said Remus.
Sirius entered infirmary. Radio was on in a loud voice.
Dorcas saw Sirius and smiled," Loud music helps me distract myself from stress." Her face was covered with bandages like a mummy.
"Very well, so how are you?" asked Sirius.
"I am fine," said Dorcas.
Sirius got up and sat on her bed. He held her hands and looked in her right eye as left eye was covered with bandage as well saying," Dorcas, the truth."
Tears filled her eyes.
"I might have a scar and I might be affected by this dark spell for the rest of my life," said Dorcas," What if Dean doesn't fall in love with me now? I lost without even trying." Dorcas kept on ranting about how scar and dark spell will affect her future relation with Dean.
This was first time Sirius was seeing girlish side of Dorcas, who was usually considered a tomboy.
After she stopped, Sirius said," I will talk to Dean and I will make him realize that with scar or without scar, with darkness or without darkness, you are still the most beautiful and capable witch I know."
Dorcas looked up and said," You really think so?"
"Yes, I do," said Sirius and got up to leave.
'Convincing someone else to fall in love with Dorcas was the last thing I wanted to do,' thought Sirius. He started to walk slowly towards the exit.
Radio was like reflecting his feelings, too.
Boy:
So here we are, stuck in a middle of rushing stream,
It's a fairy tale or a silly dream,
I am gonna do my task,
But is it too much to ask.
Do I get what I want,
Do I want what I get.
Do I get what I want,
Do I want what I get.
Dorcas was looking at the back of Sirius , confused. A sudden conflict had arisen inside her.
Radio went on…
Girl:
I have a choice,
But cant figure out a place to start,
Is it in my head or in my heart.
Ooooooooooo,oooooooooo
Sirius turned around and looked at Dorcas who was looking at him.
Boy and Girl together:
I hate you ,hate you long,
Just to find out I was wrong.
He smiled and left.
Girl:
Do I get what I want,
Do I want what I get…..
Dorcas sat on her bed, confused. Madam Pomfrey who was watching all this exchange smiled.
Order of Phoenix, HQs
All Order members were gathered except for Sirius and Remus. It was afternoon.
"Jess , you said Sirius will come ?" asked Lilly barely in a whisper.
"Dumbledore sent him and Remus to bring the two foreign wizards here. They wanted to attend the funeral, too," said Moody.
"He is trying to keep Sirius busy," said Jessica.
"Hmm..,"said Lilly.
Sirius and Remus entered with the two foreign wizards. On seeing James and Frank's new form all Order members were stunned. Frank and James had been so busy with their looks and dress, etc that they totally forgot about the background story.
"These two foreign wizards will be joining our ranks from today. Please, Introduce yourself," said Dumbledore who was trying his best to hide his smile on seeing James as a beautiful girl.
Frank and James now stood petrified.
"My..my name is ….Victor Krum. Nice to meet you all," said Frank in the voice of Miller Bowman.
"My name is Fleur Delacour," said James smiling charmingly in Rebecca's French accent.
Sirius and Remus were trying their best to act sorrowful but James's acting was making it difficult for them. Most Order members were still speechless on seeing a large scary looking guy and a stunning girl who was acting very strange.
"Leave it to them to find the most conspicuous and suspicious people's hair," said Moody in a low voice to Gideon.
Fleur sat beside Professor McGonagall who whispered to her," You are shameless,"
Victor sat beside Edgar who said," Really?"
Lilly and Alice were sitting in the corner of the living room. Their parents were also there. Sirius and Remus went up to them. Lilly's eyes met Sirius, Sirius couldn't bear the pain in the eyes of his friend. Remus was holding Alice's hand. Alice tried to say something but no words came out, instead tears started flowing down her eyes.
Just then Molly and Arthur entered. They had brought lunch for all the Order members. Everybody moved to dining room except Sirius, Remus, Lilly and Alice.
Seeing Alice and Lilly's lifeless forms, Sirius and Remus decided to tell Lilly and Alice some of the facts, though not all, even if Dumbledore had asked them not to disclose it to the girls. Sirius and Remus took Alice and Lilly to James's bedroom to talk in private.
"Lilly, how much do you trust me?" said Sirius holding Lilly's hand.
"I trust you, Padfoot. I have been waiting for you. I wont believe James is dead until you tell me," said Lilly with tears-filled eyes.
"He is alive, Lilly," said Sirius.
"And so is Frank, Alice," said Remus putting his hand on Alice's shoulder.
Both girls looked suddenly alive. They looked confused at the boys.
"Is it true?" asked Alice speaking for the first time since Frank's supposed death.
"Yes, Alice. They are here though not in their usual appearance," said Sirius.
"You mean those two weird foreign wizards," said Alice.
"Why are you girls so sharp?" exclaimed Sirius.
"But why?" asked Lilly
"To give false sense of victory to Voldemort," said Remus.
"And you two cant tell anyone not even James and Frank, that we told you because Professor Dumbledore forbade us to tell anyone. But I cant bear the pain in your eyes, Lilly," said Sirius.
"So keep acting sorrowful for our sake," said Remus and smiled.
Lilly and Alice got up and hugged Sirius and Remus together saying "thank you so much" repeatedly.
"Oh come on, act grieved," said Sirius.
Girls smiled and said,"Oh, don't worry."
…...
Godric Hollow Graveyard
Everybody was now standing in the graveyard in Godric's Hollow. Frank's mother was devastated. Lilly and Alice's acting was perfect. Sirius and Remus were playing the part well, too. Peter had also come and shed crocodile tears. The only two people who looked odd were the two foreign wizards.
Fleur was busy flirting with Peter who was now red. Victor was trying to stop Fleur. Any time anybody passed them reproachful look, Fleur just flashed a smile at them and Victor looked down embarrassed.
"Mr. Sirius, would you like to say few words about your friends," said the priest there.
"Yes, sure," said Sirius.
"James was my best friend, is my best friend and will always be my best friend. Frank was the best Auror I knew, is the best Auror I know and will be the best Auror I know. Both were brave and loyal and they selfishly left me behind. But I wont shed a tear until I have given their killers what they deserve, a life worse than death," said Sirius.
Fleur said loudly, "Oh how brave this young handsome man is."
Everybody looked at her confused and Lilly was sure that this was James. Remus looked down to hide his smile whereas Peter seemed furious for some unknown reason.
"Miss Delacour, behave yourself. You are in a funeral," said Professor Minerva McGonagall angrily.
And so the bodies of James and Frank were buried.
...
Sorry about the re-uploading of all the chapters.
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More to come
"Sirius and Remus, I make you commander of my Death Eaters and Dark Creatures respectively, so I will bestow you with a special Dark mark," said Voldemort.
. . . . . . . . . . .
"Fleur and Peter were attacked in Diagon Alley. Peter fled but Fleur disappeared," said Benjy.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sirius head was like it was about to explode.
"Peter decided to be our doom in this lifetime, too," said James sadly
"Its must be fault with our friendship, maybe we weren't good enough friends," said Remus
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
"So the unavoidable battle dawns upon us," said Edgar.
"And we failed to acquire the last Horcrux," said Regulus.
. . . . . . . . . . . .