Hey there =) Chapter 64. 11 left.
Review:
cherrygirlgaga: Hello =)
Really? That was ten pages? Öö I was afraid you might thought it was too long, but that's really nice of you =) I'm glad with the reviews I have right now. I wouldn't mind some more, but I don't think I could deal with 1000 reviews XD When I published it the first time on a Harry Potter board, I had quite some readers and even though I loved responding to each of them, it was hard and time consuming. Some is alright with me =)
The Slytherin student was never mentioned before by name XD Only that Anna and Melissa used to hang out with some Slytherins.
Yeah ^^ Well, the forbidden forest is quiet and deserted enough XD
I had to smile reading your nick for the James Lilli pairing XD That's the name of their daughter in the sequel.
Uh, that sounds promising =) How long did you take for writing the 30 chapter story? I still haven't got around to watch Fairy Tale, but I still plan to. Uh, you like Kingdom Hearts? Which character are your favourites? I played it since the first game came out and can't wait for the third part to finally be released. Still hope for a happy end for all characters even though Nomura said this would not happen =(
Thanks for your review =) Read you.
Chapter 64 – If the light suffers...
7 month ago
Sirius and Anna were laying next to each other on the meadow under the dark evening sky. It was already very late, but both didn't want to go back yet. She felt his eyes on her and turned to him, smiling.
"Forget it, Black."
"Forget what?" he asked innocently.
"What ever is on your mind."
"There is nothing on my mind."
"As if," she responded superiorly. "Usually, there is nothing on your mind. Right now, there is something in your bean brain what shouldn't be there."
"Really? And what?"
She looked knowingly.
"Right," he resigned. "Forget the disadvantage if the girl you're dating is an empath."
She laughed and looked back at the sky. Sirius couldn't help it. Being with her was different, felt right, felt better than he had ever done and he couldn't figure out why he felt this way. It wasn't because she looked good, what she certainly does. He never said she wasn't attractive. It was also definitely not her character, cause her way to act whenever she knew she had right and he didn't was kind of pretty annoying... was it?
"James would laugh his head off, if he knew about us," she suddenly whispered and again, they turned to each other. He looked deep into her dark eyes and smiled softly, noticing how much telling and gorgeous they were. "We would be the newest gossip till the end of our school days. Look! There are Black and White, they are an item. How long can that hold? I'm sure there will be bets."
"Since when did you set any value on what other people are saying?"
"Since you're the one they are bad-mouthing."
Sirius noticed a long time ago, that Anna behave different around him, James, Remus and Peter than if she was with Lissy or Stattler.
"You really want them to talk even more about you like they already do? If that about us comes out, you aren't Sirius Black, bloodtraitor, who always turned school upside down, you will be also the bloke, who screw the great-granddaughter of the direc -"
Her lips were sealed by a deep, soft kiss and she felt his hands on her body, strong enough to hold her, but carefully to not inflict any harm.
No matter, how cold it is here...
No matter, how much I want to not be here, not be in this situation, which I am on my own fault...
Its not gonna happen. If I open my eyes now, I'll see his cruel eyes, I won't be able to resist. Nobody can... even James won't...
I'm so lost, Sirius. For about 5 weeks that summer, you had changed everything. You changed me.
I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry for being too weak, for giving up, even though you had never given up on me... I always knew you'd understand and knowing that I always knew I wasn't alone. You did so much for me in this 5 weeks.
You remember our argument before we broke up? Everything we threw at each other? I regret it now... I said things I didn't mean. I was just mad. Now, I'm here and... I won't be able to keep my promise to you.
I don't have the strength anymore. I'm done. He broke me. I can't hold on to anything. The memories are still there. I can see them if I close my eyes. I'm calling you with my soul so why won't you hear me? Why did you close yourself up against me? I need you, Sirius... Why do you keep ignoring me?...
I'm here... on his feet, lost. I can't stop him from doing whatever he intends to. Do you know what he wants? I know you won't let him. You'll get in his way and he'll kill you. His path of destruction will start by me, let his trace in you... and it will end... with James.
It was a sunny day in London and Sirius and Anna walked through Diagonalley, holding hands.
"So, your place or mine?" Sirius grinned inappropriately naughty but she just smiled to herself.
"Yeah, of course mine," she said sarcastically. "Dumbledore always cheers up if a student appears in his home. Especially, if its one of his favourite mischief maker."
"You won," he laughed, pulling her closer. "Then, let's go to my shiny place."
Her expression suddenly changed and she looked suspiciously behind him.
"Hey, isn't that your brother?"
Puzzled, he turned around, spotting indeed Regulus, who was almost running as if he was chased. He looked scared to death as he continued without taking notice of his older brother standing there.
"I better get after him." Sirius was about to leave, but stopped instead, looking worriedly back to her.
"It's okay," she assured him with a smile. "Go. He needs you more."
"I come back as soon as I talked to him. Promise."
"I know."
He still hadn't leave. Instead, he eyed the surroundings to make sure there was really no danger.
"Watch out, okay? You know, Malfoy."
"Don't worry," she said. "I don't think Cord Malfoy will wait on the next corner I cross."
With a last, long kiss, they split up and she watched him running after his brother.
I didn't bump into Cord that day... and yet I was scared. I know, I'm keep saying I can do fine on my own and everything but... I'm not. I can when you guys are there. Now, you aren't and I'm... scared to death. More than I had ever been. It hurts... so much... more than the hatred of my parents... more than our break up... more than James coldness before I heal him...
It hurts so much... I just... want to die to stop it.
Why didn't you trust me? I needed you so much... I needed to know that at least you were on my side, kept faith in me no matter what... That was what kept me alive... kept me living. You stopped... and so do I.
I know, I did mistakes. I should have told you things instead of keep quiet. But this is not about me now. He has changed his plans and he fooled us. I thought I could prepare and be able to shelter James from him. I thought... I could do that with all of you... because you all mean so much to me. Truth is, I can't protect any of you. I was such a fool.
You said once... you would always come. I only had to call you. Now, I reach out for you... because I need you more than anything and anyone else. I call you... why don't you come?
Sirius... If you don't come soon... I won't be able to hold on any longer. I will give up and go back on my promise... Sirius?...
…..
Sirius... I... tried...
….
Don't ignore me!
It was a late night at Dumbledore's home. He went out, work or duty or whatever. Sirius had not showed up either even though it was almost midnight... Guys! Who said one can count on them? It didn't matter how great the holidays have been so far, this night was anything but good. Heaven was somehow gloomy... Rain was coming up and it was starting to get cold.
Anna wrapped herself up inside her cloak and kept looking outside the window, waiting for Sirius to finally appear. She missed him...
Rain was pounding harder on the window now and yet, she felt dizzy, tired... exhausted, she closed her eyes at last.
Crack!
With wide open eyes, Anna had sat up straight again. Startled, she looked around, attempting to find out what had caused that noise. Sirius? Was it him?... He wasn't in here... Thunder was growling, rain pounded even harder. Instinctively, she was looking for her wand which laid untouched on the bed next to her. It was a new one, hardly used. Dumbledore had given it to her as a present when she moved in at the very beginning of the summer holidays.
"What's that?" she asked surprised.
"This, my dear Anna, is your new wand," Dumbledore had answered attentively.
"My new Wand? Why that?"
"I thought, it might be a better fit. It's less weight, more delicate. The gold strands seems to reflect you more, than the dark one from your previous wand, don't you think? This wand will be very handy in performing healing charms."
"As if you know what reflects me more," she said with a defiant look.
"True, but I know that I want to give it to you. If you want to take and use it or don't and threw it in the trash, that's up to you."
Indeed, it was her choice, which wand she used. The wand her parents gave her, the one that was cold, dark, rough... always sending emptiness through her insides whenever she had touched it, or the wand Dumbledore gave her, the one strange to her, which tend to send a weird feeling through every inch of her body by only looking at it. … And yet, she made the decision for the new unfamiliar one.
"The wand is suppose to be a charm, Anna. It is full of white magic from an unicorn, made of a strand of its hair. It will keep harm from you as long as you let it. Hold the wand close to you. If you ever let go of it, you'll lose the protection, it puts around you."
"I see."
Crack!
She grabbed her wand and aimed at the door. Her heart pounded like hell, she could hardly breath. Maybe it was Dumbledore or Sirius? It has to be one of them. She only took the wand to defend herself... if it wasn't one of them... But this was Dumbledore's home... There were a lot of protection on it. It could not be a stranger, not an enemy, not her parents... It has to be him or Sirius... Him or Sirius...
Crack!
"Where do you think you're going?!" Her father's cold, harsh voice appeared in her mind.
"Away from you!" she yelled back.
"You'll stay, you hear me!"
"No!"
"You ungrateful puppet!"
"Let go of me!"
Rumbling, cracks, pain. She stopped breathing, feeling scared to death. She didn't want to think back, but it had forced itself into her memories.
"No, let go of me, please!"
"I told you to stay! Obey me!"
"No! No, I won't! Not this time!"
"Yes, you will! You're my daughter! I made you!"
"No! Let go of me! Please!" she was begging, her voice was shaking of deep fear.
"You won't leave and go to anyone, you hear me! You're mine! Cruc -"
"No! Imperio! Let go of me!"
She squinted, trying to lose those thoughts, hoping it would go away. It was over. He's not coming back again... He's not. It had to be Dumbledore or Sirius. Dumbledore or Sirius. Thunder was growling again and the door was opened with a squeak. She was still holding her wand and pointed at Sirius. With one second, fear had left her heart and she put the wand down.
"So, you didn't want to jinx me for turning up late?" he asked carefully, but with a smirk. Anna laughed. Now, she could laugh. He was here...
"Sorry... I'm not use to be here at Dumbledores."
"Well, nothing happened. I'm unharmed."
"Right."
"Sure, you are okay?" he asked, looking worried after noticing how pale she really was.
"Sure..."
No, she wasn't but neither did she want to talk about it.
"So, what's with Regulus?"
His mood changed fast from cheerful and happy into gloomy and depressed.
"He didn't say, but... I guess... it were my beloved parents."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, you know how my parents are adoring Voldemort? He is searching for supporters and those are becoming younger and younger."
"You think Regulus is suppose to become one of them?"
"Looks like it... If he isn't already one."
"Did he say that?"
"No, but I know it. I know my parents and my brother... Regulus is so naïve and stupid enough to listen to them. I don't know what to do, Anna."
She took his hands and pulled him down to her.
"I admire you for having the strength to resist," she whispered tenderly.
"Strength to resist?"
"You resist your parents. You freed yourself from them and you did this all by yourself."
"I thought you and your parents are good?"
"We're..."
"But?"
"No buts..."
"Your parents want you to become one of Voldemort's follower as well?"
She didn't answer him, attempting to avoid responding she also looked away.
"And?" he urged carefully.
"And what?"
"What do you think?"
She had a heavy heart, but answered at last.
"I would never support him... Not because Dumbledore stands against him, but because of you... and James. Because you're on the other side."
Sirius got a big grin. Some of those that usually made her see red, but recently, not anymore.
"So, we're really important to you?"
"I'm afraid, you are," she replied amusedly. Sirius laughed and pulled her closer. The longer he looked into her eyes, the more he fell for her.
"Anna?"
"Yes?"
"You know... I like you.."
"I like you, too, Sirius."
"No, listen to me first."
He looked serious, somehow even worried and insecure and she couldn't help but tensing up.
"Okay..."
"Regulus is my brother and I wish I could prevent my parents from continuing their stupid pressure on him. But I can't. If it was with you and your parents like it was with him and mine – I can understand, how you must have been feeling all this time."
No, you can't.
"I left home to prevent them from blaming my friends for what I'm doing."
So do I.
"Promise me one thing? Never join Voldemort. No matter what happens. He's evil, Anna. Mr and Mrs Potter -"
"I know," she said immediately, before he could finish his line. She knew as well as he does how hard James' parents worked against this dark wizard.
I know so much more about this than you do, Sirius. Even though, you had always despised him more than I had. And after you hear about what he did to James, who you love like a brother, I felt it in you. You started to hate him so much for what he did to one of the most important persons in your life like I never thought you could. You were suddenly be able to feel that harsh for someone, that I got scared of you.
"So, you promise me?"
"I know what you mean," she whispered very quietly. She knew how important this was for him and that it was now everything after feeling the loss of his brother. It was clear that he had lost him to Voldemort after this day. It was not unfamiliar to her to lose someone close and feeling powerless. It was also obvious how much the marauder gave to the word of a friend and that was the reason why she nodded. At that time, she had really every intention on keeping the promise, cause she wanted it as much as he did.
"I promise, no matter what comes, I will never join Voldemort's side."
"Thanks..." he said, relieved and happy at the same time.
Nobody should make promises, one can't keep... I'm so sorry... I went back on my promise...
recently
"Tell me, how can I get him? James Potter? You know how, don't you? I know that he's the Black Heart who will receive Dark Breath."
The fallen Phowlyris was standing in a very dark room with only 2 other people in it. Everything was quiet except some crackle noise from the fireplace far away on the other side of the room. There were no furniture to make the room more comfortable. One of the other persons there was the Dark Lord, walking up and down with a very penetrative look on his companions.
"There are several options to get him here. Unfortunately, half of it won't make it through Dumbledore's protection charms. There is another possibility, even that fool won't be expecting. A new student shall attend the Hogwarts school."
"I see," she said, but not very convinced. "And after that?"
"Black will do it for us," he continued cunningly. "Cause I have here something he surely wants to remain... alive."
He turned to the third person in the room. It was Anna White, wearing the dark cloak of a Death Eater. Her eyes weren't focusing, were weary, cavernous. She was staring into space and didn't dare to look up, showing they had complete control of her.
"And how is another brat suppose to help?" she asked with an condescending glare at the wizard. Instead, she stroke the shoulder of the young witch and watched with satisfaction as her victim gasped in pain.
"He's Potter's best friend. " With specially disgusted emphasizing on the last word, Voldemort smirked. He would win because it was suppose to be. Nobody will ever be able to stop him, because they were all the same, weak and vulnerable. Stupid enough to trust someone they called a friend. It was just a matter of time he would call Gryffindor's magic his.
Hogwarts today
"And if Potter gets the snitch, Gryffindor will win! Stop, Cadrige is closer! Both of them are dashing equally fast, but we all know, only one can catch it!"
Everyone on the stands was cheering at both seekers and absolutely every eye was on James and the Rawenclaw seeker Cadrige. With amazing speed, both were chasing the snitch who kept on flying a good gap ahead of them.
"There! They are closing in! They are about to make the catch. Who will succeed? Who will get his hands on it first? Who will be faster?! There! Both reach out and -!
Crack!
"Uff!"
"Uaaaaaah!"
"Iauuuuu!"
And with that, there was silence over the whole place. Every teacher looked shocked, each student stared baffled to both seekers up in the air. Both of them, James as well as Cadrige, had hold one wing of the snitch while the golden ball hovered furiously in front of both guys, spinning fast and making attempts to crash into each of their faces if it would have the permission to.
"Are my eyes deceiving me or did Potter and Cadrige really rip the snitch off his wings? And even more amazed: it complains to them!"
"Okay, what happens if the snitch gets unmanned?" Sirius sneered at them after the game was over and they changed clothes. While he found this match literally killing, James shook his head at his friends dry humour.
"Come on, McGonagall was mad as hell, Padfoot."
"What happens if both dispossess a part of the snitch? 50 for each of them and 50 for the snitch itself as compensation?"
"PADFOOT!"
"Sorry, Cap, just kidding," he snorted, obviously everything but seriously.
"Hey," Lilli called, joining them with Linley-Ford and Diana. She pulled her arms around James to hug him tightly.
"Finally, the day picks up," James said with a smile before kissing her. Sirius rolled his eyes at them and turned to Linley-Ford – suddenly, he felt like someone turned off the lights and he was in the middle of nothing.
"Ready?" It was the voice of his best friend pulling him back from nowhere.
"What?" he asked irritated.
"Easter break, Padfoot? Back to London to my parents? Mum and Dad celebrating 25 years marriage? Ring any bells?"
"Uhm, right..."
Sirius had to shake his head to get rid of that dizziness. He smiled at his best friends, who where still holding hands next to him.
"Then, let's go, guys."
They said goodbye to Diana and Kathryn Linley-Ford, Lilli heartier than James. Sirius hugged Kathryn, who kissed him softly on the cheek and it unexpectedly felt numb. Again, he felt lost and only managed to shake it off because James laughed and pulled Sirius with him away. Together, they walked away, but as Sirius turned around to look one last time as Kathryn Linley-Ford, she hadn't moved, but stared after them. She gave him a nod and so did he.
My parents loved me, I always knew that. I even knew my father would have never expelled me from the family, even if I had really married Lucius Malfoy. If its about his children, he's indescribably stubborn and put his heart and soul in it, which one normally didn't get to see. He can just be himself. He can be inappropriately angry with us, but after he apologize, we're good again. Because, we are family.
Why have I needed so long to understand that my parents would have forgave me if I had only told them the truth?
Everything in my mind feels heavy, feels cold.
I knew James and Anna looked up to me, especially Anna. She needed a person so much. Her parents never helped her. They were selfish and treated their children like ornaments. So far, I can't even imagine how it must have felt like to grow up without a parents love. But... she did. I don't know myself why I had to disappoint her... There are so many things I don't understand.
How about we try to get to the bottom of it together? I have to do that before I leave for good for all the harm I've done to all the people I loved and who trusted me enough to believe I could have never inflicted that pain on them.
My name is Patricia Maria Potter. My parents are Maria and Michael Potter, the best Aurors of the Ministry of Magic. My grandfather is Harold Potter, acting Minister for Magic. My little brother is James Potter... The Black Heart... bearer of Dark Breath.
Tomorrow, 25 years ago, my parents had married. At their time... everything was fine. There was peace, no Dark Lord. I was always proud to be their daughter.
I disappointed everyone and I didn't even get a chance to explain them. Except... through you? If you let me...
That was my home for so long... I'm gonna miss it... If you can miss something after you're dead of course.
"Hellooooooooooo?!" James called through the entire living room after he arrived with Lilli and Sirius through the fireplace. It only took a second for a house-elf to appear and to bow down in front of his master.
"Welcome back, Master James."
"Jerry, where are my parents?"
"Both still at work, Master James, but there is dinner in the kitchen. They might won't make it back before midnight, Master James."
"Uhm, okay," he said, giving the house-elf a sign to leave. With a bow he vanished.
"Your parents are celebrating their anniversary tomorrow and are still going to work till midnight?"
He smiled at Lilli, who still looked puzzled.
"Oihjoi!" Sirius threw himself onto the meadow in the Potter's garden and put his feet up. James sat down next to him, holding Lilli tightly in his arms. She looked around, marvelling all the beautiful, different flowers around them, which she hadn't pay any attention to last time she was here. The scent was extraordinary and warm, like it was really about to become spring.
"Hey? How is it going between you and Linley-Ford?" James asked as casual as possible.
Sirius rolled over to lay on his stomach, supported his head smoothly with his hands and eyed his friends with a still amused look.
"Dunno. She's cute, but nothing serious. For that, she's almost too cute."
"You miss a dose of An."
"That's the last I'm missing, Prongs," he replied, sounding pretty indifferently but his face spoke volumes.
Anna was in love with Sirius for a very long time. I know this because she told me. You have seen first handed now how Sirius handed his girls. He knows his value for other people. I'm sure he's the only one able to get Anna back to track, because somehow he manage to resist the darkness. He's very strong, something I had always valued on him. He might be able to be there for James as well.
"...?"
Well... I'm sure you'll understand in time.
"Say, why does Dumbledore think Anna joined Voldemort?" Lilli abruptly threw in. She didn't know why she actually came up with that, since it was obvious anything but the right moment to talk about it. Yet, it was out. Both guys exchanged a weird look and James explained.
"Its the wand the Ponester brought back to Hogwarts."
"Its hers. I know that."
"Its her current one. Dumbledore gave it to her as a sign for her to walk a new path and start her life away from her parents, who we know are Death Eaters. Supporters of Voldemort. But since she threw it away... there is only one that could mean."
"You think?" she asked sceptically.
Sirius had not barged in, knowing that if he did he would have said things he didn't mean to and had tried hard to keep where it was.
"You don't?" James asked back.
"Yes," Lilli said determined, surprised that none of them had even thought of it. "I mean, there was blood on it, of course hers. So, she probably had fought them for her life and got wounded and they threw it away so it looks like you guys thought."
"That's one possibility."
"And the other is to cut herself and threw it away afterwards?"
"Its an old ritual, Lils. A ritual for white wizards and witches to show others they changed sides. They threw their bloodstained wand away."
She remained silent for a moment and frowned.
"And also... the Ponester told me."
"It told you?" she repeated, looking as if he was crazy, but James didn't feel insulted and smirked.
"It's a Ponester-thing. Anyway, I saw Anna and she had the dark mark on her arm."
Lilli felt hard to breath. Something very icy had wrapped itself around her heart. Anna had given her so much in their friendship... the necklace was just one of so many things. Carefully, she stroke over it on her neck. Why did she give it to her if she knew she needed it more?... Right, she didn't... Lilli remembered that evening the friend was forced to leave Hogwarts. There was so many disappointment and desperation in her eyes, which had been sparkling with joy and kindness before. And even though Lilli would have given the necklace back if she just had asked for it... Anna didn't ask and Lilli had completely forgotten about all the protection charms that it carried was now on her and not on Anna anymore.
Why did she give it away? It was a present from my mother. She knew it wasn't over. Not until the Dark Lord gets Dark Breath.
"...?"
Why he wants it? You really have no idea? There is just one thing, nearly everyone is scared of. We don't know what's going to happen afterwards, but we'll step through a threshold into uncertainty and every story is different. Starting from silent release till agonizing eternity, everything is possible. I'm also scared to experience it. But... I was long enough around now... and its time to let go. Yes, even the so great Dark Lord is afraid of death and yet, its just indescribably awful he shows this fear through his cruelty against every other being.
Anna was so young... she confided in me and... I let her down. Lilli, please, don't believe anything you hear. Not everything is true. You're the only one left to help her like you were able to help James. If you look closely, you will see what I mean. Can you do that? Can you save what's about to be shattered?
Lilli woke up with a start, feeling more vulnerable than before. Her heart now pounded hard enough to hurt her.
"Lils?"
She felt drifting as she looked up from the table, shivering she noticed where she had been. On the dinner table together with the whole Potter family and Sirius. Mr and Mrs Potter had watched her worriedly the same like James and Sirius did. Right, they had sat down to drink some tea together, after James' parents arrived home. Embarrassed and frightened, she stood up at once.
"I'm sorry..."
Lilli left the room at once. That was insane! Why did those dreams kept on coming in the worst moments? Why couldn't they stop but instead became even more harming, more real? She didn't want that. They were cruel, cold... and they inflicted pain on her nerves.
She remembered Anna being able to do that, taking people into memories of others like she did with them and James' memory of his capture by Voldemort. But Anna wasn't here and it didn't hurt like that. So, why could she see that? Was it an incantation? If it was... how was it even possible? Patricia was dead for a while now.
"Lilli?"
She startled, realising that she had been standing on the floor for a while without moving. James had joined her, taking her hand to pull his girlfriend into a hug. Her desperate look was getting to him.
"It's okay, Lil..."
"James..." she whispered with a broken voice. Being able to feel him was comforting, because it gave her safety. Knowing she wasn't alone anymore made it stop hurting.
"Again a daydream?" he asked carefully.
"Yes..."
"Wanna tell me about it?"
Actually, she didn't know, yes and no. Everything of both. Even though he told her enough times he didn't think she was crazy, she somehow thought that herself, because this all felt insane to her. This time, the dream was different, felt even more weird. She opened her mouth to say something but no sound came out.
"I promise," James said seriously. "I won't let anything happen to you, Lil."
She looked up, seeing his warm and confident eyes and that was why she even loved him more... and why she needed him so much. His eyes, they gave her strength and courage to be. She took a deep breath and tried again, but still, no word had left her throat.
"You don't have to tell," he said cautiously and really meant it. "Just know that you don't have to be afraid of anyone or anything, cause... I'm here and I would give my life for you."
"Thank you." It was everything she could manage to say, everything, her heart had let her.
"How is she?" Sirius asked after James had put Lilli to bed and went back down to everyone in the living room. His friend reached him a cup of coffee. He took it and leaned against the wall next to where his parents were sitting.
"Sleeping. She was so scared I didn't want to leave her side until she was sleeping."
"What is with her?" Maria asked considerately. Her son pounded, unsure if he should, could or even had to tell his parents. But they were here and they might be able to help and since he knew she had told Sirius already, he decided to take the risk.
"Lilli has daydreams... pretty real daydreams."
"Daydreams?" Michael Potter questioned suspiciously, but James nodded.
"You witnessed it yourself today, Dad."
"Those vivid daydreams are very unusual... could it be that she's kind of empath, too?"
"Doubt it," Sirius interrupted. "Anna would have said so."
"Lilli said those daydreams are all about Tricia."
"Tricia?" Maria repeated in surprise. James nodded but his mother suddenly looked aggrieved.
"That's what she said. Tricia shows her world to her and I believe Lilli. She knew things only Tricia knew about me."
"But, Patricia is dead, James."
"I know, Dad. And yet, we all know she was a very smart witch. Maybe she found a way to talk to us through Lilli? Her death was anything but clear."
"But why Lilli out of all?" Sirius asked irritated. "Those two weren't even friends nor did they knew each other very good. Tricia could have taken Anna for it?"
Why you, Lilli Evans? You remember Christmas in this mansion and when I appeared with Lucius Malfoy? We're already an item... No, wait... I should tell the whole story...
Last thing I told you was that I had freed the fallen Phowlyris. She's the one Godric Gryffindor had imprisoned into the amethyst. What's worst than death for a immortal being like the fallen Phowlyris is endless loneliness. And I freed her from this... I had sold my body to her when I did that. I fought... and realised too late what I had lost. I tried till the very end to get it back but lost at last. Anna had tried to help when I was still myself. She showed me a lot of incantations and charms, mostly of the dark Arts, and one of them was this spell for transmigration. Coming from the dark Arts, I know this can't be good and once I'm done and you accepted everything... I guess I'll go to hell. Of course, Anna didn't mean any harm and she probably never thought I would really used this one and yet I'm thankful for her knowledge about it even at her young age. At that Christmas party I took my chance.
You may ask why I didn't choose her. I have to admit I thought about it and I'm very sorry if this sounds unfair to you but – I just didn't want to put her through it. Not after everything she had gone through already.
We both thought we succeeded and got rid of the creature. For a long time there was no need for me to bother Domi or Anna again about it. Unfortunately, she came back and nobody saw it coming. Just like that... I was hers. But we haven't got to the bottom of why you had to go through all this. I'm sorry. I chose you, because you, Lilli, are the purest white-magical being inside your heart I've ever come across to. James had told me about you a lot, I had also watched you on his bed that summer after Voldemort had captured him. I recognised you when we're back in Hogwarts and watched you after that till I graduated.
The Phowlyris possess the power to see the aura of magic around every being and yours were bright and warm. I understand why James like you so much. I'm sorry, that I have burden you with this. I hoped you would be strong enough. Anna wouldn't have. She's in danger and you're the only one who can help her.
"Your made a bad choice... I'm not strong... I'm just... a muggleborn witch."
Voldemort needs James and Anna and he needs them alive, because they're the Black Hearts, who will lead him to Gryffindor's magic Dark Breath. He'll get to Angels Cove only through them.
Voldemort will use Anna as bait, James would never kill her and neither would he join his side. The Dark Lord will put both under the Imperius Curse and make them taking him there. Once he get what he wants and if James still refused to follow, Voldemort will kill him regardless of the consequences.
I'm actually even afraid Voldemort could get James to join him by brutally taking everyone away of him he loves. I wouldn't want such an end for my family.
"James would never join the Dark Lord, no matter what. Even if he kills us, he wouldn't break. He would want revenge and keep on fighting."
The Phowlyris didn't know I was still able to communicate or she would've set an end to it. I'm sorry, I've to ask this of you, but... I need you to tell James something. He knows more than he thinks. He just blocked it out.
"I don't understand."
Neither do I, but Voldemort thinks so. The Ayenterro's knew more about Black Heart and they wanted to tell my parents the day they were murdered. But they told James... He knows it, but he is blocking it out. I know, this won't be easy, but... it could be everything. You need to get him to remember.
"Remember what?"
Suddenly, she saw it in front of her eyes. The same scene, James had showed them accidentally when they were captured after trying to rescue Anna from the Malfoys. The memory where he was 12 years old and was forced to witness the cruelty of the Dark Lord killing two innocent people. The first time she saw it, Lilli hadn't given much thought but this time, she understood better. Monica Ayenterro had pulled the boy very close, her lips were moving, forming words, but there was no sound for any other but James to hear. And while the woman was falling down, killed by another Death curse, Lilli could see in his hazelnut brown eyes what Tricia told her. James had heard the words but what he had just seen forced him to black out.
Its time. Thank you... for everything. I'm okay now with... going to hell. Its over. You can open your eyes now, Lilli.
"Good morning."
Lilli had opened her eyes to see loving, warm eyes of a mother. Maria Potter had placed some cloth on her bed.
"Good morning," she murmured, still tired, but sat up straight. Obviously, she had slept the whole night. The last she remembered before falling asleep was James sitting next to her. He wasn't anymore.
"How are you?" Maria asked caring.
"Good... Thank you," was the simple answer.
"Good."
The auror sat down at her bedside and placed a hand on the young girls forehead. Lilli twitched lightly as this came pretty unexpected. Somehow, she felt bad, because James mother was very thoughtful to her and she hadn't said a word except answering questions.
"You looked a little pale yesterday. We were worried about you."
"I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to."
"Of course you didn't, sweetheart."
Sweetheart? If this had come from a guy, Lilli would've surely freaked out or something for sounding condescending or teasing. But from Mrs Potter, who looked friendly and provident, she took it as a nice gesture.
"So, you are wearing the necklace I gave Anna."
"Oh," she mumbled awkwardly, simultaneously realising all the stupid answers she was giving. She remembered instantly that Anna might have given the necklace away without telling Mrs Potter. Lilli tried to come up with a more intelligent explanation but there was nothing in her mind at all.
"Don't worry, dear. It was a present to Anna and I'm sure she had her reasons to pass it to you."
"Oho."
Damn! Lilli thought miserable. Get a grip! You're not a baby! This is James' mother you're talking with.
"Anna told me this necklace has a special magical protection."
"Indeed, it has. May I?"
Lilli nodded and Mrs Potter took the necklace carefully down from her neck to place it in her palm. Now, Lilli could see with her own eyes what she had only imagined before. The flower crystal was indeed uniquely beautiful.
"This stone is really precious. Its not just radiating protection, you know. Anna -" Maria sighed with a heavy heart and Lilli didn't know why she suddenly felt so sad, seeing the auror looking lonely and upset.
"Mrs Potter, I -"
"My apologies," Maria said instantly and gave Lilli the necklace back. "Its just... I consider Anna as an own daughter."
"I know," Lilli whispered sympathetically, causing a soft smile on the aurors face. "Mrs Potter?"
It was just a feeling, but it felt right to say it.
"I believe Anna will come back. I know that she cares a lot about you and Mr Potter, too. Everyone could see that."
"Thank you, Lilli. That's very nice of you."
Maria smiled and was about to leave as she stopped at the door and turned around.
"I almost forgot, I have put some new cloaks on your bed. I bought it from Madam Malkins after James told me you would come today. I wasn't sure if you already have something to wear and since you're with James now, I wanted to do you something good."
"Thank you..."
"Take your time, dear."
With that, Maria left and Lilli remained confused on the bed. She still felt tired and even numb... The dream... Tricia... was it real this time? Did she leave? Was she really in hell now? Lilli remembered each word Tricia had told her. James... Would he really remember? Should she really burden him with it? For now, Lilli pushed this thoughts aside and instead, took out the cloaks Mrs Potter laid down on the bed. It only took a second for her to realise how beautiful and elegant they were and how expensive they must have cost. She smiled.
