Chapter 6 of Light in the Shadows
Greenwich, 6 AM
A couple were lying in bed with white sheets and blue duvet and an elegant brunette yawned and looked around.
"Em why are you up so early?" asked her blonde girlfriend lying next to her in their bed. She glanced at their clock on their bedside table. "It is only six am in the morning."
"Ah just thinking," replied Emmeline, softly. "Couldn't sleep."
"What happened?" Dorcas asked, eyebrows raised in worry.
"I just really miss Lily." Emmeline's eyes welled up with tears. "How could she not be with us? After everything she did for us, we didn't even get the chance to pay her back." Dorcas wiped the tears from Emmeline's face.
Many of their pureblood classmates, especially the Slytherins, were angered and shocked when they had got together in the seventh year. While queer wizards existed, it was something that existed only within the confines of their bedrooms. Publicly outing your sexuality, was looked down upon, and in pureblood society, it was the worst sin one could commit. Lily defended the couple when they decided that their love for each other should not remain a secret, and Remus welcomed them as unofficial Marauders, because he knew what it was like to be socially outcasted. After graduation, James offered them a place to stay, but both of them worked hard and bought an apartment in Greenwich.
"I wonder how Sirius and Peter could have turned on their best friends. What did all their years together even mean?"
"To think that even Dumbledore was fooled by Black. Black should have been expelled for that awful prank involving poor Remus," pointed out Emmeline. "He can't control his transformations!"
As a Ravenclaw she could not understand why Dumbledore did not reign in the Marauders' more nastier pranks. Although Lily was able to tame James for a while, Black got worse as the years passed.
"Lily was what kept us all from falling apart. Poor James, the last time I saw him, he looked like that he was barely hanging on,"
"You don't mean that Dorcas!" Emmeline gasped.
"It's true! Well not on the outside, he's still the same lovable idiot; but on the inside, his mind is still in shock."
"Well, I'm sure I'd be even worse if I ever lost you." Emmeline gently kissed Dorcas.
"I'd be insulted if you weren't," Dorcas said. They grinned at each other.
"On a serious note, if I do die, I want you to move on. You deserve everything, even when I'm not the one giving it to you." Dorcas added.
"You're my one and only, Dorcas. I could never want anyone else."
The usually unaffected Dorcas turned a deep red and tried to change the topic. "Anyway, all this serious talk is making me hungry. Do we have leftovers from yesterday?"
"Considering the fact that we didn't touch my pie, I'd say we have plenty of leftovers." Emmeline said grumpily.
"Hey, I was pretty full eating out something else. I'm pretty sure you were full too. Full of-"
"You complete that sentence, you die." Emmeline was blushing. She knew the exact reason why her pie was not eaten, and while their time together yesterday had been incredible, she did not want that to be the first thing on her mind in the morning.
"I got some groceries on Thursday, but we need to hurry. The Order meeting is today."
"Right. Of course." Dorcas folded their blanket, putting it away.
"We also should shower separately," Emmeline said, nonchalantly.
"You know me too well," Dorcas laughed affectionately. While Emmeline stepped into the bathroom, Dorcas headed to their kitchen and started preparing breakfast.
After twenty minutes or so Emmeline came out with a towel wrapped around her head. As she stepped into the kitchen, she could not help but admire Dorcas's elegant form in her yellow dressing gown. Even with bed hair, she was absolutely stunning.
"It's your turn," Emmeline told her partner, as she sneaked a piece of bacon from Dorcas's plate.
Dorcas sighed. "Did you at least leave me any hot water?"
"Of course, I did." replied Emmeline and she went downstairs after a quick kiss.
Dorcas came back with her Healer's robes just as Emmeline poured coffee in her mug. "How long is your shift today?"
"The regular. 5 hours. Andromeda Tonks is Head Healer now, so I've been transferred to the incurable diseases ward."
"Be careful, Dor. I don't want you to get sick in there," warned Emmeline in between bites of her bacon and eggs.
"I will be alright love, I always am."
"Typical Gryffindor foolhardiness."
"Typical Ravenclaw overthinking."
Emmeline laughed. After locking their home with a simple charm, they said their goodbyes and apparated away to their workplaces.
No. 12, Privet Drive
The most boring street in Surrey, England was going to be talked about for years after today. Not a place for gang activity, the sudden appearance of a group of masked men filing out of one of the small houses caught the eye of a few nosy neighbours, who stayed behind their curtains, knowing better than to meddle with something that could potentially jeopardize their lives.
"Are they here?" asked Lucius Malfoy, coldly.
"Bella and I broke their squib neighbour who confirmed that the Dursleys live here," Rodolphus Lestrange proclaimed proudly.
"Oh, her delectable screams! Weren't they absolutely charming, darling?" Bellatrix cackled.
"Well of course. I was the one torturing her, after all," replied Rodolphus with a smirk.
"The Dark Lord taught you and I the necessary skills, husband, and you followed his lessons marvellously."
Rodolphus frowned at her comment but said nothing. His wife's devotion to the Dark Lord frightened him at times.
"Oh, let's get on with it already," growled Sirius, pushing past them and bursting in, wand at the ready.
"What the hell are you doing here?" shouted a startled beefy man, his face paler than the white wallpaper of the room.
"Simply delivering a message to Potter," Sirius answered, his dark eyes gleaming sinisterly.
"We have not seen that good for nothing man after he got Lily killed," protested the blonde horse faced woman. Her hands trembled as she answered. Sirius made his hate for her evident; he remembered Lily complaining about the way her elder sister treated her.
"Oh, Petunia, I am going to enjoy your screams."
Petunia steadied herself, her eyes stone cold. "You are Sirius Black, are you not? The man who my sister left when she realised his true colours."
Sirius hated the way her words stung. Lucius beat him to the chase, however.
Vernon Dursley fell out of his chair, writhing pitifully. His soul shattering wails pierced his wife's heart, as she fell to the floor, crying.
"Please, stop this!" shouted Petunia.
"Ah, but where's the fun in that? Your deaths will prove to the incapable Order that they cannot even protect their families. Forget the wizarding world, you are just muggles, your lives worthless, and the fewer of you there are, the better off all of us will be." Lucius's acrid, bitter tone masked the screams of husband and wife.
"Nice one Lucius," Rodolphus replied, impressed.
"Personally, I think it needs a little more creativity," needled Bellatrix. "Is that really all you can do Lucy?"
"Shut it Bella," warned Lucius, increasing the power of his spell.
"Please, I beg you, stop! We've done nothing wrong!" Petunia pleaded.
"Your existence befouls this world-" Lucius began but was cut off by Sirius.
"Nothing wrong? What about the way you treated your younger sister just because she was different? What about every insult directed towards us? You will pay for your crime Petunia Dursley," Sirius spat.
"I have no idea what this Order is and we have nothing to do with Potter so why would he care about us?" replied Petunia bewildered.
At that moment, a young but very large boy hobbled into the living room, rubbing his eyes.
"Mum- Dad what is going on?" he said sleepily. "Why is daddy screaming?" His small eyes widened with fear as he took in the scene in front of him.
"Ah fresh meat finally! Come here boy," Rodolphus licked his lips, gesturing for the boy to come to him.
"Diddykins get out here! "screamed Petunia desperately. Bellatrix pulled the woman's hair and stepped on her with her foot, choking her.
"Diddykins what a silly nickname," Bellatrix bent down and whispered in Petunia's ear. "Now let's see what dear Diddykins can do, shall we?"
"Imperio."
Dudley was just nearing the door before his blue eyes glazed over and he lost control of himself. He went to the kitchen and grabbed the steak knife.
"Dudley put that down before you hurt yourself!" Petunia screeched but her words fell to deaf ears. Dudley inched towards Vernon who tried to back away but was held in place with Lucius's charm. Soon, blood sprayed the white couch, dyeing it a brilliant crimson red.
"Ah, the room looks much better now, doesn't it? A little colour to spruce up the place." Bellatrix grinned, reducing the pressure of her foot so Petunia could reply.
"VERNON NO! DUDLEY STOP, STOP," a green flash filled the room and Petunia's voice suddenly stopped.
"Sirius come on! The fun had just begun!" Bellatrix complained.
"She was annoying me." Sirius groaned. "Besides, she got what she deserved."
Rodolphus cast the Dark Mark into the sky, the evil symbol floating hauntingly among the clouds.
"We have done what we needed to do and Potter and the bastard will know why they are dead," Sirius looked at Bellatrix, who began to squirm under his steely gaze.
"Yes, everything Potter touches often turns into dust," agreed Lucius with a sadistic smile.
Hogwarts, 5pm
Dumbledore motioned for all people present in the room to take a seat on the round table. Minerva McGonagall, a long-time supporter of Dumbledore and a powerful witch in her own right, sat to his left. Remus Lupin, the Defence against the Dark Arts Professor and one of Hogwarts's most cherished professors, took the seat to his left. Next to Remus was James Potter, a well-known war hero, and a full-time workaholic. The Longbottoms- Frank and Alice, smiled at James as they assumed the seats opposite him. Last was Severus Snape, the Potions Master, Head of Slytherin House and secretly their longest serving spy against the Dark Lord.
Dumbledore began the meeting.
"Thank you for gathering today, ladies and gentlemen. I believe you have some important news to share Severus?"
"Potter's former in-laws have been killed by Bellatrix, her husband, Black, and Lucius," reported Severus icily.
"Why?" asked Alice.
"Lucius believes the attack to be a warning to the Order."
"Well, none of us will succumb to those threats, right?" asked Dorcas, her voice raised in slight concern.
"Of course not, but I feel that the average person might start wondering if resisting You Know Who is worth it if it means that their families will be targeted," pointed out Tonks.
"None of the Weasleys will succumb to the lies of a monster," piped Mr. Weasley.
"You seem to know a lot about this, Snape. Some warning that this was going to happen would have been helpful," James said coldly. While he had no love for the Dursleys, he knew Lily had loved her sister deeply.
"I do what I do to bring Dumbledore information. Imagine the Dark Lord's displeasure if he finds out I have informed his greatest enemy about his plans. Besides, it was your friend who killed them, not me."
"Black lost his right to be my friend a long time ago! How dare you call him that!" growled James.
"Severus performs a role that puts himself at the greatest risk. We cannot doubt his commitment to the destruction of Lord Voldemort," said Dumbledore calmly, attempting to tone down the situation.
"What is the next business on the agenda?" asked Minerva, quickly changing topic.
"Sirius's son Harry. His mother still remains unknown." said Dumbledore.
"Look maybe he got one of his whores pregnant or something, we all know about his tendencies to chase after what's not his," said James, contemptuously.
"That could be possible. Mistresses are not uncommon in pureblood families." pointed out Remus.
"Not among the Weasley family. None of us had mistresses," replied Arthur proudly.
"Well, your wife won't stand for such things," Moody added.
There was a rumble of laughter around the table.
"True. My father refused to have one and remained loyal only to my mother," James said.
"I think from what Lily told us, Mrs. Potter would have hexed his bollocks off if he hadn't," joked Dorcas.
"That is probably true," replied Remus with a laugh and several others joined in.
"I think that I can find out more about this Harry. He is coming to my house tomorrow," said Arthur.
"Ah, his relationship with Ginny is serious then?" asked Remus.
"It seems so. She seems to be, unfortunately, quite taken with the fellow."
"Well, seems like Black groomed him well. It is quite distressing that it is young Ginevra who might have to pay the price," growled Moody.
"That is my daughter that you are talking about!" Mr. Weasley stood up.
"It is good that so far he is treating her well wouldn't you say Arthur?" asked Dumbledore mildly but firmly.
"While I am glad that Ginny seems to be very happy, my wife and I have our concerns."
"Naturally, but please find out more about where the boy came from. Depriving Lord Voldemort of a weapon like him might be useful; maybe your daughter can help," Dumbledore said, coolly. The whole table shuddered on hearing the name of the Dark Lord spoken aloud.
"But Minister it is not right to use a young girl's feelings for her boyfriend in this way. Perhaps Severus can aid us? Seeing that the boy is in his house after all," Tonks added. She had grown to be quite fond of the younger girl due to her cheek and outspokenness. They had met a few times when she came over to the Burrow.
"Come on Nymphadora we are at war here. Besides, isn't everything fair in love and war? This just happens to be a mix of both." Moody said.
"Don't call me Nymphadora!" protested Tonks, her hair turning red.
"She really hates her name Alastor," Remus sighed.
"Tonks has a point. We need to be better than Voldemort and his disgusting followers," put in James.
"I completely agree with James, but if this boy can be turned to our side, then it could turn the tide," said Emmeline.
"Imagine the information about the Death Eaters that he will have in his head," commented Alice.
"If he can be turned," cautioned Frank. "So far, we don't even know if that is possible."
"I think that love will be the reason that he sees through the lies of his father and Lord Voldemort," commented Dumbledore. Several people shuddered again "Love is a force that even magic cannot overcome."
"It is only a name people!" said James loudly, after the awkward silence.
"So, what do you know about young Mr. Black, Severus?" asked Arthur.
"Not much, he is one of the quieter ones. He works hard, and plays quidditch for the House team. Is that enough for you and everyone?" asked Severus sarcastically.
"Please ask your daughter if she knows anything about her boyfriend's past," requested Dumbledore.
"I will try but she seems to be in love and loyal to the boy," replied Arthur.
"Maybe your wife might help," suggested Moody.
"Perhaps. Ron is a close friend of his at school so I can ask him."
"Well, one of his friends might know something. Ms. Granger, maybe?" suggested Minerva.
Eternal Youth Nightclub, Blackpool
At the wizarding nightclub known as the Eternal Youth. There was the smell of beer and loud music pulsated as people danced with their partners or were watching their friends and cat calling. The place was illuminated with a magical glow.
"Let's get this party started!" cried Lavender as she led her boyfriend on the dance floor. He had his hands on her hips as they moved to the music.
Ginny then pulled her boyfriend onto the floor and they were grinding against each other on the dance floor in time to the music. Harry's hands were on her hips.
"I think your brother is annoyed with us," whispered Harry noticing Ron glaring at them. He had previously been spinning Susan around.
"He, Bill and the rest of the family still think that I am a child, but I am not," replied Ginny.
"I know that you are not, but you are only sixteen and they care. It must be nice…" Harry's voice trailed off.
"Oi, I don't want to see that!" barked Ron from across the floor.
"Oh, mind your own business Ron," snapped Ginny.
"Good to see some things never change," commented Draco as he watched the scene unfold.
"Well, older brothers are supposed to be protective. I don't have any siblings, but Ginny told me that none of her older brothers liked her former boyfriends," replied Hermione.
"Well Corner was a stuck-up idiot and Thomas was no good for her," replied Draco.
"Is that what Ron told you guys?"
"Well yeah. Anyone who did what Corner did in ditching his girlfriend after she played well against his House team is a complete prat, and now Ginny has found the right person eventually."
"A girl has to kiss some frogs before finding her prince," replied Hermione.
"Imagine my father's displeasure if he ever finds out about you," He gently pulled Hermione towards him. "With any luck, he would drop dead."
"You mustn't joke in that way about your parents," said Hermione disproving, but melted in his embrace.
Please read and review and I would like to thank AnakinPleaseStopPanakin and Vesper Logan for their hard work on my story so far.