Chapter 24: Finally
We spent the first few weeks of August with Remus. Then it was time to go home. His father insisted on driving us the whole way, about a five-hour drive. While we insisted that we were 17, old enough to take the train he wouldn't listen. We pulled up to James's house and got out.
Neither James, Remus, or Mr. Lupin saw it at first but I did. A huge skull flouted above his house. I knew what we would find inside. James laughed behind me and I felt some one bump into me but I couldn't move. Remus noticed it then and his father. James was the last to see it but when he did. He stood as if some one had preformed the full body bind on him. Then he ran toward the house. I followed close behind. The scene we found will stay burned into my mind forever along with James's own death. His parents lay side by side. His dad in front like he tried to protect his mum. They both had looks of shock and terror on their faces. I could only stare at the people who had been like parents to me. Mrs. Potter had been the only mother figure I had ever known. And Mr. Potter was so much like my own father they could have been brothers. For a while n one said anything. Then I ran all over looking for Addi. I found her asleep in her room. She had no idea what had happened downstairs. I wouldn't let her look at the Potters. Even though we were twins I was the oldest by three minutes and I felt a sort of older brother protection for her. Mr. Lupin took us away from the house when the ministry arrived. We stayed with them the rest of the summer.
To the casual observer, his parent's deaths hadn't made much of a dent in James's life. He seemed to have moved on. Still playing on the same team we had been on for 6 years now, still making good grades. It was a joke around school that to pick between the two of us for head boy Dumbledore had to draw names out of the sorting hat. But I thought he deserved it. It had been the last thing he had told his parents and they were very proud of him. We still pulled endless and more insane pranks on students and teachers alike. Snape had gone back to tormenting us. But we made sure he was paid back well every time. Yes, James fooled the teachers, the students, everyone. But he didn't fool me. I knew he was hurting. I could see it in his eyes. James was never one for Hating. He didn't share the fire that burned in my heart. He only wanted Voldemort gone. I wanted to be the one to kill him.
One night I came up to our room to get one of my books and found James sitting on his bed. He turned away from me but not before I saw he was crying.
" Prongs are you okay?"
" I miss them." He said softly. I sighed. I knew just what he was going through. And it hurt.
" I know." He looked at me, his eyes red and bloodshot.
" Does it ever stop? Does the pain ever go away?"
" You want me to tell you what you want to hear, or the truth?"
" The truth."
"No. It never stops. It gets better, easier to deal with. But no it never goes away entirely."
"That's what I was afraid of."
" Aw come on Prongs. You can't spend the rest of your life sitting around crying. You have to fulfill your destiny' I said in a deep dramatic voice.
" And what destiny is that?"
" Why marry Lily and have nine kids so I can win that bet with Peter."
" What"
' He said you two won't get married. He's giving it until graduation. He also now has an f in Transfigurations because I refused to help him for the rest of term."
James laughed. " You always know just what to say to make us all feel better, don't you Padfoot."
" Well, I do my best." We laughed. Then Remus came in and told us off for not studying for our test tomorrow. We grinned evil grins
" I'm telling you guys, if you don't pass this test, What are you doing? Sop looking at me like that. NO! Stop it! Leave me alone! You'll never take me alive!" He shouted as we chased him around the dorm room, down the stairs and all around the common room with dungbombs.
The next night James pulled me aside. " Moony Padfoot, I need to tell you something." He pulled us up the stairs. He reached into his drawer and pulled something out. It was a small box
" Guys, I need your advice and Padfoot please, no jokes this time. You swear?"
" I swear, Prongs. What's up? He opened the box. Inside was a small blue tinted diamond ring.
" Wow."
" I'm thinking of asking Lily to marry me."
" Thinking about? You have this and you're only thinking about it? If I had something like this for Erin I'd be on my honeymoon by now."
"Hey Padfoot, that reminds me. Does your sister like diamonds?" Remus asked. I looked at him horrified.
"Hey it would work. We'd all be brothers." We laughed.
'Go for it Prongs. Ask her."
The next morning Lily came down to breakfast beaming with a new ring on her finger.
There were more and more reports of Voldemorts terror as the year went on. Soon James and I weren't the only ones to lose out loved ones to his rein of fear. Most people wouldn't even call him by his name. James, Remus, Lily, Erin and I were the only students who would. Even Peter was too scared. The felling of panic was all around. Every day we heard of another new disappearance or murder. The panic was beginning to spread.
But at Hogwarts not much changed. People felt safe there. With Dumbledore there, what could happen?
There were signs he was coming closer though. In Hogsmeade two kids were found dead. They were seven and five. It shocked the town and the school. We were no longer allowed to visit Hogsmeade. We were restricted to the castle. Dumlbedore even found Remus an abandoned corridor that he could transform in. It was too dangerous to go out to the tree. So instead of exploring Hogsmeade and the grounds, we explored the school. I'm still amazed we didn't get caught. But we were careful. We used the Marauder's map. It can in very handy. But one day Filch, the caretaker, caught Peter with it, and confiscated it. It didn't matter. We knew it by heart anyway.
Thing went fine until Christmas. In fact Christmas Eve was usually the worst night for me. In was the day my dad died. This year however it would become even worse.
I had heard nothing more from Voldemort since his warning. I had almost forgotten why he was after me, or that he was after me at all. School was pretty normal for us, apart form the security. So I didn't really expect much the day it all started.
James and I had early Quiddich practice. Dumbledore had placed a protection charm on the field after all the house teams had begged him 24/7 to let them play, so we could still play. So we were late for breakfast and didn't really notice that Remus, Lily, Erin and Peter were missing until the next day. They still didn't show up at breakfast. We had been practicing all day and doing our homework well into the night so we hadn't seen anyone expect our team all day. But the next morning we started to get worried.
We sat down at the table and watched the storm of owls carrying the mail, come flying through the window. I didn't notice at first when a large black owl dropped a letter on my plate. James nudged me
" Hey, you got a letter."
"Huh?"
"Look." I picked it up. It said To Sirius Black,
From Tom Riddle.
"Who's Tom Riddle?" James asked.
"Dunno."
"Open it." I ripped it open and pulled out the parchment.
Written on the parchment in what looked frighteningly like blood were two words. Avada Kedavra
I dropped the parchment and watched it burst into flames, a weird high pitched laughed floated in my ear, sending shivers up my spine. I felt like I was flying, I felt a rushing sound and suddenly my chest exploded in pain. It ran up and down my spine but I couldn't move. I couldn't speak or even breathe. I heard the laughter again, the world stopped spinning and I saw an open meadow. I could hear no birds, I saw no animals. Instead I saw four dark shapes lying on the ground. A light flared and I saw my friends pale faces bound and gagged. Voldemort laughed again.
" I have a proposition for you Black. Meet me in the forest tonight alone and unarmed, and I will spare your friends. Do not come and you will see them die a very painful death." He reached down and touched Erin's check. She flinched and glared at him. Remus struggled against his bonds. Voldemort grinned and pointed his wand at him. He muttered some words I couldn't hear and Remus's eyes widened in pained. His face was twisted and he whimpered against his gag. The girls and Peter stared in horror at Remus as he jerked in Pain.
"STOP IT!" The words tore from my mouth. Voldemort smiled and released Remus from his torture.
"That is but a small dose of what they will experience. And I promise you I will make you watch every second of it. Now be a good boy and run on down to the forest," he said with a mocking tone to his voice. He pointed the wand again at Remus. I closed my eyes but that couldn't block his screams, which even though he was gagged, I heard clear as day.
"Stop it. Stop it. Stop it." The screaming faded and instead I heard voices. Lots of voices. They seemed to be saying my name.
"Sirius. Are you okay? Padfoot."
"Sirius, listen to me. Open your eyes." I did so. I was lying on the floor, holding my hand over my scar, James and Professor Dumbledore staring down at me. The rest of the school was looking over their shoulders. Professor McGonagall held my head in her hands. She helped me get up.
"Sirius, what's wrong? What happened?" James asked. I opened my mouth to tell him everything. Voldemort had our friends. He wanted me to meet him. What he had done to Remus. But my mouth refused to speak the words I wanted. Instead…
" Nothing. I'm fine. I just feel a little dizzy, that's all." No, I thought, that's not right. I'm not fine. The others aren't fine. I need to help them. I need to tell some one.
You don't need to tell anyone. Just go to class. Nothing's wrong. A voice in my ear told me. Before I could do anything I felt my feet start walking. James ran up beside me, We went through the rest of the day in silence. The next morning in defense against the dark arts, Professor Darns reviewed us about the unforgivables. He told us about the three curses. When he told us about the Imperius curse I realized something was wrong.
Don't worry, Just relax. Don't think about the lesson. The voice was getting stronger.
Then another little voice spoke. No I think I will listen.
NO you can't. You can't. Get up. Leave. Now. The voice sounded angry and it was louder
No I don't want to leave.
YES!
"NO!" I shouted. The whole class turned and looked at me. And for a second the voice lost its hold on me. I panted, then not wanting to waste any time in case it came back I ran out the door. I didn't stop until I reached Dumbledore's office. Unfortunately I ran into Beaker who was coming out. He grabbed me by my robes and shook me
"How dare you do that? How dare you show such disrespect for a teacher? Fifty points from Gryffindor." At the moment I didn't care.
"Dumbledore. I have to see."
"No, he's busy."
"No you don't understand. I have to."
" No You don't understand." He said as he dragged me along the halls away from the haven of Dumbledore's office. We passed James on the way down the stairs. I gave him a pleading glance and then we were out of sight. I realized we weren't going to Beaker's office when he opened the doors and pulled me outside.
"Wait, where are we going?"
"Never mind that."
"But I can't go outside. Dumbledore's orders. No kid can." He laughed
" Don't worry. By the time he knows about it, you won't be around to get in trouble." My eyes widened as I took in the meaning of his words. I tried to struggle but he was strong. So I did the only think I could. I kicked him in no place a man ever wants to be kicked. I turned to run but I felt something hit me and I fell into darkness.
I awoke to find Remus leaning over me. He was not gagged anymore, but his hands were still tied. Lily and Erin sat near by. Peter was no where to be seen. I moaned and gingerly felt my head. I felt some thing wet and sticky on my hand. I pulled it away and saw blood on my hand. I whipped it on my robes and looked around.
" Sirius. Are you okay?" Remus asked in a weak voice. He looked pale and he winced with every movement.
"Yeah I'm fine. But where are we? Are you guys okay?"
"Yes, we're fine and we're some where in the forbidden forest."
"How did you guys get here?"
" We got a note, that morning when you guys were at practice to meet you at the tree." Lily said. " It was from you." She sounded brave.
I thought for a second and then remembered the clearing from my vision. This was it. That means…
"Remus what did he do to you?"
"Nothing." The girls exchanged looks. I knew what I had seen was real.
"Where's Peter?"
"He ran off. He managed to get lose an he said he was going for help. But he never came back." Erin said.
"Where's Voldemort and Beaker?"
"Beaker? What he got to do with anything?" Erin asked. I told them how Beaker had lured me out and stunned me. Remus looked as angry I thought he might brake the ropes that held him. The girls looked shocked.
"That dirty rat." Remus growled. "How could Dumbledore trust him?" He wanted to say more but I held up my hand. I felt something. Something cold that gave me Goosebumps and spent a penetrating fear to my heart. Just then we heard feet crunching. Some one was coming. Beaker pushed through the brushes, accompanied by a tall figure in a dark cloak. The sun chose that moment to hide behind a cloud and it seemed so dark. A cold wind blew through the trees, chilling me to the bone. Shivers went up and down my spine and I was face to face with the man who had murdered my parents.
For that is whom the cloaked figure whom brought darkness and fear with him was. I could tell the other felt it too. The girls clung to each other and Remus began to shake. I was shaking too, but not from fear. For some strange reason, I didn't fear him. I knew what he could do and I was afraid he would hurt my friends. But I wasn't afraid he would hurt me. But the words of the woman rang through my head " As long as you live he cannot kill your friends." But he can hurt them, I thought. And I won't let him.
"So our young friend has awakened." Voldemort spoke in an eiry high-pitched voice. He stared at me, his red eyes going straight through me, it seemed.
"Good." He continued " Now we can begin." .
I got to my feet. " What do you want from us?" He laughed
" I would have thought a bright young boy like you would have figured it out by now. Or at least had your little werewolf here tell you. He knows." Remus looked wouldn't meet my eyes. " Dumbleodre doesn't want you to know, does he? He saw the signs, he knows. Doesn't think you can handle it?"
"Handle what?"
"Why your destiny. It is your destiny to join me. To join the dark arts."
" Never."
"Suit yourself. But allow me to change your mind. The werewolf has had quite a lot today. I don't think he would survive another bout. : Let's see." His gaze swept toward the girls. I reached for my wand. He didn't notice. "Ahh yes. The blond. You have feelings for her don't you?"
I pulled out my wand and pointed it at him. " Don't you touch her." A growl creeping into my voice.
He smiled a cruel smile and instead pointed the wand at me.
" I had wished to draw this out but if you are willing to die. Then so be it." Then he muttered a curse. A band of green light shot out from his wand. I jumped but not fast enough. I felt a burning heat scorch my left side. I felt blood soak my robes and my life seemed to flow out with it.
"NO!" I heard Remus yell. Erin screamed. And Lily began to sob. I lay there for a few minutes trying to breathe, trying to keep my heart beating, my blood flowing. I could feel my life leaving me. My breathing slowed and things went fuzzy. I faintly heard sobbing. I heard screaming too. In a voice I hadn't heard for almost seventeen years.
Then all was quiet. But then I heard something else. Humming. A soft quiet voice was humming a song. It sounded so familiar. It comforted me and haunted me at the same time.
Then she spoke.
"Siri. Wake up baby. Wake up, Sirius. Your friends need you."
"Mum?"
" Yes my son. Now get up. They need you." Then all of a sudden I felt no pain. I got up and stood tall. I could tell form his face this was the last thing Voldemort expected. Then before any one could say anything I jumped. I forgot I was only a kid and he was a powerful dark wizard. I knew only one thing. This man, if you could call him that, had killed my parents and I could hurt him. I managed a few good punches. Then when he was distracted I yelled at the others " Run! Go get help!" Remus jumped up and just then Voldemort threw me off. He was angry now and threw a volume of curses at us. We ran for the safety of the trees
"Run, Remus! I'll hold him off. Go to the castle. Go get help."
"I'm not leaving you."
"You're the faster runner. I'm the better cursor. Now go." He gave me a look. "GO!" He ran pulled the girls behind him. But just as they reached the edge Voldemort sent one well-aimed curse toward them and it hit its mark.
"Erin!" I yelled. I ran to her and held her up. She tried to get up but couldn't. " GO!" I shouted to the others. " GO, I'll help her." Remus didn't move. I pointed my wand at him. Lily pulled him toward the door. They ran. But that distraction was all Voldemort needed. He smiled and sent another curse Erin's way. I saw it coming and pulled her out of harms way. Unfortunately we were in the clearing, open space now. No cover. Beaker watched a smile on his thin face.
"Join me Black! Or lose all you hold dear!"
"Never! You killed my parents! Why would I ever join you?"
" Because you have power. Great power. Don't you ever feel tired of playing second to Potter all the time?"
"No." That feeling had never occurred to me. Fell jealous of James? Why?
" I could make you great. I could make you second in command. You have the power. Just say yes."
Again the small voice in my mind spoke up. Yes, say yes.
" Oh please. Like that's gonna work again."
Voldemort only sent another curse my way
" Fight like a man Black. At least act like your father. Even if he was a filthy muggle, he was still brave and I respect that but he never stood a chance. And your mother. Poor stupid girl. Rather die than save her own life."
"She died to protect me."
" Didn't anyone ever tell you the truth? She died screaming like a little pig. In the end she begged me to take you but she was just too annoying to let live."
"You're lying!"
" How do you know?"
He just laughed. Then he yelled " Epelliarmus!" and my wand flew out of my hand. Erin managed to stand up. But I stood in front of her. My mind raced franticly as I searched for an escape. But nothing came.
" Now you will tell me here and now. Why can't I touch you? "
" I don't know"
"Why a fifthly half blood like you one of the warriors?"
" What's a warrior?"
" You know very well."
" Darn, I think I missed that class."
" Humor will get you one place Black. Dead." I rolled my eyes. His eyes narrowed.
"As much as I'd like to stay and chat, I must be getting back. It must be dinner time." I smiled.
He said nothing. My smiled left my face to be replaced with my most dangerous face. The one with no expression.
Then without warning he grinned evilly and raised his wand. " Goodbye, Black. Too bad, you would have made a good death eater. Adava Kedavra!"
" NO!" I was pushed to the side. I fell to the ground. Erin fell on me, rolled off, and lay still.
I jumped up. I didn't look at Erin. I didn't want to know.
" Well, you have a loyal little friend. But don't cry you will be joining her soon." And he sent another curse at me. Again I wasn't fast enough and a blast hit me in the right shoulder. I could see Voldemorts evil smile over me. But then I heard something. A Voice. I had no strength to call out. I closed my eyes and waited for the end. It didn't come. I opened my eyes. I tried to get up and got very shakily to my feet. I pointed my wand at him for one last curse. I didn't know what I was going to say. But a strange calm fell over me and I said three words. I had never heard the before and I didn't know what they meant. It was almost as if they came form somewhere deep inside of me. As soon as I said them a golden beam of light shot out of my wand and hit Voldemort. He screamed and jumped back. I lost what little energy I had and fell back. Still keeping my wand pointed at him though. It was all I could do to keep standing up.
But Voldemort stepped back.
"Have it you way. But I'm am warning you. Black. You will never rest. I will be watching you. And though you may have bought yourself a little time. I doubt you will be around to enjoy it." He laughed in that high pitched laugh and with a whirl of wind and fire he was gone.
I collapsed. I felt like all the strength had been drained out of me. My shoulder and my side exploded in fresh waves of pain. I became aware of the amount of blood on my cloak. But I still reached over to Erin.
She lay still. A look a terror was plainly vivid on her face. I reach out and closed her eyes. She was cold as ice. I knew, I could feel it. She was dead. Another person had died for me. Tears soaked my face and I reached out and pulled her close. I didn't know if anyone would ever find us, or if I would be alive when they did. I decided I didn't care. The girl I loved was dead. My girlfriend. The girl I was planning to marry. I lay on the cool wet grass and held her close. My thoughts ran together, all jumbled. I couldn't pick one out from the other. I was just too tired to care anymore. I let the darkness overtake me.
Yes I know, you hate cliff hangers. But I like to see you suffer and until I get more reviews you won't get any more story. J/K. Sorry to all you Erin fans. But I had to make Sirius's life painful. Or more he did.
Sirius: Is it my fault all this bad stuff happened to me? I don't think so.
Me: No, it's your fault I am slowly going insane. And developing a deep hatred for the song Saturday night fever.
Sirius: I like that song!
Me: You play it 24/7 and I get enough of it at school. My Latin teacher is obsessed with disco. You two should meet.
Sirius: Just get on with my sad pathetic life.
Me: Pathetic is right.
Sirius: What'd you say?
Me: uh, on with the story!
I own nothing. I did own Erin but not anymore. Oh by the way, Sirius's love life isn't over so don't worry.
Sirius: Yay!
Me: Go away, please. Leave me in peace. Please.
Sirius: Never!
Me: Why me?