Sirius Black chapter seven- Death comes unexpectedly
annoyed A/N: I really don't know why I bother. So I'm putting my foot down. If you
all want chapter eight, I need three reviews. Which is not that difficult to type
whether or not you liked it in a few words in the little box at the end of the story.
It's up to you to keep SB going. Because the way I figure, if people aren't enjoying
my writing, why bother? So review or sadly miss Sirius. When I do get those three
reviews, if it's a year or a week, then and only then will I post the next part. And I'm
also revising and rewriting. Makeing it all better... so It'll be a while.
regular A/N: yuperz, another abused but concenting fanfic writer has entered SB
land. But I like her, so I'll be nice....mostly. Twenty points to whoever guesses the
new character's real or fanfic persona. Not that the points will get you anything....
This chapter is deticated to my lovely beta readers:
Steph (I love you girl, thanks for all the help and being there for me, your a kick ass
beta reader but that doesn't even compare to the friend you've been to me in the
short time we've known each other. Schnoogles!)
Becca: (pink pink bubbles my shexy friend, naw I love you, your one of my best
friends and you are so funny, even if you suck as a beta reader. **mutters about
air**)
Carole:( The best mother I've ever had...**blinks** yeah that sounds really strange.
Well thanks for all you've done, SB and everything else. A million hallmark cards
couldn't express the love ma **winks**)
*** (1981, one week after Lily receives the note.)
Carole Kessler sat at her table in the three broom sticks staring off moodily into
space. The waitress came over and she ordered her fifth vodka. Straight up.
"You'd think, wouldn't you, that if Randy promises to meet you at six thirty sharp,
he'd be here by bloody eight o'clock!" Carole slurred, referring to her ex-husband
with hatred.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Carrie! He's not worth it." Rosemerta replied, silently
thinking 'alcoholic'.
Carole gulped down her drink and commenced into staring moodily into space.
*** (same scene)
Sirius checked his watch again. Where was she? He finally makes his damn mind up
and she never shows up!
He idly fingered the diamond ring in his pocket and felt his heart lurch.
"Oh sod it!" Came an agitated scream from across the room.
Sirius, like everyone else in the crowded bar turned. "Ha! Carole Reese! No way!" He
muttered, glad to see his favorite ex-girlfriend.
The old owner came over to her and was gesturing to the door. Carole glared and
got up on unsteady legs.
Sirius immediately saw she was in no condition to walk let alone get home in one
piece, she may splinch herself. Funny things happened while apparating drunk..
Anyway, Lily wasn't going to show up, so he'd take her home. "Okay Tom, take it
easy, I've got her. Come on Carole." Sirius said, helping her to the door.
"Hey! Paws off buddy! Sirius?" Carole said, finally recognizing him.
"Hallo Carrie, come on, up you get, baby." he said, as her all too familiar body
leaned against his. As he steadied her he thought she had gotten prettier. Her
honey blonde hair had gotten longer and was curling around her waist;
her eyes were as blue as ever.
"Here, take my car, Siri, it's easier." she slurred, leaning against him.
"Okay, where too Carrie?" He asked. "Carrie? Carole?!" he asked.
She had fallen asleep.
"Right." Sirius muttered and headed to his house.
*** 1975
Lily had some thinking to do. Sirius or James? Why did she have to decide?! She
was young and pretty. She could have them both, decide which one she liked
better later. Thus the triangle took shape.
*** 1981 (Sirius's apartment)
"MMMMM." Carole moaned, trying to get up.
"Have a nice nap, luv?" Sirius asked, a trace of a smile in his voice. He used to love
watching Carole get up when they were together.
"Sirius, baby!" Carole cried.
"Baby is it? And here I remember being called a 'ruddy twat' and the only way you'd
ever speak to me again was if I got on my hands and knees and begged for
forgiveness, and then you'd only speak to me to call me a 'bloody moron' and kick
me. Which you did." Sirius teased.
Carole laughed softly.
Sirius let the sound wash over him. God, he hadn't realized how much he missed
her until now. Gazing at her, he realized that he could have loved her . Another
place, another time, he'd be mad for her.
"What? Sirius you look miserable, come have a drink with me." Carole commanded,
absentmindedly fixing his favorite drink. He took it, grinning.
"Why the smile?" she asked.
"You. You remembered." he said, gesturing to his glass.
"I remember everything Sirius." she whispered.
Sirius arched an eyebrow. "Do you now?"
She straddled his lap. "Vividly," she whispered and then kissed him, and Sirius was
strongly reminded of just why Carole was his favorite ex-girlfriend.
*** ((The morning after, a few inside jokes))
Sirius yawned and turned over to snuggle with Carole. He tickled her side slowly.
"MMMM." She moaned, flinging an arm wildly and knocking a bottle of strawberry
sauce to the floor.
"Hey Carrie, wake up, luv." Sirius stroked the side of her face slowly.
Her eyes snapped open. "Sirius? We didn't! Oh shit we did!" Carole said, burying
her face in her hands.
"Okay... what's wrong? Because if it's me...." Sirius said trailing off in confusion.
"No, not you. Not you at all. I just can't have what we used to have Sirius, not that
it wasn't great, trust me it was, but I need more, and someone that can give it to
me. And I should go," Carole finished. Then... "What?" She noticed he was staring
at her.
"I could have. What if this is my other place and time?" he muttered.
Carole blinked. "What are you talking about."
"Wait here, Carole." he said, jumping up in all his naked Sirius glory, he ran to the
living room, grabbed his discarded pants, and rummaged through the pockets.
And there was the ring.
"I could have loved her," he muttered, and walked back into the room.
"Where did you go?" she asked.
Sirius took a deep breath. "Carole, I know it's been a while, and you need a mature
relationship...oh sod it. Marry me." as he thrust the diamond at her he said, "It's
random and crazy and all that, but maybe we'll make it work. I need you. I just
never realized it," he said, swallowing and hoping desperately she would say yes.
Carole smiled and laughed. "You were always crazy. God!" She laughed.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. YES! And you're crazy!" She grinned.
Sirius kissed her and slid the ring on her finger. "We're crazy."
*** 1975
The Dark Lord was furious. This was the fifth attack destroyed by Aurors and three
of his best Death Eaters gone.
"Damn Dumbledore! Damn him!" he cried, kicking an unsuspecting servant.
"Master? If I may..." started Lucius Malfoy, Voldemort's most promising Death
Eater. At nearly 18 years of age, young Lucius was a step away from being second
in command of the Death Eaters.
"It better be good young one," Voldemort hissed.
"Perhaps we send that Muggle loving fool a message, sir. In blood. What does
Dumbledore care most about?" Lucius asked smugly.
"His students. Ha! Wonderful idea, Lucius, I just may keep you around," Voldemort
said, grinning.
***
"Oh Becca! I can't believe it! It's just so fast!" Carole said, looking at china patterns
with her best friend.
"Never mind about that Carrie! I just can't believe you landed Sirius Black! He's just
too cute!" giggled Becca.
"Mmm, I know!"
"Does he know about Anna yet?" Becca asked after Carole's 8 month old daughter.
"I'll tell him. After the wedding," Carole said, winking.
"Carole Kessler! That's horrible!" Becca exclaimed.
Carole turned to her best friend. "I can't loose him Bec. I love him, he left me once
and I swear, no matter what, I will keep him," Carole insisted.
"Of course you will, Carrie. Really, what's the worst that could happen? He ends up
in jail?"
The girls laughed.
***
"Okay, that's it. I'm going to do it. Get your mind out of the gutter, Sirius," Remus
snapped as his dark haired friend sniggered.
"Sorry, Moony. So what are you going to do?" Sirius asked.
"Ask Tara Hager out," Remus said.
Sirius promptly fell off the bed. "Yeah right! Damn, you're funny! I can't even get
with Tara. And hullo, it's me!" Sirius laughed.
Remus glared. "What are you trying to say Sirius?" he asked, keeping his famous
calm.
"Well, it's just that... well, you're you!" Sirius said, trying to stop laughing.
"Oh, well, I guess you know who your real friends are, don't you?" Remus said softy.
"Moony, come on, I'm sorry," Sirius said.
"Yeah, well, you're wrong Sirius," Remus stormed out.
James gave Sirius a look. "Nice one, Padfoot."
***
"Master, it's a Hogsmeade weekend." Lucius Malfoy swept a bow.
"And this means what to me?" Voldemort snapped.
"Well Master... the students will be outside of Hogwarts, sir, unprotected, a perfect
time to strike, Master. If it pleases you that is," Lucius simpered.
"Of course! Honestly, Lucius, I am a genius!" The Dark Lord flashed an unpleasant
smile.
"You truly are, Master."
***
"Hey, Tara, can I talk to you please?" Remus asked, ready to run. Damn Sirius.
"Yeah sure, hang on Krista, I'll be right back," she said. "So Remus, what's up?" she
smiled at him, and Remus melted.
"Well, I was wondering if you're not busy this weekend...if you..."
"YES! I'd love to Remus," Tara said happily.
"Wow. Really?" Remus asked.
"Yeah sure, where?" Tara said, calm restored.
"Three Broomsticks?"
Tara nodded. "See you there." And with a wink and a smile, Tara was gone.
*** (Hogsmeade)
"You want to take a walk?" Remus asked hesitantly.
Tara nodded. As they walked, Tara slipped her small hand into his.
"I'm really glad you asked me out." Tara said, leading him to a near by tree next to
the brook.
Remus smiled and Tara laughed and laid her head down on his shoulder. For the
first time since he had received the bite, Remus felt normal.
And truly blessed.
***
The Dark Lord and Lucius apparated behind a tree near a brook. "Master look."
Lucius pointed out two teenagers laughing in the sun. They were obviously
Hogwarts students.
The Dark Lord smiled. "Let's really send that Muggle loving fool a message, Lucius."
and with that he stepped out and put a quick body bind on the boy.
He turned to Tara.
"Crucio."
***
Tara couldn't hold on much longer. But she wouldn't die, not in front of the thing
that was doing this to her. She was stubborn, that's what got her to the top, that's
what would get her through this. She wouldn't die if she didn't want to. She looked
at her attacker through hazy eyes. He was pink and had a film of sweat
covering his face. His breath was coming in gasps and he had a slightly dazed look
about him.
Tara knew that look. She had inspired it many times. She opened her mouth to
speak.
"You sick..." She spat. Blood dribbled out of her mouth. Rich and coppery tasting, it
flowed out of her.
The Dark Lord's head snapped up. "People! Come, Lucius."
They Disapparated.
***
Remus broke the spell and rushed to Tara. "Tara? Tara, baby, it's okay, you'll be
just fine." Remus frantically assured her, searching for a pulse.
A shuttering hand reached up and lightly touched his cheek. "Remus." She gasped.
"Remus I..." She took a bloody, hitching breath. "Have to say." A bubble of blood
popped in her mouth and specks of crimson dotted Tara's still beautiful face.
"What? Say what? Hang on Tara, please hang on." Remus pleaded.
"Remus I..." With a gasp and a choke, Tara Hager died.
Remus stared in disbelief.
***
"Are you okay Moony? Sirius asked softly.
"Oh yes Sirius, I'm just fine. I... I think the pretty girl hurts though. You'll help her?"
Remus asked, his green/gold eyes glazed with a child like quality.
Sirius swallowed shakily and said: "Don't worry buddy, I will."
Remus smiled and sat down on his bed, looking dazed. He idly plucked at his bed
covers, smiling faintly.
James caught Sirius's eye. Dumbledore had warned them about this, Remus was in
post traumatic shock, a state that allows your body to still function in a sort of
other reality.
Sirius's head snapped up as Remus begun laughing, just laughing and sitting. Then
he abruptly stopped.
Just stopped and the silence was ringing in Sirius's ears. Then: "Why did that man
do that? The one that hurt her? She was all red. And she cried! I cried once, when
the hairy man bit me." Suddenly Remus burst into tears. "It hurt! Why did he bite
me? It hurt, it hurt!!" He shook James lightly. "I feel like I was bitten again." He said,
laying his head on James's shoulder in childlike innocence.
Sirius looked on, and Remus was right.
It did hurt.
*** 1981
"Sirius? You know where the cherries are?" Carole asked, finishing decorating the
cake.
"Bed room, baby. Hey, will you get my shoes, please?" Sirius called.
The door ball rang and Sirius opened it to reveal a very pale looking Potter family.
Sirius grinned. "Come on in guys." he invited.
"Ouch damnit! Okay, dinner's ready," Carole called, biting her lip and gazing at the
roast. 'Was it supposed to be crusty?' She wondered, poking it.
A piece crumbled beneath her finger.
"Guess not." She muttered. She came into the dinning room where Lily, James, and
Sirius all sat.
"CARRIE!" they both cried.
Carole smiled.
"Okay, before we all start dinner, I... no we-" Sirius slipped a hand into Carole's.
"-have an announcement to make."
Carole blushed and smiled.
"We're getting married." Sirius said, grinning.
James's jaw dropped and he stood up and hugged Sirius. "No way! And here we all
thought it would never happen. You must be a pretty special woman, Carole!"
James said, giving her a cheeky smile and a wink.
Carole smiled and leaned contentedly against Sirius.
No one noticed Lily's face.
*** 1975
Alicia couldn't believe her luck. ((what? you didn't think she was gone did you?))
With Tara out of the way, well the place to rule was open wasn't it? Of course,
there was that little matter of some of the more ambitious girls, Krista McKay and
Brittany DuQuette mostly, but they were in shock, actually missed Tara.
Well the early bird gets the worm.
*** 1981
"Congratulations, Sirius, Carole. But we have some news of are own." Lily said,
arranging her face calmly.
"Lils, not now hunnie, it's not the time." James said softly.
"When is the time, James? Huh?! When we might not be fucking alive? Is that the
fucking time, James? Is it?" Lily cried.
"Calm down, Lily! I have everything under control!" James yelled back.
"What's going on, James?" Sirius asked, his heart failing to beat for a few seconds.
"Well, wonder boy over here, managed to piss off the FUCKING DARKLORD and now
we're all going to die," Lily said, beginning to sniffle.
"Oh god. Shit. Okay. It's okay, Lily~girl." Sirius said, feeling unfamiliar tears form.
"How the hell is it okay? How the god damn hell is it okay? I'm twenty one years
old and I'm going to die. I will never see Harry grow up. You know why? Because
he'll be dead! Dead. Fucking Dead. Dead!" Lily choked.
"Okay, come here." Sirius said softly, holding out her arms that held her so tight,
so many times.
Lily choked and ran to him. "I'm so scared, Sirius. So scared." She whispered into
his chest. It was like she was speaking to his heart.
"Lily, I'll fix this. Don't worry. I would never let anything happen to you. I promise."
Sirius whispered to her.
Lily nodded. "Excuse me please." She whispered and disappeared to the bathroom
to clean up a bit.
*** 1975
Remus sat in the Headmaster's office, smiling placidly.
Dumbledore forced a pleasant smile and asked gently: "How are you Remus?
Holding up?"
"Oh yes sir, I'm just fine. But Sir, I've been having nightmares." Remus admitted,
some of the old intelligence flashing briefly in his eyes.
"Tell me about them." Dumbledore asked. Remus slowly shook his head.
"Why not?" Dumbledore asked.
"Because...when I think about it, I get this sort of empty pain." Remus said softly.
Dumbledore nodded. "Can you tell me about this pain? Can you tell me where it is
Remus?" he asked.
Slowly, Remus nodded. "Sometimes. Sometimes it's here." he pointed to the pit of
his stomach. "And sometimes it's here." He pointed to his heart. "That's when I feel
all empty inside. Like something, some part of me is missing." Remus said, and
then giggled. "But that's funny! Cuz I'm all whole!" Remus said, the glazed look
returning to his face.
"All right Remus, I'm going to do something, a spell. I need you to drink this, it
will make you go to sleep." Dumbledore said, holding a goblet full of foaming
orange liquid out toward Remus.
Remus recoiled from the cup like it was poison. "NO! I won't sleep! I can't, the
dream!" Remus sobbed.
"Shhh, it's okay Remus, it can't hurt you." Dumbledore assured him, once more
offering the goblet.
Remus took it shakily and drank. He slumped in a dead sleep.
Dumbledore nodded and said: "Nocturnes Sleepus." and disappeared.
*** 1981
Carole laid her head on Sirius's shoulder. "I love you, Sirius. Everything will be fine.
Do you want to talk about it? Maybe it'll help?" Carole offered.
"No thanks, not dealing here, happily vacationing in the land of not coping." Sirius
said, snuggling next to her and thinking how he could save his friends.
"Sirius, I'll see you in a bit, I have to do something." Carole said, she had a
desperate urge to see Anna. To hold her baby in her arms.
Sirius nodded.
***
Dumbledore looked around at the small river valley just outside of Hogsmeade.
He was inside Remus's memory.
CHAPTER 8 WHEN I GET THOSE REVIEWS (AND I MAY BE POSTING ON
FANFICTIONALLEY SOON, IF I EVER FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK THE DAMN THING,
I WILL NOTIFY YOU THAT YOU CAN FIND MY STORY'S THERE SOON)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the other characters, except Carole,
Becca, and Alicia. But really they rather own themselves don't they? I also stole a
quote from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Wonder if that's qualified as plagiarism....
~*~Samantha-punk rock princess-Kent~*~
annoyed A/N: I really don't know why I bother. So I'm putting my foot down. If you
all want chapter eight, I need three reviews. Which is not that difficult to type
whether or not you liked it in a few words in the little box at the end of the story.
It's up to you to keep SB going. Because the way I figure, if people aren't enjoying
my writing, why bother? So review or sadly miss Sirius. When I do get those three
reviews, if it's a year or a week, then and only then will I post the next part. And I'm
also revising and rewriting. Makeing it all better... so It'll be a while.
regular A/N: yuperz, another abused but concenting fanfic writer has entered SB
land. But I like her, so I'll be nice....mostly. Twenty points to whoever guesses the
new character's real or fanfic persona. Not that the points will get you anything....
This chapter is deticated to my lovely beta readers:
Steph (I love you girl, thanks for all the help and being there for me, your a kick ass
beta reader but that doesn't even compare to the friend you've been to me in the
short time we've known each other. Schnoogles!)
Becca: (pink pink bubbles my shexy friend, naw I love you, your one of my best
friends and you are so funny, even if you suck as a beta reader. **mutters about
air**)
Carole:( The best mother I've ever had...**blinks** yeah that sounds really strange.
Well thanks for all you've done, SB and everything else. A million hallmark cards
couldn't express the love ma **winks**)
*** (1981, one week after Lily receives the note.)
Carole Kessler sat at her table in the three broom sticks staring off moodily into
space. The waitress came over and she ordered her fifth vodka. Straight up.
"You'd think, wouldn't you, that if Randy promises to meet you at six thirty sharp,
he'd be here by bloody eight o'clock!" Carole slurred, referring to her ex-husband
with hatred.
"Oh, don't worry about it, Carrie! He's not worth it." Rosemerta replied, silently
thinking 'alcoholic'.
Carole gulped down her drink and commenced into staring moodily into space.
*** (same scene)
Sirius checked his watch again. Where was she? He finally makes his damn mind up
and she never shows up!
He idly fingered the diamond ring in his pocket and felt his heart lurch.
"Oh sod it!" Came an agitated scream from across the room.
Sirius, like everyone else in the crowded bar turned. "Ha! Carole Reese! No way!" He
muttered, glad to see his favorite ex-girlfriend.
The old owner came over to her and was gesturing to the door. Carole glared and
got up on unsteady legs.
Sirius immediately saw she was in no condition to walk let alone get home in one
piece, she may splinch herself. Funny things happened while apparating drunk..
Anyway, Lily wasn't going to show up, so he'd take her home. "Okay Tom, take it
easy, I've got her. Come on Carole." Sirius said, helping her to the door.
"Hey! Paws off buddy! Sirius?" Carole said, finally recognizing him.
"Hallo Carrie, come on, up you get, baby." he said, as her all too familiar body
leaned against his. As he steadied her he thought she had gotten prettier. Her
honey blonde hair had gotten longer and was curling around her waist;
her eyes were as blue as ever.
"Here, take my car, Siri, it's easier." she slurred, leaning against him.
"Okay, where too Carrie?" He asked. "Carrie? Carole?!" he asked.
She had fallen asleep.
"Right." Sirius muttered and headed to his house.
*** 1975
Lily had some thinking to do. Sirius or James? Why did she have to decide?! She
was young and pretty. She could have them both, decide which one she liked
better later. Thus the triangle took shape.
*** 1981 (Sirius's apartment)
"MMMMM." Carole moaned, trying to get up.
"Have a nice nap, luv?" Sirius asked, a trace of a smile in his voice. He used to love
watching Carole get up when they were together.
"Sirius, baby!" Carole cried.
"Baby is it? And here I remember being called a 'ruddy twat' and the only way you'd
ever speak to me again was if I got on my hands and knees and begged for
forgiveness, and then you'd only speak to me to call me a 'bloody moron' and kick
me. Which you did." Sirius teased.
Carole laughed softly.
Sirius let the sound wash over him. God, he hadn't realized how much he missed
her until now. Gazing at her, he realized that he could have loved her . Another
place, another time, he'd be mad for her.
"What? Sirius you look miserable, come have a drink with me." Carole commanded,
absentmindedly fixing his favorite drink. He took it, grinning.
"Why the smile?" she asked.
"You. You remembered." he said, gesturing to his glass.
"I remember everything Sirius." she whispered.
Sirius arched an eyebrow. "Do you now?"
She straddled his lap. "Vividly," she whispered and then kissed him, and Sirius was
strongly reminded of just why Carole was his favorite ex-girlfriend.
*** ((The morning after, a few inside jokes))
Sirius yawned and turned over to snuggle with Carole. He tickled her side slowly.
"MMMM." She moaned, flinging an arm wildly and knocking a bottle of strawberry
sauce to the floor.
"Hey Carrie, wake up, luv." Sirius stroked the side of her face slowly.
Her eyes snapped open. "Sirius? We didn't! Oh shit we did!" Carole said, burying
her face in her hands.
"Okay... what's wrong? Because if it's me...." Sirius said trailing off in confusion.
"No, not you. Not you at all. I just can't have what we used to have Sirius, not that
it wasn't great, trust me it was, but I need more, and someone that can give it to
me. And I should go," Carole finished. Then... "What?" She noticed he was staring
at her.
"I could have. What if this is my other place and time?" he muttered.
Carole blinked. "What are you talking about."
"Wait here, Carole." he said, jumping up in all his naked Sirius glory, he ran to the
living room, grabbed his discarded pants, and rummaged through the pockets.
And there was the ring.
"I could have loved her," he muttered, and walked back into the room.
"Where did you go?" she asked.
Sirius took a deep breath. "Carole, I know it's been a while, and you need a mature
relationship...oh sod it. Marry me." as he thrust the diamond at her he said, "It's
random and crazy and all that, but maybe we'll make it work. I need you. I just
never realized it," he said, swallowing and hoping desperately she would say yes.
Carole smiled and laughed. "You were always crazy. God!" She laughed.
"Is that a yes or a no?" Sirius asked.
"Yes. YES! And you're crazy!" She grinned.
Sirius kissed her and slid the ring on her finger. "We're crazy."
*** 1975
The Dark Lord was furious. This was the fifth attack destroyed by Aurors and three
of his best Death Eaters gone.
"Damn Dumbledore! Damn him!" he cried, kicking an unsuspecting servant.
"Master? If I may..." started Lucius Malfoy, Voldemort's most promising Death
Eater. At nearly 18 years of age, young Lucius was a step away from being second
in command of the Death Eaters.
"It better be good young one," Voldemort hissed.
"Perhaps we send that Muggle loving fool a message, sir. In blood. What does
Dumbledore care most about?" Lucius asked smugly.
"His students. Ha! Wonderful idea, Lucius, I just may keep you around," Voldemort
said, grinning.
***
"Oh Becca! I can't believe it! It's just so fast!" Carole said, looking at china patterns
with her best friend.
"Never mind about that Carrie! I just can't believe you landed Sirius Black! He's just
too cute!" giggled Becca.
"Mmm, I know!"
"Does he know about Anna yet?" Becca asked after Carole's 8 month old daughter.
"I'll tell him. After the wedding," Carole said, winking.
"Carole Kessler! That's horrible!" Becca exclaimed.
Carole turned to her best friend. "I can't loose him Bec. I love him, he left me once
and I swear, no matter what, I will keep him," Carole insisted.
"Of course you will, Carrie. Really, what's the worst that could happen? He ends up
in jail?"
The girls laughed.
***
"Okay, that's it. I'm going to do it. Get your mind out of the gutter, Sirius," Remus
snapped as his dark haired friend sniggered.
"Sorry, Moony. So what are you going to do?" Sirius asked.
"Ask Tara Hager out," Remus said.
Sirius promptly fell off the bed. "Yeah right! Damn, you're funny! I can't even get
with Tara. And hullo, it's me!" Sirius laughed.
Remus glared. "What are you trying to say Sirius?" he asked, keeping his famous
calm.
"Well, it's just that... well, you're you!" Sirius said, trying to stop laughing.
"Oh, well, I guess you know who your real friends are, don't you?" Remus said softy.
"Moony, come on, I'm sorry," Sirius said.
"Yeah, well, you're wrong Sirius," Remus stormed out.
James gave Sirius a look. "Nice one, Padfoot."
***
"Master, it's a Hogsmeade weekend." Lucius Malfoy swept a bow.
"And this means what to me?" Voldemort snapped.
"Well Master... the students will be outside of Hogwarts, sir, unprotected, a perfect
time to strike, Master. If it pleases you that is," Lucius simpered.
"Of course! Honestly, Lucius, I am a genius!" The Dark Lord flashed an unpleasant
smile.
"You truly are, Master."
***
"Hey, Tara, can I talk to you please?" Remus asked, ready to run. Damn Sirius.
"Yeah sure, hang on Krista, I'll be right back," she said. "So Remus, what's up?" she
smiled at him, and Remus melted.
"Well, I was wondering if you're not busy this weekend...if you..."
"YES! I'd love to Remus," Tara said happily.
"Wow. Really?" Remus asked.
"Yeah sure, where?" Tara said, calm restored.
"Three Broomsticks?"
Tara nodded. "See you there." And with a wink and a smile, Tara was gone.
*** (Hogsmeade)
"You want to take a walk?" Remus asked hesitantly.
Tara nodded. As they walked, Tara slipped her small hand into his.
"I'm really glad you asked me out." Tara said, leading him to a near by tree next to
the brook.
Remus smiled and Tara laughed and laid her head down on his shoulder. For the
first time since he had received the bite, Remus felt normal.
And truly blessed.
***
The Dark Lord and Lucius apparated behind a tree near a brook. "Master look."
Lucius pointed out two teenagers laughing in the sun. They were obviously
Hogwarts students.
The Dark Lord smiled. "Let's really send that Muggle loving fool a message, Lucius."
and with that he stepped out and put a quick body bind on the boy.
He turned to Tara.
"Crucio."
***
Tara couldn't hold on much longer. But she wouldn't die, not in front of the thing
that was doing this to her. She was stubborn, that's what got her to the top, that's
what would get her through this. She wouldn't die if she didn't want to. She looked
at her attacker through hazy eyes. He was pink and had a film of sweat
covering his face. His breath was coming in gasps and he had a slightly dazed look
about him.
Tara knew that look. She had inspired it many times. She opened her mouth to
speak.
"You sick..." She spat. Blood dribbled out of her mouth. Rich and coppery tasting, it
flowed out of her.
The Dark Lord's head snapped up. "People! Come, Lucius."
They Disapparated.
***
Remus broke the spell and rushed to Tara. "Tara? Tara, baby, it's okay, you'll be
just fine." Remus frantically assured her, searching for a pulse.
A shuttering hand reached up and lightly touched his cheek. "Remus." She gasped.
"Remus I..." She took a bloody, hitching breath. "Have to say." A bubble of blood
popped in her mouth and specks of crimson dotted Tara's still beautiful face.
"What? Say what? Hang on Tara, please hang on." Remus pleaded.
"Remus I..." With a gasp and a choke, Tara Hager died.
Remus stared in disbelief.
***
"Are you okay Moony? Sirius asked softly.
"Oh yes Sirius, I'm just fine. I... I think the pretty girl hurts though. You'll help her?"
Remus asked, his green/gold eyes glazed with a child like quality.
Sirius swallowed shakily and said: "Don't worry buddy, I will."
Remus smiled and sat down on his bed, looking dazed. He idly plucked at his bed
covers, smiling faintly.
James caught Sirius's eye. Dumbledore had warned them about this, Remus was in
post traumatic shock, a state that allows your body to still function in a sort of
other reality.
Sirius's head snapped up as Remus begun laughing, just laughing and sitting. Then
he abruptly stopped.
Just stopped and the silence was ringing in Sirius's ears. Then: "Why did that man
do that? The one that hurt her? She was all red. And she cried! I cried once, when
the hairy man bit me." Suddenly Remus burst into tears. "It hurt! Why did he bite
me? It hurt, it hurt!!" He shook James lightly. "I feel like I was bitten again." He said,
laying his head on James's shoulder in childlike innocence.
Sirius looked on, and Remus was right.
It did hurt.
*** 1981
"Sirius? You know where the cherries are?" Carole asked, finishing decorating the
cake.
"Bed room, baby. Hey, will you get my shoes, please?" Sirius called.
The door ball rang and Sirius opened it to reveal a very pale looking Potter family.
Sirius grinned. "Come on in guys." he invited.
"Ouch damnit! Okay, dinner's ready," Carole called, biting her lip and gazing at the
roast. 'Was it supposed to be crusty?' She wondered, poking it.
A piece crumbled beneath her finger.
"Guess not." She muttered. She came into the dinning room where Lily, James, and
Sirius all sat.
"CARRIE!" they both cried.
Carole smiled.
"Okay, before we all start dinner, I... no we-" Sirius slipped a hand into Carole's.
"-have an announcement to make."
Carole blushed and smiled.
"We're getting married." Sirius said, grinning.
James's jaw dropped and he stood up and hugged Sirius. "No way! And here we all
thought it would never happen. You must be a pretty special woman, Carole!"
James said, giving her a cheeky smile and a wink.
Carole smiled and leaned contentedly against Sirius.
No one noticed Lily's face.
*** 1975
Alicia couldn't believe her luck. ((what? you didn't think she was gone did you?))
With Tara out of the way, well the place to rule was open wasn't it? Of course,
there was that little matter of some of the more ambitious girls, Krista McKay and
Brittany DuQuette mostly, but they were in shock, actually missed Tara.
Well the early bird gets the worm.
*** 1981
"Congratulations, Sirius, Carole. But we have some news of are own." Lily said,
arranging her face calmly.
"Lils, not now hunnie, it's not the time." James said softly.
"When is the time, James? Huh?! When we might not be fucking alive? Is that the
fucking time, James? Is it?" Lily cried.
"Calm down, Lily! I have everything under control!" James yelled back.
"What's going on, James?" Sirius asked, his heart failing to beat for a few seconds.
"Well, wonder boy over here, managed to piss off the FUCKING DARKLORD and now
we're all going to die," Lily said, beginning to sniffle.
"Oh god. Shit. Okay. It's okay, Lily~girl." Sirius said, feeling unfamiliar tears form.
"How the hell is it okay? How the god damn hell is it okay? I'm twenty one years
old and I'm going to die. I will never see Harry grow up. You know why? Because
he'll be dead! Dead. Fucking Dead. Dead!" Lily choked.
"Okay, come here." Sirius said softly, holding out her arms that held her so tight,
so many times.
Lily choked and ran to him. "I'm so scared, Sirius. So scared." She whispered into
his chest. It was like she was speaking to his heart.
"Lily, I'll fix this. Don't worry. I would never let anything happen to you. I promise."
Sirius whispered to her.
Lily nodded. "Excuse me please." She whispered and disappeared to the bathroom
to clean up a bit.
*** 1975
Remus sat in the Headmaster's office, smiling placidly.
Dumbledore forced a pleasant smile and asked gently: "How are you Remus?
Holding up?"
"Oh yes sir, I'm just fine. But Sir, I've been having nightmares." Remus admitted,
some of the old intelligence flashing briefly in his eyes.
"Tell me about them." Dumbledore asked. Remus slowly shook his head.
"Why not?" Dumbledore asked.
"Because...when I think about it, I get this sort of empty pain." Remus said softly.
Dumbledore nodded. "Can you tell me about this pain? Can you tell me where it is
Remus?" he asked.
Slowly, Remus nodded. "Sometimes. Sometimes it's here." he pointed to the pit of
his stomach. "And sometimes it's here." He pointed to his heart. "That's when I feel
all empty inside. Like something, some part of me is missing." Remus said, and
then giggled. "But that's funny! Cuz I'm all whole!" Remus said, the glazed look
returning to his face.
"All right Remus, I'm going to do something, a spell. I need you to drink this, it
will make you go to sleep." Dumbledore said, holding a goblet full of foaming
orange liquid out toward Remus.
Remus recoiled from the cup like it was poison. "NO! I won't sleep! I can't, the
dream!" Remus sobbed.
"Shhh, it's okay Remus, it can't hurt you." Dumbledore assured him, once more
offering the goblet.
Remus took it shakily and drank. He slumped in a dead sleep.
Dumbledore nodded and said: "Nocturnes Sleepus." and disappeared.
*** 1981
Carole laid her head on Sirius's shoulder. "I love you, Sirius. Everything will be fine.
Do you want to talk about it? Maybe it'll help?" Carole offered.
"No thanks, not dealing here, happily vacationing in the land of not coping." Sirius
said, snuggling next to her and thinking how he could save his friends.
"Sirius, I'll see you in a bit, I have to do something." Carole said, she had a
desperate urge to see Anna. To hold her baby in her arms.
Sirius nodded.
***
Dumbledore looked around at the small river valley just outside of Hogsmeade.
He was inside Remus's memory.
CHAPTER 8 WHEN I GET THOSE REVIEWS (AND I MAY BE POSTING ON
FANFICTIONALLEY SOON, IF I EVER FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK THE DAMN THING,
I WILL NOTIFY YOU THAT YOU CAN FIND MY STORY'S THERE SOON)
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the other characters, except Carole,
Becca, and Alicia. But really they rather own themselves don't they? I also stole a
quote from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Wonder if that's qualified as plagiarism....
~*~Samantha-punk rock princess-Kent~*~