Chapter Twelve: Jessica's Wish

In the end, Jessica found herself in the courtyard a lot sooner then thirty minutes. Because that is where they found Chandler. And he wasn't alone. Jessica crouched in a doorway, frowning as the silver moonlight lit up the courtyard before her. There was the boy that she hadn't seen since a week after he had been born. He was now much older, tied and gagged and staring defiantly at none other than Lord Voldemort. Jessica bit back a smile. Yes, that was her grandson. The sobering side of her conscious retorted that that was in fact how her son and her husband had died - it certainly did run in the family, didn't it. Jessica's smile turned sour. Chandler was not going to die today. As for her husband.
Voldemort was laughing at Chandler. Jessica refrained from breaking her cover by forcing herself to look around. No sign of Harry or Padfoot. But then, Harry was invisible and Padfoot was supposed to be as well, from what Harry had told Jessica. Was the invisible Dog just a Patronus gone wrong? Or was it possible that Padfoot was alive? If so, how much did he know? Was there anything left of Sirius in the dog? Did Jessica's husband still exist?
There was a movement across the courtyard from her and Jessica pushed herself back further into the shadows while still peering out. No matter how much training one has had, there is never anything to prepare you for the Dementors. The sight of five of them entering the open courtyard sent Jessica rocking back on her heals, her heart pounding in her chest. With sheer force of will, Jessica concentrated on watching them approach where Voldemort was standing with two of his followers, Reapers from the look of their no-nonsense clothing, and Chandler.
Chandler. The sight of the boy almost ruined Jessica's resolve. He was petrified, horror-struck. Jess could hear him whimpering softly from where she knelt. Her heart nearly broke for him. Instead, she slowly pulled out her wand from her pocket. Her wand. She hadn't cast a spell in oh, so many years. Would she be able to now, when the life of her grandson depended on it? She had to. She didn't have a choice. That desperation gave her the strength she needed to focus on the events taking place less than fifty meters away.
Voldemort was talking to Chandler. Jessica strained to hear, but she couldn't catch any of his words. Then with a flick of his hand, the Dark Lord sent his Reapers backing away. Voldemort said something short to Chandler and the boy cried out through his gag. With a wicked smile, Voldemort backed away as well, leaving Chandler bound on his knees, facing five hungry Dementors.
Jessica's fury and desperation rose again and this time she didn't restrain herself. She stepped out her cranny, wand arm raised straight at the Dementors. "Expecto Patronum!" Even as she said it, Jessica heard another voice, this one masculine, saying the same thing somewhere off to her right. Then there was a deadly silence. It was as if time had gone completely still. No one and nothing moved.
Jessica closed her eyes, wishing with all her might. Oh, please, let Chandler be safe. Let her do it right just this once. Come home, Padfoot. Protect your grandson one last time.
Then there was a bright flash of light and a canine howl pierced the midnight air.