*** The Marauder Chronicles is a fan fiction. It isn' to be sold, reproduced or taken as true. The main characters and most locations belong to J.K. Rowling, as do all publishing rights. No copyright infringement is intended.***
Part Ten: Lord Voldemort
Darkness will be overshadowed by Love."
"No, sweat heart, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping drought. Don't worry, though, you'll get it soon enough," Lily said to a very stressed first year, who had left over potions homework from December.
"I'm just terrible at potions, Lily" he said, putting his hand to his face.
"Don't worry about it, sweetie, if you have any more trouble, I'll be here tomorrow, and the next day, and so on and so forth. You can ask me anything about potions or any other subject."
"Really, any thing?"
"Really. Now why don't you go upstairs and sleep, it's getting late," she said looking at her watch. It was in fact approaching twelve, almost Saturday. Lily yawned, and leaned her head back on the couch in front of the warm fire. It was good to be back, she liked the cosiness of this room, the friends she had, and James above all.
"Goodnight Lily, and thanks for all your help," said the first year, as he picked up his books and headed upstairs.
"Goodnight Sean, dear."
She was very tired, she had a big day, after all. She just started to pack her things when she heard footsteps on the stairs. She looked up to see who it was.
"You never call me 'sweat heart.'"
"No, that's because I call you hansom," she said to James, as he took a seat next to her.
"That's right, I keep forgetting. Bad memory. You teaching potions now?"
"Oh, Sean was having some trouble remembering some things. He's so cute," she said, leaning her head on her hand.
"Cute?"
"Yeah, cute. You were cute when you were eleven, too. Of course not as innocent as he is, but so adorable with you little glasses, blue eyes, messy black hair."
"Simply irresistible," He said smiling.
"That's not what I said," she replied, slyly.
"No, but that's what you meant," he said, quietly taking her hand.
"Sorry, James, but no. Why are you down here any way? It's getting very late."
He smiled, raised her hand to his lips and kissed it. "Honestly?" he asked, silently.
"Yes, I like honesty. It suits you."
"Well, honestly, I came down here to..."
"To...?" she asked, smirking, moving in closer to him.
"To kiss you, long and good."
She giggled when he said this, and then leaned on him. He laughed back, and enclosed her in his arms, and lay back on the couch, her head resting on his chest.
"Think you're going to get lucky, do you?" she asked, placing her hands around his neck, pulling her self up so her eyes were just above his.
"Hmmm..."
"Oh my goodness," came a familiar voice, coming down the stairs. "It can't be true, James and Lily are kissing?" he said, sarcastically. "Stop the Presses! Mark the date and time, ladies and gentlemen, the world is coming to an end!"
"Sirius, it's midnight go to sleep and leave us alone," James said looking at the stairs, and seeing Sirius coming down.
"James I'm hurt. All these years and all you have to say is that?" He came down into the room, with his hands behind his back, smiling.
"What are you up too?" James asked, exasperated.
"I am doing all a favor," he replied, and he took his hands from behind his back, which had the Invisibity cloak and the other held the Marauder's map. "I figure the common room couch isn't the greatest place, you know. Certainly the most comfortable, but not the most private. Some poor naive and innocent first year could come down here and see you two in a lip lock and completely freak out. And then they would come to me and start asking me questions about life, and where babies come from, and so forth. So I think you should look elsewhere."
"How thoughtful of you," James said unimpressed.
"Yes, well. I have looked at the map, and it looks like Myrtle's bathroom is free, I know that's a favorite spot of yours. I personally recommend the astronomy tower, though it gets a bit chilly, or just a common classroom, you know."
Lily laid her head back on James's chest, and closed her eyes. James kissed her, and stroked her hair.
"Or perhaps you could just stay here..." Sirius said smiling, sitting on a chair opposite them.
"Do you want to go?" James whispered into her ear. She looked up and smiled placidly.
"Do you?"
"I asked you first."
"Well, then I'd have to say....yes," and she sat up, got off the couch, and gave her hand to him.
"Ah," Sirius cooed. "Okay, Princess Lily, here's the map and the cloak."
"Thank you, Sirius," she replied in a mock formality, taking both items. James stood up, smiled at Sirius, and put his arm around her shoulders. They began to walk out of the room when Sirius spoke.
"You two behave, now. Be back before sun up. If you find a beautiful women out there, searching for a mysterious man, would you--"
"We'll send her your way, Sirius," James replied.
"You know," Lily said "there are girls out there that like you very much. You just don't see them."
"Who?" he asked curiously.
"I can't tell you who. You already know them, anyway. Just keep your eyes open," she turned around, and disappeared under the cloak.
Sirius stood there for a while, then turned and sat back into his deep chair in front of the fire. He had a book with him, Dark Forces Defeated a simple fiction, and he opened it, not being tired and not having anything better to do with his time.
He was just starting to get into it, when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He looked up and saw that Jade was making her way down, book in hand.
Sirius smiled a little, "Can't sleep?" he asked.
She looked startled to see him there. She smiled, "No, just not tired. The girls don't want the light on though, so I have to read down here. What about you?"
"The same. I just kicked James and Lily out."
"Kissing, again, were they?" she asked, taking a seat on the couch.
"Yeah, yet again. Of course I say that like I am bitter or something, but, I really am happy for them."
"Me too," she replied, opening her book.
"Jade?" Sirius asked.
Jade looked up, and smiled brightly. "Yes?" she answered.
"Where do you live?"
"Where do I live?" she asked confused, her smile dropping.
"Yeah. I know were all my other friends live, just not you."
"Oh," she said, looking back at her book. "I live just outside London."
"Ah."
She looked at him, as if wanting to say something, but just stared. She closed her book, and started to get up.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"Up, I am tired."
"Did I say something wrong?" he asked, starting to get out of his chair.
"No, you didn't say anything. I just realized, sitting there, that I am tired. Good night," and she left, just as soon as she came.
Sirius sat back down, and mumbled under his breath, "Women."
The next morning was very eventful. All four boys were up early, and in the great hall before anyone. They didn't sit in their usual seats, either. That sat nearest they could to the entrance, so better to see the faces of all the girls coming in.
So far, though, only guys were coming in. Yawning, scratching, and tripping lazily over stuff as usual. Then Jade entered, almost running. She was grinning from ear to ear.
James motioned for her to come over. She sat down next to Sirius, and bent in closer to the table, so as not to be heard.
"So...how's it working?" James asked.
"Perfectly!" Jade said, almost laughing. "Oh my goodness, this is the best and most clever thing the four of you have come up with! You should have heard all of them this morning. Liz can't stop looking at her backside in the mirror, examining it from every angle. A couple of 4th years kept saying they had gained so much over the break, and Lily, oh my she's the best. She has spent 15 minutes examining her stomach from every angle possible, then looking down at it then back in the mirror. All of them kept asking if they really looked that bad."
"What did you tell them?" Sirius asked, smiling.
"Well, I said 'I look the same' and they all were so disappointed as if they were hoping something was wrong with the mirrors. Poor dears."
"First victim," Remus said, as a seventh year Ravenclaw came into the Hall. She was looking around at all the tables, and when she saw the five at the Gryffindor table looking at her, she covered her face and sat down as quickly as possible.
"Shannon O'Deere," Sirius said knowledgeably. "A bit of a snit, if you ask me."
Then another girl, this time a Hufflepuff, who was very cute, came scuttling into the Hall. She looked as though she had been crying. She had many sweaters tied around her waist, and sat down as quickly as possible at her table.
Then all of a sudden, a flood of girls came into the Hall. Just by the tone in the air, the five of them could tell the Mirror's had been successfully jinxed.
Liz came running over to them. Remus got up and kissed her, but she was a bit distant.
"Do I look....um...." she hesitated. She went over to Jade, and whispered in her ear.
"No," Jade said to her as she looked at Liz's bum. "I don't think so."
She went back over to Remus, kissed him again, and sat down next to him, though she still looked as though she was on another planet.
Sirius looked at Remus, who was finding it hard to not burst out laughing. Then Lily came in, her arms around her stomach. James got up to greet her, but she just asked him flat out, "Do I look fat to you, James?"
"No," he said. But she wasn't satisfied.
"Are you sure? Because my stomach looks a little...chubby."
"Outrageous," James said to her. "You're beautiful," he took her hand and led her to the table. Jade had to bite her lip.
When their breakfast appeared on their plates, neither Lily or Liz touched their food.
Jade, however, ate like there was no tomorrow, as did the other four boys. James was about to start on a piece of toast, when Sirius gave him a good jab in the ribs and motioned for him to look at the doors.
Snape came into the great hall, looking more surly than ever, his hand constantly going over his long hooked nose.
James snorted with laughter so loudly that the entire Gryffindor table looked at him. Sirius was in tears, and had to put his head down to keep from being seen. Jade was giggling profusely, and Peter was beat red and trembling. Remus didn't have to look, but he did. Once he saw how awkward Snape looked, he burst.
Lily couldn't take it any more.
"That's it! What's going on? There is something very strange going on here, and I want to know what it is."
The five of them looked at her as if she came out of a mental institution.
"Lily, nothing is going on," Remus said.
"Oh yeah?" she asked, "Then why are you all laughing?"
"Lily," James said, trying to sound reasonable, "We were laughing at Snape. He looks, well...weirder today. It's just funny."
"So there's nothing going on?" She asked.
"No, there is nothing going on," James said. This was true. They had done the prank yesterday, so there really wasn't anything going on right now.
"You promise?" she asked.
"Yes, I promise," he said, looking into her eyes.
"Oh, alright, I guess this means that your mirror prank doesn't work," she said, taking a sip of her drink.
All five of them dropped their food and goblets, and looked at Lily. She was smiling.
"W...What are you talking about?" Remus asked, trying to sound curious about the whole thing.
"Oh come now," Lily said, putting down her drink and folding her arms on the table. "What kind of person do you think I am. I have known the five of you for six and a half years, you can't fool me, I know when there's something going on. It is a bit cliche to use Jade as the inside worker, you did it in September, Sirius. And I know I could never have rolls on my stomach, my metabolism is much to high, and Liz's bum looks just as it did when we left: small. Not to mention, that the entire hall is in a buzz about how horrible they look, and it's not just a coincidence that you four arrived earlier than everyone else. And it has your paw prints all over the job."
Jade smiled. "You won't tell anyone else, will you?"
Lily and Liz both shook their heads. "Oh no," Liz replied, "It's much to fun to see other's suffer!"
On Monday, school began. Back to the daily grind of too much homework, having to tolerate James's militant Quidditch strategies, and battles with Snape. The mirror hex went above and beyond all their expectations. Girls of all houses were not eating, wearing way too much makeup, or layering clothing to hide rolls of fat that weren't really there. Even Snape had taken to cover his nose when he sat down, and Sirius caught him looking down it at breakfast on Monday morning.
"Ah," Remus said looking up at the grey ceiling of the Great Hall, "Mail's here."
And in swooped hundreds of different breeds of owls, all carrying packages and letters to the students of Hogwarts. A large eagle owl dropped a parcel with a letter on top of Sirius's head.
"Ouch," he said, rubbing the top of it, "Damn bird."
Then Nimbus, James's great horned owl, came soaring in and dropped a letter on his plate. He opened it, and began to read.
"He want's to know how it's going?" he informed them all.
"Who, your dad?" Remus asked.
"Yeah, want's a play by play of the whole set up, and results." James took out some parchment and an ink well and quill and started writing very quickly.
Then Lily came in, flanked by Liz and Jade. Lily approached James and kissed him, though he was still writing quickly.
"Good morning, Love," he said to her. She smiled and returned the address. Remus got up and kissed Liz, and then she sat down next to him, pulling out some last minute homework.
"Morning, Sirius," Jade said to Sirius. He looked up and smiled at her, "Hey," he responded.
Sirius, though, seemed quite preoccupied with his parcel. He held it in his hand, un-opened, not quite sure, it seemed, with what to do with it. He kept examining it from all angles, and attracted the attention of all of his friends.
James looked up at him, and grinned, "What are you doing?"
"My dad sent it and--"
"Ah, say no more," James said.
"What, I don't know what you are talking about," Jade said.
"Every year, just after Christmas, Dad sends me a package. It's always a joke, two years ago the box exploded when I opened the tape. So I always have to be careful."
Just then, a tall pretty blonde, from Ravenclaw, came over towards the seven of them. She moved for Sirius, and ran her finger across his shoulders as she passed him. When he turned to see who it was, she kept on walking and smiled devilishly at him.
Well, it didn't take long for Sirius to get up and go to her. He ran and caught up with her before she could leave the great hall.
"Signs of a new year," Remus said shaking his head but laughing. "Leave it to him to make a new year's resolution like that."
James looked at Sirius. The girl he was with was a sixth year, and played chaser for Ravenclaw. As he recalled, she was very aggressive. She was blushing and laughing, Sirius was making some funny body motions, which had obviously made her laugh. James turned around to face the rest of the table, and was surprised by what he saw.
Lily and Liz got up abruptly encouraging Jade to do the same.
"Jade, let's go to class, alright?" Lily said, sounding very soothing and calm. Jade looked as though her insides had fallen out. Remus and Peter noticed too.
"Jade," James said to her. She looked up, looking like she could cry at any second. "Are you alright?"
"Don't say anything," Lily said to the three of them, as they got up and gathered their things. "Don't any of you mention this to anyone, you hear me, no one knows about this. She want's it that way," Lily turned from them, and went to Jade. Liz and Lily ushered her out of the hall, and down the corridor.
"I. Have. A. Date," Sirius said, smiling as he came over to the three of them. "Annika Kincade. Tall, slender, beautiful, smart, nice smile, and--"
"Thanks for the run down," James said, clearly cutting him off. "We all saw her, Sirius. Let's just go to class."
Sirius gave him a questioning look, then he looked at the other three, who had the same expression. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing, let's just go to class," James said.
"Where did they all go to?" he asked, pointing to the empty seats across from him.
"Bathroom," James lied quickly. "Let's just go to class. The bell's going to ring soon." James started walking by himself, then Remus and Peter followed. Sirius ran to catch up.
Lily, Liz and Jade were all seated in their usual spots. Jade was composed, looking like there was nothing wrong. Liz and Lily were seated on either side of her, whispering to her.
The four of them went to sit behind them, ready for their lesson in Charms.
Short, squeaky, Professor Flitwick came scuttling into the classroom, behind various large books, which covered his face. He placed them on his desk, and then proceeded to his chair and climbed on top of all the volumes to reach the top.
"Today," he said in a very high pitch tone, "we will be discussing some very complex charms, used only by the most skilled wizards. The first I will be discussing is a charm that has many irregularities. It asks for those involved to obey special circumstances, otherwise it is futile. The charm I am referring to is the Fidelius Charm, used to hide wizards from the dark forces. It is becoming more commonly used, these days, I am sorry to say, but is extremely effective."
Sirius kept elbowing James in class, and begging him to tell him what was wrong, but James denied that there was anything wrong.
"You are the worst liar in the world," Sirius whispered to him, "Please tell me what's up. I can feel something in the atmosphere, you have to tell me, James."
"There's nothing to tell," James kept insisting. "Just pretend to pay attention at least. Flitwick keeps looking up here."
"The Charm can only be practiced with a secret keeper, who keeps the location of those in hiding in utter secrecy. The draw back is, the secret keeper cannot have someone keeping his location a secret, nor can he stay with those he is protecting. He is, in a word, defenseless and vulnerable to anyone," Flitwick said, repeating the last lines for people to copy down.
Just then, Professor Dumbledore came in. Heads turned, and everyone who was whispering or gossiping, silenced. He looked very grim, they all thought. As he entered the class, he glanced up in James and Sirius's direction, then glanced quickly back.
Flitwick jumped off his books, and his desk and scurried over to meet Dumbledore halfway across the room.
Dumbledore almost kneeled to whisper into Flitwick's ear.
James and Sirius exchanged nervous glances. Lily, Liz and Jade all turned around and looked at the four, as did the rest of the class.
"No one says anything," James whispered to the other three, hardly moving his lips. He must have been upset about the mirrors, which was strange, because usually Dumbledore got quite a chuckle out of their pranks.
Whatever Dumbledore told Flitwick, it upset him. The little professor put his hand to his open mouth, looking stunned. Dumbledore stood up, and glanced up at James.
"James, I need to have a word with you," he said solemnly. Sirius looked at him horrified.
James got up slowly, everyone in class was staring at him, watching his every move. He started for the edge of the desk row when Dumbledore stopped him.
"Bring your things, James," he said. Fearing the worst, James went back to his seat and collected his things, trying his best to look composed, and went toward Dumbledore who guided him out of the class. Before they left, James could have sworn that Flitwick gave him a sympathetic smile.
Dumbledore walked somewhat quickly through the corridor, putting his hand on James back, giving him an extra nudge. James tried looking into his face, but he looked strait, and didn't say a thing. James didn't know what to do, whether to say something or not. He decided to take his chances.
"Does this have anything to do with the mirrors?" he asked quietly.
"I wish it did, James," was all he said the entire way up to his office.
"Bertie Botts," he said to the gargoyle, which moved quickly to the side, revealing a long spiral stair case. James had been here before, only when he was in deep trouble, however. They started the long journey up the staircase, but it seemed like hours before they got to his office.
"Sit down, James," he said, motioning to him the large armchair in front of his desk. Dumbledore walked to the other side of his desk, but he did not sit down, instead he leaned his hands on the top of his chair. He looked very pensive.
James just started at him, he put his hands together, and sat motionless. He had never seen Dumbledore like this.
Dumbledore took a deep breath, sighed and looked back at James. "I don't know how to say this to you. I have never said this to anyone."
"Said what?" James asked nervously.
"James," he began, looking into his eyes, "Your father was killed this morning by Voldemort. Not more than 20 minutes ago," he paused to look at James's face, "I am so very sorry."
James had heard each word he had said, yet somehow they just passed through him. It couldn't be true, he thought. It was impossible. James shook his head at Dumbledore, "No, that's not true," he said. "It can't be true."
"I know it's hard, son, but it's true. He put up quite a fight, I promise you. They just found him, the Dark mark was flying over head."
"You're lying," James said, anger rising in his voice. "You're lying to me! I just got a letter from him this morning, and he's fine! He's fine!" He stood up, and started pacing the room. Dumbledore moved from behind his desk and reached for him, but James drew away.
"Leave me alone, you liar!" he shouted, "There's no point in killing him, he didn't do anything. I don't believe you at all. No. Never. I just saw him, and he was fine!"
Just then, the office door opened, and Professor McGonagall came in. She held a tissue to her face, and she lacked the strong firm look of composure she usually wore.
James stared at her, his eyes rather wide. McGonagall came further into the room, and looked at Dumbledore, then back at James. As she looked at him, two tears rolled down her face. "Oh James," she said, it was the first time she had said his first name, "I am so sorry."
It was as if seeing her tears was seeing his father's lifeless body. It confirmed the truth. His father was dead.
James stood there shaking his head. Then out of his control, he began to cry, the first time in his life. McGonagall moved towards him, and reached out. He had never
really felt sadness, he never had to. He went for McGonagall, thinking there was nothing better to do. She enclosed him in her arms, and started mumbling something to
him, but he didn't understand what she was saying. Not a single word.
"I wonder what happened to him," Sirius said, as they walked from the Charms corridor.
"I hope he's alright," Lily said thoughtfully.
"Do you think he got yelled at? Detention, expulsion?" Peter asked, not helping the situation in the slightest.
"Don't be such a prat, Peter," Remus said, "He's probably fine. He and Dumbledore have always been great friends. Perhaps he was trying to kid around with him or something."
"Then why did he look so serious when he came in," Liz asked.
"And why did Flitwick have that startled look?" Jade asked.
"Maybe we should just go find him, and asked him what happened," Sirius suggested. But that wasn't necessary.
Jackson, the third year boy who wanted to play Seeker in the coming year, ran up to Sirius, looking quite shocked.
"Did you hear the news? Where's James? Is he leaving then?" he asked very quickly.
"What are you on about?" Sirius asked.
"You haven't heard," he said, surprised. He held up a paper, and showed it to them. "You-know-who has killed Byron Potter, just this morning. The Daily Prophet came out with a special edition today."
Sirius snatched the paper, not believing his eyes. But it was true. On the cover of the Daily Prophet was a picture of Byron, and underneath was the story of his death. Everyone gathered around Sirius, and read the article.
Sirius had known Byron his whole life, he was like an uncle to him. It felt as though his insides had fallen out. What James must be feeling right now, he thought. Lily covered her mouth and started to cry quietly, the others just looked shocked.
Sirius turned around and ran to Gryffindor tower, the other five following behind him.
"Bewilderment!" he shouted to the portrait of the Fat lady, who swung open rather fast. Sirius ran into the common room, and up the stairs, skipping every other one. He got to his dorm door, and opened it, the others just behind him.
James was in the room, but facing the other way, packing his things hurriedly. He did not turn around to face them when they came in.
For a moment, the six of them just stood there, not really knowing what to say. Lily moved forward for him, Sirius followed, but motioned for the other four to remain where they were.
"James," she said quietly, stretching her hand outward, and placing it on his shoulder.
"I want to be left alone," he said, his voice quavering, "just leave me alone."
Sirius looked at Lily, who looked back, her eyes were tearing. "James, I'm so sorry," Sirius said comfortingly.
James turned around, and looked upon them. His eyes were red and puffy underneath, lost of the sparkle and mystery that they usually conveyed. He didn't say anything to them, he just kept on packing.
Lily put her hand through his hair, and down his neck and back, but he still remained silent. Instead of calming him down, as Lily intended, it only made him worse. A single tear rolled down his soft cheek, and he turned away, so none of them would see. He dropped his stuff, and put his hands on his hips, and faced the wall, turning his back to them. Another tear came, then another.
"Could you please all leave me alone now," he said quietly, but rather composed. Lily moved closer, and put her arms around his waist, and leaned her head on his back. This made more tears fall. He looked down at her small hands, and he took his own off his hips, and put them on hers.
Sirius turned around to face Remus, Peter, Jade and Liz, who all looked very sad and concerned. With one nod, he signified to them to leave the room. They all nodded, and left.
"Do you want to talk?" Lily asked him.
"There's nothing to say," he replied calmly.
"Come here and sit down with me," she said, pulling him towards a bed. He didn't resist her, he sat down, and she sat next to him. Sirius took the other side.
"I still can't believe it," he said, wiping a tear away. "I honestly can't. But I know it's true."
Lily and Sirius just sat there silently, listening to him. For about five minutes, no one said anything. Lily took his hand, and kissed his face. He turned to her, and hugged her tight. "I loved him so much," he said, though it was muffled as he said it into her neck.
Professor McGonagall came into the room then. She knocked to show she was there. Lily looked at her, still holding James in a tight grip. Sirius too, turned to look at her, puzzled by her presence.
"James," she said, moving closer into the room. "I am sorry to have to pull you away like this, but the train has arrived to take you home."
James looked at her, still clutching Lily in his arms. He nodded, and looked down into her spectacular green eyes, enhanced by the tears.
"I love you, James. So very, very much. You know that, right?" she asked, taking his face in her hands, and kissing him tenderly on the lips. He closed his eyes and nodded. Then released her and stood up.
"Okay," he said to McGonagall, "I'll be down in a second."
She nodded, and left.
"I'll be gone for a week or so. Mum wants me there with her, and I want to go and be with her. So I guess I'll be seeing you in a while," he stated to them. He moved for his trunk, then stopped and said to Sirius, "You keep on Quidditch. You're in charge now...he was so happy when I made captain, he won't want us to lose the cup this year."
Sirius made all efforts to choke down his emotions, and smiled instead. He moved towards James, hugged him, slapping his back.
"You're gonna be Okay. I know you will. Take good care of you mother, James. I'll work them to death, I promise," he said, then pulled him away, and shook him softly. "I promise we won't lose the cup."
"Thanks," he said, trying to smile. He picked up his trunk, Sirius took one end, and they took it down to Hogsmeade station, where the train awaited.
They loaded the heavy trunk, and saw James inside. Lily kissed him goodbye one last time, Sirius ruffled his hair, and they saw him off.
He arrived at Platform Nine and three quarters around noon, got off the train, and pushed his cart through the barrier landing on the Triverton Train Station in Devonshire. Waiting for him, were Mr. and Mrs. Black, trying to muster smiles when they saw him.
"The Ministry has been kind enough to give us a car, to take you home," Mitch said. Jen was crying to much to talk properly. James nodded, and tried to hide all his emotions. He didn't want them to see him cry. Mitch helped him with his trunk, and took it to the car. A driver was waiting patiently, and put the trunk into the back. James and the Blacks filed into the backseat, and drove to 32 Lion's Way, Godric's Hollow.
When they pulled up to the house, James opened the door before the car came to a full and complete stop, and jumped out. He ran to the front door, and opened it.
His mother was sitting alone in the main living room, by the fire, crying very loudly. She looked up when she heard the door open, and when she saw James, she stood.
"Oh, James," she cried, her arms outstretched. He ran to her, and held her so tight. She was absolutely distraught, and remained that way all day and into the night.
She cried for days after that, all through the funeral, which Sirius attended, through the reception, and a few days after that. Nothing could comfort her, nothing at all.
After six days, James started to relax. Though his father's life was cut short, James knew he had loved every second of it. While looking through some of his dad's old things, one day, he came across an envelope, with "James" written in Byron's very tidy handwriting. James turned the envelope and broke the wax seal, shaped like a lion. Inside was a letter addressed to him.
"To my son,
Words cannot describe how very proud I am of you. Even though you have always given me and your mother a lesson in discipline, and sometimes some quite nasty headaches over your constant rule 'bending' as you would say, I could not be prouder. From the moment you were born, I loved you more than anything. Just looking into your eyes made me sure that you were a great person, and so you are. I remember the day you took your very first steps, and when you fell, you didn't cry, but giggled, and got up and did it again. And then there was the first broomstick we got you for Christmas! Oh how you loved that small piece of wood. You flew around the house like you were king of the world, and so you were. I knew you would play Quidditch, but you went beyond my hopes when you were unanimously chosen to be captain. You made me so proud that day. I told everyone I knew, "James is Captain," none of them looked surprised.
You are meant to do great things, son. Great things. I have felt it and known it for years now. Everyone will know who you are. I have never met anyone so noble, brave and chivalrous as you are, and I'm not saying that because you are my son. I mean that with every fiber of my being. You're going to be a great wizard, James, a great wizard.
I leave everything I own to you, I know you have the cloak. Pass it on to your son, or sons if you are lucky. It has been in our family for generations, keep the Potter legacy going strong. There is also a vault at Gringotts, full of money that your mother and I have been saving for you. Take my advice, and buy a house, raise a family and be happy, as happy as I am. There is also another vault, one that has raised some controversy. My father bequeathed it to me, but there is no key. He was unable to open it, I was unable to open it. There is no lock, just a door. The Goblins say it was established around 1000 years ago, and hasn't been opened since, and they cannot open it. It has also been in the family for generations, but to no avail. Good luck with it.
I will leave you with some words of advice. I don't know when you will get this letter, maybe you are 30, maybe you are 20. If you haven't already done so, then listen good. I liked Lily very much. There is something about her that stands for Grace, Poise, and Love. If you haven't already, then ask her to marry you, and marry her as soon as you can. She is your match, I have no doubt. My greatest achievement was meeting your mother, and the fact that she took me in, for the man I was, is so truly Devine. I married her right out of school, so that I could spend as much time with her as I could. It was the best decision of my life.
And take care of your friend, Sirius. The two of you have been joined at the hip since you were a year old, and I think you ought to stay that way, just look after him. He's a bit cocky at times, but has a great heart.
Take care of your mother for me, and try to stay out of too much trouble, but do keep Hogwarts on it's toes, it makes things more interesting.
With no regrets, and so much pride and love,
Dad"
James folded the letter, put it back into the envelope. Just then, his mother came into the room. He smiled at her, and she came down and sat next to him, looking like she felt just a little better.
"How are you feeling?" he asked her, smiling.
She smiled sadly. "Did I ever tell you how we met?"
"No. I don't think I ever asked."
"Well," she said smiling at her memory, "I thought he was the cutest boy in school. He had the cutest hair, and the greatest laugh, so naturally I couldn't get the nerve to speak to him. Then one day, my best friend and I got into a huge fight. I was very upset, and I moped into the common room in the dead of night to sulk like a normal teenage girl, battling adolescence and acne...anyway. Byron came down stairs and asked what was wrong. I shook my head, said that nothing was bothering me, even though I said it through the sniffles. And then he came over to me, kneeled down and took my hands and he said 'If you don't tell me what's wrong, then I'll have to sing to you, and I don't have a terrific voice.' I didn't say anything, just turned away. Then he started singing this silly song at the top of his lungs. The words didn't even rhyme, he just put a bunch of nonsense to a tune, that went sour. But he made me laugh, and at that moment I just thought, 'I want to marry him,'" she started to cry again. James put his arm around her, but she pulled away and got up and walked out of the room, crying.
James knew from the past six days that she wanted to be left alone. He got up and pulled down a photo album. He opened it and smiled at the pictures it held inside. The first was when he was brought home from the hospital a couple days after he was born. They both looked so happy. Then there was a picture of him and his dad on the beach, Samantha took the picture. He couldn't remember it though, he was just two. And then as he had mentioned, James riding his first broom. Also in the picture was Sirius, on his first broom. From the looks of the picture, and the faces on everyone, they appeared to be racing. Byron was pushing James, and Mitch was pushing Sirius.
He smiled as he remembered that day, but then a strange noise brought him back to the present. He had distinctly heard a loud thud coming from down the hall.
"Mum?" he called. There was no answer. "Mum?" he called again, this time louder. Still, no response. James threw the album on the couch, and walked down the hall. "Mum, are you alright?" But he heard nothing. James ran to her bedroom, and turned the door nob. Only when he pushed open the door, something was stopping him. Fearing the worst, he started to scream, "Mum!" He pushed the door firmly, and poked his head inside. She was lying, motionless on the floor. He squeezed through the door, sweat pouring down his face. She was just lying there, her eyes closed. He knelt down beside her and put his head to her chest. There was no heart beat.
"Wake up!" he shouted, "Please wake up!" he hoisted her off the ground and took her to the bed, and lay her down. Not knowing what to do, he just tried to take her pulse, but he felt nothing.
"No," he said, tears filling his blue eyes, "No, don't leave me, mum, please don't leave me." He started to shake her gently, but she still didn't wake, or move. "No, God, no." He turned and ran for the door, ran out of the house, and as fast as his legs would take him, he ran across the street to the Black's. He beat on the door, screaming for help. Jen came to the door, "James, what's wrong?"
"She's gone. She won't wake up, you have to help me!" he didn't turn away this time as he began to sob. Jen called up to her husband to come quick, and the three of them ran across the street and into the house.
Mitch got to Samantha first, and lifted her wrist. He closed his eyes, and shook his head. "I'm sorry, son," he said. Jen burst into tears, and held on to James as tight as she
could.
The Doctor confirmed it. There was no poison or drugs found in her system. He said she had a fast heart attack, but James insisted she died of a broken heart. Lily and Sirius were both excused from classes to be with James, who was at this point beyond tears. After the funeral, James went up to his room, and lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling...thinking.
Lily and Sirius came in after him, but said nothing. They didn't really know what to say, they had already said their "sorry's" but what else do you say? Lily went over to the bed, and lay next to him, putting her arm around him, and laying her head under his chin. But he didn't say anything, just stared up at the ceiling.
Sirius pulled up a chair, and moved closer to James. "Ravenclaw slaughtered Slytherin," Sirius said, at his attempt to bring James out of his current state.
James just did a funny kind of grunt to acknowledge he had heard him.
"Everyone asks about you. Wonder's where you are all the time. Asks if you're Okay," he said again. "Snapes been getting a bit smarmy in your absence. Seems to think he's king of England or something. We are really needing you back my friend."
"I don't have a family, anymore. Voldemort took them from me. He's going to pay," James said quite suddenly. Lily lifted herself and looked into his eyes, brushing his hair off his forehead with her hand. "I'm all alone now," he continued, "all alone."
"That's not true," she said to him, "not true at all. You have me. You have me more than anything in this world. You hear me?"
"And me, you fruitcake," Sirius added with a grin. "Don't go back on your word. You've promised me that we'll be best friends for all time. Partners in crime, the bash brothers, we're two of legend. They'll be talking about the things we did for all eternity."
James smiled weakly.
"You're to stay with us, now," Sirius said. "You've spent half your life at my house anyway."
"Yeah," James responded quietly.
Lily propped herself on her side, and stared at him. She took her index finger, and ran it down his forehead, to the tip of his nose, down to his lips, past his chin and down his neck, and onto his chest. He smiled and looked at her, she smiled back.
Sirius shrugged, and looked the other way. "Can you tell that I am still sitting here?" he asked laughing.
James propped himself up and faced her. "I really don't deserve you, do you know that?"
She smiled, and ran her fingers through his hair. "You don't think so?" she asked him.
"No, I don't."
"Know what that means?" she asked, smiling more broadly.
"No," he said in a whisper.
"It means, if that's what you think, then I make the decisions, which translates into this: I think you deserve me. I'm kinda fond of you, actually. I think I'm going to keep you, as a matter of fact. What do you think about that?"
"I think I like the way your mind works," he said rolling back on his back so he could stare at the ceiling again.
She looked at Sirius, who nodded, and got up. Lily stroked his face, kissed him, and got up, too.
"We'll see you soon," she said to him, "You'll be coming back to us, won't you?"
James sat up, and looked at the two people in the world that meant everything to him. "Yeah, very soon," he said, smiling very slightly, "I love you two, you know that?"
"Of course," Lily said, smiling.
"You're such a fruitcake, James," Sirius said beaming at him. "You get back soon. I hate you being gone, it throws off my equilibrium. You're my other half after all. My twin if you will."
"Sure seems that way, doesn't it?" he asked, sitting up completely.
Sirius smiled. Lily nodded in agreement, then she took Sirius's hand, and led him out of the room. They both looked back at him, and smiled one last time before they disappeared.
James smiled, and lay back down on his bed, thinking of what his father had written to him. It was the best advice he had given him.
"You're right, Dad," he said to the ceiling, "I am going to marry her."
