/A/N: past, we're back in the hospital wing/
20 chapters!!!! We should feast it somehow. What do you think??
CHAPTER TWENTY - THE BATTLE. THE FIRE. THE ORDER
McGonagall entered the hospital and Julia and Sirius, hand in hand, followed. They saw spacious room filled with beds and unconscious bodies. It was a terrible sight. Most of the students were cold and were shivering. The rescuers were moving and groaning because of pain. Madam Quampac and Ms. Pomfrey were walking along the beds, giving potions, pills, warming quilts, healing with all their abilities. Sirius glanced at the elderly woman, who was leaning over James. He was yelling quietly and couldn't move his legs. Remus was lying on the next bed, drinking slowly his potion. They looked around and saw Frank Longbottom sitting on Alice's, his wife-to-be, bed and holding her hand. Ms. Pomfrey shouted at him and asked to lie down on his bed. They could see Lily, pale and shivering, eyes closed, lips opened, groaning. She was sweating and clutching unconsciously the blanket in her hand.
'I haven't found them', Rotteron's voice came from behind. Minerva turned and nodded.
'Neither have we', she said. Madam Quampac lifted her head to see the speakers. Her suspicious glance stopped at Julia and Sirius. They held each other and Julie was crying because of the terrifying things that had happened and the results they had just seen in the hospital. Their faces were still red because of the hot kiss. None could see the results of battle on their bodies, except the torn and filthy clothes. Quampac raised her eyebrow and opened lips. Unusual. All were more or less hurt and the two - not injured at all, faces shining. Julia looked down and sighed. Questions, accusations, curiosity. God, they were just a couple, nothing more. They suffered like the others and needed rest. Not yet, Sirius thought.
'Is that? Is it.', Quampac asked and stuttered. She was amazed, they didn't need a cure. She knew the gossips about the ANCIENT, but hadn't seen it before. 'It is really it, oh, I. It.'
'Yes it is, Melanie', said a calm but furious voice. Dumbledore. Minerva contacted him at once when she realized what had happened and he came back as soon as he could. Immediately. 'A very rare thing, ancient fire. But they need to rest. Hot chocolate and warmed blankets will do, Poppy? Minerva, Alan, we have to talk.'
He wanted to leave, but Julia asked:
"But Professor. We, what about.', he didn't let her finish any of her questions. He smiled at them. They were charming and looked so perfect together. They had found themselves, revealed the truth, Headmaster had no doubts about their knowledge of the fire that was between them.
'Rest now, you two. We'll talk later. We have to.'
The teachers left and the healers were left with the unconscious and moaning students. Soon, the sounds faded away and everyone was sleeping. They needed rest, warmth and something good to allow them forget about the night. They spread around the room "sweet dreams" gas and all students were now dreaming about pink elephants and chocolate ice creams. Sirius felt relaxed and good when he smelled the sweet, lollipop scent. The last thing he saw before a colourful dream took him, was Julia, breathing calmly and dreaming. He smiled.
\/*\/*\/*\/*/\*\/
Julia woke up early in the morning, she hated that. She was so relaxed but wanted to sleep more. She wondered why. Oh, yeah, the battle, God, sleep!!!! She felt so sad and lonely. All people in the hospital wing were still dreaming, how peaceful, unaware of the problems and Young Death Eaters. She took her glasses and looked around. She saw Lily, now sleeping calmly, James, he could move his legs, so the potion worked! Remus wasn't bleeding, thanks God! All were safe, but for how long? Can the school protect them? What will they do after the school, where will they go. Some are to leave this year. Julia glanced at Frank. His adult life will start so soon. They should be careless and slaphappy, now they will have to fight, from now on. Why?
The darkness was approaching. Julia felt it. She met the DE in France, when they killed her grandma, she was just a child. She knew nothing. She thought she would learn and become a Muggle specialist or someone like that, like her family. Now the viewpoint changed: Muggle studies were only a lid. What they really did was the ancient art, and the fire. Nobody had told her. Now she experienced the fire so close. What was it? How it worked???
Julia turned around and saw Sirius, still sleeping, with a gentle smile. His hair was falling on his eyes, his lips were open, and his left hand was lying on his chest. She sat down on the edge of his bed, still watching him carefully. What could they do? How could they rule the power? Could they learn it?
She gently took his hand and held it. He was so peaceful and innocent. Innocent?? She giggled, with a relief (that the dark thoughts were gone) and sarcasm (he was not innocent at all). He moved, opened one eye and smiled. Her touch. Her gaze. Her presence. He was in heaven.
'Am I dead', he said lazily and glanced at her. He pulled her towards his head. 'For I think I'm in heaven', he whispered in her ear. 'you were sad, weren't you, Jill', he added and investigated her eyes. Oh, he could read her mind. She sank her head and avoided his gaze.
'Hey, don't worry, Julia, baby?', he tried, but she still was as if absent. 'We all will be all right, right? Not to worry, hey.' He almost shouted and she laughed. 'that's better. I'm starving. Do you think the breakfast is ready?'
'The only thing Sirius Black can think about', it was ironical Remus Lupin. He was OK, even better than usual. 'Shall we go, I think we can escape madam Quam.'
'No, you can't escape. But I can allow you to leave. I hope the others will join you at lunchtime', it was Quampac, she gazed suspiciously at Julia and Sirius. 'It's amazing you look so fine.'
'It's just the good relationship', Julia smiled when they stood up to leave.
'yeah', added Black, stretching his arms. 'Perfect one.'
'I have no doubts', smiled Madam and opened the door for them.
\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*/\*\/
At dinner every injured was cured and all school was present in the Great Hall. They were talking, asking. In fact they were waiting. The headmaster had to speak. About the events, he had to punish the torturers. He had to give them all back their trust and safety. They were astonished when he finally spoke.
'I can't lie to you that the world is safe. Although I try, Hogwarts won't be as safe as it was anymore. The Dark Lord', Dumbledore mocked, he didn't use to do so. 'As he wants to be named, is coming and taking as much as he can. Noble, pure families were affected by his power and many wizards decided to join him. I have no hope that all of you will fight against him. I'm aware that some of you have already chosen his dark path. But I will not allow battles like that one in my school', he shouted and sounded very seriously. All students, even those who didn't care, listened. Headmaster was fascinating. And powerful.
He continued.
'I also know that the assassins are cowards, because none of them confessed. They hid their masks and dark skills. And their asses', he hissed. Nobody laughed. James and Sirius glanced and each other and looked at the Slytherin table. Some of them were confused. Stupid idiots. 'I cannot punish you, give detentions or expel. I have no proofs. But I will watch', he was dangerous. The school shivered. 'Eat!', he added with a different, usual old man's voice.
*/\*/\*/\*/\*
Girls and marauders were sitting in the common room. They were discussing the events. Julia, however, wasn't talking. She looked exasperated and wanted to leave. The guys didn't seem to realize that, talking fervently, discussing the reasons, the process of battle, the victims, the gas, the fire, everything. Julia wanted to leave quietly but couldn't because the hole in the wall opened and her aunt came in.
'professor Dumbledore wishes to talk to you', she said glancing at Julia. When Sting stood up, Minerva added sweetly. 'All of you.'
The five of them stood up and followed the head of the Gryffindor house. When they entered the headmaster's office they saw five chairs and Dumbledore himself, putting off some parchments and smiling widely at the five.
'Thank you, Minerva', he appreciated his assistant. 'You know what I would like you to do?'
'Yes, Albus', she answered firmly and wanted to leave but before that turned and gazed suspiciously at the headmaster. 'Don't say anything I wouldn't.'
'So I guess the meeting's over?', Dumbledore smiled. 'She. They are old enough, Mine.'
McGonagall left and students sat on the chairs Albus pointed. He glanced at them and slowly spoke. They were watching him carefully.
'You are here because there are three things I need to discuss with you. The battle. The fire, don't look as if you didn't know what I'm talking about. And the Order. The other two subjects I will discuss, but the battle should be described by one of you. Sirius?'
Black swallowed and pictured the night's events. His friends were listening carefully and sometimes added explanations. Dumbledore was glancing thoughtfully in their eyes He was reading their minds, they thought.
'You both were not injured', he asked Sirius. The boy moved on his chair and answered evasively.
'Well, no, we were hurt, Julia had her arm bleeding and.', he couldn't finish because Julia interrupter him, waving her hand impatiently.
'And all the sores and bruises disappeared when we kissed, c'mon, Si, I guess they all know we practice kissing', she wanted to hear about that mortifying battle. The fire, the prophecy was what she wanted to hear about. Dumbledore smiled. He saw her deepest wish and decided to skip to the second subject: the ancient fire. Now the students were listening. Although they knew some of the things, they had never before heard the history and the ancient stuff from any of the adults.
'Ancient art, and its most mysterious part known as ancient fire, is a forgotten part of magic. People stopped using this because they wanted to scare and frighten Muggles. And of course because they wanted to produce dark arts. Well, about the history of ancient magic and the researches on it you should learn by yourselves. We, I mean people who are aware of that, have more important things to do. One of them is you', he glanced emphatically at Julia and Sirius. 'The other is Voldemort, but about him later. The two of you were given a special gift. A precious one. It can give them power and wisdom but can be dangerous as well. You HAVE to learn how to use it. From your friends I expect help, support in studying and understanding. Yes, Julia, it was your grandmother who had read the stars and interpreted and connected this with you. Yes, she was gathering information about ancient art. And yes, because of that she was murdered. Yes, your parents are continuing her job and they will kill me if they know that I have told you all of that. Any more questions?', he asked with a knowledge of their minds. They observed him quietly. None moved or asked, but headmaster felt the rising questions. 'Yes, Sirius, I have no doubts that you are connected by the fire with Julia and that you both have known that. No, we hadn't known it is going to be you till your instant cure when you had fought Severus Snape. But this is very interesting and I am fond of that. More questions?'
'We have to learn, right? With Julia and Sirius? How?', it was Lily, who wanted to know all the rules. Dumbledore smiled.
'Well, they will need your support because the lessons they will have are to be exhausting, even for their, strong minds. And I think that your engagement in the matter will help them much more than any word of sympathy. You will know more at the "lessons"', he grimaced, but with a funny expression. The atmosphere was lighter and they all laughed shortly with a relief.
'Now, the Order', all of them watched Dumbledore closely as he was talking about the secret and mysterious organization called. 'The Order of Phoenix, we named it like that because of my bird', he pointed at Fawkes, who was small and ugly at that time. 'He looks better when formed. Anyway, the aim of this organization is to fight and work against Voldemort (oh, don't be silly to shiver Lily, you should not!) and its supporters. And the dark arts. That's why you have to learn how to defend it and how to use the power of fire. One day, I look forward to that day, you become the members of the order. Now, please, consider my offer of your future career. The order needs Aurors. It's well paid job and wanted. I guess you all will love it. Think about it. I will contact you about the lessons. And here', he passed them parchments. 'These are permissions for you to read some restricted books from the section "ANCIENT ART" and the titles. Work on it. Thank you for the visit. Oh, I don't have to add that this is really secret.'
They stood up and left his office. The discussion, exchange of thoughts and ideas began as soon as Dumbledore closed the door behind them. All were talking while they were going down the marble stairs, and continued on the corridors and in the common room. It was late in the evening and the room was empty. The Order this, the fire that, what do you think, my opinion..
'I have no idea what he wants us to do or learn', James was talking and none of them could stop him. Lily, to his great surprise, was watching him carefully. He wasn't talking about pranks or himself but about job they all had to do. She didn't know how to thank him after the battle, she decided to treat him more friendlily. Well, he fought for her and Julia valued him. And dated his mirror - Black! 'I mean, we all have learnt that Ancient Art is so ancient that not worth looking at and now it seems to be the most important thing in our lives. It's like a challenge, to change our interests, isn't it? And we should pick up the gauntlet!'
They all laughed. Now they had their challenge, their work to do!! When they stopped Sirius wanted to hug Julia but he asked instead.
'Where is Julia?'
**///***///**//
Wow, this was longer than usual, wasn't it? Did you like it?? Write, please, and I will write more! And thanks for the reviews so far: they make me live!!! By, wait for more and enjoy. ILARA ZADLO
CHAPTER TWENTY - THE BATTLE. THE FIRE. THE ORDER
McGonagall entered the hospital and Julia and Sirius, hand in hand, followed. They saw spacious room filled with beds and unconscious bodies. It was a terrible sight. Most of the students were cold and were shivering. The rescuers were moving and groaning because of pain. Madam Quampac and Ms. Pomfrey were walking along the beds, giving potions, pills, warming quilts, healing with all their abilities. Sirius glanced at the elderly woman, who was leaning over James. He was yelling quietly and couldn't move his legs. Remus was lying on the next bed, drinking slowly his potion. They looked around and saw Frank Longbottom sitting on Alice's, his wife-to-be, bed and holding her hand. Ms. Pomfrey shouted at him and asked to lie down on his bed. They could see Lily, pale and shivering, eyes closed, lips opened, groaning. She was sweating and clutching unconsciously the blanket in her hand.
'I haven't found them', Rotteron's voice came from behind. Minerva turned and nodded.
'Neither have we', she said. Madam Quampac lifted her head to see the speakers. Her suspicious glance stopped at Julia and Sirius. They held each other and Julie was crying because of the terrifying things that had happened and the results they had just seen in the hospital. Their faces were still red because of the hot kiss. None could see the results of battle on their bodies, except the torn and filthy clothes. Quampac raised her eyebrow and opened lips. Unusual. All were more or less hurt and the two - not injured at all, faces shining. Julia looked down and sighed. Questions, accusations, curiosity. God, they were just a couple, nothing more. They suffered like the others and needed rest. Not yet, Sirius thought.
'Is that? Is it.', Quampac asked and stuttered. She was amazed, they didn't need a cure. She knew the gossips about the ANCIENT, but hadn't seen it before. 'It is really it, oh, I. It.'
'Yes it is, Melanie', said a calm but furious voice. Dumbledore. Minerva contacted him at once when she realized what had happened and he came back as soon as he could. Immediately. 'A very rare thing, ancient fire. But they need to rest. Hot chocolate and warmed blankets will do, Poppy? Minerva, Alan, we have to talk.'
He wanted to leave, but Julia asked:
"But Professor. We, what about.', he didn't let her finish any of her questions. He smiled at them. They were charming and looked so perfect together. They had found themselves, revealed the truth, Headmaster had no doubts about their knowledge of the fire that was between them.
'Rest now, you two. We'll talk later. We have to.'
The teachers left and the healers were left with the unconscious and moaning students. Soon, the sounds faded away and everyone was sleeping. They needed rest, warmth and something good to allow them forget about the night. They spread around the room "sweet dreams" gas and all students were now dreaming about pink elephants and chocolate ice creams. Sirius felt relaxed and good when he smelled the sweet, lollipop scent. The last thing he saw before a colourful dream took him, was Julia, breathing calmly and dreaming. He smiled.
\/*\/*\/*\/*/\*\/
Julia woke up early in the morning, she hated that. She was so relaxed but wanted to sleep more. She wondered why. Oh, yeah, the battle, God, sleep!!!! She felt so sad and lonely. All people in the hospital wing were still dreaming, how peaceful, unaware of the problems and Young Death Eaters. She took her glasses and looked around. She saw Lily, now sleeping calmly, James, he could move his legs, so the potion worked! Remus wasn't bleeding, thanks God! All were safe, but for how long? Can the school protect them? What will they do after the school, where will they go. Some are to leave this year. Julia glanced at Frank. His adult life will start so soon. They should be careless and slaphappy, now they will have to fight, from now on. Why?
The darkness was approaching. Julia felt it. She met the DE in France, when they killed her grandma, she was just a child. She knew nothing. She thought she would learn and become a Muggle specialist or someone like that, like her family. Now the viewpoint changed: Muggle studies were only a lid. What they really did was the ancient art, and the fire. Nobody had told her. Now she experienced the fire so close. What was it? How it worked???
Julia turned around and saw Sirius, still sleeping, with a gentle smile. His hair was falling on his eyes, his lips were open, and his left hand was lying on his chest. She sat down on the edge of his bed, still watching him carefully. What could they do? How could they rule the power? Could they learn it?
She gently took his hand and held it. He was so peaceful and innocent. Innocent?? She giggled, with a relief (that the dark thoughts were gone) and sarcasm (he was not innocent at all). He moved, opened one eye and smiled. Her touch. Her gaze. Her presence. He was in heaven.
'Am I dead', he said lazily and glanced at her. He pulled her towards his head. 'For I think I'm in heaven', he whispered in her ear. 'you were sad, weren't you, Jill', he added and investigated her eyes. Oh, he could read her mind. She sank her head and avoided his gaze.
'Hey, don't worry, Julia, baby?', he tried, but she still was as if absent. 'We all will be all right, right? Not to worry, hey.' He almost shouted and she laughed. 'that's better. I'm starving. Do you think the breakfast is ready?'
'The only thing Sirius Black can think about', it was ironical Remus Lupin. He was OK, even better than usual. 'Shall we go, I think we can escape madam Quam.'
'No, you can't escape. But I can allow you to leave. I hope the others will join you at lunchtime', it was Quampac, she gazed suspiciously at Julia and Sirius. 'It's amazing you look so fine.'
'It's just the good relationship', Julia smiled when they stood up to leave.
'yeah', added Black, stretching his arms. 'Perfect one.'
'I have no doubts', smiled Madam and opened the door for them.
\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*\/*/\*\/
At dinner every injured was cured and all school was present in the Great Hall. They were talking, asking. In fact they were waiting. The headmaster had to speak. About the events, he had to punish the torturers. He had to give them all back their trust and safety. They were astonished when he finally spoke.
'I can't lie to you that the world is safe. Although I try, Hogwarts won't be as safe as it was anymore. The Dark Lord', Dumbledore mocked, he didn't use to do so. 'As he wants to be named, is coming and taking as much as he can. Noble, pure families were affected by his power and many wizards decided to join him. I have no hope that all of you will fight against him. I'm aware that some of you have already chosen his dark path. But I will not allow battles like that one in my school', he shouted and sounded very seriously. All students, even those who didn't care, listened. Headmaster was fascinating. And powerful.
He continued.
'I also know that the assassins are cowards, because none of them confessed. They hid their masks and dark skills. And their asses', he hissed. Nobody laughed. James and Sirius glanced and each other and looked at the Slytherin table. Some of them were confused. Stupid idiots. 'I cannot punish you, give detentions or expel. I have no proofs. But I will watch', he was dangerous. The school shivered. 'Eat!', he added with a different, usual old man's voice.
*/\*/\*/\*/\*
Girls and marauders were sitting in the common room. They were discussing the events. Julia, however, wasn't talking. She looked exasperated and wanted to leave. The guys didn't seem to realize that, talking fervently, discussing the reasons, the process of battle, the victims, the gas, the fire, everything. Julia wanted to leave quietly but couldn't because the hole in the wall opened and her aunt came in.
'professor Dumbledore wishes to talk to you', she said glancing at Julia. When Sting stood up, Minerva added sweetly. 'All of you.'
The five of them stood up and followed the head of the Gryffindor house. When they entered the headmaster's office they saw five chairs and Dumbledore himself, putting off some parchments and smiling widely at the five.
'Thank you, Minerva', he appreciated his assistant. 'You know what I would like you to do?'
'Yes, Albus', she answered firmly and wanted to leave but before that turned and gazed suspiciously at the headmaster. 'Don't say anything I wouldn't.'
'So I guess the meeting's over?', Dumbledore smiled. 'She. They are old enough, Mine.'
McGonagall left and students sat on the chairs Albus pointed. He glanced at them and slowly spoke. They were watching him carefully.
'You are here because there are three things I need to discuss with you. The battle. The fire, don't look as if you didn't know what I'm talking about. And the Order. The other two subjects I will discuss, but the battle should be described by one of you. Sirius?'
Black swallowed and pictured the night's events. His friends were listening carefully and sometimes added explanations. Dumbledore was glancing thoughtfully in their eyes He was reading their minds, they thought.
'You both were not injured', he asked Sirius. The boy moved on his chair and answered evasively.
'Well, no, we were hurt, Julia had her arm bleeding and.', he couldn't finish because Julia interrupter him, waving her hand impatiently.
'And all the sores and bruises disappeared when we kissed, c'mon, Si, I guess they all know we practice kissing', she wanted to hear about that mortifying battle. The fire, the prophecy was what she wanted to hear about. Dumbledore smiled. He saw her deepest wish and decided to skip to the second subject: the ancient fire. Now the students were listening. Although they knew some of the things, they had never before heard the history and the ancient stuff from any of the adults.
'Ancient art, and its most mysterious part known as ancient fire, is a forgotten part of magic. People stopped using this because they wanted to scare and frighten Muggles. And of course because they wanted to produce dark arts. Well, about the history of ancient magic and the researches on it you should learn by yourselves. We, I mean people who are aware of that, have more important things to do. One of them is you', he glanced emphatically at Julia and Sirius. 'The other is Voldemort, but about him later. The two of you were given a special gift. A precious one. It can give them power and wisdom but can be dangerous as well. You HAVE to learn how to use it. From your friends I expect help, support in studying and understanding. Yes, Julia, it was your grandmother who had read the stars and interpreted and connected this with you. Yes, she was gathering information about ancient art. And yes, because of that she was murdered. Yes, your parents are continuing her job and they will kill me if they know that I have told you all of that. Any more questions?', he asked with a knowledge of their minds. They observed him quietly. None moved or asked, but headmaster felt the rising questions. 'Yes, Sirius, I have no doubts that you are connected by the fire with Julia and that you both have known that. No, we hadn't known it is going to be you till your instant cure when you had fought Severus Snape. But this is very interesting and I am fond of that. More questions?'
'We have to learn, right? With Julia and Sirius? How?', it was Lily, who wanted to know all the rules. Dumbledore smiled.
'Well, they will need your support because the lessons they will have are to be exhausting, even for their, strong minds. And I think that your engagement in the matter will help them much more than any word of sympathy. You will know more at the "lessons"', he grimaced, but with a funny expression. The atmosphere was lighter and they all laughed shortly with a relief.
'Now, the Order', all of them watched Dumbledore closely as he was talking about the secret and mysterious organization called. 'The Order of Phoenix, we named it like that because of my bird', he pointed at Fawkes, who was small and ugly at that time. 'He looks better when formed. Anyway, the aim of this organization is to fight and work against Voldemort (oh, don't be silly to shiver Lily, you should not!) and its supporters. And the dark arts. That's why you have to learn how to defend it and how to use the power of fire. One day, I look forward to that day, you become the members of the order. Now, please, consider my offer of your future career. The order needs Aurors. It's well paid job and wanted. I guess you all will love it. Think about it. I will contact you about the lessons. And here', he passed them parchments. 'These are permissions for you to read some restricted books from the section "ANCIENT ART" and the titles. Work on it. Thank you for the visit. Oh, I don't have to add that this is really secret.'
They stood up and left his office. The discussion, exchange of thoughts and ideas began as soon as Dumbledore closed the door behind them. All were talking while they were going down the marble stairs, and continued on the corridors and in the common room. It was late in the evening and the room was empty. The Order this, the fire that, what do you think, my opinion..
'I have no idea what he wants us to do or learn', James was talking and none of them could stop him. Lily, to his great surprise, was watching him carefully. He wasn't talking about pranks or himself but about job they all had to do. She didn't know how to thank him after the battle, she decided to treat him more friendlily. Well, he fought for her and Julia valued him. And dated his mirror - Black! 'I mean, we all have learnt that Ancient Art is so ancient that not worth looking at and now it seems to be the most important thing in our lives. It's like a challenge, to change our interests, isn't it? And we should pick up the gauntlet!'
They all laughed. Now they had their challenge, their work to do!! When they stopped Sirius wanted to hug Julia but he asked instead.
'Where is Julia?'
**///***///**//
Wow, this was longer than usual, wasn't it? Did you like it?? Write, please, and I will write more! And thanks for the reviews so far: they make me live!!! By, wait for more and enjoy. ILARA ZADLO