I admit, I am stalling a bit, but these chapters that seem pointless have
some bearing on the plot of my story...don't fret, the ending is coming and
it is heart wrenching. Thanks to everyone who is reading and reviewing my
story again...I promise I won't disappoint you with my ending, and there is
a special treat at the end as well (
Thanks again and remember nothing is my own.
Read and Review
******************************************************************
Chapter fifteen: The Coming of Tragedy
James picked up a silver ball as it rolled to him across the floor. He had never thought much about his childhood. It was just there, a place in the back of his memory. Now, he wished he hadn't pushed it so far back, he wished he remember the little things that shaped his life. The sweet smell of fresh pumpkin pastries filled the Potter home, those same pumpkins rolls that had awaken him ever summer morning when he called this old house home.
"James, you doing okay," asked Alastor Moody as he walked by.
"I'm fine," James shook the thought from his mind.
He was there to claim the last of his parents belongings. Like so many others in the wizarding world, they had been struck down by the cold hand of the Dark Lord.
The news had traveled to James swiftly. Sirius still held a position in the Ministry of Magic, and it broke his heart as much as it did James's to discover the elder Potters were the latest victims of the dark mark. The last thing James wanted to hear, was his parents were dead. He felt so numb, and he couldn't even attend their morning ceremony. He couldn't risk exposing Lily and Harry.
He walked up the ancient stairs carpeted in oriental designs. The dark cherry hand rail gilded though his aged fingers. He closed his eyes, remembering the times when him and Sirius would slide down the banister. He pictured his mother's panicked face as she would catch them.
At the top of the stairs was James childhood bedroom. It was still decorated with Quidditch posters and Gryffindor colors. He stared at the golden snitch that sat on his desk, he had made such a fool out of himself showing off with that stupid golden ball.
He remembered staring across the lake, willing the beautiful Lily Evans to notice him. She had never been to impressed with his snitch reflexes. In fact she usually seemed down right annoyed with him whenever it brought it out.
James didn't cry, he didn't flinch. He did what he had come to do, he was claiming his rights to his parents property. They were kind people, they never hurt a soul. As he walked into his parents empty bedroom his heart felt heavy. So many memories, so much lost time.
His father's morning cloak was hanging steamed and pressed on the closet door. The cinnamon smell of his mother's perfume circled his head. His mother had turned the bed down for the evening, an evening they never saw. He tried to shake their terrorized faces from his mind. He tried to forget their lifeless bodies crumpled up on the parlor floor. He slowly approached the cabinet that he had always been forbidden from opening. He lifted that precious bowl, the pensive his mother carried so close to her heart.
"Did you find it?" Alastor bellowed from downstairs.
James didn't respond, he just slowly moved towards the door, and blew out the candle that lit the dim room. He was a terrible feeling that his and Lily's memories were the only things Harry would have left.
He arrived at the Order with Alastor Moody. Thoughts of happier times racing though his mind. Lily wasn't coming tonight, she was staying where it was safe, at home with Harry. The meetings hadn't changed since the first time him and Lily had attended one. The faces were different, but that's all.
December O'Riley and Remus Lupin had decided to attend this meeting. December joined the Order soon after Beth's murder. She had a determination to catch the Death Eaters who stole Beth's precious life.
"Here, here this meeting of the Order of the Phoenix is now is session, Hogwart's Headmaster Albus Dumbledore has the floor," recited Alastor Moody.
A typical agenda, the deadeaters were on the rise, it was predicted that they had doubled their numbers within the last six months, and the issue of the Potters and Longbottoms protection was all more imperative.
James parents weren't the only purebloods to be murdered. Alice's parents had also been killed, and Franks parents had barely escaped a Death Eaters attack the same night. The twinkle had disappeared from the headmasters kind eyes, and he seemed to search each member as the took the floor that evening. It was apparent that he agreed with Moody at last, the traitor was in their midst.
James swallowed hard as he watched the old man's eyes search the minds of those around him, and how he paused on Sirius's face for what seemed like an eternity. James had only attended this meeting on Dumbledore's request. He knew his old headmaster would be asking a word with him after the formalities, and he knew the question that he would ask.
As the last member surrendered the floor, the meeting adjourned, "pick up your assignments," Moody bellowed.
James didn't move from his chair, he didn't have to. Albus Dumbledore approached him, he almost seemed to glide across the floor.
"I fear darker times are still ahead," said the old man.
James nodded in agreement. "I do not believe it to be a coincidence. It is uncommon for the deadeaters to attack purebloods."
James swallowed hard, that night he had told the Marauders about the blood curse haunting his mind.
"I think Voldemort knows about the blood curse we've placed to protect your family."
James closed his eyes, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear anymore.
"I believe your wife's parents are also in serious danger," he continued.
"Have you chosen a secret keeper?"
James let his eyes meet Dumbledores, "I think I have."
Dumbledore cracked a pleasant smile, "I believe Mr. Black will be a excellent choice."
James was use to Dumbledore always being a step ahead, so the fact he knew didn't surprise him. He was feeling some feeling re-enter his body as he stepped out into the Order's main room. He stood in shock at the events unfolding before him.
"Hello Remus, so bit anyone lately," Severus Snape said slyly as he walked by.
"Mind your tongue Snape," Sirius defended, "Dumbledore might trust you, but I can see right through your greasy filth."
"My, my aren't we in a defensive mood. Defending your precious werewolf, you never were a decent judge of character," Snape taunted.
"What is that suppose to mean?" Sirius barked back.
December's eyes growing nervous as they danced from Remus to Sirius. Peter trying to hold back his expression, watching in an almost enjoyment.
"Well, maybe you should ask your friend," Severus said as a evil grin twisted across her face.
"What the hell is he talking about?" Sirius demanded as he reared on Peter and Remus.
"Ignore him, he's just trying to cause trouble," December interjected realizing what could be revealed.
"So O'Riley, who was better?" Snape teased.
"SHUT-UP before I make you," she warned.
Sirius had a look of distort across his face, "what the bloody hell is he talking about?"
"Don't you wish you had my talent, my ability to read her thought right now," Snape continued.
December let her hand find Snape's cold face, "you asshole."
"You're a disgrace, sleeping with a monster like that werewolf," Snape spat.
Remus glanced over towards Sirius who's expression was one of mixed anger and pain. James felt the ground beneath him give way, and his feet were urging him to stop Sirius from what he was about to do. Sirius had his wand outstretched towards Remus, he was shaking uncontrollably.
"Is that true, DID YOU SLEEP WITH HER!" Sirius screamed.
Remus lowered his head, he knew what he had done, "I did."
Sirius lowered his wand for a moment, but only for a moment, "why?" Tears now forming behind his dark cold eyes.
"Because you never loved her," Remus suddenly said. "I sat back and watched you betray her, I sat back and watched you make her cry. You should be ashamed of what you have done Black."
Sirius eyes were wild, and the anger was more than apparent on his face.
"Sirius, don't," James begged.
His eyes met James, "what, am I just suppose to look past it again? Am I just suppose to act like it's not big deal? He claims to be my friend, and he steals the one person who means the most to me from behind my back."
December stood silent as she watched the two lifelong friends break apart.
"Do you love him?" Sirius reared on December.
She lowered her head to the ground, this was her worst fear come true.
"DO YOU LOVE HIM!" Sirius raised his voice.
"NO!" December shouted back, "I love you."
The silence that followed was deafening. Remus finally walked over to December, she knew that she had hurt him beyond words could ever describe. He engulfed her into a longing embrace, "you were the love of my life." She closed her eyes as he broke away. James felt the urge to stop Remus as he walked towards the door, if had known that he'd never see him again, he probably would have, but nobody stopped him. The werewolf disappeared into the darkness of the night, it was the place he belonged.
Peter couldn't believe his luck, his brilliant plan had worked. He had created so much hate in Sirius's mind, he had pushed Remus out of James life. Peter gave Severus an appreciative grin. Severus Snape locked eyes with Peter.
Snape narrowed his eyes, "why is Peter acknowledging me?" he thought to himself.
"DAMN YOU SNAPE," James finally swore.
"Your welcome, Potter," Snape said hatefully as he made his exit.
Sirius and December hadn't moved an inch, they were still staring into each other's eyes. Neither one sure what their next move should be. December's lips quivered as if she was going to speak, but Sirius didn't give her a chance, he apparated.
December felt herself crumble to her knees. Peter motioned for James to help her.
"Take her to Lily, I'll find Remus," Peter explained.
"What about Sirius?" James asked.
Peter shook his head, " I think he needs sometime alone right now."
James didn't agree, but he walked over and helped December to her feet anyways.
"Come on, I'll take you to Lily."
December felt limp, she stared at the door that Remus had disappeared through, why hadn't she stopped him.
James and December's entrance was the highlight on Lily's evening. She was expecting a gather of friends after the meeting, instead her husband appeared with her best friends on the verge of falling out.
"What happened?" Lily cried.
James shook his head and helped December over to the couch.
"I've got to go find Sirius?" he whispered to Lily. Lily gave him a concerned look, "what?"
"December and Remus have been having an affair, and Sirius found out tonight," James quickly explained.
Lily placed her hands over her mouth, she was afraid something like this would happened.
"Where is Remus?" Lily asked, realizing the Sirius wasn't the only one in pain right now.
James closed his eyes, "Peter went to go find him."
Lily gave James a gentle kiss, "try to make things right."
"I don't know if I can this time," James confessed.
December sat as a ball on the couch. Young Harry was laying on a blanket on the floor, his green almond eyes searching her face. It was almost like he knew, what she was feeling. She forced a smile as the baby let out a happy coo.
"Are you okay?" Lily asked as she made her way over to December.
"No, I told Sirius I loved him tonight. In front of Remus," December chocked out.
Lily pulled December into a sisterly hug, "it's going to be okay."
"I've ruined everything," December bellowed.
Lily didn't say anything.
James didn't have to look far to find Sirius Black, he was standing outside December's house, staring at in blankly.
"Mate," James dared.
"I hate him, that thieving bastard," Sirius swore, "and he claimed to be my friend."
James watched the tears building behind old Padfoot's eyes, "he loves her, you know."
Sirius snapped his head in James direction, "loves her, what about loyalty, what about the Marauders?"
"We've outgrown it Sirius, this is the real world!" James responded.
Sirius snickered, "I guess your right, the Marauders are just a childhood fantasy. How could I ever think you guys would be my friends for life."
James closed his eyes, "I hope Peter is having more luck with Remus," he thought bitterly to himself.
Little did he know that Peter hadn't even bothered to find Remus, the old werewolf was behind the walls James and Sirius were staring at. His old heart could take it no longer. He placed a yellowed letter on his warm bed, and pulled his tattered robes around his shoulders. He should have known that nobody could ever love a werewolf.
Thanks again and remember nothing is my own.
Read and Review
******************************************************************
Chapter fifteen: The Coming of Tragedy
James picked up a silver ball as it rolled to him across the floor. He had never thought much about his childhood. It was just there, a place in the back of his memory. Now, he wished he hadn't pushed it so far back, he wished he remember the little things that shaped his life. The sweet smell of fresh pumpkin pastries filled the Potter home, those same pumpkins rolls that had awaken him ever summer morning when he called this old house home.
"James, you doing okay," asked Alastor Moody as he walked by.
"I'm fine," James shook the thought from his mind.
He was there to claim the last of his parents belongings. Like so many others in the wizarding world, they had been struck down by the cold hand of the Dark Lord.
The news had traveled to James swiftly. Sirius still held a position in the Ministry of Magic, and it broke his heart as much as it did James's to discover the elder Potters were the latest victims of the dark mark. The last thing James wanted to hear, was his parents were dead. He felt so numb, and he couldn't even attend their morning ceremony. He couldn't risk exposing Lily and Harry.
He walked up the ancient stairs carpeted in oriental designs. The dark cherry hand rail gilded though his aged fingers. He closed his eyes, remembering the times when him and Sirius would slide down the banister. He pictured his mother's panicked face as she would catch them.
At the top of the stairs was James childhood bedroom. It was still decorated with Quidditch posters and Gryffindor colors. He stared at the golden snitch that sat on his desk, he had made such a fool out of himself showing off with that stupid golden ball.
He remembered staring across the lake, willing the beautiful Lily Evans to notice him. She had never been to impressed with his snitch reflexes. In fact she usually seemed down right annoyed with him whenever it brought it out.
James didn't cry, he didn't flinch. He did what he had come to do, he was claiming his rights to his parents property. They were kind people, they never hurt a soul. As he walked into his parents empty bedroom his heart felt heavy. So many memories, so much lost time.
His father's morning cloak was hanging steamed and pressed on the closet door. The cinnamon smell of his mother's perfume circled his head. His mother had turned the bed down for the evening, an evening they never saw. He tried to shake their terrorized faces from his mind. He tried to forget their lifeless bodies crumpled up on the parlor floor. He slowly approached the cabinet that he had always been forbidden from opening. He lifted that precious bowl, the pensive his mother carried so close to her heart.
"Did you find it?" Alastor bellowed from downstairs.
James didn't respond, he just slowly moved towards the door, and blew out the candle that lit the dim room. He was a terrible feeling that his and Lily's memories were the only things Harry would have left.
He arrived at the Order with Alastor Moody. Thoughts of happier times racing though his mind. Lily wasn't coming tonight, she was staying where it was safe, at home with Harry. The meetings hadn't changed since the first time him and Lily had attended one. The faces were different, but that's all.
December O'Riley and Remus Lupin had decided to attend this meeting. December joined the Order soon after Beth's murder. She had a determination to catch the Death Eaters who stole Beth's precious life.
"Here, here this meeting of the Order of the Phoenix is now is session, Hogwart's Headmaster Albus Dumbledore has the floor," recited Alastor Moody.
A typical agenda, the deadeaters were on the rise, it was predicted that they had doubled their numbers within the last six months, and the issue of the Potters and Longbottoms protection was all more imperative.
James parents weren't the only purebloods to be murdered. Alice's parents had also been killed, and Franks parents had barely escaped a Death Eaters attack the same night. The twinkle had disappeared from the headmasters kind eyes, and he seemed to search each member as the took the floor that evening. It was apparent that he agreed with Moody at last, the traitor was in their midst.
James swallowed hard as he watched the old man's eyes search the minds of those around him, and how he paused on Sirius's face for what seemed like an eternity. James had only attended this meeting on Dumbledore's request. He knew his old headmaster would be asking a word with him after the formalities, and he knew the question that he would ask.
As the last member surrendered the floor, the meeting adjourned, "pick up your assignments," Moody bellowed.
James didn't move from his chair, he didn't have to. Albus Dumbledore approached him, he almost seemed to glide across the floor.
"I fear darker times are still ahead," said the old man.
James nodded in agreement. "I do not believe it to be a coincidence. It is uncommon for the deadeaters to attack purebloods."
James swallowed hard, that night he had told the Marauders about the blood curse haunting his mind.
"I think Voldemort knows about the blood curse we've placed to protect your family."
James closed his eyes, he wasn't sure he wanted to hear anymore.
"I believe your wife's parents are also in serious danger," he continued.
"Have you chosen a secret keeper?"
James let his eyes meet Dumbledores, "I think I have."
Dumbledore cracked a pleasant smile, "I believe Mr. Black will be a excellent choice."
James was use to Dumbledore always being a step ahead, so the fact he knew didn't surprise him. He was feeling some feeling re-enter his body as he stepped out into the Order's main room. He stood in shock at the events unfolding before him.
"Hello Remus, so bit anyone lately," Severus Snape said slyly as he walked by.
"Mind your tongue Snape," Sirius defended, "Dumbledore might trust you, but I can see right through your greasy filth."
"My, my aren't we in a defensive mood. Defending your precious werewolf, you never were a decent judge of character," Snape taunted.
"What is that suppose to mean?" Sirius barked back.
December's eyes growing nervous as they danced from Remus to Sirius. Peter trying to hold back his expression, watching in an almost enjoyment.
"Well, maybe you should ask your friend," Severus said as a evil grin twisted across her face.
"What the hell is he talking about?" Sirius demanded as he reared on Peter and Remus.
"Ignore him, he's just trying to cause trouble," December interjected realizing what could be revealed.
"So O'Riley, who was better?" Snape teased.
"SHUT-UP before I make you," she warned.
Sirius had a look of distort across his face, "what the bloody hell is he talking about?"
"Don't you wish you had my talent, my ability to read her thought right now," Snape continued.
December let her hand find Snape's cold face, "you asshole."
"You're a disgrace, sleeping with a monster like that werewolf," Snape spat.
Remus glanced over towards Sirius who's expression was one of mixed anger and pain. James felt the ground beneath him give way, and his feet were urging him to stop Sirius from what he was about to do. Sirius had his wand outstretched towards Remus, he was shaking uncontrollably.
"Is that true, DID YOU SLEEP WITH HER!" Sirius screamed.
Remus lowered his head, he knew what he had done, "I did."
Sirius lowered his wand for a moment, but only for a moment, "why?" Tears now forming behind his dark cold eyes.
"Because you never loved her," Remus suddenly said. "I sat back and watched you betray her, I sat back and watched you make her cry. You should be ashamed of what you have done Black."
Sirius eyes were wild, and the anger was more than apparent on his face.
"Sirius, don't," James begged.
His eyes met James, "what, am I just suppose to look past it again? Am I just suppose to act like it's not big deal? He claims to be my friend, and he steals the one person who means the most to me from behind my back."
December stood silent as she watched the two lifelong friends break apart.
"Do you love him?" Sirius reared on December.
She lowered her head to the ground, this was her worst fear come true.
"DO YOU LOVE HIM!" Sirius raised his voice.
"NO!" December shouted back, "I love you."
The silence that followed was deafening. Remus finally walked over to December, she knew that she had hurt him beyond words could ever describe. He engulfed her into a longing embrace, "you were the love of my life." She closed her eyes as he broke away. James felt the urge to stop Remus as he walked towards the door, if had known that he'd never see him again, he probably would have, but nobody stopped him. The werewolf disappeared into the darkness of the night, it was the place he belonged.
Peter couldn't believe his luck, his brilliant plan had worked. He had created so much hate in Sirius's mind, he had pushed Remus out of James life. Peter gave Severus an appreciative grin. Severus Snape locked eyes with Peter.
Snape narrowed his eyes, "why is Peter acknowledging me?" he thought to himself.
"DAMN YOU SNAPE," James finally swore.
"Your welcome, Potter," Snape said hatefully as he made his exit.
Sirius and December hadn't moved an inch, they were still staring into each other's eyes. Neither one sure what their next move should be. December's lips quivered as if she was going to speak, but Sirius didn't give her a chance, he apparated.
December felt herself crumble to her knees. Peter motioned for James to help her.
"Take her to Lily, I'll find Remus," Peter explained.
"What about Sirius?" James asked.
Peter shook his head, " I think he needs sometime alone right now."
James didn't agree, but he walked over and helped December to her feet anyways.
"Come on, I'll take you to Lily."
December felt limp, she stared at the door that Remus had disappeared through, why hadn't she stopped him.
James and December's entrance was the highlight on Lily's evening. She was expecting a gather of friends after the meeting, instead her husband appeared with her best friends on the verge of falling out.
"What happened?" Lily cried.
James shook his head and helped December over to the couch.
"I've got to go find Sirius?" he whispered to Lily. Lily gave him a concerned look, "what?"
"December and Remus have been having an affair, and Sirius found out tonight," James quickly explained.
Lily placed her hands over her mouth, she was afraid something like this would happened.
"Where is Remus?" Lily asked, realizing the Sirius wasn't the only one in pain right now.
James closed his eyes, "Peter went to go find him."
Lily gave James a gentle kiss, "try to make things right."
"I don't know if I can this time," James confessed.
December sat as a ball on the couch. Young Harry was laying on a blanket on the floor, his green almond eyes searching her face. It was almost like he knew, what she was feeling. She forced a smile as the baby let out a happy coo.
"Are you okay?" Lily asked as she made her way over to December.
"No, I told Sirius I loved him tonight. In front of Remus," December chocked out.
Lily pulled December into a sisterly hug, "it's going to be okay."
"I've ruined everything," December bellowed.
Lily didn't say anything.
James didn't have to look far to find Sirius Black, he was standing outside December's house, staring at in blankly.
"Mate," James dared.
"I hate him, that thieving bastard," Sirius swore, "and he claimed to be my friend."
James watched the tears building behind old Padfoot's eyes, "he loves her, you know."
Sirius snapped his head in James direction, "loves her, what about loyalty, what about the Marauders?"
"We've outgrown it Sirius, this is the real world!" James responded.
Sirius snickered, "I guess your right, the Marauders are just a childhood fantasy. How could I ever think you guys would be my friends for life."
James closed his eyes, "I hope Peter is having more luck with Remus," he thought bitterly to himself.
Little did he know that Peter hadn't even bothered to find Remus, the old werewolf was behind the walls James and Sirius were staring at. His old heart could take it no longer. He placed a yellowed letter on his warm bed, and pulled his tattered robes around his shoulders. He should have known that nobody could ever love a werewolf.