Author's Notes: A thousand apologises that this took so long. School has been really busy and what with homework and flag football practise, I just don't have as much time to write as I had hoped. A little town pride on my behalf- the song quote {A Message to the Wind} is by the only reason my small hometown of Orillia is on the map of Canada...sorry, just has to make sure everyone knew. ;)
Chapter: 12/15
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When you're alone and willows start to bend
And rain begins to fall
At time you will pretend, and not pretend at all
I'll be with you again
A message to the wind
~A Message in the Wind, by Gordon Lightfoot
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 12- Never Truly Gone
Remus stared up at Wormtail through weary, red eyes. His old schoolmate's insults and taunts slid off of the imprisoned werewolf like water off of steel. What insult could Wormtail possibly come up with that could distract him from his thoughts? He felt himself slide back into his hells, not even noticing when Wormtail suddenly crashed to the ground as the ground shook uncontrollably.
"He's just over here, Remus," said the young Auror. She was a pretty thing, was Amara Vector. Remus had gone to school with the Ravenclaw and had even dated her briefly in their fourth year. However, she had quickly fallen in love with Sirius Black and had dated him from fifth to seventh year. In fact, Remus had reason to believe they had recently began their romance again. He supposed this had finished it.
As hard as he tried, his thoughts kept falling back to the unexpected and dismal mess his life had become in less than twenty four hours. Had it only been last week they had celebrated Peter's birthday happily in Gordic Hollow, the house that lay in rubble? Were Wormtail, Prongs and dear, dear Lily truly gone? He sighed, risking a glance at Amara and fighting back tears similiar to the ones streaming down her cheeks.
He knew that Amara's time as an Auror was almost up. She had vehmently declared in court that she would not stay with a law force that sent a man to prison without a proper trial. Remus grimaced. If any man deserved to go to Azkaban with no trial, it was Sirius Gary Black. Remus' clenched and unclenched his hands, imaginging his hands tightening around the traitor's neck. "Here, Remus, just in here," Amara motioned.
Remus stopped at the holding cell she had pointed to. Curled up in the furthest corner was Sirius. Remus stared at him impassively. He appeared to be dozing, his face pale and deep violet shadows under his closed eyes. There were tearstains on his face. "Sirius," Amara called softly. The traitor...the dog!...stirred in his sleep, then woke. A soft smile tickled his lips at the sight of Amara. He stood and walked a little shakily to the cell door. Remus was appalled at the strength of the hatred threatening to pull him under.
"Hello, Amara," Sirius greeted, the lilting tone that Remus was so accustomed to completely gone. "Have you gotten me a trail yet?"
"No," admitted Amara. "I'm trying very hard though. If there's anything I can do to get you out of here, Sirius, you know I will."
Sirius reached his hands out through the bars and cupped her face in one hand, taking her hand and kissing it in the other. "I know you are, love," he smiled sadly. "But, why don't we just agree its hopeless and let me get on with my life in Azkaban?"
"Sirius, no!" protested Amara violently. "There has to be another option. You can't give in so easily. At least accept a trial."
"What would a trial prove?" Sirius asked harshly. "Pettigrew covered his tracks well. Unless they put me under a truth potion, which they won't, we don't have any proof. Even if they did, some git would claim I was using Dark Arts to escape the potion. A trial won't do me any good, and you know it."
"Not to mention that you don't deserve it," Remus barked, unable to remain silent any longer. He wrenched Amara away from Sirius. "Don't you touch her with your hands, stained with the blood of Lily, Peter and James! James, Sirius! How could you?"
Sirius looked blankly at Remus. "Do you really believe that, Moony?" he inquired politely. "Do you really believe that I would ever harm James or Lily? James was a brother to me, and Lily, a sister. I could never hurt either of them."
"Thats not what it looks like from where I'm standing," Remus snarled back.
"Well, why not come over here?" Sirius managed a grin. "Moony, come on! You know I'm innocent. I can see it in your eyes. Is it easier to believe I'm the traitor than it is to hate Pettigrew? Is it easier to see a Black as a traitor than a Pettigrew? I thought you were above that, my little wolf."
"Shut the hell up," snarled Remus.
"Remus, I would never harm Prongs," Sirius said, a pleading tone in his voice. "He was my brother."
Remus had never wanted to harm anyone, had avoided the normal childhood scrapes, but hearing Sirius call James that seemed to snap something in him. He threw a hard punch through the bars, hitting Sirius with all the strength he could muster- a formidable force. Sirius went flying backwards, almost hitting his head on the far cell. "Remus, no!" shrieked Amara, grabbing his arm.
Sirius looked up at Remus, pain in his eyes. Remus didn't believe it for a moment. Sirius had always been an actor- one of the main reasons he got out of detention so easily back in their school days. "Mister Padfoot would like to compliment Mister Moony on his punch," he joked weakily.
Remus' lips drew back in a snarl. "And Mister Moony would like to tell Mister Padfoot to go to hell!"
"Harry, stop it! You're killing her!" A voice Remus recognised like his own, broke through his memories. For the first time in many days, he was completely aware of himself and his surroundings. Could it possibly be...?
"Thats the point, Hermione," said a voice Remus also knew, though Harry's voice was colder than he ever remembered. "She killed Sirius." Despite his words, he ended the spell and began another. "Avada-"
"NO!" shouted a third recognisable voice- Ron! "No, Harry, not this! Don't you remember what you told Sirius? 'I don't reckon my dad would have wanted his two best friends to become murders.' Sirius wouldn't want you to become a murder. Stun her, Harry, she'll get the Kiss. Merlin knows she deserves it. Just don't become a murderer."
"Please, Harry," said the voice he longed to speak forever, sounding close to tears. "Please, don't kill her. Have mercy for our sakes, if not hers."
Remus felt his breath quicken as he crawled hastily to the front of his cell. The sight that met his eyes made his jaw drop. Students- students from Hogwarts were milling around outside, smartly tying up Bellatrix, Wormtail, and Narcissa Malfoy. Neville Longbottom seemed to have broken his leg, but everyone else looked fine, if a little bumped and scraped. There were even two house elves! But more importantly- she was there. Hermione gently helped Harry to sit, as Ron tightened the knots around Bellatrix.
"Hang on," frowned Harry, looking around. "Where are Flint and Ginny?"
"Get out the map," Ron said, urgently, his eyes darting around worriedly for his sister. Hermione opened up the bag she was carrying slung around her shoulder and pulled out a piece of parchment. Her jaw dropped almost instantly.
"Oh no, oh no," she cried. "Harry- Ginny's in a cell. And Flint...he...he's with Lucius Malfoy!"
The students all froze, fear painting every last face, except Harry's. "All right," he said, struggling to his feet and naturally taking control. "We knew this would happen eventually, and now it has. Lets get moving, we don't have much time! Dobby, Mitsy, can you do something about Neville's leg? Alicia, Katie- get Bellatrix, Narcissa and Pettigrew's wands. We'll give them to the werewolves. The rest of you- start opening those cells! Go!"
The students began moving again, everyone attending to what they had been told. The house elves stood beside Neville and began working their unique brand of magic. Alicia and Katie began searching the Stunned witches and wizard's robes, while the other students ran up and down the cells. Hermione immediately flew to his own cell. She almost slammed herself into the bars, eager to get to him. He stayed where he was, in complete disbelief. "H-Hermione?" he asked hoarsely.
"Remus," she smiled happily.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded.
"Coming to get you out, naturally," Hermione replied with a grin. "Well, and the other werewolves as well." Remus looked past her. Cell doors were beginning to open and werewolves were pouring out into the cells, thanking the children heartily, through their tears of joy.
"You came to get us?" frowned Remus. "But, what about the Order of the Phoenix?"
"They thought it was too dangerous," Hermione admitted. "So, we came instead."
"You are in serious trouble when we get out of here," Remus promised her, fighting down a smile. "But...I am so glad to see you."
"If we get out of here," Hermione sighed. She pointed her wand at the cell. "Alohomora!" The door flew open, and Remus practically ran out, catching Hermione up in his arms and swinging her around. He breathed in the scent that was her. All the feelings of despair and doubt had vanished the moment he heard her voice. He realised his eyes were pricking with tears, and she was crying openly.
"Oh, Merlin," he breathed. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
"I know," sobbed Hermione. "Remus, I never want to leave again."
Remus threw his head back and laughed, still clinging to her. The laugh rang out loudly, wildly out of place in the dark prison of Azkaban. He kissed her forehead firmly. "Well, surely you want to go to school still?"
Hermione blushed. "Well, yes, I suppose so," she admitted.
"Not meaning to disrupt the happy reunion," Harry's voice said behind them. "But, it is quite important that we get out of here, now." Remus turned to face Harry, drinking him in almost as eagerly as he had Hermione. Just behind him stood Ron, a content smile on his face. They both had grown so much in a few days.
Harry looked identical to James, save Lily's eyes. But, there was still something of Sirius' there- just out of sight in those insightful green eyes, just hidden in his high cheekbones and barely evident in his stance. "All right there, Professor?" Harry grinned.
"I am now, Harry," Remus replied. "I am now."
"Good," nodded Harry. "Now, here...this is my wand. I want you to have it until we get off of this godforsaken island. I want you and Hermione to lead the others out of here."
"Wait," intervened Hermione. "Why Remus and I? You and Ron are the brains behind this opperation!"
"Ron and I have to go and get Ginny," answered Harry. "You didn't think we'd leave her behind, did you? Now, Remus, listen closely." Remus found himself listening intently to the younger man's instructions. He truly was his father's son. "Fleur, Lee, Ernie, George, Fred and Hannah went and got a barge. They should be waiting for you when you get out there- Mitsy and Dobby will lead you back. Start loading up the barge- as many to a load as you can possibly get. Do a bit of research on the werewolves- find out if we have any good duelers, and give them some of the wands from Dumbledore's Army. I've got a werewolf carrying out Narcissa, Bellatrix and Pettigrew."
"Harry, is there any point in arguing taking a full grown wizard with you to get Ginny?" Hermione asked wearily.
"Nope," Harry answered shortly. "You're going to be the ones in danger, not us."
"Good luck," Ron winked. Hermione threw her arms around first Harry, then Ron, whispering feverent good lucks in both of their ears. Remus shook Ron's hand as Hermione took her place at the head of the large group. "Take care of, Potter here for me," Remus asked him. "I fear he's got his godfather's tendancy of rushing in where angels fear to tread."
"I think I've got it covered, Professor," agreed Ron, smiling nervously.
Remus nodded and turned to face Harry. He clasped his shoulder, before unbashfully pulling the young man into a bear hug. "Take care of yourself, Harry," he said fondly. "I know you don't want to hear it, but be careful!"
"I know, I know," smiled Harry, pulling back. He clasped Remus' shoulders, realising that he could now easily look the older man in his eyes. "You take care of Hermione, take care of them all."
"I will, I promise," Remus nodded. "See you soon, Padfoot Junior."
"Padfoot Junior?" Harry repeated, a little surprised. "Don't you mean Prongs Junior?"
"Do I really have to answer that?" Remus inquired.
"Mister Padfoot Junior supposes that Mister Moony doesn't need to answer that," joked Harry. Without another word, he and Ron exchanged glances, before heading off in the opposite direction from Dumbledore's Army and the werewolves. Soon they were swallowed up by darkness. Remus did not waste time watching them go. He had faith in them to return.
He stood beside Hermione, giving her an encouraging smile. "All right," he shouted over the din of constant chatter. "Keep quiet as possible, please. We have a map showing off where the Death Eaters are, but that doesn't mean they can't hear us." He glanced around the group. The underage members of Dumbledore's Army had given their wands to the older, more experienced werewolves who claimed to be talented in dueling. Alicia Spinnent, Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson, all Hogwarts graduates, stayed in the back of the group, wands at the ready, eyes darting around for any sight of Death Eaters. Narcissa, Pettigrew and Bellatrix were floating in the middle of the group, their floating spells maintained by a particularly adept witch who had taken Luna's wand.
He took a deep breath, trying to think of what to say next. Hermione squeezed her hand in his, almost as though she was trying to convey some of her strength to him. He squeezed back and then the simple words came to him. "Good luck," he finished up. "Forward, march!"
With that simple command, the werewolves and remaining members of Dumbledore's Army, as well as two house elves, plunged into the darkness of Azkaban.
And history was made.
Ginny clamped her jaw shut tightly, her wide green eyes boring into the dog that wasn't there. "P...Padfoot?" she repeated. He got to his feet and barked happily. Hoping against all hope, she ushered the dog over to her. "Padfoot...c-can you become Sirius?"
The dog shook its head sadly. It seemed to still have retained Sirius' brains. "This is too weird," Ginny muttered to herself. She slumped down on the ground again, watching as the dog marched up and down the hall. He walked back and forth twice, than stopped, just slightly to the left. His head was tilted upwards, obviously studying something intently. He looked around him and his eyes actually lit up when they fell on something out of sight. He bounded away and out of Ginny's line of vision.
Now quite curious, Ginny crawled over to the door. She looked first to where the dog had been looking. Hanging just six feet off the ground was a loop of keys. She felt her heart beat faster as hope filtered into her. Markle had taken her wand, of course, but perhaps she would use wandless magic in order to summon the keys. Professor Flitwick had explained the concept to them in her third year. Most witches and wizards performed wandless magic at a young age when they were particularly angry or scared. Ginny was certainly quite scared at the moment. Surely she could summon the keys!
Staring intently at them and concentrating on an image of them floating over into her outstretched hand, she cast the spell. "Accio keys!" she whispered. The keys shook and drew a little nearer to the edge of their hook. Ginny sighed. This was going to take forever. She shrugged back her shoulders, trying to relieve the tension she was feeling, before beginning again. "Ac-"
The sound of footsteps cut through her spell. Startled, she ducked back into the cell, fearing the return of Markle or the arrival of some other Death Eater. After a few agonising moments, the cause of the noise came into view. Padfoot had returned. He was staring intently at a chair- that was floating a few feet off the ground and in the direction of the chair! Ginny could not help but laugh. Hastily she stiffled it, fearing someone might come to inspect what a prisoner of Azkaban could possibly have to laugh about. She could not help but grin, though as hopeful thoughts raced through her heard. Could he really get the keys? Would she not have to take an eternity trying to summon the keys? She barely breathed, watching Padfoot's slow, but steady march forward.
Finally, after almost two minutes, he had shoved the chair up against the wall. He barked happily to himself, and Ginny distinctly saw him shoot her a doggy smile. He leapt lightly up on to the chair, and fastened his jaws around the keys. With one hard tug, he had pulled them free from their chain. He trotted over to Ginny, holding the keys forward in his mouth.
Shocked, but thrilled, Ginny took the keys. There were only five keys on the loop, so it did not take long to figure out which key went into the keyhole of her cell. She laughed softly out of pure joy as she heard the distinct click signifying the opening of her door. She rushed out of the cell, resisting the urge to scream in elation. It would not do to regain her freedom, if moments later she gave herself away. She turned to Padfoot.
"Thank you, Padfoot," she smiled, kneeling down to him. "I owe you my life."
He yipped happily. Ginny smiled. "Do you have to go?" He nodded, with a distinct air of disappointment. "I see," Ginny frowned. "Couldn't you put it off for a while? There's a boy around here who would dearly like to see his godfather's Animagus form." Padfoot hesitated, clearly torn. However, it turned out that he had retained Sirius' love for Harry as well. He barked in agreement, wagging his tail.
"All right," grinned Ginny. "Lets go then, shall we?" She headed towards the door Markle had brought her in. Padfoot leapt towards her, digging his teeth into the back of her robes. She stopped and turned to face him. "What is it, Padfoot?" she inquired, wondering how the dog could communicate with her.
He pulled her in the opposite direction. She hesitated. It was clear he didn't want her going out through that door, but she knew for a fact there was no door over there. She could see the wall for Merlin's sake! She sighed. He had broken her out, there was no point in not trusting him now. She ran a ways to catch up with Padfoot, who had already halted at the wall. He glanced around once to make sure she was there, than pressed his paw up against one of the large stones.
To her amazement, the stone fell back, revealing a dark tunnel. It was just big enough for her. Any larger and they would never have fit. Padfoot plunged in unconcerned, but Ginny was a little wary. There was no telling where this tunnel went and she couldn't see anything. Padfoot barked angrily from inside the tunnel, obviously signaling that she should follow. She frowned and glanced around, hoping to find another way out. However, the decision was made for her. The door on the far side of the chamber began to open. Frantic, she dove into the tunnel. Padfoot pushed past her and nudged the stone back into its proper place. The little light they had was taken away and they were left in complete darkness.
"Lead on, Padfoot," Ginny instructed wearily. "I just hope you're right about this."
He barked in what she suppose he thought was an encouraging way, before nudging her forward. Unable to see, she stumbled forward and fell. Padfoot, his eyes more accustomed to the dark, nudged her up. Ginny shivered. As usual, it was no pleasent experience to be touched by a ghost. She blinked several times to perhaps grow accustomed to the blackness, but it was no use. All she could see was the pearly white glow of Padfoot. "Go on, Padfoot," she encouraged. He nodded once, then walked off, keeping a slow pace so she could crawl after him with no difficulties.
Harry peered around the corner, carefully watching a Death Eater he recognised from one of Sirius' descriptions. Kaylie Jackson was a fierce looking woman. Her short red hair was peppered with grey strands and their were crowfeets around her cool green eyes. She was pacing back and forth in the corridor, seemingly talking to herself. "The Great Lord said that there were intruders, and they must be found," she pointed out. "But surely searching for them will do no good. They will be tricksy, they will be. Kaylie will stay here and keep watch for them. Soon they will fall into Kaylie's hand and Kaylie shall be rewarded beyong imagination." She grinned to herself, lost in her own delusions.
Having seen enough, Harry turned back to Ron. "She's batty, that one," he whispered. "Its your wand, so you should probably take her. You won't have a problem, she doesn't look too bright."
"Um, it doesn't look as though I have to," frowned Ron, staring bemused at the map.
"What do you mean?" frowned Harry.
"Harry, Ginny's left the dungeon," Ron explained, showing Harry the map. "And she's traveling with someone named Padfoot."
"What the-?" Harry could not even finish his sentence, as shock coursed through him. He grabbed the map from Ron, peering intently at the two dots Ron had pointed out. Two dots, one entitled 'Ginny Weasley,' the other labeled 'Padfoot' were traveling down the corridor he and Ron had just come down. In fact, if Harry and Ron turned at the correct time, they would be able to watch Ginny and Padfoot cross the opening into their hall. "It can't be Sirius," Harry argued, noting grimly that his voice came out sounding choked. "Nick said he hadn't become a ghost. He said that Sirius wasn't afraid of death and had moved on! He told me I'd never see Sirius again until I died."
"But the dot doesn't say Sirius Black," Ron said, his voice full of bewilderment. "It says Padfoot. Don't you remember, in our third year? When Remus was looking at the map, Scabbers and Padfoot didn't show up on the map- it was Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black! The map can detect Animagus."
"Are you saying that its not the ghost of Sirius, but the ghost of Padfoot?" Harry frowned. "Is that even possible?"
"Yes, actually," answered Ron. "Charlie's mate's da' was an Animagus- an eagle. When he died, the family often saw the eagle flying around outside their London flat, just watching over them."
"So what you're saying is Sirius sent Padfoot back to watch over us?" frowned Harry, partly confused, partly touched at his godfather's last demonstration of love for his godson.
"Looks that way, doesn't it?" Ron nodded, grinning at the map. "Isn't that just like Sirius?"
"Yeah," Harry nodded with a small smile, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Yeah, thats just like Sirius."
Ron clasped him on the shoulder comfortingly. "C'mon, mate," he coaxed. "Lets go meet up with Ginny and Padfoot." Harry nodded, speechless. The two friends snuck back down the way they had come, leaving mad Kaylie, still waiting for the intruders to fall neatly into her hand.
It wasn't long before Ginny came into view, jogging down the hall. There was a dog trotting at her side. Although he was happy to see Ginny, Harry's grin was mostly for the dog. It was indeed Padfoot. Harry could never fail to recognise the dog his godfather could have become at whim. "Harry! Ron!" Ginny cried, catching sight of them. She quickened her pace. Ron ran towards her, lifting her up in his arms.
"You stupid, stupid, little girl," he teased her, the relief in his eyes evident. "How could you have been foolish enough to go after Marcus Flint...alone?"
"Oh, shut up, Ron," sighed Ginny, her eyes twinkling at her brother. "You heard what Harry said- 'Don't let them get away.' I was just following orders."
"Oh, don't you blame this on Harry," Ron began. However, he halted, realising Harry hadn't followed him. Ginny seemed to have realised the same time. She turned around as well.
Padfoot was standing in front of Harry, looking up at Harry with what could not be mistaken for anything but fatherly affection in his eyes. Harry was staring in disbelief at Padfoot, his mouth slightly open. "P-Padfoot?" he questioned, his voice understandably breathless.
The dog barked happily. Harry grinned and swept the dog into his arms. He didn't even seem to mind the coolness he must be feeling as tears of joy streamed down his cheeks. "Oh, Sirius," he wept. Ron and Ginny exchanged looks. They wanted to let Harry rejoice in the moment, but they both knew they couldn't afford to lose any time. After only a few minutes, Ron stepped towards his friend. Immediately, Harry stood. "All right," he nodded. "I'm ready. Lets go, shall we? I want to get this over with and then go home with Padfoot."
Ron rolled out the map and began tracing their way back to the kitchens, taking the lead. Ginny and Harry came a step behind, Padfoot eagerly trotting beside Harry. "What happened after you defeated the werewolves?" Ginny asked eagerly. "Did you find Professor Lupin?"
"Yes, we did," answered Harry. "He and Hermione had a rather touching reunion. I don't think he'll ever get rid of her, not that he'd want to. The other werewolves were freed as well. Remus and Hermione are leading them back through the kitchens. They'll start loading up the barge. We came here to get you. That about sums it up."
Ginny frowned, realising they were still not out of the woods. "So much could still go wrong," she couldn't help pointing out. "They know we're here now, I'm sure of it."
"You're right," Harry said absently. "On the map we saw Marcus Flint telling Lucius Malfoy."
"Oh no!" cried Ginny. "Its all my fault that we were discovered. I shouldn't have let him get away!"
"Don't beat yourself up about it," Harry advised. "They would have found out sooner or later. I was surprised at how much we got done before we were discovered, to be frank. Besides, even if you had caught up with Flint, what would you have done? He managed to get away from three of us. He's a full grown wizard. He would have killed you without a second thought."
"Oh, thats comforting," Ron said, turning around here.
"In case you haven't noticed, we're not exactly in a comfortable place," Harry observed dryly. "Why have we stopped?"
"We're here," answered Ron. "Before you ask- all of the Death Eaters are gone."
Harry exchanged grins with Ron. "They will know if the others have come through yet," he said nervously. "Lets go in, shall we?"
He pushed open the door to the kitchens and lead in his moltey troop.
Hermione tried to stop breathing, hoping that silencing that small noise would save them from discovery. She knew it was probably fruitless. They had been walking in silence for almost twenty minutes now. She had been content when the walk began, even knowing Harry and Ron were plunging into danger in hopes of bringing back poor captured Ginny. However, it had been impossible to stopper the feelings of triumph and comfort that always wrapped her up when she glanced at Remus.
His stay in Azkaban, though relatively short, had changed him. He was slimmer than before, and the lines in his face were more pronounced. The bags under his eyes were deep and gave his face a very hollow look. However, his now sunken brown eyes glittered happily, particularly when looking at her. Almost once every five minutes he would reach for her hand and squeeze it, almost as though assuring himself she was there. Hermione didn't mind, she herself needed assurance.
The rest of their party were all very well, as well. Most of the werewolves had not been in Azkaban longer than Remus. They were showing the telltale signs of a stay in the wizard prison- despair in their eyes, looking as though they had aged several years- but every last one of them had a spring in their step brought on by hope of escape. The members of Dumbledore's Army were beginning to look excited. Having come so far, defeat was almost unthinkable to them. Most had come along, sure they would not even see the werewolves. There was definitely a profound feeling of relief flooding through each of them, now that matters had been left in the hands of adult wizards.
As she walked, her head full of happy thoughts and musings, Hermione became slightly aware of a strange chill in the air. In a few moments, it became even more unbearable, and with it came a feeling of despair. She could see the desperation in the faces of her comrades and she knew she was not imagining it. She had felt this before, twice in her third year. Once on the train to Hogwarts and once on the night of Sirius' return. It could only mean one thing. "R-Remus?" she questioned, through chattering teeth.
He looked down at her, his face grim. He was still carrying Harry's wand, his grip had become tighter- his knuckles whitening. "I feel it too," he acknowledged. "There can be no doubts. The Dementors are coming."
After this fatal declaration was made, the party almost surged into a panic then and there. Remus knew that they could no longer ignore the upcoming threat. It was almost certain that they would shortly cross paths with the Dementors. He halted the party. "As most of you have probably realised, we are, or so we believe, about to encounter a pack of Dementors. Mitsy, how far are we from the kitchens?"
"If we turn right down this hall and then run down another, we will be in the kitchen, Remus Lupin, sir," she replied. "Mitsy reckons it would take us no longer than five minutes, sir."
Remus grimanced. "Unfortunately, we don't have five minutes." His mind shot forward, remembering every little piece of military tactic he had ever been taught in Defence Against that Dark Arts or that Sirius or James had mentioned in passing to him. In a few moments, he had formed the basis of a plan. "Who can summon a Patronus?" he inquired.
Every member of Dumbledore's Army raised their hands. It was just as he had feared. Harry had trained the Army. They were better suited to warfare than their elders. "All right," he resigned. "Everyone who has a wand, give them to someone who can't form a Patronus." As the wandless wizards and witches received wands, Remus cast his eyes around the students. Colin Creevy, one of the youngest there, looked as though he was ready to die and melt into a puddle. He was definitely the most frightened. His Patronus would be less than useless. "Colin, could you come here?" he asked quietly.
The fourth year scuffled forward, his face a very pale shade of white. "Yessir?" he inquired.
"I need you to do me a favour," Remus explained. "Can you lead those who can't cast Patronuses back to the kitchen and start loading up the barge?"
"I would, sir, but I don't know the way," admitted Colin.
"Don't worry," Remus soothed. "Mitsy will help you." The house elf scuttled over to Remus and Colin.
"Mitsy will be more than happy to help those not staying back," she agreed heartily. "Mitsy is not liking the Dementors."
"Thats understandable," Remus smiled, a very hard task with the close proximity of the Dementors. A week's stay in Azkaban had made him fear the Dementors all the more, if that was in fact possible. "Go- go now!" He raised his voice. "All those without wands, please follow Colin Creevy and Mitsy back to the kitchens. Run as fast as you can, but don't get separated." Within minutes, the werewolves were disappearing down the hall, now physically carrying their prisoners.
With the absense of near three hundred people, the hall was frighteningly quiet. Remus arranged the remaining wizards in two lines. He took a place beside Hermione, who was quietly whispering the charm to herself. "Are you all right, hunny?" Remus asked, offering her an encouraging squeeze on the shoulder.
She actually managed a shaky smile. "Not really," she admitted. "I just want to get this over with." Remus' ears, sharpened due to his wolf blood, picked up the telltale rustling of the Dementors cloaks.
"Well, you won't have to wait long," he said, bringing up his wand. At that moment, fifty Dementors broke into their hallway. Although shocked to sense so many wizards waiting for them, the Dementors could sense the fear coursing through the small Army, and it drove them mad. They surged forward, eager to feed. "NOW!" roared Remus. "Expacto Patronum!" His Patronus, a pegasus, surged forward, galloping towards the Dementors. Skirtting alongside it, was a rather harmless looking otter and a mass of other animals, all shot out from his army. None of them were as strong as his, and besides the pegasus, they each only drove off a few Dementors. The awful beasts returned shortly after the silvery creatures faded. The cry of dismay he wanted to let out, was echoed by Hermione and several other students.
The Dementors, who had stalled a little, surged forward again, now that the threat of Patronuses seemed past. The fear grew in Remus, and he felt his clear thoughts starting to scatter as coldness swept over him. He could hear the students fleeing around him, whimpering in dismay. He began losing conciousness, and voices rang in his head. 'Is that the best you can do?" Sirius taunted inside his head.
"SIRIUS!" screamed Harry.
Remus struggled against the feelings of hopelessness fluttering up inside of him. "Expacto Patronum," he murmered weakly. This time he did not even manage to produce a pegasus, merely a thin strand of silver. He was dimly aware of a Dementor's icy, bony hands seizing his collar. He realised with a sickening certainy he was going to die and then he knew no more.
Hermione fell to her knees, waves of despair washing over her. She could hear screams in her head, and she remembered Harry haltingly telling her what happened to him when Dementors neared him. She was not going to end this way- on her knees being Kissed by a Dementor as her dying parents screamed in her head. She felt a Dementor's icy breath on the back of her neck and instinctively scarpered backwards, hoping to put any distance between them that she could. She managed to jump to her feet. She took in the scene around her. Most of her schoolmates had fainted. The Dementors were beginning to gather their victims, preparing to feed. Three or four Dementors had closed in around her, but she was about to show them she was no easy prey. She cast her mind around and found the perfect one.
The night she had fallen asleep with Remus by her side. The moment where she had finally found a father to replace her dead one. Her eyes flared as she realised the power that single memory had give her. "EXPACTO PATRONUM!" she hollered, bringing her wand down. A large burst of silver shot from her wand. It did not take the apperance of an otter as she had thought it might, but instead changed into a wolf. Snarling angrily, he charged down the Dementors closing in on her and the unhooded one preparing to Kiss Remus.
The other Dementors seemed to realise some of their number had fled. "Go!" Hermione cried to the wolf. "Get rid of them all!" Howling in what could only be called anticipation, the wolf ran towards the Dementors. They fled before it, leaving their prey behind. Horrific screams were ripped from their mouths as they fled in fear, reluctant to leave their victims behind.
Finally, the wolf had chased them all away. Hermione felt a grin spread across her lips as it returned to her. She smiled and reached out to hug it. However, before she could touch it, it vaporized. Slightly disappointed, she glaced around at her classmates, who were beginning to wake up. Remus, too, was revived and was sitting up, appearing startled to be alive.
She smiled at him, and threw away constraint as she flung her arms around him. She felt the disappointment at not hugging her patronus fade. She had her own wolf she could hug anytime she wanted.
"Look!" Hannah cried, from where she was watching the prison. One barge had already departed and returned, while another was on its way, by the time Remus, Hermione and Dumbledore's Army returned. By the time Hermione and Remus had recounted their tale of the Dementors, the second barge had returned. Most of the werewolves were on the other side of the lake. Remus could hardly believe it. They had actually pulled it off. This might end happily.
He looked to where Hannah was pointing. Harry, Ron and Ginny were running towards them, grinning madly. Running along beside them was a dog. Remus did a double take. The dog was no ordinary dog. As they neared, Remus realised it was a ghost. It was, in fact, the ghost of a dog he knew almost as well as he knew himself.
"S-Sirius?" he stuttered as Harry came to a stop beside him. The dog lay down at Harry's feet, his tongue hanging out as a sure sign of its exertion. Remus stared aghast at it. "How...how is this possible? I thought you said Sir Nicholas told you he had decided not to stay as a ghost."
"Well, this isn't actually Sirius," Harry explained, as Hermione threw her arms around Ron and Ginny was embraced by Dean. "Its Padfoot. Ron said he's heard of Animagus sending their forms to the Earth after they've died to watch over their loved ones. I guess Sirius did the same. Padfoot saved Ginny before we could." He smiled fondly and glanced down at the dog with love in his eyes.
Hermione, by now listening to his story, smiled widely. "That sounds exactly like Sirius!" she observed. "But, Harry...what happened to the three of you? Tell us everything!"
"First, I want to know what happened to Fleur and the others," Harry said.
"Well, zat is easy enough," Fleur shrugged, turning away from where she was overseeing the boarding to the third barge. "We 'ad an easy enough time of zit. After defeating ze Death Eaters, Lee sailed the barge over to 'ere. We waited for around three or four hours before Colin and Mitsy brought ze first werewolves over. Since zen we 'ave just been loading and reloading. If you want, we can send some of Dumbledore's Army over on zis load."
Harry nodded and thanked her profusely for all of her help. She smiled. "It was my pleasure." He ushered Luna, Katie, Alicia, Angelina, Colin, Ernie, and Hannah on to the barge, leaving only himself, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Fred, George, Fleur, Mitsy, Dobby and Remus onshore. Their small group watched lazily as the barge disappeared into the still heavily clinging fog.
Ten minutes past slowly, spent in quiet reflection and conversation. Hermione looked away from where she was catching Remus up on all that had happened during his imprisonment to where Harry was sulkily watching the pea soup fog that obscured their vision, sitting alone with Padfoot. "I'll be right back," she said, with a smile. She stood and crossed to Harry. He said nothing when she approached, so she laid a hand on his shoulder. "Whats wrong, Harry?" she inquired.
He sighed and shrugged off her touch. "I'm not quite sure," Harry admitted, turning to face her. "It was just...too easy."
"Too easy?" Hermione said, raising her eyebrows. "You're saying fighting down Death Eaters, Dementors and in the process freeing three hundred werewolves was too easy?"
He smiled softly. "Perhaps you're-"
A scream split the air. Both Harry and Hermione whirled around. Fleur was staring in horror at a man standing in the now open doorway enterance to Azkaban.
Voldemort had finally come to face the intruders.
Author's Notes
Stefanie: Your favourite fanfic? Aw, thats so sweet. Thanks! Hope you enjoyed!
SilverWolf1979: Thanks for all of your compliments. I'm glad you're enjoying it! I hope you like this one just as much!
crazych99: Ugh...sorry about the whole work bit. **drinks cup of virtal coffee** Yum...thanks, I needed that. As for your other question, no not really. And even if I were, we had a bargin! I get Sirius, you get Remus!
HarryPotterFreak1234: Sorry, it took so long to update. I'm glad you decided to check it out and even more happy that you ended up enjoying it!
Marina: Unfortunately, I've decided to give up Lord of the Rings fanfiction for a while. I may start up again in the distant future, but don't hold your breath. Sorry 'bout that. I'm glad you're enjoying this one though, and thanks for your review!
Tigerlily: I am actually planning on including the OWL results in chapter 14, but thanks for the reminder! Thanks for the review! Hmm, I don't think there will be a sequel, but I do have other Harry Potter fanfiction lined up.
Shellme: Best fic ever? Well, I doubt that...but thanks anyways!
Mistri: Glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
Wolfspaw: Your compliments were mindblowing. Thank you soo much! Sorry it took so long to update...I've been far too busy!
UnDeadGoat: First let me say, that you have the best penname I have ever come across. Secondly, thanks for all of your reviews!
cosmo-queen: No, unfortunately I am not planning on a sequel. However, I do have some more Harry Potter fanfiction planned out, so keep an eye out for that. Thanks for your review!
QTpie-pippensgurl: OKAY!!
JT14: Good, I'm glad Ginny pissed you off...that was my plan...mwhahaha. She has kind of smartened up in this chaptered though. Ugh...you sat at your computer and waited? Are you still alive? This took me forever.
Sayra Louise: Thanks for the review. Well...Ginny got out of one situation, but as for this new one...**shrugs**
Stellarsiren: I'm sorry I kept you in suspense, its not like me. Ask the readers who have been here since the beginning. It was like an update every three days. Now that school's back in, well...**sighs**
sunkyssed: Glad you liked it! Thanks for your review!
padfoot1979: Gotta love the plot bunnies. :D Glad you're liking it!
skittles: My grammar isn't half bad? Does that mean it isn't half good? **pouts** Ah well, glad you're liking it and thanks for the review!
Daughter of Black: Hermione and Remus have been reunited, hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for your review!
Allyrien Chantel de Montreve: Hehehe...glad you're liking it!
heart-on-her-sleeve: Well, the story does have to finish eventually, but we still have three chapters left to go!
Tasuki's Girl: Glad you're liking it and thanks for the review!
Kady Rilla Wholi: Glad you're liking it. I've always liked Fleur, I thought she is generally misunderstood character. Same goes for Dung, naturally.
Mizuki Ashiya: You don't like Sirius? **sigh** Ah well, I suppose no one can be liked by everyone! Ah well, less sharing I suppose. **evil grin** Hope you like Remus though. Glad you're liking it!
Yours Truly, Paranoid: Glad I managed to cheer someone up. I always love doing that. Thanks for your review!
Bombshell: OMG, I TOTALLY TOOK FOREVER TO UPDATE...BUT I DID EVENTAULLY!
Jocelyn Padoga: Aw, thank you so much! You're compliments are so very much appreciated. I loved the pun...very clever.
MandaB: Thanks so much- glad you're liking it!
Sparky: Ha! It is now Sunday night, and I am updating....promised kept!
InkFairy: I love you, my faithful reader! Thanks for the review!