~Best and Worst of Times~
Summary: Before the start of the Seventh year term, Hermione is at home. When a Death-eater attacks. Sending her back in time. There she meets the love of her life.
AN: I tried to be patient and wait until my beta got back to me. But after a couple of days, I just decided to post this. When I get it back from her, I'll repost this chapter. Stay tuned: the next chapter is the Epilogue.
Secret Lab
Shaking his head, Sirius hands the map over to Remus. "Look at the dots in Dumbledore's office."
"Sirius?" questions Melody.
"Bloody hell," whispers an extremely shocked Remus. "But it says that Lily and James are in here!"
"Can I play with James?" sweetly asks Silly holding her doll close to her chest. Looking up to the shocked adults, Silly re-asks her question. "Well, can I?"
Sirius wraps an arm around, Melody's waste. Pulling her closer to him, laying a gentle kiss on her temple.
Clearing her throat, Melody asks, "You know James?" Looking at her sister.
Smiling brightly Silly responses, "Yes." Holding out her new doll. "He gave me, my new dolly! James said he always be there for me," laughs Silly hugging her doll. "He's said I was special!"
"And you are," stress Harry looking at Silly a bit strangely. "So are we going to head down the Headmaster's office? Or standing here milling about?"
"We're going down," states Sirius giving Melody a kiss on her check. "But I want Melody, Chloe and Silly to…"
"No," interrupts Melody looking directly at Sirius. "I know what you're thinking and the answer is no. We're not staying here, while you go gallivanting around."
Looking at the couple, Chloe and Remus exchange a look of understanding. As Chloe watches the exchange, Remus looks around the lab. Spying that Chloe's office was close to where they were standing. Remus nudges his head towards her office, as Sirius slowly nods his head in agreement
Shaking his head, Severus suggests, "Why don't we leave Silly, Caroline and Neville here. While the rest go on to the Headmaster's office?" Neville looked like he wanted to argue but one look on everyone's hopeful face, he caved and agreed to stay.
"Sounds good to me," mutters Chloe.
First Floor
Dumbledore's Office
Clutching the man next to her the woman, sobs out, "Where's my son?"
Seeing the complete decimated look on the woman's face. "He's with my son Ron," answers Arthur. Pulling out his wand he revives Molly. Taking a deep breath, Arthur was relieved when Dumbledore started to ask questions.
"If I may be so bold," questions Dumbledore looking at the couple. "What are your names?" stutters Dumbledore, then clearing his throat continues with his questions. "If you're who I think you are," Dumbledore mutters under his breath.
Gesturing to himself, the man answers, "My name is James Harold Potter. Prankster and Marauder. Been in love with one girl all my life and she is now my wife." Smirking, James continues, "Prongs to certain friends or Bond. James Bond."
Rolling her eyes, Lily snaps, "That's the last time I take you to a muggle theater! I swear James, sometimes your ego could fill a stadium." Taking a breath to clam herself, the woman slowly answers Dumbledore's question. "My name is Lily Rose Evans-Potter. I married James, here," gesturing to the man beside her.
"In a three couple ceremony, which I might remind you, Dumbledore that you yourself officiated. Had a son, went into hiding. One night we were attacked, the next thing I know we're standing outside a bunch of ruins where our home use to be!" Narrowing her vivid green eyes, Lily demands, "I want to know right now!"
Hogwarts
Forbid Forest
Landing with a soft pop, Voldemort hears his two most faithful followers join him. Staring with steely red eyes upon the castle, Voldemort's mouth twists into an evil sneer.
"Let's see what Lucius is up to," coldly hisses Voldemort, glancing behind him. "I think the element of surprise would do it."
"Great idea, My Lord," prostrates Rodolphus bowing lowly. At his side, Bellatrix simply nods her head in agreement.
Pulling out his wand, Voldemort signals that they do the same. Muttering a spell to make himself invisible, he strides towards his former school. Glancing at each other, Bellatrix and Rodolphus perform the same spell following their master at a respectful distance.
Secret Lab
"No," disagrees Sirius glaring at Harry. "Melody and Chloe should remain here."
Pulling sharply out of his embrace, Melody puts both of her hands on her hips. Glaring challengingly at Sirius, Melody demands, "Just what on god's green earth, makes you think that I'm staying here?"
Growling Sirius answers, "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that you went missing for about twenty years the last time there were Death Eaters around!"
"It's not like I had a choice!" snaps Melody fighting back sudden tears. Gesturing wildly, Melody croaks out, "Fine! Go." Seeing Sirius, Harry and Ron take several steps away from her. "Go," Melody shouts totally enraged. Turning sharply on her heel, she strides across the room to her office. Slamming the door, hard.
"Wow," whispers Ron, looking at her door incase it explodes. "I was here and I don't understand what set her off."
"Me either," whispers Harry looking to Sirius for answers, but Sirius had his eyes glued to Melody's door. Surprise was written all over his face.
Folding her arms across her chest, Chloe simply states, "You might have gotten Melody to stay here, but I'll be damn if I do." Striding for the door, Chloe was surprised then shocked when Remus picked her up by her waste.
Hosting her over his shoulder, he carries her in to her office. Depositing her on the couch in her office. Before Chloe could react, Remus walked out, closed the door and put a sealing charm on it.
"There," huffs Remus looking highly amused. "Now she has to stay here."
"Ah… Remus," croaks Harry spying Chloe's furious facial expression. "I wouldn't want to be you when she gets out of there." Inside Chloe's office, Chloe was pacing in front of the door. Alternating between rattling the doorknob every few seconds to pounding her fists on the door.
"I agree mate," mutters Ron. "She looks bloody livid to me."
"At lest she's safe," states Severus looking down at Neville. "So you agree to stay here with your mother, while the rest of us head over to the Headmaster's office?"
"Yes sir," says Neville looking at Chloe's office door. "Is that sealing charm going to hold her?"
"Yes," says Remus over his shoulder as he and Sirius head towards the exit. Unseen by the gentlemen leaving, nor Neville who was watching Chloe pace about in her office, Silly slipped quietly throw the exit.
Hogwarts Grounds
South Entranceway
Not bothering with a silencing charm Voldemort, yanks open the squeaky door. Striding into the open hallway. Waving his wand, Voldemort mutters several charms. Making himself and his followers unknown by their footsteps. Silently the deadly invisible trio heads for the dinning hall. Their muddy footprints go unnoticed leaving a very distinct trail.
First Floor
Dumbledore's Office
Waving his wand, Dumbledore conjures up several chairs, thus allowing everyone to sit down. Mouthing them to sit down, Dumbledore states, "Sirius and Remus are already here, but if I know them as well as I think, they should be here if a few minutes."
"When did they arrive?" asks James looking shocked that Sirius and Remus beat him. He helps Lily to sit down before taking the seat right next to her.
"I think I'll save the explanations until everyone's in here," says Dumbledore summoning a house-elf. "Saves me from saying everything twice." Looking at the house-elf, Dumbledore orders tea for everyone and the expected guests.
Within five minutes, the expected guests bound throw the door. Almost colliding into Lily and James. Joyous shouts and random hugs erupt in the once quite room as it starts to settle down, Harry finds himself seat between his parents.
"How the bloody hell did you get here?" questions Sirius still occasionally touching James to make sure that he was really there. "I saw the house right after Voldemort attacked. Nothing was left but ashes, it took Hagrid to exhume Harry from the remains."
"I don't know Padfoot," answers James, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "One minute I was yelling for Lily to grab Harry and make a break for it. The next I'm standing outside the ruins of my house in broad daylight with Lily standing next to me."
"It just doesn't make sense," comments Dumbledore looking pensive. "Who could possible be powerful enough to pull the two of you throw time. The precise timing alone is extremely dangerous, one second either way could complete through off this time line."
"It was James," stresses Silly startling everyone in the room. "He did it. I helped."
A collective gasp is the only thing heard, until James shouts, "I did not."
Looking highly miffed, Silly hugs her dolly close to her. Narrowing her eyes, she hisses, "You're not James! You mean for me." Turning on her heel, she makes three steps out of the doors, before Sirius hoists her up into his arms. "Put me down! Paw-Paw, he mean for me. I telling My Mine."
"I'm sure Melody would love to hear all about it," calmly states Sirius depositing Silly better in his arms. "But for now, I would like to hear more about this James person."
"No," pouts Silly her bottom lip perturbing outwards. "I not telling."
"Bloody hell," whispers Lily leaning closer to the girl until Silly tried to kick her. "That's Melody's little sister."
"Yes, she is," states Severus. "But don't change the subject, it appears that there is a James running around Hogwarts who is not a Potter."
Hospital Wing
Second Floor
Peering over the map, James smirks. "They're there."
Snatching the map away from him, Serenity looks it over. "Yes, they are. It appears everything is doing according to plan. Hmm," inspecting the map closer. "Looks like we have unexpected company."
"What?" questions the blonde boy next to her. Taking the map, he nods his head in agreement. "Looks like the last of them have decided to shop up. So, James," offering him the map. "What do you want to do about it?"
Waving a dismissing hand in regards to the map, James stares intently at Peter. A slow creepy smile spreads across his face. "I think," states James gesturing to Peter. "We should let Peter help us with that problem."
"How?" questions Serenity looking at James for answers. "I don't want him blabbing to Voldemort about our presence here. That would be extremely dangerous."
"I concur," agrees the blonde, rubbing his left hand up and down his chin. "I say, we permanently change Peter into a rat. Strap on a portkey. When Voldemort picks him up…. BANG! He's elsewhere."
Giving him a you've got to be kidding me look, James nods his head. "Good idea, but one problem. That would require Voldemort to pick Peter up."
"Why don't we use a slide charm instead of a portkey," suggests Serenity. "That way it slide him and whoever is within five feet of him to a selected location."
"Slide charms only move those individuals less then two miles," comments the blonde. "Where would we send them?"
"To the chamber," states James pulling out his wand. "We'll place a slide charm on the rat. It'll slide Voldemort and his followers to the chamber. From there the finial confrontation will happen."
Silence greets James declaration until Serenity sneers, "Karma ant' it a bitch."
Hogwarts
Second Floor
Stairwell
Stepping into the stairs, Voldemort narrows his blood red eyes. Turning his head left then right, tightening his jaw. Muttering a charm he makes himself and his followers visible to the eyes. Turning his eyes onto Bellatrix, Voldemort hisses, "It looks like you were right?"
"In what way, My Lord," softly comments Bellatrix. Glancing about she couldn't detect what was wrong.
"Lucius has failed his mission," snaps an irate Voldemort his red eyes flashing.
Shaking her head slightly, "But My Lord," softly soothes Belltrix. "He might have subdued them."
"True," mutters Voldemort looking appeased. "I want you…." Loud squeaky noises come from the floor. Turning his head, Voldemort looks down as a large rat goes racing towards he. "Rodolphus, pick up Pettigrew and bring him to me."
"Yes Master," responses Rudolf. Moving forward he narrowly missing the rat while attempting to pick him up. "Cool it you stupid rat!" softly hisses a menacing Rudolf. Taking several steps towards his master when the room tilted.
Blinking her eyes, Belltrix found herself alone standing on the stairwell. "Master?" softly questions Belltrix looking around for him. "Rodolphus? Where did you go?"
Hospital Wing
Second Floor
Standing barely inside the hospital with the door-cracked open, Serenity mutters several swearwords under her breath. Damn spell missed her. Bloody hell, now what should we do? Turning to the two boys, Serenity gestures towards the hallway.
Secret Lab
Pacing agitatedly around her office, Melody slowly calms herself down. Taking several breaths, she straightens her shoulders. Throwing open her office door, Melody storms out. Widening her eyes, when she notices that Chloe was pacing about in her office.
"What the bloody hell," whispers Melody pulling out her wand. Going over to Chloe's office, she attempts to open the door, only to find that it's seal shut. Tapping her wand against the knob, she mutters a charm to open the door. "What happened?"
"Remus," hisses an irate Chloe.
Hospital Wing
Second Floor
Looking out into the hallway, James softly swears. Clenching his jaw, he narrows his eyes. "Of all the bloody things to have happen!" Taking a breath, James turns to his companions. "What should we do about her?"
"Hex into hell," sneers Serenity crossing her arms over her chest.
"I think," mutters the blonde boy with a devilish smile. "We should let the Marauder's deal with her." Glancing down at his watch, he adds. "Besides we're running out of time."
First Floor
Dumbledore's Office
"James is my friend," huffs Silly glaring at everyone while struggling to break out of Sirius's strong grip. "I want James!" When Sirius tightens his grip, Silly starts to kick his legs.
"Silly come on," mutters Sirius attempting to sooth her. "We just want to meet this James person."
"NO!" shouts Silly as she starts to cry. "My friend not yours. Silly's friend." Everyone was shocked as Silly cries. Sirius stood up, turned Silly over in his arm until she was facing his chest. She clung to him, sobbing her heart out as he paced the floor attempting to calm her down.
"Wow," mutters James looking at Sirius amazed. "Who would have thought that Padfoot would be good with kids?" Feeling slightly uncomfortable, James motions to Lily that maybe they should leave Sirius alone with the little girl.
Observing him, Lily nods her head in silent agreement with James. Standing up, James opens the door so that they could leave.
"Rodolphus!" explodes into the room stilling everyone.
"Bellatrix," hisses Sirius his eyes flashing dangerously.
Hogwarts
Second Floor
Stairwell
A wide smirk forms on the face of the boy as he changes out of his animagi form. Looking at the girl floating gracefully into the hallway he gestures to where Bellatrix was standing. "Well?"
"My father couldn't have done it better," complements Serenity. "It's time, we need to be leaving."
"How's James handling it?" quietly asks the blonde.
"As well as can be expected," mutters Serenity as a loud crash causes the two of them to jump. "Bloody hell," hisses Serenity as she sweeps into the hospital wing. Shaking her head as James starts to tear it apart. "James!" snaps Serenity getting his attention. "You're going to be seeing her in less then a minute. Stop this bloody foolishness at once!"
Hogwarts
The Chamber
Landing with a hard thud, the two men groan in pain. Standing up, Rodolphus looks around the square room. Knowing that he's still at Hogwarts, but not knowing exactly where he turns to his master. Stifling a satisfied smirk, Rodolphus offers his hand to his fallen master.
"Ah," groans Voldemort peering about the room. "This room looks oddly familiar." Stumbling to stand with his followers help, Voldemort gasps as where he was comes to him. "Damn Dumbledore!"
Secret Lab
"Rodolphus!" explodes into the lab.
Looking closely at the exit, Chloe states, "That was too close for my comfort."
"I agree," mutters Melody in agreement. "What to investigate?"
"No," shouts Neville looking rather scared. "You can't leave here." Running towards them, when he was two feet away, both Melody and Chloe could see how pale Neville was.
"Neville," reassure Melody looking at him. "We wouldn't leave you on your own."
"But," stutters Neville looking very confused.
"Nev," huffs Chloe gesturing about the lab. "This stayed a secret for over twenty years! Even with all those curious students milling about. This is the safest place inside of Hogwarts."
"So," stutters Neville still overly pale. "Be…Bel…Bellatrix is o…out there!
"No Death Eaters can enter this place," states Melody. "Except Severus. And that's because we allowed him to enter. She can't come in here." Seeing him start to shake, Melody adds. "You're safe, your mother's safe."
Hogwarts
Second Floor
Stairwell
Racing up to the landing, Remus was stunned to see a large black scorch mark on the floor. Pausing he reached down, running his fingers over the scorch mark, some of the black charcoal like substance stuck to his fingers.
"Moony," huffs James as he catches up. "What is that stuff?"
"Some type of powder," answers Remus looking perplexed. "But I have no idea what it is."
"Great," sneers Severus peering around the hallway. "I don't like this."
"Me neither," stress Silly as Sirius strides up the stairs. "I want My Mine."
Taking once glance around, Sirius feels a slight menacing chill run up his spin. "It's too close to the lab."
"The lab?" questions Lily. "If Voldemort got his hands on that, he would be almost unstoppable." Looking at each other, three men silently agreed.
Secret Lab
Calming down Neville took both Chloe and Melody. When they were finally ready to leave, Sirius holding Silly emerged passed the wards. Striding over to Sirius, Melody quickly catches Silly as she propels herself towards her. Watching Chloe stalk over to Remus, Melody was surprised that she didn't slap him across the face.
"How dare you," hisses Chloe glaring coldly at Remus.
"I dare because I love you," stresses Remus as he quickly pins Chloe's arms to sides with a bear hug. Lightly picking her up, he moves her further into the lab, as Harry and Ron walk in.
Feeling Sirius's eyes on her, Melody looks towards him. A soft fluttering of the wards, signals that Severus has entered, followed closely by two separate footsteps. Turning her head, Melody feels her limps give out. What? How in Merlin's name? It's not possible, it can't be.
"Down, I want down," states Silly holding her dolly.
Hogwarts
The Chamber
"Damn Dumbledore to hell," hisses Voldemort repeatedly. Pacing the room in agitation, his red eyes flash showing his rage. A large black cloud seeps into the room, until it hits the center. The blackness swirls pulling itself together, creating a large ball. Slowly it lengthens, and then different colors emerge.
"Rodolphus!" shrieks out of the cloud. The blackness drops like little particles leaving a distraught Bellatrix. Rodolphus quickly makes his way over to his wife, wrapping her in his arms. "I was so scared," whimpers Bellatrix. "I thought I lost you."
"Bella," soothes Rodolphus holding his wife close to him. "You can never lose me."
"How sweet," sneers Voldemort glaring at the couple. "What about me? Did you even think about me?" Voldemort takes a menacing stance as silence greets his question. Narrowing his glowing red eyes, Voldemort hisses as he points his wand at them.
Secret Lab
"Ah," groans Harry in pain, slapping his hand over his lightening bolt scare. "He's angry, so angry."
"Harry," whispers Lily looking extremely concerned. "What's going on?"
"Long story," states Ron. "Basically when Voldemort tried to kill Harry when he was a baby, he transferred some of his powers to Harry. When Voldemort is either really happy or extremely upset, Harry feels it throw his scare."
"Oh my poor baby," whispers Lily.
"He's here," gasps Harry his green eyes flaring in surprise. "He at Hogwarts!"
"What?" demands James pulling out his wand. "Where is he?"
Pointing to the floor, Harry signals downwards. With one hand over his scare, Harry hisses, "The same place where the Philosopher's Stone, was."
"Great," groans Ron. "Do we have to go throw the giant chess set again?"
"That really happened?" asks Lily looking to Melody for an answer.
"Oh…ah…yes," reluctantly answers Melody. "That happened in Harry's first year."
"Enough," snaps Neville looking extremely agitated. "Volemort is loose inside Hogwarts! There's plenty of time to discuss Harry's unusual school years later!"
The next several minutes were spent fighting between the couples to see who would be going down to face Voldemort. Harry and Ron slip pass the arguing adults, unknowingly Silly follows behind them.
"Look," snaps Chloe. "We created a potion that will completely obliterate Voldemort. All one needs to do is toss a veil of this stuff on to his being. Then bam! One bad man bites the dust."
"Fine," grumbles Remus flinching the veil out of Chloe's hands. "We will take care of this!"
"But," whines Chloe until she sees that Remus was nearly at the end of his patience. "Fine, but you better come back in one piece or so help me."
As the men were looking to leave the room, Melody looks around for Harry and Ron. Not seeing them, she gasps as she realizes the Silly wasn't in the room also. "SILLY! OH MY GOD!"
Hogwarts
The Chamber
Pounding the pavement in his animagus form, Sirius leaps into the chamber. The sight that greeted him was one of the worst he ever seen. There on the floor was Ron out cold, while Bellatrix and Rodolphus were clearly dead. Peering around the smoke filled room, Sirius could barely make out where Harry and Voldemort were. Maybe Silly didn't follow them. Slowly changing, Sirius crouches low to the ground.
Loud fast footsteps were approaching. Spying the opportune chance, Sirius throws the poisons veil at Voldemort. Loud shrieking laughter greets his action then suddenly changes into painful hissing. Black smoke starts to raise out of his body as little blue flames spread from the spot were the potion hit him.
Pulling out his wand, Sirius levitates Ron out into the hallway. Harry quickly realizes the dangerous situation he placed himself in, and runs out into the hallway.
"Sirius!" shouts Melody as she starts to come into the chamber. "Where's Silly?" Looking over, Melody pales as she watches Voldemort fight the potion.
"I don't see her," shouts Sirius still looking around the room. James and Remus were moving Harry and Ron further away. Crackling air, with high winds alerts everyone that the potion created a small void. "Sirius?" Melody huffs out as he wraps his arms around her forcing her out of the chamber. Landing hard on the ground, Sirius mutters several quick charms that seal Melody and him to the floor. Sucking winds were getting stranger, as the thing that is Voldemort erodes away.
"MY MINE!" shrieks a terrified voice from behind one of the pillars. "MY MINE!"
Looking over, both Melody and Sirius could see the little girl getting sucked into the void. "No! Not Silly," whispers Melody reaching a desperate hand out for her as the winds pick up more momentum. A flash of white intense light explodes in the room. Leaving everything an eerie calm.
Desperately looking around, Melody shrieks, "SILLY?"
Hospital Wing
Second Floor
Carrying in his unconscious wife, Sirius was greatly surprised at the destruction in the room. Finding an open cot, he gently places her down as Madam Pomfrey comes rushing in. Shooing him away, Sirius takes a closer look at the damage done to the hospital wing. Bloody hell, who could have done this?
"Oh my poor dear," mutters Madam Pomfrey loudly enough for Sirius to hear.
"What?" demands Sirius as Remus pulls him from the room. "What's wrong?" shouts Sirius as he struggles to get back into the room. James walks in levitating Ron with Harry trailing behind them.
"Sirius," softly mutters Harry. "I'll find out. Just calm down." Shaking his head, Sirius stops struggling against Remus. Feeling useless, Sirius suggests that he accompanies Remus back up to the lab so that they can tell Chloe what happened.
Secret Lab
Sirius watches as Remus explains everything that happened to Chloe. Even Severus and Neville looked distraught. Looking around the lab, Sirius feels uncomfortable. Two warm gentle hands grip his, looking down, Sirius sees Chloe looking back up at him.
"Melody," says Chloe her voice breaking. "Will be fine. It will take a while but she'll live throw this."
Blinking his tired eyes, Sirius finds himself standing right outside the hospital wing. The door creaks open, Madam Pomfrey looks at him with sorrowful eyes.
"She's fine, Sirius," states Madam Pomfrey. Gesturing for him to come in. "She's sleeping right now," pointing her out to him. Then pointing to another bed, set up directly next to hers. "You need sleep also," stress Madam Pomfrey gently prodding him into bed. "No arguments."
Hospital Wing
Second Floor
Slowly opening her eyes, Melody blinks at the brightness of the room. Licking her dry lips, she instantly feels her head being raised and a glass of cold water to her lips.
"Drink this," soothes Sirius. "Its just water." Taking several gulps, the glass was lowered. "Do you want some more?" Shaking her head, Melody feels the room tilt.
"What happened?" asks Melody. "How did I get here?"
"Well," starts Sirius before he lets out a heavy sigh. "Melody there is no easy way to say this but… but your sister was pulled into the void."
"And," whispers Melody hope still in her eyes.
"She hasn't been seen since," finishes Sirius.
Standing just outside the hospital, Remus and James watch as Sirius comforts his distressed wife. Looking at each other, they silently agree to leave the grieving couple alone.
Until next time…