*Authors Note: Sorry for the delay. My computer was struck by lightening
and it had to be fixed and now well my computer has now decided that it's
not going to access my e-mail anymore because it can't handle that much
memory! Which is just absolutely great since school is out and that's all I
ever do! I need a new computer. But luckily, if I wait twenty minutes, it
accesses FF.net! I was out of my mind with joy when the site came up,
twenty minutes later. Then five minutes after that my computer shut down
and I got to do it all over again! So I apologize for the delay once again.
Did I mention that my computer has been programmed to hate Hazel? Because I swear it has.
M: Yes I did make a mistake most likely. I'm going to fix it and everything else when I get the chance. But right now I'm just hoping that I'm able to get this chapter up. It will be a miracle if that happens. Thanks for pointing that out to me, because chances are I wouldn't have noticed it.
Amelia Bedelia: Yea I know I want them to remember each other too. They are going too, don't worry. I'm pretty sure in the next chapter they end up getting into a fight - I mean.I did not say that. They are going to get together in later years, yes. I haven't decided quite yet which year. There is going to be a few more romantic bits but then something else happens that throws the whole story in a new direction. But I won't say anymore except there is a hint, * cough * first chapter * cough *.
Lizmarauder4eva: Don't worry the next few years will be short, I think. Unless I come up with some other crazy ideas. I have the whole ending planned, believe me, I would cut to the end if I could. One more thing HAS to happen. I can't e-mail you, but I hope you find that I updated!
angel-gurl883: Sorry I took so long. As you can see I'm not the best when it comes to updating soon. I'm glad you liked the chapter though! Thanks for the review.
Lucky-719: 2 months is great considering that this chapter is what, 3 months late. Perhaps two and a half. But of course time slips away and well, what do you know two months have gone by and no chapter. Thanks for the review.
LadySiri: I'm glad you finally read it and liked it! Yeah I kind of took a long extended break when writing this one. But hopefully 15 will be up ASAP. Thanks!
AngleicPnai: There's going to be a little incident hopefully in 15 where all of that happens. I'm hoping I'll be able to write it in. Sorry for the delay, thanks for the review!
Lady of Magic: Yes I'm horrendous at spelling. I haven't had time to edit any of the chapters due to my computer problems. But I think the errors are corrected in the next few chapters. Thanks for pointing that out to me!
Juggling Stars: I thought it would be too predictable if Lily won. But then again I made her fall off her broom, and that was pretty predictable as well. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing again!
Spazzy: Thanks for reviewing all of the chapters. The reviews made me laugh! I appreciate the fact that you gave me feedback for all of them. I was surprised that you liked this story! I always thought that you weren't an L/J person. Guess I was wrong. Thanks again!
Chapter 14: Shadows
The door slammed shut behind the two first years. With it went all the joys and sunlight from the outside world. Suddenly Lily and James found themselves in a dark corridor, alone. They paused waiting for their eyes to adjust to the shadows, a contrasting image of the bright sunny outdoors.
"It's kind of dark in here." James commented.
Lily laughed.
"What?" He asked her.
"Nothing."
She could now see where she was going. Slowly she started forward, wondering why everything seemed so quiet. An involuntary shiver went down her spine. There was uneasiness in the air, a chill that went straight to her bones. She wished she could be outside in the daylight, instead of in the shadowy castle. Something wasn't right. Good thing James was with her.
But he wasn't beside her.
"James?" She called panicking.
Turning, she found that James hadn't moved. She stopped, wondering what he was doing.
"Are you coming?" She asked.
James nodded and jogged over to her. Once he had caught up with her they began walking, hurriedly. Lily could tell that she wasn't the only one who thought something was going on. One look at James, glancing nervously about, was all that was necessary. He felt it too.
"It's cold in here." She remarked softly.
"Yes." James said meeting her gaze.
Studying each other for a moment, they realized they were thinking the same thoughts. Suddenly it was crucial for them to get to the infirmary as quickly as possible. And yet neither of them knew why, but it was almost as if time was running out.
*
Inside a glamorous office sat the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He was an elderly man, probably in his eighties, wearing red robes of the finest quality and a frown. His forehead was creased with deep lines of worry as he tried his best to decipher the meaning of a letter, sitting on his desk, still unopened. It was from Albus Dumbledore, a good friend of his.
Albus had been a wonderful Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts for many years but two years ago the Professor had announced he was taking a few years off. He had claimed that there was something outside the school that needed his immediate attention. Headmaster Grey had been one of the few that had knew the real reason why Albus had left. Albus had believed that a dark power was building on the horizon, similar to that of Grindelwald, whom he had defeated twenty years ago. He had gone to research this theory and to see what he could do to stop it.
The letter contained his report, Grey was sure of it.
It had seemed so far fetched at first. But now, Grey was beginning to believe.
The reason for his sudden change of mind, was an attack that had taken place within the walls of Hogwarts. A Gryffindor Girl's Dormitory had been attacked the previous night, and Gloria Rosier, an innocent First Year had been taken victim. The poor girl was now fighting a losing battle for her life. They had no idea what had happened, other then a few clues from a group of her fellow first years that had tried to rescue her. How could they treat her if they didn't know what creature had attacked her? It was still a mystery.
But one thing the Headmaster had recognized, it had been dark, powerful magic.
There was a loud knock at the door.
He looked up startled wondering who it could be.
"Come in."
The door opened and a shaking, white faced, Professor McGonagall stepped into his office. He immediately jumped to his feet and hurried over to the normally emotionless woman.
"Headmaster, its Gloria Rosier." Her voice was trembling.
"She's worse. We're going to lose her."
The girl was dying?
Professor McGonagall bowed her head. A single tear drifted down her cheek. Without another word, Headmaster Grey swept past her and hurried out of his office. Together, they made haste for the infirmary wondering how much time was left for Gloria. Or had the time already ran out?
*
Lily and James ran through the empty corridors. Racing, their feet pounded through the silent halls. Down one corridor, and around the corner and into the next, they counted on their feet to lead them there. The paintings, classrooms, doors, and suits of armor made no sense to Lily despite the fact that they had visited the infirmary the previous night. They were on their own, with only a vague idea of where they were going.
Lily ran right into a prefect.
"Slow down!" She snapped.
The two first years slowed to a walk, walking just long enough to escape her sight. Once they were out of earshot they began running again. Somehow, Lily and James managed to take all the right hallways, because they found the white door looming up ahead of them.
Panting they leaned up against the wall, catching their breath after the long run from the entrance. James grabbed the doorknob but found it was locked. Frustrated, he went to kick it, but Lily stopped him.
"Let me try." She said reaching for it.
Lily got it open on first try and the two of them stumbled into the infirmary. James couldn't believe this girl. She had a knack for opening doors, especially gateways separating the muggle world from the magical world. Looking up, he came to a shocking discovery.
The Headmaster, Professors, and Madam what's her name were all crowded inside the infirmary. He was surprised to see even a few ministry officials and a few doctors and nurses from St. Mungos. James now saw why the door might have been locked. They were all talking at once, in panicked voices, their faces white with fear. Some were pacing about, while others sat with their heads in their hands. One woman was weeping, somewhere in the room.
"What's going on?" Lily asked going pale.
James shrugged, just as puzzled as his comrade. He suddenly spotted Arthur Weasley with his Head Boy badge. A girl, that must have been the Head Girl, was standing beside him, seemingly distressed.
"Come on let's go find out." He grabbed Lily and they started through the crowded infirmary.
Despite that fact that they were the youngest people there, the two first years went unnoticed. Everyone else was preoccupied, and no one saw the youngsters threading their way silently toward the core of the mess. There were so many people there, and everyone was upset. What in the world was going on?
"This is our last attempt! All medical experienced come quickly with enervate spell ready!" A man shouted.
Suddenly people were jostling past Lily and James, wands out. Doctors and nurses and a few professors hurried through the mass of people pushing toward the center. Confused Lily and James exchanged a quick glance before jumping into one particularly large mans wake. They stayed close behind him, as he parted the crowd. Still no one noticed Lily and James even when they arrived at the front.
Lily's heart froze.
Everyone was moving toward the last hospital bed, where the curtains had been drawn to form a separate cubicle. Lying on the bed, behind the curtain, Lily and James knew, was their friend Gloria.
"Oh god." Lily choked on her words, watching as a tearful young woman was shoved aside.
The curtains were thrown back, but Lily and James could see nothing because they were blocking their view. Moments later, they were once again drawn around the bed and the voices became slightly muffled. Lily felt as if someone had suddenly grabbed her neck and was slowly suffocating her. Before James could stop her, Lily ran toward the cubicle.
"No, Lily!" He tried to stop her but she slipped behind the curtain forcing him to follow her inside.
James found himself standing beside a very white Lily. Beside them stood the crying woman and Narcissa Gloria's older sister. They were all waiting, watching Gloria's bed with wide anticipating eyes. The group of doctors yelled for certain spells to be performed and shrieking that time was running out.
"We're losing her!" A nurse squeaked.
"Perform the Recipta Charm!" A doctor bellowed.
The room went quiet.
"But if it doesn't work" One woman protested.
"Perform the"
"But it's so powerful! The side effects are"
"I don't care, this is our only chance!" The same doctor exclaimed.
Fear seeped into the room. James didn't know much about the Recipta Charm, but he did know that it was very powerful, and very difficult to perform. It was meant as a last resort for those that. James couldn't bring himself to say it. Lily shot him a questioning look. James could only take her hand in his and try his best to comfort her. He wouldn't tell her that he and everyone else in the room had already given up hope.
Silently they gathered around her bed. They raised their wands and nodded to each other. The tall doctor heaved a great sigh and finally gave them the signal.
"Recipta!" The voices chorused as one.
An orange blinding light poured into the room, burst from their combined spells. It hovered above Gloria pulsing and wavering. It flickered like a fire about to go out. A nurse collapsed to the ground her wand rolling away from her as another professor did the same. It was obvious that it was taking an effort out of them. James didn't even realize that he had placed a protective hand on Lily's shoulders.
"She's slipping away!" The nurse squeaked.
Two more people dropped their wands. The light quivered, now fading. It pulsed once, then twice and then suddenly it began to shrink. Slowly at first and then more rapidly. It was gone in the blink of an eye. The room was filled with a deadly silence. A nurse went over to Gloria, her head bowed. There was a loud shriek and the woman beside James began to sob uncontrollably.
"NO!" Lily screamed.
Calling upon the courage of a Gryffindor, Lily raced forward, her eyes flashing with defiance. Gloria couldn't die! She was only eleven, it wasn't her fault that her life had been cut short by a monster. It wasn't fair! There had to be something they could do, they couldn't give up!
Lily lifted her arm with her wand clutched tightly in her fist and pointed it at Gloria. James' eyes grew to the size of saucers as he realized what Lily was about to do. He didn't get to her in time, for Lily opened her mouth at the very moment his hand finally touched his shoulder.
"Recipta!" She bellowed.
There was a flash, and in a moment a blinding orange light filled the small room. No one could see anything, and it hurt to look. Power radiated from the spot where Lily stood and James could almost see her clinging to the wand for dear life, her knuckles turning white, and her emerald green eyes filled with determination. She was hanging on, trying to wield the power that she had no idea how to control. Here she was only an eleven-year old muggle born, trying to pull off a spell that not many adults could do.
Rather then go out, the light continued to grow. It covered Gloria like a blanket, so that she too was hidden from view. No one understood what was going on. It was physically impossible. Lily Evans had no training in the workings of the spell or any other spells for that matter. How could this be happening?
"Stop her!" The tall doctor bellowed standing up and starting toward her.
The light expanded, forming a wall that stopped him. He dropped to his knees and covered his eyes. A few others tried to reach Lily, but they too failed as well. Why did they want to stop her? James felt his heart drop when he heard the answer.
"If she keeps this up any longer, she'll pour her very soul into the spell! The Recipta charm is practically a connection to death."
"An eleven-year old girl who doesn't know how to use the spell in the first place, is surely already a goner."
"It's such a shame, the poor girl was only trying to help."
"I can't watch this any longer!"
James swallowed a lump in his throat. Lily was going to die? He could be brave as well, he decided. James was going to at least try to help his friend.
Slowly he took a cautious step toward the orange light. He took another and another, hoping that the wall wouldn't suddenly flare up at him. Soon he was only inches away from the ball of light where Lily and Gloria were hidden. Cautiously he reached out a hand and touched the wall that seemed so solid. It quivered and gave way; his hand went right through. James could hear the gasps behind him as he carefully stepped through the wall of orange flames. Once inside he immediately looked for any sign of Lily.
"Lily!"
She was pale and shaking. Sweat poured from her forehead and her body had gone white as a ghost. Her emerald eyes that had been filled with determination were now glassy and also fearful. Her tiny body was trembling violently and her hand was glued to the wand.
James knew she had to let go. It was over for Gloria, but time would be up for Lily if she didn't end the spell immediately. It might already be too late. He grabbed her wand hand and began to wrench the wand from her grasp. Lily's eyes never moved and her body seemed to stiffen.
"Let go Lily." He whispered touching her shoulder gently.
His soft voice reached her ears. Lily responded by snapping out of her trance. The green eyes met his. Her whole body relaxed, the wand falling right out of her hand. The orange web of light began to fade and break apart.
But as the spell ended, so did Lily as well. Her body went limp and her eyes closed. Suddenly she was falling backwards, hurtling toward the ground and welcoming darkness. James reached out and caught her, just before her small body hit the ground.
The light cleared and everyone was shocked to find the young boy kneeling on the ground, holding the courageous little girl in his arms.
"Is she alright?" Someone asked breaking the silence.
The boy didn't reply but struggled to his feet with Lily safely in his arms. Arthur Weasley and the Hogwarts nurse hurried over to him. They took Lily from his arms, and carried her over to another hospital bed, next to Gloria's. Then Arthur steered James over to a chair, forcing him to sit down.
"Is she going to be okay?" James asked him.
"I think so." Arthur gave him a reassuring smile.
"But Gloria."
Arthur said nothing. James followed his gaze to the bed where Gloria lay. Someone was covering the girl with a sheet, while another nurse began speaking to Narcissa and the weepy woman in a low voice.
"We were too late, weren't we?" He said, barely swallowing the lump in his throat.
"James, you did all you could." But James wasn't listening to Arthur.
Ignoring the Head Boy, James got up off the chair and walked toward Gloria's bedside. Even though he had only known her a few short hours, she had befriended him, and he would miss her. He stared down at the white sheet, wondering what Lily would do when she found out. All her efforts had been useless. And then his thoughts turned to the monster that had taken her life too early. It wasn't fair. Gloria had been innocent.
"Good bye Gloria, I'll miss you." He whispered.
James couldn't look away, he thought he saw something twitch. But his eyes were playing tricks on him. He wished with all his heart that she was still there, smiling shyly and with her laughing gray eyes. Something moved again, he thought he heard her breathing. James was imagining things, why wouldn't his mind leave him alone! She was dead; there was nothing they could do to bring her back.
Turning his back on her, James vision suddenly became blurred. She was gone, forever. Then why was he hearing things?
"James?" The voice was so soft, so familiar.
"I'm hearing things." He muttered.
"James." It was louder this time. He couldn't deny it. James wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he turned around anyway.
Gloria was lying in the bed, the sheet thrown back from her head. Her gray eyes were filled with confusion, but she smiled when she saw him. James' jaw nearly dropped when she lifted her head and pulled her hands from beneath the sheets.
"Gloria?" He whispered.
"Hi." She said weakly.
James surprised her, drawing her into a friendly embrace. Then he quickly let go and stepped back, staring at her as if she had three heads.
"You're alive?" He still didn't trust his eyes.
"No, James I'm dead." She said sarcastically.
"But you are dead." James said firmly.
"Does it look like I'm dead?" Gloria moved to the edge of her bed, and started to stand up.
"Get back in bed, you're supposed to be dead." He hissed.
Gloria laughed and got back into bed. She didn't have very much energy any way.
"I'm alive James." She said smiling brightly.
"How?"
Gloria merely shrugged but suddenly she turned around and caught sight of someone else.
"Narcissa, Mother!" She cried, her face lighting up.
Narcissa turned around, her eyes growing to the size of saucers and then suddenly charged over to her sister. She pulled her younger sister into a hug, laughing. The woman that had been crying earlier, stood at a distance, her face a perfect mirror of confusion. James saw now, how much she looked like her two daughters. Her eyes were the same grayish blue as Narcissa's and her hair was light brown but with streaks of shimmering blond. Narcissa kissed Gloria on the forehead then stepped aside, beckoning for her mother to come closer.
"Mother, it's okay, she's alive." Narcissa said taking her by the arm and drawing her closer.
Their mother was hesitant, but she allowed herself to be dragged closer.
"Angel?" She asked cautiously reached a slender hand toward Gloria's blond hair.
"Mother." Gloria replied opening her arms.
The woman's blue gray eyes filled with tears. She rushed forward drawing her daughter into her arms. The mother held her daughter close to her heart, showering her with kisses and stroking her blonde hair. Her watery eyes were filled with joy as she smiled through her tears.
"I thought I had lost you." She gasped.
"I'm still here." Gloria whispered.
Her mother laughed and ruffled Gloria's hair. Then she reached over and drew her other daughter into their arms. The three held onto each other, laughing and crying. It was a rare moment of joy. Only minutes before Gloria had been dead, and now here she was alive and breathing in the arms of her mother and sister, resurrected from the grave. James grinned and slipped away, leaving the laughter behind.
For a long time James stood in the doorway watching Lily sleep. Then he came in quietly and took the empty seat by her bedside.
"Thank you Lily."
And he reached out and took Lily's hand.
*
Sometime during his vigil, James must have drifted off to sleep. Now as his eyes fluttered open, he was shocked to find the infirmary in darkness. Hours must have passed. How long had he been asleep? He sat up slowly and was shocked to hear someone speaking.
"I'm sorry I've been so late in coming here, I took the first train I could get. How are you doing?" A masculine voice spoke.
"Better I guess. But I need answers. And I knew that no one would know better then you." It was a feminine voice that spoke this time.
"Let's sit down and you can start from the beginning."
James looked around but saw no one. They were further down the hall behind one of the curtains. He couldn't see them in the darkness.
"How was she attacked? Do you have any idea?" The woman asked.
"As the Headmaster said it was a freak accident."
"I'm not a student. What really happened?" She snapped.
There was a slight pause.
"We believe that it was the dark magic of someone very powerful."
The woman drew in a sharp breath before continuing.
"It was intentional."
"I believe so, Oliver Grey thinks differently though."
"I don't care what Grey thinks, tell me more about what you think."
"You want the truth?"
"Do you think I would have asked you here if I wanted differently?"
"True, I'll tell you what I think then, but you're not going to like it."
"Just tell me!"
"Narcissa and Evan are in Slytherin, just like everyone else in your family for the past generations, including yourself, I believe? The Rosiers have been a powerful force, one of the best known Slytherin families and one of the wealthiest. Then suddenly little Gloria ends up in Gryffindor, the first in a long line of Slytherins. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Just because Gloria's in Gryffindor, it doesn't mean a Slytherin would go out and try to murder her."
"I'm not saying that, just listen to me for a second."
The woman was silent and the man continued speaking.
"I think that you're hiding something Mrs. Rosier. I'm not accusing you of hurting her, but I am accusing you of keeping valuable information. There is a connection between something you know and are not telling me and Gloria's sudden near death experience."
"What do you mean by secrets and valuable information? I am hiding nothing!" Her voice was rising steadily.
"Is there something you wish to tell me about your husband?"
The woman was silent.
"Your daughter's life is in jeopardy."
The woman hesitated then finally spoke.
"I love him Albus."
"I know, but you have a daughter to think about. That attack was intentional, and I can almost guarantee you that if there was one, there will be another one."
"Another?"
"Usually they strike again. Nothing stops them once they decide on a victim."
"My husband is not responsible. He loves Gloria. He's a good father and a good husband. I trust him, I'm not going to accuse him of this until you can give me proof."
"I'm not saying it's his fault. But I need something from you Mrs. Rosier, something that could prevent a lot more innocent people from dying. Gloria was lucky, but who can say that she will be lucky a second time."
"My husband is innocent!"
"I know! I just want you to tell me everything you know about a certain friend of his."
"What friend?"
"You know exactly what friend I'm talking about Rebecca."
"Who are you talking about?"
"Tom Riddle."
It was silent for a long time.
"Come with me." Mrs. Rosier trembling voice spoke at last.
James watched from a distance as Gloria's mother and the man called Albus got up and started toward the door. Mrs. Rosier went first and Albus followed. But James could have sworn that the man stopped just before leaving, and turned around, looking directly at him. His piercing blue eyes preyed upon the place where James was hiding, pretending to sleep. It was only for a second, because next thing he knew, Albus was gone, closing the door behind him.
James breathed a sigh of relief, so did someone else. Turning over, James saw Lily awake and staring up at the ceiling with glittering green eyes. She rolled over onto her side and faced him, propping her head up.
"Who's Tom Riddle?" An innocent curiousity shone in her emerald eyes.
"I don't know." James said truthfully. The name sounded familiar though. But where had he heard it before?
"But you're finally awake!" He said brightening. Lily rolled her eyes at this.
"You're avoiding the topic!" She accused.
"I am not, I honestly don't know anything about Tom Riddle!"
"Then why did your face go all pale when you heard his name? You recognized it, didn't you?"
James wondered if Lily could read minds. But he honestly didn't know anything about Tom Riddle.
"I don't know him Lily."
"Yes you do."
"It's four in the morning, I'm not in the mood to argue." The boy yawned and pulled the blanket that had been left for him, up to his chin. Closing his eyes, he leaned back.
"Fine." Lily grumbled laying her head down on the pillow.
"'Night." James mumbled sleepily. Lily returned the greeting but James was already sleeping.
*Halloween is next..Fights, letters, friendship and what else, CANDY!!! (Sorry Hazel is obsessed with sugar) Until next time..HazelMist
Author's Note: This was written several weeks before OotP came out. The book is awesome, go read it if you haven't because it is probably the best out of all of them. I can't wait for the 6th one. But I won't say anymore because I'm not sure who read it and who didn't.
Did I mention that my computer has been programmed to hate Hazel? Because I swear it has.
M: Yes I did make a mistake most likely. I'm going to fix it and everything else when I get the chance. But right now I'm just hoping that I'm able to get this chapter up. It will be a miracle if that happens. Thanks for pointing that out to me, because chances are I wouldn't have noticed it.
Amelia Bedelia: Yea I know I want them to remember each other too. They are going too, don't worry. I'm pretty sure in the next chapter they end up getting into a fight - I mean.I did not say that. They are going to get together in later years, yes. I haven't decided quite yet which year. There is going to be a few more romantic bits but then something else happens that throws the whole story in a new direction. But I won't say anymore except there is a hint, * cough * first chapter * cough *.
Lizmarauder4eva: Don't worry the next few years will be short, I think. Unless I come up with some other crazy ideas. I have the whole ending planned, believe me, I would cut to the end if I could. One more thing HAS to happen. I can't e-mail you, but I hope you find that I updated!
angel-gurl883: Sorry I took so long. As you can see I'm not the best when it comes to updating soon. I'm glad you liked the chapter though! Thanks for the review.
Lucky-719: 2 months is great considering that this chapter is what, 3 months late. Perhaps two and a half. But of course time slips away and well, what do you know two months have gone by and no chapter. Thanks for the review.
LadySiri: I'm glad you finally read it and liked it! Yeah I kind of took a long extended break when writing this one. But hopefully 15 will be up ASAP. Thanks!
AngleicPnai: There's going to be a little incident hopefully in 15 where all of that happens. I'm hoping I'll be able to write it in. Sorry for the delay, thanks for the review!
Lady of Magic: Yes I'm horrendous at spelling. I haven't had time to edit any of the chapters due to my computer problems. But I think the errors are corrected in the next few chapters. Thanks for pointing that out to me!
Juggling Stars: I thought it would be too predictable if Lily won. But then again I made her fall off her broom, and that was pretty predictable as well. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing again!
Spazzy: Thanks for reviewing all of the chapters. The reviews made me laugh! I appreciate the fact that you gave me feedback for all of them. I was surprised that you liked this story! I always thought that you weren't an L/J person. Guess I was wrong. Thanks again!
Chapter 14: Shadows
The door slammed shut behind the two first years. With it went all the joys and sunlight from the outside world. Suddenly Lily and James found themselves in a dark corridor, alone. They paused waiting for their eyes to adjust to the shadows, a contrasting image of the bright sunny outdoors.
"It's kind of dark in here." James commented.
Lily laughed.
"What?" He asked her.
"Nothing."
She could now see where she was going. Slowly she started forward, wondering why everything seemed so quiet. An involuntary shiver went down her spine. There was uneasiness in the air, a chill that went straight to her bones. She wished she could be outside in the daylight, instead of in the shadowy castle. Something wasn't right. Good thing James was with her.
But he wasn't beside her.
"James?" She called panicking.
Turning, she found that James hadn't moved. She stopped, wondering what he was doing.
"Are you coming?" She asked.
James nodded and jogged over to her. Once he had caught up with her they began walking, hurriedly. Lily could tell that she wasn't the only one who thought something was going on. One look at James, glancing nervously about, was all that was necessary. He felt it too.
"It's cold in here." She remarked softly.
"Yes." James said meeting her gaze.
Studying each other for a moment, they realized they were thinking the same thoughts. Suddenly it was crucial for them to get to the infirmary as quickly as possible. And yet neither of them knew why, but it was almost as if time was running out.
*
Inside a glamorous office sat the Headmaster of Hogwarts. He was an elderly man, probably in his eighties, wearing red robes of the finest quality and a frown. His forehead was creased with deep lines of worry as he tried his best to decipher the meaning of a letter, sitting on his desk, still unopened. It was from Albus Dumbledore, a good friend of his.
Albus had been a wonderful Transfiguration Professor at Hogwarts for many years but two years ago the Professor had announced he was taking a few years off. He had claimed that there was something outside the school that needed his immediate attention. Headmaster Grey had been one of the few that had knew the real reason why Albus had left. Albus had believed that a dark power was building on the horizon, similar to that of Grindelwald, whom he had defeated twenty years ago. He had gone to research this theory and to see what he could do to stop it.
The letter contained his report, Grey was sure of it.
It had seemed so far fetched at first. But now, Grey was beginning to believe.
The reason for his sudden change of mind, was an attack that had taken place within the walls of Hogwarts. A Gryffindor Girl's Dormitory had been attacked the previous night, and Gloria Rosier, an innocent First Year had been taken victim. The poor girl was now fighting a losing battle for her life. They had no idea what had happened, other then a few clues from a group of her fellow first years that had tried to rescue her. How could they treat her if they didn't know what creature had attacked her? It was still a mystery.
But one thing the Headmaster had recognized, it had been dark, powerful magic.
There was a loud knock at the door.
He looked up startled wondering who it could be.
"Come in."
The door opened and a shaking, white faced, Professor McGonagall stepped into his office. He immediately jumped to his feet and hurried over to the normally emotionless woman.
"Headmaster, its Gloria Rosier." Her voice was trembling.
"She's worse. We're going to lose her."
The girl was dying?
Professor McGonagall bowed her head. A single tear drifted down her cheek. Without another word, Headmaster Grey swept past her and hurried out of his office. Together, they made haste for the infirmary wondering how much time was left for Gloria. Or had the time already ran out?
*
Lily and James ran through the empty corridors. Racing, their feet pounded through the silent halls. Down one corridor, and around the corner and into the next, they counted on their feet to lead them there. The paintings, classrooms, doors, and suits of armor made no sense to Lily despite the fact that they had visited the infirmary the previous night. They were on their own, with only a vague idea of where they were going.
Lily ran right into a prefect.
"Slow down!" She snapped.
The two first years slowed to a walk, walking just long enough to escape her sight. Once they were out of earshot they began running again. Somehow, Lily and James managed to take all the right hallways, because they found the white door looming up ahead of them.
Panting they leaned up against the wall, catching their breath after the long run from the entrance. James grabbed the doorknob but found it was locked. Frustrated, he went to kick it, but Lily stopped him.
"Let me try." She said reaching for it.
Lily got it open on first try and the two of them stumbled into the infirmary. James couldn't believe this girl. She had a knack for opening doors, especially gateways separating the muggle world from the magical world. Looking up, he came to a shocking discovery.
The Headmaster, Professors, and Madam what's her name were all crowded inside the infirmary. He was surprised to see even a few ministry officials and a few doctors and nurses from St. Mungos. James now saw why the door might have been locked. They were all talking at once, in panicked voices, their faces white with fear. Some were pacing about, while others sat with their heads in their hands. One woman was weeping, somewhere in the room.
"What's going on?" Lily asked going pale.
James shrugged, just as puzzled as his comrade. He suddenly spotted Arthur Weasley with his Head Boy badge. A girl, that must have been the Head Girl, was standing beside him, seemingly distressed.
"Come on let's go find out." He grabbed Lily and they started through the crowded infirmary.
Despite that fact that they were the youngest people there, the two first years went unnoticed. Everyone else was preoccupied, and no one saw the youngsters threading their way silently toward the core of the mess. There were so many people there, and everyone was upset. What in the world was going on?
"This is our last attempt! All medical experienced come quickly with enervate spell ready!" A man shouted.
Suddenly people were jostling past Lily and James, wands out. Doctors and nurses and a few professors hurried through the mass of people pushing toward the center. Confused Lily and James exchanged a quick glance before jumping into one particularly large mans wake. They stayed close behind him, as he parted the crowd. Still no one noticed Lily and James even when they arrived at the front.
Lily's heart froze.
Everyone was moving toward the last hospital bed, where the curtains had been drawn to form a separate cubicle. Lying on the bed, behind the curtain, Lily and James knew, was their friend Gloria.
"Oh god." Lily choked on her words, watching as a tearful young woman was shoved aside.
The curtains were thrown back, but Lily and James could see nothing because they were blocking their view. Moments later, they were once again drawn around the bed and the voices became slightly muffled. Lily felt as if someone had suddenly grabbed her neck and was slowly suffocating her. Before James could stop her, Lily ran toward the cubicle.
"No, Lily!" He tried to stop her but she slipped behind the curtain forcing him to follow her inside.
James found himself standing beside a very white Lily. Beside them stood the crying woman and Narcissa Gloria's older sister. They were all waiting, watching Gloria's bed with wide anticipating eyes. The group of doctors yelled for certain spells to be performed and shrieking that time was running out.
"We're losing her!" A nurse squeaked.
"Perform the Recipta Charm!" A doctor bellowed.
The room went quiet.
"But if it doesn't work" One woman protested.
"Perform the"
"But it's so powerful! The side effects are"
"I don't care, this is our only chance!" The same doctor exclaimed.
Fear seeped into the room. James didn't know much about the Recipta Charm, but he did know that it was very powerful, and very difficult to perform. It was meant as a last resort for those that. James couldn't bring himself to say it. Lily shot him a questioning look. James could only take her hand in his and try his best to comfort her. He wouldn't tell her that he and everyone else in the room had already given up hope.
Silently they gathered around her bed. They raised their wands and nodded to each other. The tall doctor heaved a great sigh and finally gave them the signal.
"Recipta!" The voices chorused as one.
An orange blinding light poured into the room, burst from their combined spells. It hovered above Gloria pulsing and wavering. It flickered like a fire about to go out. A nurse collapsed to the ground her wand rolling away from her as another professor did the same. It was obvious that it was taking an effort out of them. James didn't even realize that he had placed a protective hand on Lily's shoulders.
"She's slipping away!" The nurse squeaked.
Two more people dropped their wands. The light quivered, now fading. It pulsed once, then twice and then suddenly it began to shrink. Slowly at first and then more rapidly. It was gone in the blink of an eye. The room was filled with a deadly silence. A nurse went over to Gloria, her head bowed. There was a loud shriek and the woman beside James began to sob uncontrollably.
"NO!" Lily screamed.
Calling upon the courage of a Gryffindor, Lily raced forward, her eyes flashing with defiance. Gloria couldn't die! She was only eleven, it wasn't her fault that her life had been cut short by a monster. It wasn't fair! There had to be something they could do, they couldn't give up!
Lily lifted her arm with her wand clutched tightly in her fist and pointed it at Gloria. James' eyes grew to the size of saucers as he realized what Lily was about to do. He didn't get to her in time, for Lily opened her mouth at the very moment his hand finally touched his shoulder.
"Recipta!" She bellowed.
There was a flash, and in a moment a blinding orange light filled the small room. No one could see anything, and it hurt to look. Power radiated from the spot where Lily stood and James could almost see her clinging to the wand for dear life, her knuckles turning white, and her emerald green eyes filled with determination. She was hanging on, trying to wield the power that she had no idea how to control. Here she was only an eleven-year old muggle born, trying to pull off a spell that not many adults could do.
Rather then go out, the light continued to grow. It covered Gloria like a blanket, so that she too was hidden from view. No one understood what was going on. It was physically impossible. Lily Evans had no training in the workings of the spell or any other spells for that matter. How could this be happening?
"Stop her!" The tall doctor bellowed standing up and starting toward her.
The light expanded, forming a wall that stopped him. He dropped to his knees and covered his eyes. A few others tried to reach Lily, but they too failed as well. Why did they want to stop her? James felt his heart drop when he heard the answer.
"If she keeps this up any longer, she'll pour her very soul into the spell! The Recipta charm is practically a connection to death."
"An eleven-year old girl who doesn't know how to use the spell in the first place, is surely already a goner."
"It's such a shame, the poor girl was only trying to help."
"I can't watch this any longer!"
James swallowed a lump in his throat. Lily was going to die? He could be brave as well, he decided. James was going to at least try to help his friend.
Slowly he took a cautious step toward the orange light. He took another and another, hoping that the wall wouldn't suddenly flare up at him. Soon he was only inches away from the ball of light where Lily and Gloria were hidden. Cautiously he reached out a hand and touched the wall that seemed so solid. It quivered and gave way; his hand went right through. James could hear the gasps behind him as he carefully stepped through the wall of orange flames. Once inside he immediately looked for any sign of Lily.
"Lily!"
She was pale and shaking. Sweat poured from her forehead and her body had gone white as a ghost. Her emerald eyes that had been filled with determination were now glassy and also fearful. Her tiny body was trembling violently and her hand was glued to the wand.
James knew she had to let go. It was over for Gloria, but time would be up for Lily if she didn't end the spell immediately. It might already be too late. He grabbed her wand hand and began to wrench the wand from her grasp. Lily's eyes never moved and her body seemed to stiffen.
"Let go Lily." He whispered touching her shoulder gently.
His soft voice reached her ears. Lily responded by snapping out of her trance. The green eyes met his. Her whole body relaxed, the wand falling right out of her hand. The orange web of light began to fade and break apart.
But as the spell ended, so did Lily as well. Her body went limp and her eyes closed. Suddenly she was falling backwards, hurtling toward the ground and welcoming darkness. James reached out and caught her, just before her small body hit the ground.
The light cleared and everyone was shocked to find the young boy kneeling on the ground, holding the courageous little girl in his arms.
"Is she alright?" Someone asked breaking the silence.
The boy didn't reply but struggled to his feet with Lily safely in his arms. Arthur Weasley and the Hogwarts nurse hurried over to him. They took Lily from his arms, and carried her over to another hospital bed, next to Gloria's. Then Arthur steered James over to a chair, forcing him to sit down.
"Is she going to be okay?" James asked him.
"I think so." Arthur gave him a reassuring smile.
"But Gloria."
Arthur said nothing. James followed his gaze to the bed where Gloria lay. Someone was covering the girl with a sheet, while another nurse began speaking to Narcissa and the weepy woman in a low voice.
"We were too late, weren't we?" He said, barely swallowing the lump in his throat.
"James, you did all you could." But James wasn't listening to Arthur.
Ignoring the Head Boy, James got up off the chair and walked toward Gloria's bedside. Even though he had only known her a few short hours, she had befriended him, and he would miss her. He stared down at the white sheet, wondering what Lily would do when she found out. All her efforts had been useless. And then his thoughts turned to the monster that had taken her life too early. It wasn't fair. Gloria had been innocent.
"Good bye Gloria, I'll miss you." He whispered.
James couldn't look away, he thought he saw something twitch. But his eyes were playing tricks on him. He wished with all his heart that she was still there, smiling shyly and with her laughing gray eyes. Something moved again, he thought he heard her breathing. James was imagining things, why wouldn't his mind leave him alone! She was dead; there was nothing they could do to bring her back.
Turning his back on her, James vision suddenly became blurred. She was gone, forever. Then why was he hearing things?
"James?" The voice was so soft, so familiar.
"I'm hearing things." He muttered.
"James." It was louder this time. He couldn't deny it. James wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but he turned around anyway.
Gloria was lying in the bed, the sheet thrown back from her head. Her gray eyes were filled with confusion, but she smiled when she saw him. James' jaw nearly dropped when she lifted her head and pulled her hands from beneath the sheets.
"Gloria?" He whispered.
"Hi." She said weakly.
James surprised her, drawing her into a friendly embrace. Then he quickly let go and stepped back, staring at her as if she had three heads.
"You're alive?" He still didn't trust his eyes.
"No, James I'm dead." She said sarcastically.
"But you are dead." James said firmly.
"Does it look like I'm dead?" Gloria moved to the edge of her bed, and started to stand up.
"Get back in bed, you're supposed to be dead." He hissed.
Gloria laughed and got back into bed. She didn't have very much energy any way.
"I'm alive James." She said smiling brightly.
"How?"
Gloria merely shrugged but suddenly she turned around and caught sight of someone else.
"Narcissa, Mother!" She cried, her face lighting up.
Narcissa turned around, her eyes growing to the size of saucers and then suddenly charged over to her sister. She pulled her younger sister into a hug, laughing. The woman that had been crying earlier, stood at a distance, her face a perfect mirror of confusion. James saw now, how much she looked like her two daughters. Her eyes were the same grayish blue as Narcissa's and her hair was light brown but with streaks of shimmering blond. Narcissa kissed Gloria on the forehead then stepped aside, beckoning for her mother to come closer.
"Mother, it's okay, she's alive." Narcissa said taking her by the arm and drawing her closer.
Their mother was hesitant, but she allowed herself to be dragged closer.
"Angel?" She asked cautiously reached a slender hand toward Gloria's blond hair.
"Mother." Gloria replied opening her arms.
The woman's blue gray eyes filled with tears. She rushed forward drawing her daughter into her arms. The mother held her daughter close to her heart, showering her with kisses and stroking her blonde hair. Her watery eyes were filled with joy as she smiled through her tears.
"I thought I had lost you." She gasped.
"I'm still here." Gloria whispered.
Her mother laughed and ruffled Gloria's hair. Then she reached over and drew her other daughter into their arms. The three held onto each other, laughing and crying. It was a rare moment of joy. Only minutes before Gloria had been dead, and now here she was alive and breathing in the arms of her mother and sister, resurrected from the grave. James grinned and slipped away, leaving the laughter behind.
For a long time James stood in the doorway watching Lily sleep. Then he came in quietly and took the empty seat by her bedside.
"Thank you Lily."
And he reached out and took Lily's hand.
*
Sometime during his vigil, James must have drifted off to sleep. Now as his eyes fluttered open, he was shocked to find the infirmary in darkness. Hours must have passed. How long had he been asleep? He sat up slowly and was shocked to hear someone speaking.
"I'm sorry I've been so late in coming here, I took the first train I could get. How are you doing?" A masculine voice spoke.
"Better I guess. But I need answers. And I knew that no one would know better then you." It was a feminine voice that spoke this time.
"Let's sit down and you can start from the beginning."
James looked around but saw no one. They were further down the hall behind one of the curtains. He couldn't see them in the darkness.
"How was she attacked? Do you have any idea?" The woman asked.
"As the Headmaster said it was a freak accident."
"I'm not a student. What really happened?" She snapped.
There was a slight pause.
"We believe that it was the dark magic of someone very powerful."
The woman drew in a sharp breath before continuing.
"It was intentional."
"I believe so, Oliver Grey thinks differently though."
"I don't care what Grey thinks, tell me more about what you think."
"You want the truth?"
"Do you think I would have asked you here if I wanted differently?"
"True, I'll tell you what I think then, but you're not going to like it."
"Just tell me!"
"Narcissa and Evan are in Slytherin, just like everyone else in your family for the past generations, including yourself, I believe? The Rosiers have been a powerful force, one of the best known Slytherin families and one of the wealthiest. Then suddenly little Gloria ends up in Gryffindor, the first in a long line of Slytherins. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Just because Gloria's in Gryffindor, it doesn't mean a Slytherin would go out and try to murder her."
"I'm not saying that, just listen to me for a second."
The woman was silent and the man continued speaking.
"I think that you're hiding something Mrs. Rosier. I'm not accusing you of hurting her, but I am accusing you of keeping valuable information. There is a connection between something you know and are not telling me and Gloria's sudden near death experience."
"What do you mean by secrets and valuable information? I am hiding nothing!" Her voice was rising steadily.
"Is there something you wish to tell me about your husband?"
The woman was silent.
"Your daughter's life is in jeopardy."
The woman hesitated then finally spoke.
"I love him Albus."
"I know, but you have a daughter to think about. That attack was intentional, and I can almost guarantee you that if there was one, there will be another one."
"Another?"
"Usually they strike again. Nothing stops them once they decide on a victim."
"My husband is not responsible. He loves Gloria. He's a good father and a good husband. I trust him, I'm not going to accuse him of this until you can give me proof."
"I'm not saying it's his fault. But I need something from you Mrs. Rosier, something that could prevent a lot more innocent people from dying. Gloria was lucky, but who can say that she will be lucky a second time."
"My husband is innocent!"
"I know! I just want you to tell me everything you know about a certain friend of his."
"What friend?"
"You know exactly what friend I'm talking about Rebecca."
"Who are you talking about?"
"Tom Riddle."
It was silent for a long time.
"Come with me." Mrs. Rosier trembling voice spoke at last.
James watched from a distance as Gloria's mother and the man called Albus got up and started toward the door. Mrs. Rosier went first and Albus followed. But James could have sworn that the man stopped just before leaving, and turned around, looking directly at him. His piercing blue eyes preyed upon the place where James was hiding, pretending to sleep. It was only for a second, because next thing he knew, Albus was gone, closing the door behind him.
James breathed a sigh of relief, so did someone else. Turning over, James saw Lily awake and staring up at the ceiling with glittering green eyes. She rolled over onto her side and faced him, propping her head up.
"Who's Tom Riddle?" An innocent curiousity shone in her emerald eyes.
"I don't know." James said truthfully. The name sounded familiar though. But where had he heard it before?
"But you're finally awake!" He said brightening. Lily rolled her eyes at this.
"You're avoiding the topic!" She accused.
"I am not, I honestly don't know anything about Tom Riddle!"
"Then why did your face go all pale when you heard his name? You recognized it, didn't you?"
James wondered if Lily could read minds. But he honestly didn't know anything about Tom Riddle.
"I don't know him Lily."
"Yes you do."
"It's four in the morning, I'm not in the mood to argue." The boy yawned and pulled the blanket that had been left for him, up to his chin. Closing his eyes, he leaned back.
"Fine." Lily grumbled laying her head down on the pillow.
"'Night." James mumbled sleepily. Lily returned the greeting but James was already sleeping.
*Halloween is next..Fights, letters, friendship and what else, CANDY!!! (Sorry Hazel is obsessed with sugar) Until next time..HazelMist
Author's Note: This was written several weeks before OotP came out. The book is awesome, go read it if you haven't because it is probably the best out of all of them. I can't wait for the 6th one. But I won't say anymore because I'm not sure who read it and who didn't.