3. GETTING PREPARED
'Remember Kingsley, June' asked Arthur Weasley as they were approaching the Department of Mysteries. 'Kings is now the head of Aurors department and he got a permission to get there.'
'And I still don't know why do we need to get there.' Said the handsome black guy, opening the door. 'What Dumbledore thinks there is?'
'Dumbledore suspects that Sirius is not dead but only unwilling to get back.' Answered Weasley when Shacklebolt closed the door behind.
'Unwilling? Why? And can you bring him back?' he asked June who seemed small and unable to do anything.
'Of course I can' she said though she knew she could only try. 'But why nobody asks me if I'm willing to do it!'
'Now...'Arthur wanted to avoid a quarrel, especially because they were to make researches. They were approaching the veil. It looked different than other portals June had investigated. But a quick look around ensured her that it was only formal difference.
'C'mon, Arthur,' June laughed. 'I'm just curious why Dumbledore asked the two worst enemies of Black to save him.'
'You and whom' asked Kings 'Snape?'
'Right' Arthur answered. 'He trusts you both and you seem the best.'
'But still' spoke Sullivan while opening her case 'our hands can shake in the most important moment. Hey' she smiled when saw terror in their eyes. 'just kidding. I'm professional, no shaking hands at work. Let's work then!'
She took off a silver box with platinum parts. Then she took a glass, black orb and it hang in the air. Men were watching her. None of them had ever searched portals. In fact, as every other person in the world, they assumed it was impossible.
'Have you brought...' she wanted to ask Kingsley, but he passed her the thing she wanted before she could finish. He was staring at her with mouth opened. So did Weasley. That was magic to them. She glanced at them, unable to believe they treat it all like a miracle, but decided to explain the way it worked to them. She was changing parts, her moves sure and quick, and talking as if she was a teacher in primary school for wizard kids.
'The pool detector, the machine here' she pointed the big box 'registers the different pools, streams behind "the veil". The orbs, I've just changed the purpose of the orb you gave me, Kingsley, and it will be used, as the one I had, like a camera to recorder what's going on behind.'
'You're gonna throw it through the veil???'
'I'd like you to use the portal name for it. Veil is just the form, it can be whatever, door, wardrobe, strange trees. I don't know how many of them are in the world. And we can get there and back'
'What?'
'Excuse me, how you wanted to have him back? By magic? OK, I admit, I've never ever taken a human, but I never had to! We have to finish all those superstitions about portals; it's completely impossible that we....'she was muttering to herself so the men didn't understand. After a longer while she looked around, spotted their lost outlooks and continued the lecture with a smile.
'Although I've learnt a lot about the way the portals exist, I still can't make out the rules. Some portals always take you, or a thing, to the same place; some other change the surroundings of where you are; some may contact with others. Strange things. The one in here' she pointed the delicate veil with her hand without looking at it, 'may probably be in contact with the other world. But I don't think it's its only purpose. It's too big, look at the arch, I presume there's a number of corridors inside. Yes, this is what we call the way that leads things to other places. We can try out, how many.'
June stood up with both orbs in her hands. She let them go and they hung in the air. Then she moved her wand hand and the dark orbs disappeared behind the veil. Shacklebolt watched that with terror but Weasley asked June.
'Now what?'
'We're gonna wait. It won't take long, I hope. Here' she passed them the silver box so they could see something like a mirror. The colours blurred and, instead of their faces, on the screen appeared dark hole, like a corridor. There was no light, but the detector June had was recording things like temperature, air, ghosts activity, fungi and so on. The first part was very aggressive towards human bodies. It seemed possible, that it was unable to survive there. June of course didn't share those unhappy (for whom!) feelings and was observing what was going on. The orbs approached a crossing. One of them turned right, the second left. The screen divided into two parts, each showing the way of one orb. The first orb followed a lighter and wider corridor and soon, sooner than June had expected, it ended and the orb was in a huge, bright forest. June ordered it to come back and follow the second one. That tunnel was narrow and unpleasant. At first sight it looked like made of stone, but they quickly realised that it was ground: wet, heavy soil. It was like in a tomb. And June knew that if they were to find Sirius, they should follow this way.
Her silvery box recorded all needed and available information and the orbs came back. June packed them quickly and returned the borrowed thing to Kingsley. She was now less talkative and more thoughtful. Why, she wondered. She didn't explain to her friends the results, but she was worried, and the feeling shocked herself. She wasn't worried that she could get hurt inside: she was anxious because Sirius really could have died there.
** * ** * ** * ** *
June was reading paper in the kitchen when none else but Severus Snape entered and greeted her. She lifted her head and asked:
'What, Severus? Do you have the potions we need?'
'What?' he laughed coolly. 'Of course not! I need to get the ingredients, and I want you to come with me.' He paused for a while and continued in a softer way. 'I mean, would you like to go with me? The stores that sell things we need aren't pleasant, the thing I have to do –saving Black-isn't pleasant as well, so, I need a company. Unless...'
'I wasn't doing anything particular, Snape. I think we can go.'
They were walking down the Diagon Alley. It was late in the evening and the street was almost deserted, except for pub visitors. But they didn't want to go to pub or a normal shop. They turned into Knockturn Alley and Snape was counting the bricks.
'I even won't ask why are you doing this.' June mocked. Snape ignored her with gentle manners and pressed one of the bricks. The wall moved and they stepped into a dark, wet cellar. June coughed. The walls were hidden behind high, dirty bookshelves, filled with glass jars with some secret ingredients. Suddenly, from behind the door to the lower cellar appeared and old, small, bony witch. She had white, greasy hair, even greasier than Snape's, she lacked few teeth. She lifted her head towards June and June gazed into her almost white, mad eyes.
'Oh, mister Snape' the woman said hoarsely. 'I'm glad to see you here again. But I don't like other visitors, you know. Who's that woman!' she demanded.
'Floorkey, we are not going to be talked to like that' Severus whispered. 'That lady is a bit ill and needs those ingredients.'
'You should've come here by yourself' the woman said, but picked the list Snape passed her.
'I know what I should have done and the lady is here to pay.'
'How cute' June mocked while looking around.
'And now she's sneaking here. 'I don't like you.'
'And vice versa.' Answered June. 'Could you please hurry, or I'll die here without fresh Londoner air.
The old witch moved and soon brought them all they requested. Snape was observing Sullivan with a curious smile. Nice one, he thought, quite smart, unable to be interrupted in her thoughts and, that point was his favourite, she hated Black.
June could have hated Black, but she paid for all the things they needed and also followed Snape to some other stores which she thought could be useful. That made him suspicious: she wanted to be prepared to every circumstance, she wanted to bring him back as much safe and sound as possible. So, June could have cared about Black, but she said "yes" when Snape asked her to have a dinner with him. June hated Black.
** * ** * ** * ** * ** *
June Sullivan was sitting alone in her chamber, making the very last preparations. She was examining tenth time the results of the researches. She drew a map of the portal tunnels, checked the probable destinations of portals connected with the veil in the Ministry. At last she had few minutes for herself, only for herself. Snape was doing the potions, the other members were also occupied with their work and nobody bothered her anymore. She threw the papers away (she was convinced that she knew the way by heart and that she noticed all the dangers that waited). And she was thinking.
She treated the job here as holidays. She really got used to living in South America. That was fun, at last she had nothing to do. But she was worried, and that was worrying her. She was worried that she wouldn't be able to find Sirius or, if she found him, he would be dead. She though she didn't care. She must have been wrong.
The thought irritated her and she shut the window with anger. She wanted no sentiments, no sweet memories. She wanted nothing. Instead, she was sad.
She decided that a quarrel would be the best remedy and wanted to seek for Lupin, who, of course would defend that asshole Black.
She didn't have to go to him, because of the knock on the door and entrance of Remus.
'Hey, June' she sang to the melody of The Beatles' song.
'What?' she asked with anger and her good (or rather usual) mood arrived.
'I'd like to introduce someone to you.'
'Another of your precious SB's fans?' she mocked and didn't move. Remus acted as if he wanted to come closer to her, but stayed in his door position.
'Oh, yes. I knew you'd love the idea.'
'I have to disappoint you, Remus. I've met enough of them.'
'But you haven't met Harry yet, June' he added and waited. June stood up and dashed towards him.
'You mean... Harry?' she asked hesitantly and quietly.
'Yes,' answered Lupin, as if they didn't quarrel at all. 'Dumbledore at last agreed to bring him here for the remaining month of holidays. Those few weeks were enough for him to gain back the blood protection. So, are you coming?'
He opened the doors and followed June to kitchen where Harry was having his first serious meal that summer. He was accompanied by Bill and the twins, but the Weasleys left when June and Lupin arrived. They told they were occupied with some businesses. Harry laughed and turned to the newcomers.
'Harry, I'd like you to meet. June Sullivan, new member of the order. June, this is Harry Potter.'
Harry shook her hand and was a little embarrassed when she held it longer than people usually did. June gazed in Harry's bright green eyes. With Harry every single memory returned. She recalled when she met Lily for the very first time. She remembered her happiness and beauty. And the funny words she told her about Sirius: "Remember, never date that insane guy!". They all laughed. Sirius, James and Lupin. All of them were so happy those days. And she was happy with that insane man. But it all was lost.
Remus noticed June's eyes were absent. He thought Harry brought her back some of her memories, happy memories. But soon the coolness appeared in her eyes again. She moved to the table and slowly, as if she was unwell, sat down. Remus waited a while, made the for the three of them, offered a chair to Harry and sat by himself. He was wondering whether he should take care of nice atmosphere or argue with June. Well, he couldn't resist talking about the past.
'It's funny how Harry makes us all think about the past.'
June lifted her head angrily but it was Harry who spoke with anger and unhidden curiosity.
'What do you mean, professor? Why about the past? Did you know my parents, too, Mrs Sullivan?'
'Ms Sullivan' corrected Lupin.
'C'mon! June, I'm not that old yet!' corrected June and laughed nervously. So they were to talk, Remus was quite good at making people talk.
'So you knew my parents, ...June?'
'Yes, Harry. I must say they were my friends. And when I saw you for the first time I recalled my first meeting with your mom.'
'Past is what makes us live, June.' Added Remus when he saw tears in June's eyes. Or maybe that was only light?
'Some of us may not want to live, Remus Lupin' she warned him, but Moony was convinced he wanted June to speak about the past. Talk is the first step to recovery.
'This is useless what...' he begun but she sharply interrupted.
'Shut up, please. Remember what Lily told me when we first met?' Remus nodded, Harry was watching the conversation of his parents' friends and was wondering where was it leading to. 'Well, imagine how wonderful my life would have been if I had listened.'
'You'd've been lonely, June.'
'I wouldn't have been dumped.'
Remus and June were staring at each other and it was possible that they would explode. Harry was a little confused that the meeting with them turned out to be an argument. He decided to act diplomatically and spoke (poor Harry, didn't know the subject he wanted to talk about, the subject he felt pain for, would cause even hotter fight.
'Excuse me, June. You knew my parents. Did you also knew Sirius Black?'
They both turned to Harry. They almost forgot he was there and that they were to tell him important news. June snorted.
'Talk about the devil.'
Remus laughed, Harry was puzzled.
'we wanted to tell you something about Sirius.'
'What happened?' Harry shouted, forgetting that Sirius was dead. He looked wretched when recalled that Sirius was dead. 'There couldn't have happen anything worse?'
'There couldn't have happen anything better' added June, but Remus silenced her with his hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++
AN: I hope you liked it. Sorry it took me so long, but... review please.
'Remember Kingsley, June' asked Arthur Weasley as they were approaching the Department of Mysteries. 'Kings is now the head of Aurors department and he got a permission to get there.'
'And I still don't know why do we need to get there.' Said the handsome black guy, opening the door. 'What Dumbledore thinks there is?'
'Dumbledore suspects that Sirius is not dead but only unwilling to get back.' Answered Weasley when Shacklebolt closed the door behind.
'Unwilling? Why? And can you bring him back?' he asked June who seemed small and unable to do anything.
'Of course I can' she said though she knew she could only try. 'But why nobody asks me if I'm willing to do it!'
'Now...'Arthur wanted to avoid a quarrel, especially because they were to make researches. They were approaching the veil. It looked different than other portals June had investigated. But a quick look around ensured her that it was only formal difference.
'C'mon, Arthur,' June laughed. 'I'm just curious why Dumbledore asked the two worst enemies of Black to save him.'
'You and whom' asked Kings 'Snape?'
'Right' Arthur answered. 'He trusts you both and you seem the best.'
'But still' spoke Sullivan while opening her case 'our hands can shake in the most important moment. Hey' she smiled when saw terror in their eyes. 'just kidding. I'm professional, no shaking hands at work. Let's work then!'
She took off a silver box with platinum parts. Then she took a glass, black orb and it hang in the air. Men were watching her. None of them had ever searched portals. In fact, as every other person in the world, they assumed it was impossible.
'Have you brought...' she wanted to ask Kingsley, but he passed her the thing she wanted before she could finish. He was staring at her with mouth opened. So did Weasley. That was magic to them. She glanced at them, unable to believe they treat it all like a miracle, but decided to explain the way it worked to them. She was changing parts, her moves sure and quick, and talking as if she was a teacher in primary school for wizard kids.
'The pool detector, the machine here' she pointed the big box 'registers the different pools, streams behind "the veil". The orbs, I've just changed the purpose of the orb you gave me, Kingsley, and it will be used, as the one I had, like a camera to recorder what's going on behind.'
'You're gonna throw it through the veil???'
'I'd like you to use the portal name for it. Veil is just the form, it can be whatever, door, wardrobe, strange trees. I don't know how many of them are in the world. And we can get there and back'
'What?'
'Excuse me, how you wanted to have him back? By magic? OK, I admit, I've never ever taken a human, but I never had to! We have to finish all those superstitions about portals; it's completely impossible that we....'she was muttering to herself so the men didn't understand. After a longer while she looked around, spotted their lost outlooks and continued the lecture with a smile.
'Although I've learnt a lot about the way the portals exist, I still can't make out the rules. Some portals always take you, or a thing, to the same place; some other change the surroundings of where you are; some may contact with others. Strange things. The one in here' she pointed the delicate veil with her hand without looking at it, 'may probably be in contact with the other world. But I don't think it's its only purpose. It's too big, look at the arch, I presume there's a number of corridors inside. Yes, this is what we call the way that leads things to other places. We can try out, how many.'
June stood up with both orbs in her hands. She let them go and they hung in the air. Then she moved her wand hand and the dark orbs disappeared behind the veil. Shacklebolt watched that with terror but Weasley asked June.
'Now what?'
'We're gonna wait. It won't take long, I hope. Here' she passed them the silver box so they could see something like a mirror. The colours blurred and, instead of their faces, on the screen appeared dark hole, like a corridor. There was no light, but the detector June had was recording things like temperature, air, ghosts activity, fungi and so on. The first part was very aggressive towards human bodies. It seemed possible, that it was unable to survive there. June of course didn't share those unhappy (for whom!) feelings and was observing what was going on. The orbs approached a crossing. One of them turned right, the second left. The screen divided into two parts, each showing the way of one orb. The first orb followed a lighter and wider corridor and soon, sooner than June had expected, it ended and the orb was in a huge, bright forest. June ordered it to come back and follow the second one. That tunnel was narrow and unpleasant. At first sight it looked like made of stone, but they quickly realised that it was ground: wet, heavy soil. It was like in a tomb. And June knew that if they were to find Sirius, they should follow this way.
Her silvery box recorded all needed and available information and the orbs came back. June packed them quickly and returned the borrowed thing to Kingsley. She was now less talkative and more thoughtful. Why, she wondered. She didn't explain to her friends the results, but she was worried, and the feeling shocked herself. She wasn't worried that she could get hurt inside: she was anxious because Sirius really could have died there.
** * ** * ** * ** *
June was reading paper in the kitchen when none else but Severus Snape entered and greeted her. She lifted her head and asked:
'What, Severus? Do you have the potions we need?'
'What?' he laughed coolly. 'Of course not! I need to get the ingredients, and I want you to come with me.' He paused for a while and continued in a softer way. 'I mean, would you like to go with me? The stores that sell things we need aren't pleasant, the thing I have to do –saving Black-isn't pleasant as well, so, I need a company. Unless...'
'I wasn't doing anything particular, Snape. I think we can go.'
They were walking down the Diagon Alley. It was late in the evening and the street was almost deserted, except for pub visitors. But they didn't want to go to pub or a normal shop. They turned into Knockturn Alley and Snape was counting the bricks.
'I even won't ask why are you doing this.' June mocked. Snape ignored her with gentle manners and pressed one of the bricks. The wall moved and they stepped into a dark, wet cellar. June coughed. The walls were hidden behind high, dirty bookshelves, filled with glass jars with some secret ingredients. Suddenly, from behind the door to the lower cellar appeared and old, small, bony witch. She had white, greasy hair, even greasier than Snape's, she lacked few teeth. She lifted her head towards June and June gazed into her almost white, mad eyes.
'Oh, mister Snape' the woman said hoarsely. 'I'm glad to see you here again. But I don't like other visitors, you know. Who's that woman!' she demanded.
'Floorkey, we are not going to be talked to like that' Severus whispered. 'That lady is a bit ill and needs those ingredients.'
'You should've come here by yourself' the woman said, but picked the list Snape passed her.
'I know what I should have done and the lady is here to pay.'
'How cute' June mocked while looking around.
'And now she's sneaking here. 'I don't like you.'
'And vice versa.' Answered June. 'Could you please hurry, or I'll die here without fresh Londoner air.
The old witch moved and soon brought them all they requested. Snape was observing Sullivan with a curious smile. Nice one, he thought, quite smart, unable to be interrupted in her thoughts and, that point was his favourite, she hated Black.
June could have hated Black, but she paid for all the things they needed and also followed Snape to some other stores which she thought could be useful. That made him suspicious: she wanted to be prepared to every circumstance, she wanted to bring him back as much safe and sound as possible. So, June could have cared about Black, but she said "yes" when Snape asked her to have a dinner with him. June hated Black.
** * ** * ** * ** * ** *
June Sullivan was sitting alone in her chamber, making the very last preparations. She was examining tenth time the results of the researches. She drew a map of the portal tunnels, checked the probable destinations of portals connected with the veil in the Ministry. At last she had few minutes for herself, only for herself. Snape was doing the potions, the other members were also occupied with their work and nobody bothered her anymore. She threw the papers away (she was convinced that she knew the way by heart and that she noticed all the dangers that waited). And she was thinking.
She treated the job here as holidays. She really got used to living in South America. That was fun, at last she had nothing to do. But she was worried, and that was worrying her. She was worried that she wouldn't be able to find Sirius or, if she found him, he would be dead. She though she didn't care. She must have been wrong.
The thought irritated her and she shut the window with anger. She wanted no sentiments, no sweet memories. She wanted nothing. Instead, she was sad.
She decided that a quarrel would be the best remedy and wanted to seek for Lupin, who, of course would defend that asshole Black.
She didn't have to go to him, because of the knock on the door and entrance of Remus.
'Hey, June' she sang to the melody of The Beatles' song.
'What?' she asked with anger and her good (or rather usual) mood arrived.
'I'd like to introduce someone to you.'
'Another of your precious SB's fans?' she mocked and didn't move. Remus acted as if he wanted to come closer to her, but stayed in his door position.
'Oh, yes. I knew you'd love the idea.'
'I have to disappoint you, Remus. I've met enough of them.'
'But you haven't met Harry yet, June' he added and waited. June stood up and dashed towards him.
'You mean... Harry?' she asked hesitantly and quietly.
'Yes,' answered Lupin, as if they didn't quarrel at all. 'Dumbledore at last agreed to bring him here for the remaining month of holidays. Those few weeks were enough for him to gain back the blood protection. So, are you coming?'
He opened the doors and followed June to kitchen where Harry was having his first serious meal that summer. He was accompanied by Bill and the twins, but the Weasleys left when June and Lupin arrived. They told they were occupied with some businesses. Harry laughed and turned to the newcomers.
'Harry, I'd like you to meet. June Sullivan, new member of the order. June, this is Harry Potter.'
Harry shook her hand and was a little embarrassed when she held it longer than people usually did. June gazed in Harry's bright green eyes. With Harry every single memory returned. She recalled when she met Lily for the very first time. She remembered her happiness and beauty. And the funny words she told her about Sirius: "Remember, never date that insane guy!". They all laughed. Sirius, James and Lupin. All of them were so happy those days. And she was happy with that insane man. But it all was lost.
Remus noticed June's eyes were absent. He thought Harry brought her back some of her memories, happy memories. But soon the coolness appeared in her eyes again. She moved to the table and slowly, as if she was unwell, sat down. Remus waited a while, made the for the three of them, offered a chair to Harry and sat by himself. He was wondering whether he should take care of nice atmosphere or argue with June. Well, he couldn't resist talking about the past.
'It's funny how Harry makes us all think about the past.'
June lifted her head angrily but it was Harry who spoke with anger and unhidden curiosity.
'What do you mean, professor? Why about the past? Did you know my parents, too, Mrs Sullivan?'
'Ms Sullivan' corrected Lupin.
'C'mon! June, I'm not that old yet!' corrected June and laughed nervously. So they were to talk, Remus was quite good at making people talk.
'So you knew my parents, ...June?'
'Yes, Harry. I must say they were my friends. And when I saw you for the first time I recalled my first meeting with your mom.'
'Past is what makes us live, June.' Added Remus when he saw tears in June's eyes. Or maybe that was only light?
'Some of us may not want to live, Remus Lupin' she warned him, but Moony was convinced he wanted June to speak about the past. Talk is the first step to recovery.
'This is useless what...' he begun but she sharply interrupted.
'Shut up, please. Remember what Lily told me when we first met?' Remus nodded, Harry was watching the conversation of his parents' friends and was wondering where was it leading to. 'Well, imagine how wonderful my life would have been if I had listened.'
'You'd've been lonely, June.'
'I wouldn't have been dumped.'
Remus and June were staring at each other and it was possible that they would explode. Harry was a little confused that the meeting with them turned out to be an argument. He decided to act diplomatically and spoke (poor Harry, didn't know the subject he wanted to talk about, the subject he felt pain for, would cause even hotter fight.
'Excuse me, June. You knew my parents. Did you also knew Sirius Black?'
They both turned to Harry. They almost forgot he was there and that they were to tell him important news. June snorted.
'Talk about the devil.'
Remus laughed, Harry was puzzled.
'we wanted to tell you something about Sirius.'
'What happened?' Harry shouted, forgetting that Sirius was dead. He looked wretched when recalled that Sirius was dead. 'There couldn't have happen anything worse?'
'There couldn't have happen anything better' added June, but Remus silenced her with his hand.
+++++++++++++++++++++
AN: I hope you liked it. Sorry it took me so long, but... review please.