Howdy! Errrr… that's all.

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Chapter 22

The Dark Lord

The next evening, Lily left the common room a little after 11:45. Her hair was had a bit of a spring when she walked, and she felt very pleased with how she looked. She had thrown her black Hogwarts cape over her shoulders for an extra bit of warmth.

She snuck down the marble staircase and hurried across the hall. Lily yanked open the heavy double doors with some effort, and started down the path. Her eyes combed the forest edge for any sign of Lucius or of Snape. She looked up into the sky and saw the full moon peering down comfortingly at her.

A little past Hagrid's cabin and the greenhouses, she saw Lucius. He was cloaked in black, and he had his hood drawn.

"Lucius…" She called in a whisper. "Is this going to take long?"

At first, Lucius didn't answer… but just beckoned her closer. Hesitating, she headed towards him.

"What do you want?" Lily asked.

Again, he didn't say anything, but just grabbed her elbow.

"What the hell, Lucius! Let go of me…" She yelled, pulling sharply away. "Don't touch me."

Without a word, he headed into the forest. Lily watched him for a moment, confused. He didn't turn back.

"Lucius?" Lily called nervously. "You shouldn't go in there… it's dangerous…"

He didn't say anything, but continued through the shadows. Lily reluctantly followed him, pulling out her wand. "Lumos." She muttered, and a small light appeared on the tip of her wand. The beam illuminated the leaf-covered ground, and cast eerie shadows through the trees.

"Wait up, Lucius…" Lily called in frustration. He didn't stop, as though he didn't hear her. But she followed his retreating, cloaked, back down the overgrown path.

The silence was deafening. It was as though all of the nightly sounds had vanished, leaving the forest in a state of shock. There wasn't even a chirrup of a cricket. All that Lily could hear was the gentle crunch of Lucius's feet on the leaves. 

After she had followed him mutely for about five minutes, Lily heard a distinct laugh. It was cold, and high pitched… it made her shiver. She stopped. Her eyes flicked around the vegetation, searching for any sign of humans. Lily suddenly became very aware that her heart was beating faster than usual.

"Lucius…" She whispered shakily.

He abruptly whipped around to look at her, and she immediately felt like an idiot.

"You're not Lucius…" She exclaimed softly. The stranger's features were lit with triumph and joy. His nose was sharp, and severe. His hair was short, and brown, and Lily couldn't recognize him.

"Obviously." The man said with a sneer.

Instinctively, Lily turned to run back to the castle, but the man was a lot faster. He grabbed her elbow again, and twisted it behind her back painfully. Her wand fell uselessly to the ground, and landed with a soft crunch.

"What do you want with me?" She murmured. The man's very tan face was less than an inch from hers. He smiled broadly, and his grasp tightened.

"You'll see…" He whispered right in her ear. She shivered uncontrollably. What was he going to do to her? How could she have been so stupid? Why did she follow him? What was she thinking?

The man pulled on her arm, forcing her to leave her wand behind, and walk forward. With a slight struggle, he pushed her into a large clearing. He flung her to the grass, making her fall to her knees.

"Here she is, master." The man said, with utmost respect and admiration in his voice. Lily made herself look up.

Standing before her was a tall man, clothed in black. Though his skin was as pale as the moon, his health was obviously good. His fingers were long and skinny… ideal for wand work. His head was hooded, but Lily could make out two red eyes that were piercing through her.

"So, Miss Lily Evans." The tall man said. His voice was high, but forceful. "I don't believe we've been properly introduced…" Though the words sounded kind, they stung the air like venom.

"Although, I know all about you." The man continued. "And I know that you can tell me a lot about something that I'm looking for. Do you know what that might be?" He laughed at the frightened and confused look on Lily's face.

"What are you talking about?" She managed to whisper.

"You know where to find the Hidden Crystal of Hogwarts!" The man bellowed. "And you will bring it to me!"

"What?" Lily repeated.

"You will listen and obey the Dark Lord!" The man behind Lily shouted.

Dark Lord… The name lingered in the air. The Dark Lord Voldemort… This was Voldemort. This was the man that everyone feared. This was the man who had killed all those people…

"No, I won't." Lily said, gaining strength.

"What did you just say to me?" Voldemort asked, eyeing her angrily. "You will bring me the Stone of Rialle, or die."

Lily had a feeling that she would wind up dying tonight, regardless. "No, I won't." She repeated. The man behind her let out a cry of anger, and kicked her in the side. She cried out, but one thing was certain: she would not die doing Voldemort's bidding.

Voldemort licked his lips furiously. He breathed a harsh, ragged breath. He assessed the situation. Apparently, Lily's defiance had taken him off guard.

"How about this, then." Voldemort began. His tone had changed slightly. "Join us. Join our family. Trust me, Lily-- you will be honored above all my other servants if you can do this one little thing for me… do it, and you will be loved and adored…"

Lily stared up at him.

Her mind was empty. She rose cautiously to her feet. No thoughts came, except: Lily Evans, Death Eater. The very idea disgusted her.

"I would rather die." She spat.

"Your wish is granted!" The man behind her yelled, pulling her close to him again, his wand held next to her neck like a dagger.

"Stop, Kloves." Voldemort said. "Let her go. She will help us. She will see." Kloves released Lily, chucking her to the ground again, and she breathed heavily. Should she run now?

"Sommers! Walsh!" Voldemort called over his shoulder. "Bring him here!"

Lily suddenly became conscious to the fact that there was a distinct growling that was coming closer through the moonlight. Five cloaked people were struggling with something- they were trying to pull some large cage into the clearing.

It struck Lily that she was now horribly outnumbered.

"Master, here he is, sir." One woman replied breathlessly, as she flung herself to Voldemort's feet. "Is there anything else we can do to serve you, master? We live to do your will, sir… you are our God…"

"That is enough." Voldemort chuckled, as the woman stood and backed away from him, bowing. "Now, Lily. Look here."

Lily followed his gaze to the cage. Inside was a large, angry wolf. His jaws snapped maliciously, and the fur on his back was spiked with rage. Lily noticed that his muzzle different than an ordinary wolf's…

This was a werewolf.

"Recognize him?" Voldemort asked, as his lips curled into an evil grin.

"Remus?!" Lily screamed, collapsing to the grass near the cage. Lily could see through the cage's thick bars that Remus did not like being held captive. His usually calm, gray eyes were piqued and frustrated, and every inch of him was taught with fury. "What have you done to him?!" She shouted, full of fury.

"He's fine. For now." Voldemort laughed.

"How-- how did you…"

"A dear friend told me." He chuckled spitefully.

"You… you are a horrible… evil… how dare you…" Lily trailed. She couldn't even think of an insult worthy enough… "I'm out of here. And Hell will freeze over before I help you and your cult of mindless idiots!" She shouted. With that, she turned and ran out of the clearing as fast as she could go before anyone could stop her.

She stopped suddenly, searching the ground… she had to find her wand…

"STOP HER!" Voldemort shouted from behind. There…

She bent down to pick it up, and started running again.

"SET HIM LOOSE!"

There was a rabid howling from the clearing… he was letting Remus free… her heartbeat and her feet kept the same rhythm as she thundered away. Remus wouldn't recognize her—he wasn't himself. He would attack her the second he got the chance…

There was a rustling in the leaves behind her… she ran faster.

Her stomach was cramping… her heart was racing…

She turned to look back, only to see that Remus was gaining on her. His gleaming white teeth were bared, and his mouth was oozing with threatening saliva…

Finally, she was out of the woods. The Hogwarts castle was so much closer… so much closer to safety…

But who was coming down the main steps?

"Lily?!" Someone shouted with a heavy accent. Joe.

"Joe… run!" Lily commanded, approaching the greenhouses.

"What're you talkin' about? Oh God…" He muttered as Remus came into view.

"This way!" Lily beckoned. But it was too late.

Remus had spotted Joe, and decided that he was a much easier target. He leaped through the air, landing heavily on Joe. He fell to the ground. Lily screamed, and shielded her face as sounds of claws and teeth echoed through the night accompanied by Joe's screeches of pain.

"Stop, Remus!" Lily shouted. The moonlight that was glowing on the grass gently faded… the moon was falling behind a cloud. Lily stared up into the sky and saw that a long, large gray cloud was blanketing the sky and shielding the moon from view.

"Oh God…" Remus murmured, as his werewolf form melted away. He got off of Joe, and stared at him.

"Remus!" Lily sighed with relief. She rushed to his side, trembling.

"What… what have I done?" He asked himself. He stared at his hands, which were coated in Joe's blood. Lily looked down at Joe.

His face and arms were covered in his blood… and his eyes were closed, his mouth open.

"Is he breathing?" Lily asked anxiously. She put her ear to his chest… a very faint thud, thud could be heard against his ribs.

"What have I done?" Remus repeated in shock. "I killed him… I killed him…"

"No, Remus, no you didn't…" Lily cried, she threw her arms around him and started to sob. But she wasn't sure if it was for Joe, Remus, or herself. "No you didn't…"

"Yes! Yes, I killed him!" Remus yelled in rage. His breath was short and rapid. Silent and fearful tears rolled down his cheeks and into Lily's hair.

"What the hell happened?!"

It was James. He was rushing down the Hogwarts steps, taking in the scene.

"I saw that kid leave and… Remus? What's going on? Why aren't you at the Shrieking Shack?" James asked. But all of those questions melted away when his eyes landed on Joe. "Oh my God…"

"We have to get out of here! There are--"

"Where can we take him?" Remus interrupted faintly. "We can't take him up to the hospital wing…"

"Hagrid's." James said quickly. "Help me, Remus." The two boys heaved Joe to Hagrid's cabin, as Lily pounded on the door, shouting. Loud barks could be heard from inside.

"Yeah?" Hagrid asked groggily, answering the door, and holding back his dog, Fang. "Lily? What're you doin' down here this late at night?"

"It's Joe… in his werewolf form, Remus hurt him… no one else can know… it was a mistake… he didn't mean…"

"Okay… bring 'im inside." Hagrid said, motioning for James and Remus to enter his cabin. They laid Joe out on Hagrid's bed. "I'm gonna go get Madam Pomfry. You kids wait here…" Hagrid muttered, pulling on his moleskin coat, and rushing out the door.

Remus collapsed into a chair weakly. "How could I… I don't even remember…"

"It was Voldemort." Lily said meekly. "He brought me to the forest tonight."

"What?" James said.

"Yes. He did… he wanted me to become a Death Eater… he told me to get him the Stone of Rialle, and then I'd be honored above all his other servants." Lily explained. Remus looked confused.

"Stone of Rialle?" He asked.

"Long story." James said shortly. "What did you say?" He inquired Lily.

"I told him I wouldn't." Lily sighed. "Someone must have told him about you, Remus." Lily said, sitting next to him and taking his hand.

"But how?" Remus asked, looking deep into Lily's eyes and giving her hand a nervous squeeze. "Who would tell?"

"I don't know." Lily said softly. Even though she had been so afraid a few moments ago, now, looking into Remus's coal gray eyes made her feel relaxed again.

"Siverus." James said hotly. Lily snapped her gaze from Remus to James.

"What?"

"Siverus Snape." James repeated sharply. "Sirius told him where to find Remus and everything." He wasn't looking at either Remus or Lily as he spoke, but Hagrid's dog, Fang, who was resting peacefully on the rug. "He saw."

"You don't think he would… Besides, he's not a Death Eater. And he was sworn to secrecy, James." Lily stuttered, pulling her hand away from Remus. Without even saying it, Lily could tell that it was making James uncomfortable.

"Secrecy doesn't mean much these days." James said softly, moving to scratch Fang behind the ears.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Lily asked him sharply.

"Nothing." James defended. "Why do you think it's supposed to mean something? I was just saying…"

"Whatever." Lily sighed. Lily stood up and approached the resting Joe. His gory face made her sick, but she was worried. "You don't think he's lost too much blood, do you? Should we try to clean him up, or something?"

"Oh God…" Remus moaned, putting his face in his hands. Lily looked at Remus sympathetically. What would happen to him if Joe died?

"I think we'd better leave him alone." James said. "I'm going outside for a minute. Fresh air…" He said vaguely. He slammed the door behind him.

Lily stared at Joe in silence. Lily noticed that he flinched slightly, but other than that, there was little sign of life.

"What am I going to do, Lily?" Remus sighed again. "I mean, I was always on thin ice at this school, but now…"

Lily walked over to him and kneeled down in front of his chair, and took his hands in hers. She looked up at him trustingly. "Everything will be fine, Remus. Madam Pomfry is on the way…"

"Who will believe me?" Remus said. "The last thing I remember is walking down the tunnel with Pomfry two nights ago…"

"I believe you, Remus. And so does James." Lily nodded. "And Dumbledore will believe you. That's all that matters." She said softly, gazing into his eyes.

Before she knew what was happening, she and Remus were leaning in to kiss each other. It was shocking at first, but he was so sweet… his hand rested on her shoulders and Lily felt immediately whole. She was only half aware that Hagrid's door had creaked open, and quickly squeaked shut again. When Remus pulled away, Lily was smiling foolishly.

"I really like you, Lily." He said. For once in his life, it looked as though Remus didn't know what to say.

"I like you, too." Lily laughed. "So… does this mean we're dating?"

"Sure. I mean, that is… If you want to…" Remus said hopefully.

"Yes." She said, grinning again.

The door opened once more, and Lily quickly stood up. Hagrid and Madam Pomfry hurried in and rushed to Joe's bedside. James lingered outside in the cold.

"You must leave now. You've all been great help." Madam Pomfry said, pushing Lily and Remus out the door and into the night. The door closed with a snap, and the warm glow of the fire vanished.

"I have to go back to the Willow before the moon comes out again…" Remus trailed off. "But, uh…"

"I'll walk with you." Lily smiled. They didn't even notice that James was watching them. Remus, however, grinned and took her hand in his. They walked awkwardly together, side by side, but Lily felt happier than she had in a long time. When the two of them reached the Willow, Remus picked up a long twig and poked a knot on the trunk of the tree.

"Well, I guess this is goodnight, then." He said nervously. Lily nodded and kissed him on the cheek.

"See you tomorrow?"

"Definitely." He said. Lily watched him walk through the limply hanging branches of the usually wild tree. When he ducked down the passage, Lily turned and headed back towards the castle.

"Hi." James said. He was sitting on the marble stairs. Was he waiting for her?

"Hey." She smiled.

"So… what happened?" He asked. Lily froze.

"Wh-what?"

"In the forest, I mean!" He added almost too quickly. "With Voldemort… you know…"

"Oh… right." She said softly. She started up the stairs, but James stayed seated. "I'll, uh… tell you later."

"Come on, Lily." James pressed. "I have a right to know… especially if he's after me." He chuckled. James stood up and walked after her.

Lily smiled and shook her head. "Well, I got this letter from whom I thought was Lucius this afternoon."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah." She laughed again, mimicking James. "And anyway, so I met who I thought was Lucius outside the forest, and he led me inside."

"Lily! You're so brainless!"

"Shut up! I thought it was Lucius!" She chuckled at her own stupidity.

"So then what happened?" James continued as they started to climb the passage that led up to the fourth floor. "Don't forget to jump…" He laughed, as he skipped over the trick step.

"Yeah, really." Lily laughed. "So then, he took me to Voldemort, and he told me to join his side… or else." She added playfully.

"Or else, what?" James asked, playing along.

"Or else… he'd tickle me- I dunno!" She laughed again. Funny- she hadn't thought that she'd laugh at all tonight… "But seriously, he said that he'd kill me."

"Okay, so then what did he want?"

"The Stone. He said that if I could bring it to him, I'd be honored beyond my wildest dreams." Lily said gravely. "And I told him no way, so he had more servants bring out Remus, who was in a cage."

"Then what?"

"Then, he let Remus loose. And since Remus was a werewolf, he tried to attack me. But I ran, and when I reached the castle, Joe was walking out. Why I don't know…" Lily sighed.

"I know." James whispered. Lily stopped in her tracks.

"Why, James? Why did he come outside?" She asked nervously. James stopped too. He looked into her eyes for a moment before answering.

"The whole thing is my fault." James sighed heavily.

"What?"

"Joe came into my room, at like, two in the morning. He kept saying that he thought you were in trouble, or something. He said that you'd gotten a letter from a Slytherin, but it didn't sound safe to him. Said I should go find you." James said gently.

"What did you say?" Lily asked staring at James's face.

"I said that I was sure that you were fine. And anyway, I didn't think that you'd be too pleased if I burst in on you, and shoved my nose in your private life…" He replied, eyeing her mockingly.

"So what did Joe do?" Lily asked. "I mean, you told us that you saw him leave the room, and decided to follow…"

"Well I lied." James laughed. "Almost, anyway. He did just leave after that. I guess he thought he would be the hero, and come save you. You've got quite a few unwanted admirers, don't you?"

"Shut up." Lily muttered, blushing. She started to walk again, and James followed.

"So he left. As I was trying to fall back asleep, I started getting all paranoid, thinking that maybe he was right, and you were in trouble. So I got dressed, and came after you… and Joe."

"How sweet." Lily rolled her eyes.

"Hey-- I was genuinely worried." He said sarcastically, and putting his hand over his heart.

"Liar." Lily laughed. "And then what?"

"So, I came out of the castle, and saw Joe on the ground, and you hugging Remus. And I knew that Joe had been right. I can't help thinking that that could have been me laying in Hagrid's cabin, half dead, right now if I had gone right away…"

"God, James… don't say things like that…"

"It's true!" He exclaimed.

"I know!" She cried. "Just think how scary that would be. Plum pudding." Lily said to the Fat Lady in the portrait.

"Whatever you say, dear…" The lady snored. But she swung open to reveal the common room, as always.

"You mean to say that you would actually care?" James started.

"Of course I would care. God, James. What, do you think I'm some heartless freak?!" Lily said, astounded. Lily would more than care if James died…

"The freak part's about right…" He laughed. "No, but seriously. I'm ever so flattered, Lily." James said.

"And you say I'm the freak?" Lily chuckled as she headed up the stairs. But something made her pause. She turned to face James. "And thanks-- for coming after me, I mean. Even if you didn't think I was in trouble."

"Hey, what are friends for?" He shrugged. "I know you'd do the same for me… right?" He teased.

"Well, duh." She laughed.

That night, she fell asleep, but the same dream kept bothering her…

She was running… running as fast as she could. She could hear a high-pitched cackle, and she knew it was coming closer. It would hurt her if she couldn't get away… Suddenly, something flew overhead on a broom… it was James… he was calling to her to hop on, and she'd be safe…

But there was Amos… he was just floating in the air, surrounded by money and suitcases. "Come on, Lily… I'll take you there…" Take me where? And Remus was there too… running beside her… "It's fine Lily… we'll outrun him, together…" I can't run anymore…

"CHOOSE!" They all shouted. "We'll help you… hurry, or He'll get all of us…"