TAUNT MY CHAINS
A/N: Thank for reviewing everyone! Just Kidding! I only got one review! You guys, that's depressing. Do you all not like it anymore? I'm so sad. Please, if you'll just give it a chance the later plot is intriguing I swear! Thank you Torny for reviewing I love you! I have the response to your review at the end ::wink:: To those who are still reading this. ENJOY!
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CHAPTER 2
"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone."
- Orson Welles
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I froze, staring at the place I had seen the movement. My hand jumped to my lamp and I fumbled for the switch. Finally succeeding in turning off my light, my room fell into darkness. I stood up quickly staring into the moonlit lawn. My eyes searching for any thing. I suddenly saw it. Billowing blackness slinking across the lawn before disappearing right below me. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. I pressed my forehead to the glass of the window and tried to see where it was going. I could only guess. The shadow, in my mind's eye, was reminiscent of a sheet blowing on a laundry line...or billowing robes. Robes... death eaters. I spun around my chair clattered to the floor in my excitement and I searched through the dark for my wand. I grabbed it as I heard the back door creak open and a muttered conversation below me. They must have got in magically.
My mind was working over time. What to do, what to do. I looked to the closet, in the ceiling was a entry way to the attic. I could get up through it pretty quickly and hide... But if I wasn't here... would they just leave? I doubt it. They would ruin the house...hurt the Dursley's. My only option was to stay and fight I guess. I need help! There were at least two of them by the size of the shadow. I could write Dumbledore. My eyes scanned the room. Hedwig was still out hunting. Besides Dumbledore didn't want me writing anyone did he? I thought bitterly. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. I stood frozen, my wand steady on the door. There was whispering outside my door and a shuffling in the hallway.
I waited.
I heard a creak and a door shut...they must have looked in the wrong room. At least I didn't hear any spells...yet. "Alohomora" I heard distinctly and I took a step backwards. The door creaked open slowly and I stood, My heart thumping wildly in my chest.
Two figures were outlined in the darkness of the doorframe. I held my breath, unwilling to be the first to attack. One of their hands fumbled unceremoniously for a light switch as I felt, more than saw them raise their hands to their heads. All of a sudden light was thrown into the room I staggered backwards and my feet hit my overturned chair. My hand flew back to catch myself on my desk but I made sure my wand was still pointing at the shapes. I looked up waiting for the inevitable and one of them uttered my name. I pulled myself up as I noticed who they were. They had removed their hoods and I dropped my wand arm.
"Sirius?" I questioned. He smiled.
"You bet" Was all he said. I ran up to him and threw my arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. He spun around before setting me down.
"What are you doing here???" I asked with an excited smile. And before he could answer I turned to the other person.
"Professor Lupin!" I jumped to give him a hug and he rubbed my back.
"Please, call me Remus... Or Moony if it strikes you." He added. And I smiled.
"What are you guys doing here??? You scared me, I thought you were death eaters!"
"Nope" Sirius smiled.
"We've come to rescue you"
"Rescue me?" My eyes wandered pat them to my Uncle and Aunt's rooms.
"The Durley's.." I started in a whisper before he could answer.
"Oh," Sirius smiled looking at Remus. "Moony took care of them" "What?"
Remus smiled. "It's only a sleeping charm, they wont wake up for hours, don't worry"
"Oh kay" I smiled... "Anyway, what were you saying?" I turned back to Sirius
"Dumbledore said we could come and take you back to Moony's" He explained.
"Wait....what?" I asked. Before turning to my room. The desk had dropped some of it's supplies, books strewn across the floor. I picked up the chair setting it right and gestured to it and my still made bed.
"Sit?" I asked as I crouched and picked up all the books off the floor throwing them onto my table. Remus sat down in the chair and Sirius, on the side of my bed. I sat down against the pillows and shook my head.
"Sorry bout the state of my room, It's hard to mind the furniture when you think your house is under attack." I smiled.
"That's OK" Remus answered politely.
"So why are you here?" I questioned with a smile at Sirius.
"And where have you been?" I asked before he could even open his mouth. He smiled.
"I've gathering people for Dumbledore so they will join a group against Voldemort"
"A group against Voldemort?" I asked.
"It's called the 'Order of the Phoenix' Dumbledore started it the last time Voldemort was a threat, Your parents, and Moony and me were in it"
"Wait, you went and tried to recruit people? didn't they not know you were innocent?"
"No, these people, had known, found out recently more like it" I nodded.
"Then I went to Moony's. We, Dumbledore included, have been making arrangements for the Order"
"What kind of arrangements?" I asked.
"We have been trying to arrange for a headquarters, also there has been confusion with some of the members." His voice had taken on an unfamiliar tone.
"Headquarters?"
"Yes, but we did find a place" Remus said in a cheerful voice.
"Where?"
"The Noble and most ancient house of Black" Sirius answered bitterly.
"House of Black?" I felt quite stupid, simply repeating everything they told me. I received only a nod.
"It's your house?" I asked Sirius leaning forward.
"It's my mother's house"
"Your mother-"
"She's dead."
I reeled back as if I had been slapped. "Oh, I'm sorry" I answered swiftly, the only way I knew how.
"Don't be." He said to the floor. I sat in stillness before turning my eyes to Remus. He smiled reassuringly and shook his head.
"Homework?" Remus broke the silence and pulled a book down, flipping through it.
"This is in French" He said haltingly.
"Yes it is" I answered with mild sarcasm. He looked up.
"I didn't know you knew French"
"Well, I don't really, well I mean I just taught myself, I'm not too good." I smiled.
"How did you teach yourself another language?"
"Dudley had books, to learn French and tapes. But he lost interest and got rid of them, and I stole them." I explained leaning back into the wall.
"I know a little French, Sirius taught me"
"Sirius, You speak French??" I asked in surprise.
"Oui" He answered with a smile.
"How?"
"The Black family are originally from France, all of us are forced to learn it, some of my relatives spoke little English"
"That's crazy, I never knew that." He just shrugged and smiled.
"Well, Anyway, Moony has so graciously invited us into his home..." Sirius started.
"I've only 'Invited' Sarah, You came uninvited, eaten me out of house and home, you sleep to all hours of the morning, and you've given me fleas." Remus finished by scratching his arm jokingly. Sirius played off of Remus, inheriting his manner.
" I came 'unexpectedly', I only eat you out of house and home because you're such a wonderful cook, I don't sleep THAT late, and you already had fleas!" They both wore playful continence's and they smirked at each other.
"besides, you don't have to be 'invited' to a friend's house" Sirius added.
"Or a Goddaughter's" I finished with a smile. Remus laughed quietly. Sirius mocked offended.
"Does that mean you don't want me here." He whispered.
"I was just joking" I smiled. He smiled back before going on.
"Before I was so rudely interrupted" He looked at Remus. "Moony has begrudgingly let us into his home..." Remus shook his head.
"If you want to come." Remus added.
"Right, and we'll be going to headquarters to help make it livable." Sirius went off.
"Livable?" I asked.
"No one's lived in it for years" Sirius offered. I nodded.
"Tomorrow is Friday so we'll pretty much be alone, the three of us. But, Saturday we'll most likely be joined by some of the members, aurors and the like." Remus looked at Sirius.
"Yeah, so what do you think?"
"I think it sounds wonderful and that we should get the heck out of here" I smiled. Sirius and Remus stood up collectively.
"Good Show" Sirius complimented.
"Allons-y" Remus smiled. I laughed at their initiative.
"I only need to collect my things." I crawled to the end of my bed and dragged my trunk to the middle of my room. I left it open and went to my desk, sorting through the books.
"What's this?" Sirius asked. I looked over. He had his hand on the cardboard box.
"Oh! Aunt Petunia gave that to me! She had it in the attic, My mum gave it to her to hold, it's some of my parents things" My head was still bowed throwing books beside the box but I could feel the tension in the room.
"I'll show it to you when we get to Moony's" I looked up smiling, he gave me a sad smile back as I threw some scrolls into the trunk.
"How are we getting there?" I broke the silence.
"Floo" Remus answered.
"We are?" I questioned as I checked the desk drawers for loose articles.
"Dumbledore had Arthur attach the house to the network for tonight"
I nodded. "At least we're not taking a port key" I said candidly. I could see them from the corner of my eye exchange looks.
"It's more than you're worth to set up an unauthorized port key anyway." Remus nodded.
"Not to some people." I added dropping to the floor and wrenching up the floorboard. I dug through the hole, pulling out a pillowcase of things, and a couple of books. I stood up, threw them in the trunk and dusted myself off. Remus and Sirius looked like they weren't sure to play it off or if I wanted to talk about something serious. I smiled.
"Sorry, sometimes people take me the wrong way. I'm not trying to be melodramatic, I was just talking. You can lighten up" I added the last part with a sparkle in my eye, it seemed ironic, saying that to the biggest jokesters of all time.
"You don't have to joke about everything, Sarah" Sirius said. I looked up.
"Look who's talking!" I laughed. He smiled.
"I'm trying to be more serious, no pun intended" Sirius and Remus had spoken the last part simultaneously and looked at each other laughing.
"I was trying to be serious there, Moony" Sirius protested.
"Life is too important to be taken so seriously" I smiled before opening my closet. I carefully took out my firebolt, looking it over to make sure it wasn't hurt. I set it carefully atop everything and closing the lid with care I snapped it shut and stood up.
"Ready?" Sirius asked.
"Almost, I need this" I grabbed my owl's cage
"And I need to leave a note..." I looked around the now bare room. "I'll leave that in the kitchen though" I looked up with a nod.
"Watch out, Sarah" Remus said gently. He flicked his wand and my trunk lifted. He started down the stairs and it followed him. Sirius put his arm around my shoulder and guided me down the stairs after turning off my light and closing the door.
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Dear Aunt Petunia,
My Godfather and Remus Lupin, a good friend of mine, came and have taken me to Remus' house. I will be spending the rest of the summer with them! So don't worry about me. I will see you at King's Cross next summer. Thanks for everything! and take care of yourself.
Always,
Sarah
I left the note on the kitchen table while Remus readied the fireplace for travel.
"All set?" Sirius asked from the Living room couch. I nodded with a smile.
"All set" I repeated. All of a sudden flames sprang up in the fireplace and Remus smiled back at us.
"Let's go then" He commanded softly.
Sirius jumped up and I stood by the fire. Remus pulled out a bag and offered it to me. I reached in and pulled out a small handful of sparkling floo powder. They instructed me on what to say and Remus encouraged me to go first. I kept my elbows in and closed my eyes to the torrent of sounds and colors. When I finally fell onto firm ground I opened my eyes.
I was pleasantly surprised by my surroundings. The house reminded me of a cabin in the woods, which I would sound find out it was. The decor was simple but very elegant, definitely less bachelor-esque than I had presumed it would be. I was thrown to the ground by someone unexpectedly flying from the fireplace.
"Sorry, Love" Sirius laughed as He grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I shook my head.
"I think I lingered a bit too long" I smiled.
"you think?" He joked and pulled me away abruptly as Remus came tumbling out. We looked at each other and started laughing.
"Did I miss something?" Remus asked with a twinkle in his eye. We shook our heads. He pulled something from out his pocket and tapped it with his wand. It expanded into my trunk and owl cage. He flicked his wand again and they raised off the floor.
"I'll show you your room, your probably knackered." Remus suggested as he started towards a doorway.
"No, I'm not very tired really" I amended. I really hoped I wouldn't have a nightmare tonight, Merlin knows I've woken up the Dursleys before and I didn't want to wake anyone here.
"No?" Remus asked as we started up a flight of stairs, Sirius trailing behind.
"I'm kind of a night owl" I smiled.
"Well you might want to get to sleep, We have to wake up early tomorrow to go to headquarters" There was a groan from behind us and Remus laughed.
"Sorry, Sirius, you better hurry off to bed then" He looked back to him. Sirius glared, which Remus found quite amusing.
"Here you are" He opened a door and lead me in. It was very nice, a big bed, night table, an armoire and a desk.
"I know it's nothing special-" He started.
"No it's perfect, Thank you, your house is lovely" I smiled as he set down my trunk and pushed it to the end of the bed. He smiled.
"Thank you, Let me show you where everything is." He gestured to the door before walking out. Remus showed me that Sirius' room was straight across from mine, his own was further down the hall and the bathroom, right next to my room. Before retiring for the night. Sirius seemed to have other plans. He smiled.
"Come on" He whispered, I followed him down the stairs and into the kitchen.
" Want some hot chocolate?" He offered as he opened the cupboard drawer. I nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, Please" He pulled the tin down and opened it carefully.
"Can you get some mugs from there?" He pointed to a cupboard opposite. I pulled down two mugs and set them on the counter.
"Can I do something else?" I asked quietly. He told me to warm some milk and I paid attention so it wouldn't burn. I successfully got it to the perfect temperature and poured it without spilling one drop. Sirius complimented me jokingly and opened the refrigerator. He pulled out a bowl of whipped cream and set it on the counter with a wicked grin. He pulled out the spoons and globed some onto his mug. I laughed quietly.
"Sweet tooth?" I asked.
"A small one" He laughed. I searched the cabinet for cinnamon and tapped it onto our cream. I cleaned up the kitchen when Sirius just waved his hand when I suggested it. He lead me into the den and sat down on the couch. Pointing his wand at the fireplace, flames started crackling merrily.
"This is cozy." I commented, meaning it.
"Isn't it? Too bad Remus wasn't interested. Sleeping" Sirius snorted. "Who in their right mind goes to bed so early during summer?"
"It is almost 1:30" I admitted looking at my watch.
"Yes, well.. I still can't believe he expects us to get up so early." I laughed.
"I assume you like to sleep?"
"Who doesn't?" He smiled. I snorted into my mug.
"I don't even want to go" He sighed, sitting back. I set my mug on the table and pulled my legs beneath me.
"Why don't you want to go?" I asked turning to face him. "
I hated living there, There are bad memories." His voice weighed down with the years.
"What kind of bad memories?" I asked hesitantly. He looked at me and his face was covered in moving shadows thrown by the fire.
"My parents didn't like me. They saw me as a sort of disappointment. The Black family was a family very interested in the dark arts... not death eaters exactly, but they supported Voldemort. I didn't, and I couldn't stand it. I ran away when I was sixteen." He said this all slowly, as if afraid to mention his family.
"That sounds horrible" I answered sympathetically.
"It was, That's why I don't want to go back."
"Where did you go when you ran off?" I asked gently.
"Your father's house" He smiled wistfully. "Your grandparents were great about it" He enthused. "I had finally gotten away, And now I have to go back."
" Well, It's different now, and once we clean it up it will be fine. It's good for meetings I suppose since Dumbledore picked it." I was trying to be comforting, I don't think it was working.
"Well, It's unplotable for one thing. They put so many spells on it.. No one would be able to find it. Dumbledore just put it under the Fidelus charm too." Sirius explained after he took a sip of chocolate.
"How does it work on houses?" I asked. "Well, the house is just kind of invisible to everyone. When Dumbledore tells you it's there, or you read it from something he's written, when you think really hard about the house it will kind of just appear. That's the only way you'd ever know it's there though." I nodded, staring into the fire. Sirius downed the last of his drink and sighed.
"Well, I guess we best be off to bed, Moony will go insane if we don't get up in the morning" He said this with laughter. I smiled at his mirth.
"Okay" I agreed easily, starting to feel drowsy.
"We'll have to roast the marshmallows tomorrow night." He stood up and stretched.
"Really, can we? I've never roasted a marshmallow before" I stood up and turned to him in excitement. He looked at me silently before nodding.
"We will. Maybe Moony can stay up long enough to accompany us." He winked as he directed me back into the kitchen to put our mugs back. Sirius stopped in the den to extinguish the fire and we tread silently up the stairs as not to wake Remus.
'He gets cranky when you wake him up' Sirius whispered to me before we reached the landing.
"Goodnight, Siri" I whispered.
"Night, Love" He ruffled my hair and disappeared into his room. I carefully opened my door and creeped inside. I opened the curtains so I could see the stars from my bed. they were beautiful tonight. I readied for bed bathed in moonlight and pulled the warm covers up to my chin. Right before I drifted off to sleep I wished on a star that I wouldn't have a nightmare tonight.
TBC
A/N: Well, Sorry all, that chapter was pretty boring... It was a kind of bridge. Of course this is all a bridge to the climax... which in my mind seems very far away. This is supposed to be a pretty short story.. I seem to lose interest when they get to very long. So I'm sorry but it will get better! I promise. Thank you all for reading and PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!
Torny: Thank you so much for reviewing! Don't worry long rambling reviews are my favorite! Yes Petunia knows on a different level. She's never actually seen it happen but she's figured it out you know. But she can't do anything to stop it really. She's kind of afraid of Vernon herself. He goes spare sometimes. Yes their relationship will come up pretty soon I hope.. Though it is not the main focus of the story so you know...So glad you noticed the Snape part. I was like grinning evilly when I put this story under Snape as well. There will be a whole lot of Snape interaction... hehe. That is an interesting idea about James... I'm not quiet sure how I would even get James involved. I was thinking of shoving some ollcumency( forgot how to spell it and am too lazy to look it up) lessons in earlier than the book did... much earlier lol. I'm not sure Sarah would throw herself into Snapes penseive though... you know. If you have an idea on that please tell me! You like my Sirius then? lol I like him too! I think your right about the Sirius being a brat in the books. I seriously think Snape needs to get over the whole "Sirius tried to kill me with a whomping willow" thing. I mean it was like 20 years ago! But yes Sirius will be forced into being more mature.. Sarah will help with that. I'm sorry this chapter was sooo boring. lol They will get more exciting I promise, so stay with it please! You must be interested in Snape to have been looking under his character... And Snape will show up a lot! I only hope I can capture his character... he's a hard one. I'm very scarred about that. Well, I'll see to it when the time comes. Thanks for reviewing... I'm even longer winded than you! lol I'm SOOOOO glad you're enjoying it. Though you seem the only one! lol
PLEASE REVIEW EVERYONE! IT WOULD MEAN A LOT TO ME!!
Love you all!