A/n: Hey! Thanks to everyone who has been reading this so far. I'm scared
I'm going to mess it up some how. *rolls eyes* that would be something I
would do. But thanks for sticking with the story! You guys are awesome!
R/N:
Muffinlover: Ah! You're so great. I LOVE getting reviews from you. Thanks for taking the time and reading my story and commenting on it. It's great to hear that stuff. Thanks so much!
Noa: Thanks so much for your review! I love hearing from you too. I'm glad you are liking this so far!
HiddenFlame: What can I say? Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, as always. You're the best! *hugz*
Mojo: My stories are not the same without you. Thanks a billion girl.
Silver Ice: Thanks for reviewing hun! I love hearing from you and thanks for commenting on certain parts. It's awesome. Thank you!
--
When a Death Eater was called he or she would Disapparate immediately and would reappear, regardless of the location, wherever Voldemort was. This time was no different as Dorcas reappeared in an old, abandoned house. Dorcas shivered, rubbing her chilled arms; they must be somewhere cold.
Already a great circle was forming around the back of a turned chair. Dorcas took her place next to Severus who smiled thinly at her. She returned it and fell silent. Normally she should be in her Death Eater robes but Voldemort knew very well where she was at this time of day. He wouldn't be angry.
Finally all the holes were filled except for a select few. These empty spaces were the areas of the people who had had been killed in the war so far. Everyone was standing still and silent in the circle. Many were already dressed in their Death Eater robes. Dorcas caught a glimpse of Lucius and his wife, Narcissa.
"My friends," Voldemort's voice whispered softly. Chills raced up Dorcas' arms. If she had been cold before it was nothing to how she felt now.
The tall form of Voldemort stood from the chair. He turned facing them, his red eyes narrowing. His long white fingers gripped the back of the chair as he smiled coldly.
"Master," they murmured and bowed low.
"I have good news." He said delightedly. Dorcas' stomach churned in fear. "The Izen family is no more."
Dorcas forced herself to join in with the raucous laughter. She had told the Order that Voldemort was after the Izen's! Why had no one listened? She sighed realizing that they probably had. The Izen's were a pureblood Wizarding family, they probably felt that they needed no protection. While many people loved and trusted Dumbledore and his intelligence, some people were too proud to admit that their family was in danger. And then they would die.
Voldemort went into detail about their gruesome deaths. "The muggle loving fool, Dumbledore, tried to stop it. What he doesn't realize is that he is no match for Lord Voldemort." This wasn't a statement. Voldemort sounded as if he was trying to convince himself that Dumbledore was really no match for him, not his Death Eaters.
"Now we decide our next main targets." Voldemort said as happily as was able for an evil Lord. The Death Eaters normally killed randomly but there was always one main target whether it be a family or an individual person.
Now Lucius Malfoy stepped forward, bowing low. "Master, I believe I know the perfect people."
All eyes turned to Lucius who was smiling coldly. He turned to look at Dorcas and she suddenly, with a horrible twist to her stomach, realized who he was talking about. "A couple, James and Lily Potter."
Dorcas could feel bile rising in her throat. Her world swayed and she forced herself to remain steady. Severus reached under her elbow, so unobtrusively that no one saw, and steadied her.
"Dorcas here introduced me to the. . .charming. . .couple this morning. Auror's, Lord."
Voldemort nodded his head slowly, a smile curving his pale lips. "I know of them. They hate Death Eater's. They work for Dumbledore's pathetic Order, am I right Dorcas?"
Dorcas couldn't speak at first. When she managed to regain her voice she whispered, "I believe so, My lord."
"What are they?"
Dorcas took in a deep breath. "James is a pureblood and Lily is a. . .muggle."
Voldemort looked furious. If there was one person he hated more than muggle's, it was purebloods who married them. "I do believe I would like to meet this disgraceful couple for myself." Voldemort whispered coldly. Cheers echoed the room and Lucius looked very please with himself.
Dorcas was trying very hard to keep herself from running away as quickly as she could. Voldemort himself would be focusing all his efforts on Lily and James. No one ever survived when Voldemort wanted to kill them. If Voldemort wanted someone dead, they stood no chance of survival. And Voldemort wanted Lily and James dead.
"Do you know where they live?" Voldemort asked.
Dorcas cleared her mind and answered no. She could feel Voldemort probing into her mind, checking for lies. He nodded satisfactorily and said, "Lord Voldemort will reward the person who brings the couple to me alive most graciously." He was looking at Dorcas in particular.
Voldemort touched his tattoo and the familiar pain rippled through her arm. She quickly Disapparated and reemerged at Order headquarters. She knew she was being careless but she had a feeling that Voldemort would not be tracking her on this day. Night was coming and Dorcas knew that everyone was probably at headquarters, home from work already. She quickly pulled out her mirror and thought of Sirius. A moment later he came into view, "Hey-whoa, what's wrong with you?" he asked when he saw the look on her face.
"Send me the paper." She said and put her mirror away. A second later a piece of parchment fluttered from the tree and she caught it, quickly memorizing the address before it burst into flame. A second later the house appeared and she ran up the narrow sidewalk and flung the door open.
Sirius was waiting for her and she nearly trampled him over. "Dorcas, what's wrong?" He asked, gripping her shoulders.
"Where's Lily and James?" she whispered. Tears were starting to find their way to her eyes. This was odd for Dorcas because she never cried and Sirius knew this.
"We're right here," Lily said coming down the stairs, followed closely by James.
"Wow, you were gone for a- Dorcas, what's wrong?" James asked urgently. He saw how pale she was and he saw the uncharacteristic tears sliding down her cheeks.
"It's all my fault," she choked.
"Dorcas, what's wrong?" Lily asked again, dashing over to her and gripping her hands.
"He-he's after you now," she whispered.
Lily and James looked at each other, "Who's after me?"
Dorcas wiped away her tears, frustrated. "Lucius, he told. . .him. . .about you. He was angry. He, Voldemort, he's going to kill you."
Lily staggered backward, James paled, and Sirius moved his hand to his forehead, whispering, "Oh God."
"It's all my fault," she whispered, running her shaking hand through her hair.
"Of course it isn't." Lily said softly. "Dorcas, it's Lucius' fault. It's our fault. We shouldn't have gotten on the elevator with you."
The door opened and Severus Snape walked in. He saw the looks on their faces and whispered softly, "Heard the news then, have you?"
James and Sirius took an angry step forward. "Bet you're happy, aren't you, Snivellus?"
Snape barred his teeth but swished passed them without another word.
After calming Dorcas a little bit they walked into the meeting room. Dorcas did a double take when she saw Albus Dumbledore himself sitting in a chair and looking very grim indeed. Snape sat next to him and Dorcas realized that Snape had already passed the news onto Dumbledore.
The group took their seats except for Dorcas and Severus. They filled the member's in on the horrible news (mostly Severus because Dorcas couldn't bring herself to say it again) and then sat down. James and Lily looked very calm. They were pale, yes, but they didn't look scared or nervous. On the contrary, they looked quite defiant.
"James, Lily. You already know what I will ask you." Dumbledore said seriously, gazing at them above his crescent-shaped eyeglasses.
The couple shook their head. "We aren't going to go into hiding and do nothing. We can still go to work. There is too many people at the Ministry for anyone to do anything to us."
Dumbledore smiled grimly. "I knew you'd say that."
Dorcas cleared her throat. "Stop being foolish. Your lives are at risk. You must go into hiding!"
Lily shook her head slowly. "Not yet."
Dorcas knew better to argue so she fumed silently to herself. Why would no one see that they should take the safest route? It wasn't a matter of being brave and helpful. It was a matter of life and death.
"In that case, James and Lily are never to be left alone. If you must travel somewhere other than here, you must be accompanied by other people."
James nodded in agreement and Sirius said, "They'll never be rid of me."
Dumbledore stood and said, "I must be leaving now. Care to join me Severus?"
Severus stood as well and with a wilting glance at James he Disapparated alongside Dumbledore.
Everyone else filed out of room one by one or Disapparated as well.
Remus and Peter left last. They both looked incredibly worried and gave a long lecture to both Lily and James before they left. The remaining four people walked to their houses. Sirius retreated to his and Lily and James stood smiling at a still pale Dorcas.
"I don't think you realize how serious this is." Dorcas said shaking her head. "He wants to kill you himself. No one ever lives when he wants that."
"We'll be an exception then. I wasn't top in my class at Defense Against the Dark Arts for nothing, you know." James said. "And I won't let anything happen to Lily."
Lily smiled at him and kissed him softly on the cheek.
Dorcas turned and walked to her door. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Dorcas." Lily said sternly. "I don't want to hear you say it again."
Dorcas didn't respond as she shut her door and locked it. She leaned against it and let the tears fall for the first time in years.
R/N:
Muffinlover: Ah! You're so great. I LOVE getting reviews from you. Thanks for taking the time and reading my story and commenting on it. It's great to hear that stuff. Thanks so much!
Noa: Thanks so much for your review! I love hearing from you too. I'm glad you are liking this so far!
HiddenFlame: What can I say? Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, as always. You're the best! *hugz*
Mojo: My stories are not the same without you. Thanks a billion girl.
Silver Ice: Thanks for reviewing hun! I love hearing from you and thanks for commenting on certain parts. It's awesome. Thank you!
--
When a Death Eater was called he or she would Disapparate immediately and would reappear, regardless of the location, wherever Voldemort was. This time was no different as Dorcas reappeared in an old, abandoned house. Dorcas shivered, rubbing her chilled arms; they must be somewhere cold.
Already a great circle was forming around the back of a turned chair. Dorcas took her place next to Severus who smiled thinly at her. She returned it and fell silent. Normally she should be in her Death Eater robes but Voldemort knew very well where she was at this time of day. He wouldn't be angry.
Finally all the holes were filled except for a select few. These empty spaces were the areas of the people who had had been killed in the war so far. Everyone was standing still and silent in the circle. Many were already dressed in their Death Eater robes. Dorcas caught a glimpse of Lucius and his wife, Narcissa.
"My friends," Voldemort's voice whispered softly. Chills raced up Dorcas' arms. If she had been cold before it was nothing to how she felt now.
The tall form of Voldemort stood from the chair. He turned facing them, his red eyes narrowing. His long white fingers gripped the back of the chair as he smiled coldly.
"Master," they murmured and bowed low.
"I have good news." He said delightedly. Dorcas' stomach churned in fear. "The Izen family is no more."
Dorcas forced herself to join in with the raucous laughter. She had told the Order that Voldemort was after the Izen's! Why had no one listened? She sighed realizing that they probably had. The Izen's were a pureblood Wizarding family, they probably felt that they needed no protection. While many people loved and trusted Dumbledore and his intelligence, some people were too proud to admit that their family was in danger. And then they would die.
Voldemort went into detail about their gruesome deaths. "The muggle loving fool, Dumbledore, tried to stop it. What he doesn't realize is that he is no match for Lord Voldemort." This wasn't a statement. Voldemort sounded as if he was trying to convince himself that Dumbledore was really no match for him, not his Death Eaters.
"Now we decide our next main targets." Voldemort said as happily as was able for an evil Lord. The Death Eaters normally killed randomly but there was always one main target whether it be a family or an individual person.
Now Lucius Malfoy stepped forward, bowing low. "Master, I believe I know the perfect people."
All eyes turned to Lucius who was smiling coldly. He turned to look at Dorcas and she suddenly, with a horrible twist to her stomach, realized who he was talking about. "A couple, James and Lily Potter."
Dorcas could feel bile rising in her throat. Her world swayed and she forced herself to remain steady. Severus reached under her elbow, so unobtrusively that no one saw, and steadied her.
"Dorcas here introduced me to the. . .charming. . .couple this morning. Auror's, Lord."
Voldemort nodded his head slowly, a smile curving his pale lips. "I know of them. They hate Death Eater's. They work for Dumbledore's pathetic Order, am I right Dorcas?"
Dorcas couldn't speak at first. When she managed to regain her voice she whispered, "I believe so, My lord."
"What are they?"
Dorcas took in a deep breath. "James is a pureblood and Lily is a. . .muggle."
Voldemort looked furious. If there was one person he hated more than muggle's, it was purebloods who married them. "I do believe I would like to meet this disgraceful couple for myself." Voldemort whispered coldly. Cheers echoed the room and Lucius looked very please with himself.
Dorcas was trying very hard to keep herself from running away as quickly as she could. Voldemort himself would be focusing all his efforts on Lily and James. No one ever survived when Voldemort wanted to kill them. If Voldemort wanted someone dead, they stood no chance of survival. And Voldemort wanted Lily and James dead.
"Do you know where they live?" Voldemort asked.
Dorcas cleared her mind and answered no. She could feel Voldemort probing into her mind, checking for lies. He nodded satisfactorily and said, "Lord Voldemort will reward the person who brings the couple to me alive most graciously." He was looking at Dorcas in particular.
Voldemort touched his tattoo and the familiar pain rippled through her arm. She quickly Disapparated and reemerged at Order headquarters. She knew she was being careless but she had a feeling that Voldemort would not be tracking her on this day. Night was coming and Dorcas knew that everyone was probably at headquarters, home from work already. She quickly pulled out her mirror and thought of Sirius. A moment later he came into view, "Hey-whoa, what's wrong with you?" he asked when he saw the look on her face.
"Send me the paper." She said and put her mirror away. A second later a piece of parchment fluttered from the tree and she caught it, quickly memorizing the address before it burst into flame. A second later the house appeared and she ran up the narrow sidewalk and flung the door open.
Sirius was waiting for her and she nearly trampled him over. "Dorcas, what's wrong?" He asked, gripping her shoulders.
"Where's Lily and James?" she whispered. Tears were starting to find their way to her eyes. This was odd for Dorcas because she never cried and Sirius knew this.
"We're right here," Lily said coming down the stairs, followed closely by James.
"Wow, you were gone for a- Dorcas, what's wrong?" James asked urgently. He saw how pale she was and he saw the uncharacteristic tears sliding down her cheeks.
"It's all my fault," she choked.
"Dorcas, what's wrong?" Lily asked again, dashing over to her and gripping her hands.
"He-he's after you now," she whispered.
Lily and James looked at each other, "Who's after me?"
Dorcas wiped away her tears, frustrated. "Lucius, he told. . .him. . .about you. He was angry. He, Voldemort, he's going to kill you."
Lily staggered backward, James paled, and Sirius moved his hand to his forehead, whispering, "Oh God."
"It's all my fault," she whispered, running her shaking hand through her hair.
"Of course it isn't." Lily said softly. "Dorcas, it's Lucius' fault. It's our fault. We shouldn't have gotten on the elevator with you."
The door opened and Severus Snape walked in. He saw the looks on their faces and whispered softly, "Heard the news then, have you?"
James and Sirius took an angry step forward. "Bet you're happy, aren't you, Snivellus?"
Snape barred his teeth but swished passed them without another word.
After calming Dorcas a little bit they walked into the meeting room. Dorcas did a double take when she saw Albus Dumbledore himself sitting in a chair and looking very grim indeed. Snape sat next to him and Dorcas realized that Snape had already passed the news onto Dumbledore.
The group took their seats except for Dorcas and Severus. They filled the member's in on the horrible news (mostly Severus because Dorcas couldn't bring herself to say it again) and then sat down. James and Lily looked very calm. They were pale, yes, but they didn't look scared or nervous. On the contrary, they looked quite defiant.
"James, Lily. You already know what I will ask you." Dumbledore said seriously, gazing at them above his crescent-shaped eyeglasses.
The couple shook their head. "We aren't going to go into hiding and do nothing. We can still go to work. There is too many people at the Ministry for anyone to do anything to us."
Dumbledore smiled grimly. "I knew you'd say that."
Dorcas cleared her throat. "Stop being foolish. Your lives are at risk. You must go into hiding!"
Lily shook her head slowly. "Not yet."
Dorcas knew better to argue so she fumed silently to herself. Why would no one see that they should take the safest route? It wasn't a matter of being brave and helpful. It was a matter of life and death.
"In that case, James and Lily are never to be left alone. If you must travel somewhere other than here, you must be accompanied by other people."
James nodded in agreement and Sirius said, "They'll never be rid of me."
Dumbledore stood and said, "I must be leaving now. Care to join me Severus?"
Severus stood as well and with a wilting glance at James he Disapparated alongside Dumbledore.
Everyone else filed out of room one by one or Disapparated as well.
Remus and Peter left last. They both looked incredibly worried and gave a long lecture to both Lily and James before they left. The remaining four people walked to their houses. Sirius retreated to his and Lily and James stood smiling at a still pale Dorcas.
"I don't think you realize how serious this is." Dorcas said shaking her head. "He wants to kill you himself. No one ever lives when he wants that."
"We'll be an exception then. I wasn't top in my class at Defense Against the Dark Arts for nothing, you know." James said. "And I won't let anything happen to Lily."
Lily smiled at him and kissed him softly on the cheek.
Dorcas turned and walked to her door. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault Dorcas." Lily said sternly. "I don't want to hear you say it again."
Dorcas didn't respond as she shut her door and locked it. She leaned against it and let the tears fall for the first time in years.