Dear Mr. Jesus (An Abused Child's Prayer)
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters in Harry Potter. JK Rowling does. I also don't own this song, Dear Mr. Jesus (An Abused Child's Prayer), either. The words and music are by Richard Klender. But I do own this plot.
Dear Mr. Jesus (An Abused Child's Prayer)
Continuation….
[Please don't let them hurt your children]
Two weeks had passed since that incident in the hospital. Sirius still didn't understand how he could have helped Lyra but decided not to think about it. After all, there are just some things that a three-year-old must not think about. At least that was what Sirius had reasoned out.
"Sirius?" Mrs. Black entered Sirius' room. "Sirius, dear, we need to go to the hospital."
"What happened?" Sirius asked, looking at his mother worriedly. "Are you all right? Is it father? Or am I the one who needs to go?" Sirius paused for a while. Then, he said, solemnly, "Is it Lyra?"
"Sirius," Mrs. Black's face held a pained expression. "A man from the Ministry visited Lyra. He contacted your father just now. It seems the curse is taking effect again. Lyra's asking for you."
Sirius was struck dumb. He shakily approached his mother.
"Sirius, I'm sorry," Mrs. Black said as she knelt down to carry Sirius.
"Mommy, she's really going to die, isn't she?" Sirius asked, though it was more of a statement.
Mrs. Black closed her eyes and when she opened them, Sirius could see the tears falling.
"Yes, Sirius. The curse is at its final stage."
When the Black family reached Lyra's room, they found the girl staring at the wall in front of her with a blank expression.
"How is she?" Mr. Black asked his companion at work, Mr. Abenessi.
"She's not doing well," Mr. Abenessi said. "We've questioned her parents. They've been given the Veritaserum. It turns out that they've cast the…" Mr. Abenessi's voice lowered as he saw Sirius listening intently. "… Almapathos Curse…"
Only Mr. Black heard this. He looked at his friend with disbelief.
"But that's unheard of! No one has ever cast that spell! No one knows how to except…" Mr. Black's voice trailed off when he thought of something.
"Yes," Mr. Abenessi confirmed what was on Mr. Black's mind. "Only the Fade line has the secrets to performing the curse. They're the only ones who know the words to that spell."
"But the parents of the girl! Are they?" Mr. Black didn't finish his question.
"They are her parents, all right. Not imposters. But it's impossible for them to get the secrets from the Fades whether they are with the dark side or not. The Fades don't give their secrets out to just anybody," Mr. Abenessi told Mr. Black.
Mr. Black thought of what he was just told of.
The Fade clan was one of the strongest clans of the Dark side. They were well known for their ruthless ways and for the numerous rare spells they have uncovered from the foundations of their home. These rare spells include curses that were unheard of and believed to date back thousands of years ago when wizards and witches still roam free. When the hunt for these kinds of people began, there was believed to be one powerful wizard, called Houdin Alexander Fade, who hid manuscripts containing countless spells under the floorboards of his house. When he was killed, his relatives took the place for themselves. These relatives were the dark wizards now known as the Fade clan. Unlike the powerful wizard who hid the manuscripts, these relatives of his were evil and sought to bring destruction everywhere. The spells were uncovered years ago and were rumored to be destructive and at the same time good. But the Fades used the destructive ones all the time. This was why at these times, a Fade was always feared. They were merciless killers and they held the secrets to spells only few have heard of but can never cast.
"If that is so…" Mr. Black began, "then…."
"Yes," Mr. Abenessi said. "It seems that Lyra here is a Fade after all."
[We need love and shelter from the storm]
Sirius watched his father, not understanding the conversation between Mr. Abenessi and Mr. Black.
"Mommy," Sirius tugged his mother's skirt. "What's a Fade?"
Mrs. Black looked at Mr. Black and Mr. Abenessi.
"She's a Fade?" Mrs. Black asked the two older men.
"Yes," Mr. Black answered.
"But… why?" Mrs. Black asked. "Why did her parents do this?"
"Mommy!" Sirius whined. "I'm beginning to get lost! What you talking bout?"
"Sirius," Mrs. Black turned to her son. "You need to go to Lyra okay? Try to watch if she wakes up."
"Her eyes are open," Sirius said helpfully.
"Not that way," Mrs. Black forced a smile. "Try talking to her until she talks back. Call us when she does, okay?"
"Okay," Sirius said. "But you'll explain later, right?"
Sirius looked at his mother as he said this.
"Yes, Sirius," Mrs. Black said.
Sirius smiled and approached Lyra and started talking. Mrs. Black joined her husband and Mr. Abenessi.
"Why would they hurt her?" Mrs. Black asked Mr. Abenessi, referring to Lyra and Lyra's parents.
"I think it would be because the girl refused to do evil," Mr. Abenessi answered after thinking for a while. "If she refused to do evil, she'll break the code of the Fades. She's a black sheep and a nuisance to the Fade family. I think that is why her parents did this."
"That's no reason," Mrs. Black said.
"You have to understand, dear," Mr. Black told his wife. "Lyra belongs to a family of dark wizards. To them, doing evil is good while performing kind acts is a bad thing. Lyra chose to do the latter. She is the different one. She is the mistake in the clan. They needed to change her. They thought beating her up would do the trick and change her. But it didn't. So they thought of the only possibility left. They had to eliminate her."
"What did they do then?" Mrs. Black asked.
"The Almapathos Curse," Mr. Black answered.
Mrs. Black gasped.
"But," Mrs. Black started, "then it means that…"
"There's no way to save her," Mr. Abenessi said. "Apparently, her parents knew the spell but not the counter-curse. We have no way to heal young Lyra here."
"What will happen now?" Mrs. Black asked.
"Well, we just have to hope that her soul can find peace even in its suffering," Mr. Abenessi said. "Just hope that she can find love before she dies."
"But she shouldn't die!" Sirius spoke up.
The adults turned to the little wizard. Sirius looked at them, his tears threatening to fall.
"Sirius-" Mrs. Black started.
"She can't!" Sirius burst out, tears running freely down his face. "Why does she have to die?"
The three adults didn't know how to answer the little boy's question.
"Sirius," Mr. Black started. "We can't do anything to save her. But perhaps, we can let her go feeling loved. She can die in peace and free from pain."
"Pain?" Sirius looked at his friend who was still staring at the wall blankly. "How so? How does the pain come? She doesn't seem to be feeling anything."
"The pain is inside her, Sirius," Mr. Abenessi said. "Almapathos is a curse of the soul. The person would be forced to relive his worst memories and experiences. Although he wouldn't be feeling the physical pain, the memories would cause pain mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. These pains are a lot more serious than any physical pain possible. In its final stage, the person would no longer remember anyone she loves or anyone who loves her. She would be unaware of the real world as her mind retreats to its own reality. The way Lyra is now," Mr. Abenessi gestured to Lyra. "In this stage, the memories would be more painful than ever. Even those that seem nothing to her would matter now and due to much suffering, the soul will fade away to nothingness. Lyra would die. Worse is, her soul will never find the light. Her soul will be lost. She'll be a wandering ghost. Unless," Mr. Abenessi looked at Sirius, "you could help her soul find peace."
"How?" Sirius asked.
"I think you can try talking to her and try to get inside her while you're doing so, Sirius," Mr. Black said.
"What?" Sirius looked confused. "I don't understand."
"Last time," Mr. Black explained patiently, "you started talking as though you were the one abused. I understand now. It was Lyra talking with you. Lyra said you saved her. I think you were able to enter through her mind when her mind's walls fell and her spirit weakened. This was how someone who loves her could enter and join her in her suffering."
"But he'll get hurt!" Mrs. Black said.
"I think this time," Mr. Black said, "he'll just be there to let Lyra know that she's loved. He'll help her find peace. But nothing will happen much. He won't get hurt because this time, it's beyond his reach. Lyra will die no matter what."
[Please don't let them hurt your children]
Sirius approached Lyra and took her hand. Sirius then looked at the three adults standing nearby.
"Be careful, young one," Mr. Abenessi cautioned.
"Don't be afraid," Mr. Black told his son.
"We'll be here," Mrs. Black added.
Sirius gulped and then, started talking.
"Lyra. Hey, it's me! Remember? Sirius Black! You know, the kid named after a dog…." Sirius closed his eyes. "Wait, I think it was a dog star. Hey, Lyra! You can't forget me. We're both the same! We're kids! My fingers can't count your age though. But then, Mommy said you're still a kid so we're the same. Besides, we're both in the sky! Lyra!"
"Sirius!"
Sirius opened his eyes and found himself in a dark place. He found Lyra some meters in front of him.
"Lyra!" Sirius ran towards the older girl. "Lyra, I'm coming!"
"No, Sirius! They'll hurt you!" Lyra screamed as she battled an image only she can see.
"Lyra," Sirius said, firmly, "I came all this way to help and you ain't pushing me away!"
"Sirius, I'm scared!" Lyra sobbed.
"Hey! If it makes you feel better, I'm really scared, too!" Sirius said, trying to keep his tone light; but he was starting to tremble.
"Why are you here, Sirius?" Lyra asked, sobbing. "No one loves me. They all want me to die because I'm different. Why are you doing this for me then?"
"Cause you're my friend," Sirius took Lyra's hand and looked at her in the eye. "Aren't you?"
"They hate me," Lyra whispered.
"Who cares about them?" Sirius said, exasperated. "They tried to kill you! They're not good!"
"They're my parents. I still love them," Lyra sniffed.
"I'm sorry," Sirius sighed. "But you're hurting."
Lyra suddenly screamed. She clutched her head, closing her eyes in pain.
"No! Don't hurt me! Please!" Lyra screamed.
Sirius didn't know what was happening and so, he did the only thing he could think of.
He hugged Lyra.
That was then when he saw the images that Lyra saw.
"No!" Sirius screamed, his voice mingling with Lyra's voice. "Don't!"
Sirius instinctively hugged Lyra closer, putting his body in front of Lyra.
"Don't!" Sirius screamed as hands threatened to pull him away.
"No!!!" Lyra screamed. "Don't hurt me please!"
"You're worthless, Lyra!" a woman's voice said.
"You're a stupid idiot who doesn't deserve to live," a male voice said.
"You are a disgrace!"
"You're a mistake that should be erased!"
"You don't deserve to live!"
Sirius cried out as he felt the whip slapping his back. Lyra was screaming with him.
"Stop!" Sirius screamed, crying as his three-year-old body shouldered the beating meant for a man. His father said he wouldn't get hurt. How could his father be wrong?
"You should die, Lyra!"
"Don't listen, Lyra!" Sirius yelled.
Lyra cried harder.
Suddenly, everything became silent. Sirius felt no more pain. He looked up and found himself faced to face with a man he never knew. Sirius stood up, bringing Lyra with him.
"Who are you?" Sirius asked.
The man smiled.
"Thank you for your help, Mr. Black," the man addressed Sirius formally. "You have been a brave little boy. But I need to take Lyra now."
"Who are you?" Sirius asked again.
"Suspicious, Sirius?" the man laughed. "Well then, I am Houdin Alexander Fade. I am the only Fade who worked for the light. I am Lyra's ancestor."
"Why are you so good to me?" Lyra sniffed.
"Because, my dear child, I am just like you," Alexander Fade said. "I, too, was banished from the clan because of my desire to be with the good side. And I am here, to bring you to the light so you would not get lost."
"To the light?" Lyra asked timidly.
"Yes," Alexander smiled. "I'm going to bring you to a place where you will be loved. Where I can take care of you and be the parent that you never really had. I'm here to bring you home."
Lyra looked at Houdin Alexander Fade. Then, she threw herself at the man, hugging him.
"Thank you!" Lyra kept saying.
The man smiled.
"You'll never be hurt again, young one. I won't let anyone hurt you," Alexander said. He turned to Sirius. "Thank you, Sirius. You have helped us more than you'll ever know."
"Thank you, Sirius!" Lyra looked at her friend and smiled. "I'll never forget you."
And Sirius watched as Alexander Fade carried Lyra and walked away towards a bright light.
[Won't you keep us safe and warm]
Sirius woke up and found himself in the hospital room again. His parents were nearby, watching over him.
"Daddy!" Sirius exclaimed. Then, he winced as a searing pain went through his body. "Ow! You said I wouldn't get hurt!"
"I was mistaken," Mr. Black said. "I'm so sorry, Sirius."
"It's okay," Sirius said. He winced again at the pain. "Where's Lyra?"
Silence filled the room.
"What?" Sirius asked, innocently. "Some man called Houdin said that he'd keep her safe and bring her home. Where is she now?"
"Sirius," Mrs. Black said slowly. "Lyra's gone."
"Gone?"
"She's dead, Sirius," Mr. Black said. "She's not coming back."
Sirius looked at his parents face, shocked.
"No," Sirius whispered. "But… he said that he'll take her home!"
Sirius burst into tears.
Sirius was able to leave the hospital that day. He stayed in his room most of the time, thinking about Lyra. It just didn't seem right. The man said that he'd take Lyra home and take care of her. How could Lyra be dead then?
Sirius sniffed, wiping the tears falling down his face. He was about to go to sleep when he heard a racket downstairs.
Mr. and Mrs. Black were downstairs, thinking about the latest events that had transpired when they heard the voices outside the door.
The loud explosion followed.
Mr. and Mrs. Black pulled out their wands but found themselves outnumbered.
"Get Sirius and go!" Mr. Black told his wife as he stood in front of her, facing the intruders.
"Stupefy!" Mr. Black pointed his wand at some of the intruders who were just about to enter the house. "Stupefy!"
Mrs. Black tried to help stun some of the intruders as she headed towards the stairs and get to Sirius' room.
"Stupefy!" Mr. Black tried to find a way to defeat the prowlers in a different way. They were just too many for him! He just hoped that his wife could get Sirius and escape. He would be happy with that.
"Crucio!" a voice said.
The familiar tone caused Mr. Black to stay still and in the process, get hit with the spell.
Mr. Black doubled over in pain. He looked up at the man who used the forbidden curse on him. The man removed the hood covering his face and sneered at Mr. Black.
"Hello, Brother."
Mrs. Black was still in the middle of the stairs when she found herself surrounded. Worse was, there were people who were near Sirius' room.
"No!" Mrs. Black yelled. She pointed her wands at the hooded figures nearby. "Expelliarmus! Petrificus Totalus! Stupefy!"
Mrs. Black ran towards Sirius' room. She stunned the hooded figure standing in front of the room.
That was when the door opened and young Sirius came out, scared.
"Mommy! What's-" Sirius' sentence was cut off when he saw the state they were in.
"Sirius, let's go!" Mrs. Black said, extending her hand to her son.
Sirius quickly followed his mother down the stairs and to the back.
However, before they could reach the back door, they were met by different people.
"Stupefy!" Mrs. Black stunned some of the wizards on their way. "Sirius, go out back!"
Sirius stood still, his eyes transfixed at the sight before him. His father was battling many men. His mother was also battling others.
Sirius stood in fear as a man headed towards Sirius.
"Avada," the man started.
"No!" Mrs. Black ran towards Sirius. "Stupefy! Impedimenta!"
"Kedavra!" the man was able to finish the spell before Mrs. Black had managed to stun him.
Sirius watched in horror as his mother stood in front of him and was hit with the Killing Curse.
TBC