Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Thanks this time to:
Hogwarts_Drama_Queen: Thanks for letting me know... I've fixed it already.
ShortySC22: Look at the picture I found.. isn't it pretty? lol...
yoriko sakura-chan: Thanks! *scurries away to do more quickly*
giggles: Thanks for letting me know about the chapter thing. I went to fix it right away, but I hadn't even noticed. Damn ffn, huh? lol. Anyway, I'll gladly read your story, just give me a link so I don't need to search through everything because that just gets annoying.
Tigerlily: *claps hands* Thanks! That was the one part I thought people would think was stupid. I mean, I had to look up absolutely everything for the Quidditch fouls, and I didn't really know what I was going to write... but thanks!
Shorti: Glad that you liked it so much... though if you really like the fluff stuff, then this chapter may not be quite so nice... lol
krissy: Hey... you were lucky! This was a really quick update!
AN: Some people mentioned that they would like to see a picture of the ring that James gave Lily. I hadn't based it on anything, but I looked through several *hundred* pictures (The search gave me 543, and I looked at them all... lol) and I found the perfect one. The link is:
www.
platinum-diamond.com/
emeraldengravedringsa
.jpg
Please take a look at it, even if you don't care about it for the context of the story... it's just a really beautiful ring, that I would love to own. I picked this one not only because it matched what was in my head, but it would ummm... show the wealth of James' family. Because it would cost $9,950.00. lol.
Note that this chapter is very dark, not fun or fluffy like most of them. It contains the theme of rape and the use of the Cruciatus Curse on a main character. If that bugs you, don't read it. Just email me for a summary if you want to, that way the next chapters will make sense
When You Wish Upon a Star
by Christabell
Chapter Seventeen: Of Trickery and Trouble
Maybe we'll be there someday, Lils... James whispered close into her ear, leaning forward to kiss her cheek.
she whispered back. She turned around and their lips met, and for a moment, there was only the two of them in the room and they were all that mattered. They stood comfortably in each other's embrace, but then, as they broke apart, Lily realized that not only had everyone else actually disappeared, their location had changed, and they were no longer in the Gryffindor common room.
Ah, Lily, James, right on time. A door opened, and the owner of the voice stepped in. Though Lily had never seen him, she knew exactly who it was. The smoldering red eyes, and the long black robe, the sleeve pushed up slightly to reveal the edge of a deep, black skull–shaped tattoo, gave it away immediately. Voldemort had finally come for her.
What do you want, Voldemort? James snarled.
Patience, dear boy, Voldemort said smoothly. He turned to Lily and examined her closely. Now, Lilian, tell me about yourself. Lily glared at him in a mixture of anger, disgust and fear.
He sighed visibly at her reaction.
Perhaps it would be easier for you to view me like this... With a wave of his wand, the monster before Lily and James turned into a boy their age. My former self. Tom Riddle, Head Boy, much like yourself, James. We are quite alike. Lily, proceed...
Lily still would not respond. Within a second, Voldemort transformed back into his regular form and cast the Cruciatus curse at Lily. James watched in horror as she was flung onto her back, screaming, sobbing, writhing as if she was having a seizure, her anguish obvious.
Stop it! James shouted. You're going to kill her!
Voldemort smiled wickedly at him. Yes, that would be sad, wouldn't it. Potter's little girlfriend, dead. Poor you... James' mind began to race. He had to think of something to save her from insanity or death. It had already been close to a minute.
Look, we both know that you want her on your side. Her death wouldn't help you. Please, I'd do anything, just stop it. Voldemort removed the curse, but Lily didn't move. James ran to her side quickly, helping her to sit up.
Anything, you say? Anything? Voldemort questioned, almost cackling as James nodded solemnly. It's no secret that I want you dead. A Potter fighting against me is prophesied to be my downfall, but a Potter fighting for me? That could be arranged...
No, he won't join you, you bastard! Lily screamed, standing up as she spat in his face.
You are far too confident for your own good. I'll show you what I do with girls like you, Voldemort snarled. With Potter watching.
With a simple spell, James fell stiff as a board, propped up against the wall, and Voldemort threw Lily back down on the floor. He seized her face with one hand and brought it close to him. Without warning, he kissed her harshly, biting her lips viciously to draw blood. When she drew back, crying out in pain, he slapped her cheek, leaving a red hand print. He grabbed her shirt and ripped it open, popping off each and every button, smirking. Then he moved on to her skirt. Drawing a knife out of thin air, he traced a small lightning bolt in her bare thigh.
So you will remember that before anyone else, you were mine...
Lily shook in fear, and tried to cover herself from Voldemort's hungry eyes. Though she didn't want to admit it, she knew that it was futile to try and stop him. He would achieve what he wanted no matter what she did.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The six other Gryffindors seventh years, along with Mike had moved to action quickly when Lily and James had just dropped to the ground, kicking the remaining students out, forcing them to go to their dorms. The biggest shock had come when James suddenly called out, What do you want?, and then soon after, Lily began shaking and screaming. Mari and Mike had run to find Daphne, and there was nothing to do but wait.
Lily screamed. Keep your hands off me... Oh James, I'm so sorry... I can't stop him... James... JAMES! Get him away from me! Arabella burst out into tears, realizing what was going to be done to Lily.
Can't we stop him? There has to be some way! she cried out, sobbing into Sirius' chest.
I'm sorry, Bella. I... I don't know what to do... At that moment Daphne burst through the portrait hole, with Dumbledore, Mari, Mike, and Severus right on her heels.
What's happening? she asked.
You–Know–Who has them... I know that they are right here, but... Lily's screams interrupted Remus' explanation.
I love you, James, I'm so sorry... and she let out a cry of absolute agony.
He's forcing himself on her, and he must have done something to James so he couldn't do anything about it, Peter said, his voice shaking. I hate him so much... I can't believe that anyone could do that to *Lily*...
Severus, did you know anything about this? Dumbledore asked in a hushed whisper. The boy shook his head regretfully.
No, nothing.
Now, I'm going to ask you something very serious. Do you think that you could rescue them somehow? Daphne questioned solomly. Severus looked worried.
I'm not sure... but if you'd give me that chance, I need to find out. I may be the only one who could do something about it, he replied very grimly. Dumbledore and Daphne surveyed him quickly, and then Dumbledore gave him a curt nod.
he whispered, pointing one of his hands toward the boy and the other on Lily's shoulder. Severus collapsed instantly and Daphne caught him and placed him next to Lily and James.
What the hell did he just do? Sirius demanded.
To save Miss Evans and Mr. Potter, Dumbledore answered.
But why him?
Because he's the only one who may be able to.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Severus found himself in a large room, and in the middle of it was Draconius Malfoy, Lucius' father. His mind raced
Mr. Malfoy... I have urgent news!
Then speak quickly. Severus' mind raced, searching for a plausible story.
I was going down to visit Professor Sagen, and I overheard Daphne (that's the head of Gryffindor) and Dumbledore (that mudblood–loving fool) and they were saying that our Master somehow got inside the minds of Potter and his mudblood girlfriend. They are working out a way to destroy him! he said, praying that he had been believable.
I would send you in, but I believe he is... well, having his way with the mudblood to teach her a lesson.
Would you have him killed? I have to go warn him! I will not let Dumbledore destroy everything I am for. Draconius stared at him, and then sighed.
Go ahead, it's the room on the right. But be careful... I wouldn't want to be in your shoes right now... Severus nodded, and ran over to the door. He opened it cautiously, and gasped as he found Lily, unconscious and naked, on the floor in a puddle of her own blood, and James still frozen.
My Lord... he said, falling to his knees.
Snape, why are you here?
That fool of a Headmaster has found out what you are doing... I don't know how, and he has almost found a way to destroy you! You need to leave those two alone... save yourself! Severus said, sounding almost panicked. It was nearly ten minutes ago that I found out!
You have perhaps saved my life. Take care of these two, finish the mudblood off if it would please you.
I would prefer not to let her blood taint my skin, Severus smirked.
Very well. Do what you want with them; I will get away from here. Voldemort fixed his dark robes and closed the door behind him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back in Gryffindor common room, there was not much to do but wait. Even Sirius, who had been trying his best to be strong for Arabella, finally just broke down and cried. Lily had grown to be like the sister he had never had, and James was already considered family.
But this had helped him chose a career. He hated knowing that those he loved where being hurt by an evil force and there was nothing he could do. He looked over at Arabella, wiping away his tears.
I've decided something, Bella. I'm going to be an Auror, so I can make sure this never happens again, especially to you. I love you so much... He embraced her tightly, and she turned around to kiss him, smiling sadly.
I know, Siri. I love you too.
~~~~~~~~~
Severus sprung to action as soon as the latch on the door clicked shut. He quickly de–froze James, who promptly well flat on his face.
Get up, Potter. Before he comes back here and kills all of us! Severus hissed. James slowly got up, his eyes narrowing as he saw who had saved him.
I don't need your help, Snape, he said defiantly.
Look, first, I'm the only one who can get you out of here alive. Second, I don't care if you don't. Lily certainly does. It was then that James remembered exactly what had happened. He rushed to her side, and covered her quickly. Just looking at her battered body caused him to soon found himself fighting back tears.
I'm sorry... please... we need to get her out of here. Severus finally took pity on James. He couldn't really expect him to keep himself together after watching his girlfriend be raped by a monster.
I know. Hold on to her, okay? James cradled Lily in his arms, and Severus briefly rested his hand on James'. he said softly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A collective gasp was the only sound in the Gryffindor common room, as three almost ghost–like forms suddenly appeared in the room.
Set her down where she was before, Potter, and then lie down where your body is, someone instructed. At once, James and Severus stirred to life but Lily did not move. Her body, however, became covered with blood and fresh scars, her clothes ripped.
Oh my gosh... Mari cried, Mike's grip on her tightening.
It's alright, he whispered. We're at Hogwarts, they will be able to help them. Everyone crowded around Lily, shocked at the damage that had been done, but as soon as James got up shakily, he pushed them all away.
Give her space right now, James said, deathly serious. Someone needs to go get Madam McKnight. With a look shared between them, Melanie and Peter scurried off. Remus walked up to Severus and offered him a hand, pulling him to his feet.
I'm not saying that I like you much more than I used to, but two of my best friends are alive only because of you, and I am very grateful. Going in there must have taken an amazing amount of courage. I don't know how you did it, and I don't need to know. But I would like to ask you why.
Because I could. And because I care about Lily more than I care about anyone. I... there are some days where I don't even want to get up, but I do because of her, he replied truthfully.
She is a good friend.
Do you wish it was anything more than just friendship? Remus inquired. Severus was quiet for a moment.
I think I've loved her ever since I first saw her. Except she is Potter's, and she will never love me back. Potter is the lucky one, as always... he smiled wistfully, as James caressed Lily's cheek, and then placed a light kiss on her forehead. But I'll always love her.
~~~~~~~~~~
James entered Dumbledore's office late that night, fatigued but not tired. Any wounds that had been inflicted on Lily had been healed quickly by Madam McKnight, at least, any of the physical ones. Her state of mind, to say the least, was unstable. She flinched when she saw her friends had entered the dorm to check up on her, and she had sent them away as soon as she could.
Hello, James, Dumbledore called out, halting James' thoughts. Come right in, we have a lot to talk about... James plopped down in one of the cushion–y seats and sighed.
First of all, I know that today has probably been one of the toughest days of your life. I think that's a given. If you feel like you are up to it, I would like you to just describe everything that happened when Voldemort took you and Lily. We were able to understand it partially... one of the consequences of using the curse that was used is that it's victims talk aloud, and anyone near them can hear what is going on. James took a deep breathe and began to speak.
We had just gotten back from the Quidditch game, and everyone was commenting on the ring that I had given Lily before the ring. We were...
Please describe the ring, James. Don't leave anything out. I need to know everything, Dumbledore interrupted.
Alright, you may have seen it before on my mother when she was here... I believe that you were teaching transfiguration at that point. It's an old Potter heirloom, silver band, emerald in the middle, a small diamond on either side of it. It's close to an engagement ring, but not quite there... I think that there is a hidden engravement in Latin on it somewhere, and if I recall correctly, it says something to the extent of, If the love is true, it will always fit.' It fit Lily's finger perfectly, James added, blushing.
Yes, it would have... I knew when I first saw you two together that you would fall in love... it was very obvious. Dumbledore's comment only caused James' cheeks to redden further. Well, continue.
Everyone was wondering if it *was* an engagement ring, and while we said no, we got to talk a bit about how we hope we may be there, someday. And we were... ummm... kissing... and when we pulled apart, we were in a different room. And Voldemort came in, and he was asking Lily to talk about herself, but she refused, so he cast the Cruciatus on her... James shuddered slightly.
It was awful, seeing her like that, and I couldn't do anything... I begged him to stop, told him that I would do anything if he would just leave her alone. That's when he suggested that I join his side. I was going to say yes, anything to save Lily, but she finally got up and spat at him. He got really mad, and decided to teach her a lesson. He froze me so I couldn't do anything but watch as he... as he...
I understand what he did to her, James, Dumbledore said softly.
He was so violent with her... throwing her up against walls, then back down on the floor, slapping her, and it was the worst thing when I saw how he was looking at her... so hungrily like he wanted to just consume her completely.... and she was screaming. But she kept on apologizing to me, like it was her fault he did that to her. By this point, James was whispering so quietly that Dumbledore had to strain his ears to hear.
And when he finally went all the way, he just looked at me like he knew he had won, and Lily was his, and he was smiling so cruelly... it was horrible... I can't even imagine how she feels right now...
It will take her a long time to recover... she may be slightly frightened of you. Even hugging her could bring back memories of what happened tonight. But stand by her, she'll need you badly.
I already would have, no matter what happens with us... James corrected. But Headmaster, there is one thing I don't understand... why did Snape come to save us?
You'll have to ask him that. I'm afraid that if you really need to know, it's up to him.
Okay, thank you, sir. James got up, and with a final glance backward, left the office to go talk to a girl whose smile would not reach her eyes for some time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
AN: I know that this was much shorter than my usual chapters, but I felt that if I continued it here, I would end up with a chapter of about 20 pages, and it would have taken me a lot longer to get the chapter out. So yeah.
Well... Lily and James had a bad experience, Remus formed a truce with Severus, and we also found out something interesting about Severus... he does have a heart! lol.
Please review!