Chapter 11- The Strongest Magic I Posses
By the time that Sirius reached Godric's Hollow, it was too late. The house was knocked down to the floor. All that was left of his best friends, was a pile of rubble. It was completely silent; all he could hear was a faint cry of a baby. Harry used to cry like that. Harry was such an energetic boy. He used to laugh so joyfully when he played with his Godfather. As he moved around the large stones he found James' body. His usual bright blue eyes, empty and life less. Sirius felt a tear fall down his face; it was his fault James was dead. He was the one who suggested using Peter as the secret keeper and now James was dead. Silently Sirius hugged his best mates body I the brotherly hug they always shared.
Then he moved on pulling up bits of rock, finally finding Lily.
"Sorry Lil's. This is my entire fault; I should have protected you myself. I should've been the secret Keeper, I'd rather die myself then have had this happen. I hope that you and James could forgive me." His one tear came out now as a waterfall of tears crying for his mistake, which he was paying dearly for. Then he heard it again. He heard the cries of a child. But they were louder, and just a few feet away from Lily's body he saw a little bit of movement.
"Harry?" Sirius snapped. He moved forward and pushed a piece of wood away.
"HARRY!" He picked his Godson up, who was crying and very much alive. "How... how did you survive?" His eyes curiously scanned the scene once more, and he saw a final body. One whose he didn't want to run over and hug, one he didn't feel sorry that was dead. Voldemort's.
He looked back at Harry who had quietened down. Across his forehead was a small gash. One which was in the shape of a lightening bolt. It was unbelievable, but it was the only explanation Sirius could think of. This little boy had defeated the most powerful and evil to walk the earth. Yet he was only a baby?
"Sirius?" Sirius turned to see the friendly, Hogwarts gamekeeper standing next to his motor bike. He had a small tear trickling down his face as he remembered Lily and James back in Hogwarts, back when James was helping her become more confident. So many years ago now. "Sirius, I'm here to take Harry." He said.
"No, I'll look after Harry, I am his God father." Sirius replied protectively holding Harry to him. His best friends were gone, he didn't want to lose their son, the only one who would beable to remind him of his best friends. He promised he would look after him.
But he had allot he would have to sort out before that. Most believed that he was secret keeper. He didn't care about that at the moment though, all he wanted was revenge. Revenge on the person who was SUPPOSED to be one of their best friends- He wouldn't rest until he got revenge.
"Sirius, Dumbledore wants Harry to go to his aunt's to live. He says it's for the best." Hagrid agreed.
"You're right, take my bike, It'll be quicker and I won't be needing it any more." Sirius nodded as he handed Harry to Hagrid.
"I'm sorry Sirius, they were decent folk. No one deserves their fate." Sirius sniffed.
"I know, I'm sorry to."
And with a rev of and engine Hagrid left with Harry.
Sirius failed in keeping back his tears. Shaking and narrowing his eyes menacingly, Sirius apperated.
He was going to find Peter and kill him.
Sirius apperated round like a mad man, looking for Peter- the scum of the earth.
Finally after and hour of looking he found him, he was walking nervously down a muggle street just 2 streets away from the entrance to Diagon Alley.
As soon as he saw Sirius and the murderous look across his face, he knew, he knew.
Peter turned and ran. But Sirius was faster and caught up to him.
"Peter, I'm going to kill you!" Sirius growled.
"My master will come after you, if you do!" Peter returned.
"Your master is dead, just like Lily and James."
"NO!" Peter gasped. Then thinking himself out of this situation quickly added. "Lily and James, Sirius. How could you?" He repeated it louder so all the muggle s around could hear.
Sirius' eyes narrowed and he growled angrily at Peter, backing him further into a corner.
How dare he?
Just like the anger had consumed him with Snape in his 6th year, anger took over his body. He reached for his wand about to finish Peter off. And he would've too, he pointed his wand at Peter's heart and an explosion went off.
But Sirius hadn't said a curse yet?
Sirius had just enough time to see a triumphant wink shot at him from Peter, as Peter turned from human into rat, the most suitable form for him.. And he disappeared into a sewer.
Peter had beaten him again. He had cast a powerful dark spell causing an explosion and at least 10 Muggles around him killed.
Sirius even noticed a thumb lying on the floor with Peter's cloak.
He had been framed.
Sirius did the only sane thing he could at that point.
He laughed hysterically. He had been beaten by Peter- no one would have ever thought it, but Peter the boy in school who had never got a charm right first time, had out smarted the 3 most intelligent people in his year. And thus causing many lives lost.
As Sirius continued to laugh the magical law enforcement came along, followed by the muggle one. Sirius made no effort to struggle.
He let himself be taken away.
He would explain himself in court.
But he would never get a fair trial, never a chance.
Sirius would go to Azkaban and be the first innocent prisoner. He would be left only to brood on revenge.
Peter meanwhile would spend the rest of his life as a rat. He would find a nice wizarding family to take him in, then he would keep an ear out for any information or news from the wizarding world.
The magical law enforcement soon got to the scene of Godric's Hollow also. There they couldn't believe their eyes. The Potters dead, as was Voldemort.
The ministry had a special addition of the Daily Prophet sent to every wizard alive, even those who did not subscribe. And the news sped like wild fire.
How Harry Potter had defeated he who must not be named.
It would stay on the front page for weeks to come.
Very soon wizards all around the world raised their glasses celebrating and praising Harry Potter, The boy who lived.
The days following that fate full night for many were full of celebrations. But for two people they were depressing, lonely and mournful.
They were two ex lovers, who were forced to come back together at a rough time.
Remus entered the grand old church, which he had been in just twice before. It was the church which Lily and James had been married. He remembered his best mate's face when his girl walked down the aisle towards him, how they had gazed into each other's eyes as they legalised their love, and how they had shared their first kiss in holy matrimony. The second time had been when they had Christened Harry. By now the news had spread that Harry would be staying with his aunt. Not Claire, but Petunia. He would have to question Dumbledore about this later. He felt a pair of eyes on the back of his head. As he turned he knew whom they would belong to.
And he was right, he turned to meet the very red very tearful eyes which belonged to Claire Potter. She had come of course to attend her Brother and sister in laws funeral. She ran into Remus' warm embrace and let her tears flow freely.
"Remus, oh my gosh I'm so glad you're ok. I'm so glad he didn't get you! Oh my gosh I can't believe Sirius would do that to J... James." Remus hugged Claire to him closer. He wanted to comfort her to help ease her pain, but he knew all to well that it wouldn't go away for a long time yet. He vowed to himself that he would look out for her. He knew it's what James would have wanted.
"I miss them already." She cried.
"I know, me too." Remus led Claire to the front of the stands. The minister of magic himself was here to do the ceremony. Lily and James were probably now as famous as Dumbledore himself.
In fact the pews were full of people wanting to say their goodbyes.
They had Dumbledore, Alistor moody, and James' boss, sitting with Frank, Alice and baby Neville. In fact the whole of the Aurour squad, the hit witches and the magical law enforcement were there. As well as all of St Mungo's healers. The teachers who taught Lily, James and Peter in Hogwarts. All the mothers and fathers who had attend the clinic with Lily and Harry.
And that was just inside the church. Out side the church was the rest of the wizarding community. Reporters from every magical newspaper had appeared. This was like the event of the century. Voldemort had terrorised them all for eleven solid years and now he was gone, they wanted to commend the people who fought for them and they wanted to send them off in style.
The only person who was missing, was their son.
Harry Potter had not even been taken to his parent's funeral.
Remus took hold of Claire's hand tightly as the minister stood up at the altar. The one where Lily and James had said their vows, the one which their dead bodies now laid at.
The minister took a long sorrowful look at the 3 coffins before he turned round. And finally he began.
"It's a sad day in which we lose these 3 outstanding members of our society." The minister began. "Young Peter Pettigrew was a fine young man. Photographer for the Quibbler magazine. He died a noble death trying to bring justice." Peter's mother sobbed next to Remus, so he put an arm around her to comfort her. They both knew that Peters coffin was empty, all she had received from the tragedy was Peter's thumb. That was all which was left of him. In the distance Remus heard a squeak. He turned. It was funny, Bill Weasley held a rat. It seemed although the rat was almost saying goodbye to his fellow.
"Peter's fight was brave. We all wish him well in the after life.
"Now Lily Potter was a loving mother and wife. Whilst at school she proved she could bring a grown wizard to his knees, she proved the night she died that she could bring a most powerful wizard to his knee's. And with him a whole group of evil was destroyed. She was a fully trained medi witch, proving she had what it took to receive a very prestigious qualification and a very high sought after job at St Mungo's. She was extremely intelligent and will always be remembered through out time.
"Finally there was James Potter. Probably the most well known person before. He had been in our newspapers since the day he was born. Son to the well known Robert Potter. International Quidditch star. It wasn't until James brought it to light that his father was an unworthy character at his mother's funeral that we knew the real Robert Potter. James was a gem to us all. He was the complete opposite of his father, never wanting to be famous, but always achieving the glory any how when he helped fight bravely bringing many of You know who's supporters to their knee's. He went on to follow his heart and Marry Lily and have little Harry.
"These three people stood out in a crowd, and now they will forever more stand out in everyone's hearts. For their services to our world, I cannot bring them back to life, I can however award them each with an order of Merlin first class, to show that we recognise what they did for us and will always be remembered with raised glasses!" The crowd gathered gave their minister a warm round of applause. "And now Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." The minister placed a medal in each coffin then departed the altar for his own seat.
Dumbledore stood at the altar, he took a long sad glance around the church, taking in all the sad faces of the trio behind him's friends and family. It was a sad injustice, nobody could deny this.
"Theres not much anyone can say to make each of us feel better. We have lost three people who were very active in our wizarding world. They were young, fit and healthy. Their minds were fresh and they lead each other through their steps of life. It is not uncommon knowledge that these three people who lie behind me were great friends.
Peter had been James' friend from the beginning of school. They were there for each other. If either were threatened by anything the other would help stand up for them. When Lily entered the picture Peter welcomed her and gave them his blessing.
Lily and James of course were married. They shared a love for one another which many of us in here, including myself have never experienced. They both had lives full of excitement and they thrived on how they woke up to each other each day. They would be a miss without the other and an eternity spent with the other would never have been long enough for them.
"No one will ever know what happened on the night of Halloween. What we do know is out of the four people involved, only Harry Potter survived. Harry was Lily and James' one-year-old son. Lord Voldemort." The church as a whole seemed to gasp at the forwardness of Dumbledore in mentioning his name. "Lord Voldemort seemed to be defeated that night, whether or not he disappeared, we are yet to know. But what we do know is something about Harry Potter stumped him that night. How could he kill Lily and James Potter- two very powerful wizards. Yet all he left a young child with is a small lightning shaped scar. My best guess is that the love which Lily and jams shared- the way they treated Harry with such care and compassion, it's more then Voldemort could ever imagine. Lily Potter died protecting her son and James protecting her. I want to leave you reminding you of the example which has been set. If you love each other and help each other as the Potters have demonstrated then great things can be achieved. We need to stand together- even now that evil seems to have been defeated and united we can go far."
The churchgoers clapped and Dumbledore stepped down. The funeral proceeded, a few prayers were said then the coffins were carried outside on the shoulders of the men in the hall. So many stepped up for the challenge.
They went in procession, as they did so all the people who had been gathered outside the church began clapping. They were paying their respect and they're thanks to the people who lie in those coffins. There was one name who was on everybody's lips- Harry Potter.
When they went outside the coffins were lowered into the ground and the closest friends and family dropped a handful of dirt over them before they were completely covered.
An hour later only Remus and Claire remained...
Claire sat in-between her brother and sister inlaws's graves. She just talked to them as if they were there. All Remus could do was watch helplessly. He had never felt so lost or alone before. The only one of his friends he had left was his ex-lover and they hadn't spoken since their break up. It was time to make up for lost time. He walked up to Claire and sat beside her. She immediately stopped her conversation with Lily and James, turning to face him.
"You know I really am sorry about what happened between us." He started sincerely, barely above a whisper.
"I know." Claire replied at the same volume.
"You know what I think?" Remus started. "I think it's time to move on. I think that recent events show us that life is to short, and if we can't be friends after what we shared, then who can? I think we should look out for each other- it's what James would have wanted." Claire smiled at him lightly.
"Yeah, that is what he would have wanted. You're right. If I can't trust you then who can I trust." She scribbled on a piece of paper which she found in her bag and handed it to him. "This is my new address. I wasn't going to tell you it... but well I realise now that I was being a bit childish. You have to understand that I loved you and you broke my heart."
"And you have to understand that you weren't the only one who was hurt. I just can't live with out you, even if I can't live literally with you." Claire smiled sadly at him, just as Dumbledore appeared. "Miss Potter, may I talk to you in private please." He asked.
"Certainly." She replied getting to her feet. "Bye Lily, James, Peter." She whispered. Then added; "Remus, don't be a stranger." He nodded and she and Dumbledore disapperated leaving Remus alone to mourn.
He looked over the three gravestones.
"And just think this was all Sirius' doing. I can't believe that one day all my friends were there and now 3 are dead and one imprisoned for life. I'm so so sorry I couldn't help you." He sobbed salty tear which had been burning in his eyes finally falling. And rain started gently falling as if the heavens were crying too like the grown man beneath them.
Remus managed to compose himself for a minute, then spilt out;
"Guys, I know it's unforgivable what Sirius did, and I for one will never beable to forgive him. But somewhere in my heart wants to not believe, it wants to think that somehow Sirius isn't the traitor. I know it's impossible... but... but he's one of us- a marauder. I feel so bad for thinking this way, as though I'm betraying you guys but I... you... I- He must have been for real at some point, I think that perhaps the deaths of his father and wife at once, I think that must have been some sort of turning point. I... I'm sorry." Remus began to cry again feeling so guilty, so utterly guilty. The strange thing was the rain almost immediately stopped and the sunshine shone over the graves. It was as though it was a sign.
Dumbledore had taken Claire back inside the church, he needed to talk to her.
"Sir no disrespect but why did you send Harry to live with those Muggles? I mean Lily didn't even talk to her sister. I would have given him a much better home." Ahh it seemed she had hit the nail right on the head.
"Miss Potter, I understand your concern for your nephew. But I have many reasons, most I can explain but one main one which I can't- for Harry's sake."
"Go on." She invited him, clearly analysing his expression.
"First of all think of the practicality. Mrs Dursley is married and has a son of her own who is the same age. She is not short of money nor free time. It seems her husband is the breadwinner and she is a housewife. You however, lack a partner and have a full time job. No doubt you would look after Harry and love him as much as you loved your brother. But is it really practical?"
"What about Remus?" She asked in desperation. "He has very rarely got a job. I love him with all my heart and we only split up because we couldn't have children together. It's almost perfect that we can adopt Harry."
"Claire, although I know Remus would never harm Harry, there will always be the full moon to deal with. Also I would prefer that Harry grow up with Muggles, He is not yet ready to deal with his ever-growing fame. It seems that since this tragedy everyone thinks he is their saviour- the progedy child. It would be unhealthy for him to grow up knowing of this fan basis, it could go to his head."
"I suppose." Claire reproachfully agreed.
"He is safest with the Dursleys it is for the best. There is one more thing I would like to ask of you."
"What is that?"
"That you don't make yourself known to Harry until his seventeenth year. I would like for that year, you to join my teaching staff as the defence against the dark arts teacher, and then we will explain to him of his long lost auntie."
"Wh...?"
"I will explain to you nearer the time. For now I just need your word." Claire thought then nodded.
"You have it." She replied. Dumbledore had never done her wrong before.
Little did she know it was more for her own good then Harry's.
Claire left the church again, She looked over towards the graveyard, and it seemed Remus had gone. But where he had been standing someone else stood. To Claire's Suprise it was none other than Nacissa Potter, now Malfoy. Her sister. She wasn't crying just looking at her brother's tombstone. For once the look of distaste did not curse her features. Instead one of pity did.
Claire recognised Snuffles the house elf beside her laying one red rose down before James. She could see the elf was crying and tied to its back was another elf. A baby.
"Nacissa!" Claire bellowed wanting to rekindle their friendship. She had finally found her sister to have a heart.
As Nacissa turned and saw who had called her, she instantly dissapereated apparently ashamed.
Snuffles smiled apologetically then followed. Claire sighed, for a moment she thought it was too good to be true- Obviously it was!
The days which follow are the ones which end MY story.
Yes it was tragic that we died. But we did it to help not only ourselves but we died for a cause. I died protecting my family- the woman I loved and she died protecting our son. It was our bravery, the fact we didn't give in to the easier option and most of all we stood up for what we believed in.
But what happened next was what really kicks you in the balls.
It wasn't us dying.
It wasn't how our son was sent to live with people who would abuse him- that was for his own protection.
It wasn't how a trusted friend had betrayed us.
Nor my best friend being wrongly accused of our murders. No it was none of that.
It was how, when everyone had celebrated Voldemorts down fall, two of the greatest people I know were attacked.
They weren't even fortunate enough to join Lily and myself up above. No they were tracked down by a few death eaters who had escaped the system. They tracked down two people who they had known was in the order some how and they tortured them for information of Voldemorts where abouts. They couldn't believe their master was dead.
They were the same people who had set Hayley up in school to turn dark, the same people who turned peter dark, they were the same people who split lily and myself up.
And they tortured Frank and Alice to insanity.
Poor little Neville was not parentless like Harry. No he just had parents who didn't recognise him, they wouldn't not for the rest of his life. It was sickening how this could be let to happen.
The lifetime imprisonment they received as punishment was nowhere near as bad a punishment as any of the Longbottoms would receive for being good and never putting a foot out of line.
But that's it...
Yes that was it.
And as for the famous Marauders;
Sirius banged up in a cell in Azkaban. Found guilty for a crime, which he did not commit. Betrayed by one of his best friends, distrusted by another, and the final one, the only one who could tell the truth- dead. Dead due to his and Sirius' foolish mistake. All he had now was revenge to dwell on.
Peter, after betraying his only friends, his master gone. All he could do now was hide. Destined to spend the next 11 years as a rat. Nobody would find him there. Only two living people knew what he was. One believed him dead and the other was safely locked away.
Remus, to spend the rest of his life shunned because of what could not be helped. And never having a long-term girlfriend or stable job because of it.
And finally, James, together with his wife, lily. Dead. Killed by the most evil sorcerer of all times. Leaving Harry to the Dursleys to be brought up like a slave or an animal.
All that can be said is the Marauders will meet again. The innocent will be freed and the guilty will suffer. In some sort or spirit, the wrongs will be righted. The split of the Marauders, the deaths of the lovers, the suffering of a young child. All of these were caused by one evil being and those willing to follow. All of these will also be the downfall to this evil. It may seem to have ended, but there will be more dark times to come, the scales are yet to be balanced. Only with love, kindness and pureness of heart will good succeed, for these are the strongest magic we posses.
I would like to thank every body who has read my ficcy and reviewed it has really been a pleasure.
Pls read any of my other ficcys!
Thank you again!
Luv ya
Jessie xxx
By the time that Sirius reached Godric's Hollow, it was too late. The house was knocked down to the floor. All that was left of his best friends, was a pile of rubble. It was completely silent; all he could hear was a faint cry of a baby. Harry used to cry like that. Harry was such an energetic boy. He used to laugh so joyfully when he played with his Godfather. As he moved around the large stones he found James' body. His usual bright blue eyes, empty and life less. Sirius felt a tear fall down his face; it was his fault James was dead. He was the one who suggested using Peter as the secret keeper and now James was dead. Silently Sirius hugged his best mates body I the brotherly hug they always shared.
Then he moved on pulling up bits of rock, finally finding Lily.
"Sorry Lil's. This is my entire fault; I should have protected you myself. I should've been the secret Keeper, I'd rather die myself then have had this happen. I hope that you and James could forgive me." His one tear came out now as a waterfall of tears crying for his mistake, which he was paying dearly for. Then he heard it again. He heard the cries of a child. But they were louder, and just a few feet away from Lily's body he saw a little bit of movement.
"Harry?" Sirius snapped. He moved forward and pushed a piece of wood away.
"HARRY!" He picked his Godson up, who was crying and very much alive. "How... how did you survive?" His eyes curiously scanned the scene once more, and he saw a final body. One whose he didn't want to run over and hug, one he didn't feel sorry that was dead. Voldemort's.
He looked back at Harry who had quietened down. Across his forehead was a small gash. One which was in the shape of a lightening bolt. It was unbelievable, but it was the only explanation Sirius could think of. This little boy had defeated the most powerful and evil to walk the earth. Yet he was only a baby?
"Sirius?" Sirius turned to see the friendly, Hogwarts gamekeeper standing next to his motor bike. He had a small tear trickling down his face as he remembered Lily and James back in Hogwarts, back when James was helping her become more confident. So many years ago now. "Sirius, I'm here to take Harry." He said.
"No, I'll look after Harry, I am his God father." Sirius replied protectively holding Harry to him. His best friends were gone, he didn't want to lose their son, the only one who would beable to remind him of his best friends. He promised he would look after him.
But he had allot he would have to sort out before that. Most believed that he was secret keeper. He didn't care about that at the moment though, all he wanted was revenge. Revenge on the person who was SUPPOSED to be one of their best friends- He wouldn't rest until he got revenge.
"Sirius, Dumbledore wants Harry to go to his aunt's to live. He says it's for the best." Hagrid agreed.
"You're right, take my bike, It'll be quicker and I won't be needing it any more." Sirius nodded as he handed Harry to Hagrid.
"I'm sorry Sirius, they were decent folk. No one deserves their fate." Sirius sniffed.
"I know, I'm sorry to."
And with a rev of and engine Hagrid left with Harry.
Sirius failed in keeping back his tears. Shaking and narrowing his eyes menacingly, Sirius apperated.
He was going to find Peter and kill him.
Sirius apperated round like a mad man, looking for Peter- the scum of the earth.
Finally after and hour of looking he found him, he was walking nervously down a muggle street just 2 streets away from the entrance to Diagon Alley.
As soon as he saw Sirius and the murderous look across his face, he knew, he knew.
Peter turned and ran. But Sirius was faster and caught up to him.
"Peter, I'm going to kill you!" Sirius growled.
"My master will come after you, if you do!" Peter returned.
"Your master is dead, just like Lily and James."
"NO!" Peter gasped. Then thinking himself out of this situation quickly added. "Lily and James, Sirius. How could you?" He repeated it louder so all the muggle s around could hear.
Sirius' eyes narrowed and he growled angrily at Peter, backing him further into a corner.
How dare he?
Just like the anger had consumed him with Snape in his 6th year, anger took over his body. He reached for his wand about to finish Peter off. And he would've too, he pointed his wand at Peter's heart and an explosion went off.
But Sirius hadn't said a curse yet?
Sirius had just enough time to see a triumphant wink shot at him from Peter, as Peter turned from human into rat, the most suitable form for him.. And he disappeared into a sewer.
Peter had beaten him again. He had cast a powerful dark spell causing an explosion and at least 10 Muggles around him killed.
Sirius even noticed a thumb lying on the floor with Peter's cloak.
He had been framed.
Sirius did the only sane thing he could at that point.
He laughed hysterically. He had been beaten by Peter- no one would have ever thought it, but Peter the boy in school who had never got a charm right first time, had out smarted the 3 most intelligent people in his year. And thus causing many lives lost.
As Sirius continued to laugh the magical law enforcement came along, followed by the muggle one. Sirius made no effort to struggle.
He let himself be taken away.
He would explain himself in court.
But he would never get a fair trial, never a chance.
Sirius would go to Azkaban and be the first innocent prisoner. He would be left only to brood on revenge.
Peter meanwhile would spend the rest of his life as a rat. He would find a nice wizarding family to take him in, then he would keep an ear out for any information or news from the wizarding world.
The magical law enforcement soon got to the scene of Godric's Hollow also. There they couldn't believe their eyes. The Potters dead, as was Voldemort.
The ministry had a special addition of the Daily Prophet sent to every wizard alive, even those who did not subscribe. And the news sped like wild fire.
How Harry Potter had defeated he who must not be named.
It would stay on the front page for weeks to come.
Very soon wizards all around the world raised their glasses celebrating and praising Harry Potter, The boy who lived.
The days following that fate full night for many were full of celebrations. But for two people they were depressing, lonely and mournful.
They were two ex lovers, who were forced to come back together at a rough time.
Remus entered the grand old church, which he had been in just twice before. It was the church which Lily and James had been married. He remembered his best mate's face when his girl walked down the aisle towards him, how they had gazed into each other's eyes as they legalised their love, and how they had shared their first kiss in holy matrimony. The second time had been when they had Christened Harry. By now the news had spread that Harry would be staying with his aunt. Not Claire, but Petunia. He would have to question Dumbledore about this later. He felt a pair of eyes on the back of his head. As he turned he knew whom they would belong to.
And he was right, he turned to meet the very red very tearful eyes which belonged to Claire Potter. She had come of course to attend her Brother and sister in laws funeral. She ran into Remus' warm embrace and let her tears flow freely.
"Remus, oh my gosh I'm so glad you're ok. I'm so glad he didn't get you! Oh my gosh I can't believe Sirius would do that to J... James." Remus hugged Claire to him closer. He wanted to comfort her to help ease her pain, but he knew all to well that it wouldn't go away for a long time yet. He vowed to himself that he would look out for her. He knew it's what James would have wanted.
"I miss them already." She cried.
"I know, me too." Remus led Claire to the front of the stands. The minister of magic himself was here to do the ceremony. Lily and James were probably now as famous as Dumbledore himself.
In fact the pews were full of people wanting to say their goodbyes.
They had Dumbledore, Alistor moody, and James' boss, sitting with Frank, Alice and baby Neville. In fact the whole of the Aurour squad, the hit witches and the magical law enforcement were there. As well as all of St Mungo's healers. The teachers who taught Lily, James and Peter in Hogwarts. All the mothers and fathers who had attend the clinic with Lily and Harry.
And that was just inside the church. Out side the church was the rest of the wizarding community. Reporters from every magical newspaper had appeared. This was like the event of the century. Voldemort had terrorised them all for eleven solid years and now he was gone, they wanted to commend the people who fought for them and they wanted to send them off in style.
The only person who was missing, was their son.
Harry Potter had not even been taken to his parent's funeral.
Remus took hold of Claire's hand tightly as the minister stood up at the altar. The one where Lily and James had said their vows, the one which their dead bodies now laid at.
The minister took a long sorrowful look at the 3 coffins before he turned round. And finally he began.
"It's a sad day in which we lose these 3 outstanding members of our society." The minister began. "Young Peter Pettigrew was a fine young man. Photographer for the Quibbler magazine. He died a noble death trying to bring justice." Peter's mother sobbed next to Remus, so he put an arm around her to comfort her. They both knew that Peters coffin was empty, all she had received from the tragedy was Peter's thumb. That was all which was left of him. In the distance Remus heard a squeak. He turned. It was funny, Bill Weasley held a rat. It seemed although the rat was almost saying goodbye to his fellow.
"Peter's fight was brave. We all wish him well in the after life.
"Now Lily Potter was a loving mother and wife. Whilst at school she proved she could bring a grown wizard to his knees, she proved the night she died that she could bring a most powerful wizard to his knee's. And with him a whole group of evil was destroyed. She was a fully trained medi witch, proving she had what it took to receive a very prestigious qualification and a very high sought after job at St Mungo's. She was extremely intelligent and will always be remembered through out time.
"Finally there was James Potter. Probably the most well known person before. He had been in our newspapers since the day he was born. Son to the well known Robert Potter. International Quidditch star. It wasn't until James brought it to light that his father was an unworthy character at his mother's funeral that we knew the real Robert Potter. James was a gem to us all. He was the complete opposite of his father, never wanting to be famous, but always achieving the glory any how when he helped fight bravely bringing many of You know who's supporters to their knee's. He went on to follow his heart and Marry Lily and have little Harry.
"These three people stood out in a crowd, and now they will forever more stand out in everyone's hearts. For their services to our world, I cannot bring them back to life, I can however award them each with an order of Merlin first class, to show that we recognise what they did for us and will always be remembered with raised glasses!" The crowd gathered gave their minister a warm round of applause. "And now Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." The minister placed a medal in each coffin then departed the altar for his own seat.
Dumbledore stood at the altar, he took a long sad glance around the church, taking in all the sad faces of the trio behind him's friends and family. It was a sad injustice, nobody could deny this.
"Theres not much anyone can say to make each of us feel better. We have lost three people who were very active in our wizarding world. They were young, fit and healthy. Their minds were fresh and they lead each other through their steps of life. It is not uncommon knowledge that these three people who lie behind me were great friends.
Peter had been James' friend from the beginning of school. They were there for each other. If either were threatened by anything the other would help stand up for them. When Lily entered the picture Peter welcomed her and gave them his blessing.
Lily and James of course were married. They shared a love for one another which many of us in here, including myself have never experienced. They both had lives full of excitement and they thrived on how they woke up to each other each day. They would be a miss without the other and an eternity spent with the other would never have been long enough for them.
"No one will ever know what happened on the night of Halloween. What we do know is out of the four people involved, only Harry Potter survived. Harry was Lily and James' one-year-old son. Lord Voldemort." The church as a whole seemed to gasp at the forwardness of Dumbledore in mentioning his name. "Lord Voldemort seemed to be defeated that night, whether or not he disappeared, we are yet to know. But what we do know is something about Harry Potter stumped him that night. How could he kill Lily and James Potter- two very powerful wizards. Yet all he left a young child with is a small lightning shaped scar. My best guess is that the love which Lily and jams shared- the way they treated Harry with such care and compassion, it's more then Voldemort could ever imagine. Lily Potter died protecting her son and James protecting her. I want to leave you reminding you of the example which has been set. If you love each other and help each other as the Potters have demonstrated then great things can be achieved. We need to stand together- even now that evil seems to have been defeated and united we can go far."
The churchgoers clapped and Dumbledore stepped down. The funeral proceeded, a few prayers were said then the coffins were carried outside on the shoulders of the men in the hall. So many stepped up for the challenge.
They went in procession, as they did so all the people who had been gathered outside the church began clapping. They were paying their respect and they're thanks to the people who lie in those coffins. There was one name who was on everybody's lips- Harry Potter.
When they went outside the coffins were lowered into the ground and the closest friends and family dropped a handful of dirt over them before they were completely covered.
An hour later only Remus and Claire remained...
Claire sat in-between her brother and sister inlaws's graves. She just talked to them as if they were there. All Remus could do was watch helplessly. He had never felt so lost or alone before. The only one of his friends he had left was his ex-lover and they hadn't spoken since their break up. It was time to make up for lost time. He walked up to Claire and sat beside her. She immediately stopped her conversation with Lily and James, turning to face him.
"You know I really am sorry about what happened between us." He started sincerely, barely above a whisper.
"I know." Claire replied at the same volume.
"You know what I think?" Remus started. "I think it's time to move on. I think that recent events show us that life is to short, and if we can't be friends after what we shared, then who can? I think we should look out for each other- it's what James would have wanted." Claire smiled at him lightly.
"Yeah, that is what he would have wanted. You're right. If I can't trust you then who can I trust." She scribbled on a piece of paper which she found in her bag and handed it to him. "This is my new address. I wasn't going to tell you it... but well I realise now that I was being a bit childish. You have to understand that I loved you and you broke my heart."
"And you have to understand that you weren't the only one who was hurt. I just can't live with out you, even if I can't live literally with you." Claire smiled sadly at him, just as Dumbledore appeared. "Miss Potter, may I talk to you in private please." He asked.
"Certainly." She replied getting to her feet. "Bye Lily, James, Peter." She whispered. Then added; "Remus, don't be a stranger." He nodded and she and Dumbledore disapperated leaving Remus alone to mourn.
He looked over the three gravestones.
"And just think this was all Sirius' doing. I can't believe that one day all my friends were there and now 3 are dead and one imprisoned for life. I'm so so sorry I couldn't help you." He sobbed salty tear which had been burning in his eyes finally falling. And rain started gently falling as if the heavens were crying too like the grown man beneath them.
Remus managed to compose himself for a minute, then spilt out;
"Guys, I know it's unforgivable what Sirius did, and I for one will never beable to forgive him. But somewhere in my heart wants to not believe, it wants to think that somehow Sirius isn't the traitor. I know it's impossible... but... but he's one of us- a marauder. I feel so bad for thinking this way, as though I'm betraying you guys but I... you... I- He must have been for real at some point, I think that perhaps the deaths of his father and wife at once, I think that must have been some sort of turning point. I... I'm sorry." Remus began to cry again feeling so guilty, so utterly guilty. The strange thing was the rain almost immediately stopped and the sunshine shone over the graves. It was as though it was a sign.
Dumbledore had taken Claire back inside the church, he needed to talk to her.
"Sir no disrespect but why did you send Harry to live with those Muggles? I mean Lily didn't even talk to her sister. I would have given him a much better home." Ahh it seemed she had hit the nail right on the head.
"Miss Potter, I understand your concern for your nephew. But I have many reasons, most I can explain but one main one which I can't- for Harry's sake."
"Go on." She invited him, clearly analysing his expression.
"First of all think of the practicality. Mrs Dursley is married and has a son of her own who is the same age. She is not short of money nor free time. It seems her husband is the breadwinner and she is a housewife. You however, lack a partner and have a full time job. No doubt you would look after Harry and love him as much as you loved your brother. But is it really practical?"
"What about Remus?" She asked in desperation. "He has very rarely got a job. I love him with all my heart and we only split up because we couldn't have children together. It's almost perfect that we can adopt Harry."
"Claire, although I know Remus would never harm Harry, there will always be the full moon to deal with. Also I would prefer that Harry grow up with Muggles, He is not yet ready to deal with his ever-growing fame. It seems that since this tragedy everyone thinks he is their saviour- the progedy child. It would be unhealthy for him to grow up knowing of this fan basis, it could go to his head."
"I suppose." Claire reproachfully agreed.
"He is safest with the Dursleys it is for the best. There is one more thing I would like to ask of you."
"What is that?"
"That you don't make yourself known to Harry until his seventeenth year. I would like for that year, you to join my teaching staff as the defence against the dark arts teacher, and then we will explain to him of his long lost auntie."
"Wh...?"
"I will explain to you nearer the time. For now I just need your word." Claire thought then nodded.
"You have it." She replied. Dumbledore had never done her wrong before.
Little did she know it was more for her own good then Harry's.
Claire left the church again, She looked over towards the graveyard, and it seemed Remus had gone. But where he had been standing someone else stood. To Claire's Suprise it was none other than Nacissa Potter, now Malfoy. Her sister. She wasn't crying just looking at her brother's tombstone. For once the look of distaste did not curse her features. Instead one of pity did.
Claire recognised Snuffles the house elf beside her laying one red rose down before James. She could see the elf was crying and tied to its back was another elf. A baby.
"Nacissa!" Claire bellowed wanting to rekindle their friendship. She had finally found her sister to have a heart.
As Nacissa turned and saw who had called her, she instantly dissapereated apparently ashamed.
Snuffles smiled apologetically then followed. Claire sighed, for a moment she thought it was too good to be true- Obviously it was!
The days which follow are the ones which end MY story.
Yes it was tragic that we died. But we did it to help not only ourselves but we died for a cause. I died protecting my family- the woman I loved and she died protecting our son. It was our bravery, the fact we didn't give in to the easier option and most of all we stood up for what we believed in.
But what happened next was what really kicks you in the balls.
It wasn't us dying.
It wasn't how our son was sent to live with people who would abuse him- that was for his own protection.
It wasn't how a trusted friend had betrayed us.
Nor my best friend being wrongly accused of our murders. No it was none of that.
It was how, when everyone had celebrated Voldemorts down fall, two of the greatest people I know were attacked.
They weren't even fortunate enough to join Lily and myself up above. No they were tracked down by a few death eaters who had escaped the system. They tracked down two people who they had known was in the order some how and they tortured them for information of Voldemorts where abouts. They couldn't believe their master was dead.
They were the same people who had set Hayley up in school to turn dark, the same people who turned peter dark, they were the same people who split lily and myself up.
And they tortured Frank and Alice to insanity.
Poor little Neville was not parentless like Harry. No he just had parents who didn't recognise him, they wouldn't not for the rest of his life. It was sickening how this could be let to happen.
The lifetime imprisonment they received as punishment was nowhere near as bad a punishment as any of the Longbottoms would receive for being good and never putting a foot out of line.
But that's it...
Yes that was it.
And as for the famous Marauders;
Sirius banged up in a cell in Azkaban. Found guilty for a crime, which he did not commit. Betrayed by one of his best friends, distrusted by another, and the final one, the only one who could tell the truth- dead. Dead due to his and Sirius' foolish mistake. All he had now was revenge to dwell on.
Peter, after betraying his only friends, his master gone. All he could do now was hide. Destined to spend the next 11 years as a rat. Nobody would find him there. Only two living people knew what he was. One believed him dead and the other was safely locked away.
Remus, to spend the rest of his life shunned because of what could not be helped. And never having a long-term girlfriend or stable job because of it.
And finally, James, together with his wife, lily. Dead. Killed by the most evil sorcerer of all times. Leaving Harry to the Dursleys to be brought up like a slave or an animal.
All that can be said is the Marauders will meet again. The innocent will be freed and the guilty will suffer. In some sort or spirit, the wrongs will be righted. The split of the Marauders, the deaths of the lovers, the suffering of a young child. All of these were caused by one evil being and those willing to follow. All of these will also be the downfall to this evil. It may seem to have ended, but there will be more dark times to come, the scales are yet to be balanced. Only with love, kindness and pureness of heart will good succeed, for these are the strongest magic we posses.
I would like to thank every body who has read my ficcy and reviewed it has really been a pleasure.
Pls read any of my other ficcys!
Thank you again!
Luv ya
Jessie xxx