A week later Sirius glared at the ground at his feet. He was in the back garden of the Potter's house. It was the only place they could think of to use in such short notice for the memorial. There were quite a few witches and wizards. April had been as popular out of school as she had been in school. There were even some people that Sirius hadn't seen since he'd left Hogwarts. He was aware of Rhia holding onto him tightly. He put an arm around his daughter as she sobbed gently into his shirt. Jessie and Kaylee looked a bit too stunned by the fact their mother had died and Orion was sitting in silence. Sirius stroked Rhia's head and kissed her forehead as Dumbledore spoke. Everyone was silent save for the sobbing of a few people.
Sirius had seen Lily running into the house, unable to cope with what was happening outside. Jenny had turned up for a moment before doing a similar thing to Lily. Neither of them had been able to stay for too long. Sirius would have left as well, he understood why. He didn't want to accept that April was dead. She couldn't be dead. She'd fought against so much, survived almost everything that Life had thrown at her. Death, divorce, evil, dark lords, Death Eaters and Children. Sirius would have gone to get himself drunk if it wasn't for his children being here. Harry was trying to calm his sister while James had gone to coax Lily out of the house. Many others were members of the order, aurors, healers that had come to know April. Half of the ministry seemed to have turned out for this memorial.
"So let us remember a great woman, April Black. She was devoted to her work and did everything to ensure the safety of others. She died doing what she was trained to do. To stop the evil of the world from spreading. Although she is no longer with us she will remain in our thoughts, memories and hearts. She was a great Auror, wife, friend and mother." Dumbledore said sombrely. Sirius was sure that Dumbledore looked like he was going to cry. He lifted a handkerchief to his eyes and dabbed them. "We are supposed to have a eulogy from April's best friend Lily Potter but the emotion seems to be too much for her." Dumbledore said. "So, her daughter, Rhia has agree reluctantly to play something for us." Dumbledore said as he waved his wand. A piano suddenly appeared in front of them.
"I can't." Rhia whined. "Dad I can't play." She cried.
"Your mum would have wanted you to." Sirius said kissing her forehead. Rhia looked at Sirius and looked at the piano.
"I can't." She said. "I can't remember what I'm supposed to play. Dad." Rhia pleaded to Sirius. Sirius looked at Dumbledore who nodded.
"I'm afraid Rhia is unable to play for us. I give my commiserations to the Blacks and the Marsdens. You have lost a very brave woman and our prayers go out to you." Dumbledore said. He indicated that the memorial was over. Sirius would have gotten up but Rhia still held onto him crying. He held Rhia tightly and watched as a woman with long brown hair and sparkling blue eyes walked up to him.
"Sirius." She said gently. Sirius eased Rhia off him and told Orion to look after her. Orion nodded but he just stared at his sister.
"Yes." He said.
"You don't remember me do you?" She asked.
"Should I?" He asked.
"Jessica Lowe." She said. Sirius took a sharp intake of breath.
"What are you doing here Death Eater?" Sirius asked.
"I'm not a Death Eater." She said.
"Not when I last saw you."
"That was twenty years ago." She said. "People change."
"Not when they have the dark mark. You've got some nerve coming here." Sirius said.
"I wanted to say that I'm incredibly upset that April...that she..." Jessica stopped for a moment. "If she hadn't sent me to Azkaban I wouldn't have changed. I'm sorry that she's dead."
"Sorry won't cut it Lowe. It's your people that killed her and if I see any of you again I will kill each and every one of you" Sirius hissed to her. Jessica Lowe looked at Sirius. His eyes showed he meant every word of it. She took a step back and disapparated away. She didn't want to be anywhere near Sirius anymore. Sirius turned to Rhia but she'd gone. He looked around and saw Harry running over a hill.
Harry followed Rhia to the paddock where she kept her winger horse. Pegasus. He ran after her and soon caught up with her as she opened up the paddock.
"Rhia." He said. He put a hand on her arm but she pulled her arm free.
"Get lost Harry. I want to be on my own." Rhia muttered. She whistled loudly and a white horse landed on the grass next to Rhia. He was magnificent with long white wings stretching out just above his forelegs.
"Rhia." Harry said. Rhia hugged Pegasus' neck and buried her face into the fur. Harry put a hand on Rhia's back and felt her body being racked with sobs. He looked at Pegasus. The horse was smarter then Harry thought. He pulled free of Rhia's hug and nudged her towards Harry. Harry wrapped his arms around Rhia and let her cry into his shoulder.
"She wasn't supposed to die." Rhia said. "Dad can barely look after himself without her. Mum did everything for us. What are we going to do Harry?" Rhia cried. Harry made Rhia look into his eyes.
"Don't worry about that Rhia." He said trying not to cry himself.
"Harry." Rhia cried. Harry put a hand on Rhia's face.
"You'll be ok. Your dad is going to need your help Rhia. You have to be strong and you'll find out that you won't be on your own through this." Harry said.
"Who am I going to have Harry? Jessie and Kaylee have each other. Orion has Mei Dad has James, Lily and Jenny. Who do I have Harry? Emma is hardly in any condition to help me. Dad's going to get drunk and mourn." Rhia said. Harry forced a smile and gently put his lips on Rhia's. Rhia gasped slightly as he pulled away.
"I'll help you." He said. "I don't know how but I will ok." Rhia nodded and hugged Harry tightly.
"I always preferred dad over mum." Rhia said quietly. "And now I'm more upset than if dad had died." Rhia said. "What's going to happen Harry?"
"I don't know." Harry said. Rhia closed her eyes and tried to block out the world. She told herself to think of Harry, not her mum but her mind just kept playing over Dumbledore's speech. The letter that she'd received from James saying her mum had died. She would love nothing more then to bring her mum's death to Justice bit she wasn't strong enough. Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Lestrange and Kiana Darcy were the people responsible and Voldemort! How was she ever going to defeat any of them. She found that she was relaxing slightly and then her mind was going slightly fuzzy. Her legs could no longer support her weight. Harry managed to catch Rhia's weight as she fainted. He awkwardly maneuvered her into his arms. He moved her head so it was resting against his chest.
"Well at least she'll get some rest." Harry muttered. He looked at Pegasus who bowed his head slightly then walked over. "She's alright, you go and fly around for a bit." Pegasus snorted and shook his head. Harry sighed and understood the horse wanted to help.
"Fine, get down." Harry said to the horse. Pegasus went to his knees and let Harry sit on his back with Rhia leaning against him. Harry held onto Pegasus' mane and the horse started beating his wings. They rose into the air and flew above the paddock gate. This was like riding a hippogriff. Harry held onto Rhia and Pegasus tightly as they flew back to the house.
James dashed behind a wall as the door shattered.
"GO AWAY JAMES!" Lily screamed at him. "I don't want you around! I don't want anyone around!" She shouted through the door. James peered into their bedroom. Lily's face was covered in tears and sparks of red sparks flew angrily out of the end of her wand.
"Lily." James said cautiously. "You have to accept it-"
"NO! I won't accept she's dead. April isn't that easy to kill! A simple killing curse wouldn't...She just..." Lily turned and saw a photo of herself and April together. She pointed her wand at the wall and hit it with a spell. The wall exploded into particles of dust and plaster.
"Lily, please stop destroying the house." James said.
"James, she isn't dead. She can't be, You know that don't you? She's like my sister! She...I won't believe it." Lily said crossing her arms. Lily had been like this the previous week when James had told her. She had refused point blank to believe that April was dead and thought the memorial was a joke. Only when Dumbledore started his speech did it even register with her. James darted into the room and held Lily's wand hand away from him and gave Lily a hug. She broke out into uncontrollable sobs and fell to her knees, taking James with her. She let go of her wand and held James close to her.
"I don't want to lose anymore friends James. I don't think I can take it. Why does it have to be us. It's always us." Lily said
"It's a test. Voldemort wants to show that he's stronger by killing people but it makes us stronger. It's just a test Lily." James said.
"Killing my best friend is a test is it?" Lily asked, letting go of James. James opened his mouth to say something but shut it again. "I'm going to check on Sirius." Lily said. James nodded and stayed where he was sitting. Lily got up and started down the stairs. She saw Harry coming in carrying Rhia. She looked almost lifeless. Lily's heart jumped into her mouth
"She isn't-" Lily started to say. Harry saw her and shook his head
"She fainted." Harry said.
"Put her on the sofa." Lily said. Harry nodded and went into the living room. Lily followed him in. She watched as Harry lay Rhia gently on the sofa then kiss her gently on the lips. Lily's grief subsided for a moment as she watched Harry but as Harry got up again he looked at Lily and her pain came back.
"I'll look after her." Lily said.
"Mum," Harry said.
"Yes Harry." Lily said.
"Um...everything will be alright won't it?" Harry asked uncertainly. "April...she was...she was the strongest person I knew and Voldemort killed her."
"No, Kiana Darcy killed her and she'll die for it." Lily said. "I can promise you that." Lily said. Harry looked at Lily rather alarmed. "Go and look after your sister Harry. Don't leave her on her own."
"Bo's looking after her." Harry said. "She didn't want to talk to or see anyone else." Lily nodded and looked to Rhia.
"Go and keep yourself occupied." Lily said. Harry nodded and walked off to try and find Professor Dumbledore. He wanted to talk to him.
"Professor!" Harry shouted at school the next day. Professor Dumbledore was walking slowly back from the great hall. Dumbledore stopped and turned to look at Harry.
"Yes Harry." He asked sombrely.
"May I speak to you in private please." Harry asked.
"Of course you may." Dumbledore said. He walked to the gargoyle that protected his office and said the password. "Sugar Quill" He said. The gargoyle moved to reveal a set of revolving stairs. Harry followed professor Dumbledore up to his office.
"Sit down Harry." Dumbledore said, indicating to a chair. Dumbledore sat in a seat behind his desk and looked at Harry. "What do you wish to talk to me about?"
"It...it's about April sir." Harry said.
"Ah yes, I thought you might wish to talk about her death. I was expecting you to approach me yesterday." Dumbledore said.
"You were busy sir." Harry said.
"Yes I was rather." Dumbledore said. "What did you want to ask me?"
"Why wasn't it a burial?" Harry asked.
"I am afraid it is because April fought on the roof of Azkaban and fell into the sea. Her body would have been crushed by the force of the waves that hit the cliffs" Dumbledore said. Harry started slightly.
"I didn't need to know that sir." Harry said.
"Yes you did Harry. I know what you must be feeling. I have lost many friends in this battle. You are still very young and have lost very few people who are close to you. Harry, I know the burden that I unloaded onto you last year and I want you to consider things carefully before you act out. I know what you are like Harry and I don't want you rushing into the thick of things before you're ready. April's death, though very unfortunate and very badly timed will not be a cause for you to go running to kill Voldemort." Dumbledore said.
"Yes sir." Harry muttered. "But why did he want April dead? What does April have that everyone else doesn't?" Harry asked. These were questions that everyone was asking that he knew.
"She had power Harry. Voldemort saw her as a threat. You are probably very aware at how skilled and capable April was. When she was partners with your father they were unstoppable. Put her as head of the entire Auror department and she became invincible. Voldemort has wanted April dead since she joined the Aurors." Dumbledore said.
"And he finally succeeded." Harry said bitterly.
"Yes he did. Harry I have a few favours to ask of you." Dumbledore said. Harry looked at Dumbledore. "I know how close you are to Rhia Black. Make sure that she does not do anything stupid. I have your dad keeping a close eye on Sirius." Harry nodded. "I would also like you to concentrate on your occlumency with your mother and try your hardest in your lessons. We cannot afford to lose you Harry, you know that." Harry nodded.
"Professor." Harry said.
"Yes Harry." Dumbledore said.
"What's going to happen now? I mean for the Blacks." Harry said.
"Only fate knows." Dumbledore said.
Jenny walked through the house at little Hangleton with her body straight. She wasn't going to let anyone see how much April's death was getting to her. She walked straight through and ignored the pestering comments coming from Wormtail. She walked straight into a large room where there were a few Death Eaters. She recognised each one.
"Lestrange!" Jenny shouted. Bellatrix Lestrange turned to look at her.
"You called?" She asked with a smirk. Lucius Malfoy and Kiana Darcy turned around as well.
"What is she doing here?" Lucius spat.
"She's joined out ranks" Bellatrix said. "How may I help you?" She said sweetly to Jenny.
"Why?" Jenny snapped. "Why did you kill her!"
"It wasn't me. It was Darcy though I could have killed her if I wanted to." Bellatrix said. Jenny turned to Kiana.
"Tell me now. Why did you kill her? What did she ever do!" Jenny asked.
"I thought you were supposed to be on our side." Kiana said.
"The Dark Lord thinks that she can be useful." Bellatrix said, "Though I do doubt her loyalty." They looked at her casually
"Kiana!" Wormtail squeaked. Kiana looked at the pitiful Wormtail.
"Oh it's you." She muttered. "Where were you when I got sent to Azkaban?"
"I-I-"
"He was too busy turning in his friends." Jenny said glaring at Wormtail. He shrank away and tired to hide behind her.
"You might want to give a small present to my dearest cousin." Bellatrix said.
"I'd never give him anything from you."
"Not even this?" Lucius said throwing a box to Jenny. Jenny caught it and looked at it. "Go on, look in it Lupin, you might find something of interest in it." Jenny looked at them then opened the box. Inside was a freshly pressed robes. She lifted them slightly and recognised them instantly.
"You're so twisted." Jenny said throwing the box back at them. She turned and stormed out. The three death eaters started laughing.
"You'll see that those friends of yours aren't worth it Lupin." Bellatrix shouted after her. Jenny kept her mouth closed, she knew if she said something she'd give away the reason for her being there.
"What are you still doing here Wormtail? I don't understand why you were ever put with that lot, get out of my sight." Kiana said. Wormtail ran out after Jenny.
"Jenny." Wormtail said.
"What is it Pettigrew? Come to gloat?" Jenny asked turning her slanted fierce eyes on him. Wormtail shied away slightly.
"N-n-no. I-I just wanted t-to say sorry." He said.
"For what?" Jenny sneered.
"For A-April's Death." He said.
"Get out of my sight Pettigrew. You're more use as a rat then as a human." Jenny spat at him. Wormtail closed his eyes as Jenny walked off to see Voldemort like she had been summoned there to do. She walked into his office and he looked at her.
"Here at last Lupin."
"I had to get rid of Sirius Black. He was mourning over the loss of his wife." Jenny said bitterly. Voldemort smiled.
"A rather...unfortunate accident." He said. Jenny clenched her fists. "You have a job." He said.
"What is it?"
"I want to test your loyalty to me." Voldemort said. Jenny saw his red eyes glowing in the dark.
"What do you want me to do?" Jenny asked,
"I need you to kill someone." He said.
"Kill who?"
"Lily Potter." He said.
"No." Jenny said blankly. "I am not killing her."
"You will if you know what is good for you. You will kill her before Christmas or I will have you killed Jenny Lupin."
"Very well." Jenny said between gritted teeth.
"Very good, Lupin. Once Lily Potter has gone the rest of their families will be easy. You can go." He said to Jenny. Jenny apparated out and went straight to Grimmauld place. She let out a scream and kicked a chair. She was the only one on the house, thankfully. She looked at the mantelpiece above the fireplace. They had placed two large photos on the mantel place. There was an official portrait of April, smiling in better days. The other was a portrait of Remus. His brown hair and glittering brown eyes. Jenny sighed and turned the pictures over. She couldn't cope with seeing their faces. She sat on a chair and stared at the fireplace. She wasn't expecting anyone now that the Floo Network had been shut down.
"How are they?" Hermione asked Harry gently. Harry knew Hermione was asking about the Blacks.
"They'll be alright." Harry said as he returned from Dumbledore's office. He sat down with a sigh in a sofa by the fire.
"I can't believe-"
"Please don't say it Hermione." Ron muttered.
"I was going to say I can't believe it's Sunday." Hermione said.
"Oh. Ok." Ron said. He looked at Hermione who was reading a book. There was a hush over the Gryffindor Common room. No one spoke louder then they needed to. It seemed that everyone felt the same loss that the Blacks felt. Jessie came walking down the stairs from the girl's dorm and saw Hermione. She made her way over and walked over to Hermione.
"Hey." Hermione said gently. Jessie climbed onto the chair and sat next to Hermione. Hermione put an arm around Jessie and hugged her. "You ok?" Jessie nodded.
"How's Rhia?" Harry asked Jessie. Jessie shrugged. Harry nodded and sighed.
"Don't worry Harry." Ron said.
"How can I not worry? All this is happening because of me." Harry said.
"How do you come to these kind of conclusions Harry?" Hermione asked. "Were you at Azkaban?"
"No"
"Did you let all the Death Eaters free?"
"No"
"Therefore are you to blame?" Hermione asked.
"No." Harry muttered.
"Exactly, so stop making ridiculous conclusions!" Hermione snapped. Jessie nodded in agreement to Hermione. Harry didn't know what to do. His mind was a mess. He wanted to see if Emma and Rhia were ok but they'd come back to Hogwarts and locked themselves in their dorm room. Harry got up and started to leave.
"Where are you going?" Ron asked.
"To visit my mum." Harry said.
"Oh, can I come as well? I've been a bit worried about Lily." Ron said.
"Sure. Why not." Harry said.
"I'll look after Jessie." Hermione said. Jessie pressed herself against Hermione gratefully. Ron and Harry left the Gryffindor Common room and walked silently to the Hospital wing.
"So, did they find a body?" Ron asked.
"No." Harry said. "April fell into the sea." Ron grimaced.
"Ouch." He said.
"I know." Harry muttered.
"Hey Pothead." Came Malfoy's voice. Harry stopped and reached for his wand. "You know, I feel really sorry for you." Malfoy said. "I mean, everyone you know are dripping dead like flies, all around you. Watch out Weasley, you're next." Malfoy sneered. Ron looked at Harry. Harry nodded and he turned around and pointed his wand at Malfoy.
"You shut up." He said, "Or I'll do worse to you then Voldemort has ever done to me."
"Oo, scary Potter. What are you going to do? Kill me?" Malfoy sneered.
"I could." Harry said.
"Really scary. Come on Crabbe, Goyle." Malfoy said. Malfoy started for the stairs.
"Petrificus Totallus!" Harry said. Malfoy stiffened and rocked on his feet. His eyes widened as he fell forwards.
"Catch him!" Crabbe shouted. Crabe and Goyle made clumbsy movements to catch Malfoy before he fell down the stairs.
"Lets get out of here." Harry muttered as Malfoy landed in a heap at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yeah." Ron agreed.
A/N:-Don't worry...Malfoy is NOT dead :D I don't think i could kill someone else...well I could but not Malfoy...not yet. Killing people.....ahh...don't you love it? I have NO comment on the April thing but Charmerbelle....Sirius and JEnny? EEEEWWWW!!!! What are you thinking?! even if i wanted them to they wouldn't cause...well Jenny is Remus' and Sirius is April's....ew! I have like no control over htese characters. It's why the Harry and Rhia stuff is sooo hard for me to write! I'd like to give a heads up to cilverblood who gave me a cool idea for this story tht won't come until late in Happy Ending (the next story). Thankies Erika! Drunken sex IS the way forward! The Weather is stupid, there's supposed to be 50mph winds but the trees outside are barely moving! I WANT A GALE DAMMIT! give me a hurricane!! Oh and as for hte Harry PoV. I just wanted to see if you guys wanted anyone before it. Harry's PoV will come and will be directly followed by Lily's PoV.....i love PoVs :D