Disclaimer: See Chapter One!

Additional Disclaimer: The lyrics quoted in this and following chapters derive from the song "Lightning Crashes" by Live. I do not own the rights, nor have I permission to use them (shhhh!). Nor will I profit from them in anyway unless some Goblin from Gringotts decides to give me a Galleon for every review I get...

Uploaded: 24th December 2004

"Black Light"

By Dante Lewis

Chapter Two: Lightning Crashes

One week later

Sweat covered her brow as yet another contraction receded, the rivulets of perspiration echoing the driving rain that was steadily pattering on the window outside her room. Selina sobbed, her body wrought with a pain as equally emotional as it was physical. It was hard to believe that it was just a week ago that everything had been so perfect… so… so… right. Sure, the Wizarding world was at war. Everyone knew there were risks, but they were together, and happy, and that's all that mattered.

Oh I feel it coming back again

Like a rolling thunder chasing the wind

Feeling another contraction coming on, Selina clutched the stuffed toy dog closer to her and willed with all her might to feel her husband's strong, comforting arms around her as her agonised scream battled for volume against the rolling thunder outside. Hell, at this point, she'd even settle for the disapproving glare of her brother! But, as the fate's had dealt it, she couldn't even have that.

Lightning crashes a new mother cries

This moment she's been waiting for

This was supposed to be the happiest moment of her life. Everything over the past nine months had been leading up to this point, and yet her whole world was crashing down before her at a dizzying pace. James and Lily… gone! Her brother accused of being a Death Eater… a Death Eater! Earlier that evening when the Ministry Officials came to alert her of Severus' incarceration, all the pieces of the puzzle began to fall disturbingly into place.

Lightning crashes, a new mother cries

Selina broiled with hate. Peter Pettigrew – the quiet, unassuming, fourth marauder – had, in recent times, become steady acquaintances with her brother. That Peter was so close to both her own family and Sirius' makeshift family in James and Lily - and yet so aloof and unnoticeable in people's recollections- made him the perfect choice for being the Potter's Secret Keeper. When the news came that her brother was an alleged traitor to the light, the integrity of Peter's sudden interest in potions came into question. She knew Severus was a spy, and that he couldn't blow his cover by telling them directly about Peter working for Voldemort; but damn it they'd missed all the signs. Who else could have exposed Severus as a Death Eater if not for that rat?

As a precaution, Sirius was out the door and roaring off into the sunset on his bike before one could say "trick or treat". James and Lily had to be warned, and Selina had never seen her husband look so serious… or worried. He had been gone no longer than half an hour before another pair of Aurors graced her doorstep with closed expressions. Selina's legs had buckled from under her as the news was spoken with just a look.

Gone.

She had barely enough time to register the accusing, cold stare of the Auror's at her door before her baby decided it was time to enter the world… her water breaking all over the Ministry-issued dragon hide boots of the men. Which brings her to where she was now, in the Maternity Ward of St. Mungos, about to give birth.

End Chapter: Lightning Crashes