A/N) This has to be the longest chapter I have ever written for this story. Chapters will hopefully, from now on, be this length, accept on particular circumstances for the story. I do try to write more then five pages but sometimes because of what is occurring in the story at that time, the chapter may be short. I will try to do my best to write a long chapter to satisfy you readers.
Onto the story where James has a strange encounter with the Minister….
Prongs Rides Again
Chapter Five: The Order of the Phoenix
"Sorry, I'm late," Remus apologised. The members of Moody's Strike Team were waiting patiently outside Grimmauld Place. He ran his eyes over the crowd, recognising them all. To the left, and waiting rather impatiently was Alastor Moody; next to him stood Nymphadora Tonks (who bore purple hair down to her waist); followed by Kingsley Shacklebolt who was talking to a young witch who Remus knew as Hestia Jones. Beside her was a group of two wizards and one witch: Elphias Doge, Dedalus Diggle and Emmeline Vance.
"Now, that we are all here…" Moody began, before being cut off by Lupin.
"If you didn't know I had business with Dumbledore and Sirius." Remus snapped.
Moody's eyes rolled. "Yes, we know about the situation with James Potter. The Headmaster informed us of it."
"Oh…"
"No more must be said of that matter. The other Potter is our priority." Moody said.
Remus picked up the broom he would be riding. He glanced to Tonks who flashed him a grin. "Wotcha Lupin."
He shrugged, and then on Moody's mark they soured into night and towards Privet Drive where James' son awaited them, not knowing that his father was alive.
"I think it's time to re-introduce you to the Order of the Phoenix, James." Dumbledore said.
James and Sirius had spent the last few minutes recounting their childhood and remembering special moments from Hogwarts. Sirius had kept the conversation away from Lily, knowing that James would take a long time to get over never seeing her again. Sirius had watched their love grow into something special. He had been there for them at the time of their engagement; their wedding; when Harry had been born and even when they had gone into hiding.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" James asked. "I mean, what with me supposed to be dead and all."
"Yes, but Harry is arriving soon. It is best the Order knew. After the meeting I will escort you to the Ministry where you can prove to the Minister that you are not dead. I will explain more after the meeting."
James nodded. "Where shall I go?" he asked.
The Headmaster pointed to the shadows of the room at the side. "You will not be seen there, I promise you, until I say so."
James made his way to the other side of the room, into the shadows sitting down into the chair placed there. Within minutes the Order began piling into the room. Sirius greeted a few of them, but most of the people James glanced at, he did not recognise. Where are Frank and Alice? James wondered. He and Lily had been good friends with the Longbottom's for many years. Frank had been an Auror, the same as James, but had been a few years ahead of him. The two of them had fought side-by-side on several occasions.
He hoped nothing had happened to them. Maybe they weren't part of the Order anymore, but perhaps they were dead, just like he had been. They'd had a son as well….Nigel…James thought. Was it Nigel? His thoughts was cut off as Dumbledore began to speak.
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he spread his arms wide, "We have all pledged to work together to defeat Voldemort and to help the innocent. At this moment, the Ministry does not see fit that the Dark Lord has indeed returned. He thinks he has an advantage over us, but the Order of the Phoenix is stronger then Lord Voldemort put together. We stand on courage to protect those was call family…he fights to take that privilege away from us.
"Fourteen years ago, the Dark Lord destroyed the lives of two very special people."
James tensed.
Dumbledore took a deep breath before continuing. "On the 31st October 1981, Voldemort murdered James and Lily Potter. Three days ago, a miracle happened." He paused, casting a meaningful glance at the Order's members, "James Potter is alive. He was brought back from death by the wishes of his son. I found James outside Godric's Hollow and brought him here." Here the headmaster turned to where James sat, "James, if you could please stand."
James took a deep, steadying breath, stood up and walked towards Dumbledore. The crowd gasp when they saw him.
"Unbelievable…"
"Amazing…."
"Impossible…"
"….Death Eater in disguise…."
"….trick…."
Those were just some of the things James was associated with on his walk to the podium. He caught Sirius eye and grinned. James' black hair fell into his eyes, and he cursed, brushing it out of the way.
"Members of the Order of the Phoenix, I would like you to welcome James Potter back."
Someone shouted: "How do we know its him?"
Dumbledore was about to answer when James spoke. "Because I have seen death and survived. If I could I would choose to remain dead because that is where I should be. I do not know what powers brought me back into this world, but I do know it was for my son. Harry is dear to me, and so was - and still is - Lily. I will never forget my dearest wife. She and Harry meant everything to me. To hear that Harry lived is remarkable…to know that I can see him is something no one in this world has ever seen. Life is the greatest thing you can have. A second chance…I don't deserve it…but I have been given the gift of life. I want what's best for my son. If I could, I'd turn back time to make things right. Harry deserves better then this…no one should have the fate that he's got."
Silence.
Complete and utter silence.
The words James had spoken had a profound effect on the Order. He didn't know whether he had convinced them…
…until someone of the crowd muttered: "If he isn't James Potter, why would he sound so pained?"
James was in pain. Talking, even a little bit of Lily, had sent sadness and emotion running through him. He wanted to shut it all out…but how could he forget her? His Lily. His dearest Lily. How could she be gone? She didn't deserve to die. Tears wanted to fall but James wouldn't let them.
Dumbledore sensing James' distress motioned for him to leave. Other details needed to be discussed. As he crossed the room, James caught sight of Severus Snape. His dark eyes were gleaming in hatred but also of denial. Obviously he was one of the few who could not believe James was truly alive.
Typical.
James walked silently through the house. He was on his way upstairs when he mistakenly heard the sounds of the Front Door being unlocked. Curious he moved back down the stairs, but a red haired woman rushed towards the door, silently, waving at James to go.
"Upstairs, to your room! You mustn't be seen!"
"Why?" James croaked.
"It's Harry! He doesn't know!"
James was about to argue but he decided obeying would be better. He made his way to his room. He had no wand. I need one, desperately.
It was silent. He had no one talk to. Sirius was still at the meeting. His son had no clue he was even alive, yet alone here.
A full five minutes passed while James dwelled on the past. He couldn't help but wonder what life could've been like had Peter never betrayed them. Lily would still be alive. We would have lots of kids as well.
Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice echoed up the stairs. James sat up. Angry words, spoken by an angry teenager. It had to be Harry.
"SO YOU HAVEN'T BEEN IN THE MEETINGS, BIG DEAL! YOU'VE STILL BEEN HERE, HAVEN'T YOU? YOU'VE STILL BEEN TOGETHER! ME, I'VE BEEN STUCK AT THE DURSLEYS' FOR A MONTH! AND I'VE HANDLED MORE THEN YOU TWO'VE EVER MANAGED AND DUMBLEDORE KNOWS IT - WHO SAVED THE PHILOSPHER'S STONE? WHO GOT RID OF RIDDLE? WHO SAVED BOTH YOUR SKINS FROM THE DEMENTORS?"
Whoever was shouting was really angry. James sighed. The shouting continued and then stopped altogether. Finally the pattering of feet was heard on the stairs and doors were opened and shut. James was alone. Once again, it was silent.
It seemed like forever that James waited, but at last Dumbledore walked into his room, smiling, happily. "Your son has arrived and is now downstairs being informed of several details."
"Does he know about me?" James asked.
Dumbledore shook his head. "Not yet. Remus Lupin will inform him as soon as possible."
James scowled.
"However, the more important issue is to go to the Ministry and get you registered."
"Is it possible for me to apply to be an Auror again?" James wondered, locking eyes with the Headmaster.
Dumbledore frowned. "Since the Ministry has been degrading Harry and I recently, I do think it is unlikely that you'll be accepted back into the Aurors, but you can try. Cornelius is likely to label you insane and incompetent since you have been dead for fourteen years, but I daresay he may consider it."
"We just have to hope then," James allowed a small smile to cross his features.
"And James, when we come back, Harry will know that you are here. You will be able to see him," Dumbledore said, "And let me say something, James. Harry is very like you. In fact, I believe I have told him on numerous occasions, how much he looks like you."
James beamed. He and Lily had known that their son would look exactly like James. "Still green eyes?"
"He has. Harry is also very understanding in some situations. It was him, after all, that spared Pettigrew's life when he first met him. I know that Lily would've understood his actions and so would you, but Harry has more of Lily in him then he truly knows. You will see that in him when you speak to him."
"I still miss her," James mumbled, "Lily…Oh god, how can I live without her." he snapped his head up. "Harry. Our son is the last remaining part of her that I have left in the world. I just can't believe she's not here to meet Harry with me."
"She's always been here, James."
"What?"
"Lily. She lives on inside Harry through the protection that she gave him. It is her strength and her willingness to die for her son, saved her from death. Yes…she died and can never return…but the ones who we love the most never leave us. Lily lives on in Harry…and through you by her memory of her. Life may be hard, James, but not everything can be the way we want it to be. Fate intended for you to come back…I don't think that Harry's wish was a part of things."
James looked puzzled. "But he wished for me."
"Not for you," Dumbledore replied, shaking his head, "He wished for someone…the fates granted you a second life…and I can't explain that. No one in history has ever returned from death."
"Will we ever know?"
Dumbledore shrugged. "I do not know. We'll have to see how the years play out, won't we."
Sighing James stood up. "Should we go?" He didn't want to sit here talking about death. It reminded him too much of Lily. She was dead. Gone. Her short life had been filled with sorrow but also of happiness.
"Yes, of course." Dumbledore led the way, down the hallway, until they came to a door. He opened this and stepped into a middle-sized room. A fire place sat into the wall. Dumbledore pulled powder out of his pocket.
"We're travelling by Floo?" James said.
"Yes. You'll need to take your Apparating test again, just to make sure that you are capable of it. Until then, you will use Floo."
"Fine," James hated Floo Powder. Apparating was much easier and faster. At least you wouldn't get stuck in a fireplace (unless, he mused, you're trying to get into a Muggle house).
Dumbledore handed James the powder. "Go on."
Taking a deep breath, James threw the powder into the fire. The flames turned green. "Ministry of Magic!" James declared and stepped into the fire. He felt himself spinning and whirling. Tucking his elbows in, James felt his breath being sucked from his body. He gritted his teeth, trying to memorise what Harry was going to look like when he saw him.
Suddenly he fell forward, coughing and splattering. He was laying on his front in a small room within the Ministry. The door, if he remembered correctly, led out into the Atrium. However the security was tight and if anyone Flooed into the Ministry who looked suspicious then the door wouldn't open for them. It was simple but a sure solution to ensure that no Death Eaters could get inside.
Dumbledore appeared, rolling out of the fireplace with accurate precision. He stood straight to his feet, rubbing the dust off of his robes.
The headmaster walked confidently towards the door, pushed it open and stepped out into the Atrium. James followed. Dumbledore whispered to him. "I've cast a spell on you. No one will know you are here. They will just turn a blind eye. Fudge won't. I'll remove the spell before then."
"Okay." James could understand why Dumbledore was resorting to this. Security. He probably didn't want people thinking that James Potter was a Death Eater in disguise. The Ministry looked exactly the same as it had done. Wizards everywhere were rushing to and from the lifts; shouting across to each other; while memos zoomed around creating disturbance as they rushed to find their respective owners.
James whistled softly.
Dumbledore began walking away from him. Stepping in beside the old wizard, James soon found himself standing outside the Minister of Magic's office on the ninth floor. Dumbledore turned to the secretary and spoke in a calm, clear voice.
"Albus Dumbledore, here to see Minister Fudge on urgent business."
The Witch eyed Dumbledore up and down before emitting him entrance. She wisely advised: "I think it might be best you don't say anything too rational that will upset him, Albus."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, however he walked forward, confidently; James following.
Cornelius Fudge looked up from his stack of paperwork as Dumbledore entered. His eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"
"I've got an important announcement to make."
"Well, out with it then." Fudge declared, "I haven't got all day, you know!"
"Might I introduce, James Potter." Dumbledore waved his wand at James, and the spell keeping him invisible was removed. Fudge gasped, shock evident in his features.
"This is impossible." Fudge breathed. "He isn't James Potter. James Potter was murdered fourteen years ago by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named."
James felt anger brewing again. He felt insulted. How dare someone call him a liar! He had never liked Fudge. Always thought him to be a brainless, self-absorbing idiot, with no brains in his thick head. He hissed in response: "I am James Potter."
"And how can we clarify this? How do I know this is no trick?" Fudge asked, a triumphant gleam in his eyes.
James was about to answer when Dumbledore stepped in. "I have confirmation of James' identity. If you are willing, Cornelius, James will take Veritaserum, to prove he is who he say he is."
I never said I'd do that! However James was not one to disagree. If taking that potion proved who he was, then he would do it. He trusted Dumbledore's judgement.
Fudge seemed to think about it before ordering his secretary to bring a cup of Veritaserum to him as well as all the information they had of James Potter and Lily Evans. Once everything was ready, James drank the potion (without tea) gulping it down, attempting to ignore the taste that settled in his mouth. He wanted to throw-up but forced himself to remain calm and wait for the potion to start taking affect.
After five minutes, the potion was in full force, raging through James' body. His mind seemed blank. Then the Minister's voice floated into his consciousness.
"Who are you?"
"James Christopher Potter."
"When were you born?"
"24th April 1960."
"Who was your parents?"
"Harold Harry Potter and Natalie Leanne Davis."
"When were they born?"
"Harold was born on 14th August 1932," James stated, "and Natalie was born on 29th January 1932."
"What was your occupation?"
"I was an Auror under the tutelage of Alastor Moody in 1980."
"When did you graduate from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
"2nd July 1978."
"What school house did you belong do?"
"Gryffindor."
"Who did you marry?"
"Lily Rose Evans."
"What are her parent's names?"
"Paul Gavin Evans and Sue Fleur Porter." James replied.
Fudge was getting desperate. "And when were they born?" He expected James to hesitate, or make a mistake, however he was proven wrong. James answered accurately.
"What is the name of your son?"
"Harry James Potter."
"When was he born?"
"July 31st 1980." James said.
"Who was your Secret-Keeper?"
"Peter Pettigrew." James answered automatically.
Fudge jumped up in triumph. "Got you! Peter Pettigrew was not your Secret Keeper, Sirius Black was!"
Dumbledore replied before James could (though he couldn't really answer until he got a question or the antidote).
"Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew swapped at the last minute. Peter betrayed Lily and James to Voldemort, not Sirius."
"Preposterous!" Fudge declared. "Then why did Black admit he had killed them!"
"He was in shock. Losing his best friend like that does something to a man. I didn't know until a few days ago, myself." Dumbledore didn't want to add to the fact that he had known for years. It would look like he had been consorting with murderers. "He blamed himself for failing James. I think Cornelius you should drop the charges against Sirius Black. He is innocent and until you hear him out, he won't willingly show himself."
"You know where he is don't you?"
"No, I do not, however I have contacts who have ideas as to where he could be hiding. Hear his side of the story out, Fudge, before you condemn an innocent man to hell."
"He still has the murder of the Muggles to answer for and he can't worm himself out of that one. No, Dumbledore, I will not do that."
"Then at least admit that James Potter is alive." Dumbledore pointed out.
Fudge glared at James. "I have no choice in the matter. He's answered every single question correctly." He sighed. "Until further proof is given, I'm going to have to say that this is James Christopher Potter."
"How can he not let me be an Auror?" James asked.
"I don't think he truly believes you are James Potter, even though all evidence suggests to it. Until Cornelius decides to admit Voldemort is back, you are going to have to work on the side with the Order."
James bit his lip to stop himself from openly cursing Fudge. Shortly after Fudge had reluctantly accepted the truth of James' identity he had made a statement to the Ministry informing the Wizarding World that James Potter was alive. The news would be out by tomorrow morning, printed in the Daily Prophet. As they walked through the Ministry, James received glances from curious onlookers but neither of them wanted to approach them.
Probably can't believe a dead man has come back to life.
"And what about Sirius? Why can't we clear him of all charges?"
"He can be cleared of the Secret Keeper charge which Cornelius has done so, but he can't clear him of the murder of twelve Muggles and Pettigrew. Without proof, Fudge is unwilling to accept it. Sirius will just have to remain hidden until Peter is caught, or his body is found."
"Are you suggesting that Voldemort would kill him?"
"Yes, James, I am."
"Oh."
"Harry, can we have a word with you?" Remus asked lightly.
Harry nodded and followed Remus out of the room. Sirius was waiting for them in the sitting room, lounging on a black, leather chair.
"What's this all about?" Harry asked, as he made himself comfortable. He was finding it hard to stop himself from squirming. Since arriving at Grimmauld Place, Harry had the suspicion that the others knew of something big.
"Harry," Remus began, "we've got news for you. And you might not believe it."
Sirius continued. "You made a wish didn't you? To have someone guide you?"
Harry nodded, not really understanding where this was going.
"Well, it sort of," here Sirius shuffled in his seat, "brought your father, James, back to life."
"What?" Harry was stunned. His eyes darted from the two men. "This has to be some joke! My dad's dead! You know that!"
"We thought so too," Remus replied, "but Dumbledore found him outside Godric's Hollow. James is alive. We've seen him, and he knows things that only James would have the knowledge of. It is without a doubt, Harry, that your father is alive."
TBC
Sorry to leave you on a cliff-hanger like that…Harry will meet James next chapter. And it won't be all tears either…I just don't see Harry crying over meeting his father. You'll have to find out on Wednesday.
Thank you's to the following people for their review: RoschLupin-Black; amrawo; twinsrthebest; sirius-black-sfan; IamSiriusgrl; padfootqueen; HandsOff; jjeeff185; Werewolfs are People Too; kokomocalifornia; Kim Kotchanski and mpotter1.
Responses:
maya100: I hope Fudge's reaction was what you expected it to be. And don't worry I've worked out a way for Sirius to remain in the story if people wish it.
VladLycan: Lily is dead and cannot come back. James being alive will not help clear Sirius because he is wanted for the murders of the Muggles and Pettigrew, and James was dead at the time of that happening, so unfortunately he cannot be cleared, until proof that Pettigrew did it is found. Sorry.
HarryPotterknoitall: Is this chapter long enough for you? This will hopefully be the length the chapters will begin to get to now. Thank you for your review!
Lady Taliesin: Thank you for your comments. Once again they were a pleasure to read: (I can't believe you thought the characterisation was excellent. I was hoping to show Sirius as a sarcastic sort of person and I thought he wouldn't be able to resist the urge to say something about Peter. I am hoping to stay true to the characters that JKRowling portrayed in the books but at the same time making them my own characters. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
ambereyes2873: Fudge bashing! (author falls off chair laughing). I don't think there was exactly that, but he was being a bit of a jerk though…
magicgirl45852: Did you join my Yahoo Group? I was just wondering what name you used. That way I can send you messages through the group informing you of new updates on the group and the progress of the story. Thank you for reading!
Silverspecter: Did you get my review for your story? I thought it was really good, and I am looking forward to your next fic. And (I can't remember if I said this in your review or not,) but I don't mind ghosts.
LiLaZnGrLy: I update on Wednesdays and at the weekends. If I update early then it'll be because I know I won't be around to upload another chapter. Thank you for adding me to your Author Alert List and Favourites.
littlewolf-moony: I see Hogwarts as being the most magically attuned place and I feel personally as an author the castle must know when a great student (like James Potter) perishes. Dumbledore, who was at the castle at the time of James reincarnation witnessed this event through the castle because it recognised James' signature coming back. It will be explained better in a later date but not yet. If it is confusing e-mail me and I'll try and explain in better detail for you outside a review and responses. Sirius and Remus didn't act cheerfully because they were weary of James and did not entirely trust him until he proved to them that he truly was James Potter. I hope you liked the chapter and it was quite long for you.
SeriousSiriusFan: Okay, I probably shouldn't have said what I did regarding Sirius. You've already convinced me not to kill of Sirius so to please all the SIRIUS FANS out there I will change the ending, only if the plot of Book Six allows it. I plan to take this fic through Books 5 and 6 and maybe 7 depending on when it is released. But I have set up a Sirius story-line to follow if Book Six works out accordingly. But then I may have to kill someone close to Harry, because JKROWLING did say Sirius died for a reason. We'll just have to find out how Book 6 goes before I can make any promises regarding Sirius' future in this fic. Sorry, but I will try not to kill him. I hope this doesn't put you off reading this fic just because I can't say whether he'll die or not. Thank you for your review.
Next chapter: Harry and James meet; and a few articles are published in the Daily Prophet….due on Wednesday.
Thank you for the support so far on this story! It's amazing reading all of your comments and thoughts.
MissBlackPotter