I'm am really sorry. But well, I wasn't well. First week I had a bad cold. Last week I had headaches. Really swimmy ones where I couldn't concentrate on anything and had to miss school. That was not pleasant (catch up work!)! And here it is. I've done my best, though it could be better. I will write a better one. At some point. I was going to do a really fluffy chapter, but the plot bunnies attacked me! So, what do you think?
And the song in the last chapter was You were always on my mind, sung by Elvis himself. And it's only three weeks it took me to update, not three years!
Enjoy!
Chapter 12: Hallowe'enHarry slid his sword into the scabbard at his belt before looking in the mirror to survey his outfit. Yes, he had to admit, he rather did look the part of an old warrior. Leather breeches, boots and tunic were dark brown over a roughly spun shirt. A sword and dagger hung at his waist, a torque about his neck. His hair was spiked up, yet still messy. He did rather look the part. Most would say a Celtic warrior of latter days (as oppose to those who fought the Romans).
He waited for Ginny with baited breath, knowing only that she had carefully paired herself with him. He had no idea of what she would be wearing.
He twirled the gold and ruby Celtic ring on his right middle finger in nerves. He prayed no one recognised it. Or if they did... They equated it with the costume.
Sighing, he walked over to the fireplace and leaned on the mantelpiece, rapping his fingers on the top to the tune of Bohemian Rhapsody.
He decided that his office was probably not the best place to wait in that it had far too many reasons for him getting annoyed, but that wasn't the point. The stairs came down into here, and Ginny would appear from them any second...
'Damn,' he thought. 'When she gets down here, I'll kill her!'
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James Potter waited in the Common Room impatiently. Why had Lily insisted on getting ready with her friends?
He tapped on the windowsill nervously, absent-mindedly beating out the tune of one of the Muggle songs he liked, Great Balls of Fire. When was she going to get here?
Sirius looked over at his friend, amused.
"I thought you were just going as friends?" Sirius commented while waiting for his own date, Mary McKinnon, who had been rejecting Sirius for several years, but changed her mind this time.
"So? That doesn't mean I'm going to wait perfectly patiently. The time better be worth it." James groaned and ran a hand through his hair before remembering he had grown it several inches longer as part of his costume as Godric Gryffindor. He'd even lost his glasses for it, claiming to use a charm to temporarily mend it. Truth was that Potters usually grew out of the need for glasses when they hit magical maturity.
James felt a burning on his right shoulder blade. Either he was experiencing a power surge or... A tingle swept through his body, assuring him of the truth. He'd just hit magical maturity. With a private grin, he turned back to the steps.
James looked almost lazily elegant in his costume. Brown old-fashioned leather breeches, brown leather boots, a cream shirt with a nearly knee-length scarlet tunic with a hood, a gold lion on the chest. A brown leather belt went around his waist, where his sword (a family heirloom) and wand hung. A gold and ruby ring settled on his right ring finger, a gift from his father when he hit seventeen. It was another heirloom.
"When is she going to get here?" He moaned.
Sirius laughed, looking very much the Adonis in old-style Greek robes, a mask covering his eyes as one covered James'.
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A tiny movement alerted Harry to a presence at the top of the stairs. He turned to look... And what he saw sent his blood soaring through his vessels.
Ginny Weasley was resplendent in an old-fashioned dress. It was a simple style, tight on top with a fuller, longer skirt (long enough to train behind her as she walked). The sleeves flared dramatically at the wrist, and the neckline dipped into a low V, both revealing a thin cream shift beneath (the sleeves were closed about her arms). A golden cord hung loosely about her waist, making the deep forest green of the dress look even more powerful. Her hair was loose, but caught under a gold circlet where a sheer veil covered part. The fabric shimmered in the light, it seemed fine like silk, but heavy enough as well.
"My lady." Harry bowed deeply. She looked like a queen.
Ginny smiled as she descended, matching silk slippers appearing as she held up her skirt. She looked him over and nodded appreciatively. He looked like a warrior-king, but for one thing.
She curtsied as he bowed again to kiss her hand.
"My lord, I do believe you have forgotten something." Ginny informed him.
Harry looked confused. But played along. "I do not remember such a thing, but if my lady doth believe I hath done so, it must be rectified immediately..."
Ginny snapped her fingers. A gold circlet similar to her own appeared in her hand and she settled it upon his head.
"Yes, a fine adornment for a warrior-king." She stated.
"Yet a queen of such beauty as your own requires no such adornment." Harry replied gallantly.
"It is a kind gesture, my lord. Willst thou not escort me to tonight's celebrations?"
"I will do such, for it is only a knave who would leave a lady without an escort." Harry brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. "You look wonderful, Fire."
"As do you, Blade." Ginny replied.
Harry held out his arm, and Ginny placed her hand upon it, using the other to lift her skirt to allow her the ability to walk easily.
Harry smiled. "Well then, my lady, let us see what the night is to behold."
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James sighed. "I can't believe Lily would risk being late!"
"That doesn't matter." Sirius pointed it out. "Think of it this way. She's spent hours getting herself ready, she must look good. And for who's benefit?"
"Her own, most likely. Lily is a free person." James responded without hesitation or assumption.
Sirius shook his head. His friend, who was still ignoring his feelings, had thus become blind to Lily's, which were obvious to everyone else, even in the way the pair still argued.
Sirius then grinned and leapt up, only to greet his date who emerged from the stairs, dressed in Greek robes that seemed to cling a lot more than usual. In a shimmering blue-white with silver cord at her waist and brooches on the shoulders, and her hair partially clipped up, she looked very much the counterpart to Sirius' Greek Adonis. A silver edged mask covered the area about her eyes. Silver sandals adorned her feet.
"You look great, Mary." Sirius told her appreciatively.
She gave an uncertain smile. "Thanks. So do you." Then she looked at James mischievously. While not close to Lily, all the girls were friends. "You're in for a shock, James."
James frowned, only to realise that a rush of girls had gone past, leaving with their dates. The stairs were clear. Meaning...
His eyes widened as a visage appeared.
"Lily." He breathed, standing slowly.
Lily Evans had come to the top of the stairs. Slowly, she made her way down.
She looked amazing in a very deep green dress of velvet. A black bodice was tied over the top, accenting a slim waist and a rather curvaceous figure (James couldn't help noting). The neckline was broad and shallow, golden brocade about it. A small emerald hide in the hollow of her neck, matching drops in her ears. A full skirt blossomed from under the bodice, the velvet falling in graceful folds. The sleeves were fairly tight about her arm and wrist, but a brocaded cloak-like piece of fabric fell from her shoulders, joining the dress again at the wrist. The front few strands of her red hair were caught back with a tiny golden clip, the rest of the hair beneath it. A green and gold mask covered her eyes, but fit so snugly it looked natural. She was stunning.
As if he had been there once before, James bowed reflexively, saying, "Never has such beauty graced mine eyes."
Lily smiled, laughter in her own eyes. "A golden tongue doth compliment me too much."
James smiled. "Methinks the lady doth protest too much."
"Shakespeare?"
"Of course."
Lily smiled.
"May I escort you, milady?" James requested.
"Of course, good Sir Gryffindor. It would be my honour." Lily accepted his arm.
"My lady, the honour is all mine." James smiled. The he frowned. "This seems familiar. But I can't tell why."
Lily shook her head. "Maybe you'll figure it out later. Come on. We can't be late. Besides, I want to know what the teachers are wearing. And the format will be very interesting." She giggled. Few knew exactly how the feast was taking place. Certain old-fashioned traditions had been instituted.
"Who are you dress as?" James asked.
"The Lady Rhian, Gryffindor's wife." She blushed lightly. "It seemed appropriate."
"Especially since you share the trait of being a redhead. Although you also share that trait with many of my female ancestors." James joked.
"Why?"
"The last three generations of Potters have married redheads." James explained.
"Oh." Lily replied. There wasn't much answer to that. So why did it seem important then?
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Harry and Ginny approached the main stairs, unaware of the couple on the opposite set.
The many waiting students stared in amazement as they seemingly saw double. Two redheaded women in green accompanied two dark-haired men with swords. The difference was in the time of the costume – one was four centuries older than the other – and the masks one pair wore. But to be quite honest, the students were struggling to work out which was Lily and James and which was Professor Potter and Miss Westley.
Lily's hand sat softly on James' arm as they carefully walked down the stairs, her skirts in hand. She marvelled at the array of historic costumes. Some were in fitting with the time of the Founders, others much older. Few were more recent. She guessed most of them had gone for costumes the Founders themselves may have seen. Some people merely wore costume, while others were dressed as actual people as well.
James marvelled at the beauty on his arm, before looking ahead, only to see a familiar black-haired and redheaded couple coming down the opposing staircase. For a second it was as though he was looking in a mirror but for his costume, before he remembered he'd charmed his hair longer. Still, he had to confess, the resemblance was striking.
Ginny smiled as Harry made a simple, but entertaining comment referring to the costumed students below them. She let go of his hand as she went to peer over the platform part of the staircase at them.
"My lady, be careful of these stairs. They are known to play tricks on even the fairest of ladies." Harry told her, taking her arm.
"Why, good sir knight, I had no idea thou cared so much." Ginny replied in like tongue.
"Thy beauty is such that to compliment it too often would be to spoil the effect one may make. Compliments pale in comparison." Harry answered, smiling at her.
"Then I will be careful whom I accept compliments from." Ginny assured him, looking a little coquettish.
"Be sure thou dost. Now, we are waited upon. Let us not irritate the king's subjects to insubordination." Harry grinned.
Ginny, remembering what was planned, gave a laugh and nodded. "To do so would be churlish and far beneath our status."
"Aye, milady."
James and Lily reached the end of the stairs just seconds before Harry and Ginny did.
"My Lord Gryffindor, Lady Rhian, shouldst thou not open the doors? Surely it is unfit to keep thy king waiting?" Harry questioned, laughter in his eyes.
James instantly knew that their costumes sprung from the true tales of the Celtic hero. Not a knight, but a warrior, with a beloved and faithful wife.
"My Lord Arthur, Lady Gwenhwyfar. I greet thee this night. Yes, we will be informing the king of our presence."
Harry nodded.
Lily and James went forward and spoke their practised speech. "Hogwarts, thy Lord Gryffindor requests that thou dost open thy doors and grant us speech with thy present king!"
The doors swung open. One of the prefects, dressed as a herald, called out.
"Dumbledore, King of Samhain and Lord of Hogwarts!"
"Tell thy lord, there are those who wouldst speak with him." James ordered the herald.
The prefect ran up, whispered something in Dumbledore's ear and returned. "You are to be presented."
James nodded. "But we are not first."
Harry and Ginny stepped forward, looking like a real king and queen of old, leading their subjects.
"My Lord Arthur Pendragon of the Order of the Griffin, and his consort, Lady Gwenhwyfar of the Order of the Amazon." The herald announced.
Harry and Ginny entered, Ginny's hand on Harry's. They approached the 'throne' where Dumbledore sat, looking a lot like Harry had always imagined King Duncan from Macbeth. Harry bowed low as Ginny curtsied.
"My lord king." Harry nodded, smiling.
"Lord, Lady, welcome to my table and my feast. Eat, drink, laugh and enjoy." Dumbledore responded.
"We accept thy hospitality gratefully." Ginny responded, nodding and turning to take their seats at the Head Table.
Next who entered were James and Lily.
"My Lord Gryffindor of the Order of the Griffin, and his consort, Lady Rhian of the Order of the Amazon."
Harry's eyes widened in surprise. He had never known that Gryffindor and Cara were of the same two Orders as Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, himself and he suspected Ginny also. That was interesting.
"My King, greetings." James bowed as Lily curtsied gracefully, sinking to the floor, her hand still on James'.
"Welcome, my friends. Take of my table all that you need." Dumbledore told them.
"We thank thee and accept thy generosity." Lily confirmed.
The introductions continued, but passed strangely quickly as each pair or group (some had come as legendary groups, including some fifth-years as some of the Knights of the Round Table – the traditional ones) entered, greeted Dumbledore (who was enjoying himself immensely) and sat down at their table. There were many shorter tables today, so many houses mixed. Harry smiled as most did. He also smiled as he realised it was McGonagall acting as hostess and queen. Well, as the recently selected deputy head, it was to be expected.
"Now that all are sat, I beg of thee, eat and enjoy the bounty laid before you." Dumbledore smiled.
And they did. The feast was magnificent, including many delicious, more old-fashioned dishes. It seemed to pass all too quickly and they were all asked to stand. With a wave of his hand, Dumbledore caused the tables to disappear. Harry, however, knew that this particular spell was a triggered one. The handwave was a trigger, not the caster.
"Now, with music and laughter, I ask you to drink, dance and be merry!" Dumbledore ordered cheerfully.
Harry and Ginny took to the dance floor first, recognising the old tune of a dance known as 'The Battle of the Dragons', referring to Merlin's first discovery. It was lively and fun, and soon many other students had joined in, attempting to copy their professors' swift steps and movements. But a few also noted that another couple danced the steps perfectly.
Lily and James. Harry smirked and knew it be long before teachers began reflexively putting the name Potter after both. He wondered who would be first.
Next, some sort of waltz was played. The students more easily settled into this. Many of them could dance it perfectly. Harry knew that for pureblooded families it was a sign of pride for their children to be able to dance the main dances perfectly. Many less than pureblooded families, or those that knew of the tradition, joined them, determined not to be shown up.
It wasn't long after the younger years had been sent to bed that Ginny whispered in Harry's ear, "I feel like something's going to happen."
Harry looked up at the sky and the nearly full moon. He saw Remus glance up at it and shudder, grateful he was only tormented one night of the month. The sky was clear, the stars easily discernable against the deep velvet. Yes, Ginny was right. Something was about to happen.
A jolt hit the castle suddenly.
Harry jumped and was suddenly at a high window. "Voldemort! He must be using the energies of All Hallow's to give him an extra boost of power!"
He looked down at the students.
"Why is he here?" James asked.
And then it hit Harry. This was when Voldemort discovered the Gryffindor line. James' costume, complete with a ring identical to Harry's own, gave it away. He shook his head, no matter.
"Most likely to hit one of the major strongholds of the light." Harry sighed. He looked around. Most of the costumes were too restrictive for the students to easily fight. Luckily some of the boys, however...
"All students, fifth-year and above. Those of you who are willing, join me outside. It you can, transfigure or change costumes into something more useful." He glanced at Ginny. "Gin, you're with me."
"One sec." To everyone's surprise, she stripped off the dress. A thin shift underneath began to glow, before she turned out to be in old-fashioned leather breeches, boots, shirt and a leather bodice with straps over the shoulders.
She pulled the veil from the circlet and banished the rest of her costume. Seconds later, a sword, pair of daggers and her wand raced through the room.
"Ready."
"Good."
Everyone was amazed at the change. Yet she still somehow looked like a Celtic queen. This time though, she was a warrior.
Lily wished her costume had not been so extravagant. But she had loved it on sight. Never mind. Dipping behind a tapestry, she summoned some more suitable clothes and changed. But as she put them on, she didn't notice them change again. Emerging, she looked like an Amazon once more.
"All right. Teachers, fan out. Take out as many as you can. Students, remember, stun, not kill. But if it's between you and them, you know what to choose. No illegal curses. And good luck."
They nodded.
Harry looked at them as they headed outside. And prayed they would survive.
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James fought like possessed. His costume seemed to have gained magical properties, acting like armour. He had been lucky when he'd discovered it in the house. He wondered idly if there was a reason for it.
"Stupefy!" He shouted, felling a Death Eater.
He dodged a red light, not caring whether it was a stunner or Cruciatus. Whipping round, he pulled out his sword, placing his wand in a groove within it.
Harry had revealed this handy tool to him. It meant he could cast spells and use the sword to protect himself at the same time.
He whipped the sword around, striking deep into the side of a Death Eater who was going to curse him from behind. His eyes widened and he registered what he had done. Then he ducked and was thrown into the fracas once more.
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Harry fought, his sword a blur in the motions it passed. He wondered how this would end. Dumbledore had not spoken of an attack in his parents' last year. What was he supposed to do?
He didn't know.
"Stupefy! Impedimenta! Kerelias!" Harry yelled, shooting the power through the magical conductor that was his sword.
Then a white light hit him.
"SLYTHERIN!" A voice yelled above the mêlée. Many turned to see the Defence professor bathed in light, glowing with red and gold. His clothes were dyed the same colours. "SLYTHERIN! LET MY CHILDREN GO!"
"Who are you, you pathetic fool?"
Harry cocked his head. "A conduit, but no matter. You shall leave now. The line of Gryffindor shall fight, and they shall spell your end, Heir of Slytherin. You will leave."
"The line of Gryffindor? But they died..." Voldemort's eyes suddenly lit on James Potter, still fighting, wielding a sword and wearing a gold and ruby ring as part of a costume made as Gryffindor. "Unless the name was changed to hide." He murmured.
"They spell your end, Slytherin. Gryffindor will always oppose your evil." Harry announced.
"They can only oppose it if they are alive to do so." Voldemort sneered.
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Lily screamed under the pain of Cruciatus until suddenly she was brought back to reality.
"James?"
"Lils, we've gotta keep fighting. Voldemort's here." James told her, helping her up.
Lily turned to look over, eyes widening as she realised what the defence professor was doing. Speaking to Voldemort. But the glow?
It was then that Voldemort's eyes hit hers. She felt a presence in her mind, trying to tell her to do something...
'No. Nonono, I WON'T!'
Voldemort felt himself thrust out of the redhead's mind.
'A natural Occlumens. Interesting. A Mudblood too.' Voldemort nodded.
He looked at Harry, sneering.
"Then maybe I will just take Gryffindor's line away." He gloated.
Before anyone could do anything, he seemed to swoop on Lily and James and activated a portkey.
Harry fainted.
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Harry awoke to worried and angry voices.
Opening his eyes, he remembered.
"What happened? Where are Lily and James?" Harry demanded.
Dumbledore looked at him. "There were no casualties, but..."
"They're gone." Sirius murmured.
Remus finished for him. "Voldemort kidnapped them. They've not got back. They're not going to. No one ever survives him."
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A/N: Argh! Don't you just hate me right now? Sorry! It was a necessary evil, I'm afraid.
Anyway, review please! You are my reason to live and keep working through Sixth-form! It may be half-term, but I have so much homework to do!
Lol, Tanydwr