HEYYY!!! Thanks to all who reviewed! To GEM, you are 100% right! It was NOT a prank! Oh well, what can I do now? Anyway, this chappie will be my loooooonnnngest yet cos I've loads to write! Anyway, let's go!
There may be a few slight similarities in this chapter to some in the books, but I am firmly relinquishing all ownership of those! If there is anything you recognise, it, undoubtedly, belongs to the Queen of Fantasy, J.K. Rowling. So don't sue!
A DARING FIGHT
The cowled form of Rodolphus Lestrange approached the trio, breathing heavily; as though excited. He ran a long, pale, spidery finger along the curve of Lily's jaw. James stiffened next to her.
'' Get Your Filthy Hands Off Of Me,'' Lily bit acidly, angling her head defiantly, her vivid green eyes flickering with contempt. Lestrange took a rattling breath, as though psyching himself up. Bellatrix laughed coldly.
'' He would not dare touch you, contaminate himself with your smut, unless he had to, vermin,'' the tall Slytherin hissed venomously, throwing back her head, her dark, almost black, eyes wild with a malicious hunger. '' But-,'' she paused, chuckling viciously. '' The Dark Lord wishes for a mudblood sacrifice...you will shed your filth for the Lord of All...''
James curled his lip in revulsion, imbued with a maddening rage. They would not hurt Lily.
'' Touch her,'' he stated darkly, '' And you die,'' He targeted his wand at Bellatrix, his brown eyes depthless orbs of hate. Lestrange began to laugh manically, his high-pitched blares renting the air.
'' Potter,'' he said quietly, his voice ridiculing. '' You shall do nothing. And you will watch. Watch as we kill your precious little mudblood. She will die for the cause of the Dark Lord, as payment for her very existence,'' his voice had dropped dangerously low, to a deep, excited mutter. James laughed shortly, mirthlessly.
'' If you want to see your girlfriend here slit at the throat...otherwise, I wouldn't try it,'' he contradicted bravely, gritting his teeth. He twirled his wand in Bellatrix's direction. Lestrange advanced intimidatingly on James. His eyes glittered in anger.
'' You wouldn't dare,'' he said, his voice glacial. James stared him down. Without warning, Lestrange thrust his wand forward in a blinding deluge of sparks and Lily was launched through the air in a dizzying eddy of colour until she plunged headfirst at the cobbled stones beneath.
'' Riltos Eerino,'' James shouted in fury and Bellatrix was hurled against the wall of a ramshackle building, her bones crunching sickeningly on impact.
'' Crucio,'' a fellow death-eater called lazily, the voice of Lucius Malfoy emitted from under the hood. Lily, meanwhile, was being flung back and forth through the air at giddy speeds. James fell to the ground, an unseen force gripping his body in a clutch of roiling fire, ice stabbing at his veins. His eyes rolled back in his head and he felt the urge to scream away all his terrifying pain, his throat burning, his bones twisting and cracking, his skin scorched. But they would not get the satisfaction. He opened his mouth, forcing his lips to move. It was the only way they would survive. He gargled; he needed to scream, but he had to speak. James warped the yell ripping, tearing through his raw mouth. He was choking...but he had to say it.
'' Deliberatio,'' he howled finally, his body almost breaking as he arched and undulated on the ground. Lily slowed and began to float towards earth, her eyes feral, her hair on end. Alice was on the floor, prey to another of the Death Eaters spells.
'' NO! '' shrieked Bellatrix, who was holding her side, winded. '' Avada Kedav- '' '' Protego,'' Lily had drifted to the ground, a crumpled heap of twitching nerves. Bellatrix's powerful curse was deflected; the jets of flourescent green light hit a garden statue, which smashed into sharp grey shards. Lily wheeled around, hexing a Death Eater who was about to curse her. The robed form fell forward, free limbs snapped to the sides, rigid as a board. The hood fell back, revealing Narcissa Black's face.
Bellatrix and Lucius shouted in a frenzy of wrath. Lily ducked as the two let loose a runnel of swears and sorcery. Their twin spells met in midair, merging, then each was reflected, inflicting the potent magic upon their bearers. Lucius was hurtled through the air; his lithe form eventually mangled as he hit off a large oak. Bellatrix stupefied herself; she collapsed in a heap next to her sister.
Lestrange's narrow face warped dangerously as he witnessed his girlfriend passed out on the ground. He advanced toward Lily, his beetle eyes gleaming with malice.
'' Avada Kedavra,'' he shrilled, his odd voice lacerated with loathing. Malfoy's spell on James, however, had lifted; the sixteen year old propelled himself at Lily, crashing into her. He just managed to drag her down. The force of the curse passed above them, the entire area illuminated with a sickly green light.
Lily gulped in a ragged breath, shocked to the core. James Potter had just risked his life to save hers. She closed her eyes momentarily. This was not the time. She was still in danger.
'' Petrificus Totalus! '' she screamed as James writhed next to her. Lestrange was driven backward as his muscles seized up and his body stiffened. He was rendered immobile.
James hauled himself to his feet, pulling Lily up with him. Snape and another Death Eater were struggling valiantly against Alice McKinnon's curses. They rolled about the ground, their legs and arms puddles of jelly.
Alice, herself, was panting hard, fighting for breath, her skin dappled with perspiration. James stumbled forward, unconsciously reaching for Lily. She caught his hand in hers, entwining their fingers as a source of comfort. The knocked out Death Eaters littered the cobbles below.
Then, suddenly, Hogsmeade was plunged into darkness. It was as though the sun had burnt out, leaving marred red streaks across a pitch-black, starless sky. A frigid breeze ruffled their torn cloaks, whipping them wildly about them. Hogsmeade had disappeared entirely; like it had simply fallen away. A shroud of black engulfed them. Then, the bewildered, scared, three glimpsed pinpricks of flaming light in the distance. An eerie, cold voice spoke softly behind them.
'' Well done,'' the tone was high-pitched, causing involuntary shudders up the trio's spines. '' Quite a show. But how will you fare against the greatest wizard of this age? ''
The three turned slowly. And what they saw made them stop breathing, hearts lurching against their chests. Lord Voldemort stood before them, in all his horrifying glory.
James squeezed Lily's hand protectively, almost reassuringly. Alice fell forward, her knees hitting the hard, dusty red soil. An unnaturally tall male stood before them. He was swathed in robes of coal black, lined with deep red silk. His hair was deep black, lips a dark red. His smooth, unblemished skin was unnaturally white, almost translucent. But it was his eyes...and his nose...bulging scarlet irises, slitted with deepest black pupils and a flat nose, sunken into the pallid face.
Lily gasped, stifling a strangled scream of pure terror deep within the furthest recesses of her throat. James fought back the repulsion thundering through his stomach. This wizard...everything about him radiated, excreted power...dark power and fear.
'' Potter...McKinnon...Mudblood,'' breathed the male, stalking slowly toward them, idly twirling his long wand between pale, bony fingers. '' It is long that I have waited...''
'' Waited for what? '' spat Lily, wary but angered. The wizard chuckled malignantly.
'' It speaks...the filth dares to speak in my presence...'' James straightened. No one insulted Lily twice in front of him.
'' Expelliar-'' he began, before the Dark Lord easily deflected it, with the merest flick of his wand.
'' Do not presume to disarm your superior, Potter,'' the male smiled maliciously, his tone amused. '' I, Lord Voldemort, will rid the world of its vermin. And, tonight, it is your turn,''
He skulked closer, staring at Lily with a masked hunger, as though yearning to rip her body apart, limb from limb. Lily blanched, terrified. She had never been so scared in all her life...she felt as though a swollen balloon was constricting the rise and fall of her chest...she couldn't breathe...tonight, she would die.
'' No,'' Lily did not dare to turn, but she knew, instinctively, that it had been James who had spoken.
'' What? '' Voldemort was breathing hard, his voice a mere whisper as though he doubted James' defiance.
'' I said no,'' To all their intense surprise, Voldemort laughed coldly, throwing back his head and sniffing the air.
'' There is death in the air...and it is the call of all your destinies. You three...you rodents...will experience the just wrath of the Dark Lord! ''
And the emaciated wizard sucked in a deep, greedy breath and whipped his wand through the air.
' MOSMORDRE! '
And a vast, green, glittering coil of magic exploded from the tip of his wand and shot into the sky, to hang suspended in the inky darkness. Emerald stars formed a monstrous skull with a twisting serpent that protruded from its mouth like a tongue.
Lily, who had let her hand fall limp at her side, free from James' grip, grasped his hand tightly once again. It was the Dark Mark. It had been conjured many times before, since last year, when muggle and muggle- born attacks had begun. But the leader of the masked magicians who carried out these vile acts had remained a mystery. Until now. Lord Voldemort was their master.
'' You are brave, I'll grant you that Potter...'' Voldemort commented carelessly as the two girls flinched at the sight of the green mass and James stared stoically back at him.
He laughed sneeringly, flaring his nostrils.
'' I will prove to you Potter, McKinnon, Mudblood, how weak you all are...you could not possibly fathom the true, potent magic that far outstrips your little tricks...oh, yes...tonight, the Dark Lord, greatest wizard of this age, will illustrate his might,''
'' Greatest wizard? '' said Lily bravely. '' Albus Dumbledore is the greatest wizard of this world...you are a poor substitute. Striking in disguise....because you're too afraid to reveal yourself and be defeated! ''
'' Illinois Serpenti Risempri,'' breathed the male and a rope of twisting red magic curled around Lily's neck, squeezing tighter and tighter. Lily spluttered, her hair awry, hunching into her shoulders. A gargled choke left her tightening windpipe...relaying her agony.
'' No! '' yelled James, seizing her hand even tighter, his own slippery with sweat.
Voldemort laughed malevolently, his eyes glaring.
'' So...'' he whispered coolly. '' So, the mudblood is dear to you...well, I will enjoy her tortures, Potter...be consoled...it will not be too painful...''
'' No! '' James retorted, panicking as Lily fell to the ground, a rim of bulging purple scarring her pale throat as the glistening loop clinched tighter about her skin. '' No! I'll fight you...just don't hurt her...''
Lily remained unaware of the verbal exchange, her blood thundering through her head, her sight blurring, her hearing dimming.
Voldemort contemplated his reply. '' Potter...a proposition...a duel, perhaps? Yes...yes, you are courageous...but foolish,'' he smiled slowly, releasing Lily from her pain by casually bending his wand. Lily collapsed on the floor, clutching her throat, before stumbling to her feet, wand raised.
Voldemort jerked his wand once again and Lily's and Alice's wands arched through the air, where he caught them swiftly. He advanced on James, who was backing away, his red eyes glinting with concealed excitement.
'' You've been taught to fight, Potter? ''
James managed to nod his head, tilting it proudly, his back straight.
'' We bow...Potter,'' he instructed maliciously, lowering his head slightly, his swollen eyes still focused, unwaveringly, on James. '' Obey your elder, Potter...bow to the Dark Lord...''
James smiled faintly, though it was a joyless smile.
'' I don't bow to anyone,'' he said clearly, his eyes flashing.
Stunned shock made Voldemort pale even further for a moment. '' Perhaps you need some persuasion...''
Without turning to glance at Lily, Voldemort twirled his wand and Lily flew into the air, spinning like a tornado.
'' No,'' cried James frantically, desperate. Voldemort chuckled viciously. '' Bow, Potter...that's all I wish...that's all death wishes for you...''
James curved his spine quickly, then stood. Voldemort twitched his wand and Lily dropped to the hard earth, her head thrown back. Lily turned and shakily stood, her eyes wild.
'' James, no! He'll kill you! No! ''
James glanced at her quickly.
'' It's ok, Lily,'' he said quietly. '' Just know...I – I'm sorry,'' '' Sentimental, Potter,'' sneered Voldemort. '' Last words...''
'' Crucio...'' For the second time that day, in his whole life, James experienced the Cruciatus Curse. The pain was so intense...he felt as though his head would implode with disturbing torment...burning flames were branding every cell.... He was deaf, hearing only the torrent of blood pounding in his ears....
'' NO! '' screamed a voice, and through a canopy of blinding pain, James saw Lily stagger before him, weaponless, begging for mercy.
'' Move out of the way, you silly girl...''
A/N : Sorry about the deja-vu, I couldn't resist!
Lily gulped in a deep breath, her body aching with delayed pain. But James had saved her once today...she would try to do the same for him.
'' No, please...''
'' Do not concern yourself with matters you do not understand, you silly girl...'' Voldemort replied coldly, angered now.
Lily gripped James' hand and pulled him upright. He was twitching convulsively, shudders of agony ripping through his body.
They would die tonight, Lily knew...but at least she would not die alone. She would die, repaying James for saving her life...by his side.
PS – Lily is not realising feelings of unbounded love, right now, ok?!!! It will take a lot more for that! But, they are from Gryffindor, so they must be brave...and they parented Harry, so they must be powerful...plus, it says in the fifth book that they escaped Voldemort three times. This is just one of those times. Lily, however, is NOT, I repeat, IS NOT in love with James, she's just doing the right thing...ok!?!
'' Imperio,'' Lily felt light-headed, free; as though all her troubles had disappeared. Her mind was blank, as though it had been wiped clear. She had forgotten her purpose...what was she doing?
' Move. Leave the boy alone. You want to go. You wish to die. But you must leave the boy alone ' .
' Ok,' Lily replied happily, turning to leave. But, as she spun around cheerily, her eyes fell on James' writhing form, his face screwed up in pain, his hand grasping hers in desperation.
' Wait,' Lily thought in consternation. ' He's in pain. Why hurt him? Why leave? '
' Leave the boy be. Leave! ' repeated the voice in her head, more insistently.
' No! He's in pain! ' Lily answered, her voice hardening. This voice was not good...no-one told her what to do.
' LEAVE THE BOY! '
' NO! ' shrieked Lily, refusing. He needed help.
Lily's senses came flooding back like a three pronged fork had pierced her heart. All her pain rushed back, invading her bruised, battered body.
'' No? ' said Voldemort softly, raising his wand. ' No? ' Lily nodded, her green eyes gleaming with scorn.
Voldemort's face tightened, his lips thinned. '' I will kill you both...and prove my might by battling two at once...say hello to hell, you asinine, naïve girl,''
Voldemort tossed Lily her wand carelessly, unconcerned. Lily gripped her willow wand and squeezed James' hand as Voldemort lifted the spell. James stood next to her, prickling with pain, his eyes insolent nonetheless.
All three raised their wands and three spells shot out at once.
' Avada Kedavra,'
' Protego,'
' Expelliarmus '
It was as though time had spun out. All three could see the tiniest dust motes floating, mullioned by the dim light. Three slim, glistening convolutions of magic met at an intersecting point. The trio froze, unable to move, as the now connected flow of charge glowed white...and, then, a roaring detonation tore through the silent night. White stars exploded, silhouetted against the inking black line of sky. And a single feather burst, with a blinding plumage of shimmering gold, into the air.
' Take the feather...'' A soft voice permeated the rumbling of thunder and Lily reached out, knowing instinctively that it was meant for her, James and Alice. She caught James' hand and flung herself forward, her fingers closing tightly about the feather.
'' Alice! Follow us! '' it was all Lily had time to scream before she felt a jerk in her stomach, as though someone was pulling her through time. Sounds, shapes and colours melded together, a miasma of explosions...and Lily, James and Alice stumbled forward, their feet hitting solid carpet...a vast room coming into focus.
It was a room panelled in polished wood, with a deep blue carpet. A winding, higgeldy-piggeldy stairway climbed upwards, its metal rungs spun tightly in an iron spiral. The walls were furnished with portraits, many of whom were asleep, snoring loudly. Diagrams of moving planets, suns, moons and stars graced the free patches of wall. A mahogany desk lay at the centre of it all, pebbled with many silvery, spindle-legged objects that whirred softly, splitting the deafening silence.
'' Dumbledore's office,'' James breathed, relaxing his hold on his drawn wand.
'' You should know, you've been here so many times,'' Lily commented hollowly. It was meant to be a joke. But, in light of recent events, no-one laughed. James managed a weak smile.
'' I agree,''
The three spun around, only to greet Albus Dumbledore. He stood tall against the glaring orange rays cascading through the open window, from the setting sun. And James finally realised why he was renowned as the greatest wizard in the world. Though his smile was kindly, his blue eyes shone with a terrible might, all traces of twinkles firmly fading. He motioned for them to sit, conjuring three chintz armchairs in front of his desk, which he promptly seated himself at.
The withered wizard regarded them gravely.
'' I need you to tell me exactly what ocurred tonight between you, the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort,'' his tone was urgent, his eyes sombre.
'' You know...about Voldemort? '' Lily asked, surprised, wiping her brow shakily.
'' Miss Evans, I am indeed aware of Lord Voldemort and some of his movements. He is a formidable enemy and I have a firm faith in the common muggle saying: Keep thy friends close and thy enemies closer. I discovered, mere days ago, what he calls himself...but my evidence, as a witness, was not enough, apparently, for the Ministry to take seriously. It seems the Minister, Lodema Fudds, is unwilling to believe a power greater than the Ministry exists...I feel she is in denial. But, perhaps, with the aid of you three, the public may be warned of Voldemort and his terror. ''
James swallowed, clearing his throat. '' Uh...well, I 'spose it began in September...we got on the wrong side of Bellatrix Black...''
Dumbledore let his staid gaze fall on Lily. '' And you say when you, James and Voldemort tried to use your wands against eachother, there was an eruption of white light? ''
Lily and James nodded sedately, confused. What did it all mean?
'' Miss McKinnon,'' began the wizened professor. '' I need to speak privately with Master Potter and Miss Evans – '' he studied her sympathetically. '' I daresay you need a dose of chocolate...Professor McGonagall will escort you to the hospital wing. She will explain everything to Madam Pomfrey. ''
He smiled briefly before stealing quietly from the room, disappearing into the thick, shrouding gloom. No-one spoke, sobered from the telling of their tale. It was mere moments before Dumbledore returned, his robes billowing, McGonagall with him.
'' Come now, Miss McKinnon...'' When they left, James, Lily and Dumbledore were left alone.
'' James...Lily...brace yourselves. I have something very important to tell you,''
Ooooooh!! Amn't I EVIL EVIL EVIL?????? My second cliffhanger!!! Woo Hoo!!! Anyway, my VIBBBE ( VERY IMPORTANT BORING BORING BORING EXAMS ) are coming up soon...so my updates might be less! NOOOOOOOOO!!!! Don't worry, though, I am NOT abandoning the story, I will update about once a week, just not two or three times like before...sorry! Anyway....REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, what is the secret to keeping your italics and ' bold ' words on once you upload???? All mine disappear!!
