James
Remus spun faster and faster, elbows tucked tightly into his sides. As blurred fireplace exits whizzed past he began to feel sick and shut his eyes. When he sensed that he was slowing down he reached out and grabbed the sides of the Ministry fireplace, ending his nauseating journey. Crawling out he heard many voices in the room and as the sickness passed, he tuned in:
"There was so many—,"
"We had no time—,"
"Remus—,"
"James and Lily—,"
Remus ignored the Volantes' hurried voices and looked around the room. It was a semi-dark room, lit only by the fireplace and a torch that was flickering in a bracket by the door. There were no windows as the Ministry was located underground. Dennis Goodfrey, a trusted Ministry worker, was standing near the door next to a tall sharp man who could only be the Minister of Magic himself, Mr. Barty Crouch. Between the Ministry wizards and Remus were the Volantes and, further off to the side, Lily. Remus did a double take. Where's James? He was right behind us. Wasn't he? Maybe he has just left the room? But no, Remus was in front of James. Lily noticed his distress and came over towards him.
"He hasn't come through yet Remus. I'm starting to worry." She sounded extremely frightened and when Remus turned his full attention to her, he noticed her bright green eyes were watery.
"And Mr. Crouch won't let me go back. He says it's too dangerous. But James is in the safe room Remus." Her voice cracked when she said 'safe room' as if it was not, in fact, safe. "Please Remus. We have to do something."
"I can try reasoning with him Lily. But if he says 'no' then go to Sirius. He'll know what to do." Remus responded, smiling weakly. "But I have to agree with Barty that you shouldn't go back. Don't go to James, Lily." Lily nodded reluctantly.
As Remus picked himself up Lily inched back towards the fireplace. Goodfrey had calmed the Volantes and Barty took a step forward to greet Remus.
"I see you are well Remus."
"Yeah. Can't say much for my wand though." Remus replied holding up the broken wand. Goodfrey stepped up and politely took it away to repair. Remus was fully aware he was now unarmed.
"So where is the infamous James Potter?"
"I'm not sure Mr. Crouch. Maybe if Lily and I were to—"
"No, I'm sorry, but that is totally out of the question as Lily is entirely aware."
"Yes, but—"
"Wait a second. Where is Lily! She was here just before. Goodfrey?"
"I—er—I don't know sir, it's as you say: she was here one second, gone the next."
Remus smirked discreetly. She had gotten away. Good. Now he had to leave. Unfortunately for Remus Barty noticed his apparent glee.
"Don't fret Goodfrey. It's obvious where she has gone, and if she has she is most likely dead. Just like James."
"Oh you mustn't say such things Mr. Barty Crouch, sir," squeaked Mrs. Volante. Mr. Crouch, who had evidently forgotten the Volantes were still in the room, started at her voice.
"Mr. and Mrs. Volante you are free to go, on this level you will find Evelyn Harding, she is in charge of Victim Re-housing. She will provide you with a new place of residence. And you may be assured that any personal items will be recovered from your home when it has been deemed safe. Come Remus we are going to the Auror's level," and with that Mr. Crouch swiftly turned around, robes billowing behind him as he marched towards the elevator with Goodfrey and Remus's wand in tow. Remus, seeing no other choice followed his wand towards the elevator.
Lily hated the Floo network. She often avoided it at all costs but this was a special case: James was missing. With her elbows pressed tightly against her side she shot past all the openings finally slowing down outside a fireplace noticeably darker than the rest. She clambered out, trying and failing not to make a sound. When she rose she was greeted by a large black dog sitting silently in the doorway. Quickly, she walked over and ordered the dog to change.
The long snout began to shrink back into his face, his paws became elongated and the claws changed soundlessly to fingernails. The tail unexpectedly shot back into the body as the half-man half-dog rose. The transformation completed and Sirius stood in front of Lily with a big grin on his face.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Sirius asked, bowing deeply.
"There's no time for this now Sirius," Lily said curtly, suppressing a smile. Suddenly Lily remembered what she was here for, "James is missing, Sirius."
Immediately Sirius rose from his bow, the grin no longer on his face. Instead there was a look of fury, worry and shock all mixed into one almost scary expression. Lily was sure she had the same look about her.
"Follow me," Sirius commanded. He raced off down the hall of the dark hideaway house Sirius inhabited when he wasn't out doing Order work. Sirius darted into the third door on the right. The bedroom.
"Sirius? What are you doing?"
"Shush." Lily obeyed, a little scared at Sirius' seeming madness. "Here it is," Sirius pulled a little mirror out from under a giant pile of dirty clothing.
"Sirius I hardly think this I the right time to—"
"James?" Sirius asked the mirror.
