CHAPTER TWELVE: FIGHT FOR LIFE
The explosion shook the entire cottage. It was accompanied by a crash, a sound of breaking timber and glass, and a sudden cold draught sweeping through the whole building. Lily stood halfway up the stairs, steadying herself by clinging to the banister, as the vibrations from the explosion died away. She stood at the bottom of the second flight of stairs, trembling, listening for any sound from below. Above her she could here Harry beginning to whimper, clearly startled by the strange noises in the house in the middle of the night. Lily tried to make herself go to her son, but she couldn't move. She was transfixed, trying to listen for James's familiar voice. Lily could just make out the clock on the mantelpiece in the living room striking midnight as the last echoes of the explosion passed.
James Potter watched his wife walk out of the living room, both of them crying. He pushed away an urge to go after her, take her in his arms, get their son and get away as quickly as possible. He knew he couldn't do that, not if Harry was going to stand half a chance. He kept his eyes on Lily's back as long as he could, mentally pleading with her to go faster, not only to save their son, but also to ease the pain he felt at having to watch her go. He watched her walk away from him, sobbing. James tried to wipe away his own tears, but they just wouldn't stop. As he watched Lily, her dark red hair, one of the first things that had drawn him to her at school, floating thickly over her shoulders, James knew he would probably never see her or their son again. He sighed deeply as Lily started to climb the stairs and move out of sight. 'Goodbye my love' he whispered, tears flowing from his eyes.
The realisation that Peter Pettigrew had betrayed him and his family suddenly hit James like lightening. A wave of anger rushed over him, making his blood boil. Rage and indignation coursed through James. He remembered all the times at Hogwarts he and Sirius had looked after Pettigrew, shielded him from things, because they thought he needed to be looked after. He remembered how they always thought Pettigrew wasn't very bright and felt sorry for him. Now he had repaid that by betraying his friends. James felt so angry he was nauseous.
James suddenly realised that only the four of them, himself, Lily, Sirius and Peter, knew Pettigrew was their Secret Keeper. Even Dumbledore thought James and Lily had used Sirius. James knew as he stood, waiting for whatever was to come, if he died, if his family died, Sirius would be considered to be responsible. People would think Sirius Black had betrayed his closest friends, and led them to their deaths. James found himself praying that whatever happened, Sirius could find a way to explain to Dumbledore what they had done and why. He prayed his friend would forgive him for not telling Dumbledore what they had done. He prayed that it was a mistake that Sirius would be able to put right.
James was lost in his thoughts when an explosion rocked the cottage. He heard the sound of breaking glass and smashing timbers. Without thinking about it, he rushed from the living room, grabbing his wand on the way. He felt a rush of cold air in the hallway and saw the front door had been smashed off its hinges, allowing the cold night air into the cottage. James looked out into the night and caught his breath sharply. Voldemort, the darkest wizard who ever lived was walking into the cottage.
James stood and stared at the older man who seemed to be strolling almost casually into the cottage. He took in the appearance of someone who strongly resembled a snake. He had the same pointed head and slits for eyes. James was revolted. He had seen Voldemort before; he had been confronted by this creature three times. As James looked at Voldemort, it wasn't his ugly appearance that horrified him so much; it was the calm, sedate way he moved, while his eyes held a wild, triumphant, glow. James sensed that Voldemort was sure he would get what he wanted that night, and wouldn't give in until he had. Fury rose up inside James Potter. He knew that what Voldemort had come for was Harry, his baby son, his and Lily's child. He knew that whatever happened, he wouldn't let Voldemort take Harry, even if he had to die stopping him.
Voldemort stepped into the hallway and cast James Potter a contemptuous glare. 'Potter, how rude of you to forget to welcome me to your….humble home' he sneered scornfully. James stood tall, anger whipping at his insides, 'Get out of my house!' he yelled, 'Get out now! There's nothing here for you!' Voldemort laughed, a cackle of sinister, high pitched laughter echoed around the hallway. He shook his head, all the time that laugh growing louder. Voldemort stopped laughing abruptly and moved further into the cottage. 'Oh, but I disagree' he said, sarcasm evident in his tone, 'You're here, and…' his eyes swivelled around, taking in the room, 'where is that redhead of yours, your little Mudblood?' James instinctively pointed his wand, filled with the deepest loathing. 'Don't you dare call my wife that vile name, my wife's a Muggleborn, do you hear? She's a Muggleborn witch, and worth a million of you!' James was shaking in fury, his wand hand trembling visibly. Voldemort screamed with laughter. 'Oh my dear Potter! How very loyal you are! You rush to the defence of your worthless little wife, even though you know in marrying her, you ruined your Pureblood line! How noble, how very commendable!' he mocked, his slit-like eyes glinting.
Voldemort seemed to observe James carefully, almost as if he was inspecting him. James met the dark wizard's penetrating gaze unflinchingly. 'It really is a shame you ruined yourself Potter' Voldemort sighed, 'You would have made the most remarkable Deatheater'. James's stomach turned involuntarily. 'Never, I've told you before, I don't care what you do to me, even if you torture me, I'll never turn to you! I'd rather die!' Voldemort smirked, 'Well now, that can be arranged, but not yet! I haven't come for you really, I've come for your son, so hand over the boy calmly and I might just consider leaving you and your wife alone…for now'.
Voldemort's voice was low and eerily casual, as if he was discussing the weather. The calmness in his tone ignited James Potter's rage further. He stepped closer to Voldemort, his wand pointed at the older wizard. James laughed derisively, 'You know, the thing that I find really funny is the way you and your henchmen lord it over people! You parade about, threatening people, and all the time you're terrified of one tiny little boy! God, you really are a pathetic, sad old man aren't you?' he scorned, his face contorting in disgust.
Voldemort shook his head, anger flooding his snake-like features. 'Now come along Potter, you don't need to make this hard for yourself! All you need to do is hand over the child, or better yet, tell me where he is and I can take him and go, you really don't want to pick another fight with me, do you?' Voldemort's slit-like eyes narrowed further, making him look more evil than ever. James gripped his outstretched wand tighter and stared at the vile creature before him. 'I don't care, you can do whatever you like, but you'll never take my son while I'm able to stop you!' he cried, his hazel eyes burning with fury. Voldemort seemed to sigh, his shoulders dropped. 'Very well Potter, but just remember you asked for this, this is entirely your own fault' he stated flatly. James knew in an instant what was coming when Voldemort stretched out his wand. 'Expelliarmus!' James cried, pointing his own wand, but it wasn't fast enough. Even before he had opened his mouth to speak Voldemort had mouthed a curse. James held his breath as one word pierced through the space between the two men, 'CRUCIO!' Voldemort screamed malevolently.
James Potter was hit by the worst pain he had ever felt. He had been hit by the Cruciatus Curse before, the last time nearly killed him, but this was worse, much worse. James struggled to stay on his feet as the pain tore through him, making him feel as if his skin was being ripped away from his body. James refused to scream, wouldn't cry out as the pain gripped him. It felt like his internal organs were on fire, exploding inside him in the heat of agony rushing through him. James willed himself to stay upright, knowing that if he fell, Voldemort would seize his opportunity and attempt to get at Harry. The desire to keep his son alive gave James the will to hold on, in spite of the torment of the pain. As his body began to convulse in agony, James refused to drop his gaze from Voldemort. Even when his breathing constricted he wouldn't drop his wand or take his eyes off the creature in front of him. After a few more moments of intense staring James felt the pain falling away. Panting, he made himself stand properly as his muscles eased. Voldemort sneered. 'I did warn you Potter, you would be well advised to do as I ask next time, unless of course you actually like pain'. James glowered madly, 'Go to hell… arsehole!' he yelled, catching his breath.
James recovered from the effect of the Cruciatus Curse. He soon realised that he was still standing in the hallway with Voldemort, effectively trapping Lily and Harry inside the cottage! James was furious with himself. 'How could you be so bloody stupid!' he ranted mentally. 'The idea was getting them out, not trapping them in here!' James watched Voldemort intently; he slowly began to walk backwards, towards the living room. Voldemort smirked. 'That's right Potter, you've remembered your manners at last!' He followed James, he obviously assumed the young man was giving in and leading him to Harry.
James kept walking, his steps slow and steady. As they went inside the living room Voldemort eyed the room suspiciously. 'Where's the boy Potter?' he demanded. 'I don't know what you're talking about' James replied lightly, covering up his amusement at Voldemort's confusion. Voldemort's face twisted in anger, 'Now Potter, don't be a silly boy, you know what I can do if you don't do as I ask, now where is your son?' James glared, meeting Voldemort's furious gaze with his own angry eyes. 'I'll never hand my son over, so you might as well just go away, or do your worst, either way, I don't care. You'll never get your hands on my son, so just give it up'.
Voldemort groaned in impatience. 'You really are a stupid boy aren't you Potter? You're so obviously like your parents…your dead parents.' He smiled menacingly as James stepped forward at the mention of his parents. He raised his wand, shaking with rage. 'You leave my parents out of this! Your henchmen killed them, they held them captive for hours just to torment the hell out of them, and when they'd had their fun they killed them!' Voldemort sneered in contempt. 'Oh believe me Potter, my henchmen as you call them, found nothing funny in how your parents died! They died screaming, pleading to be allowed to live! I believe your mother was particularly fond of you! One of my followers offered to come and fetch you from Hogwarts, so you could all die together, but your mother said she would rather die herself than allow you to be killed….so, naturally, she was granted her wish….eventually. Your father died when he tried to help your mother, stupid man!' Voldemort's face filled with derision.
Voldemort's words cut through James like a knife. He struggled to remain on his feet as his legs weakened beneath him in shock. He could hardly see for the wave of hate that rushed through him like a red mist in front of his eyes. 'You unbelievable bastard!' he yelled, loathing for this creature flooding his veins. 'You pathetic, sadistic, cowardly bastard!' Voldemort's eyes widened, 'Really Potter, such language, and your wife and child in the house as well…I presume they are in the house Potter?' he asked, his tone relaxed and even, as if he had just called in to visit the family and was asking after Lily and Harry out of politeness. James remained determined, 'I've already told you, I will never hand my son over! I don't care what you do to me!'
Voldemort sighed and shook his head impatiently, his face contorted in frustration. 'Now come along Potter, don't be so hasty! Think about what your stubbornness could mean! Think about what I could do to you, what I could to your wife and son if you resist me!' Voldemort's voice was rising dangerously; James could see the vile thing in front of him beginning to lose control. He realised he had to play for time, to be sure Lily was away with Harry in safety. He glowered contemptuously, 'That's exactly your style, threatening a woman and baby! You really are just a pathetic old man, throwing a tantrum because you can't get your own way! My son's more mature than you!' James laughed scornfully.
Voldemort seemed to swell with anger, 'I'm warning you Potter, don't make me angry!' James smirked, 'Why? What are you going to do? Are you going to hex me, or hit me with the Cruciatus curse again? Well go on then, do it! I couldn't care less!' An evil smile crossed Voldemort's lips, 'Why Potter, I see you've lost none of your arrogance! Maybe you need something to concentrate your mind just a little….CRUCIO!' Voldemort was shaking with fury as he threw the curse.
James moved to block the curse, but it was too late. Once again he found himself consumed with white hot pain. He threw his head back and arched his whole body amid the torrent of agony that seeped through his skin, twisted his muscles and ripped through his bones. He tried to hold on to his wand, but it fell out of his hand, hitting the carpeted floor with a thud. James felt like his insides were on fire, he gasped and moaned over and over, stifling the urge to scream out his anguish. His whole body twisted in agony, James fought to remain standing, using all his will to stay on his feet, however, Voldemort renewed the curse, and James was consumed again, he fell to his hands and knees, staring wildly at the man standing above him, who looked so calm and peaceful amid the younger man's pain.
The agony went on, shooting through James's whole body. He gritted his teeth to prevent himself crying out. He tried to focus outside himself, attempting to push the pain away with his mind. He made himself think of Lily and Harry; he hoped they were out of the house now, and safe with Sirius. He hoped Sirius wouldn't get any idea of coming and trying to help him, he hoped Sirius would concentrate on keeping Lily and Harry safe and get them to Dumbledore as soon as possible.
After more long agonising minutes, James found the pain surrounding him dying away. He stood, on his hands and knees, panting as if he'd run for miles. Voldemort glared down on him menacingly, 'There, are you ready to give up now Potter?' he demanded, his red eyes blazing in rage. 'All you need to do is tell me where the child is and I can go, I don't know why you seem so determined to anger me!' James fought to catch his breath, 'I'll never….never….give in….never give up my son…so leave us… alone!' James stood as he spoke, drawing himself up to his full height. He met Voldemort's eyes and stared into them, his back ramrod straight, he stood tall and proud. Then, reacting like lightening he grabbed his wand into his hand and pointed it between Voldemort's eyes, rage and indignation contorting his handsome features. 'Stupefy!' he cried, only for Voldemort to flick his wand and block the curse effortlessly. James sneered, moving around the room, never letting his wand drop or his gaze shift from Voldemort's eyes. 'Oh come on! You can do better than that! The least you could do is fight back!' he yelled scornfully. Voldemort laughed, his cackle of sinister laughter echoed around the room. 'You really are an amusing boy Potter! Why would I want to fight with you, you couldn't possibly be a match for me!' James drew his wand up again and glared, 'No, I suppose not! Innocent women and babies are more your style, aren't they!' James shook with temper and yelled another curse, which Voldemort blocked with an easy flick of his wand. James tried again; his curse was stopped before it reached its intended target.
Voldemort blocked James again and again, the curses flying around the room, smashing anything in their path. The room was filled with the sound of breaking glass as pictures and ornaments broke. A sudden draught permeated through the room, extinguishing the fire in the grate, consuming the living room in darkness. James flicked his wand and the room was lit again, but just as the light came back, Voldemort shoved James and he lost his balance, tumbling onto the floor, right in front of the living room door.
James rose speedily. Seeing the open door he filled the space with his body as fast as he could, his Quidditch reflexes coming into play. He raised his wand again and once again he was blocked. Voldemort moved closer to James, oozing malevolence, while his voice was steady and calm. 'As you can see Potter, you are, as I said, no match for me, so now I will give you one last chance, will you hand over your son?' James stared unflinchingly into Voldemort's evil eyes, 'Never!' he yelled in steely defiance. Voldemort looked almost sad, his shoulders drooped and he sighed, 'Very well then Potter, you offer me no alternative…' and before James could offer any resistance, Voldemort raised his wand. 'Avada Kedavra!' he screamed.
James Potter watched as a stream of green light burst from Voldemort's wand. Time appeared to stand still as the light moved towards him, apparently in slow motion, yet he still didn't have time to respond or feel afraid. James Potter's last thought, before the light hit him square in the chest, was for his wife and son. The last word to cross his lips as the light struck his body was one agonised cry for the woman he always knew he would willingly give his life for. 'LILY!' James Potter screamed, and then the light threw his body to the ground.
For a moment the house seemed to fall into a eerie silence, then, from another part of the house a piercing scream rang out, and minutes later a shrill cry of 'NOOOOO!' filled the air. Voldemort cackled triumphantly and then, ensuring he stepped on James Potter's lifeless body, the hazel eyes still wide open and blankly staring, he left the room to find more victims.
