As always, a huge thank you to my wonderful beta Ambush99
Chapter 32
Breathing heavily, James slowly made his way to the top of the hill. Slinging the bag from his shoulders, he slumped and leant against it as he wiped the sweat from his brow. Leaving Lily last night was undoubtedly the hardest thing he had ever done. He didn't doubt for one second she could defend herself, in fact she was probably more capable than he was, but it still didn't feel right. Leaving his wife and child at the height of war just felt unbelievably wrong. But they were safe. Harry was at Hogwarts and Lily had the Order, not to mention the increased wards Sirius had put around his house. Magic he hadn't known ever existed, let alone knew how to perform. But that was Sirius. Always looking out for and protecting everyone aside from himself. That's why he was sat here, a sweaty mess in the middle of nowhere searching for his best friend. But where did he start? Sirius had evaded capture and detection from both the Ministry and the death eaters for two months, what chance did he have?! Was this whole mission completely pointless?
He tore a small chunk off the loaf, knowing he had to ration it, not knowing how long it would take him to find Sirius. The trouble was he had no idea where Sirius was, or even where to start looking for him. He was wanted by both the Ministry and the death eaters, so wasn't likely to be casually wandering around the place in plain sight. Couple that with his friend's extraordinary knowledge of protective wards, would he ever find him? Was he even still alive? He knew strategically both sides would see it as a victory and would openly declare it, but he couldn't help but wonder. He shook his head as he tried to pull himself from his thoughts. He needed his mind to be clear or he could get himself killed. Pulling himself to his feet, he concentrated hard on the next location. But where? Should he concentrate on where he believed the next Horcrux would be? But how could he, when he didn't even know what the next Horcrux was, or even what all of them were. Or did he think of where Sirius would go? But it had been two months, did he even know where Sirius would have gone? Shaking his head, he knew it was the only option. He didn't know where all of the Horcruxes were, and he knew Remus would have let him know if Sirius had been to Hogwarts. He only had his friend to go on. He had to think like Sirius. Where would Sirius go?
He stumbled slightly as his feet landed hard in the wooded area. Quickly scanning the area, he started to cast the protective wards around him. It was muscle reaction now, easier than locking the front door. He didn't know if Sirius would even visit the New Forest, but hey, he was clutching at straws. He stumbled into the tent and crashed onto the poorly made bed, letting his head fall into his hands. He was beyond tired. He had only been gone for two weeks at most, but he was bone weary exhausted. How much longer could he search for his friend before his body finally gave in?
Upon hearing voices just outside his tent, James sat up with a start. He frowned, wondering for a moment if the wards he had set up were good enough. They hadn't failed him yet, but he had only been going for two weeks. He sank back against the bed, barely breathing through fear he'd be heard. He strained his ears, struggling to make out the conversation.
"How long have you been on the run for?"
James frowned, he knew that voice, he just couldn't place it.
"About a month." Came the reply. "You?"
"Not long after Black disappeared."
"You reckon he's the real deal?"
"Yeah! My son is friends with his godson, Harry Potter. I've met him a couple of times, yes I one hundred percent believe him."
"What about before?"
"What, when everyone believe he was you-know-who's right hand man, when in fact he was actually a hostage? My mate, Jasper, saw him what must have been a few weeks after he escaped and said he looked terrible. Like, he wasn't sure how he was even standing or even conscious. No, that's not the look of someone who's been living the life of Riley."
There was a distance crackle, as though a fire had been started. James leant as close to the door as he dared, willing the two people to continue their conversation.
"To be honest, Sirius seems more believable than Fudge."
"More believable! Are you mad, of course he's more believable than that buffoon. Where do you work if you don't mind me asking?"
"I work in the city, well I used to."
"The city?"
"The financial industry in London, the Muggle world."
"So, you're a…"
"Yup, plain old Muggle."
"Wow, I didn't think it was that bad for you lot, no disrespect intended. I'm Muggle-born, so I've apparently stolen my magic from a witch or wizard."
"This you-know-who is a pretty fucked up guy, isn't he. I'm on the run because I'm impure and dirtying the wizarding world," the seemingly old man said with a sigh. "It's like the stuff I studied at school. You just hope history doesn't repeat itself."
"Yeah, I think Sirius mentioned it once. Wasn't there a Muggle called, oh what was it? Hiller?"
"Hitler," the older man corrected. "Yes, he tried to do the same thing."
"Merlin, the world is so fucked up right now. Neither of us have done anything wrong, yet we are both running for our lives."
"Where are you headed?"
"Portugal, the missus has family there. Yourself?"
"Italy, my sister lives there."
"Have you heard the news about Umbridge?"
"No."
"She's been appointed the Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher," the Muggle-born wizard spat.
"What?! That witch?! Sorry, pardon the Muggle use of the word."
The Muggle-born wizard laughed. "No, that's perfectly alright. My dad always used Muggle expressions which could have been deemed offensive in the wizarding world."
"Sorry, but in what world was it deemed that cow would be a good teacher?!"
"Fudge's. He appointed her. I think he's scared of Dumbledore and wanted a spy within the school."
James felt his stomach sink. Poor Remus. Trapped working with that bigoted cow. He hoped the other teachers would support him. He was sure McGonagall would, after all he had been one of her favourites, but Snape…?
"Well, what do you reckon? Head off?"
"I reckon so," the older man replied. "Travel together?"
"Sure, that would be nice. It's damn lonely, this 'on the run' stuff."
"A toast for the road?"
"Sure."
"To peace and Sirius Black!"
"Wherever you are mate, we're behind you," the Muggle-born wizard said, seemingly clinking glasses with the other man. "Well, I guess we better head off. Best not to stay in one place too long."
James slowly exhaled as the two people moved off. He had known the war had been bad, but until now he hadn't realised how bad. He guessed he had been shielded to a certain degree by his status, but to go after plain muggles! He shook his head. He guessed it made sense, after all Voldemort was accusing Muggleborn witches and wizards of stealing magic, so what did he expect? He suddenly thought of Lily, she was muggleborn, was she still safe? Before he had left they had performed the Fidelius Charm, with him being the Secret Keeper. There was nothing in the world which would cause him to break that charm. He would die a thousand deaths before he let Voldemort know where Lily was. Aside from Sirius and Remus, he didn't trust anyone else. And after the last war, he did not ever want to put one of his friends in that position again. He knew Sirius on the outside appeared fine, but he knew his friend was still badly affected. He knew his friend was still plagued by nightmares, as was expected. He just did not want to inflict that pain on anyone else. It was bad enough he had inflicted it on one of his friends, he wasn't about to inflict it on Remus. No, this was his task and his task alone. He curled up on the small bed and fell into a restless sleep.
The next morning he woke feeling anything but refreshed. Worry for his wife and son had plagued his thoughts and dreams. He thought of returning, so he could protect them, but what good would that do apart from ease his worries? As bad as he felt, he knew he couldn't. He knew he had to find his friend. Sirius was their only chance to defeat Voldemort once and for all. He needed to be there to support his friend and… He took a shaky, hitched breath and rubbed his face. After his friend had sacrificed himself and had allowed that monster to slaughter him, someone had to be around to finish off the job. As bad as he felt, he was protecting Lily and Harry more by his hunt for Sirius.
Sighing, he made a quick breakfast with his dwindling supplies. After they were spent he wasn't really sure what he was going to do. He'd never been particularly adept at fishing and his animagus form, being a herbivore, wasn't designed for hunting. He questioned how much the nutritional value from Prong's diet would translate into his human form. He had gold, but he couldn't very well head into a Muggle shop with a handful of galleons. Heading into the wizarding world was out of the question. He had seen old copies of the Daily Prophet, and he had a price on his head due to his association with Sirius. He guessed, well he guessed he would have to cross that bridge when he came to it. As he started to pack the bag, his hand brushed against an unfamiliar envelope. Frowning, he pulled it out and stared at it for a moment. 'Just in case. Love Lily'. With shaking hands he carefully opened it, pulling out a fistful of unfamiliar coloured paper, and a small piece of parchment with familiar handwriting.
James,
I've enclosed some Muggle money, as you will probably need it at some point.
I love you and you are doing the right thing, no matter how bad or wrong it feels. Sirius is our best chance of winning this war.
I love you,
Lily.
He swallowed hard and closed his eyes for a moment. Merlin, this was hard. His fingers brushed across the parchment again, as though he could feel the connection between them. Below the letter Lily had written some rough exchange rates.
1 Gallon = £5 (the small green piece of paper)
1 Sickle = 30p (muggles have a combination of coins for this)
1 Knut = 1p (a small bronze coin)
There are 100p in a £1.
A pint of milk will cost you roughly 30p. I know you have dealt with Muggle money in the past but it has been fairly limited. The largest purple note with a twenty on it is the largest denomination (muggles do have a £50 but it is not in wide circulation and will call attention to you). Don't spend it all at once!
He placed the money back in the backpack before continuing to pack up the tent, and sighed again. He knew there were several smaller towns surrounding the New Forest and the large city of Southampton to the east but he felt his chances better lay with Portsmouth, a city slightly further east. With its large ferry port daily bringing thousands of people from the continent, a few glamour charms, a slight French accent to account for any mishandling of the Muggle money, he hoped he'd go unnoticed.
A few hours later his feet touched down just outside Horsey, a small village in the heart of the Norfolk Broads just near Hickling Broad. His shopping mission in Portsmouth had been a success. He'd chosen a large 'Tesco' just near the port. At first he'd been amazed by the selection on offer; aisles full of seemingly instant products. Knowing if he stood around staring all day he would draw attention to himself, he had quickly made his selection and headed to the tills. With a heavy French accent, broken English and random French words thrown in, his lack of understanding of Muggle money was mistaken for someone who had just stepped off one of the nearby Cross Channel ferries.
Just as he was about to set down his bag and set up the familiar wards, he heard voices. Familiar voices, but two which made his blood run cold, the other was again familiar but friendly. Greyback, he thought, his very breath catching in his throat. Did he flee now whilst he had a chance, or did he stay? The friendly voice spoke again, this time with more urgency, laced with fear. That's when it hit him. Ted Tonks! He couldn't flee and leave him to Greyback. No one deserved that, well maybe Voldemort. With his decision made, he threw on his invisibility cloak and carefully slipped into the clearing. Greyback threw Ted against a tree as he and Dolohov continued to argue about something. What it was, James neither knew nor cared. Taking this opportunity, he forced himself to control his ragged breathing as he moved, as quietly as he could, towards the tree. He could feel sweat running freely down his back. His hands were shaking so much he doubted he would be able to put up any form of useful defence.
"Shut up," Greyback growled, throwing his head up to sniff the air.
James froze. His heart was hammering so loudly in his chest he swore Greyback could hear it. He blinked as sweat began to sting his eyes.
"What is it?"
"Nothing," Greyback growled. "I thought I heard something."
"Is the little wolfie hearing things?" Dolohov scoffed.
"Fuck off you prick. I told you I'm having the fucking wand!"
James exhaled as slowly and quietly as he could. He waited a moment for the two to continue their argument before continuing his slow and steady approach. He took a moment to calm himself, before grabbing Ted's arm and apparating on the spot.
"What the fuck?!" Ted managed to exclaim as they landed at their first spot. They apparated five more times before they landed on a windswept hilltop.
"What's the picture above your fireplace in your living room," James yelled as he slammed Ted against the beacon.
"What?!"
"What's the fucking picture?"
"A-A seascape in Brittany," Ted stammered out.
"Sorry about that," James said, releasing his hold on the other man's robes. "You just can't be too careful these days."
"James Potter?" Ted asked, as the other man turned away. He watched him nod. "Thank you, you got me out of a tight bind there. I thought I was done for."
"I couldn't leave you to Greyback," James said simply.
Ted grimaced. "Thank you all the same. What are you doing out here? I thought you'd be safe."
"Maybe, but I'm a blood traitor remember."
Ted nodded. "I guess. So, what are you really doing? It has something to do with Sirius doesn't it?"
James spun around. "What do you know about Sirius?!"
"I saw him a couple of days ago, before the snatchers caught me," Ted replied.
James' mind swirled with questions. "How was he?" he exclaimed.
"He looked fine. Perhaps a little on the thin side, but he's always been on the lean side. I spent perhaps an hour or so with him. We spoke, shared some food before going our separate ways."
More questions bombarded James' mind. "Where were you?" he managed.
"Err," Ted started as he wracked his brains. "Just outside Cowes. Sirius left and told me not to stay there too long, but like an idiot I did. I guess I was angry with myself for leaving Andy. Sirius reassured me she'd be fine, but hell, I don't know. Anyway, I stayed there the night and was caught by snatchers a couple of days later."
James exhaled slowly. "It happens to the best of us. Do you want to share some food?"
"Sure," Ted said, sinking down, his back to the leeward side of the beacon. "Where are we?"
"St. Agnes Beacon in Cornwall," James replied, handing Ted a Pot Noodle.
"Windy place," Ted acknowledge, taking the pot from James. "Chicken and mushroom, my favourite!"
"You've had these before?"
"Of course. What have you got?"
"Beef and tomato," James replied hesitantly. "Although I question how close it's ever been to a cow."
Ted laughed. They sat in silence for a while, slowly devouring their separate pots. "So," Ted started slowly. "I know Sirius is your best friend, but why are you out here?"
"I need to find him," James replied quietly.
"He's the key to ending this war isn't he?" Ted watched James nod slowly. "He's a good guy, always has been."
"I know," James acknowledged. "How's your family?"
"Okay I guess. Andy should be fine, she's a pure blood witch and from one of the most dominant sacred twenty-eight families. Plus, she's a Black. Apart from Sirius and my daughter, the rest are death eaters."
James nodded. "Sirius put up some pretty impressive wards before he left. What about Tonks?"
"She's fine. She's highly trained, I wouldn't mess with her," Ted acknowledged with a smile. "She splits her time between her mother's and her boyfriend's place."
"Remus?"
"Yeah. I was hesitant at first."
"You were?"
"Of course, he's thirteen years her senior but, seeing how happy she is with him, well what kind of father would I be to deny that?" Ted finished.
"Not because…" James trailed off.
"Because he has lycanthropy? Merlin no!" Ted exclaimed. "I remember him from school. He may have been several years below me but I still remember him as being a kind and gentle boy, despite running with you and Sirius."
"I…"
"What? Merlin no, you and Sirius weren't bad or evil by any stretch of the imagination. Did you cross the line with other students such as Snape a few times? Sure. Did Snape also cross that line? Of course he did. It didn't make any one of you evil, no, not all." Ted stopped and sighed. "I always wondered why you two were always so protective of Remus, now I understand why. And despite everything that happened to you three, you somehow remained good, honourable people."
"Sorry Ted, I didn't mean to imply…"
"Don't worry about it," Ted said, waving his hand dismissively. "Well, I better get going. I was lucky once, I doubt I'll be lucky again."
"Where are you headed?"
"Romania, Sirius set me up with Charlie Weasley."
"I've never really met Charlie, but I've met the rest of the family. Ron, their second youngest, is Harry's best friend. They are a good, honourable family."
Ted nodded in agreement. "Where are you headed?"
"Honestly, I have no idea," James exhaled, raking a hand through his disheveled hair.
"Sirius, of course, didn't say where he was going but he suggested he was headed up north," Ted said quietly. "Well, I better get going."
"Of course," James said nodding. "How are you getting there?"
"Hiding in the Muggle world," Ted said, pulling out a small, dark red book. "Well I don't have a wand anymore."
"Oh, have this," James said, handing over a wand. "I'm not totally sure whose it was but I won it last week."
"But you…"
"I've got mine, you need it more than I."
"Thank you," Ted said gratefully. "Good luck James." Without a further word he apparated on the spot and disappeared.
James took a moment to reflect before apparating to a wild Yorkshire Moor. Without dropping his bag, he quickly set up the wards and collapsed into the tent. He exhaled sharply as he thought of what Ted had said and what he had learnt over the last few hours. Sirius was alive, well he had been a few days ago and he was okay. He sank down on the floor, his head resting against the bed. Sirius may be alive but he still had no idea where he was. Something caught the corner of his eye. He turned and blinked a couple of times. It was like an orb, just hovering beside him. Willing him to follow it. Any notion of sleep had left him. Quickly packing up the tent and his meagre belonging, he started to follow the orb. He didn't know why, but he knew it wouldn't harm him.
