Chapter 7

Author's Note: This is the last chapter for today. In response to an earlier review- Yes, Harry would be the Boy who Lived. There will be some twists and turns though. He wouldn't be the meek, unknowing hero who will take everything at face value.

I dream of one day owning the copyright for Harry Potter. Until then, not mine. You know who it belongs to.

The marauders had found themselves a compartment. This journey marked the end of their childhood. They had arrived here in the same train seven years ago. Their journey had been memorable, full of ups and downs with moments that had tested them time and again. They could only be glad that these moments had only made their bond stronger. They had learnt magic, formed lifelong friendships, ventured into relationships, faced off against bitter enemies, played Quidditch, ended up in the hospital wing, played pranks and so much more. It saddened them that it had all come to an end. But they knew that life had a lot of things in store for them.

Remus Lupin, or Moony to his friends had been tight lipped about his future plans. He had been invited by the headmaster to join a group he sponsored called 'The Order of the Phoenix'. He owed the headmaster. Without him, he would have been on the streets without education. He had been asked to infiltrate some werewolf camps and report back. This was supposed to help in the war effort. Lupin knew the risks involved. But he had nevertheless agreed. He would disappear once he reached London and rendezvous with the order members for his next set of instructions. He didn't know what the future held for him. He felt bad to keep his friends out of the loop. The headmaster had demanded that. He had told Remus that he didn't trust Sirius and didn't want to risk the mission. Remus trusted his friend, but had agreed not to tell, as this had bigger implications and impacted the 'Greater Good'.

Peter Pettigrew, or Wormtail had been accepted at the Ministry as an entry level clerk in the Department of Floo Transport. This had been public knowledge and he would be joining after a one-week break after school. He was happy about this. Peter preferred to be neutral in most situations. He didn't want to do anything with the war and just wanted to not end up dead. His friends were daring and reckless, he wasn't. He knew the reality that he wouldn't be of much use on a battlefield, as he didn't have the skillset for it. Some would call him a coward. Maybe he was one. He didn't want to get into a situation where he would have to prove that point. He was proud of the relationships he had nurtured during his time at Hogwarts. He had initially thought he wouldn't be able to make friends, but the marauders had proved him wrong. He preferred staying under the radar and would continue doing the same.

James Potter, or Prongs had the most options at hand. Earlier this week, he had been approached by two different individuals with two different requests. Alastor Moody or Mad-Eye, the head Auror had sent him an owl asking him to enroll in the Auror training program. The letter had said that he had potential that they were looking for and needed people like him at the forefront protecting the magical population from threats. James might have accepted the offer back in his fifth year. After getting involved with Lily, he knew better. He knew he had plenty of options to choose from. He had decided to consider all his options before taking a call. The headmaster had reached out to him in the last weeks of Hogwarts. . He was asked to join the order and fight against the Dark Lord. The headmaster had gone off to explain how muggleborns would be impacted if Lord Voldemort would win. How it would impact magical Britain as a whole. That conversation had been enlightening. James had asked Dumbledore how the current plight was different from what it would be under Voldemort. Dumbledore had given a haphazard explanation about hope, love and progress. James hadn't been convinced. Dumbledore had thought James to be easily manipulated. James had seen enough of the headmaster over the last 7 years. He had never taken a stand to stop the various activities across the school. No steps had been taken to stop the oppression on muggleborns by their pureblood counterparts. Another less known fact was that the muggleborn students paid an exorbitant amount in the name of fees, whereas pureblood students paid a nominal amount. He was sure that most of the pureblood populace was well off and wouldn't have a problem paying that amount. There was something fundamentally wrong in his opinion if rich people didn't feel it worth to pay for the education of their children. He had politely declined the offer, as he didn't agree with the political agenda of Dumbledore. His and Lily's plans were already set and there was no way he would waver from it.

The three friends were sitting and chatting on the way back home. Some of their other friends had come and gone. Then it started. They heard screams from down the train. There was movement at both ends. Soon students were running up and down. The three marauders knew what this was all about. They knew they would be targets for these attackers. They had planned and prepared for it. They were just waiting for the entourage to reach their compartment before making their move. Their luggage had been shrunken and was safe in their pockets. Their pets had already been set free and were out in the open. They waited with bated breaths.

And soon enough, the compartment door slid open.

"Is she here? "

"Nah, it's just some stupid Gryffindors."

"Wait a minute. Its Potter and his friends. Where is Black? Why isn't he with them?"

Snape did a second look. Anger turned his face red.

"Where is Black? Be a good mudblood and answer. Otherwise, you won't survive this ride."

Potter was calm in his reply

"You wouldn't believe me if I said I don't know, which is the truth by the way. But since you were so courteous, I will give you some additional information. Lily is not on the train. We knew once you realized she isn't on the train, you would target the other Blacks. So they are also not here. In other words, your plan failed, big time."

"How would you know that?"

"Of course, we knew. Next time make sure to not use classrooms near the Potions corridor to discuss your top-secret plans. Otherwise, at least use the necessary charms to make sure nobody overhears you. I am sure you have learnt that in your seven years at Hogwarts."

"I don't need a mudblood to teach me things. If you haven't realized, we are no longer at school. I can kill you right now, and nobody would come to protect you."

"I wasn't made Head boy for my looks alone, you know. I wouldn't just let you kill me. Last time it was one on four. We are equally balanced right now. And of course, I have learnt some new spells. I am sure you will like some. But that's not what you should worry about. Your abduction plan has reached the ears of Lord Black. Whatever happens to me today, I guarantee you much more worse things are in store for you. You can deny the charges of course. But I would advise against it. They have irrefutable evidence."

This scared some of the attackers.

"Severus, we need to regroup. There is nothing to do here. We need to go now. I am sure the aurors are on their way."

"You survive today Potter. But trust me, I will be back to show you where you belong."

"I would be honored. Now, scoot off."

"How dare you-"

Snape sent a red beam towards James. James batted it out and sent a blue beam towards Snape. Snape tried to dodge, but was unable to. The impact caused Snape to cover up in ice with only his face free.

"As I said, I have learnt some nice magic. I can levitate you right now and throw you out of the train. But I will let your friends carry you back to wherever you came from. And one last thing, keep Lily out of any such future plans. You will come to regret it."

"You might have won today Potter. But I will make sure you regret this day."

The corridor cleared soon after. The three settled down. If Lily's prediction was right, they would be back with reinforcements. The three friends looked at each other-

"So, we will meet at Lupin's in a week.?"

"Yes. Make sure you are not followed and stay safe."

"Alright, see you guys next week."

When Snape and the others returned, all they found was an empty compartment. They searched the entire train, but didn't find Potter or his friends.

-Break-

Lily was sitting in the living room of Black manor. Sirius and Regulus were sitting on either side of her. Her grandfather sat on the opposite side. She was portraying a calm picture on the outside, but was going crazy on the inside. Just then, a silver stag materialized in the room

"Padfoot. We are all safe. Everything went as per plan. Death Eaters and Snape were on the train."

Lord Black looked up in surprise

"Whose Patronus is that?"

"It's my friend's, Grandfather. His name is James Potter."

"Muggleborn?"

"Yes, grandfather."

"Interesting. A muggleborn with a talking corporeal Patronus. But I digress. I am happy that your friends are safe. Lily, it was your plan. What do you think we should do next?"

"I am not sure, Grandfather. We can bring this in front of the Wizengamot and bring them to justice. But the ones who attacked were Death Eaters. It would make the family potential targets. I would accept whatever decision you would take."

"And Sirius, what do you think?"

"We retaliate. We declare a blood feud against everyone who were involved. They need to understand that the house of Black is not to be messed with."

"And what if I told you there were family members involved in the plot?"

"Why would a Black support the abduction of a Black daughter?"

"It surprised me as well. Unfortunately, it's true. Cygnus was involved in the planning."

"Why would Father do that to me?"

"Because your father wants to. Getting you married to Snape will ensure that all his daughters are married to Death Eaters. This would cement his position as a staunch Voldemort supporter. And once Voldemort wins the war, he hopes to gain favor with Voldemort and other lords. Also, your father knows that I would not willingly accept another betrothal with Snape for you. He thought I would sign the betrothal for your wellbeing."

"And what do you want?"

"I want you guys to have free will. As long as the decisions you take are your own, I will accept them. I will question you and advise you at certain times. But I will not force you to make that decision."

"Who else was a part of the plot?"

"Your father, Narcissa and Lucius."

"Not Bella?"

"Not as far as I am aware. She is actively involved in many attacks. Personally, I think she has gone insane. No longer in control of who she is."

"Can't we do something about her?"

"Not if we want to take on Voldemort himself. My sources say that she is extremely close to him and his go to person at the moment."

"And Father wanted me to end up in a similar state. How can he be so cruel?"

"Thats what happens when your belief in something becomes larger than life. You believe your every action is contributing in making that belief a reality. And you forget about everything else. The most meaningful things in life like family, happiness, love become nothing."

"So what do you suggest we do?"

"My sources also brought me another information. It seems you are romantically involved with a muggleborn?"

Lily went white. Since how long did he know? Had he traded one potential prison sentence for another? How could she escape this? What should she do?

"H-, How did you get to know, Grandfather?"

"Just friendly with the local innkeeper in Hogsmeade. So, is it true?"

"Yes. It is."

"And where do you think, this relationship will lead to?"

"I don't know, Grandfather. All I know is that I love James Potter and I cant bear being separated from him. He has promised to stay by my side at all times and so have I?"

"What do you think your parents would do once they become aware of this?"

"They will try to kill him."

"So how do you plan on convincing them?"

"I don't."

"And what do you think I will do?"

"I am not sure."

"Take a guess."

"So far, the conversation has been civil. I believe there is still hope for me."

"Let me be honest with you. In a different time, what you have done would be enough for any Lord Black to personally drag you down and push you through the Veil. But these are difficult times. And they warrant difficult decisions. Before I decide anything, I need to meet the boy."

"I need assurance that you will not harm him in anyway."

"I give you my word that I will not harm him if his intentions are pure."

"When do you want to meet him?"

"Ask him to meet me at the Stonehenge tomorrow at noon. I believe he can apparate, right?"

'I will pass on the message. And thank you, Grandfather. This means a lot to me."

"I haven't done anything yet. Meet me tomorrow before dinner. We will continue our discussion. Sirius, Stay back. The rest are dismissed."

Lily gracefully left the room and went to hers on the first floor. She sent over her Patronus with the message to James. She just hoped everything would turn out alright.

-End of Chapter-

Author Notes: James will not be an auror in this fic. I don't intend to make Dumbledore evil or bash him. I will not be bashing all the usual culprits like the Weasleys as well. Please come back to know more. I promise i will make it an interesting read. See you in 2 weeks. Dont forget to review.