A/N: I don't own the rights to any of these characters, settings or anything to do with Wizarding World. This is a work of fiction based on
the universe created by J.K Rowling.
*** This chapter immediately follows the "Prequel" short story written by JK Rowling for charity. For context, I have included that story below which I am in no way attributing as my own work***
The speeding motorcycle took the sharp corner so fast in the darkness that both policemen in the pursuing car shouted 'whoa!' Sergeant Fisher slammed his large foot on the brake, thinking that the boy who was riding pillion was sure to be flung under his wheels; however, the motorbike made the turn without unseating either of its riders, and with a wink of its red tail light, vanished up the narrow side street.
"We've got 'em now!" cried PC Anderson excitedly. "That's a dead end!"
Leaning hard on the steering wheel and crashing his gears, Fisher scraped half the paint off the flank of the car as he forced it up the alleyway in pursuit.
There in the headlights sat their quarry, stationary at last after a quarter of an hour's chase. The two riders were trapped between a towering brick wall and the police car, which was now crashing towards them like some growling, luminous-eyed predator.
There was so little space between the car doors and the walls of the alley that Fisher and Anderson had difficulty extricating themselves from the vehicle. It injured their dignity to have to inch, crab-like, towards the miscreants. Fisher dragged his generous belly along the wall, tearing buttons off his shirt as he went, and finally snapping off the wing mirror with his backside.
"Get off the bike!" he bellowed at the smirking youths, who sat basking in the flashing blue light as though enjoying it.
They did as they were told. Finally pulling free from the broken wind mirror, Fisher glared at them. They seemed to be in their late teens. The one who had been driving had long black hair; his insolent good looks reminded Fisher unpleasantly of his daughter's guitar-playing, layabout boyfriend. The second boy also had black hair, though his was short and stuck up in all directions; he wore glasses and a broad grin.
"No helmets!" Fisher yelled, pointing from one uncovered head to the other. "Exceeding the speed limit by – by a considerable amount!" (In fact, the speed registered had been greater than Fisher was prepared to accept that any motorcycle could travel.) "Failing to stop for the police!"
"We'd have loved to stop for a chat," said the boy in glasses, "only we were trying —"
"Don't get smart – you two are in a heap of trouble!" snarled Anderson. "Names!"
"Names?" repeated the long-haired driver. "Er – well, let's see. There's Wilberforce… Bathsheba… Elvendork…"
"And what's nice about that one is, you can use it for a boy or a girl," said the boy in glasses.
"Oh, OUR names, did you mean?" asked the first, as Anderson spluttered with rage. "You should've said! This here is James Potter, and I'm Sirius Black!"
"Things'll be seriously black for you in a minute, you cheeky little —"
But neither James nor Sirius was paying attention. They were suddenly as alert as gundogs, staring past Fisher and Anderson, over the roof of the police car, at the dark mouth of the alley. Then, with identical fluid movements, they reached into their back pockets.
For the space of a heartbeat both policemen imagined guns gleaming at them, but a second later they saw that the motorcyclists had drawn nothing more than —
"Drumsticks?" jeered Anderson. "Right pair of jokers, aren't you? Right, we're arresting you on a charge of —"
But Anderson never got to name the charge. James and Sirius had shouted something incomprehensible, and the beams from the headlights had moved.
The policemen wheeled around, then staggered backwards. Three men were flying – actually FLYING – up the alley on broomsticks – and at the same moment, the police car was rearing up on its back wheels.
Fisher's knees bucked; he sat down hard; Anderson tripped over Fisher's legs and fell on top of him, as FLUMP – BANG – CRUNCH – they heard the men on brooms slam into the upended car and fall, apparently insensible, to the ground, while broken bits of broomstick clattered down around them.
The motorbike had roared into life again. His mouth hanging open, Fisher mustered the strength to look back at the two teenagers.
"Thanks very much!" called Sirius over the throb of the engine. "We owe you one!"
"Yeah, nice meeting you!" said James. "And don't forget: Elvendork! It's unisex!"
There was an earth-shattering crash, and Fisher and Anderson threw their arms around each other in fright; their car had just fallen back to the ground. Now it was the motorcycle's turn to rear. Before the policemen's disbelieving eyes, it took off into the air: James and Sirius zoomed away into the night sky, their tail light twinkling behind them like a vanishing ruby.
CHAPTER NINE – JAMES
August 1977
"There's the field!" James shouted, pointing ahead.
"I'll bring her down and we can hide in the tall grass by the tree!" Sirius shouted back.
James clutched his wand tighter as he peered around him; they would be following them by now he was sure of it. The motorbike suddenly dived, heading towards a clearing next to the field. James and Sirius had spent many hours running through the field near the Potter's house; the long grassy area would be ideal to stash the motorbike and hide if needed. James and Sirius had agreed not to lead them to the house, they wouldn't drag Fleamont and Euphemia into this mess.
Sirius landed the motorbike smoothly and pulled to a stop behind the large oak tree. James scrambled out of the cart and helped Sirius push the motorbike into the long grass. Sirius shrugged out of his leather jacket and frowned.
"I reckon they'll still be able to see her." Sirius said and looked around him.
"If only I'd thought to bring the cloak with me!" James cried.
"It's alright, it's alright." Sirius said and began tapping the motorbike with his wand, "Hopefully I can reduce the size of her."
James peered around him again, straining his eyes in the darkness when he saw three dark figures in the sky hurtling towards the field. James grabbed Sirius and pulled him to the ground, the motorbike was now half the size. The two boys pulled the bike into the tall grass some more and carefully moved along the tall grass when a loud bang echoed across the field. James and Sirius dropped closer to the ground. James met Sirius' eyes and gave him a reassuring smile. He would be damned if he'd let anything happen to Sirius.
"Do you think they can see us?" Sirius whispered and James shook his head.
"I don't think so, we were covered by the time they arrived."
"We're outnumbered, Prongs."
"Only by one... We can manage."
"Can we?"
"Stay down, Padfoot, I'll see where they are."
James slowly rose so that he just below the top of the grass, he slowly peered up over the grass and scanned across the field. Three hooded figures were carefully making their way through the grass looking for them, before James crouched back down one the hoods fell back to reveal Yaxley. James cursed under his breath and dropped to the ground once more.
"How bad is it?" Sirius asked.
"They're looking through the grass a good 100 metres away." James replied, "Yaxley is one of them, his hood fell back and I saw him."
"That bastard!" Sirius hissed.
"If we move west we can double back and surprise them from behind?"
"Alright, Prongs, lets-"
Before Sirius could finish two cracks echoed across the field followed by another loud bang and shouting. James and Sirius jumped to their feet impulsively. Fabian and Gideon Prewett had appeared in the field and were firing spells at the Death Eaters. James and Sirius followed suit and began to move closer to the action. Sirius knocked James out the way as a bright purple spark shot towards them and set the tall grass alight behind them. James and Sirius hurried along when the Death Eaters fired more spells at the Prewett twins before turning and vanishing on the spot.
"Bastard cowards!" Fabian yelled after them.
James turned back to the small fire that was starting to spread and waved his wand to spray water across the flames until they were out. He turned back and followed Sirius to the Prewett twins.
"You alright lads?" Gideon said.
"We're alright... Though I don't know where they came from in the first place?" Sirius said and turned to James, "It's odd don't you think?"
"Definitely odd." James said.
"We were tracking Yaxley when he met up with the other two." Gideon said, "They suddenly changed direction... Must've been after you."
"Well Yaxley has always hated us." Sirius grunted.
"The feeling's mutual... Miserable git." James said and looked at the ground, "Ha! The idiots left their broomsticks behind."
"We'll take those, we're always looking for extra supplies for the Order." Fabian said.
"How are things in the Order?" Sirius asked, helping Fabian pick up the broomsticks.
"Busy." Fabian said, "This is our third mission since we joined in June."
"We don't have time for much else these days." Gideon said.
"Do you know who the other two with Yaxley are?" James asked.
"Not officially, but we have our suspicions." Fabian said and swung the brooms over his shoulder.
"Rowle and Dolohov." Gideon grunted, "Without a doubt."
Sirius hissed. "Bastards."
Sirius began wandering through the tall grass back to the bike, James and the twins followed behind him.
"Oi Padfoot." James called out. "Want to explain Elvendork to me?"
Sirius spun around and smirked at James, "Don't name shame Prongs, Elvendork is a lovely name!"
"Elvendork?" Fabian asked and Gideon raised his eyebrows.
"Couple of Muggle police officers pulled us over for speeding and asked for our names... Sirius here gave them Elvendork as one!" James said and chuckled.
"In my defence, they said 'names'… They didn't specify they had to be ours. And you were the one who said it was a good one!" Sirius said.
Fabian laughed and continued walking, "You two are ridiculous."
"Never change boys." Gideon said and followed Fabian.
Sirius winked at James, "Keep it for your first born."
"Oh no, I wouldn't dream of taking that name away from you. I look forward to being Elvendork's Godfather one day!" James replied and they continued through the field after the twins.
"We erased the Muggle's memories, by the way." Fabian said, "They won't remember anything from tonight."
"Excellent." Sirius grinned, "Dodged a speeding ticket!"
James chuckled and nudged Sirius. They reached the motorbike and Sirius began waving his wand and muttering until it was back to its original size. Sirius gave the bike a gentle hug and sighed.
"Did you need a minute alone?" Gideon teased.
"He's very attached to her." James said, "The only girl he'll ever love!"
The boys laughed and Sirius rolled his eyes as he pulled his leather jacket on again. Fabian walked around the motorbike and nodded at Sirius.
"She's a beauty." Fabian said.
"She'll be with me until the day I die!" Sirius replied.
"I don't doubt that for a second." Fabian laughed and caught Gideon's eye, "We should get going Gid."
"Yeah Dumbledore will be at the Headquarters by now." Gideon said and turned to James and Sirius, "You boys heading home now?"
"Yeah, it's late, we should get back." James said.
"Be careful and keep in touch." Fabian said.
"Same to you two." Sirius said and nudged Gideon, "Keep yourselves in one piece please."
"We always do!" Gideon said and turned on the spot with Fabian and vanished.
"Shall we?" Sirius said and climbed back onto the motorcycle.
James climbed into the side cart and kept his wand raised. The roar of the motorcycle startled James and he peered around him as the bike began to rise above the long grass. Sirius steered the bike towards an abandoned laneway before gently bringing the bike back to the ground.
"Hold on Prongs, I need to blow off some steam!" Sirius said and James gripped on to the cart.
The motorcycle hurtled forward and out onto the local Muggle street. The warm evening air whipped across James' face as the surrounding houses raced past him. Sirius whooped as he sped around a corner and James chuckled to himself. Sirius loved going out on the bike, zooming around the streets and surrounding countryside. James had always preferred to travel by broom, he felt his most comfortable when he was flying. Or if he was with Lily.
Lily had come to visit James and Sirius halfway through the break. Sirius found this particularly amusing and encouraged Fleamont in teasing James. She only stayed for a week, but it was the best week James had had in a long time. Sirius left the day before Lily to spend time with Remus so James took Lily to the seaside. James smiled to himself at the memory of Lily running along the beach.
The sun made her hair shine particularly vibrant red as Lily ran ahead of James on to the sand and to the shore. Lily stood at the edge of the shore for a moment, the water gently lapping up over her feet and her head tilted up to the sky. James set down his bag and began setting up a spot for them to relax and have their lunch when he heard her laugh. James looked up to see Lily running along the shore and spinning around. She was beautiful.
James flicked his wand and watched as the oversized umbrella set itself up and the towels rolled out across the sand. He placed the picnic basket in the shade and conjured a few cushions to make things more comfortable.
"Come swimming with me."
James turned to see Lily peel off her sundress and stuff it in her bag. Stunned for a moment by Lily in her bikini, James unbuttoned his shirt and dropped it on the ground. Lily grinned at James and winked.
"Race you to water!" She cried and took off.
James hurried after her and caught her just before she reached the water and scooped her up into his arms. Lily laughed and wrapped her arms around James' neck and he carried her into the ocean.
"We'll call it a tie." James said and gently put Lily down, the water lapped up against his hips.
"Very chivalrous of you James." Lily teased and waded through the water.
James followed her out in the water until they were both floating around together, their feet unable to touch the floor. Lily reached out for James under the water and took his hand.
"Float with me." She whispered.
Lily leaned back until she was floating on her back in the water, James followed suit and they stayed there for a while holding hands and talking.
"I love the ocean." Lily said.
"Me too."
"Thank you for bringing me here, I don't get to come here as often as I would like."
"You're welcome. You can come visit anytime and we'll come down here."
"Will Sirius be away for long?"
"Most of the month I think. Should be back in August."
"Remus said his Mum had gotten worse."
"Yeah, Hope's not doing too well. My Mum sent a care package up with Sirius. Dad's been in touch with his Healer friends hoping there was something they could do."
"Can they do anything?"
"They've tried a few things but it doesn't seem to be working."
"Poor Remus."
"We'll look after him."
"I don't doubt that. You four are amazing friends."
"We do alright."
Lily chuckled and squeezed his hand. "I'm glad we're friends now."
"Me too, Evans. Sorry I was a bit of a prat for all those years"
"Ha! You weren't easy to deal with, no..."
"Lesson learned!"
They floated in the ocean for a while longer before the water became cooler and Lily began to shiver. Once back on the shore they dried off and unpacked their picnic. Lily lay down and rested her head in James' lap and began reading to him while he ran his hands through her hair...
James was jolted back to reality when Sirius slammed on the breaks. James cursed as he lurched forward and his glasses went flying across the road.
"You alright Prongs?" Sirius said, "A cat ran out, sorry!"
"Accio Glasses!" James cried and jammed his glasses back on, "I'm fine."
Sirius continued along the road, much slower than before, until they pulled onto the winding driveway that led to the Potter's House. The house was dark, a single light on in the conservatory on the first floor.
"Fleamont will be waiting up for us no doubt." Sirius said and switched off the bike.
"Not a word about Yaxley and his git friends." James cautioned and Sirius nodded.
"Not a single peep."
They pushed the bike along the driveway and into the garage. Sirius threw the sheet over the bike and locked the door behind him. The gravel crunched under their feet as they headed towards the house and James gently opened the front door, Sirius crept in behind him. James pulled off his bomber jacket and hung it on the coat stand, Sirius slung his leather jacket over his shoulder and they headed off down the hallway to the conservatory.
Fleamont was sitting at the table writing and looked up as they entered the room. He smiled at the boys and rested his quill in its holder.
"Evening boys, how was the show?" Fleamont asked.
"Brilliant, some real good rock'n'roll tonight." Sirius said and lent against the door.
"I hope you didn't get into too much mischief!" Fleamont said and raised his eyebrows.
"We were on our best behaviour." James said.
"Not even a toe was put out of line." Sirius said and Fleamont chuckled.
James walked over to Fleamont and peered down at the parchment, "You're retiring?"
"I sure am, son. Time to start unwinding." Flemont said and smiled.
"Brilliant. What will happen to the company?" James said.
"I'll more than likely sell it. There are some very talented Potioneers out there now that could take the company where I'm too tired to go now." Fleamont said and sighed, "I won't rush into anything though it'd have to be to the right people."
"Absolutely." Sirius said and yawned.
"You two should get off to bed, it's just gone past midnight." Fleamont scowled.
"Goodnight Fleamont." Sirius said and disappeared out the door.
"Night Dad, see you in the morning." James said and followed Sirius.
"Sleep well boys." Fleamont said and continued writing.
James shut the door behind him and followed Sirius up the stairs. Sirius yawned again and ruffled James' hair.
"Thanks for tonight Prongs." Sirius whispered.
"Anytime Padfoot. I'm glad we both made it home in one piece." James whispered and they came to a stop outside Sirius' room.
"Got a bit dicey there didn't it?" Sirius said and frowned.
"A bit yeah." James said and nudged Sirius, "But we're alright, we're always going to be alright."
Sirius smiled at James and tried to stifle a yawn, "At least we got to see the Rolling Stones!"
"They were sensational." James said and grinned at Sirius.
Sirius nodded and opened his door, "I'm going to get some shut eye. Fancy practicing Quidditch tomorrow?"
"As long as you don't wake me at a stupid hour." James said.
Sirius nodded, "Promise. Night Prongs."
"Goodnight Padfoot."
Sirius disappeared into his room and James continued down the hall and into his room. James closed his door behind him and noticed an envelope sitting on his bed. His stomach jolted and he wandered over and picked it up. His name was written in a gentle cursive handwriting and James smiled to himself. Lily had written him another letter. Kicking off his shoes, James dropped the letter on his bed and changed into his pyjama shorts and shirt. He flicked his wand at the lamp, turning it on, and climbed into bed to read her letter.
James,
Sounds like you and Sirius have quite the week planned. Let me know how the concert is, I love The Rolling Stones. Much more of a Queen fan at the moment, have you listened to them?
Things are okay at home. Petunia has spent most of the Summer with a boy in Surrey, Vernon. Awful name if you ask me. She's not home often but when she is she stays far away from me. I miss her. We used to be so close when we were kids. Mum believes she'll come around but I'm not so sure, she can get stuck in her ways and social status has always been a big thing for her. Of course she's not going to want a witch for a sister.
I've seen Severus a few times, not as often as usual. He must be going away and staying elsewhere because there's no way he would be staying in that house, he hates it there. It was awkward seeing him, but the last time he ignored me. I can't decide if that makes things better or not. I feel so sad whenever I see him and remember the life he's chosen. I know he's a better person than this. I think he just got a little lost and now he's stuck...
Alice and Marlene are coming down this weekend, they're going to stay until we go back to school next week. Alice has spent most of the summer with Frank, she tells me they're completely in love. Marlene has been spending time with Dorcas, so I guess I owe you three galleons now. Can't believe I bet against them getting together!
Anyway, it's late and I want to read some more. I think I must've borrowed the entire library collection over the break.
Will you come see me on the train? I miss you.
Give my love to Sirius and your parents.
Love,
Lily
xxx
James read the letter again and again, tracing his hand across the page until the words had been soaked into his memory. He found himself longing to return to Hogwarts and spend more time with Lily. James sighed and nestled into his bed and began reading the letter again until he drifted off to sleep, the parchment still clasped in his hand and Lily's name lingering on his lips.