The Last Laugh
Chapter Twenty-Two: Proposals, Propositions, Predicaments,
And Protection
By: Star*dust
Lily and James were out for a night on the town. They had decided to risk it, not knowing when they would be able to do this again, little did they know, this would be the last time they got to do something together.
Against both of their better judgment, they left Sirius in charge. *Poor Sirius* Lily thought. *Harry's such a trouble-maker.*
*Ha, ha, ha* James thought. *Give Sirius a taste of his own medicine. I hope Harry's his usual little devilish self*
And Sirius was having trouble with the trouble-maker. He could take a few steps at a time now and he climbed like born monkey, needless to say, Sirius couldn't keep things high enough of out of reach.
"When they say out of reach of children they don't seem to understand that that's on the roof!" Sirius said extracting a book from Harry's hand and replacing it on the third shelf from the ground. But before he could do this Harry had grabbed a crayon and was making a go for the table.
"Oh no," Sirius said jumping to him. "We write on parchment," He placed a piece in front of Harry who scribbled delightedly on it as he held the crayon very strangely in his right hand.
"Can you write you name?" Sirius asked. "Can you write Harry?" Baby Harry looked up at Sirius and laughed.
"Hay-wee?" He questioned.
"Harry," Sirius nodded. "Like this," He adjusted the crayon in Harry's hand and guided his hand to make a very shaky 'H' "That's an H,"
"Ha-wee," Harry declared.
"No, that's just the first letter,"
"Ha-wee," He repeated making his own very lopsided version of an H.
"That's pretty good," Sirius said guiding Harry's hand a second time. Then Harry began writing his lopsided H, over and over again, each time saying: "Ha-wee"
Sirius chuckled as he did this on both sides of the parchment before throwing the crayons down and declaring: "dun!"
When it came time to put Harry to bed, he put up a fight, but he lay down instantly as Sirius put him in his crib.
He went downstairs and was sitting outside on the porch relaxing when he heard something upstairs, rushing to Harry's room he discovered the small toddler writing with crayon on his walls.
"Ha-wee," He kept saying as he wrote very lopsided 'H's'
"No, no, no!" Sirius said. "You can't write on the walls!" He picked Harry up and set him in his crib taking the crayon out of his hand. He stood up gripping the side of his crib watching as Sirius took his wand out of his robes to clear off the wall.
But before he could do it, Lily, followed by James, came into the room.
"What happened?" Lily asked. Harry laughed, sounding very evil.
"Um," Sirius stuttered. "Just teaching Harry how to write his name. Very smart kid," Lily rolled her eyes and James cocked his head very far to the left.
"Oh! I see it, they're 'H's'!"
"Whatever," Lily said. "Just clean it up." She went over to Harry and gave him a kiss before laying his down.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore sat waiting impatiently, as did most of the others in the room, that September evening. Looking around a sea of witches and wizards were all seated, some were talking in whispers, others were frowning and looking at their watches, others were staring, some were writing, but all were waiting for a few more, important people of their number.
All these witches and wizards were very important people from around the world, but generally from England or Scotland, or in the general vicinity. The only two that were not from Europe, were from the United States and Canada. They were all from the ministry of magic or IAA, or other important organizations.
The British Ministry of Magic had the heads of EVERY department present plus the minister of magic, Artemis Lupin, and most of the unspeakables. Dumbledore was present and many British IAA members including the head of the IAA were scattered about.
They were now only missing one person, but it was required that everyone be present before they started.
Finally, Edmund Fisher, head of the department of Magical Games and Sports, and head of the International Quidditch Coalition walked in wearing a scowl. He announced loudly, to no one in particular the piece of news that was obviously making him angry.
"They've canceled the quidditch world cup!" He shouted angrily. Artemis Lupin, nodded, and all but a few very high ranking officials cried out. A wave of anger swept among them.
"Are you sure?" Someone shouted.
"Of course I'm sure! Who do you think you're talking to? That's why I was late, we just decided it. We can't come up with what we feel is safe enough security, especially since we know that crystal is in the wrong hands."
"They can't cancel it! Think of the public reaction! You'll have angry mobs everywhere!" A little wizard squeaked. He was the head of the department for Public Awareness and Safety.
"That's what I said!" Fisher shouted.
"Now listen here!" Artemis Lupin said standing up. "We don't know what could happen. If we went through with The Cup we'd be endangering the player's lives, as well as everyone who attends, and all the officials we assign to keep the peace. We just can't have it, not now, not when we're in such danger!"
"But if we're ready for it, then we could catch the death eaters and hang 'em!" Bartimus Crouch said, joining the shouting mess. "It'd be the perfect opportunity,"
"Excuse me!" The American shouted. "But I did not come here to discuss an issue that has already been decided,"
"He's right," Lupin said. "We're here to put together all the knowledge we have, and try to find a more effective way to defend our people."
"So what are we going to do about this crystal situation, eh minister?" Someone asked. Artemis Lupin sighed and sat back down.
"That's the problem; we don't know how to get it back. We've found no clues as to where it could be, and our informants have heard nothing. It's being heavily guarded. Or so it seems,"
"I'm more concerned about the safety of those working for the light. How do we stop all these killings, and killings of innocent muggles?" Another asked.
"Can't the informants help us out there?" Dumbledore asked.
Archie Whitman, head of the department of Mysteries, answered. "Informants can only do so much. If You-know-who sends out word about their next target we might be able to protect them, you know if it's premeditated. But most of the time it doesn't work like that.
"If you piss off the dark lord he acts quickly. Most of the time our insiders show up at meetings and the order is placed and someone goes and takes care of it immediately. They can only tell us what happened after the fact. They have no way of warning us."
"There's got to be something we can do. Why can't we just put a spell on them, so we can listen in on the meetings?"
"Our informants are already in grave danger and risking themselves to tell us what they can. We can't ask them to do more for us. They will only agree to do so much and rightfully so,"
"Well, what are we doing to protect ourselves? What kind of defenses do we have in place, besides telling people to be careful who you trust?" Someone asked.
Artemis Lupin was again put on the spot along with the department of magical law enforcement and the IAA. All of them seemed slightly nervous.
"We've been offering up free servicing on homes to protect against intruders and."
"I have a proposition, one that is halfway ready." The American said. "My Canadian brother has already started doing the same as I have. We have been gathering an army of trained powerful witches and wizards willing to defend themselves and their fellow people against the dark side. If we can gather enough support and keep it, we might be able to overthrow the dark lord."
"It sounds like a good insurance policy," The head of the IAA said. "But we don't really know what kind of forces we're up against. Strength in numbers might not be what we need. Somehow we've got to get information on that crystal. I shudder to think the damage that could do."
"We'll get something organized to build up a small army, but I agree, we're not entirely sure what we're up against, or if they plan to attack like that. It may be that they just keep striking unsuspecting muggles or valuable witches and wizards here and there." Artemis Lupin said.
There was much more talk in which they got nowhere and decided nothing. In essence the only thing that was decided was to be ruthless with punishments for those from the dark side and to generate a small army, as an "insurance policy".
If anyone from the dark side knew what that meeting was like they would be laughing now, at how unprepared and little they knew.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore sent out twenty-seven owls to various important people all for the same grave purpose. The darkest of times was upon them and everyone needed to be cautioned and they needed desperately to discuss their future. October the 7th. Already, the time had flown by and everyone's life supply was dwindling lower. It was time for a little meeting of his own.
So many of their numbers had dwindled now but so many remained. Dumbledore only wished his office would hold more people, but alas, it could not. He had asked many people who were important or in danger, or people who had something to say. All of them would be present, of course. Artemis Lupin, Minister of Magic, Dumbledore had decided against inviting Remus, his grandson in case of a war. Alastor Moody, Bartimus Crouch, and Archie Whitman, from the department of mysteries. Also in attendance would be all the Hogwarts teachers, and himself, of course. Not to mention those in the gravest of danger, Lily and James Potter, Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer, Sierra Havairhafpvermin, Angela, Sirius, Holly Mischel, Frank and Nancy Longbottom, and if only there could be more.
Twenty-nine would be present. All would have something to say. And if only he could save them all, that would be better than defeating Grindelwald.
Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer was the first to arrive. She watched as the rest filtered in. The last to arrive was the minister of magic.
"I have called you all here under the most grave of circumstances," Dumbledore began. "Every one of us will be faced with impossible challenges and dark times ahead of us. I'm sure everyone will have something to say before we are through here." Everyone looked around and shifted uncomfortably.
"Something about this latest crystal development has worried me," He flashed his eyes towards Archie who remained expressionless. "There was a reason for it, and since all of us are in danger, I daresay we can stop trying to uncover the reason. I was hoping someone would have information about it to share with us, but perhaps that information is not for everyone's ears." Again he looked at Archie and then at the minister but nothing from either of them.
"But there are more things that worry me. I have many inside sources and I know something big is going to happen soon, but what I cannot say. At the moment I would like to Severus say something," Dumbledore said. For the first time many of the former Gryffindors and Ravenclaws noticed Severus leaning against the wall in the back and a scowl appeared on their faces.
"Don't look at me like that!" He spat catching James and Sirius's looks. "You should be thanking me," He continued.
"Never," James started through gritted teeth.
"That's quite enough of that!" Professor McGonagall said sharply. "You must get over yourselves, for each others sake! Just continue and hear each other out." She pleaded. James nodded slightly and Severus stepped forward and began.
"Before I was interrupted," He said nastily. "I was about to tell you that you're next Potter. You-know-who's got it in for you," Lily's face tightened and James's grip on her hand did too. Many others gasped or cried out. Dumbledore bowed his head.
"I have been trying to think of all sorts of things to help you through this situation, each unlikely," Dumbledore said. "I know this must be a terrible shock, but-"
"Terrible shock!" Lily cried. "It's about time they come for us rather than kill off our friends and family! The McKinnon's, the Prewett's, the Bones's, my neighbor, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, his parents, Angie's parents, the list continues! All these people because of us! All these people," Her voice faltered and the inevitable tears started to flow. James stood up beside her and placed an arm around her and quietly sat her back down next to him.
"Yes, many have gone before us and all here are in danger of going to," Dumbledore said.
"But what can we do about it?" Sierra asked.
"If only there was a way. You can run, but that will only put off death until a later time." Severus said.
"No one lives once He decides ter kill them," Hagrid said gravely stating the obvious, which did not help to ease Lily's sobs.
"But there has to be something we can do?" Sirius asked almost desperately. Dumbledore was silent and the horrible truth began to sink in.
"I've heard about this charm," Holly Mischel interjected. "I don't know what it's called but it's supposed to place a secret inside one living soul. And I think if Lily and James performed this charm than no one would be able to find them." She said; everyone was regarding her with almost awe now.
"Yes, I've heard about this," Minister Lupin said. "It's called the. the Fidelius Charm, I do believe. It's very complicated magic but I do believe it might work." He said. Lily had gathered herself up enough to stop crying. For a moment everyone was silent, no one really wanted to continue with this grave situation.
Professor Flitwick managed to squeak out a few words. "She's right. I could teach her how to do it, if she would like."
"I regret to say that I have other suspicions as well," Dumbledore said mostly to the Potters. "I shall not discuss them here, after this meeting."
~*~
After the meeting was over Lily and James waited for everyone to leave. They were both very shaken. Finally only the minister of magic remained, as planned.
"I'm so sorry to thrust this on you now, after everything you've just heard. But if you do go through with the Fidelius charm, I would be honored to be your secret-keeper. And I want to explain something before you say anything.
"The reason I wanted you to stay after is that I have reason to believe that someone very close to you in betraying you and giving inside information to the dark lord. I don't want you to go accusing your friends, but please be very careful.
"I know this is all hard to believe, but I'm almost sure of it. There is no way of telling who it is, but you are in grave danger, of the strongest magnitude. I suggest you act swiftly, and right now this secret-keeper charm looks like you best bet.
"The only problem is you have to be at the absolute top of your game to choose your secret-keeper. If someone close to you is giving away information you have to be careful not to play into the dark lord's hands.
You must be careful." Lily and James stared kind of numbly. Someone was betraying them. One of their friends whom they would have trusted their life with was betraying them. It was impossible, inconceivable. It was too much!
"Dumbledore sir, you don't have any idea of who it might be. do you?" James asked. Dumbledore shook his head.
"I won't point fingers for you, and indeed, I wouldn't have believed it myself."
"Remus," James croaked. Dumbledore's face showed obvious surprise.
"James!" Lily said aghast, but the minister obviously agreed.
"I wouldn't be surprised," He snorted. "That's bad blood, that is. I don't know where I went wrong with her,"
"His mother?" Lily asked. Lupin nodded.
"She went off and married a MUGGLE. We're a very prominent family! And her son is just as-"
"ARTEMIS!" Dumbledore said sharply. James was shocked at Dumbledore for speaking so harshly to the minister of magic, but Dumbledore would be the only person in the whole world who could get away with something like that. "We are not here to discuss your grandson or your personal opinions. Personally, I would not jump to conclusions but keep an open mind," He said turning back to the Potter's.
"We'll need a few days to think it over," James said.
"That's OK, but don't wait too long. I'm not sure how long we have left." He said with a seriousness that sent shivers down Lily's back.
"I would be happy to assign a couple of agents to watch the house, they would be discreet," Artemis Lupin said.
"No thanks," James said sharply and Lily understood what he was feeling. "I don't need someone to baby-sit me or my house,"
"Not to say you're incompetent Potter, it's just a bit of protection,"
"We can take care of it,"
"James, it might be a wise decision," Dumbledore said. But he shook his head firmly and Lily supported him. "We'll get in touch in a few days,"
~*~
October the 19th Sirius Black, Holly Mischel, Lily and James Potter, and Archie Whitman all seated themselves in Dumbledore's office.
"All right," Dumbledore began. "Tell us the plan,"
"We've decided on using the Fidelius Charm. Holly Mischel feels confident in her ability to perform the charm and we've decided on a secret-keeper, Sirius." James said, trying to be as short as possible. He was not in a mood to be long-winded. Dumbledore's eyes bore into James, challenging him, making absolute certain he was sure of himself. Then he nodded.
"You must move as quickly as possible. Our insiders tell us the threat is about to become reality. I must suggest you discuss this with no one else. I will ask everyone's permission to monitor Holly and Sirius, as they are the only one's who will no this dangerous information. And once again, Mr. Potter, we would advise that you allow us to place your house under surveillance."
"We don't need someone to look over our shoulders," He said coldly.
"I understand," Mr. Whitman said. "But your life is on the edge of a knife, this is for your own protection."
"No, sir. We are handling the situation," *Stupid kid,* Archie Whitman thought. *Take the help we offer* "And I don't think my friends need to be babysat. I trust them wholeheartedly," James said evenly.
"Yes, I do as well," Archie replied. "But, in the horrible event that either of them were tortured for information."
"You would not be able to prevent that, and I believe that either of them would rather die than tell our secret." Sirius and Holly nodded, both feeling much the same way as James. Their pride was at stake, and nothing would sacrifice their nobility.
"Very well," Archie said reluctantly. "We'll keep this information at the top of our priority list. If there is anything you need.or changes in the plan, please inform me immediately. Don't do anything hasty, or stupid to tell me, mind you. It wouldn't do to get killed in the process.
"Good luck to you," He said standing and leaving.
~*~
All four of them walked silently and solemnly to Hogsmeade. James and Lily left with a *pop* and Holly followed Sirius over to his motorcycle. She just stood there not saying anything.
"Can I help you?" Sirius finally asked.
"Sirius, don't get angry with me, but I've just been thinking-"
"That's great! You've finally graduated to the level of intelligent thoughts! Why would I be angry about that?" But Holly was being too serious right now to care.
"Not to question your ability, or to challenge your loyalty, but I've just been thinking what would happen if you-know-who was to catch you. I know you would never talk, even if they tortured you to your death, but what if they used some kind of magic you had no control over, like a. a veritiserum potion?
"All I'm trying to say is that there are too many people who know that Lily and James are going to use the Fidelius charm and it's obvious who their secret-keeper would be. You are their best friend. You-know-who would go straight for you.
"Now, don't get mad, but what if they used Wormtail instead? You could play along and go into hiding and but Peter would be the secret-keeper. If you think about it, it's really ingenious because no one would ever suspect Peter." There was a ringing silence as Sirius stared for a long time. Just as Holly was about to apologize for bringing it up, Sirius spoke.
"That might work," He said.
"W-well," Holly stammered. "It's just a theory,"
"I'll talk to Lily and James about it.and Wormtail," Holly turned to disapparate. "Be careful," Sirius said.
"You too,"
~*~
Two days later Peter A. Pettigrew became the Potter's secret-keeper.
~*~
October 25th:
James rolled over and sat up with a start. He rubbed his eyes, where huge dark circles lay. Even with this new secret-keeper charm you could never feel safe, and both he and Lily stayed up many hours of the night, unable to sleep, full of worry and fear.
It was a few minutes before seven now and the light was now coming in the window and splashing the walls with color. James glanced over and realized with a start Lily was not next to him.
He quickly sat up and threw on his glasses. Once downstairs in a kitchen devoid of life, except for the spider crouching in the corner, he called out to her but the only reply was Harry's cries, as James had suddenly woken him up.
After searching, to make absolutely certain she wasn't anywhere in the house or on the grounds, he owled Peter immediately, who came almost instantly, looking pale and tired.
"Where did you go last night?" James asked him the instant he entered the house.
"I was at home, well, in my hideout, all night. I haven't talked to anyone, Prongs, I swear to you," He said.
"You have no idea what might have happened?" James asked. "How this might have happened?"
"I haven't any clue. I haven't even been in contact with ANYONE for two days now, I'm sure of it."
"Then." James trailed off, not knowing anything else to say. He began to pace, occasionally glancing up at Harry, to make sure he wasn't doing anything too bad. But nothing came to him, there was no possible explanation for this, everything had gone perfect, the charm wasn't messed up, they were missing something, no one, except for Peter, could just come in and do something to her, they wouldn't even be able to see her.
Nevertheless, as they owled everyone they knew, including about half the ministry Lily was no where to be found.
James was in a state of panic, and Angie was hysterical. All day he paced up and down not knowing what was happening. The hours were wearing away, and everyone now thought that Lily Potter was dead.
But another thought was going through Peter Pettigrew's mind, other than worry about a friend. *Where the hell was she? He hadn't done anything to her. He hadn't had a meeting with.* He shuddered. *He'd had told no one about the Potters. not yet. So where was she? The dark lord would be furious to find out that he had had Lily within reach but had let her get away. What the hell was going on?*
~*~
After restlessly tossing and turning in bed all night Lily decided she would take the little road trip, even if it was risky. It wouldn't matter, because no one would ever know she had left, however, she did not anticipate all the trouble she would run into.
A little past five she set out on broomstick towards Little Whinging in Surrey. No matter what kind of person her sister was, she was still her sister and Lily was not just going to watch her, and her husband, and her son, die while she sat safely at home concealed by powerful magic.
All her family had died because of her, needlessly and innocently, except for Petunia and Lily vowed she would not let that happen. First, instead of heading to Number Four, Privet drive, she veered off and landed carefully in the cemetery.
She stayed much longer than intended at her parents' grave and visited her neighbor as well, wishing with all of her heart that she could have done something. So, since she lingered at the cemetery she ran into problems at #4.
She landed at an out of the way spot and transfigured her broomstick into a handbag. Walking along the road she got a feeling of unwelcome and uptightness. Every single house looked exactly alike, except for the different cars parked in the driveways.
She immediately could tell which house was Petunia's, even if she hadn't known that she lived in number four. The obvious display of the highly polished car in the driveway and the grass cut perfectly, the house was spotless and the yard the best looking.
For quite a while Lily stood and regarded the little house, thoughts flitting across her mind, each one having nothing to do with the last. But this was another mistake, for Petunia Dursley always came to change the milk bottles when she got up.
The door opened, and startled Lily, she had no intention of TALKING to her sister; she just wanted to PROTECT her sister. But that was now unavoidable as Petunia had suddenly stopped in mid-bend to pick up the milk bottles.
She had spotted Lily, and before she could control herself she let out a scream, but she quickly stifled it.
"Get away from here before someone sees you!" She hissed and turned on her heel and slammed the door. But Lily had to do something first.
She walked up the front yard and to the porch. Standing right outside the porch she took a deep breath but was interrupted.
"Get away from here!" Petunia shrieked opening the door. "If my husband sees you." Lily had half a mind to roll her eyes.
"No one will see me!" Lily snapped. "I'm not here to talk to you anyway, I'm here to protect you; so if you please shut up, I'll be gone in a second,"
"Protect me?" She said, still shrieking. "I don't want your help! You're a curse, you're abnormal ness has put us all in the grave! Get away from here!"
"Not yet." Lily said firmly taking out her wand. Petunia screamed again.
"Leave us alone, NOW!"
"I'm trying to help you! You just don't understand-"
"I understand perfectly! It's all your fault that everyone's dead now! Why don't you just leave us alone and let us live our lives, or are you going to kill us too?" She was shouting. Lily's eyes were very wet now and she fought back the urge to cry.
"I don't like you as much as you don't like me, but that's no reason for me to watch you die. I didn't realize before, but now I know I can protect you, if you just let me. It's a simple spell, and it will at least do something. I'm not just going to let you die. I'm just trying to help you!"
"We don't want your help! Get away from here, before a house falls on you, you cursed freak!" Lily suddenly had the urge to laugh, though the statement wasn't really that funny. She just had a vision of a house falling on top of her, just like in the wizard of oz.
"There will be no falling houses, but there will be a flying one if you don't calm down and let me do this,"
"I've told you to stay away from here before I call the police! For heaven's sake leave us alone. You've already done enough damage; you don't need to let the neighbors see you here too!"
"Stand back." Lily said firmly, tired of arguing with her. She went right up to the door frame where she intended to tap her wand.
"What are you going to do?"
"Just put a charm to protect you, and the house from harm. It will take some power to get past this."
"I don't want anything FUNNY on my house!" Petunia insisted.
"Mom would have wanted it. She wouldn't want you to come to the same end. It's not pleasant. Don't be a fool; take the protection, the little that I can offer. Don't waste your life. Nothing bad will happen; I won't let anything go wrong! I promise you, all I'm trying to do is protect you!" Petunia stood on her front porch taking in deep breaths and piercing her sister with a horrible look.
It wasn't a very pleasant feeling, just staring each other down like that; a distant car door seemed to have brought back Petunia to the present.
"Don't you EVER come back here, ever again. If something goes wrong, I will personally come and find you, but NEVER come back here," She said in a very cold tone that reminded Lily of a Slytherin. Lily nodded; she had no intention of ever coming back. "This conversation never happened, no matter what, you were not here! Hurry up and get out of here before someone sees you!" She snapped and shut the door in Lily's face.
Lily stood there stunned for a few moments before she turned to the house, put her last effort into protection and called to take the Knight Bus home, broomstick would be too risky now.
~*~
Back at the Potters, James was panicked and he could only imagine what everyone else was like. He couldn't talk to them because of the secret- keeper charm; no one could see him, except for Peter, who stayed at the house.
James was getting frustrated after Peter tried to tell him that they were just going to have to except the fact that Lily was probably dead. He yelled at Peter and startled Harry who was already a little fussy without his Mom.
"James just calm down," Peter said seriously.
"CALM DOWN!?!?!" He roared, stopping for a moment to look at Peter before continuing his pacing. "Calm down, he says," James muttered to himself. "Calm down, when my wife might be dead!"
"There's nothing we can do about it if she is," Wormtail said reasonably, but James was ignoring him and continued muttering to himself.
"But HOW? How did they manage to get her? She was right here. in the house. She wouldn't LEAVE.? HOW?"
"You can say that again," Peter mumbled to himself, still trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
~*~
Lily bit her lip as she stepped off the Knight Bus and crept to the back door. It was nearly lunch time now and James would be crazed with worry. She hadn't meant to stay so long. It wasn't supposed to go like this.
She shuddered slightly as she thought of what his reaction would be when she came inside, and she hesitated before opening the door. It closed with a snap behind her, and she flinched, still dreading James.
Barely a moment later he came sliding into the kitchen with his wand out. She watched as he stared and his mouth slowly opened. He just stood there for a second, mouth open, wand and arm dangling uselessly at his side.
"Lily." He whispered, as if he almost didn't believe it.
*Yeah. Duh. Who do you think?* Lily thought, but she knew that the worst was yet to come.
Surprisingly, he rushed to her and gathered her up in his arms. "You're not.hurt, are you?" He asked her uncertainly.
"No, why would I be hurt?" She asked.
"I just.we thought.what happened?" She hesitated again, and bit her lip. Should she tell him?
It was like a lose-lose situation. If she told him, he'd probably be angry at her for leaving and risking her life, and all that for her sister, when her spell probably wouldn't even help if Voldemort really wanted to murder her. And she'd get a severe lecture.
On the other hand, if she didn't tell him, he'd get REALLY angry and start yelling, and asking what was so important, blah, blah, blah.
"Well?" He asked, taking a step back, so he could pierce her with a hard look.
"I went to Petunia's," Lily said. James frowned, his surprise openly displayed on his face.
"Your sister's? Why?"
Lily suddenly got very upset. She wasn't sure why, because it was slightly hypocritical of her, but it made her angry the way James had asked 'why', because he obviously didn't think she was worth much.
But Lily had always openly displayed her dislike and indifference to her sister, as Petunia did to her, so could she really blame him for taking on this point of view? On the other hand, that was rude to do that to someone he didn't even know.
But wait a minute. this was the sister who slammed the door in my face!
"Look, James, I know you won't agree, and I knew perfectly well what I was doing and what I was endangering, so skip the lecture. I went to see her to." *How to explain?* "To put a spell of protection on her house."
James looked like he might have exploded, but he stopped, inhaled and then spoke more calmly. "What exactly did you think you might do?"
"I know that it sounds pointless, and I know it won't help. but I had to do something. People close to me were dying off like the apocalypse had come and I was tired of watching it happen and not doing anything to prevent it. I wanted to at least TRY,"
James covered his face with his hands and rubbed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. "OK. But why didn't you tell someone? Why didn't you ask someone else to do it for you? Why didn't you ask for protection? Why didn't you tell me where you were going, for Christ's sake!?"
"I'm sorry," *How lame that sounds,* She thought. "I really am. But I didn't expect it to take as long as it did. You see, I didn't intend on her SEEING me. So, there was this whole.thing, with Petunia, and then. time got away from me. I didn't wake you because I was certain that I'd be back before then. And I didn't want to argue with you about it, I knew you'd just be angry anyway. I'm sorry; I never meant to worry anyone,"
"I thought you were dead! You can't go around risking your life like that! You could have been killed, and for what? Some simple little spell that You- know-who can snap in half like a pencil?"
"I told you not to lecture me! What's done is done!" Lily shouted back at him.
"OK, you're right. But you were wrong to leave like that. How can the Fidelius Charm be helpful if you leave the house?" He stopped and took a deep breath. "I'm not going to be angry anymore because I'm just glad you're OK," He gathered her up in his arms again.
From the doorway Peter looked on darkly and cursed his misfortune in not knowing where Lily had gone, if he had, major brownie points would have been awarded to little Peter Pettigrew.
~*~
October 27th:
Angela Anne Noelle Marie Star was sitting at with her daughter waiting for Josh to come home. Kirsten refused to go to bed until Josh came home, even though she was tired enough to lay still and quiet, half asleep next to her mom.
Angie was staring into the infinite depths of the fire, while thinking about everything and nothing all at once.
"Honey? Angie? Angela?" Josh was waving his hand in front of her face.
"Sorry, I. I must have spaced out," She stammered; dirty-blonde Kirsten was sitting up next to her.
"I'll say," Josh said with a raised eyebrow. "Hey! Who's the seeker for the Arrows?"
"His name is Shaft. Didn't you know that, I mean, Sirius and James are like the biggest Arrow's fans I've ever met!" Josh shook his head and Angie started laughing. "I can't believe you didn't know that. What a loser." She said jokingly, causing Josh to playfully hit her on the shoulder.
"And how's my little Kirsti?" He asked picking up a giggling girl. "Say daddy. Dad-dy," He said in a sing-song voice. They had been trying to get her to say Daddy for a while now, but all she said was mom, much to Angie and Sirius's amusement.
"Come on, baby, say daddy,"
Kirsten looked directly at her father and said "Loser," just as happily as can be.
Angie howled with laughter but Josh didn't find it amusing at all.
"This is all your fault, you know!" He snapped as she said it again.
"Oh, calm down. She would have been calling you that in about thirteen years anyway, so what if she has a bit of a head start?"
"It's your bed time," Josh said as Kirsten chimed 'loser' once more.
~*~
"Maybe I should go alone," James said to Lily. "You and Harry could stay here,"
"James, we've been having this conversation for a week now. We've decided that we will all go, that it's better to travel together."
"All right. Let's hurry," He said throwing the invisibility cloak over the three of them.
They were headed for the department of mysteries, to speak with Archie Whitman, the head of the department. They had important information for him. They were going to inform him of their last minute secret-keeper switch, and also alert them about what Lily had done to Petunia's house.
Their plans were slightly disrupted as they went to knock on the door. It was slightly ajar and they heard voices inside, and before they knew what was happening they were unintentionally listening to a private conversation.
Archie Whitman's face was drawn and stress worn. His eyes seemed almost dead, and yes, he was terrified. What could they do about all this? Of course, they had known that this crystal business was not GOOD business, but he had never expected this. But then, what did he expect? Certainly many lives were going to be risked, and more than that lost, that's what he expected, but never this.
He scolded himself for not thinking of it. And even more so, for not being prepared for it, or have any way to possibly fight it. Now what to do? They had merely days to figure it out and set the plan into action. Just days.
"Archie?" Frank Longbottom said. He was a fellow unspeakable, standing with his wife in the Head's office delivering the latest information. "Archie? Say something. I don't know what to do,"
"And you think I do!" He shot back. "I don't have an answer for this, I just don't!" He said, very bothered and afraid. Whitman sat down with his head in his hands leaning his elbows on his desk.
"Well, I think you should inform the minister, you know Artemis far better than I, and well, you're more experienced at this sort of matter,"
"Inform him?" Archie repeated softly, almost distantly. "INFORM HIM?" He cried the second time. "What the bloody hell do you propose I say? I cannot just TELL him. Minister, we have information that your assassination is going to take place soon by means of the carbonated crystal. Tough luck.
"Or not! For god sakes, we don't have the resources. I mean. we CAN'T,"
"What are you talking about?" Nancy said bewildered.
"Are you familiar with that crystal!? Do you know what it's capable of! He- who-must-not-be-named took it himself! You heard the girl Potter, it was in his hands! No mortal, no human, could touch or hold such a thing! Its destructive powers are outrageous! You cannot imagine! There's no way to deal with it! It would take a thousand Dumbledore's to destroy that! And a thousand more to die before the others finished the job!" Archie was now on his feet. "You're sure? You're sources are true?" He asked in seemingly disbelief.
"Of course!" Frank Longbottom shouted. He didn't like to be challenged, not even by his superiors. "I check things out, especially something like this!"
"What to do? What to do?" Archie was now pacing his office talking to himself. Lily and James exchanged horrified looks. They were about to knock a second time when the conversation continued.
"So, are we going to tell the minister?" Archie stopped and took in a very long breath and considered for some time.
"No." He finally proclaimed.
"No?" The other questioned.
"No, I think it must be this way," Archie said going back to his pacing. "Unfortunately, yes, it must. I mean, if we alert him, he'll want full security and protection, which is all good and well, except we'll lose the very best damn aurors we've got and we're already losing them fast enough without some big catastrophe!"
"You mean, we'll just let it happen?" The other man was aghast, and so were Lily and James.
"If we lose Artemis, and a few of his staff it won't be as irreplaceable as Moody, or any others of his crew. We'll do all we can to try to figure out how we might disarm it, but we won't let anyone know. Artemis will be replaced, probably Crouch, if things go all right, and if not we won't really worry about it. We've got to focus on other matters. That crystal could very well destroy us and we've no way to destroy it! We must sacrifice a few to save a vast majority. Don't you see, if we lose aurors we'll be losing the fight. We'll lose far more people than even now. We just can't let him know," Archie said. He seemed satisfied with himself and sat back down at his desk. The other man stared into the fire for what seemed like forever, and Lily and James seemed to be lost in deep thought as well.
"I suppose you're right," Frank finally replied, though neither he, nor his wife looked thoroughly convinced. "There really is nothing we can do but save a few of our best to fight other battles,"
"Yes," Archie said sadly. "Unfortunate."
"Bitch of a job we've got here, eh?" Frank said, trying for some humor, but the situation was much to serious for that. Archie just nodded.
"Ay,"
~*~
Back at home, Lily and James sat down immediately not saying a word. Lily's problems seemed so miniscule up next to this. This was huge, this was phenomenal, this was. frightening. But what could they do? They couldn't just let Minister Artemis Lupin die like that! But then, could they put other people's lives at risk like that?
"I think we should tell Remus," Lily said suddenly, James looked at her.
"What?"
"I think we should tell Remus, I mean, it's his grandfather they're plotting to kill,"
"Yes, but." James really didn't know what to say. "What about Dumbledore?"
"I don't know." Lily said uncertainly. "I mean, we're not even supposed to know about this. Maybe we should just ignore it,"
"Ignore it! The damage is done, we know they're going to turn a blind eye to an assassination attempt on the minister of magic, we have to do SOMETHING!"
"Maybe we should confront Archie," Lily suggested.
"No, I don't think that's a good idea. We could wind up in just as much danger as if we were being chased by you-know-who, which we are, mind you,"
"Well, I'm not just about to let the minister of magic die before my eyes, knowing I could have done something. The only problem is, the only way to prevent it, is to lose the lives of others." Lily put her hands over her face. "This is a very compromising position." She muttered through her hands.
"Nevertheless," James said to her. "WE have to warn him. At least we should tell the minister. I don't think he'll confront anyone from the department of mysteries, but he can do whatever he deems necessary to protect himself."
"But how are we going to speak to the minister of magic?" Lily asked. "I know that most everyone knows about our situation now, but I don't think we can just march into his office and demand to speak to him. Especially now, since it's after dinnertime."
"We could owl him," James suggested.
"Hedwig's out and we CANNOT go to the post office. Besides, we're not supposed to make it look like anyone is here. No fires, no obvious lights, no loud noises, and an owl leaving here would look suspicious."
"No, we can't go to the post office." James agreed. "And really, we shouldn't go to the ministry either. It could still be dangerous. We're safe here, as long as they don't catch Wormtail. And Padfoot is leaving tonight to go into hiding. He muttered something about Angela, poor guy." James said.
"I know. She doesn't return his love, it's very sad." Lily agreed. "But sometimes I'm almost convinced there's still something for him in there. If only she hadn't had Kirsten."
~*~
Sirius paced around next to his motorcycle wondering if he should send the letter or not. He really should get going, and fly off somewhere, and ditch the motorcycle, though he'd really rather not.
But yet, he'd already written the letter. But, it was doubtful she'd reply, let alone meet him.
But no, he had to at least try. There were many things he'd never forgive himself if he didn't tell her. Yes, he decided slipping a hand in his pocket, he would send the letter.
And with that the owl took flight and Sirius nervously watched it go.
~*~
Angie was writing an article, or in the middle of writing a rough draft, Josh was playing with Kirsten. He was trying to see how many steps she could take before falling. Twelve was the record, she was still a little tipsy, but she caught on very fast.
And that's when the owl flew by leaving Angie: the letter. She read it and her heart momentarily froze. Her breathing was heavy and she read it over and over again.
Her first thought was that she would go, just for no reason, I mean, they were friends, and she would be leaving for the United States of America for who knows how long, but then she carefully folded it and threw it in the trash deciding she would not go, she didn't think she could bear to see him again.
The letter that now lay in the trash read:
Angela,
Please meet me in Hogsmeade at 10:30. You know where.
There was no signature, but she knew very well who it was from.
~*~
Angie pulled her cloak closer around her as she looked up the side of the mountain. The wind was chilly and rustled the leaves which had begun to fall from the trees. The air was crisp and the sky was clear, and inky black, and a full moon grinned down evilly upon her.
Halloween. Why of all god forsaken nights he had to meet tonight was still a mystery to her. But, she reminded herself that she was leaving for America with Josh tomorrow morning.
Angie sighed and climbed up the mountainside pondering why she had come at all. She had decided not to, yet she found herself staying awake and checking to see that Josh and Kirsten were both safely sleeping before sneaking out. Why had she come? Nonetheless, she continued to walk to the entrance to the cave.
Checking her watch she noted she was fifteen minutes early. Carefully she pulled her hood down from around her face exposing her blond hair.
A black figure stepped out to meet her. "You're early," He said.
"I'M early?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "What about you?" She couldn't see him in the darkness but tinges of pink shown in his cheeks. Wanting to change the subject he brought up the first thing that came to mind.
"So," Sirius said. "When do you leave tomorrow?"
"Around 10:00AM, after breakfast," She replied. Sirius nodded looking at the ground. "What about you? Aren't you going away for a while?" She asked him.
"Maybe I'll go visit Elizabeth in Germany." He said thoughtfully. "Who knows, maybe someday I'll come visit in America,"
"Oh," She said softly.
"Actually, I'm just planning to keep a low profile. I might go north, or south," Angie smiled.
"Are you sure you'll be OK? These are some dark times," She said.
"I'll make my way. You be careful too,"
"What about Lily and James, and Harry?" Angie asked. "Are they going to be OK?"
"They should be. We did the Fidelius Charm about a week back. They have other plans too," Sirius told her and Angie nodded.
"So," She said uncomfortably. "What exactly are we doing here?"
"Why did you come?" He asked her suddenly. She was about to give him some smartass answer, but she stopped short.
Why had she come? What did she expect? She didn't really know. To her relief Sirius spoke.
"I asked you here because. well, there are a lot of things we need to. clear up before we go our own ways. I don't know if we'll ever have this chance again." This brought tears to her eyes, but she was determined not to cry. "There are a lot of things I wanted to tell you," He said uneasily.
"There's something important I have to tell you too," She said quietly. Sirius studied her anxiously but she didn't continue.
"Don't leave," He said suddenly. Angie looked at him strangely. He looked away from her. He hadn't really meant for it to come out so desperately like that. "I mean," He looked away uncomfortably again and felt for something in his pocket.
"All your friends are here. This is your country. What's for you in America?" He asked. She answered slowly and carefully.
"My future is there, with. Josh and Kirsten,"
"JOSH!" Sirius exclaimed. "What is he going to do for you? Marry you?" Angie said nothing, and the bottom line was: She had no idea what was going to happen or where she and Josh would end up.
"There's nothing left for me here except bad memories,"
"Let's make some good memories," Sirius replied.
"Too little, too late," She replied and Sirius fell silent.
"What could make you stay?" He asked. Angie slowly shook her head.
"I don't know." She trailed off and stared blankly. There was a long awkward silence. "Will I ever see you again?" She asked tearfully.
"If you believe it," He replied softly. She was aware of him coming closer. She felt his warmth wash over her. His intoxicating smell and overwhelming closeness. She didn't really try to stop him, but she knew this couldn't last. Couldn't be.
She felt his eyes looking down on the top of her head. "I wanted to give you this," She said breaking the silence but not looking at him as she handed a small box to him. "Don't open it now," She added. "I mean, it was my father's and Josh, I c- I wanted you to have it. To. remember me," She looked into his eyes and felt a hand clasp painfully around her heart. Those eyes, why had she looking into those handsome brown eyes?"
"Write me," She said quickly breaking the gaze. Sirius looked down at the box he was turning over in his hand.
"I'll miss you," She choked out and quickly began to leave wanting get away from the heartache and stop her tears. But his hand flew to her arm and she stopped as he but didn't turn around, yet.
"What if there was someone here to take care of you and Kirsten? Someone to be here for you?" She turned and looked at him then dropped her gaze quickly to answer.
"I gave upon that dream a long time ago,"
"Why?" She stopped short. She had no answers to these questions and she didn't even know why.
"Angie, there's so many things I want to tell you, things I should have told you a long time ago. but-"
"Please, don't," She interrupted. A tear leaked from her eye, and she wondered why.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is. well, every time I see you with Josh my heart breaks. I can't let you to the United States. It's not where you belong!"
"I don't have anywhere else to go," Angie said trying to ignore his underlying meaning. "And I belong with Josh," She added. She was slightly angry but it didn't show in her voice.
"Do you love him?" Sirius asked.
"What?" Angie asked sharply, caught completely off guard.
"Do you love him?"
"He's the father of my child!" She said angrily, her eyes drying quickly. Why was this any of his business?
"But do you love him?"
"Why?" She asked.
"It's a simple question," He told her.
"I'm going to America tomorrow with Josh," She replied.
"That's not what I asked," He said softly. "And why are you going? You don't want to, I know you don't. Stay here.with me,"
"Why? Because you're going to take care of me. and marry me?" She asked him sarcastically. He would never; he'd be gone in two weeks.
"If you'll have me," He replied. Her mouth fell open as she dropped to the large rock behind her letting out a small stunned sigh.
"Are you asking me?" She gasped.
As if in slow motion he knelt down and pulled a small black box out of the depths of his robes. Tears of unbelievable joy streamed down her face.
"Angela Star, will you marry me?"
**END CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO**
A/N: *Laughs evilly* Now what happens? Bet you'd like to know, wouldn't you? I know this is a really horrible cliff hanger, especially with all the other stuff that has been happening too, sorry. Well, not really.
Don't accuse me of liking long names. Angie has had that name for a lONG time, before Harry's name came into play; I just never mentioned her full name.
ONE MORE CHAPTER LEFT!!!!! I can't believe it!! All of you that have stuck by me, I just wanted to say how greatly you're appreciated. I'll hurry with the last chapter!
OH MY GOD!! THE LAST CHAPTER! (Sorry, I'm just a little excited about it, could you tell?)
ATTENTION: Everyone should go read The White Rose, by Diana Snape, because it's a good story. It's almost finished and it's Harry's generation. Go check it out, I know at the beginning it sounds like Diana is perfect, but trust me, it gets much more interesting. Thanks!
Thank yous:
Naeginnie6: To answer your question about how I came up with Sierra's last name, lets just say that boredom and insanity don't mix. Thanks for the review!!
Buckbeakbabie: Thanks for the review. I hope you had/are having a good holiday. I'm glad you think my chapter was brilliant. and I certainly thought the bed nazi thing was hilarious. she's based after someone I know that really goes crazy about the bed like that. It's so scary it funny! But anyway, I guess it's a good thing you stick to your theories.unfortunately I'm not helping you prove them right or wrong just yet, or maybe I am. hope you liked this chapter!
Hyper Princess: 4:30! WoW! That impresses me. You stayed up that late just to read my chapter. *sniff* *Goes all teary-eyed* Well, maybe you didn't stay up JUST to read my chapter, but you read it anyway and I feel honored. Glad you liked the chapter, and as always, thanks for the review!
Foxy: Thanks for the review. And here, I continued writing, are you going to die now? Lol. I added you to the update list, at least I think I did, so if I didn't you have the personal right to flame the author. Hope you liked the chapter.
Crystal tears: Crystal tears, that sounds painful. Or maybe valuable, I haven't decided yet. Anyway, after this chapter I hope you still think this story is great! Thanks for the review.
Libertygrl413: Thanks for the review as always, and again, sorry about falling behind on your story. I'll catch up someday.
Hermioneg: Don't worry about Kirsten; you'll understand in the sequel, it's all planned out. And the bed-nazi thing was based after one of my friend's, who is totally obsessive about her bed! Lol. Thanks for the review!
Britz: Don't worry about the review thing. I know I was going fast. I just wanted to finish! Well anyway, like I said before, I'm definitely going to check out ANV, and thanks for the review. You give the best ones, without a doubt!
Krissy: I like that word "yayness". I'm glad you reviewed and don't worry about getting busy, it happens, I know. Hope you liked this chapter! Bye!
~Star*dust
Lily and James were out for a night on the town. They had decided to risk it, not knowing when they would be able to do this again, little did they know, this would be the last time they got to do something together.
Against both of their better judgment, they left Sirius in charge. *Poor Sirius* Lily thought. *Harry's such a trouble-maker.*
*Ha, ha, ha* James thought. *Give Sirius a taste of his own medicine. I hope Harry's his usual little devilish self*
And Sirius was having trouble with the trouble-maker. He could take a few steps at a time now and he climbed like born monkey, needless to say, Sirius couldn't keep things high enough of out of reach.
"When they say out of reach of children they don't seem to understand that that's on the roof!" Sirius said extracting a book from Harry's hand and replacing it on the third shelf from the ground. But before he could do this Harry had grabbed a crayon and was making a go for the table.
"Oh no," Sirius said jumping to him. "We write on parchment," He placed a piece in front of Harry who scribbled delightedly on it as he held the crayon very strangely in his right hand.
"Can you write you name?" Sirius asked. "Can you write Harry?" Baby Harry looked up at Sirius and laughed.
"Hay-wee?" He questioned.
"Harry," Sirius nodded. "Like this," He adjusted the crayon in Harry's hand and guided his hand to make a very shaky 'H' "That's an H,"
"Ha-wee," Harry declared.
"No, that's just the first letter,"
"Ha-wee," He repeated making his own very lopsided version of an H.
"That's pretty good," Sirius said guiding Harry's hand a second time. Then Harry began writing his lopsided H, over and over again, each time saying: "Ha-wee"
Sirius chuckled as he did this on both sides of the parchment before throwing the crayons down and declaring: "dun!"
When it came time to put Harry to bed, he put up a fight, but he lay down instantly as Sirius put him in his crib.
He went downstairs and was sitting outside on the porch relaxing when he heard something upstairs, rushing to Harry's room he discovered the small toddler writing with crayon on his walls.
"Ha-wee," He kept saying as he wrote very lopsided 'H's'
"No, no, no!" Sirius said. "You can't write on the walls!" He picked Harry up and set him in his crib taking the crayon out of his hand. He stood up gripping the side of his crib watching as Sirius took his wand out of his robes to clear off the wall.
But before he could do it, Lily, followed by James, came into the room.
"What happened?" Lily asked. Harry laughed, sounding very evil.
"Um," Sirius stuttered. "Just teaching Harry how to write his name. Very smart kid," Lily rolled her eyes and James cocked his head very far to the left.
"Oh! I see it, they're 'H's'!"
"Whatever," Lily said. "Just clean it up." She went over to Harry and gave him a kiss before laying his down.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore sat waiting impatiently, as did most of the others in the room, that September evening. Looking around a sea of witches and wizards were all seated, some were talking in whispers, others were frowning and looking at their watches, others were staring, some were writing, but all were waiting for a few more, important people of their number.
All these witches and wizards were very important people from around the world, but generally from England or Scotland, or in the general vicinity. The only two that were not from Europe, were from the United States and Canada. They were all from the ministry of magic or IAA, or other important organizations.
The British Ministry of Magic had the heads of EVERY department present plus the minister of magic, Artemis Lupin, and most of the unspeakables. Dumbledore was present and many British IAA members including the head of the IAA were scattered about.
They were now only missing one person, but it was required that everyone be present before they started.
Finally, Edmund Fisher, head of the department of Magical Games and Sports, and head of the International Quidditch Coalition walked in wearing a scowl. He announced loudly, to no one in particular the piece of news that was obviously making him angry.
"They've canceled the quidditch world cup!" He shouted angrily. Artemis Lupin, nodded, and all but a few very high ranking officials cried out. A wave of anger swept among them.
"Are you sure?" Someone shouted.
"Of course I'm sure! Who do you think you're talking to? That's why I was late, we just decided it. We can't come up with what we feel is safe enough security, especially since we know that crystal is in the wrong hands."
"They can't cancel it! Think of the public reaction! You'll have angry mobs everywhere!" A little wizard squeaked. He was the head of the department for Public Awareness and Safety.
"That's what I said!" Fisher shouted.
"Now listen here!" Artemis Lupin said standing up. "We don't know what could happen. If we went through with The Cup we'd be endangering the player's lives, as well as everyone who attends, and all the officials we assign to keep the peace. We just can't have it, not now, not when we're in such danger!"
"But if we're ready for it, then we could catch the death eaters and hang 'em!" Bartimus Crouch said, joining the shouting mess. "It'd be the perfect opportunity,"
"Excuse me!" The American shouted. "But I did not come here to discuss an issue that has already been decided,"
"He's right," Lupin said. "We're here to put together all the knowledge we have, and try to find a more effective way to defend our people."
"So what are we going to do about this crystal situation, eh minister?" Someone asked. Artemis Lupin sighed and sat back down.
"That's the problem; we don't know how to get it back. We've found no clues as to where it could be, and our informants have heard nothing. It's being heavily guarded. Or so it seems,"
"I'm more concerned about the safety of those working for the light. How do we stop all these killings, and killings of innocent muggles?" Another asked.
"Can't the informants help us out there?" Dumbledore asked.
Archie Whitman, head of the department of Mysteries, answered. "Informants can only do so much. If You-know-who sends out word about their next target we might be able to protect them, you know if it's premeditated. But most of the time it doesn't work like that.
"If you piss off the dark lord he acts quickly. Most of the time our insiders show up at meetings and the order is placed and someone goes and takes care of it immediately. They can only tell us what happened after the fact. They have no way of warning us."
"There's got to be something we can do. Why can't we just put a spell on them, so we can listen in on the meetings?"
"Our informants are already in grave danger and risking themselves to tell us what they can. We can't ask them to do more for us. They will only agree to do so much and rightfully so,"
"Well, what are we doing to protect ourselves? What kind of defenses do we have in place, besides telling people to be careful who you trust?" Someone asked.
Artemis Lupin was again put on the spot along with the department of magical law enforcement and the IAA. All of them seemed slightly nervous.
"We've been offering up free servicing on homes to protect against intruders and."
"I have a proposition, one that is halfway ready." The American said. "My Canadian brother has already started doing the same as I have. We have been gathering an army of trained powerful witches and wizards willing to defend themselves and their fellow people against the dark side. If we can gather enough support and keep it, we might be able to overthrow the dark lord."
"It sounds like a good insurance policy," The head of the IAA said. "But we don't really know what kind of forces we're up against. Strength in numbers might not be what we need. Somehow we've got to get information on that crystal. I shudder to think the damage that could do."
"We'll get something organized to build up a small army, but I agree, we're not entirely sure what we're up against, or if they plan to attack like that. It may be that they just keep striking unsuspecting muggles or valuable witches and wizards here and there." Artemis Lupin said.
There was much more talk in which they got nowhere and decided nothing. In essence the only thing that was decided was to be ruthless with punishments for those from the dark side and to generate a small army, as an "insurance policy".
If anyone from the dark side knew what that meeting was like they would be laughing now, at how unprepared and little they knew.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore sent out twenty-seven owls to various important people all for the same grave purpose. The darkest of times was upon them and everyone needed to be cautioned and they needed desperately to discuss their future. October the 7th. Already, the time had flown by and everyone's life supply was dwindling lower. It was time for a little meeting of his own.
So many of their numbers had dwindled now but so many remained. Dumbledore only wished his office would hold more people, but alas, it could not. He had asked many people who were important or in danger, or people who had something to say. All of them would be present, of course. Artemis Lupin, Minister of Magic, Dumbledore had decided against inviting Remus, his grandson in case of a war. Alastor Moody, Bartimus Crouch, and Archie Whitman, from the department of mysteries. Also in attendance would be all the Hogwarts teachers, and himself, of course. Not to mention those in the gravest of danger, Lily and James Potter, Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer, Sierra Havairhafpvermin, Angela, Sirius, Holly Mischel, Frank and Nancy Longbottom, and if only there could be more.
Twenty-nine would be present. All would have something to say. And if only he could save them all, that would be better than defeating Grindelwald.
Elizabeth Hoffenmeijer was the first to arrive. She watched as the rest filtered in. The last to arrive was the minister of magic.
"I have called you all here under the most grave of circumstances," Dumbledore began. "Every one of us will be faced with impossible challenges and dark times ahead of us. I'm sure everyone will have something to say before we are through here." Everyone looked around and shifted uncomfortably.
"Something about this latest crystal development has worried me," He flashed his eyes towards Archie who remained expressionless. "There was a reason for it, and since all of us are in danger, I daresay we can stop trying to uncover the reason. I was hoping someone would have information about it to share with us, but perhaps that information is not for everyone's ears." Again he looked at Archie and then at the minister but nothing from either of them.
"But there are more things that worry me. I have many inside sources and I know something big is going to happen soon, but what I cannot say. At the moment I would like to Severus say something," Dumbledore said. For the first time many of the former Gryffindors and Ravenclaws noticed Severus leaning against the wall in the back and a scowl appeared on their faces.
"Don't look at me like that!" He spat catching James and Sirius's looks. "You should be thanking me," He continued.
"Never," James started through gritted teeth.
"That's quite enough of that!" Professor McGonagall said sharply. "You must get over yourselves, for each others sake! Just continue and hear each other out." She pleaded. James nodded slightly and Severus stepped forward and began.
"Before I was interrupted," He said nastily. "I was about to tell you that you're next Potter. You-know-who's got it in for you," Lily's face tightened and James's grip on her hand did too. Many others gasped or cried out. Dumbledore bowed his head.
"I have been trying to think of all sorts of things to help you through this situation, each unlikely," Dumbledore said. "I know this must be a terrible shock, but-"
"Terrible shock!" Lily cried. "It's about time they come for us rather than kill off our friends and family! The McKinnon's, the Prewett's, the Bones's, my neighbor, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, his parents, Angie's parents, the list continues! All these people because of us! All these people," Her voice faltered and the inevitable tears started to flow. James stood up beside her and placed an arm around her and quietly sat her back down next to him.
"Yes, many have gone before us and all here are in danger of going to," Dumbledore said.
"But what can we do about it?" Sierra asked.
"If only there was a way. You can run, but that will only put off death until a later time." Severus said.
"No one lives once He decides ter kill them," Hagrid said gravely stating the obvious, which did not help to ease Lily's sobs.
"But there has to be something we can do?" Sirius asked almost desperately. Dumbledore was silent and the horrible truth began to sink in.
"I've heard about this charm," Holly Mischel interjected. "I don't know what it's called but it's supposed to place a secret inside one living soul. And I think if Lily and James performed this charm than no one would be able to find them." She said; everyone was regarding her with almost awe now.
"Yes, I've heard about this," Minister Lupin said. "It's called the. the Fidelius Charm, I do believe. It's very complicated magic but I do believe it might work." He said. Lily had gathered herself up enough to stop crying. For a moment everyone was silent, no one really wanted to continue with this grave situation.
Professor Flitwick managed to squeak out a few words. "She's right. I could teach her how to do it, if she would like."
"I regret to say that I have other suspicions as well," Dumbledore said mostly to the Potters. "I shall not discuss them here, after this meeting."
~*~
After the meeting was over Lily and James waited for everyone to leave. They were both very shaken. Finally only the minister of magic remained, as planned.
"I'm so sorry to thrust this on you now, after everything you've just heard. But if you do go through with the Fidelius charm, I would be honored to be your secret-keeper. And I want to explain something before you say anything.
"The reason I wanted you to stay after is that I have reason to believe that someone very close to you in betraying you and giving inside information to the dark lord. I don't want you to go accusing your friends, but please be very careful.
"I know this is all hard to believe, but I'm almost sure of it. There is no way of telling who it is, but you are in grave danger, of the strongest magnitude. I suggest you act swiftly, and right now this secret-keeper charm looks like you best bet.
"The only problem is you have to be at the absolute top of your game to choose your secret-keeper. If someone close to you is giving away information you have to be careful not to play into the dark lord's hands.
You must be careful." Lily and James stared kind of numbly. Someone was betraying them. One of their friends whom they would have trusted their life with was betraying them. It was impossible, inconceivable. It was too much!
"Dumbledore sir, you don't have any idea of who it might be. do you?" James asked. Dumbledore shook his head.
"I won't point fingers for you, and indeed, I wouldn't have believed it myself."
"Remus," James croaked. Dumbledore's face showed obvious surprise.
"James!" Lily said aghast, but the minister obviously agreed.
"I wouldn't be surprised," He snorted. "That's bad blood, that is. I don't know where I went wrong with her,"
"His mother?" Lily asked. Lupin nodded.
"She went off and married a MUGGLE. We're a very prominent family! And her son is just as-"
"ARTEMIS!" Dumbledore said sharply. James was shocked at Dumbledore for speaking so harshly to the minister of magic, but Dumbledore would be the only person in the whole world who could get away with something like that. "We are not here to discuss your grandson or your personal opinions. Personally, I would not jump to conclusions but keep an open mind," He said turning back to the Potter's.
"We'll need a few days to think it over," James said.
"That's OK, but don't wait too long. I'm not sure how long we have left." He said with a seriousness that sent shivers down Lily's back.
"I would be happy to assign a couple of agents to watch the house, they would be discreet," Artemis Lupin said.
"No thanks," James said sharply and Lily understood what he was feeling. "I don't need someone to baby-sit me or my house,"
"Not to say you're incompetent Potter, it's just a bit of protection,"
"We can take care of it,"
"James, it might be a wise decision," Dumbledore said. But he shook his head firmly and Lily supported him. "We'll get in touch in a few days,"
~*~
October the 19th Sirius Black, Holly Mischel, Lily and James Potter, and Archie Whitman all seated themselves in Dumbledore's office.
"All right," Dumbledore began. "Tell us the plan,"
"We've decided on using the Fidelius Charm. Holly Mischel feels confident in her ability to perform the charm and we've decided on a secret-keeper, Sirius." James said, trying to be as short as possible. He was not in a mood to be long-winded. Dumbledore's eyes bore into James, challenging him, making absolute certain he was sure of himself. Then he nodded.
"You must move as quickly as possible. Our insiders tell us the threat is about to become reality. I must suggest you discuss this with no one else. I will ask everyone's permission to monitor Holly and Sirius, as they are the only one's who will no this dangerous information. And once again, Mr. Potter, we would advise that you allow us to place your house under surveillance."
"We don't need someone to look over our shoulders," He said coldly.
"I understand," Mr. Whitman said. "But your life is on the edge of a knife, this is for your own protection."
"No, sir. We are handling the situation," *Stupid kid,* Archie Whitman thought. *Take the help we offer* "And I don't think my friends need to be babysat. I trust them wholeheartedly," James said evenly.
"Yes, I do as well," Archie replied. "But, in the horrible event that either of them were tortured for information."
"You would not be able to prevent that, and I believe that either of them would rather die than tell our secret." Sirius and Holly nodded, both feeling much the same way as James. Their pride was at stake, and nothing would sacrifice their nobility.
"Very well," Archie said reluctantly. "We'll keep this information at the top of our priority list. If there is anything you need.or changes in the plan, please inform me immediately. Don't do anything hasty, or stupid to tell me, mind you. It wouldn't do to get killed in the process.
"Good luck to you," He said standing and leaving.
~*~
All four of them walked silently and solemnly to Hogsmeade. James and Lily left with a *pop* and Holly followed Sirius over to his motorcycle. She just stood there not saying anything.
"Can I help you?" Sirius finally asked.
"Sirius, don't get angry with me, but I've just been thinking-"
"That's great! You've finally graduated to the level of intelligent thoughts! Why would I be angry about that?" But Holly was being too serious right now to care.
"Not to question your ability, or to challenge your loyalty, but I've just been thinking what would happen if you-know-who was to catch you. I know you would never talk, even if they tortured you to your death, but what if they used some kind of magic you had no control over, like a. a veritiserum potion?
"All I'm trying to say is that there are too many people who know that Lily and James are going to use the Fidelius charm and it's obvious who their secret-keeper would be. You are their best friend. You-know-who would go straight for you.
"Now, don't get mad, but what if they used Wormtail instead? You could play along and go into hiding and but Peter would be the secret-keeper. If you think about it, it's really ingenious because no one would ever suspect Peter." There was a ringing silence as Sirius stared for a long time. Just as Holly was about to apologize for bringing it up, Sirius spoke.
"That might work," He said.
"W-well," Holly stammered. "It's just a theory,"
"I'll talk to Lily and James about it.and Wormtail," Holly turned to disapparate. "Be careful," Sirius said.
"You too,"
~*~
Two days later Peter A. Pettigrew became the Potter's secret-keeper.
~*~
October 25th:
James rolled over and sat up with a start. He rubbed his eyes, where huge dark circles lay. Even with this new secret-keeper charm you could never feel safe, and both he and Lily stayed up many hours of the night, unable to sleep, full of worry and fear.
It was a few minutes before seven now and the light was now coming in the window and splashing the walls with color. James glanced over and realized with a start Lily was not next to him.
He quickly sat up and threw on his glasses. Once downstairs in a kitchen devoid of life, except for the spider crouching in the corner, he called out to her but the only reply was Harry's cries, as James had suddenly woken him up.
After searching, to make absolutely certain she wasn't anywhere in the house or on the grounds, he owled Peter immediately, who came almost instantly, looking pale and tired.
"Where did you go last night?" James asked him the instant he entered the house.
"I was at home, well, in my hideout, all night. I haven't talked to anyone, Prongs, I swear to you," He said.
"You have no idea what might have happened?" James asked. "How this might have happened?"
"I haven't any clue. I haven't even been in contact with ANYONE for two days now, I'm sure of it."
"Then." James trailed off, not knowing anything else to say. He began to pace, occasionally glancing up at Harry, to make sure he wasn't doing anything too bad. But nothing came to him, there was no possible explanation for this, everything had gone perfect, the charm wasn't messed up, they were missing something, no one, except for Peter, could just come in and do something to her, they wouldn't even be able to see her.
Nevertheless, as they owled everyone they knew, including about half the ministry Lily was no where to be found.
James was in a state of panic, and Angie was hysterical. All day he paced up and down not knowing what was happening. The hours were wearing away, and everyone now thought that Lily Potter was dead.
But another thought was going through Peter Pettigrew's mind, other than worry about a friend. *Where the hell was she? He hadn't done anything to her. He hadn't had a meeting with.* He shuddered. *He'd had told no one about the Potters. not yet. So where was she? The dark lord would be furious to find out that he had had Lily within reach but had let her get away. What the hell was going on?*
~*~
After restlessly tossing and turning in bed all night Lily decided she would take the little road trip, even if it was risky. It wouldn't matter, because no one would ever know she had left, however, she did not anticipate all the trouble she would run into.
A little past five she set out on broomstick towards Little Whinging in Surrey. No matter what kind of person her sister was, she was still her sister and Lily was not just going to watch her, and her husband, and her son, die while she sat safely at home concealed by powerful magic.
All her family had died because of her, needlessly and innocently, except for Petunia and Lily vowed she would not let that happen. First, instead of heading to Number Four, Privet drive, she veered off and landed carefully in the cemetery.
She stayed much longer than intended at her parents' grave and visited her neighbor as well, wishing with all of her heart that she could have done something. So, since she lingered at the cemetery she ran into problems at #4.
She landed at an out of the way spot and transfigured her broomstick into a handbag. Walking along the road she got a feeling of unwelcome and uptightness. Every single house looked exactly alike, except for the different cars parked in the driveways.
She immediately could tell which house was Petunia's, even if she hadn't known that she lived in number four. The obvious display of the highly polished car in the driveway and the grass cut perfectly, the house was spotless and the yard the best looking.
For quite a while Lily stood and regarded the little house, thoughts flitting across her mind, each one having nothing to do with the last. But this was another mistake, for Petunia Dursley always came to change the milk bottles when she got up.
The door opened, and startled Lily, she had no intention of TALKING to her sister; she just wanted to PROTECT her sister. But that was now unavoidable as Petunia had suddenly stopped in mid-bend to pick up the milk bottles.
She had spotted Lily, and before she could control herself she let out a scream, but she quickly stifled it.
"Get away from here before someone sees you!" She hissed and turned on her heel and slammed the door. But Lily had to do something first.
She walked up the front yard and to the porch. Standing right outside the porch she took a deep breath but was interrupted.
"Get away from here!" Petunia shrieked opening the door. "If my husband sees you." Lily had half a mind to roll her eyes.
"No one will see me!" Lily snapped. "I'm not here to talk to you anyway, I'm here to protect you; so if you please shut up, I'll be gone in a second,"
"Protect me?" She said, still shrieking. "I don't want your help! You're a curse, you're abnormal ness has put us all in the grave! Get away from here!"
"Not yet." Lily said firmly taking out her wand. Petunia screamed again.
"Leave us alone, NOW!"
"I'm trying to help you! You just don't understand-"
"I understand perfectly! It's all your fault that everyone's dead now! Why don't you just leave us alone and let us live our lives, or are you going to kill us too?" She was shouting. Lily's eyes were very wet now and she fought back the urge to cry.
"I don't like you as much as you don't like me, but that's no reason for me to watch you die. I didn't realize before, but now I know I can protect you, if you just let me. It's a simple spell, and it will at least do something. I'm not just going to let you die. I'm just trying to help you!"
"We don't want your help! Get away from here, before a house falls on you, you cursed freak!" Lily suddenly had the urge to laugh, though the statement wasn't really that funny. She just had a vision of a house falling on top of her, just like in the wizard of oz.
"There will be no falling houses, but there will be a flying one if you don't calm down and let me do this,"
"I've told you to stay away from here before I call the police! For heaven's sake leave us alone. You've already done enough damage; you don't need to let the neighbors see you here too!"
"Stand back." Lily said firmly, tired of arguing with her. She went right up to the door frame where she intended to tap her wand.
"What are you going to do?"
"Just put a charm to protect you, and the house from harm. It will take some power to get past this."
"I don't want anything FUNNY on my house!" Petunia insisted.
"Mom would have wanted it. She wouldn't want you to come to the same end. It's not pleasant. Don't be a fool; take the protection, the little that I can offer. Don't waste your life. Nothing bad will happen; I won't let anything go wrong! I promise you, all I'm trying to do is protect you!" Petunia stood on her front porch taking in deep breaths and piercing her sister with a horrible look.
It wasn't a very pleasant feeling, just staring each other down like that; a distant car door seemed to have brought back Petunia to the present.
"Don't you EVER come back here, ever again. If something goes wrong, I will personally come and find you, but NEVER come back here," She said in a very cold tone that reminded Lily of a Slytherin. Lily nodded; she had no intention of ever coming back. "This conversation never happened, no matter what, you were not here! Hurry up and get out of here before someone sees you!" She snapped and shut the door in Lily's face.
Lily stood there stunned for a few moments before she turned to the house, put her last effort into protection and called to take the Knight Bus home, broomstick would be too risky now.
~*~
Back at the Potters, James was panicked and he could only imagine what everyone else was like. He couldn't talk to them because of the secret- keeper charm; no one could see him, except for Peter, who stayed at the house.
James was getting frustrated after Peter tried to tell him that they were just going to have to except the fact that Lily was probably dead. He yelled at Peter and startled Harry who was already a little fussy without his Mom.
"James just calm down," Peter said seriously.
"CALM DOWN!?!?!" He roared, stopping for a moment to look at Peter before continuing his pacing. "Calm down, he says," James muttered to himself. "Calm down, when my wife might be dead!"
"There's nothing we can do about it if she is," Wormtail said reasonably, but James was ignoring him and continued muttering to himself.
"But HOW? How did they manage to get her? She was right here. in the house. She wouldn't LEAVE.? HOW?"
"You can say that again," Peter mumbled to himself, still trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
~*~
Lily bit her lip as she stepped off the Knight Bus and crept to the back door. It was nearly lunch time now and James would be crazed with worry. She hadn't meant to stay so long. It wasn't supposed to go like this.
She shuddered slightly as she thought of what his reaction would be when she came inside, and she hesitated before opening the door. It closed with a snap behind her, and she flinched, still dreading James.
Barely a moment later he came sliding into the kitchen with his wand out. She watched as he stared and his mouth slowly opened. He just stood there for a second, mouth open, wand and arm dangling uselessly at his side.
"Lily." He whispered, as if he almost didn't believe it.
*Yeah. Duh. Who do you think?* Lily thought, but she knew that the worst was yet to come.
Surprisingly, he rushed to her and gathered her up in his arms. "You're not.hurt, are you?" He asked her uncertainly.
"No, why would I be hurt?" She asked.
"I just.we thought.what happened?" She hesitated again, and bit her lip. Should she tell him?
It was like a lose-lose situation. If she told him, he'd probably be angry at her for leaving and risking her life, and all that for her sister, when her spell probably wouldn't even help if Voldemort really wanted to murder her. And she'd get a severe lecture.
On the other hand, if she didn't tell him, he'd get REALLY angry and start yelling, and asking what was so important, blah, blah, blah.
"Well?" He asked, taking a step back, so he could pierce her with a hard look.
"I went to Petunia's," Lily said. James frowned, his surprise openly displayed on his face.
"Your sister's? Why?"
Lily suddenly got very upset. She wasn't sure why, because it was slightly hypocritical of her, but it made her angry the way James had asked 'why', because he obviously didn't think she was worth much.
But Lily had always openly displayed her dislike and indifference to her sister, as Petunia did to her, so could she really blame him for taking on this point of view? On the other hand, that was rude to do that to someone he didn't even know.
But wait a minute. this was the sister who slammed the door in my face!
"Look, James, I know you won't agree, and I knew perfectly well what I was doing and what I was endangering, so skip the lecture. I went to see her to." *How to explain?* "To put a spell of protection on her house."
James looked like he might have exploded, but he stopped, inhaled and then spoke more calmly. "What exactly did you think you might do?"
"I know that it sounds pointless, and I know it won't help. but I had to do something. People close to me were dying off like the apocalypse had come and I was tired of watching it happen and not doing anything to prevent it. I wanted to at least TRY,"
James covered his face with his hands and rubbed his eyes, willing himself to calm down. "OK. But why didn't you tell someone? Why didn't you ask someone else to do it for you? Why didn't you ask for protection? Why didn't you tell me where you were going, for Christ's sake!?"
"I'm sorry," *How lame that sounds,* She thought. "I really am. But I didn't expect it to take as long as it did. You see, I didn't intend on her SEEING me. So, there was this whole.thing, with Petunia, and then. time got away from me. I didn't wake you because I was certain that I'd be back before then. And I didn't want to argue with you about it, I knew you'd just be angry anyway. I'm sorry; I never meant to worry anyone,"
"I thought you were dead! You can't go around risking your life like that! You could have been killed, and for what? Some simple little spell that You- know-who can snap in half like a pencil?"
"I told you not to lecture me! What's done is done!" Lily shouted back at him.
"OK, you're right. But you were wrong to leave like that. How can the Fidelius Charm be helpful if you leave the house?" He stopped and took a deep breath. "I'm not going to be angry anymore because I'm just glad you're OK," He gathered her up in his arms again.
From the doorway Peter looked on darkly and cursed his misfortune in not knowing where Lily had gone, if he had, major brownie points would have been awarded to little Peter Pettigrew.
~*~
October 27th:
Angela Anne Noelle Marie Star was sitting at with her daughter waiting for Josh to come home. Kirsten refused to go to bed until Josh came home, even though she was tired enough to lay still and quiet, half asleep next to her mom.
Angie was staring into the infinite depths of the fire, while thinking about everything and nothing all at once.
"Honey? Angie? Angela?" Josh was waving his hand in front of her face.
"Sorry, I. I must have spaced out," She stammered; dirty-blonde Kirsten was sitting up next to her.
"I'll say," Josh said with a raised eyebrow. "Hey! Who's the seeker for the Arrows?"
"His name is Shaft. Didn't you know that, I mean, Sirius and James are like the biggest Arrow's fans I've ever met!" Josh shook his head and Angie started laughing. "I can't believe you didn't know that. What a loser." She said jokingly, causing Josh to playfully hit her on the shoulder.
"And how's my little Kirsti?" He asked picking up a giggling girl. "Say daddy. Dad-dy," He said in a sing-song voice. They had been trying to get her to say Daddy for a while now, but all she said was mom, much to Angie and Sirius's amusement.
"Come on, baby, say daddy,"
Kirsten looked directly at her father and said "Loser," just as happily as can be.
Angie howled with laughter but Josh didn't find it amusing at all.
"This is all your fault, you know!" He snapped as she said it again.
"Oh, calm down. She would have been calling you that in about thirteen years anyway, so what if she has a bit of a head start?"
"It's your bed time," Josh said as Kirsten chimed 'loser' once more.
~*~
"Maybe I should go alone," James said to Lily. "You and Harry could stay here,"
"James, we've been having this conversation for a week now. We've decided that we will all go, that it's better to travel together."
"All right. Let's hurry," He said throwing the invisibility cloak over the three of them.
They were headed for the department of mysteries, to speak with Archie Whitman, the head of the department. They had important information for him. They were going to inform him of their last minute secret-keeper switch, and also alert them about what Lily had done to Petunia's house.
Their plans were slightly disrupted as they went to knock on the door. It was slightly ajar and they heard voices inside, and before they knew what was happening they were unintentionally listening to a private conversation.
Archie Whitman's face was drawn and stress worn. His eyes seemed almost dead, and yes, he was terrified. What could they do about all this? Of course, they had known that this crystal business was not GOOD business, but he had never expected this. But then, what did he expect? Certainly many lives were going to be risked, and more than that lost, that's what he expected, but never this.
He scolded himself for not thinking of it. And even more so, for not being prepared for it, or have any way to possibly fight it. Now what to do? They had merely days to figure it out and set the plan into action. Just days.
"Archie?" Frank Longbottom said. He was a fellow unspeakable, standing with his wife in the Head's office delivering the latest information. "Archie? Say something. I don't know what to do,"
"And you think I do!" He shot back. "I don't have an answer for this, I just don't!" He said, very bothered and afraid. Whitman sat down with his head in his hands leaning his elbows on his desk.
"Well, I think you should inform the minister, you know Artemis far better than I, and well, you're more experienced at this sort of matter,"
"Inform him?" Archie repeated softly, almost distantly. "INFORM HIM?" He cried the second time. "What the bloody hell do you propose I say? I cannot just TELL him. Minister, we have information that your assassination is going to take place soon by means of the carbonated crystal. Tough luck.
"Or not! For god sakes, we don't have the resources. I mean. we CAN'T,"
"What are you talking about?" Nancy said bewildered.
"Are you familiar with that crystal!? Do you know what it's capable of! He- who-must-not-be-named took it himself! You heard the girl Potter, it was in his hands! No mortal, no human, could touch or hold such a thing! Its destructive powers are outrageous! You cannot imagine! There's no way to deal with it! It would take a thousand Dumbledore's to destroy that! And a thousand more to die before the others finished the job!" Archie was now on his feet. "You're sure? You're sources are true?" He asked in seemingly disbelief.
"Of course!" Frank Longbottom shouted. He didn't like to be challenged, not even by his superiors. "I check things out, especially something like this!"
"What to do? What to do?" Archie was now pacing his office talking to himself. Lily and James exchanged horrified looks. They were about to knock a second time when the conversation continued.
"So, are we going to tell the minister?" Archie stopped and took in a very long breath and considered for some time.
"No." He finally proclaimed.
"No?" The other questioned.
"No, I think it must be this way," Archie said going back to his pacing. "Unfortunately, yes, it must. I mean, if we alert him, he'll want full security and protection, which is all good and well, except we'll lose the very best damn aurors we've got and we're already losing them fast enough without some big catastrophe!"
"You mean, we'll just let it happen?" The other man was aghast, and so were Lily and James.
"If we lose Artemis, and a few of his staff it won't be as irreplaceable as Moody, or any others of his crew. We'll do all we can to try to figure out how we might disarm it, but we won't let anyone know. Artemis will be replaced, probably Crouch, if things go all right, and if not we won't really worry about it. We've got to focus on other matters. That crystal could very well destroy us and we've no way to destroy it! We must sacrifice a few to save a vast majority. Don't you see, if we lose aurors we'll be losing the fight. We'll lose far more people than even now. We just can't let him know," Archie said. He seemed satisfied with himself and sat back down at his desk. The other man stared into the fire for what seemed like forever, and Lily and James seemed to be lost in deep thought as well.
"I suppose you're right," Frank finally replied, though neither he, nor his wife looked thoroughly convinced. "There really is nothing we can do but save a few of our best to fight other battles,"
"Yes," Archie said sadly. "Unfortunate."
"Bitch of a job we've got here, eh?" Frank said, trying for some humor, but the situation was much to serious for that. Archie just nodded.
"Ay,"
~*~
Back at home, Lily and James sat down immediately not saying a word. Lily's problems seemed so miniscule up next to this. This was huge, this was phenomenal, this was. frightening. But what could they do? They couldn't just let Minister Artemis Lupin die like that! But then, could they put other people's lives at risk like that?
"I think we should tell Remus," Lily said suddenly, James looked at her.
"What?"
"I think we should tell Remus, I mean, it's his grandfather they're plotting to kill,"
"Yes, but." James really didn't know what to say. "What about Dumbledore?"
"I don't know." Lily said uncertainly. "I mean, we're not even supposed to know about this. Maybe we should just ignore it,"
"Ignore it! The damage is done, we know they're going to turn a blind eye to an assassination attempt on the minister of magic, we have to do SOMETHING!"
"Maybe we should confront Archie," Lily suggested.
"No, I don't think that's a good idea. We could wind up in just as much danger as if we were being chased by you-know-who, which we are, mind you,"
"Well, I'm not just about to let the minister of magic die before my eyes, knowing I could have done something. The only problem is, the only way to prevent it, is to lose the lives of others." Lily put her hands over her face. "This is a very compromising position." She muttered through her hands.
"Nevertheless," James said to her. "WE have to warn him. At least we should tell the minister. I don't think he'll confront anyone from the department of mysteries, but he can do whatever he deems necessary to protect himself."
"But how are we going to speak to the minister of magic?" Lily asked. "I know that most everyone knows about our situation now, but I don't think we can just march into his office and demand to speak to him. Especially now, since it's after dinnertime."
"We could owl him," James suggested.
"Hedwig's out and we CANNOT go to the post office. Besides, we're not supposed to make it look like anyone is here. No fires, no obvious lights, no loud noises, and an owl leaving here would look suspicious."
"No, we can't go to the post office." James agreed. "And really, we shouldn't go to the ministry either. It could still be dangerous. We're safe here, as long as they don't catch Wormtail. And Padfoot is leaving tonight to go into hiding. He muttered something about Angela, poor guy." James said.
"I know. She doesn't return his love, it's very sad." Lily agreed. "But sometimes I'm almost convinced there's still something for him in there. If only she hadn't had Kirsten."
~*~
Sirius paced around next to his motorcycle wondering if he should send the letter or not. He really should get going, and fly off somewhere, and ditch the motorcycle, though he'd really rather not.
But yet, he'd already written the letter. But, it was doubtful she'd reply, let alone meet him.
But no, he had to at least try. There were many things he'd never forgive himself if he didn't tell her. Yes, he decided slipping a hand in his pocket, he would send the letter.
And with that the owl took flight and Sirius nervously watched it go.
~*~
Angie was writing an article, or in the middle of writing a rough draft, Josh was playing with Kirsten. He was trying to see how many steps she could take before falling. Twelve was the record, she was still a little tipsy, but she caught on very fast.
And that's when the owl flew by leaving Angie: the letter. She read it and her heart momentarily froze. Her breathing was heavy and she read it over and over again.
Her first thought was that she would go, just for no reason, I mean, they were friends, and she would be leaving for the United States of America for who knows how long, but then she carefully folded it and threw it in the trash deciding she would not go, she didn't think she could bear to see him again.
The letter that now lay in the trash read:
Angela,
Please meet me in Hogsmeade at 10:30. You know where.
There was no signature, but she knew very well who it was from.
~*~
Angie pulled her cloak closer around her as she looked up the side of the mountain. The wind was chilly and rustled the leaves which had begun to fall from the trees. The air was crisp and the sky was clear, and inky black, and a full moon grinned down evilly upon her.
Halloween. Why of all god forsaken nights he had to meet tonight was still a mystery to her. But, she reminded herself that she was leaving for America with Josh tomorrow morning.
Angie sighed and climbed up the mountainside pondering why she had come at all. She had decided not to, yet she found herself staying awake and checking to see that Josh and Kirsten were both safely sleeping before sneaking out. Why had she come? Nonetheless, she continued to walk to the entrance to the cave.
Checking her watch she noted she was fifteen minutes early. Carefully she pulled her hood down from around her face exposing her blond hair.
A black figure stepped out to meet her. "You're early," He said.
"I'M early?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "What about you?" She couldn't see him in the darkness but tinges of pink shown in his cheeks. Wanting to change the subject he brought up the first thing that came to mind.
"So," Sirius said. "When do you leave tomorrow?"
"Around 10:00AM, after breakfast," She replied. Sirius nodded looking at the ground. "What about you? Aren't you going away for a while?" She asked him.
"Maybe I'll go visit Elizabeth in Germany." He said thoughtfully. "Who knows, maybe someday I'll come visit in America,"
"Oh," She said softly.
"Actually, I'm just planning to keep a low profile. I might go north, or south," Angie smiled.
"Are you sure you'll be OK? These are some dark times," She said.
"I'll make my way. You be careful too,"
"What about Lily and James, and Harry?" Angie asked. "Are they going to be OK?"
"They should be. We did the Fidelius Charm about a week back. They have other plans too," Sirius told her and Angie nodded.
"So," She said uncomfortably. "What exactly are we doing here?"
"Why did you come?" He asked her suddenly. She was about to give him some smartass answer, but she stopped short.
Why had she come? What did she expect? She didn't really know. To her relief Sirius spoke.
"I asked you here because. well, there are a lot of things we need to. clear up before we go our own ways. I don't know if we'll ever have this chance again." This brought tears to her eyes, but she was determined not to cry. "There are a lot of things I wanted to tell you," He said uneasily.
"There's something important I have to tell you too," She said quietly. Sirius studied her anxiously but she didn't continue.
"Don't leave," He said suddenly. Angie looked at him strangely. He looked away from her. He hadn't really meant for it to come out so desperately like that. "I mean," He looked away uncomfortably again and felt for something in his pocket.
"All your friends are here. This is your country. What's for you in America?" He asked. She answered slowly and carefully.
"My future is there, with. Josh and Kirsten,"
"JOSH!" Sirius exclaimed. "What is he going to do for you? Marry you?" Angie said nothing, and the bottom line was: She had no idea what was going to happen or where she and Josh would end up.
"There's nothing left for me here except bad memories,"
"Let's make some good memories," Sirius replied.
"Too little, too late," She replied and Sirius fell silent.
"What could make you stay?" He asked. Angie slowly shook her head.
"I don't know." She trailed off and stared blankly. There was a long awkward silence. "Will I ever see you again?" She asked tearfully.
"If you believe it," He replied softly. She was aware of him coming closer. She felt his warmth wash over her. His intoxicating smell and overwhelming closeness. She didn't really try to stop him, but she knew this couldn't last. Couldn't be.
She felt his eyes looking down on the top of her head. "I wanted to give you this," She said breaking the silence but not looking at him as she handed a small box to him. "Don't open it now," She added. "I mean, it was my father's and Josh, I c- I wanted you to have it. To. remember me," She looked into his eyes and felt a hand clasp painfully around her heart. Those eyes, why had she looking into those handsome brown eyes?"
"Write me," She said quickly breaking the gaze. Sirius looked down at the box he was turning over in his hand.
"I'll miss you," She choked out and quickly began to leave wanting get away from the heartache and stop her tears. But his hand flew to her arm and she stopped as he but didn't turn around, yet.
"What if there was someone here to take care of you and Kirsten? Someone to be here for you?" She turned and looked at him then dropped her gaze quickly to answer.
"I gave upon that dream a long time ago,"
"Why?" She stopped short. She had no answers to these questions and she didn't even know why.
"Angie, there's so many things I want to tell you, things I should have told you a long time ago. but-"
"Please, don't," She interrupted. A tear leaked from her eye, and she wondered why.
"I guess what I'm trying to say is. well, every time I see you with Josh my heart breaks. I can't let you to the United States. It's not where you belong!"
"I don't have anywhere else to go," Angie said trying to ignore his underlying meaning. "And I belong with Josh," She added. She was slightly angry but it didn't show in her voice.
"Do you love him?" Sirius asked.
"What?" Angie asked sharply, caught completely off guard.
"Do you love him?"
"He's the father of my child!" She said angrily, her eyes drying quickly. Why was this any of his business?
"But do you love him?"
"Why?" She asked.
"It's a simple question," He told her.
"I'm going to America tomorrow with Josh," She replied.
"That's not what I asked," He said softly. "And why are you going? You don't want to, I know you don't. Stay here.with me,"
"Why? Because you're going to take care of me. and marry me?" She asked him sarcastically. He would never; he'd be gone in two weeks.
"If you'll have me," He replied. Her mouth fell open as she dropped to the large rock behind her letting out a small stunned sigh.
"Are you asking me?" She gasped.
As if in slow motion he knelt down and pulled a small black box out of the depths of his robes. Tears of unbelievable joy streamed down her face.
"Angela Star, will you marry me?"
**END CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO**
A/N: *Laughs evilly* Now what happens? Bet you'd like to know, wouldn't you? I know this is a really horrible cliff hanger, especially with all the other stuff that has been happening too, sorry. Well, not really.
Don't accuse me of liking long names. Angie has had that name for a lONG time, before Harry's name came into play; I just never mentioned her full name.
ONE MORE CHAPTER LEFT!!!!! I can't believe it!! All of you that have stuck by me, I just wanted to say how greatly you're appreciated. I'll hurry with the last chapter!
OH MY GOD!! THE LAST CHAPTER! (Sorry, I'm just a little excited about it, could you tell?)
ATTENTION: Everyone should go read The White Rose, by Diana Snape, because it's a good story. It's almost finished and it's Harry's generation. Go check it out, I know at the beginning it sounds like Diana is perfect, but trust me, it gets much more interesting. Thanks!
Thank yous:
Naeginnie6: To answer your question about how I came up with Sierra's last name, lets just say that boredom and insanity don't mix. Thanks for the review!!
Buckbeakbabie: Thanks for the review. I hope you had/are having a good holiday. I'm glad you think my chapter was brilliant. and I certainly thought the bed nazi thing was hilarious. she's based after someone I know that really goes crazy about the bed like that. It's so scary it funny! But anyway, I guess it's a good thing you stick to your theories.unfortunately I'm not helping you prove them right or wrong just yet, or maybe I am. hope you liked this chapter!
Hyper Princess: 4:30! WoW! That impresses me. You stayed up that late just to read my chapter. *sniff* *Goes all teary-eyed* Well, maybe you didn't stay up JUST to read my chapter, but you read it anyway and I feel honored. Glad you liked the chapter, and as always, thanks for the review!
Foxy: Thanks for the review. And here, I continued writing, are you going to die now? Lol. I added you to the update list, at least I think I did, so if I didn't you have the personal right to flame the author. Hope you liked the chapter.
Crystal tears: Crystal tears, that sounds painful. Or maybe valuable, I haven't decided yet. Anyway, after this chapter I hope you still think this story is great! Thanks for the review.
Libertygrl413: Thanks for the review as always, and again, sorry about falling behind on your story. I'll catch up someday.
Hermioneg: Don't worry about Kirsten; you'll understand in the sequel, it's all planned out. And the bed-nazi thing was based after one of my friend's, who is totally obsessive about her bed! Lol. Thanks for the review!
Britz: Don't worry about the review thing. I know I was going fast. I just wanted to finish! Well anyway, like I said before, I'm definitely going to check out ANV, and thanks for the review. You give the best ones, without a doubt!
Krissy: I like that word "yayness". I'm glad you reviewed and don't worry about getting busy, it happens, I know. Hope you liked this chapter! Bye!
~Star*dust