Quick Update: After a kitchen mishap, Marlene and Daisy are healed by Evangeline. Thomas Potter (James' dad) is very ill and his job stress is worsening his condition. Sirius and Lily bond over charmed objects and Sirius invites her and Marlene to a visit to the Ministry.
…
"What's wrong with James' dad?" Lily asked curiously as she listened to Marlene's retelling of the situation. Marlene was quiet for a moment as she concentrated on clasping her travelling cloak over her black robes and did not respond. Lily was already dressed and ready.
"I saw him the other day. He literally looked like he had seen the grim or something." Lily pondered over Mr Potter's obvious illness.
"Pesky pixies, I can't…clasp it!" Marlene hissed, still struggling. Lily giggled and with a soft sigh, went to help her friend, forgetting about James' dad.
"Cloaks are horrid." Marlene muttered.
"…Yet, useful," came a gentle voice from round the corner.
The voice preceded a sandy-haired, slightly unkempt and dishevelled looking man. And behind him were two disgruntled looking black haired men.
"Remus!" Lily shrieked delightedly and the two friends embraced.
"What am I, chopped liver?" James huffed.
Lily stared at him. "Um…?"
"Oh never mind, Sirius was right. Lets go, we're getting late."
"Did he get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?" Marlene asked just as bewildered. Remus laughed appreciatively but the Muggle saying was lost on Sirius who just stared confusedly at Marlene.
"Don't think so. His bed is next to a wall. Anyway, remind me to not talk to him. I won a bet and he won't pay me." Sirius said in a miffed voice.
"Drop it, Sirius." Remus said patiently as he led the rest of the group out and up the stairs to where James was waiting, impatiently, tapping his foot.
"Bet on what?" Lily asked, curiously.
"You, actually." It was Remus who answered because Sirius moodily chose to not answer.
Suddenly Marlene laughed. "I get it. I know what the bet was about," she quickly explained. Sirius snorted.
"It doesn't matter," Remus hurriedly spoke, ushering Lily away from a grinning Marlene.
"But." she began. "But, nothing. Now come on, Lily!"
"Yes Lily, don't keep darling James waiting."
"Excuse me?" Lily spluttered and the other three of them smothered laughs as they joined a scowling James.
…
The troop was screened at the entrance by a pair of surly security guards. "Wands," one of them snapped at Lily and she gingerly brought out her new wand. The guard made absolutely no comment as he ran his fingers over the polished wood and muttered a few incantations. Lily blushed hotly as her rather enthusiastic spell from the kitchen mishap yesterday, was wrung out from the wand. The security guard scowled as Sirius chuckled and abruptly returned the wand to Lily who pocketed it, hurriedly and passed through the magically enforced bubble barrier. She waited as Sirius, James, Remus and finally Marlene all went through the same process.
"Ever been?" Remus asked gently to Marlene. She shook her head.
"I have," Lily said. "Professor McGonagall once brought me in my fifth year, she said I showed aptitude for charm work at the ministry's misuse of Muggle artefacts," she elaborated as the others sent her bewildered looks. It was mostly unheard of for fifth years, especially Muggle born fifth years, to be escorted to the ministry.
"It's a very important but small department," James volunteered, apparently no longer in a mood with his friends.
"Why is it so small if it's so important?" Marlene queried. It was Sirius who answered, shrugging his shoulders he said: "Ministry doesn't think it's very necessary to protect Muggle artefacts from being cursed or hexed. Bit stupid since the Muggles could easily discover our secret and their masses would overpower our population." Remus and James were nodding as they walked past the atrium. The atrium had various lifts, floo fireplaces and staircases leading to all the different departments at the ministry. "This way," James stated, leading them towards a lift. "The Aurors are on the same floor as the department of misuse of Muggle artefacts," James explained, as he punched the correct floor number on the lift.
"Do you often have to collaborate with the guys at the Muggle artefact department?" Lily wondered.
"Not really. Obliviators are required for most of their cases and its just one guy who looks over the department." James answered.
"Good old Arthur Weasley!" Sirius said stepping off the lift. "And look, girls, that's his office, right there. He's in. Remus you said to remind you if we saw Arthur today."
"Oh yes, I err – have to talk myself out of a date with Arthur's cousin," he said turning a little red at the ears as the others sniggered.
"I think I met his twin sons at the soiree," Lily pondered aloud.
"Yes, Fred and George." James confirmed.
They came to a halt in front of a large black metal door. "And this, ladies and Remus," Sirius began, "is the best department at the ministry."
They walked around the many offices. All the Aurors were talking loudly, laughing or arguing in a friendly manner. It barely looked like a serious work environment. To Lily and Marlene it was like Gryffindor Common Room, just with rather over grown students. "Most of them are ex-Gryffindor students," Remus supplied quietly, as if reading Lily's mind."
Alastor Moody came up to them and glowered at both Sirius and James. It turned out that he was actually attempting to smile at them. Lily would never have thought so unless Sirius had whispered that Alastor was apparently being 'friendly.'
After the Aurory, the party went on to explore other places at the ministry. They ran into a lot of people that the three men seemed to know. Apparently the wizarding community was a lot smaller than Marlene and Lily had previously thought. Eventually they ended back at the corridor where the Aurory was placed. They were just about to enter the lifts when the doors opened. Marlene was the first to spot the men who stepped out.
"Oh no." Marlene breathed.
"What?" Remus asked, turning towards Marlene. But there was no need for clarification. One tall, with long blonde hair and an older man, with shining black, cropped hair. Both refined, both beautiful and yet looking at them, no one could confidently say that Lucius Malfoy and Tom Riddle were good-looking men. Perhaps it was the cruel, calculating look that Riddle looked at Marlene with, or the lustful, degrading smile that Lucius sent towards Lily; but somehow the men instilled fear and a chill into the very core.
"Minister. Mr Malfoy." James spoke, in a professional manner.
Lucius only nodded but Riddle held out his hand to James. "How is the Aurory treating you, young Potter?" he inquired.
"Excellent. As expected." Came the cautious reply.
"Cousin Sirius, how are you? My darling wife asks after you." Riddle carried on, making conversation.
Lucius snorted, and Sirius replied, his mask of indifference slipping smoothly into place. "Good afternoon Cousin Lucius and Cousin Tom. The family must meet sometime. I am certain mother will have many a things to criticise about me. Do convey my best to your wives."
No one could doubt Sirius' acting skills. James, Remus, Marlene and Lily twitched at the mention of the Black family, but it seemed to have appeased Riddle, who smiled – or rather- smirked, once again.
"Well a family catch up is indeed long overdue." Riddle responded as his eyes swept past Remus and Marlene, settling shrewdly on Lily's profile.
"Ah," he said, delicately.
"So this is Miss Lily Evans. I heard you caused quite the stir on Auction Day."
"It was more Potter and his friend, stirring trouble, if we are to be completely honest, Cousin Tom," Lucius spoke quietly, eyes locked with James'.
"Nevertheless, trust a mudblood to create a scene." Riddle said idly. His words were spoken matter-of-factly but the subtle distaste of her kind was not lost on Lily, Marlene or any one else. Lucius, in fact, allowed himself a small smirk.
"Again, I must say Tom, it was me who engaged Miss Evans in conversation on Auction Day. I daresay, she would have rather eaten goblin-food than speak to me of her own volition." Lucius was speaking politely and yet the edge remained in his voice. Riddle raised an eyebrow and asked: "Is that so, Miss Evans. Do you not enjoy speaking with my brother-in-law?"
There was a momentary silence as James and Sirius tried to speak on her behalf, but Lily, finally got her tongue working. "Not in the slightest, minister. In fact Mr Malfoy would be correct in assuming that I'd much sooner eat goblin-food than speak to him."
No one said anything. Lucius was sneering but Riddle chuckled, low in his throat.
Clapping Lucius' shoulder, Riddle looked at Lily and said, "Narcissa would be relieved, I'm sure."
Lucius smiled tightly at Riddle, but remained silent.
"Well, I must be on my way. I believe the wives will be in contact by dinner." Tom directed his speech to Lucius and without a second glance, was gone down the corridor, leaving the rest by the lifts.
At once, the attitude of the remaining party took a 180-degree turn.
"Move, Malfoy," Sirius snarled.
Lucius Malfoy sneered and continued standing there. "Not before I have spoken with Miss Evans."
"I think she made it perfectly clear that she doesn't wish to engage in any conversations with people of your kind, Mr Malfoy," Remus supplied, his tone clipped yet impeccably polite.
Lucius looked disdainfully at Remus. "I do not recall asking permission from filthy half-breeds, Lupin," he spat.
Furious, Sirius spoke up again. "Get out, before I arrest you, Malfoy."
Lucius laughed, coldly, unpleasantly and attempted to snatch Lily's arm. Lily yelped and in order to free herself from his clutches, she shoved her elbow in Lucius' cold and pale face.
"You bloody wench, how dare you strike me." He was towering over her. Lily was trembling and she felt bile rise from her stomach. Lucius was raising his hand, the other clutching his wand. He was going to punish her now. Lucius was touching her. Forcing her to his will. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't cry for help.
But then she blinked.
She was no longer his. She no longer had to survive at the hands of evil. She was with Potter now. James. Benevolent, forgiving, good, James.
And Lily, stumbling slightly, turned away from Lucius. She ran and ran as fast as she could down the ministry corridor.
Faintly she heard footsteps falling behind her and a voice calling out to her desperately.
"Stop. Lily wait. Wait up."
And she did. She waited, her chest heaving and her hair falling out of her loose ponytail.
It was James.
She looked up into his concerned hazel eyes. Her own eyes were glistening with unshed tears. Gently, James moved his hand to cup her cheek and with care, wiped the moisture from her eyes.
"You don't have to be afraid of him." He spoke, quietly.
Lily shook her head. "All those memories, James. I c-can't forget those nights. He raped me James! He raped me." And with that, Lily broke down. Her sobs, desolate and sorrowful, wrecking over her small frame like waves cutting at rock.
James gathered her into his arms.
"I'll take care of you. You're safe with me. You are a strong, intelligent witch, Lily. Do not ever let scum like Malfoy bring tears to your eyes."
He spoke feverishly, angry at the world and angry with himself for not realising what kind of monsters the world was breeding. James continued to soothe the girl and internally he relished in thoughts of bringing about Malfoy's ruin.
"Do you want to go back to them or shall we head home now?" he asked her eventually.
"I want to go back to the manor. I don't think I-," she sniffed and her voice broke as another sob threatened to overcome her.
"Come on. I'll send a patronus to the rest. We'll go now."
…
"I should probably head back, Sirius." Remus sighed, stretching his arms and. Sirius nodded distractedly. "Will you take Marlene back to Potter Manor first?"
Marlene looked up from watching James' stag patronus bounding around in the corridors. "Aren't you coming back?"
"Just got some things to catch up on."
Marlene stared at him with perplexed eyes. Sirius grinned and bumped her shoulder. "Worry doesn't suit you, dear. I'll be back before you know it. Don't miss me too much!"
"As if!" she chuckled as Remus and her started to walk back towards the lifts leading to the ministry atrium. She looked back a few seconds later and Sirius was still standing there. She frowned slightly but turned back and engaged in conversation with Remus. Just then a blonde woman sidled up to Sirius, and gently tapped his shoulder.
"Cousin," the woman greeted.
"Narcissa," Sirius replied and beckoned her towards the ministry lifts.
…
"Are you okay carrying those?" Peter asked, popping up suddenly beside Marlene and Lily.
"Pesky Pixies!" Lily cried, almost dropping the dinner trays.
"Sorry," Peter grinned, sheepishly as he steadied Lily's arm.
"How come you didn't join us at the ministry today?" Marlene questioned as the three of them made their way down to the living room. Peter averted his eyes. Shuffling, he mumbled, "Mum is ill again. Had to go home."
Marlene's forehead creased. "Is she okay? She seems to get ill very often."
"Yeh, it's really upsetting," he spoke morosely.
"Still, its not as bad as James' dad." Lily quipped.
"That is very true. How unfortunate to die of a Muggle disease like cancer!" Peter's tone seemed less despondent but he still wasn't sounding as happy as he had when he first arrived.
"Cancer? Merlin, no wonder he looks so unwell!" Lily said loudly. Just then James opened the door and stared curiously at Lily.
Before, he could question them; Marlene thrust the trays along with Lily's, into Peter and James' arms, and pulled Lily back with her towards the kitchen.
"Lots of work to do," she told James, flashing a smile at his direction.
…
"Narcissa came to my office again today," Sirius said conversationally. James raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything. Peter made a funny strangling sound and Remus frowned and asked in a surprisingly severe voice.
"What did she want this time?"
Amusement clouded Sirius' face.
"The same old, same old."
His statement was met with silence.
It was clear that whatever the 'same old' conversation was, it wasn't a preferred topic of conversation.
"You needn't look so alarmed. I refused. Obviously,"
"I'm surprised you haven't gone and told Alastor already. She's practically telling you that they've reformed the death eaters." Remus answered.
"Point," Peter muttered quietly.
"If I joined her cause would you tell Moody?" Sirius asked Remus intently.
James leant in slightly, curious for Remus' answer.
"If you were going to hurt people like Lily and Marlene and maybe even me, then yes. I would report you to the head of your department."
"They're his family, moony," James said softly, trying to diffuse the tension.
"And what about us? Do we mean nothing to him?"
"You're being unreasonable. I can't betray my own blood. Black as it may be, I'm part of it."
"The family that disowned you?" Remus said softly.
"You're willing to let them use you, Sirius?"
Sirius didn't reply and instead lit up another cigarette, choosing to end the conversation before he and Remus had another fight. They just didn't understand. Of course he wasn't going to join. But they were still his family. He didn't want them hurt just as much as he wanted to protect Peter or even Remus himself. Though, Remus could probably protect himself far better than Sirius himself. Peter, well. Peter could do with all the protection he could get. He looked discretely at his friends. Each was lost in their own world, probably musing over him.
The living room door banged open, pulling Sirius out of his disparaging thoughts. Evangeline was standing there.
At once Peter, Remus and Sirius sprang up.
"Mum!" James exclaimed.
"What on Earth is the matter?" Remus asked sharply, noting quickly how distressed Evangeline looked. To an outsider, she would have looked well put together. But her bun was sloppy, her make up missing and her hands were shaking.
"I've received a note from the ministry, just now." She spoke softly.
James stepped forward, confused and scared as to why his mother was so panicked.
"Your father has been hit with a fatal hex, James."
Peter squawked and Sirius worked his jaw.
James was silent. Staring at his mother. "How bad is he?" he asked finally.
"We don't know, yet. He's been admitted to St. Mungo's."
"We must go to him, at once," Sirius finally said, taking lead where mother and son could only stare at each other in horror. "Remus and Peter you take care of the girls and inform the staff." Sirius ordered and quickly Remus and Peter followed. More gently, Sirius steered Evangeline towards the floo and nudged James to go in first.
"St Mungo's," James whispered and closed his eyes as he stepped into the sooty flames. His mother's quiet sobs crashed around his ears like alarm bells.
His father was hit. His father was in hospital. James was an Auror. He wasn't stupid. He knew that the chances of anyone surviving fatal hexes were less than satisfactory. To be hit by a hex in a state as vulnerable as Thomas Potter's, the prognosis was not good. James forced himself to not think of the worst. If there wasn't hope, than what was left? But try as he might, despite his training on the battlefield, James' hands shook and sweat formed on his forehead as he and his mother, along with Sirius waited for the healer to give them news.
…
AN: Sorry for long absences! Hope this chapter was satisfactory. Sorry to end on such a low note. To be fair, we are approaching some gritty parts of the story. Please let me know what your thoughts on this are!
-Vitzy-