Oh, I don't like having to write this chapter! I don't own it either.
This one was originally going to be left basically alone, but then I had a rethink…
The fight at the Department of Mysteries.
It was early June, and Sirius was more restless than ever. It was another hot start to summer, for one thing, and the heat had always made him act up. For another, it was almost the end of the year. The kids would come home soon. And yet they had barely started planning for what would happen then. Would the Weasleys move in to 12 Grimmauld Place again? How much time would Harry need to spend at the Dursleys this time around? If anyone (cough Dumbledore cough) indicated Harry would have to suffer through more than three weeks of his relatives this time around…
To top it all off, Harry hadn't used his mirror at all. Sirius was beginning to wonder if he ought to have been a bit clearer when he'd given it to him. But surely, Harry would have been at least a little bit curious to see what it was? Sirius was a little worried, particularly as Harry's last contact had been through a school fireplace! Sirius scowled, brooding as he fed Buckbeak another rat. If he got his hands on Kreacher, he'd be seriously tempted to kill him right now. Stupid elf had hurt Buckbeak out of sheer spite.
Suddenly, Snape's voice rang out. "Black, if you've received this message, reply immediately."
The tone was so forceful, so urgent, that Sirius did so without question, sending his silver Grim to Snape's location. He even forgot to use the infamous nickname. "Something wrong, Snape? I'm at Headquarters and bored stiff. Is Harry all right?"
Then Sirius began a sweep of the room. The message most likely came from a corporeal Patronus. But he had to be sure. Magic always leaves traces, and there were spells that identified magical signatures. Sirius found evidence of fading magic in the wardrobe, which he quickly identified as Snape's.
"What's old Snivelly got to hide about his Patronus?" Sirius muttered, "Is it a – a swan or something?" He sniggered, imagining it.
Then Snape's voice rang out again. "Only a small matter, Black. I am in control of the situation. However, if you want it to stay that way it is imperative you stay put." Sirius whirled around again, tracking the voice. But it seemed to be avoiding him, keeping just out of his line of sight. Buckbeak squawked and jabbed at something behind him, and Sirius was just able to see a silvery shape with four legs behind the hippogriff before it vanished.
"Maybe it's a – a horse or something. Not too bad I suppose…" But it was so typical of Snape to want to hide it. I suppose if it's not a snake, it's not worth mentioning for Professor High-and-Mighty Spy.
An hour passed, then a bit more. Sirius went down and joined Remus, then Dora when she arrived after work. "Kingsley and Mad-Eye will be over soon." she said, "You'll never guess what happened."
Remus raised his eyebrows. "What?"
"Some idiot let loose something that was – well – certainly an infringement on the Ban on Experimental Breeding. And it started letting off these gases. I forget the name of the main one, but it's that one that – you know – makes you feel like you need to puke. They've sealed off certain levels – or at least they supposedly have – and they're going to clean it up tonight, after most of the day staff have gone home."
Remus shuddered. "How revolting." He said delicately. Sirius knew that Remus…strongly disliked the smell of vomit due to his transformations. He often had a weak stomach on the day directly after each full moon, and was prone to throwing up whatever he ate.
Dora was aware of this fact also, after almost a year of...friendship. Right now, she was actually looking rather pale herself, Sirius noted. Remus realised also. "Tell you what," he said, "How about I make us all a cup of chamomile tea? I always find that helps."
Dora nodded. "Thanks." she said, then watched him as he got up and began bustling around. Sirius noted the soft smile on her face as she did so; the faintly troubled expression in her eyes. He also noted the look of concern Remus wore, and the way he cast glances back at her, trying not to let her see.
Sirius sighed internally. Ever since a certain mission in May, Remus and Dora had been acting more …carefully around each other. Several times, Sirius had walked in on the two of them talking alone. And each time, he'd noted how nervous Remus appeared; how stubborn Dora seemed. There was no denying something had happened on that mission. But neither had exactly admitted what. Hell, neither had really admitted anything! Sirius wasn't blind, however. He could see quite clearly what was afoot. Maybe when Harry came back, he would want to help… After all, James would have.
Oi, Padfoot! An inner voice said, Stop right there. James isn't Harry, remember?
After that disastrous firecall earlier in the year, Sirius (upon discussing it with Remus) had vowed to remember that fact, and practice it. However, it wasn't always easy.
Kingsley and Mad-Eye soon showed up and were also offered chamomile tea, Kingsley in particular. After another half an hour or so, possibly longer, Sirius went upstairs again to check on Buckbeak.
He spent some time there, and was about to head downstairs again when a silvery Patronus came soaring through the window. It was a doe. Sirius stared in open-mouthed shock. Lily? But…
Then the Patronus spoke, in Snape's voice. "Black, listen to me carefully. Potter has led five of his friends into the Forbidden Forest, accompanying Professor Umbridge. None have returned. I believe that Potter has led his merry band off to the Ministry in an idiotic rescue attempt – he believes you have been captured by the Dark Lord. Alert anyone else at Headquarters of the situation. They know what to do. And so should you. Stay put! Remain behind at Headquarters to alert Dumbledore. He's supposed to be checking in physically sometime tonight."
Sirius stood, numb with shock, as the Patronus dissipated. A myriad of thoughts flew around his head. Snape had Lily's Patronus. Harry – and his friends – were in trouble. Snape wore Lily's token? The others needed to be told about the kids. Snape …cared for Lily that much? The kids were in danger. Snape – Snape had to be on their side, then. Bloody hell.
Meanwhile, Remus had gone in search of Sirius. He had arrived just as the doe – with Snape's voice – said they "know what to do". He listened, dumbstruck, to the rest of the message. As the Patronus vanished, he filed the information away for later perusal, shoving it to the back of his mind. Moony could chew on it if he wished.
He strode up to Sirius, recognising the signs. "Padfoot! Look at me." he ordered. James had always been better at this, being higher up in the pack. But Remus could still do it. He grabbed Sirius' wrists firmly whilst holding Sirius' attention with his eyes. Sirius mercifully didn't struggle, for once, but went limp.
"What has happened?" he asked clearly.
#
Not even ten minutes later, Remus, Kingsley, Tonks, Mad-Eye and a disgruntled Sirius raced through the Atrium. Sirius was scowling, still hyped up from the shock of the message, accentuated by the fact that he'd had to waste precious seconds convincing the others not to leave him behind. He had ordered Kreacher to wait for Dumbledore and tell him. Now, they ran, to save a prophecy and quite probably several lives. Including Harry's. The group crammed into the lift, willing it down ever faster, then took to the steps.
The doors were marked with fading, fiery crosses. Good job Hermione, Remus thought, reminding himself to say that to her later. Kingsley whispered, "Where is Harry Potter?"
The doors remained closed. "Come on!" Sirius shouted, "Where IS Harry?" there was a clear note of desperation in his voice. The doors spun, then one clicked open. The group charged through. Then
everything descended into chaos.
Remus was firing spells left and right, holding off two Death Eaters at once. Left – right – left – Kingsley took over one of them, Remus Stunned the other. "Remus, get Harry away -"
Remus understood. Sirius – and, oh Merlin, Dora – were busy fighting and Harry would listen easier to an order from someone he knew.
As he turned, he saw Dora — NO! — falling from the dais, Bellatrix triumphant — but Dora couldn't be dead, she just couldn't be — Sirius ran up to Bellatrix — Remus saw Harry and tore his eyes away from Dora. She'll be all right, she has to be... he had a job to do.
Remus jumped between Malfoy, clearly unmasked, and Harry. "Harry, round up the others and GO!"
He turned and deflected a curse from Malfoy, replying with a non-verbal Stunner and body-bind. Some people never learned.
Remus ran towards Dora. Moody, though injured himself, was weaving spells around her. "Don't just stand there, help me," he grunted.
Then they heard a shout. "DUBBLEDORE!"
All except Sirius and Bellatrix turned. There was Dumbledore, framed in the doorway with an expression of absolute fury and power on his face. At last.
He began reeling Death Eaters in. Remus relaxed slightly and bent to help Moody —
"Come on, you can do better than that!" Sirius yelled, laughing. Remus leapt to his feet. The last time he'd said that to her...and he was standing on the... The next jet of light struck him directly in the chest. NO!
Remus gasped. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Sirius' eyes widened in shock, the smile still on his lips... He started to fall... Remus began running, but he was not fast enough...
Sirius' body curved almost gracefully backwards and fell through the veil, looking somewhat surprised. Remus skidded to a stop. No!
Bellatrix screamed triumphantly. No...no...no... Remus thought.
Then Harry yelled, "SIRIUS!" Remus turned. Harry was running towards the dais, wild hope — desperation — in his eyes. "SIRIUS!"
Remus lunged as Harry leapt. "There's nothing you can do, Harry —" it was costing him everything to say this...
"Get him, save him, he's just gone through!"
Remus' heart cracked to hear the desperate insistence in Harry's voice. "— it's too late, Harry." his heart broke.
"We can still reach him —" Harry struggled hard and furiously, but Remus held on.
"There's nothing you can do, Harry...nothing... he's gone." And left me alone.
"He hasn't gone!" Harry yelled, disbelieving. Remus wished it could be true... "SIRIUS!" Harry bellowed. "SIRIUS!"
"He can't come back, Harry," Remus' voice broke and he tightened his grip around the teen. He didn't want to say it — couldn't bear to — but he had to tell Harry — "He can't come back, because he's d—"
He was almost glad to be interrupted. "HE — IS — NOT — DEAD!" roared Harry. "SIRIUS!"
Remus flinched. Please, Harry... You're only making this harder on yourself...even if I wish you were right… He dragged Harry away from the dais. At first, Harry struggled, staring back at the veil; Remus deliberately kept his eyes averted. Harry's struggles weakened, before he suddenly slumped.
Remus guided Harry to the side of the room, ignoring Dumbledore, who had most of the remaining Death Eaters grouped in the middle of the room, seemingly immobilised by invisible ropes; and Moody, still attempting to revive Dora. Behind the dais there were still dashes of light, grunts and cries – Kingsley had run forward to continue Sirius's duel with Bellatrix.
Remus relaxed his choke-hold on Harry, but still maintained a cautionary grip on his arm nonetheless. Beside him, he heard a voice — Neville, talking to Harry...asking about Sirius. Remus glanced at him
and saw his legs were dancing of their own accord.
"Here," said Remus quietly, and pointing his wand at Neville's legs he said, "Finite."
The spell was lifted: Neville's legs fell back to the floor and remained still. Remus swallowed. "Let's - let's find the others. Where are they all, Neville?"
Remus turned away from the archway as he spoke. Every word felt like a stab in the chest.
He was the last Marauder again.
With a conscious effort, he focused on Neville's answer. "Dey're all back dere," said Neville. "A brain addacked Ron bud I dink he's all righd - and Herbione's unconscious, bud we could feel a bulse."
There was a loud bang and a yell from behind the dais. Remus turned and saw Kingsley hit the ground yelling in pain: Bellatrix Lestrange turned tail and ran as Dumbledore whipped around. Remus paled. Not another friend...not now... Dumbledore aimed a spell at her but she deflected it; she was halfway up the steps now.
Then Remus saw the look on Harry's face. "Harry - no!" he cried, but Harry had already ripped his arm from Remus' slackened grip.
"SHE KILLED SIRIUS!" bellowed Harry. "SHE KILLED HIM I'LL KILL HER!"
He ran off. Remus made to follow, crying, "Harry — no!" — he couldn't lose Prongslet too — but it was too late, Harry had ran through the door, which slammed behind him.
There was a stunned pause. Dumbledore, at last finished with the Death Eaters it seemed, appeared at Remus' side. "I'll go after him. I've healed Kingsley; revive him. Both of you then get the other children and take them back to school using the back exit we saw on the plans. Alastor is taking Miss Tonks to St. Mungo's. I'll send a Patronus once I've finished."
Remus glanced around as Dumbledore swept off and saw Moody levitating Tonks on a stretcher. "Nothing bed rest and a dose of Healer Magic won't cure!" he called.
Remus nodded, his throat suddenly tight. Thank Merlin... he strode over to Kingsley. "Enneverate." he said hoarsely. Kingsley groaned slightly and opened his eyes. "Hi." he mumbled, then sat up gingerly. Remus repeated what Dumbledore had said. He could feel himself slipping into 'auto-pilot' mode. That damn veil was too close...everything was too close...
He closed off that part of his mind. He couldn't deal with it, not now. Not so soon. He had a job to do.
Kingsley cleared his throat and gave him an understanding look. "Let's round up those kids." he said.
Neville stumbled over. "Hi."
Before he could say anything else, Kingsley said, "Episkey," pointing his wand at Neville's nose. Remus felt irritated at himself; he hadn't noticed properly before. He should have.
The nose mended. "Thanks." Neville said, "The others are through that door."
He led the way through. Remus and Kingsley followed after a moment. The teens were grouped in a heap in the centre of the room. Neville was talking to them, and as he spoke, Ginny paled and looked stricken. The others were too out of it, in one way or another. Conjuring stretchers and crutches, Remus and Kingsley led the group out the back way, to a fireplace. They sent a Patronus through to Madam Pomfrey first, then followed.
Poppy ushered the kids through, placing them all on beds. Luna, Ginny and Neville were healed in a trice, while Ron and Hermione "would need to stay in her care for a bit longer."
Then Dumbledore's Patronus came. "Due to the fact Tom — that is, Voldemort — duelled me at the Ministry, Fudge and his cohorts now believe our story. I will explain things in more detail once I have
talked to Harry. Poppy, he is fine physically-" everyone breathed sighs of relief, "- but emotionally, he has been through a lot tonight."
The silver phoenix vanished. Ginny sniffled. "Is it true that Sirius is...?"
Remus nodded wordlessly. Ron turned to stare blankly at them, but Remus found he couldn't take it anymore.
"Kingsley, stay with them. You need Poppy to look at your own injuries." As predicted, Poppy tutted and forced Kingsley onto a bed. Remus turned away. "I'll check on Tonks."
Hmm. Well. Sirius got away from me a bit there. I swear, that's the second time that's happened. Give that guy an inch and he'll take a mile… Ah, well, I suppose he deserves a last hurrah.
I got the idea about 'that gas' due to an incident that happened at school in our science corridor once. Like Tonks, I can't remember the name of the gas.
Still, it's useful expansion, yes?