Hello all! Thanks for sticking with us I know that this chapter took a tad longer than we expected! On the plus side it's a nice and long one. Enjoy!
Casselle's eyes strayed, as they often did, to Sirius laying next to her still oblivious to the world around him. His bare chest rose and fell as he slept, his shaggy hair fanned across the pillow. He looked so much younger when he slept.
Casselle fought the urge to reach out and touch him, wanting to let him sleep while he could.
She shifted her attention to the book sitting on the nightstand next to her, reaching out to pick it up. She flipped through the familiar pages of Pride and Prejudice smiling as her eyes scanned the familiar words.
She had loved this novel since she was little, and had read it more times then she could count. She laughed softly as she flipped to the section Sirius had highlighted with his proposal. Mr. Darcy proceeded to insult Elizabeth in every way possible as he proclaimed his love for her; it was her favorite passage in the entire novel.
"Hmmm I suppose you could still read it word for word even with the middle of the pages cut out," Sirius murmured turning and nuzzling his chin against her stomach.
Casselle laughed as the scruff on his chin tickled her skin, "I suppose I could," she replied stroking his hair.
"I can't remember the last time you were awake before me," Sirius stated resting his head on her stomach and closing his eyes.
"Hmm I guess I wore you out last night," she teased ruffling his hair.
"Sirius Black does not get worn out!" Sirius replied with mock indignation.
"Whatever you say love," Casselle teased, and as she knew he would Sirius pulled her down to him and murmured.
"I guess I'll just have to prove it to you."
Two hours later Casselle and Sirius laid tangled together in the sheets of their bed, breathing heavily.
"Remind me to doubt you more often," Casselle panted burying her face in his chest.
Sirius chuckled, his chest vibrating against Casselle's cheek, as he stroked her hair. "Lily and James wanted us over for tea today…I think I forgot to mention that last night," Sirius replied.
"Since when do any of us have tea?" Casselle teased raising her head to look him in the eye.
"Since we graduated and became mature adults," Sirius teased taking her hand and kissing her ring finger.
"Ahhh so it's an excuse to give them the good news then?" Casselle replied with a smile.
"Yes and I think James is counting on me being rejected so make sure you lay it on thick," Sirius teased.
"Hmm I think I can do that," Casselle replied pulling his face towards hers and kissing him soundly.
An hour later Casselle stood in front of their mirror fidgeting with her dress trying to make it lay straight.
"Cass we're going to be late if you don't hurry!" Sirius called impatiently from the living room.
"I'm coming!" Casselle called fluffing her hair before leaving the bathroom.
"Finally," Sirius muttered as Casselle entered the living room.
"It's a special day!" Casselle replied defensively. "It's not every day that you announce your engagement. Though I have a feeling James already knows…"
Sirius shrugged sheepishly, "Had to get my best mates advice, no one else knows though as long as Prongs kept his big mouth shut, so Lily, Wormtail, and Moony should still be fairly shocked."
Casselle nodded a slight flutter beginning in her stomach, "You think they'll all be…I mean to say you don't think they'll think that…we're making a mistake?" Casselle asked worriedly. She hadn't given much thought to other people's reaction to the news, but the thought that their friends would reject their engagement suddenly had her sick with worry.
Sirius paused considering her question for a moment, "This isn't some excuse you're making to not marry me right?"
"No of course not! I love you and I'll always love you," Casselle replied. "I just mean that we're really young… and what if people get the wrong idea?"
Sirius stared at her intently, "Is there anyone else you could picture your life with?"
"No but-"
Sirius cut her off and plowed on "Do you want to get married?"
"Of course its ju-"
"Do you love me?"
"I just said I did bu-"
"Then to hell with what anyone else thinks Cass," Sirius replied taking her hand in his. "We don't need to explain ourselves to anyone, nor do we need anyone's approval for our actions. I'm marrying you because it feels right and I know I couldn't live without you. And of course we're young but if I've learned anything in the last couple of months it's that we don't all get to live to an old age and I'll be damned if I die before I married you."
"You're right of course," Casselle mumbled squeezing his hand. "I'm just being silly again aren't I?"
"Of course you are," Sirius replied with a hint of a grin, "But that's what I'm here for, to tell you when you're being a prat."
Casselle laughed swatting him playfully on the arm, "I'm never a prat!"
"Whatever you say love," Sirius teased ruffling her hair affectionately. "Now come on we're late enough as it is."
Casselle nodded grabbing her purse and turning on the spot.
The two arrived in Lily and James's living room with a loud crack, giving Lily who was sitting on the couch a start.
"Stop doing that!" She scolded pressing her hand to her heart, "You're going to give me a bloody heart attack!"
Casselle grinned, "Sorry Lil," she replied pulling her friend into a hug as she shared a grin with Sirius.
"Tell me there's going to be food I'm starving," Sirius added giving Lily a one armed hug after her and Casselle had separated.
"When are you not hungry?" Lily replied rolling her eyes and leading them into the kitchen. "The rest of the boys are out back, I think James managed to talk them into a game of Quidditch."
Sirius nodded pushing past the girls and slipping out the back door to join his friends.
"So much for being hungry," Casselle laughed continuing to the kitchen with Lily.
"The only thing those boys love more than food is each other," Lily teased leaning against the counter. "Anyways I was hoping you'd help me with lunch."
The two worked in silence making sandwiches and other finger foods for their afternoon meal.
"So what did you and Sirius do last night?" Lily asked after they finished making lunch.
"Oh erm now that you mention it…Sirius-well Sirius proposed, we're engaged!" Casselle replied with a sheepish grin at her friend.
"Engaged!" Lily shrieked her eyes going automatically to Casselle's ring finger.
"Yep, engaged…trust me you're as shocked as I was."
"Oh Cass!" Lily gushed taking her hand and staring at the ring. "Bloody hell it's huge!"
Casselle laughed and Lily soon joined her before throwing her arms around her friend. "I'm thrilled for you!"
"Really?" Casselle asked pulling back so she could see Lily's expression.
"What do you mean really!? Of course I am! Why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know we're just really young and we don't have jobs yet or anything like that," Casselle replied with a shrug.
"Hmm sounds like you're the one who's a little unsure," Lily teased bumping her shoulder against Casselle's.
"Not unsure, just….practical," Casselle teased. "You'll be my maid of honor right?"
"Oh Cass! Of course I will!" Lily exclaimed. "Have you set a date? Or a venue for that matter…and of course we'll have to go dress shopping. Oh Cass! You're getting married!"
Casselle's grin spread as the words resonated hitting her for the first time. She was getting married.
"How did he ask you?"
Casselle launched into the story of Sirius's elaborate proposal and by the time she was done with the story the boys were making their way in the house.
"Bloody hell he really goes for it doesn't he," Lily replied grinning from ear to ear. "They'll be hungry we better get this stuff on the table."
Casselle helped Lily set the places at the table and soon they were all seated around the table enjoying butterbeer and sandwiches.
"So me and Cass have an announcement," Sirius announced grinning from ear to ear.
Everyone looked up from their food expectantly as Casselle and Sirius shared a grin.
"We're engaged!" Casselle exclaimed to the room holding out her hand for them all to see.
There was a moment silence before the room erupted into a round of congratulations.
James leaned over and slapped Sirius on the back offering his congratulations before moving to Casselle and pulling her into a hug.
"I can't believe you said yes," James teased giving her a light squeeze.
"Me either," Casselle replied laughing as James released her.
"It was my famous charm," Sirius called smirking at the pair of them.
"I'm still betting he slipped her a love potion back in sixth year," Remus replied slapping Sirius on the shoulder.
The rest of them laughed as Sirius scowled.
"Nah Padfoot's to shoddy at potions," James teased slapping his friend on the back.
"Just wait till it's your turn mate," Sirius threatened giving James a knowing look effectively silencing him.
"I think champagne is in order!" Lily announced leaving the dining room to retrieve a bottle but not before Casselle saw the flush on her cheeks.
"Who would have thought Sirius would be the first marauder down the aisle," Remus mused as they all took their seats.
"I can hardly believe it myself," Sirius replied with a grin. "But when you know you know," He reached over taking Casselle's hand in his and giving it a squeeze.
Lily returned with the champagne and they all enjoyed a glass or two easily talking amongst themselves for a while.
"Let's all go out for dinner!" Casselle said standing up determined to not let this day of celebration end.
"Where should we go?" Sirius asked
"I don't know, somewhere where I can show off my huge ring!" She said with a smile.
"I know the perfect place," James said standing up and pulling Lily with him. "Come on." James said leading them to the door. They rolled their eyes at James's enthusiasm and followed behind. James and Lily's flat was in downtown London. They walked a few blocks to a wizarding restaurant in a shady alley.
"I know it looks a little dangerous, but it's just the outside to keep muggles out. The inside is much better trust me," James said opening the door for everyone to shuffle in.
James was right, the inside was cozy with warm colors on the wall and furniture. It had large cushioned booths lining the walls and hightops throughout the floor plan.
They enjoyed a quiet meal, while Casselle jokingly waved her wedding ring around to be admired by passing women. She smiled and winked at Sirius every time a woman jealously commented on the ring. They were in high spirits when they exited the restaurant and not ready to go home. They decided to walk to the park when they arrived Casselle and Lily took over the swings and Sirius and James pushed them idly.
"I've erm got to go," Peter announced standing abruptly glancing from side to side.
"Got a hot date Wormy?" Sirius asked with a wink.
"Oh erm yeah, I'll see you guys later then," he called hurrying off into the shadows before disappearing with a loud pop.
Casselle's brow furrowed as she watched him leave, something about his demeanor seemed off. "Do you guys feel like Peter's been acting strangely lately?"
"Ah Wormys just in love, makes a man do crazy things," James replied with an easy smile.
"I guess you're right," Casselle agreed not entirely convinced.
After a half around of playing around in the park they decided to head back, as they were leaving the park multiple loud pops went off around them. They all pulled out their wands, knowing instantly what the pop was.
"Well if it isn't my favorite little Gryffindors," Voldemort sneered stepping out of the shadows. "Come to have a little fun in the park?"
Sirius hissed stepping closer to block Casselle. "What do you want?" He hissed, disgust plain on his face.
"I have come with a proposition," He stated simply.
"Like we would accept anything from you," James spat out.
"You might accept this one, it has incredible benefits." He said with a snide smile.
"Why don't you just spit it out, so we can reject it and move on with our lives," Casselle said fury burrowing in her blood as he ruined her night of celebration.
"I have decided to make an exception and allow all of you to join my side," He said spreading his arms out like he was other them the world.
Sirius barked out a laugh, "That's rich, that you would actually think we would agree and join you in your tirade to destroy the world and our kind."
"This is your last chance, maybe you should think about it, you do have a mudblood there that will easily be targeted and a half blood not to mention a werewolf and you two as blood traitors. You will be the biggest targets for my army if you deny me now." Voldemort stated as if it was a simple fact.
"We don't need your protection we have all the protection we need standing beside Dumbledore. Not to mention we can dance circles in a duel with any of your lot," He sneered smirking at the death eaters that surrounded them.
"Is that a challenge?" Voldemort asked intrigued at the idea.
"Why not? Me against any one of your little followers." Sirius said pride taking over, as Casselle gripped his arm painfully in fear.
"And what do I get if I win?" Voldemort asked.
"The satisfaction that one of your biggest threats is dead." Sirius said simply while Casselle sucked in a breath in horror.
"That is intriguing, but how about the rest of you join me without squabble?"
"Like Hell!" Casselle burst out unable to contain her hatred. "You can't control us! We aren't puppets, we're people! You can't decide our fate based on a battle, even if you win we wouldn't go with you, if Sirius died you can bet I would spend my last breath hunting you down and killing you myself. There's nothing in this world that would stop me in avenging his death." She said as she stepped away from Sirius in front of Voldemort. "You can have your battle, but either way we would never go with you. We chose the winning side, Dumbledore's side a long time ago. And your false promises of safety and power mean nothing to us. Because we know the truth about you, you're nothing but a spineless insecure little man who was bullied at a young age and decided to take that hatred out on innocent people." She glared up at him her body shaking with rage.
Sirius stepped up next to her, holding her back afraid of what her little speech would cause Voldemort to do.
"Well it seems we have our answer then." Voldemort said glaring down at Casselle. Fury at her true words made him itch for his wand and that simple curse that would finish her off. "It seems we have nothing else to discuss," he said motioning to his death eaters. "But mark my words Casselle Dawson, you are at the top of my list to kill. You won't always have your knight to protect you, and when his back is turned you will be mine." He hissed.
"I don't need a knight to save me, I can take you on myself. So mark my words, when I find you alone away from your little lackeys there won't be anything left for them to find of you." Her words burned with the disgust she felt for him.
Voldemort stood straighter unable to find a response to that. He turned on the spot and disappeared along with his death eaters. When the last pop left the night quiet again Casselle blew out a breath of relief, before Sirius whipped her around to face him. "Are you insane? What were thinking challenging him?" Sirius exploded his fear for her life causing him to shout.
"Me? You're the one challenging them to duel? And risk our lives in the process! How could you!" She yelled shoving him. "You don't get to propose to me and then turn around asking for a death wish! This is Voldemort were talking about! He doesn't fight fair! The minute you would start to win he'd throw someone else in there to fight you or five more! You idiot!" She cried out tears springing to her eyes as the realization of what could have happened hit her.
Sirius wrapped his arms around her as she clung to him. "You're both too hot headed for your own good." James said relief washing over him, now that Voldemort was gone. "You two are going to get us all killed if you don't watch your mouths," he said trying to make a joke out of it, but his voice was too serious.
"We do need to work on that," Casselle said smiling softly as she sniffled back the rest of her tears. "The good news is, we're all still here and on Dumbledore's side." She said pulling away and looking back at her friends standing around them. They had a long hard road ahead of them.
"Cass! I'm here!" Lily called as she entered the flat Casselle and Sirius shared.
"That's my cue to leave," Sirius muttered rising quickly from the couch. "I'll see you later tonight love," he whispered kissing Casselle gently on the lips before turning on the spot and disappearing from the living room with a crack.
Casselle sighed, "I'm in the living room Lil!" For the last week Sirius had been running off whenever Lily came around, claiming all the wedding planning was bad for his health.
"Was that Sirius that ran off?" Lily asked ruefully a slight frown on her face. Lily had made clear her sentiments that Sirius should be more active in helping with the wedding planning.
"Erm yeah he had an-an interview at the ministry…" Casselle lied scooting over so Lily could join her on the couch.
"So you've heard back about your auror applications?" Lily asked.
"No not yet, just trying to keep our options open," Casselle lied quickly. "Anyways I assume you're here for some more planning?"
"Well someone has to keep you two on track," Lily scolded. "Honestly if I left you to it then you'd never make it down the aisle."
Casselle grunted in response taking the magazine Lily handed her.
"Have you given any more thought to the dress you want to wear?" Lily asked flipping through the magazine in her hand. "I don't think the traditional ball gown would really suit you…"
"No I definitely don't want to walk down the aisle in some puffy monstrosity," Casselle agreed flipping idly through her own magazine.
"Maybe something like this?" Lily asked holding her own magazine up to show Casselle a picture of a bride in a close fitting dress. It was an off white color with a delicate trim of lace around the hem and neckline.
"That's really pretty Lil," Casselle complimented taking the magazine from her and looking at it closely. I just can't imagine myself walking down the aisle, she thought to herself before handing it back to Lily. "Definitely a contender."
"Good because we need an idea of what we're looking for before we actually go shopping…which I was thinking we'd do next weekend."
"Next weekend! The wedding isn't until October!" Casselle exclaimed.
"Yes and they'll probably have to order one to fit your measurements, honestly Cass your wedding is less than four months away!" Lily scolded.
"No it's at least four if not five," Casselle replied trying to remember the date.
"No Cass its two and a half, its July 15th!" Lily replied. "I don't know how you can live without even knowing what day it is."
Casselle shrugged, "We're still waiting to hear about our Auror applications so without a job it's hard to keep track…"
"Sometimes I swear you sound just like James," Lily teased nudging her friend.
Casselle laughed, "There are worst compliments, I mean you're in love with him after all."
Lily laughed, "Now we need to talk about your decorations and guest list…do you have an idea about who you want to invite?"
"Well everyone from the Order obviously…and you and James are going to be in the wedding. And your parents are both invited as well as James's mom and dad."
"You-you erm don't want to invite your parents then?" Lily asked hesitantly.
Casselle offered her friend a sad smile, "No I don't…my brother would probably give the date and location to Voldemort anyway. Sirius isn't inviting his either. Just his cousin Andy and her husband Ted. Their expecting to, a little girl I think so if she's arrived by then she's obviously invited to."
Lily nodded deciding it was best not to breach the subject further. "So overall that's around forty people. You're still planning to have it at James's parent's estate right?"
Casselle nodded grinning, her and Sirius had decided on the location because it was the closet home they had ever had besides Hogwarts of course."
"And you've already booked the official from the ministry to preside over the ceremony right?"
"Actually we asked Dumbledore to do it…and he agreed," Casselle replied with a smile.
"Really Dumbledore?" Lily asked surprised.
"Yep we both agreed that we'd rather someone we knew do it…"
"Well then that's all settled now about your flower selection…"
Lily didn't leave until well past eight, leaving Casselle feeling exhausted. Honestly sometimes it felt like the wedding planning and not the war was the hardest part of her life.
She was relaxing in the bath when she heard a loud crack from the living room, she grabbed her wand from the bath tub ledge, "Sirius?" she called hesitantly.
"Don't worry it's just me," Sirius replied from the door way. "Though I have to say the Death Eater that came into this would be the luckiest Death Eater in the world."
Casselle grinned setting her wand down, "All part of my plan to distract them," she teased settling back into the bubbles.
"Hmm well it's certainly distracting," Sirius purred crossing the room and sitting on the ledge of the tub. "Need someone to scrub your back?" He asked waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Casselle laughed, "Hmm I think I could use and hand or two."
An hour later the pair of them were dressed and out of the tub feeling clean and content.
"I have to admit I never thought I'd enjoy a bubble bath that much," Sirius teased.
"And you've never smelled this good before either," Casselle quipped dodging the playful smack Sirius aimed at her.
"So what time did Evans leave?"
"Ugh around eight thirty I swear she's driving me crazy with all this wedding planning," Casselle complained.
"We could always elope," Sirius replied with a grin squeezing Casselle's shoulder.
"Tempting," Casselle replied with a sigh.
"I thought a wedding was something all girls already had planned out in their head."
Casselle made a face, "I don't know, it's not something I'd ever really seriously considered…I guess I'm the exception. But don't worry Lily has more than enough planned for both of us."
Sirius laughed and ruffled her hair.
Casselle was jolted awake by the blaring alarm that was sounding through their apartment. She had thought that she might get used to it, after all it went off at least once a week, but it still jarred her.
She and Sirius dressed in a tense silence before grabbing their wands and apparating to headquarters .
Dumbledore waited for everyone to arrive before saying anything, "There's been a raid by the Death Eaters in West Chester. It seems like the target was a mix of muggle born wizards and muggles. We need everyone we can to go and get as many people out as possible. Remember that the Death Eaters won't hesitate to kill you so do not hesitate to act. Capture anyone is possible but not at the risk of your life. As always report back here after your task has been completed."
Casselle shared a grave look with Lily before turning on the spot and disappearing.
She landed in a yard and stumbled slightly attempting to get her bearings. There was screaming coming from all directions and Casselle barely had time to take cover before a jinx came flying her way.
She pointed her wand from behind the corner of the house, "Stupify," she whispered satisfied as she heard the body crumple to the ground. She crept out from her hiding place and glanced around, the screaming sounded further away now, or maybe she had just gotten used to it.
Casselle made her way towards the full front of the fight dodging and sending hexes with a speed she didn't know she possessed. She saw two hooded figures slip into a house on her right and after throwing a curse at the Death Eater in front of her she took off after them.
Casselle paused in the doorway to the house, it was oddly silent after the chaos from outside. She took a deep breath and lowered the walls around her mind pushing it out and feeling for another presence. Her mind connected with the first Death Eaters with an unpleasant sensation.
Casselle pushed her mind against his barriers slamming herself against them with as much force as she could muster. She heard someone call out and knew she had successfully incapacitated him.
Her victory was short lived however, as a jet of purple hit her wand hand. She gasped in pain and dropped her wand clutching her wounded hand to her body. She crouched down putting the couch between her and the hallway the curse had come from.
She inspected her hand grimacing as she noted the bright red skin, her hand felt like it was on fire and when she tried to move it the burning sensation became unbearable. She put the pain out her mind and looked around for her wand.
It was on the ground a couple of meters from her hiding place the only problem was it laid outside of the protection of the couch.
Think, she commanded herself trying not to panic as she heard the heavy footsteps approaching from the hallway.
"Avada Ka-"
"Stupefy!" A familiar voice rang from the doorway of the house.
Casselle breathed a sigh of relief as she heard the Death Eaters body crumple to the ground. "Thanks Benjy," she said rising from her hiding place. "I was in a tight spot there."
"No worries," The older boy replied with a friendly grin. "Are there any more of them in here?"
"No I took care of the other one," she replied bending and picking up her wand wincing as pain flashed through her right hand. "Bloody hell," she murmured glancing at her hand, the skin was beginning to blister; apparently the hex had been some sort of slow burning curse.
"Are you alright?" Benjy asked moving closer to her concern etched on his face.
"Yeah I'm fine, I just got hit with a curse, nothing life threatening. We'd better get back out there…"
Benjy nodded in agreement and the two of them returned to the brunt of the fight outside. Casselle switched her wand to her left hand and suffered multiple minor injuries for it. Her reflexes were slow and her aim was awkward and off. She made a silent promise to go back and give the Death Eater that had injured her a good kick when the fight was over…assuming that she lasted that long.
Casselle was fighting what felt like the millionth Death Eater when her footing faltered. She stumbled and landed on the ground with a hard thud. The figure beneath the cloak uttered a cold laugh and advanced upon her.
"I hoped I'd be the one to kill you," the figure hissed and Casselle's eyes widened in recognition.
"Bellatrix," she hissed her jaw clenching.
"It's been a long time half blood," the older girl drawled training her wand on Casselle's chest. "It's a pity you wasted your only chance, Avada Ka-"
For the second time that night Casselle was saved from the curse that was meant to end her life by Benjy. He had managed to hit Bella with a well place Conjunctivitis curse.
"Can't leave you alone for five minutes can I Dawson?" Benjy teased with a grin.
"I seriously owe you," Casselle stated getting hastily to her feet returning the grin. The smile quickly fell from her face. She met Bellatirx's triumphant gaze as the older girl trained her wand on Benjy. Casselle didn't have time to yell a warning before a jet of sickly yellow hit her friend in the back.
Benjy's eyes meet Casselle's for a moment before the spell took effect. Casselle screamed as the carnage of the spell hit her. She was covered in blood none of it her own and in the spot Benjy had previously stood was vacant. The gruesome aftermath of the spell had spread a couple of feet in every direction.
Casselle stood rooted to the spot staring in horror at the space Benjy had previously occupied while Bellatrix cackled, like Casselle she was covered in the gore from her spell but unlike Casselle she seemed to relish in it.
Rage unlike anything Casselle had ever experience before rushed through her, her vision went red and her revulsion was temporarily forgotten as she stared at Bellatrix with the utmost hatred.
"Crucio!" she screamed watching with a sick satisfaction as Bellatrix crumpled to the ground. Casselle held the spell for as long as she could, only allowing Bella a moments rest before starting again.
Casselle didn't know how long she stood there before a pair of arms wrapped around her pulling her away from Bella's crumpled figure.
"Casselle its over," Sirius whispered pulling her further away from the unconscious Bella as the others descended upon them.
Casselle staggered away from him and promptly vomited in the grass. After she had emptied all the contents of her stomach she shakily wiped her mouth on the back of her hand which came away smeared with Benjy's blood. Feeling nauseous all over again she staggered to her feet.
"Cass?" Sirius asked softly approaching her slowly. "Are you alright?"
Casselle turned allowing Sirius to get his first good glimpse at her. He sucked in a breath as he took it in. She was covered from head to toe in what looked like blood. It coated her face and her hair making stiff rusty streaks all over her. Her eyes had a dead look to them holding none of their usual sparkle.
"Cass what happened? Are you hurt?" Sirius whispered urgently taking her hand in his.
Casselle didn't even have the energy to wince as Sirius gripped her injured hand. She couldn't find her voice the image of Benjy's last moments played over and over again behind her eyelids.
Concerned Sirius took her hand and turned on the spot apparating them both back to the head quarters.
"I need some help!" He called setting Casselle down on one of the cots that had been set up in the living room for the injured.
Lily came rushing into the room stopping short as she caught sight of Casselle. "What happened?" She demanded rushing to Casselle's side and checking for injuries. "Where are you cut Cass? Cass? Where is the blood coming from?" Lily paused in her search. "What happened to her?" She asked directing the question to Sirius.
"I don't know I didn't see it…is she going to be alright?"
"Well she doesn't seem to be bleeding but I don't know where all this blood came from then…"
Casselle heard their voices as if they were coming from far away. "Benjy," she managed not looking at either of them as she said it.
"What?" Sirius asked gently putting his hand on her forearm.
"Benjy…the blood…its-its his," Casselle explained tears flooding her eyes.
The other two fell silent at her words obviously afraid to ask for more details.
"Bella…Bellatrix just-just blew him up," Casselle finished her whole body beginning to tremble. Her nausea was returning full blast and she made a motion for the trash can next to the cot, Lily understanding what was happening a split second before Sirius thrust the bucket to Casselle holding her soiled hair as she emptied the contents of her stomach into the pale.
When she emerged Lily and Sirius were watching her anxiously. "I need a bath," Casselle announced glancing at Lily pleadingly.
"Cass I don't think it's a good idea for you to be alone right now," Lily replied gently.
"I NEED a bath," Casselle replied her voice bordering on hysterical. "I can't sit here covered in his BLOOD!"
Lily nodded not knowing what else to do but give in, "Fine but I'm staying with you."
"I'll come to," Sirius added standing and making to follow them.
"No," Casselle replied quickly. "I-I just need a minute."
Sirius hesitated before nodding and sinking back down on the cot as Lily and Casselle left the room.
Casselle avoided the mirror in the bathroom not wanting to remember her reflection covered in Benjy's remains. Instead she went straight to the bathtub and turned the water as hot as it would go.
She and Lily waited in silence as the tub filled. Once it was over halfway full of steaming water Casselle ripped her clothes off and climbed in. The water scorched her skin but she refused to flinch instead she immersed herself in the boiling water scrubbing almost desperately at her hair and skin. The only thing she wanted in this moment was to be clean. Clean of the gore that coated her skin, clean of the ugliness she had been forced to witness, clean of this pointless war.
She submerged herself staying under the burning water for as long as she could bear before resurfacing. She repeated the process a couple more times closing her eyes tightly to avoid looking at the water that was slowly turning the color of rust.
Lily moved closer to the tub stilling Casselle's hundredth submersion with a soft hand on her shoulder, "Let me help with your hair," the red head commanded softly picking up the bottle of shampoo from the side of the tub and working it through Casselle's hair.
Casselle sat in silence as Lily worked keeping her eyes tightly shut, maybe if she refused to look she'd open her eyes and find that the whole thing had been an awful dream.
Lily pushed on Casselle's head letting her know that she needed to submerge again.
Casselle went under water running her hands through her hair to rid it of the shampoo and grime. She surfaced gasping for breath taking a few deep ones before going back under water and scrubbing at her hair and then her skin.
She resurfaced sputtering, "Am I c-clean?" She asked hoarsely.
"Yeah I'll grab you a towel," Lily murmured standing and leaving the bathroom.
Casselle stood shakily finally opening her eyes as she wrung the water out of her long tangled hair. She took in the soiled water she was now standing in fighting back the tears that sprung into her eyes. She was on the verge of a major melt down, she could feel it. I just need to make it back home, she told herself climbing from the tub. She shivered as she waited for Lily but despite the cold she couldn't have stomached staying in the tub any longer.
Lily returned and held a fluffy purple towel to Casselle who took it thankfully. She wrapped herself in it waiting for the shivering to stop.
"I got you this one for your hair," Lily said softly holding up another towel.
Casselle secured one around her body before taking the other and patting at her head. She wrapped it up turban style before glancing in the mirror. Her skin was visible though it looked rather red after her scalding bath, but clean none the less.
"Cass," Lily asked her voice forcibly calm. "What happened to your arm?"
"Hm?" Casselle asked absently.
"Your arm Cass, what happened to your arm?"
Casselle looked down at her right forearm and winced, the skin was now covered in blisters and oozing. A little blood had begun to seep through as well, almost as if her skin was being eaten away. "Some kind of hex…"
"Cass we need to let Dumbledore have a look at it," Lily replied firmly.
"I'm sure Dumbledore has more important things to do right now Lil," Casselle replied her eyes flitting to the bath tub against her will.
"Sirius brought up some clothes come on we'll get you dressed and then we'll have a look at it."
Casselle nodded but made no move to take the clothes Lily handed out to her. With a small sigh Lily loosened the towel from Casselle's chest and managed to get the sweat pants and t-shirt Sirius had brought onto her friend.
Dressed and clean Lily led Casselle back down stairs feeling slightly more worried with every minute that passed. Once they returned to the living room Lily sat Casselle down on one of the cots sharing a swift look with Sirius, "She's injured I'm getting Dumbledore to look at it, it looks like something dark." Lily rushed from the room in search of the older wizard.
"Cass?" Sirius asked gently taking a seat next to her. "Can you hear me honey?"
Casselle moved her head slightly towards him but otherwise made no move to show that she had understood anything he said. Her eyes looked empty, almost hallow as if there was no one inside. Sirius rubbed her back gently frowning when she jumped at the contact.
Lily returned a couple of minutes later with Dumbledore in tow.
"Ms Dawson," Dumbledore greeted gently. "Did you happen to hear the spell that did this to you?"
Casselle shook her head slightly.
"Very well," Dumbledore murmured taking her hand gently but firmly and turning it from side to side inspecting the wound.
Casselle watched with detachment as everyone stared at her mangled hand, she didn't care if her hand never returned to normal she just wanted to go home.
"Some kind of burning charm," Dumbledore murmured.
"But you can fix it can't you?" Sirius asked anxiously glancing at Casselle.
"Yes but I'm afraid it will be painful," Dumbledore replied gravely. "I'll have to take a burn solution and pour it straight in the wound; the skin will then need to remain bound for quite some time and there may be some scarring but Casselle will retain the full use of her arm."
Casselle wasn't even paying close enough attention to the three of them to realize that Dumbledore had just spoken as if she wasn't in the room at all.
"I'll fetch the potion."
The three of them waited in anxious silence as Dumbledore went to fetch the remedy, Lily and Sirius sharing a number of concerned glances.
"Sirius if you'd be so kind to hold her still? It's imperative that all of the potion touches the infected area," Dumbledore requested.
Sirius wrapped his arms tightly around Casselle holding her firmly in place, "It will all be over in a second," he promised.
Dumbledore stood and poured the potion onto Casselle's exposed forearm. The wound smoked and Casselle watched in wonder for a moment as the smoke curled and rose from her arm, then the pain kicked in and she let out an involuntary shriek. She thrashed against Sirius instinct taking over completely; she just needed the pain to stop.
Several agonizing minutes later the potion was gone, though her arm was still smoking with its aftermath. Her body stilled and sweat soaked her skin as the after waves of pain shot through her.
"It's over," Sirius whispered gently relaxing his hold on her.
Dumbledore wrapped Casselle's arm tightly giving Sirius instructions to change the bandages in the morning.
"Casselle honey, are you ready to go home?" Sirius asked gently laying his hand on her shoulder.
Casselle nodded coming out of her stupor and allowing Sirius to help her stand.
"Why don't you stick to side along for now," Sirius suggested placing his arm around her waist. Casselle nodded again and Sirius turned on the spot.
The pair landed in the dark living room. Sirius turned to Casselle stroking her damp hair away from her eyes. "Cass?"
The tears Casselle had been fighting for the last two hours streamed down her face as she stared into Sirius's eyes. She crumpled against him sobs racking through her chest as she cried for Benjy and herself.
Sirius's arms wrapped around Casselle pulling her closer to him, he didn't say anything, there were no words that could console her after what she had been through and Sirius knew better then to try.
Sirius was unsure how long they stood there like that but eventually Casselle's tears subsided. She pulled back wiping her eyes on the back of her good hand.
"Come on," Sirius murmured wrapping his arm around her shoulder and steering her towards the room. "You need to get some sleep."
Casselle climbed into their bed curling up under the covers as Sirius took off his jeans and t-shirt before sliding in next to her. As soon as he was in the bed Casselle reached for him, "Hold me?" She whispered her eyes feeling damp.
Sirius wrapped his own arms around her and pulled her close to his chest, "Of course," he whispered soothingly kissing her forehead gently.
The following night was anything but peaceful for the couple. Casselle woke up screaming numerous times the image of Benjy's death playing repeatedly through her mind. Sometimes it was Lily being blown up, sometimes Sirius, but it always ended with her covered in gore and Bellatrix's laughter filling her head.
Sirius shook her for the fifth time that night pulling her from her nightmare and back into reality. "Shh Cass, it's alright. Everything's alright," he soothed holding her as she cried. "Are you sure you don't want to take a dreamless sleep potion? Lily dropped one over right after you fell asleep and I think it would do you some good."
Casselle hesitated before nodding, she hated those potions but she also needed her rest for all she knew there could be another attack that night.
Sirius rose from their bed and went out to the kitchen where he had stowed the potion. He unstopped the vial Lily had brought it in and poured it into a small glass. Once the glass was full he brought the glass back into their bedroom handing it to Casselle.
Casselle took it with a look of distaste on her face before gulping it down.
Sirius watched her closely taking the glass from her when it was empty and setting it on their bedside table. He wrapped his arms around her pulling her close, "Night Cass."
"Night," she mumbled her eyes already closing as she lost herself to sleep.
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