The concern I had for Lily's life slowly began consuming my mind. Not long after I was forcefully ousted from the Potter's house, Lily was the only thing I could thing about. What could I do to protect her? I had already shown her everything; I had even gone back in time for her. It seems as if no matter what I did, she would still be in danger, her life on the line as she tried ceaselessly to protect the little brat that was her son.
The only possible way of saving her that I could think of was to get rid of Voldemort, but chances of killing the Dark King were almost unthinkable. His existence has become an almost accepted thought because of his inability to truly die.
And even if I were able to kill him, she had made her choice.
Lily chose to believe me, but do nothing about it. No, instead she decided to stick by her filthy husband's side and die, leaving the boy in the arms of the rest of the Wizarding World if he was to survive like the last time.
I kicked a nearby stump in frustration. Why couldn't she just be a grown up for once and do the right thing? Why couldn't she just run away like any sane person would?
Then a thought hit me. I had seen their house, as if it hadn't been protected beneath the Fidelus charm.
Voldemort had already found a way to see through it. He could see them just as plainly as I could.
The horror of the thought struck me hard. When I thought Lily had even just a sliver of protection against her fate, it had to be ripped away. Of course.
There were no charms that I could put up to save her for the Dark Lord would know! My dark mark disallowed for any sort of protection…at least for now.
The cogs of thought in my mind began to spin rapidly as I contemplated my options.
Risk eternal damnation by actually trying to stop Voldemort by force (the chances of my survival not being in my favor), or
Physically remove Lily from her home and take her far away.
Option number two did not seem like it would place her forever in my gratitude and option number one seemed like a suicide mission, but to die for her would be so much greater than stumbling around foolishly like a coward, so option one was what it had to be.
To comfort me, I once more pulled out the golden trinket that had gotten me here. It twirled on its shimmering chain as I began to gently swing it in a back and forth motion. How simple it would be to be this small thing. A time turner has no worries, it does not feel, it simply functions for the holder.
I stared at its soft swing, its calming movement soothing me slightly. Then a thought hit me.
If I got Potter on my side, then maybe Lily could be safe. No matter how much I hated the idea of actually conversing with the git, if it saved Lily, it saved my sanity.
I pondered how to do this. He obviously wouldn't talk to me directly; our memories of school prevented us from even standing within a ten-meter radius of each other without the urge to prod, insult, beat, throttle, or possibly curse the other.
The memory of Lily's body, cold and lifeless next to her equally cold and lifeless husband, sprang forth in my mind. I recalled the mournful howl the werewolf released as he mourned his dead friend, how I held my cadaverous love in my arms and cried more tears than I had ever in my entire life.
There was something I was missing. There was a simpler solution. There had to be. Just what that solution was a complete mystery in itself.
Then it hit me.
Lupin.
If I could convince Lupin, who was far more reasonable than the insufferable twit Potter, of my tale, and he went to Potter, Lily could be safe.
Where would Lupin be at a time like this?
Black Manor…of course.
I turned on the spot, clutching the time turner, not bothering to place it back into my pocket.
When I opened my eyes, I stood tall in front of Black Manor and wondered how Bellatrix Lestrange could have ever been raised in such a lovely home. Her heart was black as coal, yet this home seemed more like a massive cottage.
Flowers lined the gate leading into the house as well as in front of the house and lining the walk way. The path was made out of smooth stones enhanced by magic to fit perfectly together and the walls of the house were made of much of the same. It was a Tudor styled home with wooden shutters painted in forest green. Vines ran up the sides of the five story house and mosses sprouted over the stones.
No wonder Lupin loved this place so much. There could not be an unpleasant thought for miles around.
It was one of the many houses that were unseen by Muggles. Unplottable, apparently; I could see it as clearly as any other house. I all but sprinted up the steps. A cord unraveled from the ceiling in front of the door, and I tugged at the end. It, sensing who I was, let out a loud, merry toll of what must have been a very large bell.
"Who's there-?"
"Severus Snape." The door opened, revealing a frowning Sirius Black. My head hurt. Another angry Marauder? I didn't think I could take anymore.
"What are you doing here, Snape?" He didn't sound half as angry as that idiot Potter. I sighed.
"I need your help, and Lupin's. This is a matter of life and death. Of Lily and... James." The name felt like poison on my tongue. I grimaced.
"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Black asked. I pulled out the time turner, which was still spinning slowly on its axis. He stared at it.
"If you don't help me, your friend will die. He's dead in my time." Sirius Black stared in shock and terror straight into my eyes. He pushed the door open wider and let me enter the sprawling manor.
Hey home dogs! I hope you enjoyed it!
REVIEW please and tell us what you thought. We had trouble on this chapter, so it would be wonderful if you could tell us what you are thinking or any predictions you have.
Thanks all, this is so much fun.
Happy writings
Caroline (and Vanessa!)