A/N: Wow, okay oops. Definitely didn't forget this story.
No, I actually didn't, but what DID happen was I got a new laptop. And I forgot that I had actually transferred this story to my new laptop, because for some reason I didn't transfer any of the others. Okay, that's a crappy excuse, but it's genuinely what happened. But I wrote the bulk of this chapter over the span of two months, and then I completed it and edited it tonight. I'm not going to lie, I'm incredibly unhappy with this chapter, but it was a sensitive one, and definitely is new territory for me. I feel like it isn't very well written, and to me, seems a little bit rushed, but it's the best I can do.
Sorry if this chapter isn't that great, and even more sorry for the extra long wait.
Much love x

Disclaimer: Characters you recognise belong to Queen J.K.

Chapter 12

Fallen Walls

Time stood still.
Marlene felt herself being placed onto the floor and she struggled to separate herself from the haze that still clouded her vision.
"H-he what?" In that split second, Marlene knew that James was more vulnerable than he had ever been. And she couldn't even see him. "He's gone James."
"NO!" The power of James' heart wrenching scream was enough to make Marlene's eyes fly open and bolt upright, ignoring the protests from her aching body.
"James…oh James," Mrs. Potter couldn't contain her sobs, as her son, so much taller than her fell into his mother's arms.
"But he said…" James cried, "He said no-one had to die tonight. Why him mum?"
"I don't know, darling…I wish I did." Marlene noticed Sirius standing back a little, watching the exchange between mother and son. It was a helpless scene. Lily was lying unconscious, Marlene was unable to stand up, James was a broken man and Sirius didn't quite know what to do.
Battling with every protesting muscle, Marlene struggled to hoist herself onto her feet and stumble over to Sirius, who was standing with a blank expression on his face.
"Go to them," Marlene placed a hand on his shoulder, more to support herself than him, "He was your father too."
"If it wasn't for me, he wouldn't be dead."
"That's ridiculous. If your brother hadn't have turned up when he did, there would have been so much more damage…"
"Yeah, but he was a little too late wasn't he?" Sirius looked at her, sadly.
"Oh for goodness' sake Sirius Black... go...and be with your real... family while they need... you!" Marlene glared, her sentences coming out in strained breathy bursts, "Your honorary... mother has just lost her husband, your best friend and...and your brother has just lost his dad and you've lost...lost the closest thing to a father that you'll ever have! S-Stop feeling so sorry for yourself...and go and be there for...there for the people who've always been there for you."
"You're alright though? McKinnon, you can barely talk."
"I'll...I'll be fine," Marlene sat on the floor with her back pressed against the wall, "Now go!"
"And Evans?"
"Stop making excuses, and go...and be with your family."
Sirius nodded and cautiously approached Mrs. Potter and James. He was immediately enveloped into the warmth of Mrs. Potter's hug, and Marlene could've sworn that she saw a tear trickle down his cheek. Marlene had been so caught up in the damage that had been inflicted upon this one family that she'd forgotten about everyone else. Most, in all fairness, had fled as soon as they could, and only a few had stuck around after the death eater's departure to help salvage the wreckage that was Potter Manor. As Marlene finally let her body win, and collapsed onto the floor, a few aurors, Albus Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall burst through the door.
"Is it true?" A female auror cried out. Marlene nodded. The woman promptly burst into tears.
"Of course, Loretta, this is a very distressing time for you and your sons," Professor Dumbledore said calmly, "We thought we'd come and help to sort out Miss. Evans here, and I believe Miss. McKinnon is also not in the best shape?"
"Madam Pomfrey is on her way to attend to Miss. Evans," Professor McGonagall continued, "Is there a room we can take her to? I can't imagine the floor is too comfortable for the poor girl."
"Of course," Mrs. Potter nodded, "Sirius, help Marlene to her room, and James, show the kind Professors where to take Lily. I'll go and make a pot of tea."
"That's perfectly alright, Loretta," one of the aurors said, "We do not wish to intrude."
"Not at all," Mrs. Potter stood up, brushing down her gown, "I insist."

When Marlene woke up the next morning, she felt fine. Madam Pomfrey had deemed Lily fine in the early hours of the morning, but the cuts would probably scar. Nobody could place their finger on the curse Marlene had been hit with; she couldn't even remember the incantation. Everything was still a blur. Marlene tiptoed down the stairs, early in the morning, and saw Mrs. Potter holding a cup of coffee. It was cold.
"Aunt Loretta…" Marlene said quietly. Mrs. Potter jumped.
"Oh, Marlene you did give me a fright!" Mrs. Potter smiled.
"I'm sorry."
"Not to worry, not to worry," Mrs. Potter smiled wider, but it didn't quite reach her eyes, "How are you feeling dear?"
"Much better," Marlene nodded, "James….is he…?"
"Sleeping. Finally, the poor boy…"
"You haven't slept?" Marlene wondered.
Mrs. Potter shrugged, "I couldn't."
"I'm very sorry, Aunt Loretta," said Marlene, sympathy lacing her tone.
"It's alright, dear," Mrs. Potter nodded, "You know what Charlus was like. He would've wanted it to be him."
"That offers no condolence though, does it?"
"Unfortunately not," Mrs. Potter shrugged, brushing away a tear that escaped from the side of her eye almost before Marlene could register it, "Albus is coming round at eleven, to check on how things are going, and discuss with you, Lily and the boys about schooling. He'll understand if you don't want to go back. The funeral as well, will be arranged very soon, so if you do choose to go back then it won't interfere with your school time."
"But there's only four days until term starts!"
"I'm sure we'll manage, dear…it's important to get it out of the way quickly, anyway."
Marlene nodded, "Why don't you try and get some rest now? Nothing's going to happen here, and I'm sure the others will be awake soon."
"I think you're right," Mrs. Potter nodded, "You're a good girl Marlene."
Marlene just shrugged, "Go and get some sleep."

"I want to go back to school," Lily announced, looking from Dumbledore to Marlene and back again, "I think it would be unfair of me to stay. I mean…I only knew Mr. Potter a short while, and although I'd love to be here to support my friends and Mrs. Potter through this difficult time, I believe that the only comfort they need they can find in each other. Besides, if James chooses to stay, Hogwarts are going to need at least one head student."
"I want to go back," James confessed quietly, guilt crossing his face, "I know mum needs our support but there's not much I can do here. There's..." He stopped, a lump in his throat as he glanced helplessly towards his mother.
"Oh James, darling," Mrs. Potter shook her head, hugging him tightly, "That's okay. It's okay, I understand."
"If the funeral takes place before term starts, then I'll be going back to Hogwarts," Marlene stated.
"And Sirius? How do you feel?" Mrs. Potter looked at her surrogate son.
"Whatever James decides to do, I'm with him one hundred percent."
"That's settled then. We'll have the funeral on Wednesday, and you'll all go back to school on Friday," Mrs. Potter clapped her hands.
"Mum if you want us to stay-"
"Nonsense James, I'll be fine. I've got friends, haven't I?" Mrs. Potter laughed, the sound hollow, "Besides, you've got to go back to school and fulfil your head boy duties." James looked at Sirius who shrugged in reply, as if to say 'well, what can you do mate?'
Dumbledore spoke up, "If you think you're ready to go back to school, of course, that would be best…however, if you do change your minds, then time off can be easily arranged."
"And their NEWTS? If they changed their minds?" Mrs. Potter looked at Dumbledore.
"Catch up sessions aren't difficult to hold, especially not for bright students like these four," Dumbledore smiled warmly, "Now, if you could excuse me, I have to go and meet the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
"Of course," Mrs. Potter smiled, "Thank you for popping in Albus." As soon as Dumbledore departed, Mrs. Potter stood and left the room also, leaving the four teenagers in the room exchanging glances.
"When I said I wanted to go back to school, I didn't mean for you to all do the same thing. It's so brave of you to go back to school straight away," Lily finally spoke, "If you need to spend time with your mother Potter, you should. The same goes for you Black…and Marlene, I know Mr. Potter was also very important to you."
James' face contorted, an antagonised expression crossing his face, "I want to be there for her, I really do. But I can't stay here. Not with all the memories. Not with all the reminders of things that I'll never get back. I'm not strong enough. It's not a brave thing to do. It's cowardly."
"You're not a coward, mate," Sirius placed a hand on James' shoulder, "It's understandable…what you're doing. I want to be here for mum as well, but I'm not sure I can be. I feel like this is partly my fault, anyway. Me being here…it's a constant reminder of what darkness lies on the other side."
"Don't be ridiculous Padfoot," James said, immediately, "This is not your fault. Don't ever say that. Listen, I think it's best that we all go back. It will do us no good, staying here. And if I'm honest, I don't think it'll do my mum a lot of good either. She needs to gather her thoughts, and I'm sure we can arrange a visit in half term. We can't offer any comfort by being here moping around."
"If that's what you want, Jamie," Marlene said, softly. She suppressed a smile as she caught Lily's glance of awe towards James. She could see the realisation dawning on Lily that yes, James Potter was growing up.

The first discussion that took place about Charlus Potter's funeral was between James, his mother and newly temporary head auror, Alastor Moody.
"What would you say the best cause of action was, Alastor?" Mrs. Potter asked the man, who looked to be in his mid-thirties, and already had a glass eye.
"I'd say that it should be a quiet funeral. Select friends and family, undisclosed location. Nothing too spectacular." Mrs. Potter nodded, unshed tears threatening to fall.
"That is out of the question," James' eyes flashed briefly, "My father was a great man and he deserves a great funeral. If anyone deserves commendation, it's him."
"You should understand boy that if we want to apprehend to the appropriate safety measures then the funeral must be small. We do not want a repeat of the ball."
"I don't care what the safety measures say," James spat, "My father is dead and he deserves something that represents the high status he held in society. My dad had many friends, all of whom will wish to attend, and pay their respects. Why should we live in fear of them? Why should we let them win? If I know one thing, it's that my dad would not have wanted that."
"James!" Mrs. Potter gasped, "Don't be so rude," she paused before adding, "If it would be possible, I'd like to follow my son's ideas. It would be an act of injustice to hide away from the rest of the world, when Charlus had such a positive effect on everyone surrounding him."
"The more people you invite, the more of a risk you run for intruders. Do you understand that?"
"Of course we understand…we're not stupid," James snapped.
Alastor stared, his glass eye spinning manically, "And you wish to share your grief with practical strangers, do you boy?"
"I would rather you did not talk to my son like that," said Mrs. Potter calmly, "He's going through a very difficult time at the moment. Please respect that."
"I'm merely pointing out-"
"Hiding the funeral away would be letting them win! We need to show them we're not scared," continued James.
"Very well. On your own heads be it. I'll appoint aurors to guard the funeral, and there will obviously be members of the order ready for any attacks in the audience."
"Thank you Alastor," Mrs. Potter said, sincerely, "It's very important to the whole family that we give Charlus the send off he deserves."

Marlene looked at her appearance in the mirror. She was wearing a lacy black dress, which cut off just above her knee and had lace detailing going up to her neck, with a netted hat on her head. She was wearing low black heels and black tights, with her gold phoenix locket contrasting against the all black outfit. Hope. New life. Healing. That's what the necklace represented for her. Not that it really mattered anyway. Who knew what the supposed new life would hold? Right now, Marlene didn't think it would contain much positivity.
"Are you ready?" Lily whispered from the hallway, outside Marlene's door.
"As I'll ever be," Marlene joined her friend in the hall, ruffling her almost black curls one last time. The funeral was taking place in the gardens. There was much contemplation as to where the venue would be, but in the end it was decided that Mr. Potter's childhood home would be the best location.
Marlene and Lily met Mrs. Potter in the foyer. Mrs. Potter handed them each a white lily to clip onto their black dresses.
"You look beautiful girls," Mrs. Potter said quietly.
Marlene embraced the smaller, frailer lady, "Only the best for my Uncle Charlus." Marlene could already feel a lump building in her throat but she wouldn't let it overcome her. James and Sirius followed shortly, with Remus travelling separately to be there. Peter was also attending. Lily's green eyes were already brimming with tears, whereas James' hazel ones just looked…empty. Sirius' steel coloured eyes met Marlene's for a moment, and she could clearly see the emotion that flashed through them, behind the iron bars. As quickly as it had come, it was gone. Marlene so desperately wanted to reach out to him, but just didn't know how. It wasn't nearly as easy as she had always thought it would be, comforting someone when they're grieving. Especially not someone like Sirius who was always so sheltered about his feelings.
"Are you ready?" Marlene said softly, directing her question at Sirius.
"I don't think I'll ever be ready," he replied. Marlene placed a comforting hand on his back, rubbing his shoulder. "We'll be okay Black."
The broken family made their way out to the gardens, a white canopy standing at the front of the makeshift aisle. Taking her seat at the front, Marlene was careful to take deep breaths, to stop the fragile tears that were threatening to fall. James was the first one to speak, as he stood up.
"Hello to you all, and thank you all for coming," He began, shuffling a piece of paper, "You're all here today to mourn my dad, and it's great that so many people have turned out for this sad occasion. Now, I had prepared something to say, but now I'm actually standing here, none of it seems right. But of course, how could anything about this situation be right? I've never lost anyone as close to me as my father was, and the feeling is overwhelming. I don't want to admit that he's gone. I can't acknowledge that I'm never going to see him again.
"My father, he was a brilliant man. He had this way about him that made you feel safe whenever you were with him. It didn't matter what you did, he always forgave you. When Sirius was lost, he didn't hesitate to give him a home. I only ever wish to make him proud.
"If I can ever grow to be half of the man my father was, I will be happy," James' voice was shaking, his eyes filled with tears, "He showed me what it was to love, what it was to laugh, what it was to work. He showed me everything. I couldn't have asked for a better father. I couldn't have asked for a better man. Thank you." James hurried off of the stage. Marlene's breath caught in her throat. She could hear Lily crying silently next to her, and she looked over at the pained expression on Sirius' face. As an impulse, she slipped her hand into his, squeezing it gently. A work friend of Mr. Potter's spoke, but it was soon time for everyone to make their way back into the house for food.
"Sorry, excuse me!" Sirius cleared his throat, as everyone was standing up, "Could I say something? I'll be quick I promise, I just think I owe it to Charlus…to dad." Everyone quickly resumed their seats, and Marlene shot Sirius a questioning glance, as he wiped his hands on his suit trousers and coughed nervously.
"I don't want to take up too much of your time, and to be honest, James said everything I was thinking, but I just can't even begin to express the immense gratitude I have for both Mr and Mrs. Potter and how awful and responsible I feel for the events of that night. But I know that Mr. Potter would not want me to feel that way, and to be completely honest, he was and will forever be the closest thing I ever had to a father. Even though he is not with us today, his legacy will live on in the hearts of me and James, as well as everyone else's hearts he touched. There are well over a hundred guests here today and that proves in itself what a brilliant man Charlus Potter was. I wish it wasn't too late for him to know how grateful we are to him. So big guy, if you can hear me from up there," Sirius looked up at the sky, "You'll always be with me. If not here," He gestured to the crowd, "Then here." He pointed to his heart. As if by magic, the clouds suddenly parted and sun shone down over the gathering.
"Oh Sirius," A sob wracked through Mrs. Potter's body as she reached out for him, "My boy…my boy." And for the first time since Mr. Potter's death, Sirius' walls came down, as he fell into the arms of his real mother.