A/N) Here is the next chapter to 'Marked'!

Marked

Chapter Six

Thursday 30th December 1976

It took four days for Lily's letter to reach Remus before he sent his response by owl the same day. Lily was eating breakfast with her mum and dad when the owl arrived. Excited to get a response she abandoned her breakfast and rushed back to her room, closing the door and locking it securely.

With trembling hands she unrolled the parchment.

Lily,

I almost had a heart attack when I saw the front page of the Daily Prophet. I wanted to do anything I could to help them but mum and dad told me to leave them alone. I got a letter from James this morning. He's still in hospital but he's fine. He wasn't hurt. He's being treated for shock.

His mum will make a full recovery.

Sirius… He hasn't woken up yet. They had to put him into a magical healing coma. They are going to try to bring him out of it soon. I doubt James and Sirius will be back when term starts again.

James says I can visit the hospital if I like. Mum and dad have said I can go.

Would you like to come with me?

Remus

They were safe.

Lily breathed a sigh of relief though a lingering worry remained over Sirius' welfare. Lily still found it difficult to get her head round the idea that the Black family wanted Sirius dead because he didn't conform to their ideals. She was glad he had survived.

She looked back down at Remus' letter. He was asking her if she wanted to visit James and Sirius at St Mungo's. Did she want to?

She couldn't deny she had been worried for both James and Sirius. One of them wasn't out of danger yet…It felt weird to feel concern for two boys she had hated for several years but now she understood them a little better. She understood the world Sirius had fought back against for so long and she had seen a different side to James Potter, something she had once considered to be impossible.

She mulled over Remus' offer. James would love it if she went to visit him but then he'd probably take it as a sign she was falling in love with him – which she most certainly was not! But she did hold more respect for James Potter than she had ever done so before. He was a completely different person when it came to protecting his friends and she liked that about him.

And she felt sorry for Sirius too.

Picking up the quill, she hastily grabbed a small piece of parchment from her desk before placing quill to it and writing the words: Yes, I would like to visit St Mungo's with you. When are you going?

Friday 31st December 1976

James was waiting for them in the foyer when they arrived at the hospital. Lily had been driven to Little Whinging where her older sister was now living by her parents that morning and had taken the train into London, meeting up with Remus at King's Cross station.

When Lily saw James her eyes widened. He looked pale and grey, his hair was mostly flat apart for a few stray bits that were poking up at the back. His hair had never looked deflated in all the time she had known him.

"Lily… what are you doing here?" he asked.

Lily smiled slightly. Remus hadn't told James she was coming. "I saw the front page of the Daily Prophet… and Remus told me he was coming today and asked if I wanted to come… I'm sorry for what happened to your family."

James bowed his head. "It's fine. We'll live." He hesitated then tilted his head towards the stairs. "Come on. I'll take you through."

"How is Sirius?" asked Remus as James led them up the stairs towards the fourth floor.

James shrugged. "He woke briefly earlier but he was injured quite badly…"

Lily reached out and took James' hand in her own. "He won't blame you."

The black-haired boy seemed surprised by her taking his hand. He shook his head in wonderment. "I know… but I still feel like I could have done something to stop this from happening… Bellatrix Lestrange paralysed me. I couldn't move. I watched as she tortured him on the floor of my own home. I couldn't even close my eyes! I'd rather not have witnessed that…" He shivered involuntary.

Remus swallowed. "Do you know how they got in? The paper didn't elaborate…"

"We've asked them not to," replied James quietly. He reached the fourth floor and took a left, walking down a white corridor before stopping in front of a door. "The Death Eaters attacked my dad's brother… His wife is a member of the Black family. She's not estranged from them as Sirius is but they entered their house… They tortured my uncle and aunt and my cousin… To get to us through the Floo they needed our exact location… My cousin broke… Told them the location and they killed him…"

Lily gasped. "James… I'm…"

He brushed her away as she reached towards him. "Don't. The Death Eaters stunned my aunt and uncle and then came through the Floo. We didn't have a chance… We weren't expecting them… They took down dad quickly…" James rubbed his face, trying to hide the distress he was fighting to prevent from being shown. "Anyway… my uncle woke up and realised where the Death Eaters had gone. Knowing that we were in danger, he alerted the Aurors and told them where to find us. He Flooed dad who was awake by then and got him to lower the house wards so the Aurors could Apparate in. My uncle saved our lives… Even though his son had been killed he still looked out for us… We Potters look out for those we love."

Falling silent, the teen pushed open the doors to the ward and led Lily and Remus down to the other end of the ward where another door stood. Two Aurors were on guard outside. James stopped and held up a badge that hung around his neck. "James Potter escorting Remus Lupin and Lily Evans."

The two Aurors scrutinised both Remus and Lily. She felt as if she was being xrayed. Lily shivered. The two Aurors nodded and stepped aside, allowing James to pass through the doors with his friends.

"The Ministry thought it apt to place a guard on this ward. They feel the Death Eaters may try again," explained James sadly.

"They wouldn't attack a hospital… would they?" gasped Lily, covering her mouth with her hand in surprise.

James snorted but it was Remus who answered: "They would. They've already attacked the school train. We know the Death Eaters have their own sets of rules… What makes a hospital different? If its housing their target then why not?"

"And it was at my father's request as well," added James. He walked to the cubicle on the far right and slipped through the drawn curtains. "We all know what the Black family is like after all."

Lily and Remus followed him, slipping through the curtains and stopping short as they saw Sirius covered in blankets in the hospital bed. His skin was pale but he looked calm and at peace.

Lily sat next to James and grasped his hand. She felt he needed the comfort even though he had brushed her away before. This time he accepted her hand in gratitude by offering her a small smile.

"How long do they think Padfoot will be in for?" asked Remus quietly.

James frowned. "Another two weeks at least once he's woken up fully. I won't be returning to Hogwarts until Sirius can. I've already told Professor McGonagall. Education isn't important when your family has been hurt. My dad and my mum and my aunt and uncle need me now…"

The thought that James would not be returning to Hogwarts at the start of term pulled at Lily's heart, surprising her. But then she had come to visit him in hospital. A term ago she wouldn't have done but he had changed. She was beginning to see what a kind person he was.

"If you need anything just ask," offered Lily. "I'll do what I can."

"Thanks," answered James. "And… Lily…"

"Yes?" she asked.

"It means a lot to me you've come to visit me," he shrugged. "I didn't think you would."

Lily sighed. "I've spent years hating you James but you are a good friend… and I value that. Your best friend is in danger and I'm seeing the best of you… You've always shown me the worst of you."

James smiled gently. "Guess Sirius was right then…"

She cocked her right eyebrow up. "Right about what?" Genuinely she was curious.

"He was right that I needed to show you the real me."

Remus suddenly chuckled. "Prongs, we've been telling you that for years. You just haven't listened."

"Hey!"

Sirius slowly returned to consciousness over the following days, finally waking up properly three days after Remus and Lily had visited. Despite claiming he was fine, he was kept under surveillance by the healers just in case he had any severe reaction to the abdomen wound he had suffered. Though the wound had healed, they were concerned about potential damage. Sirius was annoyed when he was told it would be unwise to continue playing Quidditch for the rest of the year as it would strain his stomach muscles. They were already weak from the dagger – why damage them further by taking unnecessary risks?

Sirius disagreed. He was an excellent Quidditch player when he wasn't facing the Slytherin team. Especially in matches when the snakes were after Sirius' blood. Unfortunately, the hospital had informed Fleamont Potter of the advice and had sent an owl to Hogwarts requesting Sirius be removed from the Quidditch team at the behest of St Mungo's.

He remained in hospital until Saturday 15th January where he was discharged and allowed home, with permission to return to Hogwarts the following day. James' mother had recovered and had been discharged a week before Sirius. The house at Godric's Hollow had been cleared up and made liveable again, only this time James' father had put on extra security measures as well as initiating the Fidelius charm upon the house, with the Secret Keeper being Euphemia's brother.

On the Sunday morning a secure connection from the Potters fire to Hogwarts was connected so James and Sirius could arrive at the school safely.

James went first, tumbling out of the fire in Professor McGonagall's office, followed swiftly by Sirius seconds later. She was waiting for them to arrive, a stern expression on her face, before she relented and allowed a small smile to form.

"The school has been very quiet without you two around," she commented.

James grinned. "I'm sure we'll make up for it in no time at all, right Pads?"

Sirius laughed. "Careful, she may put us in detention before we even have the chance to earn it!"

Professor McGonagall sighed. "You two…" She walked back to her desk. "Well, I'm glad you two made it back here safely. I'm sure your dorm mates will be happy to see you back."

Naturally their head of house was correct. When James and Sirius stepped through the portrait hole, Remus, Lily and Peter were the first ones there to greet them back, though Lily cheekily gave them all the assignments they had missed out on and needed to catch up on. After James and Sirius nearly kicked up a fuss about completing assignments they had missed, Lily took pity on them and revealed she had just pranked them.

James and Sirius had both been exempt from any homework set however they were required to read up on the material they had missed in their classes and submit notes to their Professor as proof they understood what they had learned.

It was after everyone had gone to bed and the four Marauders were left on their own. Peter was trying to finish an essay, Remus was reading a book and James was fiddling with a Snitch whilst Sirius just stared into the burning fire.

"I'm moving out, James," stated Sirius suddenly.

"Huh?" James looked up, surprise etched on his face. "Why?"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Staying with you puts your family in danger. I'm better off on my own."

"But my parents love having you…"

"After what happened at Christmas? No, I can't keep putting them at risk. It's not fair on them or you," explained Sirius. "Besides… I'm seventeen now. I'm legal. I can move out if I wish to."

"But if you move out we won't be able to help you…" James pointed out.

"That's the whole point, Prongs. I don't want you helping me out. Not at risk of your own life." Sirius shook his head. "I'm always going to be a target because of who I am. The Black heir not conforming to the role shaped for him? I bring dishonour to my house. They'll only cleanse the stain by eradicating my life. Whether it takes hours, days, months, years… they'll never stop hunting me."

"But…" started James but Sirius glared at him.

"No. I've made my decision. I have enough money to my name to buy myself a flat if I really want one. But if you are going to get into a hissy fit about me having my own place to protect you, Prongs, then I promise to come over every Sunday for lunch." He held out his hand, waiting for James to shake it.

"I'd take that deal, Prongs," suggested Remus. "It's the best Padfoot is going to give you."

James scowled.

Monday 21st February 1977

Regulus was waiting for him outside Gryffindor Tower when Sirius returned from a Potions lesson, leaning against the wall, trying to look inconspicuous but failing miserably. Sirius eyed him with distrust but shooed his friends inside the Portrait Hole. Crossing his arms, Sirius leaned against the wall next to his brother.

"What do you want?"

Regulus shifted on his feet. "Just wanted to make sure you were alright."

Sirius scoffed. "Christmas not go as planned for you? Did you get your Dark Mark or not?"

In response Regulus rolled up his left sleeve and shoved his arm out in front of his brother. "No. Aunt Bella missed the deadline. It'll have to wait till the summer now. Mum and dad were upset I couldn't be marked."

"Bet they must be royally pissed I survived the attack at Christmas," smirked Sirius proudly.

"Livid," replied Regulus. "They blasted Uncle Alphard off the tree cos he left you money."

Sirius had suspected that might have happened. He'd noticed his Gringotts account had, had an increase in funds in it just before Christmas but had not known who the money had come from. Someone in his family had given him his inheritance. Now he knew.

"And he's dying too," said Regulus curtly. "Mum's pleased. Says what he deserves after helping a blood traitor."

Sirius glared at his brother. "Why are you really here, Regulus?"

The younger Black boy shrugged. "I don't know… but I do want to save you."

Sirius scoffed. "I don't want to be saved. Not by a budding Death Eater who can't wait to join the cause."

"It's what we were both born for, Sirius! How can you not see that?" asked Regulus. "Wizards shouldn't have to be in hiding!"

"We're not in hiding, Reg, we live in our own world," replied Sirius gratingly. "Wizards were not here first. We evolved from muggles. Muggle history stretches further back then our own does. Muggles are not filthy. Magic is hereditary ."

Regulus pulled a face. "Doesn't explain why children of muggles have magic!"

Sirius folded his arms across his chest. "Yes it does. We can produce non-magical children. Squibs. There are several wizards who are descended from Squibs. The magic gene is still in Squibs but not dominant. This is fundamental wizard fact. But you Death Eaters refuse to acknowledge the years of research gone into this subject."

"That's not true. Muggles stole our magic," answered Regulus.

"So that's what they are telling you?" sighed Sirius quietly. "Never mind." He could feel his own anger building. Who could really believe Muggle-borns had stolen magic? "What do you really want Regulus? And if you say to save me, forget it. It 'aint happening!"

Regulus shuffled on his feet. "I…"

Sirius frowned and butted in, noticing Regulus' hesitation. "I don't think you know what you really want either. Figure it out. When you do, come and talk to me. But not before!" He pushed past Regulus and stormed away up the corridor. He didn't want to talk to anyone right now. He needed to be alone.

It was only when Sirius didn't return an hour later that James Potter checked the Marauders Map. Fear curled in his gut when James could not spot his best friend's name on the map. Seeing Lily's name head towards Gryffindor Tower he sped down the boy's staircase and into the common room as she stepped inside.

He didn't even give her a chance to speak when he flew at her.

"Lily! Tell me you've seen Sirius!"

Lily halted. "I did…" she confirmed.

"Where?" If Lily had seen him where had he gone? A cold sensation was gripping his stomach.

"He was heading to the entrance hall. He was in a bad mood, muttering about his brother… I think he went outside…"

"Fuck!"

"Potter!" screeched Lily. Never had she heard that word from James Potter before. From Sirius Black, yes, but not Potter.

The common room had gone silent. It was common knowledge that cursing from James Potter was a rarity and when he did it was usually something tamer.

"Regulus was waiting for him when we came back," explained James hastily. "Sirius stayed to talk to him but hasn't come back in. Something's happened…" He sped out of the common room with Lily's voice telling him to stop echoing in his ears.

A horrible feeling crashed in his chest. Something had happened. He knew it. He didn't care it was nearly curfew; he was more concerned about his friend. James ran, bounding down the stairs as quickly as possible, running into the Entrance Hall and then out into the Courtyard, heading quickly towards the grounds, holding his wand in hand.

When they were younger Sirius used to go to the Forbidden Forest when he had steam to cool off. And if he had gone there…

Don't think about it, Prongs. Don't dread it.

As he ran faster and faster towards the treeline, igniting his wand to bring him light he spotted something on the ground, a familiar piece of wood that he had come to know the last six years.

A small pool of blood was next to it.

Carefully, James bent down and picked up Sirius' wand.

"Padfoot…"

Sirius was gone.

To be continued...

Cliffhanger much? *hides*

Please let me know what you think!

Just a few quick notes: It's said that Harry is the last Potter and we know that that must mean any child of Dorea Black and Charlus Potter must have died childless, probably before the end of the first war. Dorea died in 1977 so at this point in the story she is still alive. So I decided to make their son the casualty in the previous chapter. It is said on the Black Family Tree that Dorea and Charlus had a son.

And, yes, Sirius has gone and got himself in very big trouble... This is where I was building up towards so we are coming closer to the end of the story but it will be a few more chapters yet before we get to that point.

The next chapter will be posted next week...

Until then,

the-writer1988