Ch 24
A/N: Hey guys, I know this is a short chapter, but I know the next one coming up is going to take me a while, so I thought I'd give you something quick. I hate leaving cliffhangers too long so I hope you enjoy this. A small chapter with a lot of emotion.
...
The room in St. Mungo's that Victoria laid in was a sedate place. Minerva sat on her right side, squeezing her hand as if holding on for dear life. Tonks had previously been standing behind her leaning against the wall, but had slipped down to the floor with her legs pulled up to her chest; her hair unconsciously turned a stark white. Sitting in a far corner of the room was Remus, choosing to distance himself from the group. A book open in his lap, but he had not turned a page since opening it, casting fleeting glances up at Victoria every few seconds. Poppy sat on the edge of Victoria's bed, weeping softly into a handkerchief that Moody had given her. Moody paced the floor at the end of the bed, murmuring incoherently about it being his fault. Caden stood against the far wall holding his head in his hands, crying openly. Severus sat on Victoria's left, his elbows resting on his legs, his hand wavering mere inches from her's, wanting to reach out, but afraid to at the same time. Albus, however, would not allow himself to enter the room. He paced the hall just outside, occasionally glancing through the doorway. He could not help but feel that if he were not to have pushed her into being an Auror that none of this would have happened.
A few minutes had past like this, no one saying a word, afraid that they would miss it if she were to wake up. Soon a Healer entered the room. Seeing him in his pristine white robes only made everyone more on edge, waiting for his diagnosis. He quickly ran a few tests while Poppy watched him like a hawk. Observing as he put his wand away Poppy asked, "How is she?"
He heaved a sigh, running his hand through his silver hair, "I cannot say. She sustained a great deal of damage internally. We have done all we can for now, but we will not know her true condition until she wakes."
Poppy stifled a sob, nodding. Minerva spoke up instead, "Thank you."
The Healer merely nodded at her and left the room. The news had been far from what any of them had wanted to hear, but it was the truth. All they could do now was wait.
…
The night faded into morning as they all continued to wait. The Healer had been in a few times during the night to check on her, but still knew nothing. Moody finally stopped his pacing choosing to take a seat next to Poppy on the bed, placing his hand over her's comfortingly. Tonks had fallen asleep sometime in the early hours of the morning, her head resting on her knees. Caden had slumped down onto the floor, unable to remain standing any longer. Remus nodded off, his head lolling back and the book sliding precariously from his lap. Minerva and Severus continued to sit watching her as if they took their eyes from her that she would slip from them. Outside the room Albus continued to walk the hall, still chastising himself for letting her go.
Before opening her eyes Victoria could feel the pain radiating throughout her body. It seemed to emanate from everywhere. The only sound she could hear was the soft crying of someone in the room, making her wonder where she was and who was crying. She was almost afraid to open her eyes, fearing that the pain would only increase, yet wondering if that was possible. Allowing her eyes to finally flutter open she immediately shut them again, the bright light making her head feel as if it were about to explode. Summoning up all her courage she tried once more to open them, but much slower this time. It took a moment for her eyes to focus, but as soon as they did the first thing she saw was what looked like an angel standing in the doorway. Blinking a few times she realized that it was Albus whose silver hair was glowing in the sunlight from the windows behind him. He hadn't seen her eyes open yet, but another person had, Minerva squeezed her hand gently, "Victoria," she said just above a whisper. "Victoria how are you feeling?"
Closing her eyes again, the sound of Minerva's voice seeming to reverberate through her brain, she winced. "I've been better," she said weakly.
At the sound of her voice everyone reacted. Remus jolted awake, his book sliding off his lap with a loud bang. Severus sat back in his chair, seemingly not wanting to be noticed. Tonks jumped to her feet standing behind Minerva. Caden warily took a place behind Moody and Poppy. Albus still stood in the doorway, afraid of coming any closer.
Poppy placed a gentle hand on her leg, "Oh Victoria, we were so worried."
Groaning lightly Victoria tried to sit up, but the pain seared through her, making her breath hitch and she gave up the effort. Looking up at Moody she asked, "What happened?"
Caden looked sheepishly at her, answering, "You managed to get me out of harm's way, but got caught yourself. Tonks took them out."
Victoria gave a feeble smile, looking at Tonks, "Way to go."
Tonks shrugged, "Couldn't let my best friend get hurt without someone paying for it now could I?"
Moody growled at Tonks, "You didn't have to try killing us though."
"You nearly killed her!" Tonks exclaimed, causing Victoria to wince.
"It wasn't supposed to work like that." Moody explained, in a low rumble, noticing the look on Victoria's face, "We were each supposed to only take one of you. I was to take Caden. The other two were supposed to focus on you two. They're both under investigation by the Ministry now. It was meant to test, not kill you."
Victoria looked back up to Caden, "Is Anthony ok?"
Caden smiled, "He's fine. He volunteered to go with them for the test. Apparently I was supposed to fight past my "Death Eater" and then get him. Since I screwed up I'm being reassigned. I'm part of intelligence now."
Victoria looked worriedly back at Moody, "Does that mean I'm going to be reassigned too, since I never finished?"
Moody gave her a smirk, "I got an owl from the boss a few hours ago. He decided since you were hurt in the process of saving two others that you would automatically pass."
Victoria let out a small sigh of relief. Looking to her left she noticed Severus for the first time, "Severus, what are you doing here?"
"Albus apprised me of the situation. I could not, in good conscience, refrain from being here," he answered, keeping his eyes on the floor.
Noticing how close his hand was to her's she summoned up her strength and took his, making his eyes return to her's. She smiled, "Thank you."
He nodded, giving her the tiniest of smiles back, holding her hand firmly in his.
Turning her attention now to Remus, who had come to stand a few feet away from Caden, "Nice to see you in person again Remus."
"Couldn't let my little sister be all alone in the hospital now could I?" he asked jokingly.
"I'm only a week younger than you." She answered with a smile.
He laughed lightly, "Still makes you younger."
Her gaze finally landed on Albus once more, who was still frozen in place at the doorway. Weakly she called to him, "Albus."
He took a few tentative steps towards her, still unsure if he should enter. Smiling encouragingly she took her hand from Minerva's and offered it to him. He took it, holding it tightly, "Victoria."
She laughed half-heartedly, "I guess this is what it takes for us to use first names."
He chuckled lightly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, "If that is what it takes to know you are alright."
He was about to move away, but she kept hold of his hand making him look back up at her. She gave him a serious look, "It's not your fault you know. I know you blame yourself, the same as Moody, but neither of you are to blame. I chose to save Caden and I would do it again."
Nodding he looked down at their joined hands again silently. Looking back up she could see a tear form in the corner of his eyes, "I am just happy you are safe."
Minerva piped up at that moment, "Alright everyone, she needs some rest."
They all nodded, turning and filing out of the room. Before they could all leave, Victoria called out quickly, "Poppy, Minerva, could you… stay with me, please?"
The two women smiled and made their way back to her bed. Poppy returned to her place on the edge of the bed, rubbing her leg gently. Minerva took her seat at Victoria's side once more. Neither said a word as they watched Victoria's eyes close, letting her drift off to sleep peacefully.
…
A few days, and many visitors later, Victoria finally found some peace and quiet. She had been asleep for a few hours, when she woke up to see Remus sitting in a chair a few feet away from her bed. He had a book open in front of him and seemed to be fairly absorbed in its contents, not even realizing that she had woken. Smiling at him, she couldn't help but think it was the perfect image. "Good book Remus?" she asked, pushing herself up to a sitting position in the bed.
"Quite," he answered closing it.
Looking around the room she realized that they were alone for the first time since she'd arrived there, "Are you the only one here?"
"I'm afraid so. The others had to return to work." He answered pulling his chair closer to her bed.
"Why aren't you at work?" He looked away quickly, a look of shame crossing his face. She sighed, "Don't tell me you got fired again!"
He shook his head, "No, this time I resigned."
"What happened?" she asked, amazed that he would have resigned from a job he loved.
"I forgot my Wolfsbane one night. I changed and nearly killed two students. Once the parents got wind of it there was no other alternative." He answered, unable to look up from his shoes.
"Didn't Dumbledore say anything? I mean he knew about your condition before he hired you."
"I wouldn't let him. Dumbledore risked too much allowing me to become a teacher in the first place. I resigned before the governors sacked me."
She shook her head, "It doesn't seem fair."
"It is life." He said simply. They remained quiet for a minute, Victoria still fuming about how unfair it was for Remus to lose his job yet again, Remus thinking about how much he would miss the position. Finally he spoke up again, "I suppose I should tell you what happened with Sirius."
"Sirius?! You mean you've seen him?!" Victoria asked, surprised it was the first time she'd heard about it.
"I believe we have a lot to discuss." He smiled, starting in on the story. "You see…"
A few minutes later Victoria sat in shock, she couldn't believe she'd missed so much. Sirius had actually come back to save Harry. He hadn't killed Peter. Peter was now missing again. Sirius was nearly killed himself. And now he was on the run again. It took a few minutes for her to absorb everything, finally she looked up at Remus again, "Do you know where he is?"
Remus nodded, "I will take you there when you are released. For now, just try to get some rest."
Victoria gave an indignant huff, "Rest, that's all I do anymore."
"For a good reason. You were nearly killed. Not many people can be cursed by three Aurors and live to talk about it." He gave her a pointed look.
She nodded, still annoyed, "I know, I know. I just can't wait to get out of here."
He smiled, "Soon enough."
…
Victoria had been in St. Mungo's now for a week and although it was rare for her not to have someone there to talk to, and an endless supply of books, thanks to Remus, she was ridiculously bored. She had never been so happy to see a Healer as she'd been that morning as she watched him enter the room. He smiled up at her, "Good morning Victoria. How are you feeling today?"
She smiled, trying to hide her pain, "Much better!"
He eyed her skeptically and ran some diagnostic spells on her. Putting his wand away again he smiled once more, "You seem to be healing very well. After what you've been through I would have thought it would take much longer."
"So what does that mean?" she asked hopefully.
"It means you can go home… on one condition." He said seriously.
"Anything!" she shouted, ecstatic about the prospect of leaving.
"You must take it easy. Make sure you get some rest."
"I promise!" she answered quickly.
"And… you are not to return to work for at least a month," he said giving her a pointed look.
Her mouth dropped open at his words, "Please tell me you're kidding? A month!"
"A month. I have already sent an owl to the Ministry and they have agreed. I will see you back here before you return. Now go home and get some rest." He smiled and left the room.
She still gaped after him, not wanting to believe that she was not able to go back to work for an entire month. Remus chuckled, "Are you going to continue to sit there or are we leaving?"
"Let's get out of here," she said getting out of bed as quickly as her injuries would let her and making her way to the bathroom to change.
After she came back out, donning her usual ice blue robes and her black hair pulled back into the messy bun, he smiled at her. "Come on," he said taking her hand. "You have someone waiting to see you."
Giving him a curious look she felt herself being apparated away. A moment later she found herself in front of the flat they shared. "Remus who would be waiting for me at our flat?"
He smirked at her, "Why don't you knock and find out?"
She studied him, trying to figure out what was going on. After a few seconds of study she decided to follow his instructions, thinking she didn't have anything to lose, and raised her hand to knock. A moment later the door opened, revealing what looked to be a skeleton. A second look made her realize that this was not a skeleton at all, but instead a man. His skin was stretched across his face so tightly that it made him look like there was nothing but bones. His hair was matted, hanging down to his elbows. As a grin formed on his face she saw his yellow teeth. The only thing she recognized about this man was the steel gray eyes shining brightly at her. "Victoria," he said happily, his voice sounding like it was out of practice. He pulled her in for a hug, but stepped back when he heard her wince.
"Be careful with her Sirius. I brought her straight from the hospital." Remus smiled at his friend.
"Don't worry old friend. She's in safe hands." Sirius smiled mischievously.
"That is what I'm worried about." Remus gave him a pointed look. Sirius stepped aside to let them in. "Well, I'll leave you to it," Remus said quickly walking towards his bedroom. "I've got quite a few owls to send, now that I'm looking for work again."
"Good luck," Victoria called after him, watching as he closed the door. Although she'd been in her flat many times alone with Sirius before, she couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy. She smiled at him after a minute, choosing a place on the couch, "It's so great to see you Sirius."
His eyes twinkled merrily, "Vicky, this is us. Why are you so uptight?" he asked plopping onto the couch next to her and leaning back lazily.
"Because Sirius, I haven't seen you in twelve years! I thought you were a murderer, it takes some time to get over a shock like that!" she answered looking back at him.
"Vicky, look at me," he implored, taking her hand in his. "It's just me. Same as I've always been."
She shook her head, "It's going to take me a little time."
He placed his hand gently on her cheek, "I've missed you."
She closed her eyes; trying to steel herself from what she knew was coming. Sighing she said, "I've missed you too."
He sat up, pulling her closer to him, "I thought about you every day in there."
"Sirius please…" she begged.
"I thought about that night a thousand times," he looked deeply into her eyes, stroking her cheek.
"Sirius don't…" she turned away from him.
"The thought of you and that kiss were what kept me going in there," he said putting his hand under her chin and making her look at him again. "Why don't we give it another try?"
She knew what was coming, but she couldn't bring herself to pull back. Some part of her was curious to see if they really could make it work this time, but there was another part of her that was screaming at her to stop this before either of them got hurt. The curious part of her seemed to win the argument momentarily as she watched him come closer, until he gently brushed his lips with her's. Feeling the rush of excitement course through her once again, she nearly lost herself in the kiss. The part of her brain that was screaming at her not to get hurt seemed to become louder as he pulled her closer. Finally she pulled back, pushing him away gently. She could see the hurt in his eyes as he said, "Vicky, I love you."
A tear rolled down her cheek, "I love you too Sirius, but not like that."
Getting to her feet she turned back to him, seeing him leaning back on the couch as if he'd been hit. "I'm sorry Sirius. You will always be my friend, but I've had just as much time to think about us as you've had. I do love you Sirius, but we just can't be together."
Limping slightly she made it to her room and closed the door before collapsing on the bed crying.
…
When she heard from the Healer that she'd be spending a month at home she never expected to be spending that time with Remus and Sirius. Although she'd turned Sirius down yet again, and she could tell he was still resentful about it, they returned to much the same manner they had twelve years ago. After spending a month with them though, she was happy to be returning back to work.
As she walked through the doors of the Auror Headquarters she couldn't help but feel a thrill go through her. A smile lit up her face as she walked across the room, halfway down seeing a desk with a nameplate reading her name. Taking a moment to relish the feeling, she couldn't believe that she'd really accomplished it. After three years she was finally an Auror.
The smile stayed in place as she continued down the row, finding the cubicle she'd been looking for. Moody sat at his desk, a cup of tea in his hand and the Daily Prophet open in front of him. "Morning Moody," she beamed, taking a seat in front of him.
"Victoria. They let you come back now did they?" he asked setting his cup down and looking at her.
"Finally yes. I thought I was going to go crazy," she smiled at him. "So anything new going on here?"
He nodded, "There is something I thought might attract you. Hogwarts is looking for an Auror to guard the upcoming Triwizard tournament."
"Are you kidding?!" she asked, her eyes nearly bulging out of her head.
A slight smirk crossed his face, "I've already talked to Scrimgeour about it. You leave next week."
Resisting the strong urge to hug him she beamed up at him, "Moody, you are amazing. How can I ever thank you."
"Don't, just keep those kids safe."
"I will," she said seriously, "I promise."
He gave a short nod, "There's only one other thing."
She gave him a curious look, "What's that?"
"I'm retiring. Tomorrow's my last day," he said easily, leaning back in his chair.
"No, Moody, you can't leave. Not now, I just got back. I don't know anything about…"
He cut her off mid rant, "You know everything you need to. You'll be fine."
"Moody, are you really leaving?" she asked, sounding like a child.
"Aye, it's time for me to step down. Let young kids like you take my place."
"No one will ever be able to take your place," she said simply, feeling like she was about to cry.
"Ah," he growled, trying to fight off the emotions himself. "Just remember one thing, constant vigilance. You remember that you'll do fine."
She nodded, smirking slightly, "I won't forget." Chuckling lightly she added, "How could I? I think I heard it every day for three years."