Lily was happy, she couldn't hide her wide smile as she placed on her school tie. Her first day at secondary school. This was going to be different, she knew it would be, it wouldn't be like primary school at all. She was going to have friends, she knew there were going to be people there who liked her.
Before she knew it, she was there, the dull grey building looked more like a paradise to Lily than the faceless drones who walked inside with her. It represented a new start, the chance to be something different to what she once was.
She was now in a classroom with…that was strange…people from her year. Isabel…Mary…Marlene…Sarah…and Dorcas.
"Class…" Lily was now at the front of the class. She knew that voice…she looked back and saw professor McGonagall.
"This is Lily Evans, and she is a stupid ginger bitch who also happens to be a witch, and she's scared of all of you, you must treat her differently, constantly call her names and point out her faults."
"Such as her posture, look how she slouches." Lily felt something poke her in the back and send falling forwards.
"And how she's starting to get a pit podgy as well." McGonagall. "Now Miss Evans, how will you ever get a good boyfriend if you have a bigger stomach than they do? Look at Leanne." Lily looked up and saw that American girl Potter was with, in her blue dress smirking at her.
"He's mine." She said smiling evilly at her. "All mine, and there is nothing you have to make him stray."
It felt like she was crying, but no tears wanted to fall, Professor McGonagall would never do anything of say anything like this.
"She looks strange looking to me." Said Isabel walking round her. "A witch you say, she can't be normal like us."
"But…but I am." Said Lily. "I am, I'm just like you!" she pleaded.
"You can never be like us." Said Marlene, "You prettier than us, and smarter than us."
"But not richer." Said Mary. "And all the boys go for girls who can combine their wealth, you'll be nothing than there little play things!"
"No, no, you're my friends." Said Lily. "You said you were, you would never say anything like that!" She looked over at Dorcas who looked at her with disgust.
"And to think you wanted to be my best friend." She said venomously. "You were never fit enough to clean my shoes."
"No…Dorcas…I?"
"Get out!" She screamed. "GET OUT!" It all went into spirals, it felt like when she was being mobbed by the boys and girls at school.
"Leave me alone." Said Lily, just wanting it all to end. "Leave me alone." She looked up at the top of the spiral.
"I said, leave me alone!"
It all went dark. But there was a warm feeling in her heart, a soft soothing hand on her shoulder.
"Lily…" he mothers voice, she suddenly felt more alert. She looked around but could only see darkness.
"Forget what you see…" So soft and soothing.
"…What do you feel?"
Lily slowly opened her eyes, there was a dull grey light coming in from above her. She was still here. Still in this nightmare. He sighed.
"Morning."
The sound of the voice made Lily jump and scarper back. She only saw it that it was Potter who was laughing at her at her abrupt movement. Lily felt herself flush as she beated her skirt of all the dust that had fallen on it.
Potter now stood up, he flicked his robe of all the dust and looked around.
"What do you think will happen today?" asked Lily.
"With any hope, rescue." Said Potter turning towards her.
"You think they'll come for us?" said Lily.
"My dad should hopefully of figured out where we are." Said James. "He's good at that sort of thing."
"How do you know?" asked Lily.
"They don't call him the world's greatest detective for nothing." Said James. Lily admired Potter's confidence in his dad but she knew if they were ever going to get out of here, they needed help from above. She hadn't done it for a while, not since she left for Hogwarts.
Lily got down on her knees and clasped her hands together.
"Dear god, please let me get out of this alive if you do then I'll-"
"What are doing?" Lily opened her eyes and turned to Potter who was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm praying." Said Lily.
"To who, exactly?" asked Potter. Lily shrugged.
"God, I think." She said closing her eyes again. "Or Jesus or anyone else who's up there." Potter snorted dismissively. Lily opened one eye.
"There not real you know." He said. "None of them are."
"And how would you know that?" asked Lily. "A little faith goes along way."
"Because that Jesus guy you were talking about was a wizard." Said Potter.
"No way." Said Lily turning towards him. "No, he was the son of god."
"A man who can walk on water, cure the blind and turn water into wine, all spells." Said Potter. "He was just a wizard who showed off too much, and now he has a cult following, think about it. How else could someone seemingly die and the come back to life. How else could someone survive forty days and nights in the wilderness."
"For someone who doesn't believe you know an awful lot about it." said Lily.
"I read." Said Potter. "You call it the bible, we call it funny stories."
"There is a higher power out there, somewhere." Lily said, annoyed at him.
"The only higher power is a Wizard or Witch." Said Potter. "Witches and Wizards have lived without Religion for centuries and have got on just fine."
"Clearly not because were stuck somewhere being held by a Wizarding Terrorist." Said Lily. "I think I'll take my chances with praying thank you." She was just about the start again when the door opened. Murdoch stepped in with the two guards who had kidnapped them., Lily went over to Potter and stayed behind him.
"Good morning." He said. Lily could see Potter make a fist at his side. Murdoch smirked at him.
"Not yet James." He said. "I'm not here for you, yet." Lily didn't like where this was going.
"Bring the girl." He said, "I want to get to know her a little better."
"No!" Potter sprang towards him. One of the guards pushed him back to the floor. Lily tried to get away but was grabbed.
"You promised you bastard!" Potter yelled, "You promised!"
"Your father should have told you this." Said Murdoch placing an arm round her. "But I never keep my promises."
"No, Lily!" he shouted, she could hear him fighting to get to her, then, the steel door slammed.
"LILLLLY!"
The Marauders Proudly Present Alec Potter, James Potter and Lily Evans In: The Marauders Year One
Chapter Thirty Three
Escape
Written By Chambers10
Unlike James who was dragged in, Murdoch had a hand on the small of her back which made her shiver. He led her into a room that was dark, the only light from to caged windows above them. From the way the sun came in, she could guess it was nearly sunrise.
"Take a seat." He said pointing to a chair in the middle of the room. There was blood on it. Potter's blood. Lily swallowed thickly.
"Take, a, seat!" he gritted out. Through fear she sat down on the chair. She looked up at Murdoch who towered over her. He ran a hand slowly down her face, Lily moved her shoulder up self-consciously to stop him.
"No, no. you're alright." Murdoch took his hand away and grabbed a chair from the other side of the room, he placed in front of Lily and sat down. He stared at her. Lily looked away from him, anywhere but him, his all persona put her on edge.
"Evans isn't a wizarding name." he said. "I thought it was Welsh but…" The trailed off as he inspected her. Lily looking away.
"Oh, am I making you nervous?" he asked.
"…yes." said Lily.
"I don't mean to." Said Murdoch.
"I do hate making people nervous." He said. Lily didn't say a thing.
"So, Evans, Where does that name come from? Not Welsh is it?" he asked. Lily looked away. Murdoch locked his jaw. "It'll be a lot easier if you just answered my questions."
"London." Said Lily, "My parents are from London."
"London, ok good." He said.
"It's muggle." Said Lily.
"No…wizarding heritage?" Lily shook her head. Murdoch's mouth formed into a twisted smile.
"Must have come as a bit of a shock." Lily didn't say anything.
"How are you fitting in?" he asked. Still, nothing.
"Say, something mudblood." Lily didn't say anything. Murdoch got up abruptly from the chair, making it fly everywhere. He then pulled out Lily's wand.
"My wand."
"This?" said Murdoch pointing to it. "This? No, no. No, you don't deserve this." He said. "You don't deserve at all."
"But it's my wand…" said Lily. "I got it at Ollivanders."
"You still don't deserve it." said Murdoch walking towards the back of the room.
"I want to go home." Said Lily. "Please let me go." Murdoch turned round.
"Go?" Lily nodded.
"I think not." Said Murdoch. "I privileged prat like you, no, no." Alec threw Lily's wand up in the air and caught it.
"Did you honestly think that this world would jus accept you?"
Lily swallowed. "It has so far." Murdoch laughed.
"Yes…so far." He said, "Trust me when I tell you that the balance of power is shifting."
"What balance." Said Lily, "I don't know what you're talking about?" Murdoch walked towards her slowly.
"They all maybe fooled now." said Murdoch, "But you Mudbloods aren't to be trusted. Since the reconciliation we've been influxed with greed and corruption."
"But…I didn't do anything though." Said Lily.
"Oh, no you didn't" he said, "But there is a war coming." Said Murdoch, "It's in the shadows now, but… one day, they will persecute you for no good reason. Because of the fluid that runs through your veins."
Lily looked down at her hands, and then back at Murdoch.
"And when that day comes, you'll find out just who your friends really are." Said Murdoch."
"You're wrong." Said Lily quietly. Murdoch narrowed his eye at her.
"Bravery." He said, "An admirable trait. Your parents must have it to." Lily didn't dare look. She heard him sigh.
"Well, they'll have to be very brave."
"Why?"
"You'll see." He said. "Put her back." Lily was roughly grabbed and marched back to the room. The door opened and she was thrown in.
She landed on the floor with a thud, Potter was instantly at her side.
"Evans." He said making a fuss over her. Helping her to her feet.
"Are you ok, did he hurt you?" he asked quickly.
"No, no." she said, still shaken from what had happened. Before they could say another word James was now grabbed by one of the guards.
"Bring him back in here." Said Murdoch. "Let's see if his tongue has loosened any more." Lily went to stop them but was thrown down onto the floor as the guard carried a kicking James away.
"I'd take a good look at him." he said, "Be the last time you ever see him." Before Lily could respond, she saw those hazel eyes disappear behind that door.
And she was alone again. That surely couldn't be the last time she would ever see him again. Lily felt a low dragging feeling in her centre. No, she would see Potter again, it was just scare tactics, that's all. He wouldn't be dead, Lily would see him again.
She would see that little boy smile on his face.
She would see him taking on the whomping willow again.
She would see him do another prank.
She would see him that close again in the snow.
…
She would hear his heartbeat again. And there it was. The one nice thing she could say about him.
"You have a beautiful heartbeat." whispered Lily.
Alec was walking down the corridor of Hogwarts. The rookie came running up to him with a file and gave it Alec.
"And?"
"The wand was covered in oil residue." Said the rookie, every inch of the report had been analysed so he could answer any questions.
"And the girls blood."
"Not a lot then."
"She'll have a cut." Said the rookie.
"And the oil worker?"
"Drew Staines, thirty eight. Nothing out of the ordinary."
"The rig?"
"Used by British Petroleum as an exploratory drill sight, recently taking samples so there will be oil on board."
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"How are they keeping the rig secret?" asked the rookie.
"There using a series of bribes and powerful disillusionment charms." Said Alec, "There also using the charms Hogwarts are using. Are Moody and Boyle ready?"
"There waiting for you in the war room. Along with Parks."
"Shit." Muttered Alec, "Did he give any reason why he was here?"
"None sir." Said the rookie nervously, "Only that he wanted to see you right now."
"Well, he's got his wish." Said Alec, he went to the unused class room. It had been converted to the as the Auror's called it, the war room. It was fitted out a map of the area along with a pensive for re-examining crime scenes. The room fell silent as Alec and the rookie walked in. On the wall was a white board with a picture of James and Lily, next to the photos was all the information on them. Alec sighed and looked at the photo of the Evans girl, she looked a lot like Harriet. She was laughing with windswept hair and bright green eyes and a smile befitting for any child model.
"There you are." Alec turned to see Stanford Parks in his suit. He had a drink in his hand and didn't look happy.
"You took you're sweet time."
"I went as fast as I could." Said Alec.
"You haven't had a muggle couple bashing your ear all day because you can't find their daughter."
"If you've forgotten Stanford. My son is missing to." Said Alec.
"Well back in my—"
"To hell with your day." Said Alec angrily, "Let's not forget that you only did two years as an enforcer before being promoted here." He walked closer to Stanford. "And another two before you were placed head of the department, because father Bones decided to retire." Stanford breathed deeply before looking hard at Alec.
"So kindly get off my back and do what you're only good for now. PR work." He walked past Stanford.
"Moody! Cartwright!" he barked. "You here?"
"Here Sir." Alastair Moody. Been in the department as long as Alec had. He is behind Alec as the most distinguished Auror in the precinct.
"Here Sir." Daniel Cartwright. Recently promoted from the enforcers. Only been on the job for a month and already on a kidnap case. His good looking face was eager to please but Alec didn't have time for this.
Alec looked at the two. "Okay, gather round!" people round the room congregated to the board Alec was standing by. Alec felt Stanford walk to the side of him, the two men looked at each other before looking at the board.
"These are the two kids were looking for." Explained Alec, "Lily Evans and Jam…" Alec sighed.
"James Potter. They were last seen forty eight hours ago by their classmates who saw Miss Evans follow Potter after the two rowed. They were then abducted by this man." Alec pointed to the board at Robert Murdoch, it was his mug shot without his scar.
"The school was notified of the kidnap a couple of hours later when neither showed up for dinner." Alec pointed to a photo of the crime scene.
"This is where they were kidnapped." Explained Alec. "What we found was a pool of blood belonging to Potter." Alec paused and looked at the board, at his sons face.
"There were signs of a scuffle which we believe belonged to the Evans girl when she got involved. The scuffles lead to this clearing a few hundred meters away." He pointed at the clearing.
"There we found this." He held up the burner wand. "It had its ten spells cast. After studying the spells which included a mixture of cleaning and torture curses, we are led to believe that the same wand was used to kill this muggle." He pointed a new photo of a man washed up on a beach.
"Drew Staines. Thirty Eight, oil rig worker who was referred to my department after he was found washed up on a beach in Scotland with no apparent cause of death after his oil rig was destroyed. Hence why he was referred, no traces of burn marks or Hypothermia."
"Where are you going with this Potter?" asked Stanford. Alec glared at him.
"The worker worked on a sunset oil rig which was found burned and destroyed." Said Alec. "Being on a burning rig he would have had two options, one, burn to death on the rig, or two, die of hyperthermia by jumping into the freezing water." He turned to Stanford. "Since he died of neither he was referred because it has all the tell-tale signs of a killing curse." Stanford nodding.
"Mr Staines was the only one of twenty five workers found." Explained Alec. "None of the others where. The burner wand was found to have oil residue on it, the same type of oil that the Sunset rig was drilling for. This leads us to believe that Murdoch is on that rig."
"Did you get those Plans?" the rookie bustled through the crowd and handed them to Alec who made them levitate in mid-air and fold out.
"Murdoch is on this rig." Said Alec, "All we have to do is find him and end him. We've already place an anti-apparition charm up, so he can't escape. We are going to open a Portkey tunnel about a mile out and slip in under the radar on these." Alec held up what looked like a small stick.
"Collapsible brooms." He said. Stay low and under the radar, remember, this is a hostage situation first and foremost. Moody."
"Yes Sir."
"I want you to go round the back with Cartwright to this room here. I'll be taking the front door here." The two men nodded.
"Rules of engagement." Alec looked over to Stanford. "Sir?"
"Dead or Alive." Said Stanford, "You are authorised to fire first. Understand."
"Yes Sir." Said Alec. He looked over to Moody and Cartwright.
"Let's go." They walked towards a large portable steel carrier. Alec opened it, he pulled out a black utility belt and wrapped it round his waist. Both Moody and Cartwright went their own container and kitted up. Alec pulled out his black coat and swished it in the air before pulling it on. He went to walk out the door and his eye caught the photo of Lily Evans.
"You better find her!"
"And Potter." Alec turned round.
"Yes Sir?" Stanford nodded curtly.
"Preferably dead."
James was thrown into the chair again. And once again, bound with his hands behind his back. He could see more of the room around him. But more so…Murdoch who was hanging his coat up on some low lying chains in the room. He walked up to and leaned down in front of him so he was at eye level.
"Now." said Murdoch, "Were going to try this again." he leaned in front of James and placed a hand slowly on his chest.
"Except…" he pushed down on one of James's ribs. James gritted his teeth. "We're going to try you like an adult. Since you like acting like one." He pushed down on James's rib more.
KRAKK
James let out a sigh when it broke. His face contorted in pain, but didn't want to give Murdoch the satisfaction of making him scream.
Murdoch moved down slowly to the next one.
"So James. I want to know about your father. How he will break." He pressed on the rib.
"…What you know, please."
James spat blood onto his face. He knew what was coming now.
KRAKK
He felt his rib break cleanly. Again he held his pain, although this time was considerably harder than last time. How long could he keep this up? Why wasn't his dad coming for him?
"You really are resilient." Said Murdoch, "I'll give you that, most men crumble after the first break." He moved his finger down to this third rib. James winced in anticipation.
"You show good loyalty for a boy who hardly sees his dad." said Murdoch, "How long has it been since he's spent a Christmas with you?" James clenched his jaw and looked forward. Just mentally preparing himself for the breaking of his rib, and ignoring the lies being fed to him.
"I mean, he would rather spend it alone with his wife than with his son also? It makes me wonder…" He stroked James's rib softly.
"Why you protect him so much?" finished Murdoch
KRAKK
With another swift motion he broke his rib. James let out a grunt and closed his eyes.
"Because he's my Dad." wheezed James, now finding it hard to talk. "And I love him."
"Ah…but he doesn't love you." Said Murdoch, his finger creeping down to the next rib. "He still blames you for what happened to your sister." James sighed.
"It wasn't my fault." Whispered James. "He said, he told me."
"And you truly believe that." Said Murdoch. James breathed deeply, "Think about it. He doesn't spend as much time with you as he did before. Face it, you were always second best to him."
"I wasn't."
"He always craved a daughter more than you!"
"You're wrong."
"Face it Potter, you're father never loved you!"
"AHHHH!" James tried to move but was held in place firmly by his bonds. He struggled, his head was spinning and his chest hurt.
"Touched a nerve there, didn't I?" said Murdoch. "So, you must have some doubts?" James shook his head.
"None."
KRAKK
James grimaced and breathed in deeply. "So…what do you have to say." James looked over at him.
"I have an itch." He said, his eyes flickered to his chest. "Down there…would you mind?"
SMAKK
KRAKK
"AHHHHH!" James couldn't mask the pain. Not this time. Another slap and now three more broken ribs. He didn't know how much more he could take. Why wasn't his dad here?
"NO," James shouted, "NO, no, no, no." he whimpered. Murdoch swayed side to side in glee almost thinking he had broken him.
"To the right, to the right, to the right!" shouted James. Murdoch laughed manically.
"I bet you think your funny, DON'T YOU POTTER!"
KRAKK
James shouted out again, hoping to merlin that Evans couldn't hear him. James leaned forward and panted as sweat fell down his brow.
"Sounds like you don't have anything left to say?" James tried to speak, but nothing came out at all.
"Psst, you have to speak louder." Said Murdoch, "That many broken ribs are going to obstruct your breathing."
"Muh…muh…"
"What?" asked Murdoch,
"My dad." wheezed James, "Is going to kick, your, arse." He waited for it.
SMAKK.
The chair fell to the floor and James's face smashed his face on the cold concrete floor. He let out a whimper. He felt his chest tightened. The Auror's never prepared him for this. Nothing could.
"Get the girl." Said Murdoch, "Let's see if torturing her loosens his tongue."
"NO!" shouted James, "DON'T YOU TOUCH HER!"
"Ah, there's a nerve." Said Murdoch.
"NO, NO, NO!"
"Uhm…Sir!"
"WHAT!"
"She's, uh…not here." Murdoch sighed and pushed him out of the way while James wheezed on the floor.
"Don't be stupid, of course she's there you idio…" James turned his head.
"WHERE IS SHE!" Murdoch shouted, "WHERE THE FUCK IS SHE!"
"Safe." James felt relief flow through him. Standing in the room was his dad. "She's safe Murdoch. "Safe from you." Alec took a step closer to him.
"But you're not safe from me." His voice low and dangerous. Murdoch looked shocked and moved back.
"No. It's impossible." Said Murdoch shaking his head, "IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
"And yet I'm here." Said Alec. James felt his bonds lax but was grabbed by Murdoch and felt his wand being jabbed into his neck.
"Let him go!" said Alec loudly. "You don't need him. It's me you want." Murdoch pressed the tip of his wand into James's neck, so much a little blood trickled down his neck.
"Don't panic James." Said Alec, "Remember what I've told you." James nodded.
"You'll do no such thing!" Alec sprung forward and grabbed Murdoch's wand arm and brought it upwards. James elbowed Murdoch in the diaphragm and moved away. Murdoch released his arm and kicked Alec. He flew across the room and hit the cold metal wall.
Murdoch swivelled and ran towards a door he hadn't noticed before in the dark room. James ran after him picking his wand up from the table as he went. His fractured ribs causing searing pain replaced by his burning adrenalin. Murdoch opened the door and they ascended up a metal staircase. James taking the steps two at a time to compensate for his lack of speed for the time being. He then found a metal door which he heaved open and looked out.
James held his breath. He was on top of what looked like an oil rig. The sky was grey and cold rain lashed on his face as his body adjusted to the temperature. James was soon joined on top by Alec.
"What on earth are doing?" he shouted over the storm.
"Where's Lily?" asked James.
"Safe, we got her out before raiding you." Explained Alec, "Now go back down stairs and we'll get you out as well."
"No!"
"You don't have a choice James." Said Alec, "You're hurt you have fractured ribs, and maybe a concussion."
"I'm taking him down." Said James angrily. "Are you going to help me or not?"
"You don't have a—James!" James had stopped listening and was now searching for Murdoch. Alec had lost him.
"Little shit." Muttered Alec and now tried to search for the two of them.
James looked up at the concrete jungle. The rain almost made it impossible to see two feet in front of him. He pulled out his wand and gripped it tight. He edged his way round a corner slowly and pointed it down a dark corridor of pipes and air vents. James brought his wand to his chest. His heart was beating frantically in his chest as the adrenalin wore off, being replaced by labouring and debilitating pain.
He heard the sound of something on metal and went back to red alert. His eyes scanning what hiding places he could see around him. He took a step forward, his light footsteps still pattering on the puddles forming on the deck of the rig.
He moved silently with wand raised along another platform. A burst of steam fogging his vision now as he moved across.
BANG
James was lucky he sore the flash of red light. He jumped of the walkway and onto an air vent. His body moaned in disapproval as he landed with a thud. His ribs feeling the vibrations coursing through him. But he had not time to feel the pain. He saw another jet of red light.
"Protego!" the white shield erupted from his wand and spread the shield in front of him. The red light hit the centre of his shield and passed off around the edges.
"Impressive Boy!" Murdoch shouted above the rain. "But you'll have to do better than that!"
James ran along the platform, another red spark charged towards him. James jumped off the air vent onto the floor and hid behind one. He breathed deeply as he heard Murdoch's steps. Slow, hard, and long against the driving rain.
Tuft
Tuft
Tuft
Tuft
James held his breath, waiting for the moment Murdoch walked past and found him. His footsteps coming ever closer.
"I can still feel you're heart beat." Said Murdoch, "Any now you're afraid." His footsteps came closer and closer to him.
"You're afraid of what I'll do to you." Said Murdoch. James's breathing was returning to normal. Slowly.
"I would be to." Said Murdoch. "Cold, alone, far from home. You're not going to survive James."
"Don't listen to him James." He could hear his dad's voice. "You're not afraid, look at how far you've come."
"Too far Alec." Said Murdoch, "Your failure will come back to haunt when I present your sons lifeless corpse to you."
"You're going to get the kiss for this Murdoch!" James watched as Murdoch came into view. But he hadn't seen James yet.
"You hurt my son." Said Alec, "For that, I will make sure you never see day light again!"
"BOMBARDA!"
The white light shot out of James's wand. Murdoch turned round but was hit, he flew through the air and smashed into an air vent. James climbed up onto the air vent and ran away from Murdoch. He heard him yell and then an explosion from behind him that he didn't dare to see.
He hurdled over the railings onto the walkway.
"You can run! But you can't hide Potter!" shouted Murdoch against the rain. Thunder boomed in the sky as James hid behind another air vent.
"Not if I can help it!" James turned round the vent to see his dad and Murdoch engaged in a duel. Each firing an assortment of curses and hexes at each other. James watched mesmerised as his dad fought, vying for the upper hand. James felt a hand on his shoulder.
He whirled round, wand pointed at…
"Evans?" James said confused. Lily had her hands up in the air, a look of shock on her face.
"What are you doing here?" James said annoyed, "You're supposed to be back at Hogwarts!"
"I came back for you." Said Lily, "I'm sorry if caring if you're alright is—"
"It doesn't matter." Said James swallowing his anger. He looked back at the fight ensuing.
"How did you get back?" asked James. Lily pointed out at sea.
"Those people made a port key tunnel over there." Explained Lily, "They got me out and flew my back?"
"Are we supposed to swim back?"
"No." said Lily now annoyed at his sarcastic tone. She pulled out a small stick and gave it to James.
"Collapsible broom." Said Lily, "I took it when I came back." She let go as James took it from her.
"I though since you're the Quidditch player, you can fly."
"We have to wait for my dad."
"James, he'll be fine." Implored Lily, "We have to go."
"I won't leave him." said James, "Either we all go or you can move on back through." Lily frowned angrily.
"There fighting Potter!" She pointed out. "Trust me, your dad will be more grateful if you're able to get out alive!"
"No!"
"No?"
"No!" said James again. "I'm staying and helping."
"Are you trying to get yourself killed!" shouted Lily, "What happens if you die?"
"Then I die!" said James, "It's no concern of yours! Now are you staying, or are you going!?" said James. Lily nodded.
"Staying." She said.
"Right. Stay here then." James turned round and ran towards the battle.
"POTTER!" she shouted, but her call was drowned out by the rain and the thunder.
Lily was sat in the room. She could hear water hitting the wall of the room she was in. So she knew that it was raining. She buried her head into her knees again as she heard James being hit around again.
Was this in store for her as well. She would never cope well under torture, but she didn't have anything this man wanted. He just wanted to do it for the fun of it. Would she ever see her mum and dad again, or Tuney, or Sev. Or James.
"Lily Evans?" Lily shot up and ran to the middle of the room. She looked at where the voice had come from. It was a man. He was in a blue uniform and now standing where she was sitting.
"It's ok." He said pulling out a wallet from his pocket, he opened it up to reveal a badge, like a policeman.
"My Name is Auror Cartwright." He said, "I'm an Auror. I'm here to rescue you." Lily instantly found herself hugging him and crying.
"It's ok." He said gently, "You're ok, it's over now."
"He has James." Said Lily tearfully. "That man, in there." Lily pointed to the door that James had been forced through. She looked up at the Auror.
"Get him back."
"I will." He nodded. "Moody."
"Yes Sir." Lily turned to see another Auror standing next to her. He was tall and gruff. "You will apparate Miss Evans back to Hogwarts. Her parents are very worried about her."
"What about the Port Key sir?" asked Moody.
"I'll use it to bring Potter home." Said Cartwright. "Now go, before they here you." Moody took hold of Lily.
"Hold your breath." He warned. With a flash of blue light they were gone.
After what seemed like an eternity falling and twisting she landed on soft grass. She was pulled to her feet to see herself in the grounds. She looked out at the lake to see swirling blue hole just above it. Like one of the photos of a black hole, except it was blue.
"Come on." Said Moody. "Your Parents are waiting for you." They started walking back up towards the castle. Lily couldn't believe that she had escaped. But…what about Potter, had he got out?
"What about Potter?" asked Lily.
"Don't worry." Said Moody. "He'll be just fine."
"He was being tortured. Wasn't he." Said Lily. Moody went to speak, but stopped.
"…Yes." he said finally. "But I've met James Potter. He's resilient." Lily wasn't so convinced, she was at the resilient part. But he did need help, he always needed help, even if he wouldn't admit it. She had to help him
"I need the loo." Said Lily. Moody nodded and led Lily inside. As they walked, Lily noticed a small stick hanging out of his pocket. Lily tentatively grabbed it from his pocket and held it firmly. They reached a bathroom where Lily and moody went inside.
"I don't need you to watch me." Said Lily
"It's precaution." Said Moody gruffly.
"I don't trust you." Said Lily.
"Miss Evans."
"Look. I'm going to be right here." Said Lily. She arced her eyebrow. "Please." Moody frowned and walked back outside.
Lily made sure the door was locked and pulled the stick out of her pocket and inspected it with her fingers. On it was the name Nimbus.
She racked her brain, thinking about where she had seen or heard it before. Nimbus…a potion? No she would know that. A book?" No. a broom…yes! A broom. Lily inspected the box and sure enough, there was a little broom in the corner. Lily smiled and fiddled with the box. After a couple of turn it sprang out into a full size broom. She stroked it and looked at the window. She drew out her wand.
"Bombarda!" the window blew out and smashed onto the grass outside. Lily fiddled with the box. The broom snapped back shut and Lily climbed out the window and onto the grass. She ran off towards the lake, she stopped and unfolded the broom.
She gingerly mounted it and took a deep breath. She had to be brave. Potter had always been brave, it was now her turn.
"Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart." She said to herself. She kicked off and hovered, she took a deep breath and flew forward into the blue port key tunnel.
"Idiot." Muttered Lily as she ran after him.
Alec looked over and saw Murdoch just over a set of ventilation shafts. Alec holstered his wand and slipped two smoke bombs into his hands, he threw them over the top and exploded, expelling dark smoke over the shafts. Murdoch stopped sending curses over and watched, but still ready to pounce.
Alec ran towards the smoke and jumped over the shafts towards him, his black coat flapping impressively behind him as Murdoch sent over more curses. They bypassed Alec, smashing through his coat.
One of Murdoch's curses missed Alec and hit a gas canister on the rig.
The canister exploded, throwing both men back as it began to engulf the rig. It threw James back onto a vent. Lily on the other hand shielded her face from the explosion. James's ears were ringing. His face was hot and…the fire. He got to his feet and saw a huge wall of fire cutting off one half of the rig. The decking and below floors falling away into the ocean.
"James. Get up, we have to go." James looked up to see Lily's face. She helped him to his feet.
"Evans?"
"Come on. We have to go." Shouted Lily. James nodded and looked around.
"Dad!" he shouted.
Murdoch got to his feet slowly, only to be punched in the face with such force it made him lose his footing. Alec grabbed him and threw Murdoch against a metal wall, it seemed to have to opposite effect that Alec wanted, instead of making him drowsy it gave Murdoch new vigour. He grabbed Alec's punch turned his wrist which made Alec cry out in pain. Murdoch then pulled a knife and sunk it deep into Alec's side. Alec grunted as Murdoch retrieved the knife and slashed him across the chest. Alec fell to his knees.
"Now, now Alec." Said Murdoch. "Falling asleep before the end, my, you have gotten old haven't you!" He kneed Alec in the face sending him sprawling onto the floor with blood pouring from his side. Alec grunted and tried to regain focus, his vision going hazy and black round the outside.
"I was just going to kill everything you love." Said Murdoch. "But, I guess killing you will just have to do." Alec coughed out blood onto the steel below him. He wanted it to end now, the pain now was searing in his side and his chest. He couldn't even feel the flames of the searing inferno.
…
But he couldn't give up
Why not?
James. He was still on here, and if Alec died, then James did to , and if he did, that red hair girl did to.
"You better find her!" Those sharp blue almond shaped eyes that penetrated deep into his soul. "Because if you don't, I will haunt you for as long, as, you, draw, breath!"
He couldn't let it end like this. He still had a job to do. He was still needed, he had to get that girl home safe to her mother.
"Such a shame." He said pulling Alec up by his hair. "You were a worthy opponent."
"I Still am." Alec, even though it caused him a huge deal of pain he swivelled his body and kicked Murdoch's knee, causing him to fall over Alec then upholstered his wand and threw him across the rig into a steel vat.
"ROPARO!" the lasso shot out and snared Murdoch's ankle.
"Retracto." The lasso shot back with Murdoch tethered to the end of it. Alec readied his arm and clothes lined him and heard his head clank hard on the concrete floor. Alec slumped to his knee with the fire still raging around him. He had to get out of here.
James!
"JAMES!" he turned and looked at the other side of the rig. Alec was there holding an unconscious Murdoch by his neck. He was surrounded by fire and was cut off by high flames and thick smoke.
"STAY THERE!" Alec shouted, I'm going to get you." As he finished, a crane fell down and smashed the rig in two. Leaving a smouldering pillar between them.
"You can't reach us!" James shouted back, "Go, I can get us out!"
"NO, STAY THERE! Alec shouted.
"Dad Trust me!" shouted James.
"JAMES, STAY THERE!" a huge groan and a huge piece of piping fell between them and shattered on the surface.
"DAD, YOU CAN'T REACH US!" shouted James, "YOU HAVE TO TRUST ME! I CAN DO IT!"
"NO!" shouted Alec, "BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST YOU!" he said looking at Lily.
"TRUST ME!" shouted James. It was only a moment, but it looked like Alec had his doubts, he looked down at Murdoch. And then at James. The look on his face told James that he didn't have a choice.
"BE CAREFUL!" James nodded and turned back to Evans. She now looked scared, her bright green eyes blazing. James could have looked at them forever. James looked over and saw the radio mast. On top was a platform.
"Potter." Said Lily, she turned him back round to see the fire gaining on them.
"Up that Mast!" shouted James pointing to it. "GO!" Evans jumped over the railings of the platform and onto the air vents. James did the same and they raced of towards the mast. Something spat out from the fire. It landed in-between Lily and James. Lily flew forwards. James backwards. The smouldering ball of rubble had seeped all the way through the rig, leaving a huge gap between Lily and James.
"GO." shouted James. Lily hesitated, she ran, then stopped and looked back at James.
"Jump!" she shouted, her voice just auditable over the storm. She ran to the edge. Ready to catch him should he fall. James looked back at the flames, another ball of rubble was shot out and it hit the rig a few feet away from where James was standing. James fell to his feet, he quickly got back up and ran. Not thinking and not caring. HE felt his foot hit the edge and he jumped.
It was all happening in slow motion, almost felt like flying, his arms flailing, the other end of the hole in sight.
SLAM
His chest slammed onto the metal. His body arms only keeping him on the platform. HE cried out. His broken ribs screaming in disapproval at the exercise he was doing. HE felt himself slipping, the rain and shiny metal making it almost impossible for him the grip.
"Take my hand!" Evans skidded next to James, fell to her knees and grabbed his arm. She pulled. And with what little strength he had left, James pulled himself up. HE shook his head, got to his feet and grabbed Evans by the hand and dragged her along to the mast.
The rig jolted. Causing Lily and James to loose balance, James looked back and saw the half of the rig they were on slowly breaking away from the rest. The fire was still spewing rubble which was landing on the rig.
They got to the mast's ladder, "Go on. Go!" said James.
"In a skirt?" said Lily, "No, you." James clenched his fist in anger. He grabbed her and placed her in front of the ladder.
"I don't give a damn about your knickers!" shouted James, "I'm not your snot nosed shadow, I just want to live! Now move!" Lily glared at him before climbing.
The fire hit out another piece of rubble. It soared in the air and hit the base of the tower. It shook violently.
"MOVE!"
Lily started to climb again, the intense heat turning to cold the higher they climbed. She got to the top of the platform her long red hair billowing in the raging wind. James soon joined her.
"Which direction's the port key?" Lily pointed to a small blue dot in the distance. James nodded. Just behind them the fire spat out a big piece of rubble. It soared in the air and hit the mast. It lurched. James looked down and saw the mast being eaten away by the molten rubble. The mast splinted and the sound of metal snapping. The half that James and Lily were on was no falling into the ocean as well. Lily looked over as well and breathed in sharply. She looked over at James.
BOOOOM!
Before James knew what was happening, he was falling, the mast almost obliterated behind him as he was in free-fall. The fire must of spread to the oil reserve. James got his bearings in milliseconds and heard a scream.
Lily.
He turned his head to the noise and saw Lily falling just a few meters in front. James pulled out the collapsible broom. He twisted his body. Took aim. He twisted it and threw the broom. It soared underneath Lily and folded out. Lily landed on the broom.
"EVANS."
"I CAN'T DO A FALLING START!" shouted Lily. James cursed her under his breath. He was gaining ground on the broom, but he might not get there until they hit the water. He tried to keep himself as streamed lined as possible as he hurtled towards them.
He was almost there. So agonisingly close. He reached out his hand, and…
"GOT YA!" He shouted. He pulled himself onto the broom.
"POTTER."
"HOLD ON!" Lily wrapped her arms round his torso tightly. Maybe a little too tightly.
James kicked the air, hard. The broom shot into life. Just as they were about to hit the water he twisted the broom. The broom went straight and shot across the surface of the water. James let out a roar of delight as they flew away.
"We did it Evans!" he shouted, "You can look now, we did it." Lily found the strength to open her eyes. She looked around. She started laughing as well as they flew away from the burning rig. Lily turned her head back to see it sink into the ocean, she sighed greatly and rested her head on the back of James's shoulder.
"Hold on." Shouted James, the broom shot across the water. The Blue Port Key came into view. They disappeared into the blue hole.
"YOU WHAT!"
SLAP.
Alec brought his hand up and rubbed his cheek. His irate wife panting in front of him. Her eyes bright with burning hatred.
"You left James and that Evans girl on a burning rig, taking nothing more than his word that he'd save her! ARE YOU MAD!"
"I had no choice." Said Alec, "I couldn't get to them. I had to trust him."
"BUT!" Katherine paced, running a hand through her hair. She then turned and looked at Alec.
"How could you be so stupid!" she said finally, "He's twelve years old Alec! He's your son, not your drinking buddy like you treat him!"
Alec turned away.
"He could die Alec." Said Katherine.
"DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW THAT!" said Alec turning back to face her, "DON'T YOU THINK THAT I'M WORRIED AS WELL. BECAUSE I FUCKING AM!" They stood in a stare off before both stepped down. Shouting wasn't going to solve anything.
"And it's not just because it's my child." Said Alec.
"What do we tell the girl's parents." Said Katherine, Alec paced the lake, running his hands in his unruly hair.
"We wait." He said.
"They can't be kept in the dark." Said Katherine. "They were told you were going on the raid, how do explain you left their daughters life in the hands of our child."
"I know." Said Alec, "But maybe, if we can say that the bastard who killed her is behind bars. Maybe that might come of comfort." Katherine nodded.
"I don't want to lose James to." Said Katherine. Alec hugged her. Katherine adjusted into his shoulder and Alec stroked her hair soothingly. Alec inhaled the scent of her hair and kissed it.
"I don't want to either." Said Alec. "But James can do it. I know he can."
They watched the Port Key Tunnel. The time seemed to slow down, they stood there hoping, praying that they would come through. The tunnel then went a darker shade of blue. Alec and Katherine watched nervously as a broom shot through. Both jumped up and shouted and punched the air. The broom soared across the lake. But it was falling, lagging.
"Get ready Evans!" They heard, it was defiantly James's voice. The broom soared over the water and hovered just over the ground. Alec watched as they jumped off. James twisted his body, caught Lily and slammed into the ground.
KRAKK-POP. James cried out in pain as they slammed into the ground. Lily scrambled to her feet.
"No!" Lily was on her knees now. James groaning.
"Potter, James what is It." asked Lily.
"My shoulder." said James, sitting up. "I think I dislocated it."
"JAMES!" Lily looked up to see two people come towards them. One of them was James's dad, she knew that. The woman she assumed was his mother. She then looked up to see more people. Moody (Lily gulped) and Professor McGonagall.
"Miss Evans." Professor McGonagall looked flustered. "You will come with me to the hospital wing imeadietly. Your parents are worried sick." Lily got up timidly to her feet. Lily went with her, looking over her shoulder at Potter who was being attended by his dad and Moody.
She was taken into the hospital wing, she was sat down on a warm and inviting bed as Madam Pomfrey came over with some medical supplies. Suddenly the doors banged open and James was brought in. His shirt was off and his chest was black and blue. His arm was in a sling and his face was now bruising. He was ushered into a cubicle and his parents closed the curtains around him.
Lily swallowed as she had a torch shone in her eyes, she saw James's dad come out from behind the curtains to get some medicine for James.
"Just some bruises, but overall you'll be ok." The doors opened again.
"MUM, DAD!" Lily jumped off the bed and ran towards her parents. She slammed into them and started to cry.
"Oh Lily." Said Lavender hugging her tightly. Tears where falling from her own eyes as she hugged her daughter. It just felt so good to hold her again. Lily felt her dad hug her as well.
"I'm so glad you're safe." Said Lavender. She looked around her eyes fell on Alec had been watching them. Lavender didn't know if she mustered a smile, but she did mouth the words.
"Thank you." Alec turned away and went back behind the curtains.
"Where's that boy?" She asked, "The one who was with you?" Lily pointed at the cubicle Potter went into.
"He's in a bad way." Said Lily. Tears still streaming down her face.
"Oh Lily." Said Lavender. "He'll be ok, don't worry."
"But what if he isn't." asked Lily.
"Come here." John picked Lily up. She fell limply around him. He placed her down on the bed.
"If he was able to help you through this he'll be fine." Said John, "He's just over the hall anyway. Any changes and you'll know. Ok." Lily nodded and rested on her dad's shoulder.
Professor McGonagall came to their side. "I think Lily could do with some rest." She said tentatively.
"How's Potter?" asked Lily her voice muffled by her dads shoulder. Professor McGonagall sighed.
"We don't know." She said, "We'll now more in the morning." Lily nodded. She suddenly felt very weak.
"Maybe you should have a shower." Suggested Lavender. Lily nodded she tried to get up but her legs buckled.
"Whoa." John caught her and lifted her up on the bed. "I think, maybe your mum should help you." Lily nodded weakly. Lavender kissed her on the top of her head and picked her up. Lily wrapped her limbs around her as she carried her to the bathroom.
"Ok Potter, one, two, three."
KRAKK.
"YAAAHHHH!"
Lily winced against her mother and buried her head deep into her shoulder. "It's ok Sweetpea." Said Lavender. "It's ok."