"It's a beautiful day," Lily looked at the sky and her surrounding, the sun was coming and going, the light breeze was refreshening. They were sitting in the frontyard of their house, butterflies were flying over the flowers.
James rested his chin on top of her head and closed his eyes while he hummed in agreement. Thne he began singing.
"I know your eyes in the morning sun
I feel you touch me in the pouring rain
And the moment that you wander far from me
I wanna feel you in my arms again"
Then Lily joined him too, they began singing together.
"How deep is your love,
How deep is your love
I really mean to learn
'Cause we're living in a world of fools
Breaking us down
When they all should let us be
We belong to you and me."
Lily tilted her head back and met James' lips with hers. James wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in his lap and began kissing her passionately. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.
His hands slid under her top and she moaned in his mouth, someone cleared their throat and they jumped apart to see the short old lady shaking her head at them disapprovingly as she passed across their house and muttering something that sounded as, 'couples these days.'
"We should have seen where we are," James snorted.
"We have rather grown very careless," giggled Lily.
"The mood's spoiled isn't it?" sighed James and Lily nodded.
"We'll make it again soon, we are rather good at it, aren't we," she nudged him playfully with her shoulder, James kissed her chuckling.
"We'll start the moment we go in the house," James tugged her earlobes.
They sat in silence just enjoying the nature and each other's closeness.
"Is keeping Rabastan locked in the basement safe? What if the Lestranges come hunting for him and somehow reach to you," she said worriedly.
"Don't worry, I have made sure that they believe that Rabastan has found some chick and enjoying some time off with her, I found out that he's quite famous for it and for getting drink and lost," James smirked.
"Still James that's illegal, keeping him as a prisoner?"LIly looked at him. "If he escapes or dies then? Then what will you do?"
"You worry too much, Lily,"
"We are already in a war and you're bringing extra trouble on yourself," Lily retorted. "How can't I be worried?"
"I am trying to finish this war, so that we can live without worrying,"
"By taking extra risks? By jumping in Death's mouth without thinking?"
"Lily, it will all be okay in the end," James assured her. "People are dying everyday, we have to do our best, do everything that's possible to win this war or we all will be doomed."
Lily buried her face in her arms, "Our chances are very very slim."
"We'll win, Lily, light always defeats dark," James hugged her.
"I hope so," Lily buried her face in the crook of his neck and held him tightly.
"I think we should get a TV,"
Lily looked at him grinning widely, "I wanted to say that for a long long time."
"Then why you didn't tell me or brought it?"
Lily shrugged, "With the war and all these expenses, I wasn't sure that it would be a good idea or not."
"We have enough money, Lils to last us for seven years or more," James replied. "We can still sell some useless expensive things that is locked in the manor."
"I miss watching M.A.S.H, I miss it very much."
"I miss The Pink Panther and Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter as Diana Prince in that costume, is just awesome treat."
"Really?" Lily narrowed her eyes.
"I mean, not as awesome as you but she's just awesome, not good awesome, you are very very awesome," James stammered.
A devilish smile appeared on Lily's lips, "What do you think would Wonder Woman look if she had red hair?"
James scratched his head, oblivious to the hint and said, "I think she'd still look great, haven't seen it anywhere though."
"Hmm, so we are still getting a TV, right?" James nodded. "We'll go tomorrow, I have some work in evening."
"What work?"
"Give a woman some privacy, Jim," Lily shook her head, James has no idea what he was going to get tonight.
James was upstairs when Lily exited the bathroom, she was feeling a bit nervous but was excited to see James' reaction. She was about to go upstairs when Marls appeared out of the fireplace.
"Hey Lily, I came here to return your book, thanks it helped a lot in. . " she stopped abruptly when she noticed what Lily was wearing. "Isn't it too early for trying Halloween costumes? Twenty days are still left."
Lily turned bright red, she snatched the book from her and began shoving him back, "I was just . . trying it. . .go and don't return, we're busy here."
"Oh," Marls smirked, as she flooed back but not before winking.
James was grinning widely next day, "I defeated Wonder Woman. I spent a whole night with her. I still can't believe you did that."
"Anything for you, love," Lily kissed his cheeks as she sat next to him for lunch. "It took a lot of effort to get the costume right and you destroyed it. Now, you owe me one."
"Tell me, Evans, what's your fantasy?"
"Umm. .the first is a naked James Potter, second is James Potter in his quidditch robes and the rest I will tell you later," she winked at him.
"I am flattered but you're not going to destroy my quidditch robes."
"Quidditch, I hate your obsession with it," Lily laughed. "I think you love it more than me."
"I will prove it to you today that I love you more. We both are going to watch the play Hamley in the evening and then dinner at a nice restaurant."
Lily squeaked happily and hugged him, bringing him down on the couch, James laughed at her excitement. "And we have to buy TV too."
They were finishing their lunch when James received a message from Ryan in his secret parchment and stood up immediately.
"What happened?" Lily stood up too.
"They are going to attack in Hogsmeade, they have released a fake news earlier about attacking muggle place but it was to fool the others, I have to go, you alert the Order," James said. "It's a weakened there might be students there."
Lily gasped, and sent a patronus message to the order, "Let's go."
"No! You alert others. And give me the portkey ring, I will hold them."
Lily gave the ring to him but said, "I have alerted them. Let's go."
"Lily, we haven't prepared any traps or anything, they might have already reached there,"
"That's why it's important that I come with you."
"For once, don't be stubborn and come with others."
"No," Lily said sternly. "We have already decided to go in each mission together or not at all. So either we both go or we do not go at all."
"It'll be dangerous, you could get hurt or die."
"I am ready to. I am not afraid."
James ran his hands through his hair irritatedly. "Fine, but you'll retreat if it'll looks like we're losing." He took out the ring and gave it back to her.
"I don't want it," Lily protested.
"Then you are not coming," James tried to say it threateningly but failed. "Promise me, Lily, that if we are in trouble then you will flee."
"We'll flee," Lily corrected him.
"Yes, but if that's not possible then you will flee and bring help,"
"I am not leaving you behi. . "
"No, Lily, you have to listen to me, they might be waiting for us, so it will be dangerous, you promise me that you'll flee at once and save your life." Lily tried to protest but James pressed her. "Promise me, Lily or I am not taking you, we're not going then."
"Fine," Lily said angrily. "But I will not let that happen."
They both had already changed into Thanatos and Andraste's dresses while talking.
"Ready?" James asked taking her hand.
"Ready," she nodded.
"Be safe, love," he gave her forehead a kiss, and then they both disapparated.
There was havoc in the village, people were running on the roads for dear life, and there were many students too who were all escorted back to the castle safely by all the teachers and the Aurors but the villagers weren't so lucky.
Lily felt nostalgic, the horrors of past attacks coming back to her.
"We better stay together," she told James, who nodded and then the mongoose mark went up in the air.
They spotted four death eaters destroying Madam Pudifoot's shop and ran over there, "Hey, we all hate that shop but at least some couples get together in there, so why not leave it?" James shouted and sent a stunner at a death eater who was thrown backwards.
The other three turned and the fight began.
Lily realized that these were all young, noobs who had no expertise in duel but have joined the death eaters to cause mayhem, these were all sadists. It didn't take them a lot to defeat the three.
James checked their hands, "These are not marked but are still supporting them." James ducked just as a spell hit the spot where he was.
Three death eaters were advancing on them, "The Order better arrive soon," muttered Lily as she sent jets of blue rays at them
"These are all inexperience in my suggestion," Thanatos said as one death eater fell to the ground.
"They must have hired new members and sent them on a mission to give them experience," Andraste answered.
"They have increased the number of death eaters, and are increasing every day," Thanatos hit the shortest death eater full-on chest and he was thrown several feet backwards.
As the last death eater was blasted off the ground, they heard screaming, loud and painful screaming.
James saw that a woman and a five-year child, he recognised the woman as the worker at Honeydukes, were tortured by four death eaters in the next alley.
James rushed to help them, Lily too began to follow him but stopped as a yellow spell just passed inches away from her face, she turned to see three death eaters there, only one was mask-less and smirking like a psycho, Bellatrix Lestrange.
"We meet again, Andraste," Bellatrix sneered. "Oo I am aflaid."
"You should be," shouted Andraste. "Aren't you going to call your master today? Last time you chickened out and couldn't face me alone."
This was a direct blow to Bella's ego, "I can defeat you on my own."
"I will like to see," smirked Andraste from under her hood.
"She's mine, stay behind, I will kill her today," Bellatrix ordered.
Her plan worked at least, she now has to face Bellatrix only but it has a side effect as the other two death eaters called other death eaters there and began torturing muggleborn people nearby.
"Those who are purebloods and even half-bloods need not worry," said the death eater and Lily realized that he must be Rodulphus Lestrange, as she fought fiercely with Bellatrix who was laughing. "Good times are coming, we'll live in a clean society and all these scums will be thrown out or will be our servants, that's where they belong."
"You all believe so much in these idiots, Thanatos and Andraste, who are cowards and fight in dark, I will kill them in front of you all," shouted Bellatrix loudly.
Lily realized that a lot of people were watching her and those who were tortured from their windows, she had to dominate Bellatrix and escape the moment she gets an opportunity as there were several death eaters now, there was only hope that Order or Aurors arrive. She sneaked a glance at James, he was fighting three together now, his hood was thrown back, and many deep cuts have appeared on his face, which was now fully covered in blood, he was not even recognisable as Jack.
She was moving backwards so as to avoid Bellatrix's spells and she lost sight of James. Her own body was aching, a sharp pain has raised on the side of her neck, and her head was hurting. She thought of disapparating from here and appearing beside James and then they together can flee but it was hard to fight such an opportunity when Bellatrix was against you, intending to kill you.
She sent a powerful spell that hit Bellatrix on the face and she screamed loudly as a blue bruise appeared on her face and she got a black eye. Lily felt triumphant and sent another spell which Bellatrix was able to defect at the very last moment, Lily was dominating now, her fourth spell just touched Bellatrix and she was forced several feet backwards.
Lily was about to send another curse at Bellatrix when she was hit hard on the chest and she was thrown off her feet, another death eater came to the aid of Bellatrix without warning, Lily hit the ground and everything went blurry, her head felt like it has been split open, her wand flew out of her hand. Her body went rigid as Bellatrix shouted.
"I will kill her, she is mine. Let her see these mudbloods being tortured in front of her, their beliefs, and hopes will be shattered."
Lily's hand was broken from the fall, she couldn't reach her ring even if she wanted, and she wasn't going to leave without James.
A death eater grabbed her hair and pulled her up, forcing her to see the sad, hopeless faces of many muggleborns on their knees. The death eaters were laughing as they kicked and slapped them, occasionally using crucio on them.
Lily thought of using wandless magic but it was of no use with so many of them here. No use.
The people inside the houses were all just looking fearfully, not daring to do anything. Lily looked at the face of a small boy being held tightly by her mother, the death eaters beaten and separated them, Lily saw the mother's face, and she reminded her of Aunt Charlotte. The woman looked directly at her, Lily realized that the woman was Irish by her looks.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
Bonnie boy, ghile mear
You will be my gallant star
Oh heys to me mo ghile mear
In this land, this land unfree
Ooh who will fein to unchain me
My children keyed in vain for thee
To break my chains for liberty"
Lily's pain-strained voice reached the muggleborns, they all looked at her. This was not the original song but it was what her Aunt used to sing to Lily when she used to visit her home.
Bellatrix laughed, "Sing, this is the last time that you will be singing," she came and kicked Lily in the stomach.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghile mear
Bonnie boy, ghile mear
You will be my gallant star
Oh heys to me mo ghile mearMountains high, and valleys low
The cuckoo sings of Saxon foe
'Tis you must strike the mortal blow
Mo ghile mear, mo buachaill beo."
"It's the time to say goodbye, Andraste," Bellatrix raised her wand. Lily tried hard to reach her other hand to the ring and enclose her hand around it but her broken hand and her posture weren't helping. She closed her eyes, ready to accept her death.
"I love you, James," she whispered very slowly.
"Avada . . " Bellatrix began, Lily saw the laughing face of James, a tear falling from her eyes.
"Expelliarmus," shouted a familiar voice, there were shouting.
Lily opened her eyes, Thanatos has arrived, his face unrecognisable.
"No," Lily shouted as James was brought to his knees.
"Very well, very well," said Rodulphus, holding James' wand along with her wand in one hand while his own in the other. "We'll kill both of them together now."
"I will kill her," shouted Bellatrix.
"Trust me, you don't want to do that," said Thanatos.
"And why do you think so?" laughed Rodulphus.
"Your master would want to kill me and her personally, if he finds out that you killed me than you both have to face his wrath," Thanatos told him. "Tell me, Rodulphus, will you like to face your master's wrath? I suppose your father must have told you what The Dark Lord's wrath is like?"
Rodulphus shifted uncomfortably, "You are just bluffing."
"I know who the prophecy is about," Thanatos said and the death eaters' gasped. "Your master would like to hear about it from me."
Lily looked at him, what was he going to do? Why wasn't help to come?
She was raised more as the death eater holding her straightened. She could now reach the ring as her hands were hanging freely by her side but she didn't wanted to leave James.
"You are lying," snarled Bellatrix.
"No, I am not," he replied confidently. "Also, tell your master that I know about his muggle friend, and will like to talk to him about the friend, Aisha Khan."
Rodulphus and Bellatrix exchanged looks.
James looked at Lily, their eyes locked. He gave her a warm smile and she realized that tears were falling from her eyes, though she tried to smile back. A pain rose in her heart, it was not physical, it was emotional, she realized that this was the last they might be seeing each other before dying.
"We will take you to Dark Lord and he'll kill you himself then," said Rodulphus.
"And award you too," said James not breaking his eye contact with Lily.
The death eaters began talking about what to do with the mudbloods there.
James winked at Lily, and give her a look, I have got this.
She looked quizzically at him, trying not to cry.
'Go, Lily, now.' he mouthed.
Lily shook her head as the muggleborns began shouting and crying.
'You promised, please go.'
'Not without you'
'I have got this, please go.'
They both were in tears now, Lily's heartfelt like it was tearing apart into thousand of pieces.
'I can't, we'll go togeher.'
'It's not possible, go get help.'
Lily held back a sob and shook her head.
'You can't help like this, go get help.'
'I don't want to leave you.'
'Please, Lily,' he then mouthed very slowly, 'I LOVE YOU.'
'I LOVE YOU' she mouthed back.
'Go for me, please, go get help.'
Lily looked at her longingly.
He gave her a warm smile, this time she failed to smile at first but forced it and matched his smile. 'I LOVE YOU, WAIT FOR ME.'
James nodded, 'I LOVE YOU TOO.'
Lily sobbed as she bring her hand to the ring, rivers of tears fall in her eyes, and her heart became very heavy as her hands closed around the ring. She looked at his smile, her heart warming a bit but shattering as she realized what if she failed to bring help in time.
Green submerged in hazel. Million of unsaid words and emotions passed between them.
She jerked her hair out of the grip of the death eater with the help of wandless magic, and tried to reach James but he was way too far, a spell was on its way to hit her when she muttered the words looking at the hazel eyes.
"NO!" shouted Bellatrix as Andraste disappeared. "Where did she go?"
"She went into me," Thanatos replied. "She was part of me but now as I am caught, there's no need for her."
"You're lying," she shouted.
"Bellatrix, the order and Aurors are here," said Rodulphus as they saw several figures approaching. "Dumbledore is with them."
"Leave the filthy mudbloods, just take this Thanatos for master," she said. "Tie him properly so he doesn't escape too."
Lily landed in the headquarters room that was out of bounds to others, she has landed here once when Voldemort was seconds away from killing her and James. She was hurt but none of the physical wounds hurt as much as the hurt as the pain of leaving behind James in the grip of death, her boy, her gallant hero hasn't returned her.
She cried and gasped for breath, her wand was not with her, she didn't know what to do, she has to get help for James and here she was wandless. She removed Andraste's cloak and hid it in the room. She opened the door and ran downstairs.
There were about eight people in there.
"Who are you?" White raised his wand at her. "How did you get in?"
"White, no, it's Lily in disguise," shouted Marls running forward. "Reverse the transfiguration."
"I don't have my wand," Lily cried.
Marls herself restored Lily's scarred face. "What happened to your wand? Why were you upstairs? And you're hurt too."
"J. . .Jam. . es," Lily sobbed.
"What?"
"James," she cried. "They have taken him, he turned himself in to save me, I had to leave him alone with them."
"What?!" Sirius came roaring forward. "How? How could you leave him?"
"Where were you all?" Lily shouted. "I sent Patronus asking for help, but you all didn't came to our help. You all are selfish."
"Lily, tell me what happened," Marls said putting her hand on Lily's shoulder but she jerked it away.
"Attack in Hogsmeade, James and I went for aid, I sent a message to you all but none of you came to help. And . . .and now. . .they. . . have got James. . .they'll kill him. . ." Lily sank to her knees and began crying.
"Lily," Marls said softly.
Lily wiped her tears and tried to stand up but her legs gave away, she tried to take support of her arms but one of her arms was broken. "We have to go help him."
"Lily you're badly injured, and looks like your hand is broken," Mary rushed forward.
"It doesn't matters," Lily cried. "We have to go help him or else they'll kill him."
"Lily, Dumbledore has gone there, everything will be alright," said Marls.
But at the exact moment Dumbledore, The Longbottoms and Moody arrived looking grim.
"Have you gotten James?" Lily asked immediately. "Where is he?"
"I am sorry dear but they all fled away the moment we reached there," Dumbledore replied.
"NO, no, no," Lily tried to stand up with the support of Mary and Marls. She then looked angrily at the old man. "Where were you, I sent the message to you too," she shouted at the top of her voice.
Dumbledore sat on the chair heavily as though he could no longer stand, Frank supported him so as to make sure that he doesn't fall.
"Are you alright, sir?" he asked, Dumbledore nodded.
"Of course you are alright, you are not being held by death eaters, you are not going to be tortured or killed by them," Lily said angrily. "Where were you all?"
"Lily," Marls spoke quietly. "Voldemort and death eaters attacked, we were fighting him in Kent, he took hold of Dorcas and. . .and he killed her brutally. . . her mutilated body was hanging in the air. The others arrived then with Dumbledore."
Lily stared at everyone open-mouthed, and it was now that she realized that everyone was sad, some had watery eyes, and many of them bore injuries.
"We. . . we still have to help James, I can find out where he is," Lily said and Sirius nodded.
"Lily, you can't fight, you're badly injured," Mary said. "You need rest."
"I will rest when James is with me, when he's safe," Lily snapped. She looked at the bracelet, there was the silvery orb was there again. "I know where they are keeping him, I can take you all there."
"Let's go then," said Sirius.
"None of us are in the condition to fight," said Moody. "And it can be very risky, we'll see where they are holding him and then decide what to do."
Lily wanted to argue but nodded.
Dumbledore's eyes were struggling to remain open.
"Guys, I think Dumbledore should be taken to Hospital, he's not looking good," said Frank holding the man in place.
"He's tired of all those fighting," said White. "I will take him to Hogwarts, Poppy can look after him, if needed we'll send him to St. Mungo's."
"Let's go," said Lily irritatedly.
"I will help you, we both can apparate together," said Sirius. "Others will follow."
"Where's Pete and Remus?" asked Lily scanning the room.
"Remus is with werewolves and we don't know about Peter," answered Sirius.
"But he might be useful there," said Lily.
"He might be on another important," said Moody. "I asked him to tail a death eater, he should have been back but he said that he was close to some discovery so we can't risk contacting him."
Lily gritted her teeth, "Let's go outside and apparate."
They all were soon standing in a hidden place several feets away from the entrance of a big manor.
"It's Malfoy Manor," said Moody. "Heavily protected, we stand no chance here, we need Ministry approval to raid but that's not possible, Malfoy has strong hold there."
"But we have to save James," Lily cried.
"I am not letting all these people die for just one man, who we are not sure is even there or alive or not," Moody grimaced.
Lily's temper rose, she wanted to hit Moody but restrained herself, "He's in there, okay? And he's alive. He's waiting for me to bring help. If you all don't want to come then fine, I will go alone."
"I will come with you too," said Sirius.
"And me too," said Marls, Mary nodded too.
"You can't even enter the manor, let alone exit it," growled Moody. "All four of you're injured, and you girl have no wand. This is a war, not a game, where you act on emotions."
"I can't let James die," shouted Lily.
"Listen girl, no one wants to loose him," said Moody. "We have lost Meadows today, and James is locked in there, if we try to enter in there somehow, they will be alerted at once."
"I know the map of inside," Lily said immediately. "They must have kept him in Dungeon, I think I know the way in."
"I know that too," growled Moody. "But the security is too strong since the last time the Aurors tried to enter in there."
"We can't just sit and let him die," barked Sirius.
"Listen guys, Moody and we all will try to gather as many aurors as possible and then will think to go in but we can't go in there right now, we all will die surely," said Alice. "We have to think with our brain. None of us are in the state to fight, and there surely must be about fifty death eaters in there, we stand no chance."
Frank, Moody, Dearbone, Kingsley and Emmeline all agreed.
"They are right, guys," said Mary. "We can't just go in, that'll be foolish."
Lily let out a cry of hopelessness and helplessness, can't they all understand that his love was in there, that he'll die if she doesn't helps him? They should be watching Hamlet now, together and then going to dinner but here, they were separated, each second passing was killing her.
'Please, come back, James,' she cried internally. 'I am calling you, please come back my baby.'
"James," her voice shook as she spoke this time. "I am going to get him."
She began walking forward, wandless, one hand broken. "I am coming, James."
But Alice took hold of her, "No, Lily, it's too dangerous," she hugged her. "We'll get him, we'll save him."
"James," she whispered. 'James, come back. My gallant lad, please come back.'
"You are hurt, Lily, you need medical treatment," said Alice.
"I shouldn't have left him, my boy, I shouldn't have left him," she spoke weakly. "I should have been with him, I should have stayed."
James, James, James. I should have died, I should have died, I should have remained with him and died.
And then everything went dark.
James was in dark, a dark place. He was tied with several chains. The place he was in smelled of dead.
At least, Lily is safe. She has gone to safety. She will live. His heart ached at the thought, how sad were those green eyes when he has last seen her but she'll be safe now. She'll move on if he dies here, she'll live.
He smiled in the dark remembering her smile, her laugh, remembering how excited she was when he has told her that they'll go and watch Hamlet and have dinner at a fancy restaurant.
"Perhaps another day," he spoke through the lump in his throat, "or perhaps in another life."
Perhaps in another life, there'll be no war, he and Lily will be a happily married couple, with no worries of war, just simple worries of jobs, incomes, house, and perhaps even children, they will have children, running on the streets of Godric's Hollow, Bathilda would tell them stories, The Indian family will give them their spicy food just like they had given to him and Lily when they had given them tea and cookies, James smiled as he remembered Lily making so much tea in her anger. Perhaps in the next life.
The dungeon opened and bright lights entered James' eyes, he has to shut them to accommodate with the change.
"The Dark Lord wants to see you," sneered a death eater. "Your time has come, Thanatos."
Thanatos was still chained when he was dragged out, so this is it. This is life, his life which is coming to an end now. Fear settled in his heart, how does it feel when dying? Will Voldemort kill him instantly like he killed Uncle Ben or will he torture him and then kill him? James didn't know, he was afraid of not death but of dying, how it feels to die? So, this is all his life was, not even nineteen years, he didn't get to fulfil the prophecy, he failed, he failed to even collect all the Horcruxes, let alone destroy them. Perhaps the other will do it.
He was pushed into a hall and was brought to his knees, he looked up and saw Voldemort sitting on a chair looking at him curiously. The Lestranges, Lucius, and many other death eaters were there.
Clear your mind, James said to himself, as he looked down. 'Okay, this is the end, don't be afraid, it will end, sooner or later it'll end. There's nothing to be afraid of. Lily's safe.'
Once he was sure that his mind was clear, he felt bold, he looked up and met the red eyes of Voldemort. This was the first time, he was meeting Tom Riddle like this, last time he was very badly injured and ran away but today he was badly injured but can't run away.
"Thanatos," smirked Voldemort. "What were they saying you? Ah, the savior of the mudbloods. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Look at yourself now, here to die by my hands."
"I am not afraid of dying," Thanatos spoke loudly.
Voldemort sneered at him. "Of course, you're not afraid to die, you fool. That's why you dared to stand against me. Those who stand against me die."
"Then kill me," he said boldly.
Voldemort laughed humorlessly, "Oh, I will kill you but my servants here say that you know about the prophecy."
"Yes, I do," he said looking straight into the red eyes, letting him see a false image.
"Who is the prophecy about? You?"
Thanatos laughed and shook his head, "I am not bounded by prophecies."
"Then who is it? Dumbledore thinks that you have taken the Prophexy in your hands."
Thanatos furrowed his brows, "Does he now? . . . That old stupid fool. Yes, I have taken it in my hands, It means I know who it is about and what it is about. The old fool wanted to know who it was but that muggle-loving scum didn't deserve to know."
"Tell me then,"
"Your seven most loyal servants will betray you just like many others have tried to do in past but then you have acted sincerely and killed them, like Dolohov Snr and Avery Snr, but now you have gone a week, beware Riddle or seven of your ranks will lead to your downfall, they'll join him when the time comes," Thanatos replied.
"You still haven't told me who the prophecy is about,"
"That'll be decided by your seven servants, they haven't chosen yet but soon will, and then you will fall."
"He's lying my lord," Bellatrix spoke. "We'll never do such a thing. And also he's not telling about some muggle, Alisha."
"Aisha Khan," said Thanatos immediately as another idea popped into his mind. "I knew her before she died, knew her drunk murderer for a father. The wizard who'll kill you knows her too, and that's how he empathizes with you. It took me a lot of time to make the connection but I did, he too has lost someone like you. By the way, Lucius and Lestranges seemed to be your loyal servants to me, others are all just too afraid of you."
"We should kill him, my lord," sneered Bellatrix.
"Silent, Bellatrix, he's our guest," Voldemort said. "How do you know about Aisha?"
"I talked to the matron before you burned the place," answered Thanatos.
"Lucius, I want you to find and get Videntis Predittore here," ordered Voldemort. "I don't care where she's but I need you to find her anyhow, put everyone on search but don't return without her."
"Yes, my lord," bowed Lucius.
"She'll confirm how true Thanatos' theory is," he sneered. "He has gotten some deep hidden knowledge, I need that old seer to confirm it before we kill him. And also, spread the news that Thanatos has been killed, we'll put his body to display as soon as you, Lucius, get the seer. So, hurry up, I don't want people to keep waiting for long. We'll put his body on display in the middle of Leaky Cauldron then. Those poor people who see him as their hope will be devastated."
"Of course, my lord," said Lucius.
"Make sure that he's properly locked and guarded, he shouldn't escape,"
"We have locked him in the securest dungeon, My Lord," said Lucius.
"Your wish of death will be granted soon, Thanatos but wonder who's gonna take your soul as you will be dead," laughed Voldemort and the other death eaters followed him. "CRUCIO!"
As soon as Adam has heard the news he has rushed to Tracey and Ryan, he had told them that he has talked to an Irish woman who was there and has seen the whole scene and then Tracey has told them that she has heard in the pub from Death Eaters that Thanatos was killed. The next morning the Prophet has confirmed the death.
"She was singing 'Mo Ghile Mear', the new version, 'My Gallant Hero' before disappearing?" asked Tracey and Adam nodded.
"Several muggleborns and a few villagers of Hogsmeade heard her,"
"That's why the song has been spreading like a wildfire, I heard the people singing it as their last hope," said Ryan sadly.
"She might be his wife. He was so young, recently married, and now he's gone," sobbed Tracey. "Poor boy. I shouldn't have asked you to send the message, he'd have been alive."
"He'd have wanted us to do that, he died like a hero, let's not shed tears, it's disrespecting," said Ryan.
"That's foolish," said Adam wiping his tears again and again. "He used to love my jokes."
"We can hope that the 'Gallant hero' we all are looking for comes soon and ends this war," sighed Ryan sadly.
The modern version of the song was now sung widely by the people who were against The Dark Lord, they used to sing this hoping that one day the hero will come, who will fulfil the prophecy, end the dark lord and free them all.
Lily however was now singing the old, original version of the song.
"'Sé mo laoch mo ghille mear
'Sé mo Shaesar, ghille mear,
Ní fhuaras féin aon tsuan ná séan,
Ó chuaigh i gcéin mo ghille mear.
Bímse buan ar buairt gach ló,
Ag caoi go crua is ag tuar na ndeor
Mar scaoileadh uaim an buachaill beo
Is ná ríomhtar tuairisc uaidh, mo bhrón"
She was sitting in the bed hugging her knees close to her chest, tears haven't stopped since she has woken up in the morning. Mary has healed her, joined her hand and treated other wounds while she was unconscious. But the pain in her chest wasn't cured at all, it has only increased.
Marls has informed her in the morning that Moody tried to ask the minister for permission to go attack the Malfoy but everyone knew it was a useless effort as Thanatos was there and they will kill him. Now, a few more order members knew about James' secret.
Lily was wandless, she has decided to take rest for some time and gather energy to go to Malfoy Manor herself. Now, she was ready, all she needed was a wand and then she will go to get James. She didn't cared if anyone helps her or not, if she dies or not, she will not give up. Maybe Sirius will join her. She looked at her bracelet, the orb still there.
She stood up wincing and began walking to the door when the door opened and Marls opened the door, Mary and Sirius behind her.
"Where are you going?" Marls asked. If it was some other time then than Lily would have asked why Marls was so miserable.
"I am going to save James, he is there because of me," said Lily. "I am going alone if the Order isn't helping. Sirius, can I count on you?" Sirius broke into tears and looked down. "Nevermind, I am going." She began walking past them but Marls caught her.
The three of them were in tears. "Lily, please, don't go. It's no use."
"I am not going to sit here while they have gotten James," Lily tried to free her hand but Marls didn't released her.
"He's. . .he's dead," sobbed Marls.
It felt like the word has froze around her, she felt like she could no longer breathe, she must have misheard. "No, you're lying" she whispered.
"The. . .the Prophet has released the news of his death," sobbed Marls pointing at the paper in Mary's hand.
"The Prophet lies," Lily snarled, snatching the paper and reading it, a picture of him, the first one they had gotten was there and the headline in bold letters confirmed his death.
"Lily," Mary spoke quietly.
Lily lost her balance. The next thing she knew was that she was lying on her back on the bed. She now realized that this was James' room, they were still at headquarters. She looked around, the paper lying on the floor, her three friends sitting around it.
"Are you okay, Lily?" asked Mary.
"Can you all leave me alone, please? I need to be alone," she spoke in a brittle voice. The three of them exchanged looks and left.
She let the tears fall again, she looked at her bracelet again, the orb was still there but smaller than before. She didn't understand how it works.
James, are you there, my love? I miss you. Are you really done, my boy? Have you left me alone in this dark world? You said we'll be together until the very end, this can't be the very end, can it? I don't believe it.
I don't think I can live without you, you said that we should be strong but without you here, the world seems dull. There's no reason to live. I have lost the will to live, my sunshine has gone. Has he really left me? What's in good or bad in this world if you will not be here? What will it matter to me, I don't want that, I just want you, love.
You had said that we'll live in a village, peacefully, playing, singing, watching our kids play. We'll all play quidditch. Come back my love, I will play quidditch too, I will play with you, just come back. Come back my love, you promised me to take me to Hamlet, to dinner, did you forget that my love? You didn't come home last night, James, I missed you, Did you missed me too, love?
I shouldn't have left you, I was stupid to listen to you, I was stupid to give you that promise. If I would have stayed with you then we would have gone on the next journey together. I left you James and failed to get help, so you'll leave me too? You will go on the next journey without me, love?
"James, come back, please," she cried. "Come back, my gallant hero."
The dungeon door creaked open and James raised his head to see a small figure approaching him, he was glad that his glasses were invisible and not broken, so he could at least see. His other parts were however badly injured. And this newcomer might have come to torture him too. Voldemort has asked to keep him sane as he needed him fully conscious once the seer is caught. James was however proud of his transfiguration skill, one can turn his face back to the original only when the original is in mind otherwise not.
"Are you short or I have gone mad?" asked James.
"Thanatos!" said the figure in a high-pitched voice. "So long has Dobby wanted to meet you, sir. . . such an honour it is. . . ."
"Th. . thank you," said James trying hard to look at the person but it was too dark. "Who are you?"
"Dobby, sir. Just Dobby. Dobby the house-elf," said the creature.
"Oh. . . I see," said James. "I know a house-elf too, his name is Pardey, he's the best."
"I know, Pardey sir," Dobby spoke proudly. "I used to meet him before last year, he works at The Potter Manor, speakers very highly of them, they take care of him well. He said that young master Potter was very kind to Pardey. Do you know the Potters, sir?"
"They are friends of mine," Thanatos replied.
"Dobby wishes that he has a master like Pardey has, like The Potters," Dobby spoke sadly.
"Why?"
"My master treat me badly, sir, they hit me," Dobby said and then he began hitting his head against the wall. James was tied to the chains or he'd have stopped the elf.
"Don't. . . what are you doing?"
"Dobby had to punish himself, sir," the elf replied. "Dobby spoke ill of his family, sir."
"I see," said James. "Why are you here anyway?"
"To give you food, kind sir," said Dobby. "Mater Malfoy said to keep you alive by giving you food and water, the dark lord wants you alive."
"Only to kill me later," sighed James. "Thanks, Dobby."
"We all support you, sir," the elf spoke giving James the plate. "You have been very helpful and kind to creatures like us, sir, we are all treated like vermins, even the goblins. But you have helped them all and punished the evil people. Dobby is so honoured to meet you."
"Can you help me escape, Dobby, please," James pushed his luck.
"I wish I could, dear sir," Dobby hit his head again. "But Dobby can't, master wouldn't allow it.
"I can understand," sighed James. "Can you send a message, Dobby?"
"Master will beat me, sir, if he catches me," Dobby shivered.
"No problem, looks like all doors are closed."