Chapter 101

Questions in the Aftermath

Note from J.M. Jackson: I just want to thank everyone for the kind words, and the support, of the story so far. They, and all of you, mean a lot.

Lily sighed with relief as she slumped into an armchair in the Burrow, exhausted from the events of the day. She had a lot of questions, but before she could ask any of them, someone else did.

"Does anyone else think we were lucky to be there?" Draco asked. "I mean, unless they know Lily's movements, which I doubt, they had to be planning the attack anyway."

"Let's assume they didn't know; what was their goal?" Neville asked. Lily looked around the hall where she was sitting. The adults were sorting out food, and speaking with Aurors, whilst Lily had asked the students, or rather, the Order of the Dragon, to join her in the hall, thankful for the comfortable chairs there.

"To cause terror?" Padma asked.

"I doubt they'd have done all of this to just cause terror," Lily replied. "We should assume Voldemort knew we'd be there."

"How?" Ron asked, clearly concerned.

"That's the real question," Lily said.

"What if they were tracking one of the group?" Draco asked. "For all we know, I've got some sort of family trace on me, something that Bellatrix knows about?"

"Is such a thing possible?" Lavender asked, looking horrified.

"I've heard of such traces, yes," Hermione replied. "I'll research it, and how to remove it."

"What if we're just overthinking things?" Ron asked, looking at the group. "Could be that there was a Death Eater in the crowd, spying on people, and happened to see any of us."

"That makes more sense," Draco agreed, nodding whilst frowning. "I mean, it's likely the Dark Lord wants to inflict terror, and where better at a place where there's hundreds of people?"

"Makes sense," Lily agreed. "You all fought bloody brilliantly today. Everyone was lucky you were all there."

"Don't count yourself out," Ginny told her. "You switched to leader mode and got us where we needed to be. You've done amazingly."

"She's right, Lily," Draco agreed. "I've always dismissed your abilities and skills before, but the way you led today, I think we all knew we were going to win, because of your confidence."

"Speaking of, I'm thinking we should induct Draco and Pansy into the Order," Hermione suggested.

"Your Order of the Dragon?" Pansy asked, looking at Hermione.

"Yeah, you both deserve it, if you want to be with us," Hermione said.

"I'm not disagreeing with that," Lily agreed. "Anyone disagree?" she asked. When no one objected, she smiled at Draco and Pansy. "Do you want to join us?"

"How could we refuse?" Pansy asked, smiling.

"Then it's official, welcome to our newest members in the Order of the Dragon," Lily exclaimed, smiling. "Don't worry, no need for marks or anything, we use those," she added, as Hermione summoned two of the communication coins they still used, handing one to Draco, and one to Pansy. "We're able to send messages directly to everyone, and we feel it when there's a new message."

"You created these?" Pansy asked. "I'm impressed."

"It's… well…" Hermione was a little flustered at the compliment.

"Fleur, can you fix your girlfriend? She keeps breaking whenever we compliment her," Ron teased, causing the group to burst into laughter. Sadly, Lily thought, the laughter didn't last very long.

"Do you think this is connected to the attack on Katie?" Parvati asked.

"I don't know," Lily confessed, looking down as she sighed. "I think there has to be some kind of connection, but I have no idea what it is."

"My sources aren't really talking; I think they've been threatened," Pansy said. "I told them that I wouldn't ask them for information, and to stop trying to find anything out."

"Good call. I don't want anyone hurt," Lily nodded approvingly. "We still have no idea how the attack happened."

"Actually, an idea occurred to me earlier, but I've been trying to play it over in my head, trying to figure out who," Draco said. "I'm thinking someone in the Three Broomsticks that day was under the Imperius curse."

"It'd have to be a woman, so she could go to the lady's bathroom," Hermione spoke up. "But that's something we didn't think of. I mean, we know Katie was imperiused, but to have someone cast the curse who was under the effects of it themselves… it's complicated but makes perfect sense."

"Which, unfortunately, resets our suspect list back to everyone," Ginny mused, as the doors opened, with Sirius, Remus, Molly, and Minerva entering, whilst the other adults started to bring in plates of sandwiches.

"Are you all okay?" Sirius asked. Lily nodded, and stood up, embracing Sirius, Remus, and Minerva in a group hug.

"We've just been discussing what happened," Lily said, before bringing them up to speed.

"I'll alert Alastor to your theory; it could be someone in Hogsmeade is either working for You-Know-Who, or is under the Imperius curse," Minerva said, her lips pursing to a thin like, something she did when she was concerned. "My primary concern is that whenever something happens, it's always you, Ron, and Hermione within distance."

"Believe me Professor, I've been noticing that for six years," Ron commented dryly.

"Hard to miss that, isn't it?" Lily asked. "When you first told me about Hogwarts, I was so excited. If I knew then what I know now… I might have passed."

"Lily, if I knew then what was going to happen, I'd have home schooled you," Sirius replied solemnly. "I've had more panic attacks over the last six years than I had over my life."

"You and me both, love," Remus added. "Even in Azkaban, I was afraid for you."

"Still, the way Lily fought back, and led the charge, it was impressive," Pansy spoke up, looking at Remus and Sirius. "She just knew what to do and took charge."

Lily sighed softly. "For so long, I felt like I was faking at being a leader, at being someone people look to for guidance, and now I think I played the part for so long that it's just become instinct," Lily replied.

"That's usually how it happens," Sirius said. He smiled at her. "You've come a long way, and I'm proud of you, even if I am terrified for you as well."

"I never mean to make you worry, Uncle Sirius, but I just… after last year, I know I need to do this. I didn't do much against Umbridge, but I won't let anyone get away with what she did," Lily insisted.

"That's why you're the amazing young woman you are, and why you're loved by so many," Sirius told her.

"Please, I don't want any admiration, I just did what needed to be done, we all did," Lily replied. "I don't want people celebrating me when I wasn't alone. Draco fought against Bellatrix, and Pansy saved my life. People need to know that."

"We're not exactly icons for the wizarding world, Lily," Pansy said. "People need to have someone to believe in."

"A symbol, Lily," Ginny added. "Remember those comics? The Batman ones?"

"I'm not a superhero, Ginny," Lily replied, raising an eyebrow. "I don't even want to be one."

"Not what I meant," Ginny said. "Think about it. Death Eaters look to Voldemort to lead the world. They use his symbol for the Dark Mark, and for their own tattoo's. Hermione got the idea for our coins from that idea, and now we can use a symbol to show people that Voldemort and his people can be fought."

"The world definitely needs that," Lavender agreed. "We know you, Lily, and we know how you hate the limelight, but you're needed by so many."

"I guess," Lily agreed. "Just… right now, I just want to rest. I'm tired after today."

"You and me both, mate," Ron chuckled, sitting on a chair. "Please tell me we can sleep?"

"Well, there are Auror's who want a word with you, to get your statements about today," Remus replied. "That can wait, though, if you need to rest."

"No, let's get this over with, then we can have dinner, and go shopping tomorrow," Lily said, sighing. This was going to be a long night.

"Lily, what you did was nothing short of miraculous," Scrimgeour complimented, as he sat opposite Lily. "You saw what was happening, and you immediately leapt into action. Very few people have that ability, courage, or skill. If you weren't there, I am confident that more lives would have been lost."

"I just did what needed doing, Minister. I didn't think; I just acted," Lily blushed at the comment.

"And that, Lily, is why you are so remarkable," Scrimgeour replied. "I wouldn't be surprised if You-Know-Who is angry beyond belief right now. He wanted to attack, and kill people, but you stopped him, and forced his forces to retreat."

"I'm just glad you got there in time. They would have been warned of the Auror's arrival," Lily said.

"Soon as the alarm was raised, I made my way. One of the Death Eaters tried to throw a curse at me, but these gloves your friends, Fred and George Weasley, created deflected it. They credit their success for their shop to you," Scrimgeour explained. Lily sighed.

"I just gave them the Tri Wizard winnings. I didn't want that prize, and they were able to use them," Lily told him.

"Still, it seems like your actions have made a difference to so many people. Your passion for helping others has saved many lives, and St. Mungo's now has a ward for Transgender people, to help others transition. Don't ever discount all you have done Lily," Scrimgeour told her. "I know you've also been learning from Barty Crouch Junior. How are those lessons going?"

"So far, we all feel more confident with our abilities," Lily smiled at that. "He's been an excellent teacher."

"I'm glad. I won't lie, I had some concerns, but Albus assured me that he would be helpful, and so I allowed him a pardon," Scrimgeour said. "I'm thankful that you're more confident, and you proved your skill. Like I said at Professor Slughorn's party, when you've graduated from Hogwarts, a position in the Auror's office is yours. I fully expect you to rise to the head of the Auror's office before too long."

"You think so, sir?" Lily asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I really do. If you hadn't already received it, I'd be giving you the Order of Merlin, First Class. However, your friends who were there will all be receiving it. What you all did was incredible," Scrimgeour said, smiling at her. "It's safe to say that your reputation is well deserved."

"Minister, I just…" Lily began, then sighed. "I suppose there is an added benefit to this though, the awards."

"What's that?" Scrimgeour asked.

"Well, with people seeing how we're winning against Voldemort (Scrimgeour, Lily noticed, didn't wince or grimace at the sound of his name, like most people. The man was getting bolder, which was good), it'll be a symbol of…" Lily began, before trailing off, not wanting to sound big headed.

"Of hope," Scrimgeour finished. "From what I know of you, Lily, I think that idea came from Miss Weasley, or Miss Granger, since you're not fond of symbols at the best of times."

"Both," Lily was stunned as she confirmed Scrimgeour thoughts. For his part, Scrimgeour laughed at the sight of Lily's expression.

"I made it a point to learn about you, Lily. You are the best hope our world has, and to not know you, and understand you, would have been ridiculous. To not support you would have been even worse. You've suffered so much, Lily, and I refuse to stand by and let you suffer even more," Scrimgeour told her.

Lily could feel tears welling up; the support she was getting was something she hadn't expected, but it was very much welcome.

"That… that means a lot to me," Lily managed, as Scrimgeour pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, offering it to Lily.

"You've more than earnt it," Scrimgeour told her. "I'm proud to know you, Lily Jasmine Potter, and I'm honoured to be able to help fight by your side. You will win this war, and we'll be there with you, to the very end."

Far from the site of the battle, Bellatrix Lestrange stood with Rudolphus in the presence of Lord Voldemort. "I'm happy to report, my Lord, that the battle went exactly as you wanted it to go," Rudolphus said, a broad smile on his face. "None of them had any idea why we attacked, or realised it was a distraction."

"Excellent. I was able to complete my mission," Voldemort said, a smile on his face. "I confess, I thought it might be too obvious, but I overestimated Potter and his friends."

"He is a deluded child who believes in dreams, my Lord. He will never be able to match or defeat you," Rudolphus replied.

"My lord, were the parents suspicious at all?" Bellatrix asked.

"No, Bellatrix, they were not. Wormtail was… surprisingly adequate," Voldemort replied. "It has been given to the child and will be a very short time before my plan comes to fruition."

"Only you could have come up with such a plan, my Lord," Rudolphus said, bowing humbly to Voldemort.

"Indeed, though I do have the late Lucius to thank for the inspiration for this," Voldemort said. "You are fortunate, Bellatrix, that today went exactly as I wanted it to go. I have not yet forgiven you for the loss of Lucius and Narcissa. Had you not been so careless, Draco would have been the perfect vessel for my plans at Hogwarts. Now, he is fighting alongside Potter."

"He is deluded and damaged, my Lord. I will rescue him and clear his mind," Bellatrix promised. "I will earn your forgiveness, Lord."

"You will not go near him. You have done enough, Bellatrix, but he will return to us in time. I will take that task myself, especially once our new member has fully joined us," Voldemort replied.

"How long will it take, my Lord?" Rudolphus asked.

"The last time it was attempted, it took the better part of a year. However, that was with it being fought against. I have ensured that no such fight shall occur, and so within a matter of months, I believe," Voldemort said. "And with this success, Potter's fall is all but guaranteed!"