Chapter 130

Potential Reinforcements

Note from J.M. Jackson: So, in this chapter, there's some discussions about different things which I did as much research for it that I could. There's a lot happening in the coming chapters.

I'm going to keep updating weekly as best I can, I do apologise in advance if I am late at all, my personal life, in the last month, has taken a serious downward spiral, and I'm struggling with a lot, so I'm going to update as much as I can, but life is going to be tricky.

Dododum and I both hope you enjoy the chapters as the story unfolds, with all the different twists and turns that'll be coming up.

As Lily sat in front of the Muggle Prime Minister, a man called Tony Blair, she could see how pale he was looking from what he had just been told. "I know it's a lot to take in," Sirius said, wearing his best suit. "But we wouldn't be here if it wasn't absolutely vital."

"No… no, I understand. To be honest, when… Scrum… Scram…" Blair began, but Sirius finished it for him.

"Scrimgeour," Sirius said. "Or Rufus, as we know him."

"Yes, well, he was, according to that new fellow, supposed to be ill," Blair said.

"They would say that, sir," Lily said. "I've been fighting Riddle, or You-Know-Who as he's known by most of our world, for the last few years, actively. I wish this hadn't happened, but all I can do is follow whatever path I have ahead of me, and right now, that's warning you that our entire country is in danger."

"A part of me still wants this to not be real, but since you were able to meet me without an appointment…" Blair's voice trailed off.

"We're sorry about that," Sirius said. "We couldn't risk anyone knowing about us being here. If Riddle has put a spy in your office, our magic will let us know, and will keep our meeting secret."

"I can understand that," Blair replied. "When I took office, I swore to protect this country. You've shown me… okay, you said those were your memories?"

Lily nodded; they had brought a smaller version of the Pensieve with them, to show evidence of what was happening.

"When I first met Lily, Prime Minister, I, too, wasn't sure what to think," Lana said. Lily had asked for her help first; especially since they had been getting to know one another well over the last couple of years. "I was presented with a teenager who had medical issues, and a part of me wanted to pass everything off as some sort of psychological breakdown. But it's all real. I've seen their world, which was why I was brought here. You've seen my qualifications; I'm not one for exaggeration. This threat is one we can't afford to ignore."

"I agree," Blair said, holding up his hands. "And I…I'm willing to help as best I can. I'm not sure what I can do though."

"We might need some assistance from your armed forces, Prime Minister," Sirius said. "We don't know who the Death Eaters are, not all of them, but we will be facing a battle in the future. We're not sure when, but they won't be expecting your weapons. You-Know-Who doesn't think much of muggles, and so he won't be expecting your weapons or your people."

"I don't know how to ask my Defence Chief to keep a unit waiting for your word, but I'll try, and I'll certainly express the need for secrecy. It might be worth speaking to MI6, they might know how to work this situation," Blair said.

"Like James Bond?" Sirius asked, prompting Lily to chuckle. Blair also laughed softly at that.

"As much as I enjoy those movies, we don't exactly have agents like Mr. Bond, nor do we have the kind of weapons they make up. Still, they have agents who are excellent analysts, and researchers, and might be able to find information for you without causing You-Know-Who to be suspicious," Blair said.

"It's worth a shot," Remus agreed, speaking up for the first time. "I mean, I doubt Riddle is spying on them, or that he even knows of them."

"No, I doubt he does, based on what you've told me about him," Lana said. "Anything that can give us an advantage is worth exploring."

"Alright, I'll make a phone call, and you can go and meet David; he's a good man, and he'll help as best he can," Blair said. "Please, keep me updated as much as you can though, and I'll speak to David as well. You're sure that You-Know-Who will want to attack us?"

"He's already been kidnapping people and forcing them to work for him," Lily said. "We don't know who, but I suspect they could be homeless people; anyone that could be taken without anyone knowing or, sadly, caring too much."

"Unfortunately, that's a likely scenario. I want to help homeless people, but it's not easy to do so. Being in politics is… well, I wasn't sure I'd be Prime Minister, but a part of me wishes I didn't. The other part is telling me that I need to help for the betterment of the country, and the world. I do have to ask, have you tried speaking to other magical governments?" Blair asked.

"We can't contact them; we suspect Riddle's put a field around the country to prevent us from calling for help," Remus replied.

"Isolate and destroy; a tried and true method," Sirius added.

"Yes, well, I might be able to try and help there; I'm heading to the States next week for a visit with the President; if you like, I can get a message passed on, if you know anyone who can help there," Blair offered. Sirius nodded.

"That would be wonderful, thank you," Lily smiled at Blair.

"The President will know of the US Ministry of Magic, the country leaders all need to know," Remus said, as Sirius accepted a pad and a pen, writing a letter for the Ministry of Magic in the US.

"Not gonna lie, this feels like it's becoming part of those old spy movies you like, Uncle Sirius," Lily admitted.

"I was thinking the same thing, if I'm honest," Sirius chuckled.

"A Bond fan?" Blair asked.

"Sean Connery was my favourite," Sirius confirmed, as he finished the note. "I mean, in person, from what I hear, he can be very misogynistic, but he's a decent actor."

"Not everyone is as good as they are in movies," Blair told them. "Let's face it, their job is to pretend to be a good person, or a bad person, depending on their role."

"You're not wrong," Remus agreed. "Same can be said about people in person."

"Very true," Lana agreed. She stood up and walked over to Lily. "How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

"Like my depression is returning," Lily confessed.

"I suspected as much, and I've got some of the medication created by Poppy," Lana told her. "When we're done here, I want you to come back to mine, so I can give you some."

"Thank you, Lana," Lily smiled softly at her. "I appreciate that."

"Anytime," Lana assured her, as Blair was speaking on the phone. "I've been worried about you since the last time we spoke."

"Things have been… well, hectic, as you can tell," Lily said. "I wasn't happy to involve you, because I don't want you in danger."

"Lily, I chose the danger the first time we met. You told me everything, including about You-Know-Who, and honestly, I don't care about that. I'm a Doctor, and I care about your mental health. You need my help, so I'm staying put," Lana said. "I also… kinda owe you, and Rufus," Lana admitted.

"Oh? You met Minister Scrimgeour?" Lily asked. Lana nodded, smiling.

"That potion that the man, Snape, gave you?" Lana asked. Lily nodded, her smile fading.

"I remember. A part of me hates taking it because of who made it," Lily admitted.

"Yes, Rufus explained what he did when he visited me after the funeral of your old headmaster," Lana said softly. "He asked me to keep the potion safe, for your depression, and a supply for your transition. He also told me to take it myself if I wanted, to help with my transition."

"He did?" Lily's eyes widened. "He gave you some for yourself?"

"Yeah, enough for me to fully transition, which means a lot to me," Lana admitted. "So, yeah, I'm here to help you all the way."

"Even though it could kill you?" Lily asked. Lana chuckled softly.

"Lily, you might not know the full details, but I'm at risk of being killed every day because I'm Transgender. I'd be at a higher risk in the US; more trans people are killed all the time just because they're trans. If this risk means helping you, and saving people like us, then so be it," Lana replied.

"I appreciate that, Lana, it means a lot," Lily said.

"Now, I want you to tell me anytime you feel low and depressed," Lana insisted. "You may have a war to win, but I've got to look after your health."

"I appreciate that, Lana, I really do," Lily smiled again at her. "I just… I know I have a lot to do, and I want to think of the best, but I'm just struggling against everything, since I'm supposed to be the one leading the way to victory."

"It's a lot for anyone to take on," Lana said. "I won't begin to understand what you've suffered, and what you're facing is more than I would ever dare to imagine facing. You'll be tested, Lily, beyond everything, but you won't ever be alone."

"I've been told that, and as much as I love everyone, I just… I don't want them to be hurt because of me," Lily said.

"It'll be because of him, not you," Lana assured her. "You've blamed yourself for everything for too long."

"It's not difficult to assume I share some of the blame. If I had been stronger, maybe Riddle wouldn't be back." Lily said softly.

"And if I know Ginny from our meetings, I bet she'd slap you for saying something like that?" Lana asked.

"She has. Wait, when did you two have meetings?" Lily asked. Lana winced; Lily recognised the look. Hagrid had shown a similar look in her first year.

"Several times; I'm a patient of hers too," Ginny said from behind them. "It's okay Lana, I can't ever have secrets from Lily."

"You kept that one well enough," Lily joked. Ginny smiled.

"Good, means I can surprise you sometimes," Ginny said. "I've been a patient of Lana's for about a year now, I started seeing her after Dad died."

"I'm sorry," Lily said softly. "I didn't know."

"Only Mum knew, because I needed her to take me. I knew how much she has helped you, and I needed help. I love you completely Lily, but I needed to talk to someone with an outside perspective," Ginny explained.

"I get that, more than you realise," Lily assured her. "If Lana helps you, then that's brilliant."

"When this war of yours is over, I'm going to start my own practice and work with Witches and Wizards," Lana said, with a small chuckle.

"That's something that'll sorely be needed," Lily smiled at her, as Sirius and Blair joined them.

"Lily, Remus and I'll handle meeting with the people from MI6, you head back to the safe house, you've done a lot already," Sirius said. "Lana, if you want, we can take you home first."

"If you don't mind, I think I need an appointment with Lily, and then with Ginny. They've not been able to speak with me for a while, so now's a good time," Lana said.

"We'll take you to the safe house," Lily said. "Thank you, Prime Minister, for meeting with us."

"We'll make things right, Lily, don't worry. You-Know-Who isn't going to win, not if I have anything to say about it," Blair promised, with a smile. "You're far too young to have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Now, we're here to help."

"That means a lot to me," Lily said. "It's nice to know I don't have to fight alone."

"Lily, we'll see you later," Sirius promised. Lily smiled, and held Lana and Ginny's hands, before apparating away from the office.

Lily sat with Ginny outside of the house, the stars twinkling high above them. Sirius and Remus had returned after their meetings, confirming that they had support of the Muggle forces when they needed them, as well as food shopping. Lana had given Lily and Ginny her phone number, and ensured they would call when needed. Whatever Lily needed, if Lana could help, she would.

"Do you feel any better?" Ginny asked.

"A little, and I feel a little more confident now," Lily admitted. "We've got more support for the final battle, which will come before too long, and we've got more people helping us. I hope Aunt Minnie manages to get her task done."

"She will. I don't think she knows quite how to fail," Ginny smiled at Lily. "If Death comes for her, she'll put them in detention," Ginny teased, which caused Lily to laugh.

"Oh definitely, and dock them points as well," Lily agreed, as Ginny laughed with her. "I so needed this."

"I wouldn't disagree," Ginny smiled at Lily. Her smile then faded. "So, wanna tell me what's bothering you?"

"I can't hide anything from you, can I? Not sure I want to, but I… I've had something on my mind, and it's been bothering me, even at night," Lily admitted. "I keep thinking back to the last conversation I had with Snape."

"You mean where he said you'd hate him, but everything had to happen the way it did?" Ginny asked. Lily was thankful for her bond with Ginny; she always understood her.

"I keep wondering… if Dumbledore wanted Snape to kill him, to save Zabini. We know that taking a life is the darkest act a magical being can take, but at the same time, he knew he was dying anyway," Lily said.

"That's something… well, that's definitely something Dumbledore would do. If he could save someone's soul, he would, even if it meant his own death," Ginny agreed.

"But there has to be more to it, surely," Lily sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I don't know what it is, but there has to be, right?"

"Why?" Ginny asked. "Because you want there to be?"

"I… maybe I do," Lily agreed. "But I saw Snape when we spoke, I mean I really saw him. He opened up to me. Torture… he wouldn't do that, would he? That kind of torture?"

"I don't know. I mean, I can feel how you feel about it, and I want there to be more, for your sake if nothing else, but… as Sirius says, sometimes a duck is just a duck," Ginny replied softly.

"Maybe. I think a part of me is angry for wanting to give Snape any benefit, or any good motives, but he told me things that no one else could know. I saw him when I was nine, I know I did, when he froze a car. I remember him being in my room at Godric's Hollow," Lily explained.

"Could it be a false memory?" Ginny asked.

"I wondered that, but I don't think so. I think it's a genuine memory," Lily replied. "I mean, Snape could have gone with any kind of memory or mental torture, but he went with this. Maybe there's more to it than we know."

"Not that we can do anything about it," Ginny pointed out. "It's something to think about, but we need to focus more on finding the Horcruxes."

"Agreed," Lily said. "In the meantime, we should also look into more of Riddle's past, and see if we can find some sort of clue as to where Slytherin's tomb is."

"You think we can find it?" Ginny asked.

"I'm positive. We've come too far to let anything stop us now," Lily said. Holding onto Ginny's hand, she smiled, knowing that whatever happened, she would never let anyone stop them, and she'd find a way to end the war…somehow.