Book I: Birth of the Order

Chapter XVI: Escape from Malfoy Manor

Hogwarts June 1976...

Tabitha took a deep breath as she stood outside the door of detention, adjusted her crimson and gold headband and pushed he door open with a firm look on her face. The moment the door opened and revealed her fellow inmates, her face dropped.

"You've got to be kidding me..."

There were only two other boys in the room and Filch was nowhere to be seen. His cat simply sat on the desk and hissed as Tabitha entered. It let out a growl until the door closed behind her. She stared at the two boys in front of her. Sirius Black and James Potter. They turned their heads at the same time and simultaneous dropped their jaws to whisper, "No way."

Tabitha made her way to the front seat and sat quickly without looking back. "Please don't talk to me," she thought to herself as she opened her book to read. A few moments later her desk shook as James sat on the desk in front of her and Sirius plopped beside her.

"So what are you in for, Delaney?" Sirius asked.

"None of your business," she responded bluntly without looking up.

"Oh come on. Dogoody Delaney ends up in detention and won't tell us the story? That's cruel," James huffed.

"Fine." She slammed the book shut and looked at him. "If you must know I punched a student..."

Both of them looked at one another before bursting into laughter. They looked back at her face and their smiles vanished. "...Wait. You're serious?"

"Who was it?" James asked curiously.

Tabitha just stared at her book for a moment as she pondered if she should answer. "... Severus."

Both boys, who now had leaned in, sat up straight and looked at one another as if mentally communicating. "Conference," James muttered and the two spun away from Tabitha to whisper to one another. She just blinked at them confused. A few seconds later they were spinning about to face her once more. "Good news, Delaney," James started. "You're one of us now."

"You expect me to believe you want me to be part of your group?"

"Well, no." Sirius said, "It was James idea. I suggested just buying you a drink and then going back to not liking you."

James chuckled and nudged his friend before looking back at Tabitha. "So what did Sour Grapes do to incur the wrath of ickle Tabs?" He and Sirius laughed and beamed at the thought of it.

"... He called Lils a mudblood." The mood in the room instantly changed. Nobody said anything so she continued. "She's been crying in our room all afternoon. It was hours before she calmed down enough to tell me what had happened."

"I knew he called her that. We were there when it happened." James said, "Evans may be a know-it-all, but she doesn't deserve to be called that... Let alone by someone she trusted. I don't know what I would do if I had a friend betray me like that."

Sirius patted him on the back. "It will never happen, James. We would never betray one another."

Someone at the door cleared their throat and they all turned around to see Remus standing there, a flat expression on his face. Sirius instantly turned back around in the desk and faced forward. "I didn't know you boys would be in here," Remus said.

"Then what are you doing here?" Called Sirius without looking back at him. "Mr. Prefect get detention?"

"No. I came to talk to Tabitha," He stepped forward a bit. "Wicked punch, Tabs."

"You saw it?" James said. "Tell us all about it! Did he bleed?"

Tabitha laughed and shook her head. "No, but I think I made him cry."

"Ha! Brilliant!"

"Well I wrote a note to Lily to get her through it. I can't find her anywhere and I knew I'd find you here. I was hoping you could take it to her."

"Cute," Sirius grumbled. "Writing notes to your new best friend? Where is Peter or have you abandoned him too?"

"I'm not Wormtail's keeper and I'm not the one who did the abandoning." He set the note in front of Tabitha. "I'm um... proud of you Tabs."

"Thanks, Remus."

"We should go James." Remus said. "Filch is on his way back from the loo."

"What, you mean you don't have detention, Potter?" Tabitha asked.

"Of course not. I'm head boy. I just come keep Sirius company." He stood up. "It's good to know you can take care of yourself, Delaney. But after what you did to Snivilus, Just know that you can always ask me for a favor and I'll be sure to oblige. You've earned it."

The door flew open and the young caretaker's lazy eyes moved from each of them. "This is detention... Not Quidditch practice. Potter. Lupin. Get out before I lock you in for a week."

Remus and James made a quick exit and Filch walked in mumbling about how wizards think they can get away with anything. Once he'd passed, Tabitha leaned back to Sirius and whispered, "Oh... I never asked what you were in for."

"I got caught trying to trade a students cauldron with one made of unicorn dung."

"Gross. Which student's cauldron?"

"... Yours."

Malfoy Manor - November 1979...

Sirius, James and Remus walked up the pathway of Malfoy Manor. Sirius was holding tightly to the fake copy of the green book Marlene had made. Lily and Peter had crawled behind the topiaries by the garden gate on one side of the house and Marlene and Angus had jumped the fence and were approaching the house from the back.

"We need more help," Remus said anxiously. "We have no idea how many people they have in there and they could hurt Tabitha. They handed our bloody asses to us in Hogsmede."

"But in Hogsmede we didn't have a plan," James said. "Moony, you have to promise me you'll stick to the plan. Albus said these Death Eaters don't understand teamwork. The plan is simple. Wormtail is going to locate Tabs and then while we draw the fight to the front of the house the others will sneak in the back and get her out."

"What if this doesn't work? What if one of us falls behind?" Sirius asked.

"Just don't fall behind." James said as he couldn't think of what to do if that happened.

Remus and Sirius just looked at each other. "Right."

"Stop-" James muttered as he saw the door open and Max, Regulus and Malfoy emerged. "Who the bloody hell is that?"

"My murderer of a brother," Sirius groaned.

"I mean the other guy." He whispered nodding to Max.

Lucious stepped forward. He held his head high. "Gentlemen... I see you found our calling card," he said motioning to Tabitha's wand in Remus hand.

"Cut the bloody rubbish, Malfoy-" James cut him off. "Where is Delaney? We brought you the book. We know that's what you're after. Now hand her over."

"This isn't a game of trading chocolate frog cards, Potter-" Malfoy snapped, his pride easing its way back in after the humbling experience inside. "She's a pureblood. Purebloods belong with us. There is still a chance for you to come in and join her, join all of us."

"I wouldn't call abducting someone a membership to your cause. Tabitha doesn't want to be in there and neither do we," he said defiantly, "Now hand her over."

"We?" Malfoy looked appalled by the suggestion. "It's just you we want, James. Black is a lost cause, he's proven that time and again. Lupin's blood is tainted by his muggle mother. And if that isn't enough he's tainted by the... oh, what was it you blamed your scars on Remus? Hippogriff scratches? Well, Fenrir Greyback is here and has a different tale to tell about that."

"Greyback." His hair stood on end and he drew his wand and gripped it white knuckled. Sirius rested his arm on his friend's. "He's in there, Padfoot," Remus muttered through a quivering lip. Just then, everyone heard Tabitha cry out from the house. It was pain-filled and broken. "He's in there with her!" Remus shouted and Sirius grabbed him by the arm tighter.

"Don't show your hand mate." Sirius kept his grip on Remus as James spoke up. "How do we know that's her. You could be playing tricks with us for the book."

Max removed something from his pocket and slid it into the hand of Regulus before shoving him down the steps. Regulus stumbled forward, practically tumbling down the dark stone steps of Malfoy manor. He stood upright and adjusted his black satin vest before walking up the gravel path to the gate. He avoided making eye contact with his older brother, but could feel Sirius' eyes staring directly at him. He shoved the item into the hands of James who cautiously examined it while Sirius kept his wand aimed on his own brother. "It's a Tabitha's claddagh ring." He wiped the blood off and kept his eyes on the ring pretending to examine it as he whispered to Regulus. "We know you saved her life, Regulus."

"McKinnon pulled her out of the way. I just missed." He said bluntly but stayed quiet to be out of earshot of the others.

"The killing curse doesn't miss its mark easily. You weren't aiming at her and you know it."

"So what? She just took the fall for Forrstor's death. Now we are even. I don't owe her or you anything."

James finally looked Regulus in the eye and the two of them had an unspoken understanding that Regulus wasn't going to be helping them much. He heard Max shout, "I understand that your nuptials are this week, Potter. The Dark Lord won't take kindly to you betraying your bloodline and marrying a mud blood. I'm so glad we interceded when we did."

James threw his hands up, "Ok, Who the Fuck are you?!"

"Just give us the book, Potter," Lucious said impatiently.

James was still bristling from the M-word being used against his soon-to-be-wife. He just looked back at Sirius and nodded. Regulus moved to stand in front of his brother and held out his hands. He just stared down at them, refusing to look his brother in the eye. This was the closest they had stood in over a year. Sirius waited as long as he could before accepting that he wouldn't look up and shoved the book in his hand. "Here. Maybe some light reading will be a better hobby than kidnapping my true family."

Regulus refused to reply but turned quickly and walked back up the path. When he got about halfway James called, "Hold it! Bring out Tabitha now or we will drop Regulus where he stands and disintegrate the book. Regulus looked back and saw the three Mauraders aiming at him.

Lucious rolled his eyes, "Just like school. The four of you always had to gang up on the little guys."

"The four of them?" Max asked. "There is only three of them you idiot."

"They have a fourth. Pettigrew. He's always chasing them about." Even as Lucious said it, the obvious didn't come to his mind. Max however, groaned, "Oh you idiot." He shook his head and drew his wand. "The fourth one is rescuing Delaney!"

"Now!" Remus shouted, overhearing Max. "Periculum!" The three advanced on the house and Remus sent a flare to the sky to alert the others hiding nearby that the plan was in motion.

Wormtail had scurried undetected around the perimeter of the mansion before returning to Marlene and Angus who were waiting and hiding in the backyard. He turned back into himself and Angus just stared dumbfounded, "Ok, I will never get over the whole turning into animals thing. It was strange when McGonnigal does it and it's still strange now."

"She's in the wine cellar." Peter said through his teeth that still were bucked out a bit like a rat. "I saw her through the cellar window."

"We heard her scream," Marlene asked with motherly worry and Peter nodded.

"She's being guarded by Fenrir Greyback."

Marlene nodded defyingly. "Show us," but as she started to move her brother grabbed her by the arm.

"Woah! The Werewolf is with her?"

"What's wrong with Werewolves?" Peter said defensively finally getting his jaw back to normal.

"And what does it matter what he is," Marlene added.

"It's not, what he is... it's who he is..." Angus said. "Mar, if this guy finds out we are McKinnons he will murder us."

"And if we don't get in there he will murder my friend." Marlene said.

"She didn't look good." Peter said. "There was a lot of blood, and he was pinning her down and... we just need to get her out! Maybe there is a way one of you can lure Greyback away and then me and the other one can get her out once the coast is clear?"

"Or we can be the brave Gryffindors we are and just go in three against one!" Marlene insists. "A moon was just the other day, wasn't it? He should be tired."

"Should be... but it has been a few days," Angus said, "He could have slept every day away to get his strength up."

Marlene thought carefully about the words he just said. She thought of Remus these last few days and how he suddenly was sick, sleeping all day. She thought of how the boys all left dueling club before dark the night of the Moon and how irritable Remus had been this week. Her train of thought was stopped by Peter.

"Werewolves just get tired after the moon if they don't feast on blood during it. Something tells me Greyback is seldom tired after a full moon. If anything, he's stronger... yuck." He said the last bit to himself as he thought of it.

"I like Peter's plan better," Angus said. I'll lure him away. Peter, you and Mar get Tabs out." Before they could protest they saw a flare launch into the sky. "That's Remus' signal. let's go."

Lily saw the flare launch into the sky from her hiding place behind the topiaries. It would be her job to run around the perimeter of the house and break down any charms that would hinder their escape. The boys would keep the Death Eaters occupied while Marlene, Angus and Peter got Tabitha out. She didn't know what part of the house Tabitha was in or how many Death Eaters they would fight against, she wasn't sure the best plan of attack. She knew she had to do something though. She could clearly see the boys at the front of the house. It was three against three but Remus was weak from the moon. If she joined them they would have the upper-hand.

She pulled her hair back and drew her wand, but had barely stood up from her crouched position when a hand grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her back. Lily's self-defense instincts kicked in very quickly and she reached back and grabbed the figure who had snuck up behind her and ripped them to the ground. Severus Snape fell forward and looked up at her from the grass. She had her wand aimed at him. "You-". Snape reacted just as quickly as she had. He swatted her wand away and lept up, grabbing her by the shoulders and pushing her against the bushes. Twigs poked against her back and she winced. "Get out of my way," she hissed, "or I'll get you out of the way you traitor!"

Snape covered her mouth, "Be quiet, Lily. They'll kill you if they see you! It was literally Max's brother's job to murder muggle-borns. Now don't make me regret helping you. Just turn around and go home, ok? Do you understand?"

Lily softened her stiff posture and nodded. Snape removed his hand and she said. "I understand. And I don't care!" She flicked her wand at him and knocked him back. She started to run towards the house but Snape grabbed her ankle and yanked her down.

He practically crawled on top of her. "I'm trying to save your life!"

"At the expense of my husband's life?!"

"He's not your bloody husband yet! And he never will be!" He struggled to try to get her wand. "You still have a chance, Lily. They haven't seen us yet. We can get you back to your parents house."

"Seen 'us'? You mean you weren't involved in the abduction of your old Slug Club mate?" She rolled a few times with him in the grass until he finally managed to pin her down.

"I didn't know what they were up to, ok?! Neither did Lucious or Regulus. This is all Max's plan."

"So what?" She scowled at him managing to land a blow on his jaw before he grabbed her arm and kept it pinned down. "So you've come to help her?"

"I came to help you because I knew you would come. I don't have quarrel with Tabitha. I hope she's still alive, but if she is or isn't won't make a difference to you."

"See, Sev," Lily muttered. "That's how I know you'll never understand loyalty."

"I do understand. I understand that loyalty only lasts until the next best thing comes along, according to you."

"Oh give it a rest!" Lily struggled a bit before muttering, "Sorry Sev," She kneed him in the groin and Snape crumbled in front of her. She shoved him off and jumped up, then turned and ran off.

Tabitha was crumpled on the floor, her head pounding. Her arm burned from the cuts Fenrir had used to break her spirit and body. She could feel tears falling down her face but her body was in such shock and so exhausted that she didn't flinch. Greyback hadn't gotten much out of her but now he crouched beside her confidently. "Tabby... are you tired? Answer me."

"Yes..."

"Yes. Good girl." He stroked the tear off her cheek with the back of his fingers. "Are you ready to answer some questions for Max?"

"Y-yes..." she muttered.

"Good." He whispered and scooped her head up with one hand to pull it close to his face. He acted as though he was about to kiss her and she turned her head away. "No, it's ok Tabby. It would be fun to get a taste of these lips before Remus gets dibs, but I won't spoil his fun just yet. I just wanted to remember what it feels like to be this close to a female. See normally when I'm this close it's to rip their throat our with my teeth, but Max needs your neck safe for now. He booped her on the nose before standing and leaving her alone. She let her head fall back on the floor with a thud and curled into a ball. Only a moment passed before Tabitha heard movement behind her. She closed her eyes. She said she was ready to answer questions, but something burning inside her pushed through to keep her strong. She was ready for whatever else they had in store. She felt a hand rest on her shoulder and she winced. "Tabitha..." She heard a voice. "Tabitha, it's ok. We are here to get you." She opened her eyes and with blurry vision recognized Angus over her. "Oh God-" She nearly sobbed in relief as she saw him.

"Shhh shhh. It's ok. Just hang on. I have a plan. Sit still now." He carefully rolled her onto her side so he could reach her arms. The sight of them made him slightly nauseous as the ropes had now cut so deep that they were making her wrists bleed. "I'll cut you loose."

As Tabitha rolled over she saw the figure in the stairwell aiming at them. "Watch out!"

Angus looked up just in time to see Fenrir send a nonverbal spell towards him. Angus used his wand to deflected it from the two of them. Fenrir stepped back in. "I knew I could smell a McKinnon. I was wondering when you would finally come in. Hasn't your family ruined enough of my fun?"

Angus stood slowly and stepped over Tabitha to shield her. "I know you've been watching my sister. What do you want with her?"

"Clever boy. I want from her the same thing I want from you. Your demise," he hissed and without so much as a whisper, send another spell towards Angus to knock him back and he went flying.

"Angus, run!" Tabitha shouted as moments of the past hour flew through her mind, and she didn't wish them on her friend. Angus did as she said, per the plan, and ran down one the of the cellar corridors and Fenrir followed.

"Let me tell you a little story!" Fenrir called after Angus as he chased him through the darkness taking large strides. "Once upon a time, there was a little Werewolf who lived happily in his colony with all the pups he'd converted over the years. These lost souls were outcasts as a result of their transformation, but the little Werewolf welcomed them with open arms as his family. One night, a ministry auror by the name of Atticus McKinnon took it on himself to bring some friends to this little village and clean it out!" He yelled the last bit with anger and flicked his wand with force and the spell ignited the corridor with flames, but Angus ducked behind a wine rack in time and the glass bottles all crashed.

Wormtail in his rat form and Marlene used the advantage of the noise to shimmy through the window and hurry to Tabitha's side. Peter started to nibble at the ropes and Marlene used a quick first aid charm to try to stop the bleeding, "Clottengo," She whispered and patted Tabitha, "hang in there Tabs." She heard her brother's voice up the hall.

"Those people weren't your family, Fenrir! You'd made them monsters. They had no place to go because you had taken away their humanity, not because they wanted to be with you!"

"And so that gives your father and his coworker the right to destroy them all?" His shout bellowed through the halls. Pettigrew changed back to himself and whispered to Marlene, "What is he talking about?"

"I don't now," Marlene said just as confused.

"Well, Tabs is free. Lets get her out of here."

"Ok, Wingardium Leviosa." Marlene said and Tabitha carefully levitated between them and they floated her still body toward the window.

Angus was doing his job of distracting Greyback well. The hall had fallen silent, too silent. He tip toed between the shelves of Malfoy's wine collection and made his way back to the center of the cellar where he watched his sister shimmy out of the tiny window and crawl back to the ground outside. She looked back for him and spotted him, waiving him forward. Just as Angus stepped forward though he was halted when Fenrir emerged from almost nowhere and grabbed him around the throat, his hands still covered in Tabitha's blood. He raised Angus up who dropped his wand in the scuffle. "I'll admit boy, my favorite game is making someone pay for the sins of their father, but your ignorant remarks about my colony require you to endure your own punishment. So while I think of the best form of torment possible to inflict, take a message back to your pathetic friends. They all are deadmen walking. You think I wasn't on to your little decoy game to get Delaney out of here?" He chuckles, "I could smell it a kilometer away. While I'm a little annoyed you spoiled my fun with her, I doubt it will be the last time we meet. Remus thinks he's going to settle down with a little soulmate, well tell him his girlfriend hasn't seen the last of me. I'll get my fill of her and when I'm done, I'll rip her heart out and give it back to Remus to protect for all eternity. He will be so broken from it, he will finally realize he can't escape his fate. He will join my ranks, be the pup I planned for him to be, and I'll sick him on Potter and his Mudblood Wife and I'll make Black and Longbottom and the little fat boy and all Dumbledore's school children watch! I'll come for you myself, stringing up your mutilated body on your father's garden gate to remind everyone what the wake of his destruction looked like in my home. And little sister? The youngest of the McKinnon clan? Well we can't have one of the oldest Wizarding families dye can we? I'll make sure to have my way with her, pleasing myself again and again and again until she pops out a pup of my own and I pray she agonizes through it all. And when my line is good and secured I'll crush her little skull."

Angus had almost run out of air when Greyback was hit in the back with a stunning spell. He let go of Angus and the two of them dropped to the floor. Angus grabbed his wand from where it had fallen and looked up, seeing his sister who had re-entered to save him. "Let's go." Was all she could manage to say after hearing Greyback's graphic promise.

The boys had managed to get to the front porch and were taking on Malfoy, Max and Regulus to prevent them from going inside to stop Peter's plan from getting Tabitha out.

"Moony!" James shouted as he and Sirius held their own against the charms. "Block the door! Don't let anyone in or out." Remus did what he asked, shoving the doors closed and catching a glimpse of Naricissa Malfoy come around the corner drawing her wand. He closed the door just as she aimed at him but he felt the strong spell pelt the door on the other side. He drew his wand and sealed the lock, turning back to face the others he was met face-to-face with the Death Eater named Max. "So your Lupin?"

"Stupify!" Remus shouted but nothing happened. He looked down and realized he had grabbed his untraceable wand from his pocket.

"Ha! What do they teach at Hogwarts anyway?" Max aimed at him but Remus managed to duck and avoid his spell.

"Moony!" Sirius, who was taking on Malfoy, saw his friend hit the ground to dodge Max's hex. The distraction allowed Malfoy to pelt Sirius with a knockback Jinx and he flew backward, crashing into James who had been dueling Regulus.

"Trade ya," James said and jumped up before Sirius could protest. He faced Malfoy and sent a spell towards him, "Levicorpus!"

Malfoy flew upside down and flailed a bit before aiming at James, "Crucio!"

"Expelliarmus!" James shouted, disarming Malfoy before the unforgivable hex could be completed.

Sirius stood up just in time to see his brother aim at him. "Petrificus Totalus," Regulus shouted.

"Expelliarmus!" Sirius shouted back. Both of their wands locked for a moment. As they played a tug-of-war with the magic Sirius shouted, "I thought you'd want to use the killing curse, seeing as it's your new favorite spell."

"Shut up!" Regulus hissed.

"So is this your new family now, Reg? Is this what you consider leveling up?"

"You're one to talk," Regulus shouted back as he planted his feet to hold his ground as the magic tethered their wands together. "A bunch of blood-traitors, a Mudblood and a Werewolf? The house must smell like a bloody animal shelter."

"You're better than this, Regulus!" Sirius shouted, finally a moment of sincerity in the chaos. "I know you won't believe that coming from me, but you're better than this."

"Oh sure, like I'm going to believe the brother who abandoned me."

"I didn't abandon you!" Sirius shouted as the magic between the wands finally faded. "I ran away from a lot of stuff in that house, Regulus. But never think you were one of them." They had a small moment between one another when they both turned their attention to the thud behind Sirius. Looking back he saw Lucious had falling from James' spell and was groaning on the ground.

James picked up Malfoy's wand and chucked it across the yard away from them. He turned and helped Sirius by aiming at Regulus. "You ok?"

"Moony needs backup," Was all Sirius said.

"Go on, I'll babysit." James said and aimed at Regulus.

Remus had been hit a couple times before managing to draw his proper wand. He was clinging to the door knocker to try to pull himself back up but Max was relentless with his charms. "Remus Lupin," Max said. "I've heard your name quite a bit. It really pisses Fenrir off that he hasn't managed to get you to conform to his little wolf cult. Conform yet, that is. You know, you'd be a lot stronger right now if you just gave in to your wolf-ways and feasted during the full moon like Fenrir does. He's quite randy once we get him home the next morning. I bet your girlfriend would appreciate that... that is if you don't eat her by mistake."

"Who the fuck are you?!" Remus asked as he turned and leaned against the door, shakily aiming his wand.

"It's not who I am. It's who I'm about to be."

"Which is?" Remus snapped.

"The man that takes everything you know. And everyone you care about."

"Why? What did we do to you?"

"One of you killed my brother and now you all are preventing us from carrying out Voldemort's commands, a cause that my brother cared about deeply. I guess the best way to put it is that you all have pissed. me. off... and if I dealt with my emotions like a normal person then I could move on. But let's be honest... they don't call me a sociopath for nothing." He was about to strike Remus when another spell when he was grabbed by the shirt collar and spun around.

Sirius had grabbed him, and leaned into his face with a sneer. "Get the hell away from our Moony." He sent a strong punch across his jaw and sent him sprawling. He kicked Max's wand away from his groaning body on the porch and wrapped an arm around Remus' waist. "Lean on me mate."

"You ok?"

"Of course. Normally I want to punch a wall after a confrontation with my brother, but I guess decking a Death Eater is the next best form of therapy."

Remus put an arm around Sirius and did his best not to put all his weight on him. He felt as if all the strength he'd built back over the last few days had already run out.

James and Regulus had sparred a bit, but it was clear that Regulus wasn't as confident without Malfoy or Forrestor helping him. He lowered his wand finally and just stared at James who did this same, but cautiously. "Ready to stop fighting, Black?"

"James, behind you!" Sirius and Remus shouted warnings at him.

James wasn't even able to turn around when he felt an arm put him in a choke-hold and the tip of a wand was shoved to the side of his head. He heard Snape's voice his at him, "Dumbledore can give you all the titles in the world, Potter, but you're still just a school bully. Pathetic. Black get his wand."

Regulus did as he was instructed and James faught back against Snape, "Have to hand it to you, Snivillus." He said through pained breaths as he tried to fight back. "You've been working out."

"Is that a compliment? Didn't think you were capable. Or are you just being kind now that your life is in my hands."

"Don't be so sure, Snape!" Remus shouted. "Look around. It's three to two."

"You sure about that?" He glanced at Regulus who aimed at the doors behind Remus and Sirius.

"Alohamora," Regulus said to unlock the doors Remus had charmed. He was expecting his cousin Narcissa to emerge but instead, Greyback busted through.

"Hello children!" He instantly saw Remus. "Hello son." He reached over and pinched Remus on the cheek and Tabitha's blood was immediately recognized by Sirius and Remus.

"Moony, don't!" Sirius warned but was too late. His friend lunged at the werewolf.

"What have you done to her!?"

Sirius caught sight of Marlene, Angus and Peter on the hill behind the house heading for the topiaries to stay hidden. "Pheonix is rising!" He shouted the code-words Peter had thought of for someone to shout when they had completed their mission of liberating Tabitha.

"A little busy, Padfoot!" James groaned as he fought with Snape.

Remus hand landed a few punches on Greyback's jaw but the older man just laughed as if each one was a tickle. Sirius aimed at his friend. "Sorry, mate." He knew Remus had waited for this moment a while and deserved it, but it was better saved when he was strong enough to stay alive. "Wingardium Leviosa." He levitated his friend up and away from Greyback.

"No!" Remus shouted, clawing the air towards Greyback but Sirius just pulled him away through the air and sent him to land a few meters away. "No! Sirius!" Remus tried to jump up to run back, but felt a familiar hand grab him. "Lily!" He said as he saw the rehead had found them again. "He's covered in her blood!"

"She's out, Rem." Lily whispered. "He knows it. He's playing you." She stepped in front of Remus as Sirius caught up to them.

"Moony, I'm sorry. I had to-"

"You did the right thing, Sirius." Lily said. "Get to the others."

"We aren't leaving you, Evans. You're Muggleborn. The moment Forrestor wakes up he will kill you if Regulus doesn't first."

"I said go! Before Greyback doesn't something else to get Remus started."

Sirius looked over at James who could tell he didn't want to leave them. "Get out of here, Padfoot." Sirius still didn't want to but knew Remus wouldn't be able to make it on his own. He wrapped an arm around Remus to help him up the hill towards the others. Maybe if he was fast enough he could run back.

Lily turned and faced Snape and Regulus but locked eyes with James. "Let him go, Snape."

"So it's 'Snape' again is it? I tried to warn you, Lily. I tried to bloody save you from this but you wouldn't listen. Just like I tried to save you from Potter's sorry ass and you wouldn't listen."

"It was bloody, school, Snape!" James said but Snape tighted the chokehold on him.

"I'm sorry, Sev," Lily said. "I'm sorry you're hurt. I'm sorry you feel betrayed. But I can't apologize for following my heart."

"That would be me-" James said hoarsely.

"James. Shut it," Lily said.

"Yes, dear..."

"You're right about a lot of things, Snape. About how he treated you in school. About how Tabitha and I stopped being your friend, but it's because of this. We had to leave you behind becuase you had planted yourself in the middle of madness and we couldn't be part of it. So now you drag us back in as captives and enemies?"

"I wasn't part of this plan to torture, Delaney. I told you that."

"But you were. Look at your arm, Sev! You've sold your soul. Regulus, you still have a choice. Look at what's become of the brightest potions protege in school! He's a liar and bully." She drew her wand. "Well, I'm sorry. But I will never listen to your lies again, Snape. You said you came here wanting to save me? Well the man in your arms that you're threatening is part of me now. If you kill him... you kill me..."

Snape looked behind her an saw Greyback approaching. Lily glanced behind her and saw him but stood her ground as they were surrounded. Max and Malfoy also started to stir and get back to their feet. She took a breath and shut her eyes. "Expecto Patronum!" The light that came from her wand was so bright it ignited the entire sky. Snape released James to shield his eyes and James heard Lily call to him. "Run, James!" The two of them couldn't see one other well due to the light but they raced in the direction of the others.

"Over here!" Marlene waived James over as she saw him emerge from the beam of light. "Lily." Was the first thing James said.

"Right behind you," Angus pointed out.

James had barely turned around when his wife-to-be slammed into his chest and embraced him. "I'm ok." She said. She quickly looked over his shoulder. "Tabitha." She was laying in the grass with her head in Marlene's lap.

"She's breathing," Peter said. "She will be ok. But we have to get out of here."

"I've got her." Remus put his arms carefully behind Tabitha's neck and legs and tried standing but nearly collapsed. James caught them both as Remus snapped. "I'm too bloody weak, still."

"Give her to me, Moony." James said and carefully held Tabitha in his arms as Lily pulled Remus back so he could lean on her for support.

"Let's go." Sirius said resting his hand on Peter's shoulder.

They all gathered close and Tabitha's mumbled, eyes still clsoed from exhaustion.

"Potter?"

"It's ok, Delaney. We got you."

"I suppose this counts as cashing in that favor you owe me, hm?" She whispered up to him and he smiled.

"Yea, Delaney. We are even now."

Once everyone had joined hands they apparated back home.

Please let me know what you think so far. Kinda wondering if anyone is even reading...

I'd love to know what you like/dislike so I can make sure to write more that you want to read.