Book III: Requiem of Ashes
Chapter VI: Immortal Truths
Music Theme: My Sweet Lord - George Harrison
McKinnon Castle - December 1977...
The New Year was always a grand occasion at McKinnon Castle. For years, they'd been the host of a spectacular feast and presents for all their friends. Mrs. McKinnon was quite the hostest, as every traditional Pureblood wife strove to be. She also had to have some sort of party to respond to the Potter's grand summer gathering of all the Ministry officials. While her decor was not as grand as Euphemia Potter's, her kitchen elves cooking could rival Kip the elf's any day.
This year there was a bit of awkwardness in the air though. Mr. McKinnon had been alienating himself at work as his political outbursts regarding the growing werewolf population became more heated and more frequent. Even now, people walked on eggshells to avoid the topic as they waited to ring in the new year.
Marlene McKinnon sat balled up in a chair, twirling an empty champagne flute in her fingers and staring off into space.
"Don't let Mum see you with that," she heard the voice of her older brother call. "She won't think it's proper for someone underage to be drinking."
"I'm nearly 18. Besides, it's a special occasion," Marlene replied as she looked up at her brother who'd rested his arms on the back of the chair to lean over and speak with her. "We hardly ever see you these days, Atti."
"Well," he shrugged. "Work keeps me busy." He left no further explanation and Marlene noticed a waiver in his smile.
"Atti," she whispered. "If there is something you need to tell me, you know you can. I feel like we don't talk anymore."
"You just worry about your studies, little sister," he said kindly.
"Is it dad?" she asked. "I know his outbursts must be hard for you trying to have a career right now, but at least you don't work at the Ministry anymore."
"No. Dad's fine," he said sadly. "He's wrong about most of what he's saying... but he's fine."
"How can he be wrong?" Marlene asked. "Him and Madeye have been tracking the werewolf populations for a while. He sees that an army is being raised. Not only that he says this army is going to be stronger than we could possibly imagine. Now I'm not sure what he means by that but I'm sure-"
"He's wrong," her eldest brother snapped, clenching his fists. Atticus collected himself after a brief pause then reached down to grab the champagne flute and said, "I better put this away before Mam catches you with it."
"Toasting already, McKinnon?" called a young man with long red hair and scruff that made him look like a youthful viking. He was new to the McKinnon parties but walked with confidence as if he commanded the room. "Not even midnight yet."
"Caradoc," Atticus Óg said then pointed to his sister. "This is my kid sister Marlene. Marley this is Aunt Elspeth's new mentee in the Auror program. Caradoc Dearborn." Atticus suddenly seemed in no mood to talk and gruffly said, "Keep her out of the bar cart, will you mate?" Then pat the man on the shoulder before stepping away.
Marlene watched after him with a sour expression and Caradoc chuckled.
"What's wrong kid? Big brother teasing you about something?"
"I'm not a kid," Marlene grunted. "I'm graduating this year."
"Sorry," he sighed. "I get it though. I was the youngest of all my brothers too. My mother still sees me as the baby."
Marlene smirked at him, sizing him up quickly, then muttered, "I don't think anyone can think of you as a baby anything."
"Mum's always see their tykes as wee babies."
His smile was soft and kind, like a gentle giant. He reminded Marlene of a younger version of Hagrid if he had fiery red hair. There was something about him she felt she could trust and his accent was captivating. "So you work with my aunt?"
"Elsie's a fire," he laughed. "I thought I'd never get out of the desk work in the Auror offices, but she recognized my potential. With this new promotion she got, she gets to start mentoring young Aurors to-be."
"Do you get to go on missions with her?" She asked.
"None yet," he rest his arm on the back of the chair and leaned in. "But I can't wait."
"It can be dangerous you know," she said. "Mam lost sleep some nights when dad was on missions."
"Nobody is losing sleep over me, blue eyes," he shrugged. "My brothers all have their own families to worry for them. Besides, the danger is offset by the good we do." A passion sparked inside him and he moved in front of Marlene and sat on the coffee table across from her. "Why just the other day, we stopped someone attacking a group of muggles. Those people were just existing and some dark wizard decided he'd rather not see muggles pass by him on the street! Can you imagine, hating someone... just because they exist."
The heartbreak on his face for the injustice made Marlene soften, "It sounds like you're in a perfect role, Mr. Dearborn."
Caradon grimmaced, "Don't be calling me that! I'm far too young for it. Caradoc, blue eyes. Just call me Caradoc."
"Caradoc then," she said. "I guess with dad being so... passionate... about work right now, it can be nice to hear someone speak kindly about it." She paused before saying, "Atti thinks he's wrong about things. What do you think?"
"I think your father has seen and done a lot, so it would be unwise to doubt him... but equally unwise to put all faith in one person's believes... especially when those beliefs are mostly emotional."
"I wonder why he is so emotional about it," she sighs.
"Elsie told me one of his first trials he attended was against a murderer named Fenrir Greyback accused of killing two kids. One of the ministry workers accused him of being a werewolf, but the oaf played muggle. He got away... and later on it was proved to be true.. that not only had he killed those kids, but that he was a werewolf and a wizard. Your dad got a bad taste in his mouth for werewolves after that, as did his partner."
"Mr. Moody," Marlene nodded.
"And now they're trying to prevent another horrible act like that from happening. Prejudice may be getting in the way more than they anticipate, but they're right to be cautious."
"Cautious is fine," Marlene huffed. "It's vocal I mind."
"Well... shouldn't people speak their mind? If something means something to them? Shouldn't they stand up for it? Shouldn't they vocalize what's on their heart?"
Marlene reflected on that as something stung on her heart. Clearly her emotions covered her face as Caradoc's grin grew wider and he leaned in to whisper, "So what's his name?"
"What?" Marlene turned bright red.
"Well, that's why you're so opposed to vocalizing feelings, isn't it? Because you're bottling your feelings about something... or someone up?"
"Are you an auror or some kind of therapist?"
Caradoc chuckled. "I'd be stupid to not be both when I deal with human lives, blue eyes."
"Caradoc," called a tipsy Elspeth as she sauntered up to her niece and partner. "Oh you've met Marley-lass. Talented witch we have here. Graduating top of her class and going to be in the program this time next year. You'll have competition soon enough. You should see her magic." A hiccup caused Elspeth to cover her moth and stop speaking.
"I'm looking forward to it," Caradoc grinned and the soft, mature twinkle in his eye made Marlene's heart flutter slightly - an emotion which made her sink deeper into the arm chair with embarrassment.
"Mar, Mae's looking for you. Be a lamb and go find her," Elspeth said and took Caradoc by the arm. "And you... I've got to talk to in private. Come on." She gave him an eager tug but he kept grinning at Marlene as he was pulled away into the crowd just as they counted down to midnight.
Hogwarts - September 10, 1980...
The last order meeting before the trial was about to commence. This wouldn't be one to practice their sparring or defensive spells, but would be a strategy session. The Death Eaters had made their requests clear through Malfoy's proxy. If they wanted Mulciber and his friends to have a fair trial with Marshall Fawley prosecuting and risk the exposure of some of their spies, then they saw it only fair the Order would offer vulnerability by having it's pureblood members attend. They all would be there, like a battlefield. The verdict by the Wizengamot would determine what side controlled the Ministry, and who would have the upper hand. Dumbledore knew it was a risk to send his members in, but he knew if he didn't, the trial would just be delayed while the undercover work of Death Eater spies continued to infiltrate the Wizarding World's seat of power.
They couldn't go in without a plan though. They all had to anticipate the worst case. More than that, there were other missions still requiring focus, one of which Dumbledore himself would attend to before the Order assembled for their meeting.
He strolled down the quiet hills of Hogwarts, always enjoying that walk as the sights and sounds seemed untouched by time, then paused outside the Hogsmede gates. For a moment, Dumbledore seemed nervous, but pressed on until he reached the Hogshead pub.
Upon entry, he dodged chairs levitating around the room, flipping and resting atop tables as Aberforth began to close up for the night. He kept his back to Dumbledore after glancing over his shoulder to see him then returned to cleaning the glassware.
"Closing early tonight?" Dumbledore asked.
"Nobody comes out late anymore outside of Quidditch season," he grumbled. "Did you want something?"
"You still won't attend the meeting? It starts soon."
"No," was all he said. "But I doubt you came down from your castle this late to ask me that, so what is it you want?"
Dumbledore stepped towards the counter, removed a magazine from his sleeve and set it down. "Would you share the meaning behind this?"
Aberforth simply gave it a glance. "It's a Quibbler. Lovegood's new publication."
"I was referring to your contribution," Dumbledore said softly.
Aberforth seemed unfazed as he set down the glass stein in his hand and strolled through the pub, wiping down tables with one hand and using his wand in the other to levitate and clean glasses mid-air before arriving back on the shelves.
When he declined to answer, Dumbledore said, "Why write the poem, Aberforth? The one about the phoenixes. Why undermine the order?"
"Undermine it?" He snapped finally facing his brother. "I was trying to warn you!"
"Warn me?"
"I believe in this fight, Albus. I know what you-know-who is doing is a threat we've not seen since Grindlewald. But these are children. They have parents who don't wish for their children to do the fighting. I should know more than anyone the pain of your child being caught between the wands when the fighting reaches its worst. I had to get through to you," he said.
"And the walk up the hill was too much?"
"Oh don't play dumb, Albus. You know as well as I that when you're in that bloody office your mind is miles away. Since we were teenagers and I'd try to speak to you, it always seemed as if your focus was on another thought entirely.
"So you decide to speak of our losses through a magazine?"
"I wanted you to see how many you've already lost and how these kids are naive and will continue to come back to you and trust you just as I did. As we all did."
"And did I steer you wrong then, Aberforth?"
"Only the once," he grumbled to himself. He tucked himself behind the bar again and tapped each liquor bottle to place a cap back on it. After a moment of silence he rest his knuckles against the counter and leaned on them to steady himself. "I know the MacDonald clan, Albus. They are kind people. They've lost their only descendant because of this turmoil."
"Mary gave up her life for the better of all of us."
"How long will you let your own guilt stay burried under your pias, Albus!" He snapped, whirling around to face him. "Or do you forget the destain that you once had for muggles yourself? Do you ignore the fact that you once wanted the very same things Voldemort wants now?"
"I was a child," Dumbledore said defensively. "And I never saught the violence and extinction Voldemort seeks."
"No. Only submission," Aberforth grumbled."I remember you boasting about your magic, always saying that muggles were nuances."
"As I said, I was a child. I've grown up. I see you have not." He nodded to the magazine on the table, "Tattling and throwing a tantrum rather than speaking to me man-to-man."
"And you would have listened?" He said crossly. "You would have shared those concerns with those kids and let them decide for themselves if they wanted to get involved in this?"
"They already have decided," he said.
"Do they even know this isn't the first time you've drafted together a club like this?" He scoffed.
"I didn't draft it the first time. In fact, I tried to prevent that and we saw first-hand why I was against it." Dumbledore took a breath. "I don't want to fight with you, Aberforth. You said you did this to get my attention. You have it. I'm listening."
His brother calmed and set down the rag he was using on the dishes. Glancing at his brother he said, "You know this trial is a trick."
"I know."
"Then don't allow the kids to go."
"They aren't kids anymore, Aberforth, and I am not their parent. The Death Eaters have stated their terms. They'll allow the trial to move forward if we bring our players to the field."
"You talk as if they're asking for a fair fight, but they aren't, Albus. They want you to bring forward your kids like sheep for an altar. Right when you think they're offering you an even trade, you'll discover their sacrifice was nothing they couldn't afford to loose. Could you say the same?"
"I'm certain they'll have coached Mulciber, Goyle and Travers all on what to say in order to save their skins, but we have truth on our side. Fabian Prewett witnessed everything first hand and I have full confidence he will testify now that he's back with his brother."
Aberforth shook his head, "No, Albus. They know something... they're going to do something to that kid, mark my words. He's the only thing that would make their little trial trap fall apart with his testimony. He'll be the next little phoenix to fall... mark my words." He just nodded to the magazine, thinking his warning was falling on deaf ears, but it didn't. Dumbledore also felt concerned over the confidence the Death Eaters had that their trap would be seamless. He knew they'd try something at the trial, and any attending Order members would be at risk of capture. But he also knew without them there, Fabian and Frank would be defenseless. Either way, the order was stuck unless he could find a wild card to play.
Dumbledore glanced over his shoulder and gave a knowing smile to himself before looking back to his brother, "I suppose we have nothing more to say."
"I suppose not," Aberforth said and picked up his dish rag once more.
"Can I depend on you to stop sumbitting to Lovegood's publication?"
"Clearly it did no good," he said. "So I'll stop. But don't give me a reason to start again, Albus." He simply waved his wand to finish putting the glasses away and walked to the back room.
Dumbledore watched his brother depart and stood in the room alone as he reflected on their years together. They'd always been distant, but he never could determine if that distance was for the best or not. After a moment he heard the creak of floorboards from the entryway and said, "You can come out now, Lily."
The room was still a moment but eventually the redhead came around the corner. "Professor," She said upon entry to the room. "Please tell me I heard incorrectly."
"I wish I could say so, Lily. But no, Aberforth is correct. As a boy, I did see muggles as inferior. I thought they should be more submissive to Wizards and that the statute of secrecy be lifted so the world could see our power."
Lily showed no fear in the face of this horrid truth as she said, "What changed?"
"I did," he shrugged. "I experienced great loss. Loss of family and friend. It stripped me to my core. It showed me that at the end of the day, we all are just human. We all return to the dust. It's why I keep Fawkes in my office. He reminds me that we can grow to be the most powerful beings but still return to ash. It was after that time that I began learning more about Muggles. I'd say I got my true education when I returned to Hogwarts to teach. Then I met some of the most talented witches and wizards of muggle birth. I realized I'd spent so much of my youth misunderstanding my gift."
"How so, sir?" Lily softly asked.
"Magic isn't something that should be used to suppress others. It's a burden of responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves against supernatural or magical threats."
"That's why you participated in The Global Wizarding War? I remember reading of it in history."
"Yes. I stood up for the protection of magic as it should be, something used for good. We won then. We now are fighting that fight again. Some have decided to be bewildered by the lies that once occupied my own mind - that magic is a source of power and nothing more. Those of us in the order see it for what it is... a real job."
Lily nodded and avoided eye contact with her headmaster as she thought through all he had shared.
"You're disappointed in me, Lily. I see it on your face. I know it can be painful when those you hold in high regard fall from their pedestals."
"Well," she shrugged. "I suppose that's why we shouldn't put anyone on one to begin with. As you say, we are all human." She received a smile and humble nod from Dumbledore then said, "Is that why you sent me that note when Harry was born? You said to trust no-one."
"Yes," he said. "All of you are young, just as I was. Some of you will stay firm in your beliefs. Others may not. My misguided beliefs once cost a young girl her life, a girl I was responsible for. I'd lost sight of my sole responsibilities during my escapades to become a great Wizard." He rest his hand on her shoulder. "Harry is your responsibility, Lily. You must not allow his fate to depend on anyone but yourself. Duty to ones family can lead to just as much greatness as duty to ones-self. Do you understand me?"
"I do sir. I swear, I'll be careful."
"Good," he said. "Shall we move on from the unpleasantness then?"
She nodded.
"Good. Now then, let's get to the business of why I called you here today. Is James with you?"
"No sir, but he's going to be at the meeting tonight."
"Then who will be with Harry?"
Lily stopped and looked at him. "Professor... I can't remove myself from this fight, and neither can James. We must trust someone to help us with Harry if we are going to continue with the order."
"Yes, but we just discussed..."
"I know you're still unsettled about the Guardian prophecy and so am I. I don't believe it's Max Forrestor or Tabitha or anyone else we've suspected. I know what you told Frank, about us still having a traitor in our midst, but I can't just stay hidden with my child. I'm not a simpering house wife who cowers at home and fears the world. You know that, or you wouldn't have asked me here for this mission."
Dumbledore just grinned, "Well put. And a good way to avoid my question. Still, what I have for you won't take long," He waved his hand to the door and allowed her to talk to it before following her out. "I doubt you've already forgotten about your teacher, Horace?"
"Professor Slughorn? Of course not."
"Well, all the news of the trial is making him grow fearful. We almost lost him to retirement over the summer, and he still flirts with the idea even though we are in session now."
"And you think I can convince him to stay?" Lily asked.
Dumbledore considered his answer as they passed through the Hogwarts gates and made their way up the hill. "I'd like you to find the driving force behind his reasoning?"
"You said it was the trial?"
"No, it's more than that. He knows something. Something he isn't telling me. I'd like you to find what it is."
"How can you be sure?"
"Horrace has a terrible poker face," he chuckled. "Just ask..." he stopped himself then said, "Well, Theseus was always able to call his bluff in cards."
Lily gave him a small smile, "I'll see what I can find out."
"And Lily... about Harry..."
"He's safe. I promise."
Later - The Room of Requirement...
"My mother has kicked me out of the house," Frank muttered sourly to James. The two were speaking a ways away from the others before the meeting began.
"Your mum's in town?" James asked.
"It was Dumbledore's idea. He thought she could help Alice. I hate to admit it but he's right. Last night she slept all through the night without a nightmare. She's got her out of the bed and walking about. Every time I go to leave though she still freaks out. She snaps like a traumatic trigger has reminded her that death is at our doorsteps." Frank rubbed the back of his neck exhausted. "Mulciber did a number on her. I don't know if she's going to make it to the trial."
"We've got Prewitt. He saw the worst of it with Mary's death."
"What if," Frank paused but then said. "What if we can't undo what this war has already done."
"We can't," James said. "My parents are gone, Frank. Remus' mother was murdered in her own home. Marvin may have this blood oath on him for good. Who said anything about being able to undo all of this? All we can do is prevent if from happening further."
Frank gave a somber look to James but then forced a smile, "If that's a pep talk then it's a miracle Gryffindor ever won a Quidditch match with you as captain."
James shrugged, "I had Remus write my speeches for me," he grinned.
Frank glanced about the room, "Where is he anyway? Babysitting Harry?"
"No," he shook his head. "He had a mission tonight."
"Still a spy in the werewolf colonies?"
"Yes," James nodded. "Something fishy is going on with them. He just doesn't know what yet."
"Well he's sharp. He will sort it out."
"I hope so, as long as he stays safe."
"Hey," Frank rest a hand on James shoulder and said, "We are survivors, Potter. The lot of us. We will make it out ok. Out of this trial and out of this war."
James simply nodded and thanked him before Frank made his way over to Angus to inquire on the health of Marvin who was absent on account of the blood oath still making his mind and actions unpredictable. Meanwhile, James walked back to Sirius who was impatiently twirling his wand and leaning against the cold stone wall.
"How's your friend?" Sirius grumbled.
"Frank? He's fine."
"Looked like you were getting chummy."
"We are chums, I guess. Better than being rivals." James noticed Sirius' expression and tilted his head to examine it before saying, "Wait... are you jealous of Frank?"
"Don't be daft."
"You are! You think I'm going to replace you or something?"
"He's just getting all... touchy feely with you and acting like you're best pals."
James rolled his eyes, "If you're going to act like a child then I'll send you to the babysitter with Harry."
"Who's acting?" called Peter from behind the two of them.
"Oh, shut up, Wormtail," Sirius snapped harsher than intended which sent Peter scowling and walking to the meeting table.
"That was a bit rude," James scolded softly.
"He'll be fine," Sirius dismissed.
"What is with you tonight?" James grumbled.
"I don't like Moony being at that damn colony. I don't like this trial coming up. I don't like Harry being away from us."
"If my mother was here she'd scold you for being so sulky."
"Well she's not here, is she?" He snapped and finally looked at James.
"No," James said sadly. "No, she's not..."
The two stood silently a moment until the doors opened and Marlene entered and walked over to her brother and Frank. Sirius stiffened against the wall and stared down at his feet.
"Ahhhhh," James said which earned him a glare from his friend. "That's what this is about."
"I don't know what you mean."
"You've not seen Marlene since your little talk in the Greehouse."
"Keep it down," Sirius growled. "I shouldn't have told you about that."
"You can't keep anything from me and you know it," he gave Sirius a nudge off the wall. "Just go talk to her. Clear the air."
"And say what?" Sirius asked.
"What you've wanted to say for years. Go tell her how you feel."
"Ugh," Sirius scowled. "That wife of yours has you all in your feelings these days. It's gross."
"Go, Padfoot..." He now shoved him and Sirius reluctantly stumbled towards Marlene. He did his best to measure his steps, not wanting to talk too fast, and held his head high. He cleared his throat and tried to think of something whitty to lead with, but for some reason he couldn't think of a word. He just opened his mouth and not a sound came out as Marlene turned and met his eyes. The embarrassment in them caught Sirius off guard and he blurted out, "How's the magic coming?"
"The what?" she blinked.
"Your magic. The elements. Any new tricks?"
"Oh... I realized I can move bits of rubble without much effort."
"So you've moved from fire to earth. Impressive..." He just nodded then after a long pause said, "McKinnon, I-"
"Sirius..." she spoke over him. "Sorry... what is it?"
"No, you first," he shrugged.
"Um," she also felt a bit unsure what to say. Their exchange in the greenhouse had shown her true feelings but now it just felt awkward. She looked in his eyes and for a moment it appeared she was going to speak her mind when she was cut off by the doors opening.
All eyes turned and spotted a stunned giant of a young man entering, his eyes still wide in awe of the hidden Room of Requirement entryway. It brought a chuckled from Dorcas Meadows who had escorted him in, but the rest of the room remained silent and awaited the introduction. There wasn't much of a chance however as his eyes first fell on Marlene.
"Blue eyes!" He burst.
"Caradoc!" Marlene raced to him to give him a hug, leaving Sirius dumbfounded. "Blimey, It's feels like it's been ages! How are you?"
"Brilliant now that I've seen you. Keeping everyone on their toes, I assume?" He said following their hug.
"You know it."
"Who is that?" Sirius muttered.
"Looks like your competition," Peter, who had stepped beside him, chuckled
"Shut up Wormtail."
Twice Peter had received that response from Sirius and now he scowled at him. He glared back with an unnoticed look but quickly softened and stared back at the newcomer.
"I'm here with word on Fawley's fiancé," Caradoc said, "We found her. We think she's being held in the house though. We will need help getting her out."
"You'll have it," Marlene said quickly.
Dorcas Meadows folded her hands. "If Marshall Fawley thinks his fiancé is safe then he won't hold back at the trial. We will have a fighting chance."
"I can help too," Gideon offered.
"No," Frank shook his head. "Malfoy was clear about who should attend. They want us at the trial. Those of us that aren't wanted by them will have to go."
"Moony," sighed James. "He can help. It's his choice of course but I know he would offer if he was here."
"I can help! Sturgis said, shooting his hand in the air." Everyone fell silent and he grew cross. "It's what I'm here for, everyone. Please... I know I'm young, but I want to help. Caradoc will help me."
"I was once advised not to judge someone because of their age," Caradoc said glancing at Marlene.
She smiled and Sirius couldn't help but stiffen as he noticed a bit of a blush appearing. "I'll go," he blurted out. They don't want me at the trial," he grunted. "My cousin made that clear."
"No," Frank said. "Madeye wants you and Elspeth out front with the rest of the Aurors to keep eyes out for trouble."
"Elspeth?" Caradoc lost his warm tone suddenly and looked around. "She's... here?"
"She's back home," Marlene said. "Why? Is everything ok?"
"Dearborn," Madeye's booming voice came from behind as he stepped into the room, having heard fractions of the conversation. Caradoc hesitated but finally turned to face him. "Elsie's able to help. Just as you are. Let the past be the past." Everyone grew uncomfortable at that and the room fell quiet.
The two stared awkwardly at one another when Caradoc finally extended his hand and said, "Whatever you say boss."
A hint of a smile curled on Madeye's face as he accepted the handshake then walked towards the table and waved everyone towards their seats, "Right then. Potter, Prewitt's, McKinnons, you will be in the Gallery with me the day of the trial. Vance will make sure to be there to help me cover you and Black, Pettigrew and Elspeth will guard the corridors. Meanwhile we will send Caradoc to the fiance to get her to safety with a small team."
"Wicked," Sturgis muttered to himself with glee. He acted like a kid finally picked for the team.
"What about Dumbledore?" Frank asked.
"He has his own task," Madeye replied.
"What?" James gasped. "He's not coming?"
"He didn't say that. He just said he's got his own task. That's all I know."
"Bold decision," Gideon grunted.
"As is not testifying because of heartbreak," Madeye defended which earned a balled fist from Gideon.
"Fabian is going to testify!" He said.
"Then where is he?" Madeye asked. "Order meetings too soon for his grief?"
"Madeye," Frank warned but his boss didn't acklowedge it.
"What's this?" Caradoc asked softly to Marlene.
"A girl Fabian Prewett cared for was the one murdered by Mulciber," she whispered to him.
"Aw," Caradoc's expression softened. "Madeye, have a heart. Sometimes it takes people time to come back to earth after something like that."
"Just as long as he does it in time for the trial."
"He will," Gideon grumbled but eased up when he felt Angus' comforting hand rest upon his knee.
Marlene smiled up at Caradoc and rest a hand on his as if to thank him for defusing the tension. But James clocked it and his eyes drifted to Sirius who sat, arms crossed, with a cold glare at the burley newcomer doing his best to pay attention to the rest of the meeting.
Meanwhile...
Dumbledore had left Lily to her task. Slughorn had tried every excuse in the book to avoid seeing her, but she managed to work her way into his office. It was clear Dumbledore wasn't needed and now he hurried back to his office, deep in thought regarding the upcoming trial. He pushed through his door and up the steps when he heard movement. He paused a moment, decided the intruder was a friend and not a foe, and continued until he spotted the tall slender witch waiting for him.
"Elspeth... what are you doing here?" He called.
She was standing over his desk, perusing charts and history books when she plucked one up and said, "tracing your ancestry or something?"
Dumbledore sensed her tone. It was irritated, exhausted, frustrated and flat. Her eyes avoided looking at him, but Dumbledore sensed they were filled with a blend of anxiety and resentment. "No," he said calmly and nodded to the Gaunt family tree in her hand. "I'm doing other research."
"But I assume you won't tell me what it is or if it affects my family," she said and smacked down the paper.
"Well, we all have our secrets from family, Elspeth. Don't we?" He said and she met his gaze finally with a threatening glare which caused him to soften his expression a bit. "Are you here for the meeting?"
"No. The kids don't know I'm here. I want you to let them out of this arrangement," she pleaded.
Dumbledore let out a slight chuckle at that and began to wander around his office. "They aren't prisoners, Elspeth. They can leave the Order if they wish."
"But that isn't exactly true, is it? Marvin's under a hex... bound by blood and commanded to kidnap someone's child. Are you going to wait until he murders some innocent girl and takes her infant as a sacrifice to you-know-who's cult because he couldn't escape dark magic?!" Elspeth went on, her tone calming as she collapsed into Dumbledore's chair. Dumbledore didn't seem phased by Elspeth making herself at home or by her tone. They had a familiarity with one another that allowed more grace to Elspeth's outburst. "I can't loose them sir... I already cost Atticus so much in life. I can't loose his kids."
"Elspeth," Dumbledore said and approached at her. "You cannot keep those four locked in a tower. Your brother tried that with you and see where it got you-"
"Don't," she snapped and shot a glare as if Dumbledore had tread dangerously close to a discussion topic she didn't want mentioned. "I know where it got me... but you and I both know it didn't stop there. My family has a history of recklessness. Marvin is suppose to be the level-headed one and look how deep he is into this war! Do you really think Angus or Marlene will stand a chance?"
"I think they stand a very good chance," Dumbledore said as he took one of the chairs opposite his desk and waved his hand over the desk to vanish the papers on it. He then leaned back. "I know you don't believe that. But I don't blame you. Being in the auror program you've seen what wizards are capable of. I'm sure you didn't think your brother was even capable of-"
"Stop!" She snapped and closed her eyes as if it would save her from the topic.
Dumbledore did as she asked and waited until she looked at him once more. "Don't you think it's time, Elspeth. It's time to tell me what really happened with your brother. What wasn't he telling me? What aren't you telling me about him? About Marlene?"
"How do you know about her?" She gasped.
"I know more than you think but less than you do. Perhaps we can change that." Elspeth didn't answer him and he sighed, "Elspeth you used to come in here and talk to me for hours as a student about anything. What's changed."
"I did..."
"Well, that's inevitable I suppose. But it doesn't mean we have to change as friends. Aren't I the same professor who let you hide in here from your bullies? The teacher who would play wizard chess with you during quidditch matches?"
Elspeth smirked a bit but then quickly pushed away the memory of her school days. She met Dumbledore in the eye and said, "I'm here to talk about the kids. Not about me."
"Very well," he motioned to her and sat back. "Then I'm here to listen."
Meanwhile...
Lily pressed her face against the fish bowl in Slughorn's office, the fish inside it swimming about almost as frantically as the professor who hurried about the room in a futile attempt to avoid conversation with her. "Francis seems to be doing well."
"Oh..." Slughorn muttered, "lovely. Yes. Just lovely." He grabbed an armload of books and walked to her. "Here they are. I thought you'd appreciate these. I know you always enjoyed cross pollination in Herbology and how it applies to advance potion inventions."
"Thank you sir, but I've already read those cover to cover," she smiled as she faced him.
"Oh?"
"Yes," she chuckled. "Third year... you lent them to me."
"Did I really?" He set them on his desk. "I see. Well there was something else I thought may interest you. Ah!" he walked over to the cabinet and began to search through it.
"Professor..."
"It's just back here!" he cut off.
"Sir," Lily said sternly. "I don't have all night. Must we drag this out?" Her tone was calm and kind and caused Slughorn to stop his frantic rummaging. "Dumbledore said you'd know why I'm here."
"I..." he stammered. "I suppose he wants to know why I tried to leave the school."
"Yes. Something has scared you."
"Oh, Lily," he laughed. "You know me. A bump in the night scares me these days. I suppose losing a friend does that to you. Scammander and I weren't particularly as close as he and other teachers but still, he was my friend."
"Was it seeing the curse take over his body that scared you? Such horrible dark magic can make anyone afraid of what Voldemort is capable of-"
"Don't say his name!" Slughorn gasped.
"It's just a name sir," Lily approached him.
"It's not!" He gasped. "Fleamont knew that! It's why he quit the ministry! It's why he's..." Slughorn stopped and covered his mouth softly. "Good lord, Lily. I'm so sorry. I forgot that you'd married his boy. Merlin's beard, married at so young."
"With a son," she added. "A son whose future depends on staying one step ahead of the Death Eaters. Please, sir. If there is something you know, I must take it to Dumbledore."
"I know nothing!" he said and started for the door. Lily scowled, drew her wand and flicked it at the door. It slammed shut in his face and he turned with a gasp. "Lily!"
"I'm not leaving without something to take to Dumbledore."
"Then take my apologies because he's mistaken! I know nothing!"
"Was it the same thing that Mr. Potter knew? Or Marlene's father? Robert Ogden? Scammander?"
Slughorn just avoided her gaze. She sighed and walked around the room when her eyes fell on the wall of slug club class photos. She walked along them until she spotted herself in one, but her smile instantly faded at the sight of Regulus in the front row with the potions apprentices. "He's dead, you know..." she looked to her teacher who didn't face her. "Voldemort killed him. He had so much potential. Tabitha saw that in him. She's gone too, who knows where or if she's even alive. The three of us should have gone on to apprentice for magical hospitals and potioneers. We should have been able to decide our own futures, but now we run the risk of one corrupt man deciding them for us. Do you really want to hinder our chance of avoiding that?" Slughorn didn't reply to her but looked ashamed at himself. She just shook her head and looked back at the class photos until she noticed one missing. "What have you done with the class of '45?"
"Lily," Slughorn said quickly. "I don't know what Albus thought you'd accomplish here today. It was good to see you, but you need to go..."
"This is about him..." she faces him. "Of course, he was your student. He would have been a Slytherin, a powerful one. He would have graduated in '45 because he worked with Mr. Potter at the ministry after graduating." She examined his expression and approached. "What did he reveal to you?"
"Lily... he was just a boy."
"And yet he scared you even then..."
"Lily please," he begged as she approached him.
"What did he say to you that would mean so much now? So much that Dumbledore is having to recruit me to get it out of you?"
"Lily!"
She reached out for his hand and grasped it. A calm settled over the teacher and Francis the fish did a flip in his bowl. "Please... for Regulus' sake. For the future of my son. Tell me. You are a good man, professor. I know you are. Please."
Slughorn released her hand, finally relenting, and drew his wand. "I don't know what good it will do. As I say... I know nothing."
"We'll let Albus decide that."
When she said that, Slughorn hesitated it. Some of the trust faded from his face, but he rest his wand to his temple anyway. "A vile, Lily."
She swiped one quickly from a nearby stand and held it out to him as a memory stream flowed around his wand. He poured it into the vile and Lily examined the sparkling combination of elements swirling in the flask. Something was off though. It's coloring was more dull than other's she'd seen bottled up in Dumbledore's office by the pensive, but she didn't press the Professor for an explanation as she knew one wouldn't come.
"Lily?" He asked and she glanced up. "Please know... all I ever want is the best for my students. I just want them to excel. I... trust them... sometimes too much."
"Of course, sir. But you can trust me."
"I know," he gave her a sad smile and pat her shoulder.
She bid him a goodnight and left his classroom, hurrying up the hall back to Dumbledore. She was walking up the dungeon steps when she nearly tripped over a young woman sitting on them - Elspeth McKinnon.
"Godric!" she gasped. "Sorry!"
"No," she said from her seat. "I should be sorry. I'm the one in the way."
Lily pondered what a woman in her mid-thirties in street clothes would be doing in Hogwarts this time of night when she recognized the family crest on the woman's signant ring. "McKinnon?"
Elspeth looked confused and looked at Lily's face. "Do I know you?"
"You're... Marlene's aunt."
"Aye," she nodded. "And you'd be?"
"Oh... Lily Potter. Or Lily Evans."
"Oh, her roommate. I remember he telling me about you. Good to meet you." Elspeth didn't sound pleased though. She sounded defeated and sad.
Lily pocketed the vile of memory and awkwardly stood beside the woman who still sat on the steps. "Um... what are you doing here?"
"Trying to cool off after getting scolded by my old headmaster," she chuckled. "Don't tell Marlene I'm here though. I know she's here for that ridiculous meeting."
"It's not ridiculous," Lily snapped.
Elspeth looked up at her again. "I'm not judging you kids for wanting to do some good. I'm not. I'm even willing to help. I told Dorcas I'd be there for the trial. But I won't sit in that room with Madeye like old times."
"Old times?" Lily let down her defenses a bit but waited for an explanation.
"You weren't the first batch," Elspeth said. "My brother and Madeye were trying to form an order to fight against Voldemort. Dumbledore said we were too aggressive and hasty. He said we didn't have the support from the Ministry we needed yet or the balance a group needs to succeed. He warned us that if we moved forward, just the few of us, that it would end in ruin."
"And did it?"
"Yes... On our very first mission."
"With the burning of the werewolf Colony?"
Elspeth looked shocked and glared wide-eyed at Lily. "Angus told us. He told us about Greyback killing your brother."
Elspeth nodded.
"So... why did he do it?"
"Do what?"
"Burn the colony."
Elspeth tensed as if wondering if she should go on, but she said, "There were only a handful of us. Madeye, my brother, myself and my trainee Caradoc. We were the core four. When Dumbledore wouldn't back us because he said our motives were too rooted in fear and prejudice, we tried recruiting side organizations of vigilantes to help. But for the most part, it was just us four.
"And were you?" Lily asked. "Rooted in fear and prejudice?"
"Aye," Elspeth said ashamed. "We couldn't see it at the time, but looking back I think Caradoc was the only one with the right mindset. Madeye and Atticus were in the Auror program and Atticus had a bad taste in his mouth for werewolves. Madeye got word that you-know-who was looking to recruit monsters for his ranks - Giants and Werewolves. We even got word that he was trying necromancy and Banshee whispering to use dark creatures for his work. Banshee hunters took care of that and the Ministry was already using their processes from the Ogre wars to get a hold on the Giant's, so that left Werewolves to us... or so we thought. My brother found what he thought was a camp of rebel werewolves..."
"But it was a refugee camp," Lily said. "Madeye told us what happened."
"I'm sure he told you... what he knows," she nodded.
"I'm sorry, Elspeth. But your brother couldn't have known. It was just a horrible accident that I'm sure he felt sorry for."
"Oh he felt sorry, all right. Sorry for a lot of things," she huffed.
"Madeye wasn't totally wrong," Lily offered. "Werewolves are being used as an army right now. So he was right about Voldemort trying to use them."
"You don't get it do you... Greyback is the one organizing all of that right now. Isn't he?"
"Yes," Lily said.
"Lily... the attack on the camp, my brother's public preaching about werewolf armies, suggesting that they could pose a threat to this world... he gave Greyback the bloody idea!"
"You don't know that," she said softly.
"We' can't be sure, I guess. But the coincidence is too much to ignore," she curled her legs closer into her chest. "So I left. I got out of the castle and got my own place. Then Greyback exacted his revenge on my family and I just had to sit there and do nothing. Madeye stepped down from the Monster Hunter devision, renounced his affiliation with the Night Runners and rebuilt his reputation as an Auror. In some ways my brother's death helped Madeye have a fresh start, morbid as it may sound."
"The Night Runners?" Lily gasped. "They're real?"
"After we disbanded, Caradoc quit his role as an Auror so he could have a fresh start elsewhere. I guess he reclaimed the name of the Night Runners into what they are today... people that do good, as it always should have been. I saw him coming up the hill when I got here earlier. I assume he's attending the meeting tonight which is why I'm sitting here... I should just get going..." she started to stand. "Marvin's probably wondering where I am."
"Is Marvin doing ok?"
"No," she shook her head. "He sleepwalks most nights. He's always shouting in his sleep. This curse is suffocating him. He makes us lock him in his room overnight. Sometimes I wonder if he's every to be free of that girl. We always told him to avoid her, but the heart wants what it wants sometimes."
Lily's heart broke for the kind McKinnon boy and she said, "I guess so. Goodnight Elspeth. It was good to meet you."
"Night, Lily," she replied and somberly walked away up the steps.
Meanwhile at the Werewolf Colony...
Remus had finally managed to work his way undercover into one of the werewolf gatherings where it was suspected that young members were being recruited to Greyback's army for Voldemort. These meetings were chaotic compared to the structure of the Order meetings, with members speaking over one another, some frightened and others angry. Arguments would break out and even fists would be thrown. The werewolves trusted nobody and were scared, but Greyback's followers played off those weaknesses and offered his protection as a trade for their servitude.
Remus picked a shadowed spot towards the back of the tent where he listened and crossed his arms, watching the room carefully and checking his watch. The room had just been full of arguments and shouts for over half an hour.
"The alpha won't allow members to join unless he has specifically vetted them and he's only looking for newborns right now. The older lot aren't going to have the strength he wants!" One man who appeared to be stealing the meeting said.
"Wants for what?" Remus asked casually.
"For the Dark Lord, of course," grumbled the leader of the meeting impatiently.
"The Dark Lord doesn't give two shits about us," a harsh Scottish accent roared from a young werewolf woman. "He just wants our muscle to get the Pureblood to comply and the muggles out of the way. Then he's done with us."
"The alpha assured us that nobody will be a stray," the man responded.
"You sure about that?" Remus spoke up in a moment of devils advocate. "You sure he really has a place for you to freely live? I've known people like that, who claim to extend a safe haven only to have it become a cult with themselves as the master and you're never free to leave." He picked his words carefully knowing some of the younger members of the room likely had been subject to cultish preachings and burned before. "These people claim to be virtuous leaders only to then demand your servidue for the rest of your life. Think about it. We're all being used."
"If you don't want to be here, kid, then go away," someone barked.
"I just want to know what's expected of us. Only then will I be confident to become someone's dog."
The tensions rose in the room and the speaker stood. Remus tensed as all eyes stared at him and he scanned the room again, finally noticing Samari on the opposite side of the tent. Clearly she was here for the same reasons as he, but had remained silent.
The leader of the meeting jumped down from the table he stood upon and approached Remus through the dim glow of the tent's lamps. "You know what I want to know, kid... who are you working for?"
"What do you mean?" Remus asked casually.
"You ask some pretty pointed questions. I'd like to know who wants the answers."
"I answer to myself, like the rest of you do," he defended. "I'm not going to bow and scrape to some alpha I haven't even met."
"Greyback doesn't need to answer to you."
"So it is Greyback then?" Remus asked unphased. "You think he's a leader? Isn't he the one that let an entire colony burn to the ground by Aurors. Is that the man you're putting your faith in?"
"That wasn't Greyback's clan you fool. We've all heard of the Auror McKinnon taking down the sanctuary," he now turned to the crowd, "That a weak human decided we were nothing but scum! Now we see a powerful immortal leader offering us a chance to show people that we will not be messed with!"
"A what?" Remus gasped. He's never heard Voldemort refereed to as 'immortal' before, but based on James' description it didn't surprise him.
Remus was pulled from his thoughts as the man strode up to him again and said. "You seem to be the only person here who is so uncertain. So maybe you and I should have a little talk."
"I'm not so certain either," Samari spoke up and all eyes fell on her. "I didn't want to say it at first, but I think the tall kid is right. Greyback has tried to do this once before, recruiting people like us for an army, and they all died in flames. He did nothing to stop it. He could have done something, but he saw all those people as casualties of war and he let them burn."
"If he'd been able to do something he would have," the older man defended.
"He ran away while young people were attacked," Samari shouted.
"You don't know that."
"I do know it," she said. "Because I was there. He only saw us as cattle. We were his servants in that camp and when the Aurors came, he did nothing but save himself. He may want revenge for it, but it's for his own pride he wants justice for, not the lives of those werewolves."
Now the room stirred and more began to seem uncertain.
"Don't listen to these two! We can't loose our strength now. We have work to do for the Alpha, for Lord Voldemort!"
While some of the werewolves in the tent agreed, others seemed unsure.
The man went on, "We don't have time to argue!"
"Why not?" Remus asked. "Does the offer to join his ranks expire tonight?"
"He needs us now!"
"Why?"
The man scowled at Remus but didn't answer and turned to one of his comrades who had an uncertain look as well as he looked upon the conflicted crowd. Samari worked her way around the tent, speaking to people and sewing more discord as she went until she was back to back with Remus in the chaos. "Is this what you wanted?"
"Not exactly, but don't want them joining Greyback either. So I guess it works," he whispered back to her over his shoulder.
"Then get out of here before Carlos holds you responsible for tearing his faction apart.
"I can't. There's something he's holding onto. There is a reason he needs people now. I think he's got a mission for the werewolves this full moon. I can't go until I find out what it is."
"If you stay he'll have you in chains and waiting for Greyback to answer to. Once he's here to indeitfy you, your cover is blow."
"What about your cover?"
"Nobody knows about Atticus. It's why we use my last name instead of his. I'll be fine. I'll get the information you need." She stopped when a frail woman with horrific scars on her face turned to her and anxiously saught advice. Samari conforted her as best she could without looking too suspicious then sent the woman away, hoping she'd give up this crusade along with the rest and abandon this war. But she knew they wouldn't be so fortunate to spare everyone from Voldemort's ranks. After a moment, Samari realized Remus still was pressed against her back. "What are you still doing here?"
"There's one more thing I have to know..."
"Whatever you need, I'll find out. I swear."
"It's not about the werewolves. It's about you." He turned to face her and whispered. "Were you really at that camp? The One that Atticus Sr. burned?"
Samari thought about her answer. "I was at the colony that was attacked, yes... but not everything is as it seems Remus. I'd tell you more but if I leave with you it will look like we've worked together. You need to go. Now!" She gave him a light shove and Remus was suddenly having to dodge angry werewolves through the tent. He stumbled out and was under the stillness of the nearly full moon before he knew it.
He felt that he'd failed. He knew he'd managed to save a few souls by striking doubt in their trust of Greyback, but he didn't get the information he'd come for. He had to trust Samari, and for a change he realized he could. He made his way to the tree line near the edge of camp where he'd be able to apparate and looked back. "I should have brought Peter," he whispered to himself. In his rat form, Peter would be able to sneak around the rafters of the tent and listen in to side conversations.
"Who's Peter? Another werewolf?" A voice called from the trees and Remus almost came out of his skin. He clutched his chest as his heart raced and stabled himself with a tree as he spotted Atticus Òg McKinnon having a smoke. He casually leaned against the tree and gazed up the hill to the tent with each puff.
"Damn, Mckinnon. Are you trying to kill me?"
"Easy with that name around here," he whispered harshly. "Where's Sam?"
"Still in there. She's trying to find out some information for me to take to Dumbledore."
He nodded then took a puff, "She'll get it. She always finds out what people are up to. Our girls don't get away with much."
"She's very brave," Remus agreed. "Has the family met her yet?"
"No," Atticus answered rather quickly. "Or the girls. I'd like to keep it that way for now."
"Because she's a werewolf?" Remus said and straightened.
"Because we have our own lives," he clapped back.
Remus wasn't sure what else to say and stood there awkwardly until he said, "You know your sister would lecture you over those cigarettes."
That caused a hint of a grin to appear on his face as he took another drag then said, "It covers my scent. Not all the newborns have their senses that honed, but some of the older ones do. Greyback would be able to smell McKinnon blood now that he's-" he stopped himself before finishing but Remus knew. Once a werewolf tastes the blood of a victim, it becomes so sensitive a scent that he could track it from miles away.
"Anyway," Atticus Òg said. "You should go. They'll be finishing soon and you shouldn't be lingering. I assume it's you that got everyone riled up. I heard the shouting.
"With help from your wife. She said Greyback fled the burning of the colony a couple years ago instead of defending his people."
Atticus Òg scowled at that, "Aye... he did."
Remus couldn't help but notice the reflective look in the young man's eyes as if he was reminiscing. Without thinking, Remus said, "You were there too... weren't you?"
He looked back to Remus but didn't reply. He considered speaking up but merely took a long whiff of his cigarette then blew the smoke back out. He stared at it in front of him as it rose to the air.
"She said something else that puzzled me," Remus went on. "I asked if she was at the colony your father burned. It was a yes or no question... but she said 'I was at the colony that was attacked'."
"So? She gave you a longer answer," Atticus Òg shrugged.
"She gave me a clarification," Remus muttered. The two met each other's gaze and Remus said, "Your father didn't start the fire or kill those people. Did he? But he knew who did."
Atticus Óg glared at him a long time then finally said, "You ever read To Kill a Mockingbird, Lupin?"
Remus nodded.
"Always liked that book because the best character was named, Atticus," he tossed his cigarette into the grass then crushed it with his boot. "But at the end of the book... when Atticus Finch was deciding where blame for murder should go and how justice should best be served he was given some advice. The sheriff said, 'Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr. Finch. Let the dead bury the dead.' It's good advice..."
Remus knew that was the end of the conversation and said nothing as Atticus Òg turned away from him and walked along the treeline in the dark to wait for his wife. Remus heeded his words, backed away, and apparted.
Back at Hogwarts...
It was getting late, but that didn't stop Hagrid from taking his babysitting role seriously. He'd not shut a single eye for a moment to allow Harry the opportunity to rest in a cozy blanket on his large armchair. He nearly spilled his tea as the door opened though and Lily stepped in. "Any trouble?"
"Sleeping away since James left him with me," Hagrid said proudly. "Even though I moved him about so much. I didn't want him getting too warm by the fire but the night air is draft and I have cracks in this old house. He stirred a bit just now but nothing more. How was the meeting?"
"I didn't go," Lily said as she walked to her baby and stroked his brow. "Dumbledore had another assignment for me tonight."
"Well then it must still be going on if James isn't back yet. I can make some more tea."
"Thank you, Hagrid," she smiled as the gentle giant stomped through his hut but didn't wake Harry. Lily pondered over the infraction with Slughorn. She thought of what Voldemort must have been like as a student back then when something struck her. "Hagrid... did you know Voldemort?"
He turned and gave her a stunned expression. "I think he graduated from here in 1945 under a different name. You would have been in school then as well."
"Would have been," he huffed. "But I wasn't. Got myself expelled before."
"Oh," she saddened. "I... I forgot. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have mentioned it."
"Ah," he shrugged it off. "No worries, Lily. Magic doesn't matter to me. What matters is knowing Dumbledore always stayed on my side. So did Mr. Potter. He tried so hard to prove I didn't... well... that it wasn't my fault that..."
"It's ok, Hagrid. You don't have to tell me. Godric knows I've forced people to reveal enough of themselves tonight."
Hagrid stood there, kettle in hand, looking at her and wondering if it would do any good to share his secrets with her when they heard footsteps outside. He set the kettle down and picked up his cross bow net from the hook by the door. "That's coming from the Hogsemede path."
"Maybe it's Aberforth," she replied and considered the evening's early exchange. "Dumbledore was trying to get him to come to the meeting."
"No," Hagrid said while peeking through a crack in the door. "Too slender. I see their shadow. Lanky. Tall... the trespasser."
Lily checked her watch and recalled Remus was to be returning to the meeting about this time but was too late to warn Hagrid. "Wait, it's-"
But the spring sounded on the bow and the net shot out onto the path. A familiar, "What the hell!" sounded followed by a regretful grunt from Hagrid as he realized his mistake.
"Remus!" Lily gasped and stood.
"Oh... of all my cockyminded-"
"It's ok, Hagrid. Stay with Harry," she said as she passed him and hurried onto the path outside where Remus was flailing. The sight troubled her. He was genuinely afraid, trying to break free of the net like an animal. "Remus! It's ok. It's ok." she kneeled beside him and pulled him free. The young man sat up and gasped for breath. "It was a mistake."
"Am I not enough of an animal to you lot that I have to be trapped like one!?" He shouted and Lily grabbed him, covering his mouth to silence him.
"And are we not exposed enough these days you have to give away our bloody location to all of Scotland?" she scolded.
Remus breathed sharply against her palm and his hurt and scared eyes faded to apologetic ones as she released him. "Sorry..."
"I know. It's ok," she pulled the net the rest of the way off of him.
"It's not ok. You've never treated me like an animal. I don't know why I said it."
"You were just at the werewolf camp. It likely stirred an unpleasant narrative."
"You can say that again," he sighed and she helped him up.
"Why don't you just come inside Hagrid's with me? We're having tea."
"What about the meeting?"
"It will be over soon."
"But I've got to tell Dumbledore something. Something I found out at the meeting." He checked over his shoulder and ushered her off the path a bit, lowering his voice. "The werewolves are planning something. I think it's going to be some kind of an attack during the full moon. I just don't know what yet."
"Well we still have some time before then."
"That's not all. The other thing is unrelated to werewolves but could very well change the course of this war."
"Oh?" She asked and hoped he meant change for the better, but his tone suggested otherwise.
"They were talking about Voldemort. Lily, they referred to him as... as..."
She just took his hand to give him strength.
"As immortal..." Lily froze at his words and he squeezed her hands to stable her as he added, "Lily, what if we can't win? What if we're fighting a losing game?"
to be continued...