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Literature Text
"Now have fun on your 'boy's night' okay Remus?" Bryn asked a bright grin on her face as Remus got ready for another monthly transformation. He merely sighed. Only Bryn would downplay him transforming into a werewolf to him and the other boys simply going out. He did feel bad for James though. Only a month after his son was born, and only a few days of an actual good night's sleep and he was still going out to be with him during his transformation.
"Yes Ma'am." He joked gently kissing her on the forehead causing her to blush and smile. "And Geoffrey, you're the man of the house. Okay?" He asked. The two year old nodded, suckling on a pacifier. Bryn groaned.
"I need to get him to stop using that." She grumbled.
"Hey, those books didn't have a specific date." Remus argued. She rolled her eyes.
"I know, but still…" she murmured and then shook her head, looking over at him with a bright smile. "Now be safe alright?"
"I will. The same goes for you."
"I'm just visiting the Williams, Remus. I'll be fine."
"…Those two have started chatting with you more than they ever did with me." He teased, trying to sound hurt. She grinned.
"This would be because I have an adorable two year old following me." She replied, smoothing out his coat. "Now then, Mr. Lupin, you better hurry up or your friends are going to kill you." She teased. He chuckled, before swallowing. Something uneasy settled in the pit of his stomach. As though this was the last time he would see her like this.
"I love you." She added gently. He merely smiled, before kissing her again.
"Love you too." He said against her mouth, before claiming it once again. She murmured softly. "I'll see you when I get back. Okay?" He asked and she cocked her head to the side as though teasing.
"I won't go anywhere willingly. If I am gone, look for something amiss." She said. He felt a twinge of worry, but knew that she always said that as a precaution.
"Alright. Be careful okay?" He pleaded.
"I always am. Be careful as well." She added and he kissed her one last time.
"I will. Love you." He said and she smiled before waving.
"Love you too. See you soon!" She said cheerily and with that he dispparated away. Bryn smiled and shook her head, turning around and picking up Geoffrey. "Ready to go see the Williams?" She asked. Geoffrey began to babble loudly, dislodging the pacifier and she chuckled, grabbing his pacifier, before she walked out of the flat, and closed it. Remus was such a worrywart, but she understood his worry.
She looked up at the ceiling, sighing as she stretched. She wanted to live as long.
She just hoped she would have that wish.
"He is just a darling." Emily William stated as she watched Geoffrey toddle away. Bryn offered a slight laugh. He was a darling…if he didn't have sweets. When he had sweets, he left the darling behind and let the devil out. Geoffrey grinned, shoving the fire truck that Emily had given him when they came over forward and around a corner.
"Yes he is." She finally conceded with a smile. "Tea?"
"Yes, please." Edward William answered for them both, looking at the little boy affectionately. Bryn held back a grin. Geoffrey had both of them wrapped around his fingers. Not surprising really…she had heard from them that they had lost their own grandson in a car accident, along with his mother and father. It was sad really…but if Geoffrey made them happy, it was fine by her. Humming she set the kettle on the stove, she absently thought about her own parents. What would they have thought about being grandparents? Her brother being an uncle. She didn't know. She frowned, feeling a slight stab of guilt, and immediately began to shrug it off. The kettle started shrieking and she moved over to place the kettle onto a cool burner. As she did this a strange green glow illuminated the kitchen. She froze, her eyes wide. She knew that glow. Seconds later two loud thumps were heard. She withdrew her wand, and slowly advanced to the entrance of the door. She couldn't hear Emily or Edward. And now that she thought about it, she couldn't hear Geoffrey either.
Panic took over her, and she opened the door. However it wasn't what she expected. She had expected to see the bodies of Edward and Emily. That didn't surprise her. She had only heard two bodies falling as they were hit with the Killing Curse. She had expected Deatheaters. What she hadn't expected however, was to see them all staring at her, not with a look of surprise, but a look of expectance.
And they were grinning.
"Well hello there Miss Wainright. It's been a long time hasn't it?"
Bryn kept her mouth shut, staring at them. Two had their wands visible, the other two didn't.
"Oh don't tell me that you don't remember me. You had such a pretty face before that scar…especially when you sc-"
"Stuepfy!" She yelled. The man was lifted off his feet, and flung backwards. The others seemed to react to that and she barely managed to dodge the three attacks.
"Protego!" She called out, placing a protective shield in front of her. It wouldn't do squat if any of them called out the Killing Curse, but it worked right now. "Stup-"
"Mama?"
She froze mid-spell and turned to see that another Deatheater…a sixth one had apparently been there, searching for a way to get her to stop. And he had found one. A small two year old boy was held up by an arm. Next to his head the Deatheater had placed his wand, warning her to cease her fighting. Geoffrey looked at his mother curiously. He had never seen these men before, or had seen his mother look so petrified.
"Geoff-"
She didn't hear the stunning spell. All she did sense was being thrown backward and slamming into the wall. The next thing she sensed was the darkness…
And the screaming of a child.
It was early the next morning by the time Remus arrived back home, tired and sore. He just wanted to go to sleep…
His thoughts trailed off when he went to unlock the door and found it already unlocked and slightly ajar. That was odd…Bryn would never leave the door open-!
His heartbeat skyrocketed.
"Bryn? Geoffrey? You here?" He called out, opening the door slightly, cautiously. No answer was given. Maybe she had gone out for a walk? No. That wouldn't make sense. It was way too early…normally she would be dead asleep by the time he got back.
"Bryn! Come on, answer-! A…answer me…" he stopped when he entered the living room. Two bodies lay on the ground. He recognized them as his neighbors, but for several seconds it didn't dawn on him what that had meant. He looked around and spotted burn markings across the wall, a deep impression next to the burn marks.
"No…" he whispered out, finally coming to the conclusion he hadn't wanted.
They were gone.
Taken.
"But I don't get it." Moria remarked as they all stood in Sirius and her flat, after a panicked call from Remus. "Why would they need Bryn? She's rarely involved with the Order. She's a muggleborn witch. What use do they need with her? The same goes for Geoffrey. He can't even say words correctly. He's not that much of a danger." Moria asked.
"Who knows? The important thing is that we find her." Sirius said, suppressing a yawn. In truth, he was exhausted. So were James and Peter. But they weren't about to turn down Remus…not after all he had gone through. Moria glanced at Chelsea.
"Think it's possible to do that spell?" She asked. Chelsea shrugged.
"…in theory. But you know full well that it's been shelved." Chelsea said. The rest of the group looked at the two healers.
"Shelved or not, it is probably useful right now."
"What spell?"
"It's a spell a few of the healers worked on. It's idea was good. Essentially it works as a tracker or a silent calling. Every now and then…a patient will wake up confused and disoriented. They'll panic and rush out of the hospital with their wands. I cannot tell you how many times Obliviators have had to obliviate muggle's memories because of a confused wizard or witch." Moria sighed.
"So we came up with a method that would track them down immediately. But it's use is limited…and a lot of healers found it way too much trouble. So the project was shelved." Chelsea said. "But it's worth a shot."
"You two know it?"
"Moria got involved a few months ago and knows the basics." Chelsea replied. "I was involved from the beginning."
"Remus…can I have that scarf you brought along?"
"S-Sure…" Remus replied, handing the scarf to Moria. Moria gingerly wrapped the scarf around her hand, and Chelsea did the same, before the pair gripped each other's cloth covered hand.
"Okay…Chelsea and I will try to locate her."
"Hopefully we don't end up hitting a backlash." Chelsea joked and despite the situation Moria laughed.
"The only way that would happen is if a healer was with Bryn and knew the spell. Which…I doubt." Moria replied. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be." Chelsea replied.
"Alright. On three. One. Two. Three." Moria ordered.
"Reperio unus cuius inops , rector nos ut suum destination." They said simultaneously and suddenly they grew still, unblinking.
"Holy Merlin. That's the spell? Are they even breathing?" Alice asked, holding the sleeping Neville to her.
"I think they've gone into a comatose state." James stated waving his hand in front of Moria's face, gaining no response.
"We wait now?"
"Yeah…we wait."
"Wow…"
"Never done the spell, I presume?" Chelsea asked, slightly amused. Moria shook her head. It was as though they were apparating, the images around them just a meshed blur.
"Do you think she's alright? And Geoffrey. Do you think they're both alright?" Chelsea inquired, worry evident in her voice.
"She is…no way would she give up. And she would fight tooth and nail to keep Geoffrey safe." Moria replied. Suddenly they heard the sounds of yelling and cursing coming towards the nearing exit. Crying soon followed, mixing with the yelling. Soon after they reached the exit. Moria and Chelsea automatically looked around. They were in a dungeon of sorts. In fact…the same type and description of what Remus, Wulfric, Cepheus, and had said that Sirius, James, and Moria had been in nearly 10 months ago.
"This place…" Chelsea murmured.
"You recognize it?"
"Recognize it?" Chelsea remarked coolly. "Of course I do. This is the place where you, Sirius, and James were held captive in. I'd remember it anywhere." She continued. They then spotted Bryn. She was struggling against two men as one stood in front of her. Her hair was mussed up and her clothing was torn in areas, but other than that she looked fine.
"Tell us mudblood."
"Go burn in hell!" Bryn spat out angrily. Moria smirked. So Bryn had some backbone after all
"Mama!" A cry came. The pair looked over at the corner to see Geoffrey now trying desperately to get to his mother.
"Don't make us hurt the kid." The Deatheater warned. Moria bit her bottom lip, as Bryn looked over at Geoffrey.
"I told you! I don't know!" Bryn cried out, earning a smack to the face.
"You're lying!"
"I'm not! Let Geoffrey go! He's only two!"
"Those bastards…using him as a bargaining chip." Moria murmured angrily, looking at the captors, trying to recognize anyone. She was startled as one looked directly at her and Chelsea. That couldn't be true, this spell only showed them what was going on, it didn't allow others to see. Unless-!
Moria recognized him almost immediately after. He was a healer…a head healer in fact. One of the leading researchers in this spell. And it's counter.
"Oh sh-!" Moria hissed out before feeling as though they had just been hit with a shock wave of air. It happened quickly. A backwards moving blur of images was all they saw before a split second view of their bodies.
"How long does this spell take?" Sirius asked. Lily shrugged.
"I don't know. Maybe it has something to do with distance or-" she began to say but stopped as a quick bright light flashed, blinding them for a second, before Chelsea and Moria literally flew in opposite directions slamming into the walls.
"What the hell-!? Moria!" Sirius called out rushing over to his girlfriend who was rubbing the back of her head. "Are you-"
"Oh that lousy son of a bitch!" Moria growled out angrily.
"What?! Are they okay?! What happened?!" Remus asked the panic now evident in his voice.
"They're fine. Giving the Deatheaters a bloody difficult time." Moria said.
"She's talking about that traitorous healer that literally threw us back in. I'm not sure if he saw us or just sensed that the spell was used." Chelsea growled out.
"What? No one else can?"
"Like I said it was still in the works…not even I know the whole effects of it, Sirius." Moria explained.
"And he was one of the heads who founded the research. No doubt going to teach it to his Deatheater buddies if it had succeeded."
"We need to go. No telling if he saw us and knows we're enemies."
"Where are they?!"
"Where else…that prison that she was in the first place and where Geoffrey was born." Moria said. "We have to hurry. There isn't much time."
"Who is going?"
"I'll go. Just in case you need a healer. Chelsea…you have to stay here."
"But-!"
"Chelsea, you haven't been in a lot of fights. And because of your relationship with Bryn you'll be distracted."
"But Remus is going! Why can't I-!" Chelsea began to argue, but realizing the fight was lost and they were wasting time nodded. "You all better come back. All of you." She added and Moria nodded. She glanced at the rest of them and saw that James was kissing Lily who was wishing him luck, obviously deciding to stay and be with Harry who merely gurgled. Within minutes the group of her, Sirius, James, Frank, Peter, and Remus were ready.
"We'll be back soon." Moria said and they dispparated.
Geoffrey was crying loudly in the cell he had been thrown into. It was dark. And cold. And his mother wasn't anywhere to be seen. No one he knew was anywhere.
He cried louder.
He wanted his mummy.
He wanted his daddy.
He wanted-
His crying ceased as the door slid open, but a whimper still escaped as a form walked in. He let out a loud shriek as the figure picked him up and hurried out of the room.
"Be quiet!" The voice hissed. He stopped surprise. It wasn't a mean man. It was a woman and she sounded desperate.
"Honestly. Taking a child…why did I even join this?" A voice hissed out, and she began to mumble to herself. Geoffrey looked at her fearfully, his cheek still throbbing from when he had been smacked for making too much noise. The woman hurried through the corridors and finally Geoffrey felt a breeze of fresh air, different from the stale breeze that had been inside the corridors. Seconds later he was outside. He looked at the woman in confusion as she sat him down.
"Go on. Get." She hissed out. He didn't move, staring at her with glassy eyes. The woman cursed.
"Go!" She ordered. Still he did not move. She let out a curse and then, smacked him across the face. He yelped and scrambled away, clutching the now red cheek that had been marked by nails. It got her message across as Geoffrey scrambled away, into the trees. As he pulled himself over a fallen tree trunk, he heard the sounds of people. He didn't know what to do…they could be dangerous…but they were people…they could be good…right?
Not trying to second guess himself, he scampered towards the sounds.
It was only seconds later that they landed in front of the prison; Remus's rage was boiling over. He was tired, sore, but now those emotions had been overwritten. How dare they go after her! How dare they go after a little boy! How dare they-!
"Remus." He heard Moria say and glanced at her. She was staring at him. "Calm down. Rushing in there with anger is likely to get us all killed. And then no one can save them." She ordered and he swallowed. She was right of course, but it didn't make it any easier.
"We'll get them Remus. We promise." Moria said with a soft smile before looking at the others. "How many Deatheaters?"
"That's the funny thing. There isn't. Not a single one guarding the entrance." Peter said glancing at the others. Sirius frowned.
"Either that means they're cocky for a place that got busted in once and a prisoner escaped from…or they're expecting us." Moria said coldly, pulling her hair into a ponytail. "I'm going for the latter of the two."
"I agree. We have to be c-!" Sirius began to say but a sound stopped him. They all turned when they heard the sound of twigs snapping and bending. They raised their wands, hexes on their tongues. That is until the figure stumbled out.
"Geoffrey?"
The little boy froze, staring at them and then plopped down, beginning to cry. Remus made a move to go pick him up. Moria stopped him.
"Wait."
"Wait? Why the hell should I wait?! He's terrified!"
"We just need to make sure it's actually him." Moria remarked.
"You really think they would act like a two year old?"
Moria ignored him. "Geoffrey." She called out. Geoffrey stopped crying, looking at her curiously, though his bottom lip trembled. "Where is Remus's chocolate stash?"
Geoffrey stared at her and then pouted, pressing a finger to his mouth.
"Secret."
Moria looked at Remus who nodded, relief evident in his shoulders. "I told him not to tell anyone. That it's a secret."
That seemed to be enough and Moria pocketed her wand and rushed over, picking up the toddler up. He began to cry again, clutching her shirt. She shushed him softly and began to walk back. Moria suddenly yelped as a cutting hex flew past her shoulder, slicing it open. Sirius bolted forward, not heeding the danger and tackled Moria down, shielding her and Geoffrey.
"Padfoot! Moria!" James called out as they dove behind bushes.
"Moria! Are you okay?!" Sirius asked, pressing himself against her.
"I'm fine." She called out. "Geoffrey is too! But I'm really getting tired of being the human pin cushion though!" She called out throwing a hex over Sirius's shoulder towards the bushes. She looked at Remus, as the trio managed to crawl to a good cover spot.
"Remus! Go on ahead and look for Bryn! We'll back you up." Moria said, and Remus nodded before bolting into the abandoned shack, and as though he was taking a trip down memory lane, opened up the hatch and jumped down rushing into the darkness. He continued, deeper and deeper calling out for her, but she made no reply and his heart began to race faster. Please Merlin, don't let her be-!
"Bryn! Come on, Bryn! Answer me!" he called out desperately. Once again nothing. Then he heard a barely audible groan echo through the hall. He looked around frantically and then opened a cell door, allowing the dim illumination to filter into the room.
"Bryn!" He called out in relief, as he spotted the feminine form lying on the ground. He rushed up to her, kneeling next to her. "Bryn! Bryn, come on wake up! It's me!" he called out, pushing his arm under the back of her neck and lifting her head up. She shifted slightly and then opened her eyes a sliver.
"Remus?" she whispered out and he laughed in relief.
"Yeah. I've got you." He whispered. "Merlin, you scared me." He murmured kissing her temple gently. He noted that they had changed her. Now she was wearing a pure white dress, her hair had been let down. His grip tightened.
"Geoffrey…"
"He's alright. We've got him." Remus replied. She let out a sound of relief, leaning against him.
"Here, let me pick you up."
"I can walk, Remus." She murmured and he looked at her.
"You sure? I don't mind." He asked and she shook her head offering him a smile.
"I'm sure." She replied and he let her down. She swayed slightly on her feet, leaning on him.
"Bryn? Are you okay?" he asked and she offered a soft smile.
"…Yeah…just tired." She replied. He sighed in relief.
"I'm glad. You have no idea how scared I was when I figured out you had been taken." He said. "But don't worry. You're safe now." He added a light blush on his face. She smiled gently, leaning her head onto his shoulder. Remus looked down at her, his heart rate slowing down. Bryn went to glance up at him and smile but as she raised her eyes, she spotted a shadowed figure, standing at the corner, just in Remus's blind spot. Quickly the figure raised his hand and aimed a wand at Remus.
"REMUS!" She cried out shoving herself in front of him.
"TARDUS IUGUOLO!"
The scent of blood filled the air, followed by a loud roar of pain and fear.
"BBBBRRRRYYYYYYNNNN!"
Chelsea sat there nervously in the kitchen. Then it felt like a stabbing in her heart. She inhaled sharply and then went to the floo. She stuck her head in the fireplace.
"Mum?"
"Chelsea? What's wrong?"
"Mum…just a feeling. Did you find Bryn's answer?"
"Of course I did. Everything is ready. But why? She's fine."
Chelsea swallowed, pushing back the lump in her throat. "Mum. I don't think she is."
Remus felt as though time stood still. Bryn let out a small cry, gripping his jacket, pressing herself against him. Her fingers fisted into the fabric as though she was trying to continue standing, however her legs gave out and she began to slide down his frame. He followed, lowering her to the ground, gripping her back tightly, her arms resting weakly at her sides.
"Bryn! Hey! Wake up!" He called out desperately, but was startled when he felt something warm on the palm of his hand. He withdrew it and looked at his hand in confusion before his heart dropped as he saw ruby red on his hand, sliding down slightly. She was bleeding. Bryn was bleeding.
"Bryn-"
"Ah bloody hell. I was trying to shoot him. What happened?" a voice said and Remus looked up, gripping Bryn and trying to staunch the bleeding. A young man came out, his face hidden by the standard Deatheater mask.
"All because you tried to run away…this sucks." The man added. "Fenrir will be pissed for shooting one of his whores. Move. Give her to me so she can be treated." The man ordered as he simultaneously pointed his wand at Remus's temple.
"Bon au revoir." The man said coolly. However, using speed he didn't know he possessed, Remus swung, hitting the man in the leg with a cutting hex, and watched him crumple to the ground, screaming. He didn't know why he had done it. Maybe it was because this bastard had just shot Bryn, and she was barely conscious, resting her head on his thigh as she tried to breathe. Maybe it was the fact that this bastard had called her a whore. Or maybe it was the fact that he was angry for finding out that the man that had cursed him, had attacked Bryn, and had most likely every intention of either changing her or killing her come the next full moon. Maybe it was a combination…it didn't matter.
He didn't know what it was or what was influencing him but he placed Bryn onto the ground and had stormed up to the man that was now rolling on the ground in pain.
"You shot my leg!" the man roared out but was silenced as Remus pressed his wand into his temple, rage evident on his darkened face.
"You bastard! I'll-"
"Don't!" a voice rang out and his head snapped up, looking at Bryn who had used unknown strength to sit up, looking at him. "Re-Remus, you're not the kind of person…who would do this!" she cried out.
"Bryn…" he murmured, before glancing at the man. He scrambled away and picked up Bryn before rushing away, leaving the man on the ground and cursing his very existence.
Moria covered her face as another piece of tree exploded next to her before swinging around and shooting off a spell.
"Dammit! This is taking too long!" She growled out. She shoved Geoffrey to Sirius. "Hold him!"
"What are you going-" Sirius began to ask as she jammed her wand into her back pocket and began to climb up the tree she, Sirius, and Geoffrey were hiding behind and scampered onto the sturdiest looking branch. She stared into the brush before spotting one of the Deatheaters.
"Got you, you son of a…" she hissed out before leaping off if the branch and slamming her foot into the man. The man only gave a startled cry before a sickening crack was heard and Moria knew she had either broken the man's nose or jaw. She ducked as another Deatheater swung towards her. She grabbed his arm and flipped him over, yanking the arm back behind his back. The man let out a cry, dropping his wand in pain.
"Woah…remind me not to piss her off…EVER Sirius." James said stunned. She had just taken out two Deatheaters in a matter of a minute.
"I'll keep that in mind." Sirius said also stunned.
Remus hurried around yet another corner. They just had to put Bryn in the farthest cell from either exit. He glanced at Bryn who currently was piggybacking him. Her eyes were closed and her was breathing raspy as though it was getting difficult for her to breathe. He had taken off his jacket and had tried to wrap it around the wound but every now and then it slipped and he knew it wasn't doing any good.
He had never seen an aftermath of a spell like this, spells normally left burn marks. Not wounds that looked as though the victim had been shot.
"Bryn?" he asked.
"Hm?" she murmured out after a second or so of silence.
"You'll be okay…don't worry. Moria will fix you up as soon as we get you to her." He said, trying not to sound desperate. She smiled slightly.
"Okay…" she whispered out. "…Sounds good…hey…Remus?" she said and as he turned another corner, looked at her.
"Yeah?"
"If…if I don't make it…"
"Don't say stuff like that. You-"
"Can you raise Geoffrey?" She murmured and his throat closed for a second. "He doesn't know anyone else…and I don't want him to not know anyone." She asked.
"You'll be fine." He stammered out. "But I will…or I'll try, if that ever happens."
"And also…Don't give up on living…please…don't give up on loving, on living…till the very end. Okay?" she said.
"Bryn-!"
"Remus…promise." She murmured out, forcing her eyes open looking directly at him. He swallowed before nodding.
"Okay. I promise. To both of those questions. But don't worry. You'll be perfectly fine."
"…right…hey. I dunno know why…but all of sudden…I'm really cold." She murmured out and then let out a weak laugh. "…but you're really warm. Is…is that a werewolf thing?" she asked and he laughed just as weakly.
"Yeah. I guess it is."
"Say…Remus?"
"Hm?" he asked.
"…forgot to say this…love you." She said softly, her eyes closing again. His eyes burned.
"I love you too." He chocked out. He heard her laugh softly, before she shuddered and then relaxed. "Bryn?" he asked looking back at her.
She looked peaceful as though she was sleeping, a soft smile on her face.
"Hey…Bryn. Come on, say something! I'm listening! HEY!" he asked but she made no response, no movement. It was then he realized how quiet it was. No sounds of dripping water, of crying, groaning…
No breathing other than his own.
Only the echo of his voice was heard before it too was swallowed into the darkness. He made a chocking sound and felt something warm sliding down his face, but made no connection to the fact he was crying.
"G…God Dammit…" he murmured out, before beginning to sob.
"GOD DAMMIT!"
"Five. What is with their association with number five?" Sirius asked as they finished binding the last of the Deatheaters.
"We'll answer that question another day perhaps, come on we have to go help Moony and B-" James began to say but stopped when they heard a loud, long melancholy cry, as though someone was lamenting a lost soul. Moria knew that cry well, she had done the same when she was five.
"…No…" she whispered out but in the end they all knew who had made that howl, what that meant.
They had been too late.
Bryn was gone.
Time seemed to have slowed since the failed mission of recovering Bryn. The ceremony had been small. It had to be as it would have been odd to have had a second funeral for someone who by muggles opinion had been dead for over 3 years. Though Remus had been questioned by authorities, there had been no reason to charge him for the deaths of Emily and Edward William. He hadn't been at home when they died. Leaves were changing from their lively green color to the vibrant orange and yellows before falling to the ground.
Sirius and Moria now rarely saw each other. They were not avoiding each other, far from it. But Sirius was busy trying to help Remus; Moria was busy trying to help Chelsea grieve. On Moria's part however it seemed to be deeming to be successful, as Chelsea seemed to always be busy. She grieved of course…but there was something different now. She was always reading, always researching. Whenever she had asked, Chelsea had brushed her off. It wasn't about guilt, Chelsea had told her. Moria knew what had happened the previous time….when Bryn had been captured in their teen years…and presumed to be killed, she and Chelsea had gotten into an argument days before. They hadn't made up by the point of her kidnapping and it had killed Chelsea to think they hadn't made up and would never be able to.
And while there is no guilt on Chelsea's part, Remus was a different story.
"How is he?" Moria asked as Sirius came in. Sirius sighed.
"…he keeps saying he's fine. But we know that isn't the case. He's barely eating…" Sirius said, leaning on the kitchen counter.
"That's to be expected I guess. But he needs to eat." Moria said, looking at him. He sighed and nodded.
"I know. We all know. But…who can blame him?" he asked rhetorically and Moria stared at him. He ran his hand over his face. "And with that Ministry bitch breathing down his neck about Geoffrey having to go to a different home because he's a werewolf, it's not helping." He remarked coolly. There was silence. "It isn't fair."
"Nothing is fair, Sirius."
"I know that…but…Remus has already gone through so much. It wasn't fair to him. Bryn was probably the best thing that had happened to him…and she dies in his arms. And she was an excellent mum to Geoffrey. And now he doesn't have her there." Sirius whispered, pain evident in his eyes. "He was smiling, Moria. Like, smiling the way James does with Lily, Frank does with Alice, and probably the way I do with you. We had never seen him this…happy before that." Sirius said. Moria sighed.
"…let me talk to him." Moria suggested and Sirius looked at her. "Out of everyone that he knows…I know what he's going through, and I know what it feels like." Moria continued. "…and can you talk to Chelsea? Something tells me she has something up her sleeve."
"…And I'm better qualified to ask her because…?"
"Because you're a Marauder, and know when someone is coming up with a plan." Moria retorted. He stared at her before nodding.
"Okay."
"Sirius…I have a question."
"Hm?" he asked, looking at her. She bit her lip.
"What would happen to you if I died?" she asked and saw him still. He didn't like to think about that possibility, not at all.
"A part of me…would probably die with you." He answered truthfully.
"Sirius-"
"You're my life, Moria. I don't want to think about something like that. I don't like to think of that possibility." He said cupping her cheek gently in his hand. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch.
"Yeah…neither do I."
Moria knocked gently on the door of the apartment that Remus lived in. As she suspected no answer was given. It felt like déjà vu. She had done the same with Chelsea…now with Remus. She entered the apartment and found him sitting at the dinner table. Geoffrey was playing nearby.
"Remus-"
"You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine." He interrupted. Moria shook her head.
"No you aren't." She said walking over to him, grabbing a chair and scooting it over next to him. He was silent.
"Remus…I know you aren't okay. You aren't even close to being okay. I personally know that."
"How is that?"
"…Remember I lost my parents, Remus. My mother died in my arms, and my father died shielding me. I know how you feel right now." She said. He looked away.
"You feel lost, angry, a lot of emotions that are swirling around you. But the most is guilt. Because you feel as though you didn't do anything, and now she isn't here to raise her son. Bryn wouldn't want you to be like that, Remus." She said. He shook slightly.
"It won't matter with Geoffrey. The Ministry is coming to take him tonight…"
"We'll find a way to get him to stay, Remus. You know that." Moria stated. Remus was silent, glancing at Geoffrey with watery eyes.
"It's been nearly a month since her funeral…I should feel some sort of closure. But I don't. I just feel like I'm in a nightmare, it doesn't feel real. I got over it…or at least as over it as I could when she 'died' the first time. I don't think I can get over it this time. I just keep flashing back to that…her weight on my back. And I can't stop shaking." He said. Moria looked down at the table, at his hands.
"Remus…I'll be honest with you. This pain. It won't ever go away…not completely. But it will lessen in time. But you have to be willing to let others help you through this." She stated. "Geoffrey will be there, we'll be there. I promise."
"What about you? Who helped you through your pain of losing your parents?" Remus asked looking at her. Moria offered a soft smile.
"At first…no one. Then for a brief time, Logan. But mainly…it was you, James, Sirius, Peter, Frank, Alice and Lily. It was several years late…" She concluded, with a slight smile. "But I finally managed to stop hurting myself over their deaths." She added. "Remus, let us help you now. Okay?" she asked, placing her hand over his. He offered a sad smile and she swallowed holding back her tears. He nodded and she saw a tear trail down his face.
"Okay."
There was a knock on the door and Moria spotted Remus flinching, his gaze going to the entrance. Both adults stood, Remus a bit more hesitantly. Geoffrey looked over at him, and Remus shook his head, forcing a smile, if only to calm the two year old. Geoffrey seemed to be soothed because he began to play with his toys again. As the two advanced, they heard other voices. These they recognized.
"What are Sirius and Chelsea doing…" Moria trailed off opening the door. They were greeted by a sight that surprised both of them. Sirius was now standing in front of the door, James and Lily on both of his sides. Chelsea seemed to be arguing with a toad-faced woman who looked like she had lost a battle with a pink clothes monster. Another Ministry worker was standing a few inches away from the pinky woman, watching the scene unfold. The other woman spotted Remus and smiled. Moria withheld a shiver. It was like looking at Malcolm smile in girl form. Or someone whose face had been punched in. Looking closely at the woman in the dim lighting, she would have to agree with the latter of the two options.
"Ah Mr. Lupin. Pleasure." The woman stated, though it was quite clear to everyone it was anything but. "Dolores Umbridge."
Remus was silent, but Moria could feel his temper darken and his posture stiffen. Chelsea looked incensed. "Remus, close the door." She ordered. Remus gave her a confused look, while Umbridge gave her a look as though she was a child in need of a scolding, before turning her gaze back to Remus, her smile like sour honey.
"Now, Mr. Lupin, I've come collect the child that is currently in your care. He will be placed in a safer environment."
There was a distinct cracking sound and Moria spotted the part of the door frame that was under Remus's hand breaking, and Remus's eyes flashed in warning. But it was Chelsea who surprisingly stepped in front of Umbridge, placing her hands on her hips and holding her ground.
"You will not collect anyone from him. He is Geoffrey's legal guardian, and I expect him to be treated as such. And due to that, you legally can't take him away."
Umbridge's smile became forced now, and she looked about ready to tear off Chelsea's face. Moria looked at her friend curiously. What was she going on about?
"You seem to forget, Miss Cavendish, that Mr. Lupin here is a werewolf, therefore is a danger-"
"I would NEVER hurt Geoffrey." Remus cut in harshly. Umbridge looked unimpressed.
"Nonetheless, the child will-"
"The child will not be going anywhere, Dolores." A new voice cut in, startling even her and the associate, who had slowly been pulling out his wand. They all turned to see Sylvia Cavendish and an older man. Umbridge seem to stiffen, her bulging and pouchy eyes widening.
"Mr. Shaw!" Umbridge breathed in surprise.
"Sylvia?" Moria asked at the same time, a look of confusion now on everyone's faces. "What are you doing here?"
It was then that Sylvia and Chelsea grinned broadly at the same time, almost mirroring each other.
"Dolores, may I ask why you went against my direct orders, and continued to try and uproot this child?" The man, apparently Shaw asked, his voice a gravelly mix of confusion and annoyance. Umbridge's face turned a shade of red.
"Sire, this half-breed is a werewolf. A danger!" She exclaimed. Both Sirius and James turned red at that, both having to literally clamp their mouths shut. "And according to the by-laws of Article 8 section 13 about Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, a werewolf is not permitted to gain guardianship of a child-"
"Unless of course, he or she is given permission by the other parent, as stated in section 14 of the article. Which Ms. Wainright did prior to her death, under the witness of me, my daughter, and several other Ministry officials." Sylvia interrupted; her voice a mix of coolness towards Umbridge, and amusement towards the toad's stupidity. "Likewise, had you read further than where you had gotten your answer, you would have discovered, that the law goes further into describing the care and precautions that would have to go along with a werewolf gaining guardianship of a child. One of which included who would care for the child during the full moon." She continued. Moria blinked and then grinned, looking at Chelsea, who merely winked. Remus looked stunned, blinking rapidly as though he was trying to make sure that this wasn't a dream.
"And as you can clearly see Dolores, Mr. Lupin has plenty of willing babysitters for the young Geoffrey." She continued. "And even if you managed to change the laws, due to the fact that Mr. Lupin has indeed gained guardianship of Geoffrey, you cannot cite him for being a guardian at this point." She added, almost in warning. At this point Dolores Umbridge's face had turned a bright red, mixed with a purplish tint. Everyone seemed surprised and amused. Shaw seemed to be annoyed.
"Mr. Shaw-"
"Dolores, I would like a word with you back in my office." The older man interrupted, before looking at Remus. Though the look of disgust was evident, there was a look of finality. "Please excuse us for the interruption of your night, Mr. Lupin. Good day." He stated. Before anyone else could respond, he, the irate Umbridge, and the other Ministry worker disaparrated. There was silence for several moments.
"How did you ever work with her, Mum?" Chelsea asked. "Five seconds and I wanted to tear that bow off and shove it up her arse."
"You develop a thick skin." Sylvia remarked, before looking at Remus, who had a stunned expression on his face. "Nonetheless, she is probably going to be reprimanded for her foolhardy attempt at gaining custody of Geoffrey. The Ministry will be leaving you alone on that case."
"How…why…"
"Bryn…seemed like she had a knack of knowing that something might happen to her. And she wanted Geoffrey to be raised by someone she trusted. And that would be you." Chelsea explained. "She asked a few weeks before she died if my mother could look into the laws."
"Bryn did…" Remus murmured, glancing back into the flat. Moria smiled and then moved out of the doorway, going to Sirius's side.
"We'll leave you alone tonight Remus." She suggested. "So you and Geoffrey can get settled." She added. "We'll see you tomorrow, alright?"
Remus nodded slowly, unable to speak. Within a few seconds his friends, who all had grins on their face, disapparated away as well, leaving him staring at an empty hall. Slowly he closed the door and slid down to the ground, shaking.
"Dada?"
He looked up and offered a teary smile at the little boy who was observing him from behind the kitchen counter. He raised his arms.
"Come here, pup." He offered. Geoffrey didn't hesitate and toddled over to him, gripping him tightly and rubbing his cheek into the soft wool of Remus's sweater. His thumb came up and went into his mouth and he contently lay there, clutching onto his new guardian. Remus offered a rough laugh, before standing.
Leave it to Bryn to think of everything.
"Yes Ma'am." He joked gently kissing her on the forehead causing her to blush and smile. "And Geoffrey, you're the man of the house. Okay?" He asked. The two year old nodded, suckling on a pacifier. Bryn groaned.
"I need to get him to stop using that." She grumbled.
"Hey, those books didn't have a specific date." Remus argued. She rolled her eyes.
"I know, but still…" she murmured and then shook her head, looking over at him with a bright smile. "Now be safe alright?"
"I will. The same goes for you."
"I'm just visiting the Williams, Remus. I'll be fine."
"…Those two have started chatting with you more than they ever did with me." He teased, trying to sound hurt. She grinned.
"This would be because I have an adorable two year old following me." She replied, smoothing out his coat. "Now then, Mr. Lupin, you better hurry up or your friends are going to kill you." She teased. He chuckled, before swallowing. Something uneasy settled in the pit of his stomach. As though this was the last time he would see her like this.
"I love you." She added gently. He merely smiled, before kissing her again.
"Love you too." He said against her mouth, before claiming it once again. She murmured softly. "I'll see you when I get back. Okay?" He asked and she cocked her head to the side as though teasing.
"I won't go anywhere willingly. If I am gone, look for something amiss." She said. He felt a twinge of worry, but knew that she always said that as a precaution.
"Alright. Be careful okay?" He pleaded.
"I always am. Be careful as well." She added and he kissed her one last time.
"I will. Love you." He said and she smiled before waving.
"Love you too. See you soon!" She said cheerily and with that he dispparated away. Bryn smiled and shook her head, turning around and picking up Geoffrey. "Ready to go see the Williams?" She asked. Geoffrey began to babble loudly, dislodging the pacifier and she chuckled, grabbing his pacifier, before she walked out of the flat, and closed it. Remus was such a worrywart, but she understood his worry.
She looked up at the ceiling, sighing as she stretched. She wanted to live as long.
She just hoped she would have that wish.
"He is just a darling." Emily William stated as she watched Geoffrey toddle away. Bryn offered a slight laugh. He was a darling…if he didn't have sweets. When he had sweets, he left the darling behind and let the devil out. Geoffrey grinned, shoving the fire truck that Emily had given him when they came over forward and around a corner.
"Yes he is." She finally conceded with a smile. "Tea?"
"Yes, please." Edward William answered for them both, looking at the little boy affectionately. Bryn held back a grin. Geoffrey had both of them wrapped around his fingers. Not surprising really…she had heard from them that they had lost their own grandson in a car accident, along with his mother and father. It was sad really…but if Geoffrey made them happy, it was fine by her. Humming she set the kettle on the stove, she absently thought about her own parents. What would they have thought about being grandparents? Her brother being an uncle. She didn't know. She frowned, feeling a slight stab of guilt, and immediately began to shrug it off. The kettle started shrieking and she moved over to place the kettle onto a cool burner. As she did this a strange green glow illuminated the kitchen. She froze, her eyes wide. She knew that glow. Seconds later two loud thumps were heard. She withdrew her wand, and slowly advanced to the entrance of the door. She couldn't hear Emily or Edward. And now that she thought about it, she couldn't hear Geoffrey either.
Panic took over her, and she opened the door. However it wasn't what she expected. She had expected to see the bodies of Edward and Emily. That didn't surprise her. She had only heard two bodies falling as they were hit with the Killing Curse. She had expected Deatheaters. What she hadn't expected however, was to see them all staring at her, not with a look of surprise, but a look of expectance.
And they were grinning.
"Well hello there Miss Wainright. It's been a long time hasn't it?"
Bryn kept her mouth shut, staring at them. Two had their wands visible, the other two didn't.
"Oh don't tell me that you don't remember me. You had such a pretty face before that scar…especially when you sc-"
"Stuepfy!" She yelled. The man was lifted off his feet, and flung backwards. The others seemed to react to that and she barely managed to dodge the three attacks.
"Protego!" She called out, placing a protective shield in front of her. It wouldn't do squat if any of them called out the Killing Curse, but it worked right now. "Stup-"
"Mama?"
She froze mid-spell and turned to see that another Deatheater…a sixth one had apparently been there, searching for a way to get her to stop. And he had found one. A small two year old boy was held up by an arm. Next to his head the Deatheater had placed his wand, warning her to cease her fighting. Geoffrey looked at his mother curiously. He had never seen these men before, or had seen his mother look so petrified.
"Geoff-"
She didn't hear the stunning spell. All she did sense was being thrown backward and slamming into the wall. The next thing she sensed was the darkness…
And the screaming of a child.
It was early the next morning by the time Remus arrived back home, tired and sore. He just wanted to go to sleep…
His thoughts trailed off when he went to unlock the door and found it already unlocked and slightly ajar. That was odd…Bryn would never leave the door open-!
His heartbeat skyrocketed.
"Bryn? Geoffrey? You here?" He called out, opening the door slightly, cautiously. No answer was given. Maybe she had gone out for a walk? No. That wouldn't make sense. It was way too early…normally she would be dead asleep by the time he got back.
"Bryn! Come on, answer-! A…answer me…" he stopped when he entered the living room. Two bodies lay on the ground. He recognized them as his neighbors, but for several seconds it didn't dawn on him what that had meant. He looked around and spotted burn markings across the wall, a deep impression next to the burn marks.
"No…" he whispered out, finally coming to the conclusion he hadn't wanted.
They were gone.
Taken.
"But I don't get it." Moria remarked as they all stood in Sirius and her flat, after a panicked call from Remus. "Why would they need Bryn? She's rarely involved with the Order. She's a muggleborn witch. What use do they need with her? The same goes for Geoffrey. He can't even say words correctly. He's not that much of a danger." Moria asked.
"Who knows? The important thing is that we find her." Sirius said, suppressing a yawn. In truth, he was exhausted. So were James and Peter. But they weren't about to turn down Remus…not after all he had gone through. Moria glanced at Chelsea.
"Think it's possible to do that spell?" She asked. Chelsea shrugged.
"…in theory. But you know full well that it's been shelved." Chelsea said. The rest of the group looked at the two healers.
"Shelved or not, it is probably useful right now."
"What spell?"
"It's a spell a few of the healers worked on. It's idea was good. Essentially it works as a tracker or a silent calling. Every now and then…a patient will wake up confused and disoriented. They'll panic and rush out of the hospital with their wands. I cannot tell you how many times Obliviators have had to obliviate muggle's memories because of a confused wizard or witch." Moria sighed.
"So we came up with a method that would track them down immediately. But it's use is limited…and a lot of healers found it way too much trouble. So the project was shelved." Chelsea said. "But it's worth a shot."
"You two know it?"
"Moria got involved a few months ago and knows the basics." Chelsea replied. "I was involved from the beginning."
"Remus…can I have that scarf you brought along?"
"S-Sure…" Remus replied, handing the scarf to Moria. Moria gingerly wrapped the scarf around her hand, and Chelsea did the same, before the pair gripped each other's cloth covered hand.
"Okay…Chelsea and I will try to locate her."
"Hopefully we don't end up hitting a backlash." Chelsea joked and despite the situation Moria laughed.
"The only way that would happen is if a healer was with Bryn and knew the spell. Which…I doubt." Moria replied. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be." Chelsea replied.
"Alright. On three. One. Two. Three." Moria ordered.
"Reperio unus cuius inops , rector nos ut suum destination." They said simultaneously and suddenly they grew still, unblinking.
"Holy Merlin. That's the spell? Are they even breathing?" Alice asked, holding the sleeping Neville to her.
"I think they've gone into a comatose state." James stated waving his hand in front of Moria's face, gaining no response.
"We wait now?"
"Yeah…we wait."
"Wow…"
"Never done the spell, I presume?" Chelsea asked, slightly amused. Moria shook her head. It was as though they were apparating, the images around them just a meshed blur.
"Do you think she's alright? And Geoffrey. Do you think they're both alright?" Chelsea inquired, worry evident in her voice.
"She is…no way would she give up. And she would fight tooth and nail to keep Geoffrey safe." Moria replied. Suddenly they heard the sounds of yelling and cursing coming towards the nearing exit. Crying soon followed, mixing with the yelling. Soon after they reached the exit. Moria and Chelsea automatically looked around. They were in a dungeon of sorts. In fact…the same type and description of what Remus, Wulfric, Cepheus, and had said that Sirius, James, and Moria had been in nearly 10 months ago.
"This place…" Chelsea murmured.
"You recognize it?"
"Recognize it?" Chelsea remarked coolly. "Of course I do. This is the place where you, Sirius, and James were held captive in. I'd remember it anywhere." She continued. They then spotted Bryn. She was struggling against two men as one stood in front of her. Her hair was mussed up and her clothing was torn in areas, but other than that she looked fine.
"Tell us mudblood."
"Go burn in hell!" Bryn spat out angrily. Moria smirked. So Bryn had some backbone after all
"Mama!" A cry came. The pair looked over at the corner to see Geoffrey now trying desperately to get to his mother.
"Don't make us hurt the kid." The Deatheater warned. Moria bit her bottom lip, as Bryn looked over at Geoffrey.
"I told you! I don't know!" Bryn cried out, earning a smack to the face.
"You're lying!"
"I'm not! Let Geoffrey go! He's only two!"
"Those bastards…using him as a bargaining chip." Moria murmured angrily, looking at the captors, trying to recognize anyone. She was startled as one looked directly at her and Chelsea. That couldn't be true, this spell only showed them what was going on, it didn't allow others to see. Unless-!
Moria recognized him almost immediately after. He was a healer…a head healer in fact. One of the leading researchers in this spell. And it's counter.
"Oh sh-!" Moria hissed out before feeling as though they had just been hit with a shock wave of air. It happened quickly. A backwards moving blur of images was all they saw before a split second view of their bodies.
"How long does this spell take?" Sirius asked. Lily shrugged.
"I don't know. Maybe it has something to do with distance or-" she began to say but stopped as a quick bright light flashed, blinding them for a second, before Chelsea and Moria literally flew in opposite directions slamming into the walls.
"What the hell-!? Moria!" Sirius called out rushing over to his girlfriend who was rubbing the back of her head. "Are you-"
"Oh that lousy son of a bitch!" Moria growled out angrily.
"What?! Are they okay?! What happened?!" Remus asked the panic now evident in his voice.
"They're fine. Giving the Deatheaters a bloody difficult time." Moria said.
"She's talking about that traitorous healer that literally threw us back in. I'm not sure if he saw us or just sensed that the spell was used." Chelsea growled out.
"What? No one else can?"
"Like I said it was still in the works…not even I know the whole effects of it, Sirius." Moria explained.
"And he was one of the heads who founded the research. No doubt going to teach it to his Deatheater buddies if it had succeeded."
"We need to go. No telling if he saw us and knows we're enemies."
"Where are they?!"
"Where else…that prison that she was in the first place and where Geoffrey was born." Moria said. "We have to hurry. There isn't much time."
"Who is going?"
"I'll go. Just in case you need a healer. Chelsea…you have to stay here."
"But-!"
"Chelsea, you haven't been in a lot of fights. And because of your relationship with Bryn you'll be distracted."
"But Remus is going! Why can't I-!" Chelsea began to argue, but realizing the fight was lost and they were wasting time nodded. "You all better come back. All of you." She added and Moria nodded. She glanced at the rest of them and saw that James was kissing Lily who was wishing him luck, obviously deciding to stay and be with Harry who merely gurgled. Within minutes the group of her, Sirius, James, Frank, Peter, and Remus were ready.
"We'll be back soon." Moria said and they dispparated.
Geoffrey was crying loudly in the cell he had been thrown into. It was dark. And cold. And his mother wasn't anywhere to be seen. No one he knew was anywhere.
He cried louder.
He wanted his mummy.
He wanted his daddy.
He wanted-
His crying ceased as the door slid open, but a whimper still escaped as a form walked in. He let out a loud shriek as the figure picked him up and hurried out of the room.
"Be quiet!" The voice hissed. He stopped surprise. It wasn't a mean man. It was a woman and she sounded desperate.
"Honestly. Taking a child…why did I even join this?" A voice hissed out, and she began to mumble to herself. Geoffrey looked at her fearfully, his cheek still throbbing from when he had been smacked for making too much noise. The woman hurried through the corridors and finally Geoffrey felt a breeze of fresh air, different from the stale breeze that had been inside the corridors. Seconds later he was outside. He looked at the woman in confusion as she sat him down.
"Go on. Get." She hissed out. He didn't move, staring at her with glassy eyes. The woman cursed.
"Go!" She ordered. Still he did not move. She let out a curse and then, smacked him across the face. He yelped and scrambled away, clutching the now red cheek that had been marked by nails. It got her message across as Geoffrey scrambled away, into the trees. As he pulled himself over a fallen tree trunk, he heard the sounds of people. He didn't know what to do…they could be dangerous…but they were people…they could be good…right?
Not trying to second guess himself, he scampered towards the sounds.
It was only seconds later that they landed in front of the prison; Remus's rage was boiling over. He was tired, sore, but now those emotions had been overwritten. How dare they go after her! How dare they go after a little boy! How dare they-!
"Remus." He heard Moria say and glanced at her. She was staring at him. "Calm down. Rushing in there with anger is likely to get us all killed. And then no one can save them." She ordered and he swallowed. She was right of course, but it didn't make it any easier.
"We'll get them Remus. We promise." Moria said with a soft smile before looking at the others. "How many Deatheaters?"
"That's the funny thing. There isn't. Not a single one guarding the entrance." Peter said glancing at the others. Sirius frowned.
"Either that means they're cocky for a place that got busted in once and a prisoner escaped from…or they're expecting us." Moria said coldly, pulling her hair into a ponytail. "I'm going for the latter of the two."
"I agree. We have to be c-!" Sirius began to say but a sound stopped him. They all turned when they heard the sound of twigs snapping and bending. They raised their wands, hexes on their tongues. That is until the figure stumbled out.
"Geoffrey?"
The little boy froze, staring at them and then plopped down, beginning to cry. Remus made a move to go pick him up. Moria stopped him.
"Wait."
"Wait? Why the hell should I wait?! He's terrified!"
"We just need to make sure it's actually him." Moria remarked.
"You really think they would act like a two year old?"
Moria ignored him. "Geoffrey." She called out. Geoffrey stopped crying, looking at her curiously, though his bottom lip trembled. "Where is Remus's chocolate stash?"
Geoffrey stared at her and then pouted, pressing a finger to his mouth.
"Secret."
Moria looked at Remus who nodded, relief evident in his shoulders. "I told him not to tell anyone. That it's a secret."
That seemed to be enough and Moria pocketed her wand and rushed over, picking up the toddler up. He began to cry again, clutching her shirt. She shushed him softly and began to walk back. Moria suddenly yelped as a cutting hex flew past her shoulder, slicing it open. Sirius bolted forward, not heeding the danger and tackled Moria down, shielding her and Geoffrey.
"Padfoot! Moria!" James called out as they dove behind bushes.
"Moria! Are you okay?!" Sirius asked, pressing himself against her.
"I'm fine." She called out. "Geoffrey is too! But I'm really getting tired of being the human pin cushion though!" She called out throwing a hex over Sirius's shoulder towards the bushes. She looked at Remus, as the trio managed to crawl to a good cover spot.
"Remus! Go on ahead and look for Bryn! We'll back you up." Moria said, and Remus nodded before bolting into the abandoned shack, and as though he was taking a trip down memory lane, opened up the hatch and jumped down rushing into the darkness. He continued, deeper and deeper calling out for her, but she made no reply and his heart began to race faster. Please Merlin, don't let her be-!
"Bryn! Come on, Bryn! Answer me!" he called out desperately. Once again nothing. Then he heard a barely audible groan echo through the hall. He looked around frantically and then opened a cell door, allowing the dim illumination to filter into the room.
"Bryn!" He called out in relief, as he spotted the feminine form lying on the ground. He rushed up to her, kneeling next to her. "Bryn! Bryn, come on wake up! It's me!" he called out, pushing his arm under the back of her neck and lifting her head up. She shifted slightly and then opened her eyes a sliver.
"Remus?" she whispered out and he laughed in relief.
"Yeah. I've got you." He whispered. "Merlin, you scared me." He murmured kissing her temple gently. He noted that they had changed her. Now she was wearing a pure white dress, her hair had been let down. His grip tightened.
"Geoffrey…"
"He's alright. We've got him." Remus replied. She let out a sound of relief, leaning against him.
"Here, let me pick you up."
"I can walk, Remus." She murmured and he looked at her.
"You sure? I don't mind." He asked and she shook her head offering him a smile.
"I'm sure." She replied and he let her down. She swayed slightly on her feet, leaning on him.
"Bryn? Are you okay?" he asked and she offered a soft smile.
"…Yeah…just tired." She replied. He sighed in relief.
"I'm glad. You have no idea how scared I was when I figured out you had been taken." He said. "But don't worry. You're safe now." He added a light blush on his face. She smiled gently, leaning her head onto his shoulder. Remus looked down at her, his heart rate slowing down. Bryn went to glance up at him and smile but as she raised her eyes, she spotted a shadowed figure, standing at the corner, just in Remus's blind spot. Quickly the figure raised his hand and aimed a wand at Remus.
"REMUS!" She cried out shoving herself in front of him.
"TARDUS IUGUOLO!"
The scent of blood filled the air, followed by a loud roar of pain and fear.
"BBBBRRRRYYYYYYNNNN!"
Chelsea sat there nervously in the kitchen. Then it felt like a stabbing in her heart. She inhaled sharply and then went to the floo. She stuck her head in the fireplace.
"Mum?"
"Chelsea? What's wrong?"
"Mum…just a feeling. Did you find Bryn's answer?"
"Of course I did. Everything is ready. But why? She's fine."
Chelsea swallowed, pushing back the lump in her throat. "Mum. I don't think she is."
Remus felt as though time stood still. Bryn let out a small cry, gripping his jacket, pressing herself against him. Her fingers fisted into the fabric as though she was trying to continue standing, however her legs gave out and she began to slide down his frame. He followed, lowering her to the ground, gripping her back tightly, her arms resting weakly at her sides.
"Bryn! Hey! Wake up!" He called out desperately, but was startled when he felt something warm on the palm of his hand. He withdrew it and looked at his hand in confusion before his heart dropped as he saw ruby red on his hand, sliding down slightly. She was bleeding. Bryn was bleeding.
"Bryn-"
"Ah bloody hell. I was trying to shoot him. What happened?" a voice said and Remus looked up, gripping Bryn and trying to staunch the bleeding. A young man came out, his face hidden by the standard Deatheater mask.
"All because you tried to run away…this sucks." The man added. "Fenrir will be pissed for shooting one of his whores. Move. Give her to me so she can be treated." The man ordered as he simultaneously pointed his wand at Remus's temple.
"Bon au revoir." The man said coolly. However, using speed he didn't know he possessed, Remus swung, hitting the man in the leg with a cutting hex, and watched him crumple to the ground, screaming. He didn't know why he had done it. Maybe it was because this bastard had just shot Bryn, and she was barely conscious, resting her head on his thigh as she tried to breathe. Maybe it was the fact that this bastard had called her a whore. Or maybe it was the fact that he was angry for finding out that the man that had cursed him, had attacked Bryn, and had most likely every intention of either changing her or killing her come the next full moon. Maybe it was a combination…it didn't matter.
He didn't know what it was or what was influencing him but he placed Bryn onto the ground and had stormed up to the man that was now rolling on the ground in pain.
"You shot my leg!" the man roared out but was silenced as Remus pressed his wand into his temple, rage evident on his darkened face.
"You bastard! I'll-"
"Don't!" a voice rang out and his head snapped up, looking at Bryn who had used unknown strength to sit up, looking at him. "Re-Remus, you're not the kind of person…who would do this!" she cried out.
"Bryn…" he murmured, before glancing at the man. He scrambled away and picked up Bryn before rushing away, leaving the man on the ground and cursing his very existence.
Moria covered her face as another piece of tree exploded next to her before swinging around and shooting off a spell.
"Dammit! This is taking too long!" She growled out. She shoved Geoffrey to Sirius. "Hold him!"
"What are you going-" Sirius began to ask as she jammed her wand into her back pocket and began to climb up the tree she, Sirius, and Geoffrey were hiding behind and scampered onto the sturdiest looking branch. She stared into the brush before spotting one of the Deatheaters.
"Got you, you son of a…" she hissed out before leaping off if the branch and slamming her foot into the man. The man only gave a startled cry before a sickening crack was heard and Moria knew she had either broken the man's nose or jaw. She ducked as another Deatheater swung towards her. She grabbed his arm and flipped him over, yanking the arm back behind his back. The man let out a cry, dropping his wand in pain.
"Woah…remind me not to piss her off…EVER Sirius." James said stunned. She had just taken out two Deatheaters in a matter of a minute.
"I'll keep that in mind." Sirius said also stunned.
Remus hurried around yet another corner. They just had to put Bryn in the farthest cell from either exit. He glanced at Bryn who currently was piggybacking him. Her eyes were closed and her was breathing raspy as though it was getting difficult for her to breathe. He had taken off his jacket and had tried to wrap it around the wound but every now and then it slipped and he knew it wasn't doing any good.
He had never seen an aftermath of a spell like this, spells normally left burn marks. Not wounds that looked as though the victim had been shot.
"Bryn?" he asked.
"Hm?" she murmured out after a second or so of silence.
"You'll be okay…don't worry. Moria will fix you up as soon as we get you to her." He said, trying not to sound desperate. She smiled slightly.
"Okay…" she whispered out. "…Sounds good…hey…Remus?" she said and as he turned another corner, looked at her.
"Yeah?"
"If…if I don't make it…"
"Don't say stuff like that. You-"
"Can you raise Geoffrey?" She murmured and his throat closed for a second. "He doesn't know anyone else…and I don't want him to not know anyone." She asked.
"You'll be fine." He stammered out. "But I will…or I'll try, if that ever happens."
"And also…Don't give up on living…please…don't give up on loving, on living…till the very end. Okay?" she said.
"Bryn-!"
"Remus…promise." She murmured out, forcing her eyes open looking directly at him. He swallowed before nodding.
"Okay. I promise. To both of those questions. But don't worry. You'll be perfectly fine."
"…right…hey. I dunno know why…but all of sudden…I'm really cold." She murmured out and then let out a weak laugh. "…but you're really warm. Is…is that a werewolf thing?" she asked and he laughed just as weakly.
"Yeah. I guess it is."
"Say…Remus?"
"Hm?" he asked.
"…forgot to say this…love you." She said softly, her eyes closing again. His eyes burned.
"I love you too." He chocked out. He heard her laugh softly, before she shuddered and then relaxed. "Bryn?" he asked looking back at her.
She looked peaceful as though she was sleeping, a soft smile on her face.
"Hey…Bryn. Come on, say something! I'm listening! HEY!" he asked but she made no response, no movement. It was then he realized how quiet it was. No sounds of dripping water, of crying, groaning…
No breathing other than his own.
Only the echo of his voice was heard before it too was swallowed into the darkness. He made a chocking sound and felt something warm sliding down his face, but made no connection to the fact he was crying.
"G…God Dammit…" he murmured out, before beginning to sob.
"GOD DAMMIT!"
"Five. What is with their association with number five?" Sirius asked as they finished binding the last of the Deatheaters.
"We'll answer that question another day perhaps, come on we have to go help Moony and B-" James began to say but stopped when they heard a loud, long melancholy cry, as though someone was lamenting a lost soul. Moria knew that cry well, she had done the same when she was five.
"…No…" she whispered out but in the end they all knew who had made that howl, what that meant.
They had been too late.
Bryn was gone.
Time seemed to have slowed since the failed mission of recovering Bryn. The ceremony had been small. It had to be as it would have been odd to have had a second funeral for someone who by muggles opinion had been dead for over 3 years. Though Remus had been questioned by authorities, there had been no reason to charge him for the deaths of Emily and Edward William. He hadn't been at home when they died. Leaves were changing from their lively green color to the vibrant orange and yellows before falling to the ground.
Sirius and Moria now rarely saw each other. They were not avoiding each other, far from it. But Sirius was busy trying to help Remus; Moria was busy trying to help Chelsea grieve. On Moria's part however it seemed to be deeming to be successful, as Chelsea seemed to always be busy. She grieved of course…but there was something different now. She was always reading, always researching. Whenever she had asked, Chelsea had brushed her off. It wasn't about guilt, Chelsea had told her. Moria knew what had happened the previous time….when Bryn had been captured in their teen years…and presumed to be killed, she and Chelsea had gotten into an argument days before. They hadn't made up by the point of her kidnapping and it had killed Chelsea to think they hadn't made up and would never be able to.
And while there is no guilt on Chelsea's part, Remus was a different story.
"How is he?" Moria asked as Sirius came in. Sirius sighed.
"…he keeps saying he's fine. But we know that isn't the case. He's barely eating…" Sirius said, leaning on the kitchen counter.
"That's to be expected I guess. But he needs to eat." Moria said, looking at him. He sighed and nodded.
"I know. We all know. But…who can blame him?" he asked rhetorically and Moria stared at him. He ran his hand over his face. "And with that Ministry bitch breathing down his neck about Geoffrey having to go to a different home because he's a werewolf, it's not helping." He remarked coolly. There was silence. "It isn't fair."
"Nothing is fair, Sirius."
"I know that…but…Remus has already gone through so much. It wasn't fair to him. Bryn was probably the best thing that had happened to him…and she dies in his arms. And she was an excellent mum to Geoffrey. And now he doesn't have her there." Sirius whispered, pain evident in his eyes. "He was smiling, Moria. Like, smiling the way James does with Lily, Frank does with Alice, and probably the way I do with you. We had never seen him this…happy before that." Sirius said. Moria sighed.
"…let me talk to him." Moria suggested and Sirius looked at her. "Out of everyone that he knows…I know what he's going through, and I know what it feels like." Moria continued. "…and can you talk to Chelsea? Something tells me she has something up her sleeve."
"…And I'm better qualified to ask her because…?"
"Because you're a Marauder, and know when someone is coming up with a plan." Moria retorted. He stared at her before nodding.
"Okay."
"Sirius…I have a question."
"Hm?" he asked, looking at her. She bit her lip.
"What would happen to you if I died?" she asked and saw him still. He didn't like to think about that possibility, not at all.
"A part of me…would probably die with you." He answered truthfully.
"Sirius-"
"You're my life, Moria. I don't want to think about something like that. I don't like to think of that possibility." He said cupping her cheek gently in his hand. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch.
"Yeah…neither do I."
Moria knocked gently on the door of the apartment that Remus lived in. As she suspected no answer was given. It felt like déjà vu. She had done the same with Chelsea…now with Remus. She entered the apartment and found him sitting at the dinner table. Geoffrey was playing nearby.
"Remus-"
"You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine." He interrupted. Moria shook her head.
"No you aren't." She said walking over to him, grabbing a chair and scooting it over next to him. He was silent.
"Remus…I know you aren't okay. You aren't even close to being okay. I personally know that."
"How is that?"
"…Remember I lost my parents, Remus. My mother died in my arms, and my father died shielding me. I know how you feel right now." She said. He looked away.
"You feel lost, angry, a lot of emotions that are swirling around you. But the most is guilt. Because you feel as though you didn't do anything, and now she isn't here to raise her son. Bryn wouldn't want you to be like that, Remus." She said. He shook slightly.
"It won't matter with Geoffrey. The Ministry is coming to take him tonight…"
"We'll find a way to get him to stay, Remus. You know that." Moria stated. Remus was silent, glancing at Geoffrey with watery eyes.
"It's been nearly a month since her funeral…I should feel some sort of closure. But I don't. I just feel like I'm in a nightmare, it doesn't feel real. I got over it…or at least as over it as I could when she 'died' the first time. I don't think I can get over it this time. I just keep flashing back to that…her weight on my back. And I can't stop shaking." He said. Moria looked down at the table, at his hands.
"Remus…I'll be honest with you. This pain. It won't ever go away…not completely. But it will lessen in time. But you have to be willing to let others help you through this." She stated. "Geoffrey will be there, we'll be there. I promise."
"What about you? Who helped you through your pain of losing your parents?" Remus asked looking at her. Moria offered a soft smile.
"At first…no one. Then for a brief time, Logan. But mainly…it was you, James, Sirius, Peter, Frank, Alice and Lily. It was several years late…" She concluded, with a slight smile. "But I finally managed to stop hurting myself over their deaths." She added. "Remus, let us help you now. Okay?" she asked, placing her hand over his. He offered a sad smile and she swallowed holding back her tears. He nodded and she saw a tear trail down his face.
"Okay."
There was a knock on the door and Moria spotted Remus flinching, his gaze going to the entrance. Both adults stood, Remus a bit more hesitantly. Geoffrey looked over at him, and Remus shook his head, forcing a smile, if only to calm the two year old. Geoffrey seemed to be soothed because he began to play with his toys again. As the two advanced, they heard other voices. These they recognized.
"What are Sirius and Chelsea doing…" Moria trailed off opening the door. They were greeted by a sight that surprised both of them. Sirius was now standing in front of the door, James and Lily on both of his sides. Chelsea seemed to be arguing with a toad-faced woman who looked like she had lost a battle with a pink clothes monster. Another Ministry worker was standing a few inches away from the pinky woman, watching the scene unfold. The other woman spotted Remus and smiled. Moria withheld a shiver. It was like looking at Malcolm smile in girl form. Or someone whose face had been punched in. Looking closely at the woman in the dim lighting, she would have to agree with the latter of the two options.
"Ah Mr. Lupin. Pleasure." The woman stated, though it was quite clear to everyone it was anything but. "Dolores Umbridge."
Remus was silent, but Moria could feel his temper darken and his posture stiffen. Chelsea looked incensed. "Remus, close the door." She ordered. Remus gave her a confused look, while Umbridge gave her a look as though she was a child in need of a scolding, before turning her gaze back to Remus, her smile like sour honey.
"Now, Mr. Lupin, I've come collect the child that is currently in your care. He will be placed in a safer environment."
There was a distinct cracking sound and Moria spotted the part of the door frame that was under Remus's hand breaking, and Remus's eyes flashed in warning. But it was Chelsea who surprisingly stepped in front of Umbridge, placing her hands on her hips and holding her ground.
"You will not collect anyone from him. He is Geoffrey's legal guardian, and I expect him to be treated as such. And due to that, you legally can't take him away."
Umbridge's smile became forced now, and she looked about ready to tear off Chelsea's face. Moria looked at her friend curiously. What was she going on about?
"You seem to forget, Miss Cavendish, that Mr. Lupin here is a werewolf, therefore is a danger-"
"I would NEVER hurt Geoffrey." Remus cut in harshly. Umbridge looked unimpressed.
"Nonetheless, the child will-"
"The child will not be going anywhere, Dolores." A new voice cut in, startling even her and the associate, who had slowly been pulling out his wand. They all turned to see Sylvia Cavendish and an older man. Umbridge seem to stiffen, her bulging and pouchy eyes widening.
"Mr. Shaw!" Umbridge breathed in surprise.
"Sylvia?" Moria asked at the same time, a look of confusion now on everyone's faces. "What are you doing here?"
It was then that Sylvia and Chelsea grinned broadly at the same time, almost mirroring each other.
"Dolores, may I ask why you went against my direct orders, and continued to try and uproot this child?" The man, apparently Shaw asked, his voice a gravelly mix of confusion and annoyance. Umbridge's face turned a shade of red.
"Sire, this half-breed is a werewolf. A danger!" She exclaimed. Both Sirius and James turned red at that, both having to literally clamp their mouths shut. "And according to the by-laws of Article 8 section 13 about Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, a werewolf is not permitted to gain guardianship of a child-"
"Unless of course, he or she is given permission by the other parent, as stated in section 14 of the article. Which Ms. Wainright did prior to her death, under the witness of me, my daughter, and several other Ministry officials." Sylvia interrupted; her voice a mix of coolness towards Umbridge, and amusement towards the toad's stupidity. "Likewise, had you read further than where you had gotten your answer, you would have discovered, that the law goes further into describing the care and precautions that would have to go along with a werewolf gaining guardianship of a child. One of which included who would care for the child during the full moon." She continued. Moria blinked and then grinned, looking at Chelsea, who merely winked. Remus looked stunned, blinking rapidly as though he was trying to make sure that this wasn't a dream.
"And as you can clearly see Dolores, Mr. Lupin has plenty of willing babysitters for the young Geoffrey." She continued. "And even if you managed to change the laws, due to the fact that Mr. Lupin has indeed gained guardianship of Geoffrey, you cannot cite him for being a guardian at this point." She added, almost in warning. At this point Dolores Umbridge's face had turned a bright red, mixed with a purplish tint. Everyone seemed surprised and amused. Shaw seemed to be annoyed.
"Mr. Shaw-"
"Dolores, I would like a word with you back in my office." The older man interrupted, before looking at Remus. Though the look of disgust was evident, there was a look of finality. "Please excuse us for the interruption of your night, Mr. Lupin. Good day." He stated. Before anyone else could respond, he, the irate Umbridge, and the other Ministry worker disaparrated. There was silence for several moments.
"How did you ever work with her, Mum?" Chelsea asked. "Five seconds and I wanted to tear that bow off and shove it up her arse."
"You develop a thick skin." Sylvia remarked, before looking at Remus, who had a stunned expression on his face. "Nonetheless, she is probably going to be reprimanded for her foolhardy attempt at gaining custody of Geoffrey. The Ministry will be leaving you alone on that case."
"How…why…"
"Bryn…seemed like she had a knack of knowing that something might happen to her. And she wanted Geoffrey to be raised by someone she trusted. And that would be you." Chelsea explained. "She asked a few weeks before she died if my mother could look into the laws."
"Bryn did…" Remus murmured, glancing back into the flat. Moria smiled and then moved out of the doorway, going to Sirius's side.
"We'll leave you alone tonight Remus." She suggested. "So you and Geoffrey can get settled." She added. "We'll see you tomorrow, alright?"
Remus nodded slowly, unable to speak. Within a few seconds his friends, who all had grins on their face, disapparated away as well, leaving him staring at an empty hall. Slowly he closed the door and slid down to the ground, shaking.
"Dada?"
He looked up and offered a teary smile at the little boy who was observing him from behind the kitchen counter. He raised his arms.
"Come here, pup." He offered. Geoffrey didn't hesitate and toddled over to him, gripping him tightly and rubbing his cheek into the soft wool of Remus's sweater. His thumb came up and went into his mouth and he contently lay there, clutching onto his new guardian. Remus offered a rough laugh, before standing.
Leave it to Bryn to think of everything.
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.....sad chapter~ © 2013 - 2024 yinyangswings
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Oh no, you stared killing... But story is well-written so sad for Remus but life is life...