Fic: "Always" (Part II), for sambethe
Title: Always
Author: nicolen
Recipient: sambethe
Rating: R
Character: Alice, Remus, James, Moody
Warnings: Character death, small torture scene
Summary: Leading a normal life was just about impossible when the world was slowly disintegrating around you.
Author's notes: All the best to my recipient - I hope you enjoy it J!
read Part I
Always
“Alice.”
Alice turned to the fireplace to see Moody there. “Good morning,” she said, smiling.
“No time for that, lass,” Moody snapped. “All hell has broken loose and I need you here now.”
“Why, what’s happened?” Alice asked, but Moody was gone.
She was still half-asleep when Cornelius Fudge began the briefing five minutes later. “I’m sorry to call you in so early,” he said, “but we must move quickly. Black has been seen in Brixton within the last few minutes. “As you all know, we must consider him to be extremely dangerous, so please proceed with caution.”
“Black? Does he mean Sirius Black?” Alice muttered to Kingsley Shacklebolt who was sitting beside her. “If he’s gone over to You-Know-Who, James is going to be devastated.”
Kingsley looked at her in disbelief. “Haven’t you heard?”
Alice shrugged. “Heard what?”
“Black was the Potter’s Secret Keeper.”
”Yeah, I know that,” Alice said impatiently. “Why are we all hunting him?”
Kingsley hesitated. “Black told You-Know-Who where the Potters were hiding. Last night…”
“They’re dead, aren’t they?”
“James and Lily are, yes. Harry’s still alive, although I don’t know where he is. Somehow he managed to destroy You-Know-Who.” Kingsley frowned at her. “How haven’t you heard this before now?”
“I haven’t had a chance to catch up with the news this morning - I was ordered in literally two minutes after I got up.”
Fudge was winding up his rather long-winded briefing and Alice joined the others in Apparating to Brixton. She gasped at the scene of total devastation that greeted them
Sirius Black stood in front of a larger crater that was easily ten feet deep. Around him were injured people in various states of distress. She winced as she noticed an arm lying a few feet to her left and was unable to immediately find the person it belonged to. “What the hell’s happened here?” she muttered.
“I’m fairly sure that Black can tell us,” Kingsley responded. “We need to arrest him before he does any more damage.
“Yeah.” Alice noticed Moody standing at the edge of the crater directly opposite Black. “That’s brave.”
“Mad, you mean.” Kingsley fell silent as Moody began to speak.
“You know there’s nowhere you can go, lad,” he said softly. “Why don’t you surrender?”
Black stared at him. “Will you listen to what I have to say?”
Moody nodded. “We’ll talk back at the Ministry,” he promised.
“Where’s Pettigrew?” Fudge asked sharply.
Black shrugged. “I really don’t know - gone down a hole somewhere.” He looked down at the crater lying in front of him.
Moody ignored Fudge’s interruption and held out his hand. “Why don’t you give me the wand, lad, and we’ll get this sorted.”
“Sorted?” Black said, beginning to laugh. “I - I don’t think you understand exactly what’s happened.”
“Then help me to understand.”
“Alastor, I hardly think you should be engaging him in conversation,”
Fudge snapped impatiently. “Surely your Aurors should arrest him - he’s murdered countless people.”
“Is that what you think happened, Mr Fudge,” Black said, continuing to laugh.
Alice winced at the sound. It was a humourless, slightly hysterical laugh that grated on her nerves.
“Expelliarmus,” Moody snapped and caught Black’s wand. Two Aurors moved in to subdue him and Alice watched as they Apparated him away.
“Right,” Moody said, turning to face Alice. “Kingsley, Frank and Rufus will stay here and help Fudge and his lot with the clean up. I’m sure the rest of you have enough to keep you busy with back at Headquarters.”
Alice Apparated back to the Ministry and sat down heavily at her desk and buried her head in her hands. James’s desk sat facing hers, and she didn’t think she could face the sight of it. Not just yet.
“Alice.” Moody’s rough voice made her look up. “Should you even be here today, lass?”
She shrugged. “All I’d do at home is think about what’s happened.”
“Of course you would.”
“Where’s Harry?”
“I don’t know, but Dumbledore’s taking care of that.”
Alice nodded. “That’s good. If you’re talking to Dumbledore, tell him that we’ll take Harry if there’s nowhere else for him to go.”
“I’ll tell him,” Moody promised. He looked at James’s desk, then at Alice. “You’re going to need to sort out his desk in the next day or so. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow. Not today - I can’t face it today.” Alice glanced briefly at James’s desk, then looked up at Moody. “I don’t think he was working on anything urgent.”
“Well, we’ve got other thins to sort out today.” Moody looked at Alice. “Speaking of which, I need you with me now.”
“You’re going to interview Black.” Alice shook her head. ‘I can’t do that.”
“You’re going to,” Moody told her bluntly. “You at least I can trust not to try and kill him, and I need to interview him before Barty Crouch gets involved.”
“Crouch’s summary justice seems to be appropriate in this case,” Alice said bitterly.
“Maybe, but even the most guilty still deserve a fair trial,” Moody pointed out.
They made their way downstairs to the holding cells next to the courtrooms. Barty Crouch was already there. “What do you think you’re doing,” Moody snapped.
“I’m arranging for Black to be taken to Azkaban,” Crouch answered.
“Not until my investigation is finished, you’re not,” Moody spat.
Crouch raised an eyebrow. “Alastor, I don’t see the need for an investigation. It is, after all, an open and shut case. There can be no room for doubt,” he said, a strange smile playing across his lips.
“Whether it’s an open and shut case or not, Black is still entitled to a trial,” Moody said. “And one that does not involve him being taken straight to Azkaban.”
“Be that as it may, but the Minister doesn’t agree with you.” Crouch sounded smug as he held out a roll of parchment. “She invoked Section 1408, and has signed the order for him t be transported immediately.”
Moody looked straight at Crouch. “I wonder how you can live with yourself,” he spat. “What if we discover in ten years time that Black’s innocent? Barty, if that happens, you’re on your own. The Blacks will not be impressed.”
“I doubt that will happen,” Crouch said, still sounding smug.
“You’d better hope it doesn’t,” Moody said. “Because if we find out that Black is innocent, I will personally make sure that you’re held accountable for this.”
“Is that a threat?”
“More like a promise,” Moody said smoothly.
Alice watched as the cell door opened and Sirius Black was dragged into the corridor by a pair of Hit Wizards. He didn’t appear to be struggling, but clearly wasn’t making their job any easier.
“Ready to go, Black,” Crouch asked.
Black looked up. “Yes, I’m ready,” he said, staring straight at Moody. “Out - out there you said that you’d listen to what I had to say.”
“I did, lad.” Moody sounded regretful. “Unfortunately Mr Crouch and the Minister have decided you’re to be taken straight to Azkaban. I’ve asked them to wait until after we’ve spoken to you, but they want you gone. I’m very sorry.”
“I’m sure you are. That’s why you’ve brought Alice Longbottom down here - she’s made it fairly clear that she doesn’t trust me.”
“You can’t deny you’ve given me good reasons not to trust you,” Alice said quietly.
“That’s enough,” Crouch interrupted. “Get him out of here.” The Hit Wizards Apparated Black away.
“Poor bastard,” Moody said, shaking his head.
“Sir, do you mind if I take the rest of the day off?” Alice asked.
“Not at all, Alice. I’m surprised that it took you this long to realise you shouldn’t be here today.” Moody looked at her. “Go home and hug your baby.”
Alice shook her head. “He’s with his grandmother, so he’s safe enough for now. It’s … there’s someone else that this will have affected, and I don’t want him to be alone.”
***
She Apparated straight from the Atrium to Remus’s flat and knocked on the door. “It’s just me,” she called.
He opened the door immediately. “Hello, me. What are you doing here at this time? Shouldn’t you be working?” he asked, smiling.
“You haven’t heard,” Alice whispered.
“Heard what?” Remus wasn’t smiling now. “Alice?”
“V - You-Know-Who found out where James, Lily and Harry were hiding. Last night…” Alice stopped.
“We’ve lost, haven’t we? They’re dead.”
“James and Lily were killed. Harry - somehow he’s survived and destroyed him,” Alice said.
“How?” Remus asked. “I thought that nobody could find them.”
Alice hesitated. “This is going to be difficult to hear,” she said. “Shall we go and sit down.” She took hold of his arm and led him into the living room. “Sit down.” She waved her hand towards the rather battered sofa sitting against the wall.
Remus looked at her. “Just tell me, Alice.”
“Well, we’ve known that there’s a traitor close to us,” she said.
“Unfortunately it is Sirius.”
“You’re joking!”
“I wish I was,” Alice said sadly.
“What about Harry? James and Lily named Sirius as his guardian should anything happen to them?”
“All I know is that Dumbledore was taking care of him, which could mean anything.”
“He’ll be all right then. Dumbledore won’t let anything happen to him.”
“Exactly.” Alice looked at him. “At the moment, you’re the person I’m most worried about.”
“Me? I’m fine,” Remus shrugged.
“No, you’re not. I’m not fine, and I wasn’t anywhere near as close to James and Lily as you were,” Alice told him. “Frank’s going to be busy all day helping to fix up … things, and Moody’s basically told me I’m not capable of working today.”
“Well, that’s blunt.”
“Yeah, you know what he’s like.”
“I can understand why he said that though - you and James became pretty close over the last few years,” Remus said.
“We were close,” Alice confirmed. “Our sons were born a day apart - of course we’re close.” She looked at him. “But you’ve lost far more than I have.”
“There’s still Peter, though.”
Alice shook her head. “It looks as if Black killed him as well.”
“What? How?”
“Peter caught up with Black before we did,” Alice said gently. “When we got there, Black was standing in front of a deep crater. When I left work, they were searching for Peter’s body, but they’re not expecting to find anything.”
Remus shook his head. “He’s been blown to bits? I - this is surreal,” he said shakily. “We all knew there was a traitor, but Sirius. Surely not.”
“James said a few weeks ago that he had been acting very strangely recently,” Alice said.
“Well, yeah, we all have been. Alice, we’ve been losing the war for quite some time - we’ve all been acting strangely.” He looked at her. “Is he allowed to see anyone? Can I see him?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but he was transported to Azkaban a couple of hours ago.”
“He’s been tried already?”
“The evidence against him was so overwhelming that the Minister ordered that he be transported immediately to Azkaban.”
“She can do that?”
“Section 1408 of the Emergency Powers Act. It was amended about two years ago to provide for such an event - of course, it was assumed we’d be transporting You-Know-Who rather than Black.”
“Alice, that doesn’t seem right.”
Alice shrugged. “To you, perhaps not, but the evidence against him is very overwhelming,” she said. “Personally, I don’t believe the amendment should have been passed, but Black is the sort of person that it was designed for - it’s not as if he would have got a fair trial.”
“I suppose not,” Remus said. “It still doesn’t mean it’s right.”
“He was going to end up in Azkaban, Remus - the evidence was stacked against him.”
They sat in silence for several minutes, each lost in their own memories.
“What will happen to Harry?” Remus asked suddenly.
“Short term - Dumbledore. Long term…” Alice shrugged. “I told Moody that we’d take care of Harry, but it’s going to be Dumbledore’s choice.”
“They wouldn’t let me look after him,” Remus said.
“We could try,” Alice said. “I know Lily’s got a sister, but I don’t think they were ever close.”
“No, they weren’t.”
“It would be better for Harry if he’s with someone he knows. Poor kid, I can’t even begin to imagine what’s going through his head at the moment.” Alice shook her head. “I asked Moody to tell Dumbledore we’ll take care of Harry, but you’d be a better choice.”
“Except for the small issue of me being incapacitated for several days a month,” Remus commented bitterly.
“That’s where Frank and I can help,” Alice said. “We can take care of Harry while you’re ill.” She took his hands in hers. “It would be the best thing for both of you.”
Remus looked at her. “I suppose we could only ask Dumbledore,” he said. “The worst he can say is no.”
“Exactly!” Alice looked around. “Are you working today?”
Remus looked at her. “I’m not working at all - too much time off.”
“Oh dear.”
“Another reason why Dumbledore won’t give me custody - how can I afford to bring him up when I can’t keep a job.”
“You don’t need money to raise a child, Remus,” Alice said. “I’ve got a suggestion that might work, but I just need to think it through a little more.” She looked around. “You know something? I just want to be at home cuddling my son, but I don’t want to be by myself.” She met his eyes. “Come home with me, please.”
“I don’t know that I’d be good company at the moment - surely your mother in law wouldn’t mind coming over,” Remus protested.
“Well, I’m not exactly going to be good company either, and as much as I love Augusta, she’s not really going to understand how I’m feeling at the moment.”
Remus looked down. “All right,” he agreed.
***
It was several hours later that Frank got home. “You’re both very quiet,” he commented.
“I suppose so,” Alice said, standing up. “Have a seat - I’ll get you some dinner.”
“I’ll do it,” Frank told her. “You both look terrible - have you had anything to eat at all today?”
“No, but I’m not hungry,” Alice answered.
“Me either,” Remus added.
“You’re not doing yourselves any favours by not eating,” Frank told them. “I’m going to put something together and you’re both going to eat it.”
They ate, but with little enthusiasm. “So what’s happened since I left?” Alice asked.
“Whatever curse Black used, he killed thirteen Muggles and Peter Pettigrew,” Frank said. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I hope I never do. There are over fifty Muggle witnesses, so you can imagine how thrilled the Obliviators are at the moment.”
“Have you found Peter’s body?” Remus asked, leaning forward.
Frank shook his head. “We’ve found a finger that we think is his,” he said heavily, “and I doubt we’ll find anything bigger than that. Virtually the whole street was blown to bits.”
“And what about Harry?” Alice asked. “What’s happening with him? I told Moody that we’ll take him.”
“Dumbledore’s taking him to Lily’s sister,” Frank answered. “He arrived at the Ministry as I was leaving - apparently Hagrid’s got the baby hidden and Dumbledore’ll meet them later on tonight or tomorrow.”
“But Lily couldn’t stand her sister - that’s why they named … Sirius as Harry’s guardian,” Remus said incredulously.
“Dumbledore will have his reasons,” Frank said. “From what I overheard, he’s made up his mind and that’s that.” He looked at Alice, then at Remus. “He’ll have his reasons, even if we can’t fathom what they are.”
“I think it’s wrong - who knows what kind of life he’ll have,” Alice muttered.
“Well, we’ll find out when he gets to Hogwarts - that’s under ten years away, Alice,” Frank told her. “And if he and Neville become friends, I’m sure Dumbledore will let us have him during school holidays.”
“He’s fifteen months old. Ten years is a lifetime away,” Remus protested.
“Dumbledore’s adamant that we can’t have any contact with him before then. If you want to challenge him on it, be my guest.”
Remus shook his head. “He’ll have his reasons, even if we don’t know what they are,” he said. “So, that’s the end of that.”
Alice couldn’t help but notice he suddenly looked old. Old and tired and defeated.
***
“Why aren’t we happy?” Alice asked one evening about five months after Halloween. “The war’s over, we survived and Neville wasn’t the child mentioned in the prophecy.”
“There are still Death Eaters out there, Alice. We still haven’t been able to track down Bellatrix Lestrange and her cell yet.” Frank looked up from behind the Evening Prophet. “And there are others.”
“Like Lucius Malfoy,” Alice spat. “If he spent the whole time under Imperius, as he claimed, I’m Celestina Warbeck.”
“Some you win, some you lose,” Frank shrugged. “Malfoy’s got a lot of influence in the upper levels of the Ministry - the only way we’ll ever get him is if we catch him red-handed. We got Black.”
“I was reading that Muggles used to execute their murderers,” Alice said bitterly. “I can’t help but wonder why we don’t do the same.” She shrugged. “Then again, it’s better that he suffered.”
“Do you ever wonder whether we got it wrong?” Frank asked. “It just seemed to fit together too easily for me to be completely comfortable.”
Alice hesitated then shook her head. “He’s got a habit of betraying his friends, Frank. You know what he did to Remus when they were at school.”
“Maybe, but the more I think about it, the more it doesn’t feel right. James trusted him implicitly, and he didn’t trust too many people in those last few months. I’m tempted to take a trip up to Azkaban and have a chat to Sirius.”
“Crouch will never allow it. He was found guilty, after all.”
“Alice, he wasn’t tried nor, I’d like to point out, even interviewed after we caught him.” Frank looked thoughtful. “Next time I go to Azkaban, I might just take a few minutes and have a chat to Sirius.”
“Do what you think you have to,” Alice said, “but as far as I’m concerned he killed James and Lily.” She looked at a photograph of Neville and Harry sitting on top of the china cabinet. It had been taken about a year previous. “I wonder how Harry’s doing living with Lily’s sister.”
“We won’t know until and unless he gets to Hogwarts - you know what Dumbledore said,” Frank murmured. “If Neville and Harry become friends, then we can invite him back here for the holidays.”
“Dumbledore should let Remus have custody,” Alice muttered.
“But he didn’t - and he would have had his reasons for that,” Frank said patiently. “Remus…” He stopped suddenly. “Did you hear
something?”
Alice shook her head. “Probably just the cat. I can’t imagine that anyone would be after us now.”
“You’re probably right.”
Alice relaxed but noticed Frank was still a little tense. “Relax,” she smiled. “We’re not on duty now, you know.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Frank said. “I just wonder whether we should have waited before we lifted the Fidelius.” He shrugged. “Guess it’s too late now.”
Just as he finished speaking, the front door exploded. “I think that might be the answer,” Alice said as she stood and grabbed her want.
“Alice, get Neville and get out of here!” Frank yelled.
She shook her head. “It’s too late for that, and besides, I’m not leaving you.”
“Alice!”
Bellatrix Lestrange appeared in the living room doorway. “How very touching,” she cooed. “We thought we’d stop by for a surprise visit.”
We, Alice thought, but noticed Rodolphus Lestrange standing behind his wife.
“Two on two, Bellatrix - not exactly your usual style,” Frank said. “Usually you prefer the odds to be substantially in your favour.”
“Frank, darling, they are in my favour,” Bellatrix drawled. She stepped into the room. “See?”
Alice felt her heart sink as Rabastan Lestrange stepped into the doorway, followed by … Barty Crouch Junior?
“You’re not going to get away with this, Bellatrix.” Frank was somehow remaining calm. “You must know that there’s Aurors on the way here.”
“Of course there are,” Bellatrix said. “It’s not like Aurors have anything else to do at the moment.” She turned around. “And who have we here?”
“Don’t you dare,” Alice said softly, watching as Crouch placed Neville in Bellatrix’s arms. “Give me my son!”
Bellatrix smiled. “I don’t think I will. In fact, I think I’ll keep him for me.”
“Get your hands off my son!”
“Crucio,” Bellatrix said lazily.
Alice collapsed. Not even childbirth had prepared her for this kind of pain. She could vaguely hear Frank yelling and Neville screaming,
but was unable to do anything.
“Wasn’t that fun?” Bellatrix asked as she lifted the curse.
Alice slowly sat up. “Why are you doing this to us?” she whispered.
“Why not?” Bellatrix asked. “You’re partly responsible for the Dark Lord being destroyed.”
“Harry Potter is responsible for his death - not us,” Frank said quietly.
“In any case, surely your cousin’s the person to blame,” Alice continued.
“My cousin?” Bellatrix laughed. “Oh, that’s amusing. If only you knew…”
She lifted the baby above her head. “If only you knew,” she repeated, as she held Neville in one hand and slowly began to spin him around.
Neville was screaming in terror. “Give him to me!” Alice demanded as she got to her feet.
“No, I don’t think so,” Bellatrix told her. “He’s perfectly happy here with me.”
“Bellatrix, he’s done nothing to you,” Frank said quietly. “Your issues are with us, not him.”
Bellatrix shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Frank started forward.”Crucio.” Barty Crouch Junior spoke for the first time.
“How dare you!” Alice snarled, stepping forward.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Bellatrix said lazily. “Crucio.”
The pain was so horrific that Alice screamed until she thought she would go mad…
***
Epilogue - approximately sixteen years later
“They get quite a few visitors, dear,” he heard the head Healer on the Janus Thickey ward tell her new trainee. “Especially the Longbottoms. Old Mrs Longbottom is here every week without fail and she brings their son during the holidays.”
The younger woman nodded. “It’s good that they’re not forgotten by their families - even though it can’t be easy for them at all.”
“Or by their friends,” the head Healer said. “Mr Lupin, how lovely to see you again. I hope you’re well.”
Remus smiled briefly at the head Healer. “Very well, thank you,” he murmured. “May I see Alice?”
“Of course - you know where she is.” She watched him walk down to the far end of the ward.
Remus sat in the chair opposite. “Hello, Alice,” he murmured. “I’m sorry, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve come to see you, but…” He fell silent and looked down at the floor.
When he looked up, he noticed she was looking directly at him - something she rarely did. He smiled back at her and took hold of her hand. “It’s finally all over,” he said softly. “Voldemort is no more.”
He drew a shuddering breath. “Oh, Alice, you would be so proud of your boy if you could’ve been there. He - he did everything that was asked of him and more.” Remus gently rubbed her hand. “He killed her,” he continued, not wanting to use Bellatrix’s name. In the past Alice had reacted badly to hearing her name. “I know you don’t believe in holding grudges and taking revenge, but there’s a certain justice to what he did.”
Remus leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. “He’s fine and so is Harry. Well, a little beaten up, of course, but I think we’re all a bit sore after the last few years.” He closed his eyes. “I really can’t believe it’s finally over, Alice, and we can move on with our lives.”
Everyone except Alice and Frank, he thought to himself. Stuck here in their own little world.
He opened his eyes and smiled at Alice. “It’s finally over.”
Alice smiled back at him, then reached out with her free hand and patted his cheek. Maybe she did understand on some level.
Author: nicolen
Recipient: sambethe
Rating: R
Character: Alice, Remus, James, Moody
Warnings: Character death, small torture scene
Summary: Leading a normal life was just about impossible when the world was slowly disintegrating around you.
Author's notes: All the best to my recipient - I hope you enjoy it J!
read Part I
Always
“Alice.”
Alice turned to the fireplace to see Moody there. “Good morning,” she said, smiling.
“No time for that, lass,” Moody snapped. “All hell has broken loose and I need you here now.”
“Why, what’s happened?” Alice asked, but Moody was gone.
She was still half-asleep when Cornelius Fudge began the briefing five minutes later. “I’m sorry to call you in so early,” he said, “but we must move quickly. Black has been seen in Brixton within the last few minutes. “As you all know, we must consider him to be extremely dangerous, so please proceed with caution.”
“Black? Does he mean Sirius Black?” Alice muttered to Kingsley Shacklebolt who was sitting beside her. “If he’s gone over to You-Know-Who, James is going to be devastated.”
Kingsley looked at her in disbelief. “Haven’t you heard?”
Alice shrugged. “Heard what?”
“Black was the Potter’s Secret Keeper.”
”Yeah, I know that,” Alice said impatiently. “Why are we all hunting him?”
Kingsley hesitated. “Black told You-Know-Who where the Potters were hiding. Last night…”
“They’re dead, aren’t they?”
“James and Lily are, yes. Harry’s still alive, although I don’t know where he is. Somehow he managed to destroy You-Know-Who.” Kingsley frowned at her. “How haven’t you heard this before now?”
“I haven’t had a chance to catch up with the news this morning - I was ordered in literally two minutes after I got up.”
Fudge was winding up his rather long-winded briefing and Alice joined the others in Apparating to Brixton. She gasped at the scene of total devastation that greeted them
Sirius Black stood in front of a larger crater that was easily ten feet deep. Around him were injured people in various states of distress. She winced as she noticed an arm lying a few feet to her left and was unable to immediately find the person it belonged to. “What the hell’s happened here?” she muttered.
“I’m fairly sure that Black can tell us,” Kingsley responded. “We need to arrest him before he does any more damage.
“Yeah.” Alice noticed Moody standing at the edge of the crater directly opposite Black. “That’s brave.”
“Mad, you mean.” Kingsley fell silent as Moody began to speak.
“You know there’s nowhere you can go, lad,” he said softly. “Why don’t you surrender?”
Black stared at him. “Will you listen to what I have to say?”
Moody nodded. “We’ll talk back at the Ministry,” he promised.
“Where’s Pettigrew?” Fudge asked sharply.
Black shrugged. “I really don’t know - gone down a hole somewhere.” He looked down at the crater lying in front of him.
Moody ignored Fudge’s interruption and held out his hand. “Why don’t you give me the wand, lad, and we’ll get this sorted.”
“Sorted?” Black said, beginning to laugh. “I - I don’t think you understand exactly what’s happened.”
“Then help me to understand.”
“Alastor, I hardly think you should be engaging him in conversation,”
Fudge snapped impatiently. “Surely your Aurors should arrest him - he’s murdered countless people.”
“Is that what you think happened, Mr Fudge,” Black said, continuing to laugh.
Alice winced at the sound. It was a humourless, slightly hysterical laugh that grated on her nerves.
“Expelliarmus,” Moody snapped and caught Black’s wand. Two Aurors moved in to subdue him and Alice watched as they Apparated him away.
“Right,” Moody said, turning to face Alice. “Kingsley, Frank and Rufus will stay here and help Fudge and his lot with the clean up. I’m sure the rest of you have enough to keep you busy with back at Headquarters.”
Alice Apparated back to the Ministry and sat down heavily at her desk and buried her head in her hands. James’s desk sat facing hers, and she didn’t think she could face the sight of it. Not just yet.
“Alice.” Moody’s rough voice made her look up. “Should you even be here today, lass?”
She shrugged. “All I’d do at home is think about what’s happened.”
“Of course you would.”
“Where’s Harry?”
“I don’t know, but Dumbledore’s taking care of that.”
Alice nodded. “That’s good. If you’re talking to Dumbledore, tell him that we’ll take Harry if there’s nowhere else for him to go.”
“I’ll tell him,” Moody promised. He looked at James’s desk, then at Alice. “You’re going to need to sort out his desk in the next day or so. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll do it tomorrow. Not today - I can’t face it today.” Alice glanced briefly at James’s desk, then looked up at Moody. “I don’t think he was working on anything urgent.”
“Well, we’ve got other thins to sort out today.” Moody looked at Alice. “Speaking of which, I need you with me now.”
“You’re going to interview Black.” Alice shook her head. ‘I can’t do that.”
“You’re going to,” Moody told her bluntly. “You at least I can trust not to try and kill him, and I need to interview him before Barty Crouch gets involved.”
“Crouch’s summary justice seems to be appropriate in this case,” Alice said bitterly.
“Maybe, but even the most guilty still deserve a fair trial,” Moody pointed out.
They made their way downstairs to the holding cells next to the courtrooms. Barty Crouch was already there. “What do you think you’re doing,” Moody snapped.
“I’m arranging for Black to be taken to Azkaban,” Crouch answered.
“Not until my investigation is finished, you’re not,” Moody spat.
Crouch raised an eyebrow. “Alastor, I don’t see the need for an investigation. It is, after all, an open and shut case. There can be no room for doubt,” he said, a strange smile playing across his lips.
“Whether it’s an open and shut case or not, Black is still entitled to a trial,” Moody said. “And one that does not involve him being taken straight to Azkaban.”
“Be that as it may, but the Minister doesn’t agree with you.” Crouch sounded smug as he held out a roll of parchment. “She invoked Section 1408, and has signed the order for him t be transported immediately.”
Moody looked straight at Crouch. “I wonder how you can live with yourself,” he spat. “What if we discover in ten years time that Black’s innocent? Barty, if that happens, you’re on your own. The Blacks will not be impressed.”
“I doubt that will happen,” Crouch said, still sounding smug.
“You’d better hope it doesn’t,” Moody said. “Because if we find out that Black is innocent, I will personally make sure that you’re held accountable for this.”
“Is that a threat?”
“More like a promise,” Moody said smoothly.
Alice watched as the cell door opened and Sirius Black was dragged into the corridor by a pair of Hit Wizards. He didn’t appear to be struggling, but clearly wasn’t making their job any easier.
“Ready to go, Black,” Crouch asked.
Black looked up. “Yes, I’m ready,” he said, staring straight at Moody. “Out - out there you said that you’d listen to what I had to say.”
“I did, lad.” Moody sounded regretful. “Unfortunately Mr Crouch and the Minister have decided you’re to be taken straight to Azkaban. I’ve asked them to wait until after we’ve spoken to you, but they want you gone. I’m very sorry.”
“I’m sure you are. That’s why you’ve brought Alice Longbottom down here - she’s made it fairly clear that she doesn’t trust me.”
“You can’t deny you’ve given me good reasons not to trust you,” Alice said quietly.
“That’s enough,” Crouch interrupted. “Get him out of here.” The Hit Wizards Apparated Black away.
“Poor bastard,” Moody said, shaking his head.
“Sir, do you mind if I take the rest of the day off?” Alice asked.
“Not at all, Alice. I’m surprised that it took you this long to realise you shouldn’t be here today.” Moody looked at her. “Go home and hug your baby.”
Alice shook her head. “He’s with his grandmother, so he’s safe enough for now. It’s … there’s someone else that this will have affected, and I don’t want him to be alone.”
***
She Apparated straight from the Atrium to Remus’s flat and knocked on the door. “It’s just me,” she called.
He opened the door immediately. “Hello, me. What are you doing here at this time? Shouldn’t you be working?” he asked, smiling.
“You haven’t heard,” Alice whispered.
“Heard what?” Remus wasn’t smiling now. “Alice?”
“V - You-Know-Who found out where James, Lily and Harry were hiding. Last night…” Alice stopped.
“We’ve lost, haven’t we? They’re dead.”
“James and Lily were killed. Harry - somehow he’s survived and destroyed him,” Alice said.
“How?” Remus asked. “I thought that nobody could find them.”
Alice hesitated. “This is going to be difficult to hear,” she said. “Shall we go and sit down.” She took hold of his arm and led him into the living room. “Sit down.” She waved her hand towards the rather battered sofa sitting against the wall.
Remus looked at her. “Just tell me, Alice.”
“Well, we’ve known that there’s a traitor close to us,” she said.
“Unfortunately it is Sirius.”
“You’re joking!”
“I wish I was,” Alice said sadly.
“What about Harry? James and Lily named Sirius as his guardian should anything happen to them?”
“All I know is that Dumbledore was taking care of him, which could mean anything.”
“He’ll be all right then. Dumbledore won’t let anything happen to him.”
“Exactly.” Alice looked at him. “At the moment, you’re the person I’m most worried about.”
“Me? I’m fine,” Remus shrugged.
“No, you’re not. I’m not fine, and I wasn’t anywhere near as close to James and Lily as you were,” Alice told him. “Frank’s going to be busy all day helping to fix up … things, and Moody’s basically told me I’m not capable of working today.”
“Well, that’s blunt.”
“Yeah, you know what he’s like.”
“I can understand why he said that though - you and James became pretty close over the last few years,” Remus said.
“We were close,” Alice confirmed. “Our sons were born a day apart - of course we’re close.” She looked at him. “But you’ve lost far more than I have.”
“There’s still Peter, though.”
Alice shook her head. “It looks as if Black killed him as well.”
“What? How?”
“Peter caught up with Black before we did,” Alice said gently. “When we got there, Black was standing in front of a deep crater. When I left work, they were searching for Peter’s body, but they’re not expecting to find anything.”
Remus shook his head. “He’s been blown to bits? I - this is surreal,” he said shakily. “We all knew there was a traitor, but Sirius. Surely not.”
“James said a few weeks ago that he had been acting very strangely recently,” Alice said.
“Well, yeah, we all have been. Alice, we’ve been losing the war for quite some time - we’ve all been acting strangely.” He looked at her. “Is he allowed to see anyone? Can I see him?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but he was transported to Azkaban a couple of hours ago.”
“He’s been tried already?”
“The evidence against him was so overwhelming that the Minister ordered that he be transported immediately to Azkaban.”
“She can do that?”
“Section 1408 of the Emergency Powers Act. It was amended about two years ago to provide for such an event - of course, it was assumed we’d be transporting You-Know-Who rather than Black.”
“Alice, that doesn’t seem right.”
Alice shrugged. “To you, perhaps not, but the evidence against him is very overwhelming,” she said. “Personally, I don’t believe the amendment should have been passed, but Black is the sort of person that it was designed for - it’s not as if he would have got a fair trial.”
“I suppose not,” Remus said. “It still doesn’t mean it’s right.”
“He was going to end up in Azkaban, Remus - the evidence was stacked against him.”
They sat in silence for several minutes, each lost in their own memories.
“What will happen to Harry?” Remus asked suddenly.
“Short term - Dumbledore. Long term…” Alice shrugged. “I told Moody that we’d take care of Harry, but it’s going to be Dumbledore’s choice.”
“They wouldn’t let me look after him,” Remus said.
“We could try,” Alice said. “I know Lily’s got a sister, but I don’t think they were ever close.”
“No, they weren’t.”
“It would be better for Harry if he’s with someone he knows. Poor kid, I can’t even begin to imagine what’s going through his head at the moment.” Alice shook her head. “I asked Moody to tell Dumbledore we’ll take care of Harry, but you’d be a better choice.”
“Except for the small issue of me being incapacitated for several days a month,” Remus commented bitterly.
“That’s where Frank and I can help,” Alice said. “We can take care of Harry while you’re ill.” She took his hands in hers. “It would be the best thing for both of you.”
Remus looked at her. “I suppose we could only ask Dumbledore,” he said. “The worst he can say is no.”
“Exactly!” Alice looked around. “Are you working today?”
Remus looked at her. “I’m not working at all - too much time off.”
“Oh dear.”
“Another reason why Dumbledore won’t give me custody - how can I afford to bring him up when I can’t keep a job.”
“You don’t need money to raise a child, Remus,” Alice said. “I’ve got a suggestion that might work, but I just need to think it through a little more.” She looked around. “You know something? I just want to be at home cuddling my son, but I don’t want to be by myself.” She met his eyes. “Come home with me, please.”
“I don’t know that I’d be good company at the moment - surely your mother in law wouldn’t mind coming over,” Remus protested.
“Well, I’m not exactly going to be good company either, and as much as I love Augusta, she’s not really going to understand how I’m feeling at the moment.”
Remus looked down. “All right,” he agreed.
***
It was several hours later that Frank got home. “You’re both very quiet,” he commented.
“I suppose so,” Alice said, standing up. “Have a seat - I’ll get you some dinner.”
“I’ll do it,” Frank told her. “You both look terrible - have you had anything to eat at all today?”
“No, but I’m not hungry,” Alice answered.
“Me either,” Remus added.
“You’re not doing yourselves any favours by not eating,” Frank told them. “I’m going to put something together and you’re both going to eat it.”
They ate, but with little enthusiasm. “So what’s happened since I left?” Alice asked.
“Whatever curse Black used, he killed thirteen Muggles and Peter Pettigrew,” Frank said. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, and I hope I never do. There are over fifty Muggle witnesses, so you can imagine how thrilled the Obliviators are at the moment.”
“Have you found Peter’s body?” Remus asked, leaning forward.
Frank shook his head. “We’ve found a finger that we think is his,” he said heavily, “and I doubt we’ll find anything bigger than that. Virtually the whole street was blown to bits.”
“And what about Harry?” Alice asked. “What’s happening with him? I told Moody that we’ll take him.”
“Dumbledore’s taking him to Lily’s sister,” Frank answered. “He arrived at the Ministry as I was leaving - apparently Hagrid’s got the baby hidden and Dumbledore’ll meet them later on tonight or tomorrow.”
“But Lily couldn’t stand her sister - that’s why they named … Sirius as Harry’s guardian,” Remus said incredulously.
“Dumbledore will have his reasons,” Frank said. “From what I overheard, he’s made up his mind and that’s that.” He looked at Alice, then at Remus. “He’ll have his reasons, even if we can’t fathom what they are.”
“I think it’s wrong - who knows what kind of life he’ll have,” Alice muttered.
“Well, we’ll find out when he gets to Hogwarts - that’s under ten years away, Alice,” Frank told her. “And if he and Neville become friends, I’m sure Dumbledore will let us have him during school holidays.”
“He’s fifteen months old. Ten years is a lifetime away,” Remus protested.
“Dumbledore’s adamant that we can’t have any contact with him before then. If you want to challenge him on it, be my guest.”
Remus shook his head. “He’ll have his reasons, even if we don’t know what they are,” he said. “So, that’s the end of that.”
Alice couldn’t help but notice he suddenly looked old. Old and tired and defeated.
***
“Why aren’t we happy?” Alice asked one evening about five months after Halloween. “The war’s over, we survived and Neville wasn’t the child mentioned in the prophecy.”
“There are still Death Eaters out there, Alice. We still haven’t been able to track down Bellatrix Lestrange and her cell yet.” Frank looked up from behind the Evening Prophet. “And there are others.”
“Like Lucius Malfoy,” Alice spat. “If he spent the whole time under Imperius, as he claimed, I’m Celestina Warbeck.”
“Some you win, some you lose,” Frank shrugged. “Malfoy’s got a lot of influence in the upper levels of the Ministry - the only way we’ll ever get him is if we catch him red-handed. We got Black.”
“I was reading that Muggles used to execute their murderers,” Alice said bitterly. “I can’t help but wonder why we don’t do the same.” She shrugged. “Then again, it’s better that he suffered.”
“Do you ever wonder whether we got it wrong?” Frank asked. “It just seemed to fit together too easily for me to be completely comfortable.”
Alice hesitated then shook her head. “He’s got a habit of betraying his friends, Frank. You know what he did to Remus when they were at school.”
“Maybe, but the more I think about it, the more it doesn’t feel right. James trusted him implicitly, and he didn’t trust too many people in those last few months. I’m tempted to take a trip up to Azkaban and have a chat to Sirius.”
“Crouch will never allow it. He was found guilty, after all.”
“Alice, he wasn’t tried nor, I’d like to point out, even interviewed after we caught him.” Frank looked thoughtful. “Next time I go to Azkaban, I might just take a few minutes and have a chat to Sirius.”
“Do what you think you have to,” Alice said, “but as far as I’m concerned he killed James and Lily.” She looked at a photograph of Neville and Harry sitting on top of the china cabinet. It had been taken about a year previous. “I wonder how Harry’s doing living with Lily’s sister.”
“We won’t know until and unless he gets to Hogwarts - you know what Dumbledore said,” Frank murmured. “If Neville and Harry become friends, then we can invite him back here for the holidays.”
“Dumbledore should let Remus have custody,” Alice muttered.
“But he didn’t - and he would have had his reasons for that,” Frank said patiently. “Remus…” He stopped suddenly. “Did you hear
something?”
Alice shook her head. “Probably just the cat. I can’t imagine that anyone would be after us now.”
“You’re probably right.”
Alice relaxed but noticed Frank was still a little tense. “Relax,” she smiled. “We’re not on duty now, you know.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Frank said. “I just wonder whether we should have waited before we lifted the Fidelius.” He shrugged. “Guess it’s too late now.”
Just as he finished speaking, the front door exploded. “I think that might be the answer,” Alice said as she stood and grabbed her want.
“Alice, get Neville and get out of here!” Frank yelled.
She shook her head. “It’s too late for that, and besides, I’m not leaving you.”
“Alice!”
Bellatrix Lestrange appeared in the living room doorway. “How very touching,” she cooed. “We thought we’d stop by for a surprise visit.”
We, Alice thought, but noticed Rodolphus Lestrange standing behind his wife.
“Two on two, Bellatrix - not exactly your usual style,” Frank said. “Usually you prefer the odds to be substantially in your favour.”
“Frank, darling, they are in my favour,” Bellatrix drawled. She stepped into the room. “See?”
Alice felt her heart sink as Rabastan Lestrange stepped into the doorway, followed by … Barty Crouch Junior?
“You’re not going to get away with this, Bellatrix.” Frank was somehow remaining calm. “You must know that there’s Aurors on the way here.”
“Of course there are,” Bellatrix said. “It’s not like Aurors have anything else to do at the moment.” She turned around. “And who have we here?”
“Don’t you dare,” Alice said softly, watching as Crouch placed Neville in Bellatrix’s arms. “Give me my son!”
Bellatrix smiled. “I don’t think I will. In fact, I think I’ll keep him for me.”
“Get your hands off my son!”
“Crucio,” Bellatrix said lazily.
Alice collapsed. Not even childbirth had prepared her for this kind of pain. She could vaguely hear Frank yelling and Neville screaming,
but was unable to do anything.
“Wasn’t that fun?” Bellatrix asked as she lifted the curse.
Alice slowly sat up. “Why are you doing this to us?” she whispered.
“Why not?” Bellatrix asked. “You’re partly responsible for the Dark Lord being destroyed.”
“Harry Potter is responsible for his death - not us,” Frank said quietly.
“In any case, surely your cousin’s the person to blame,” Alice continued.
“My cousin?” Bellatrix laughed. “Oh, that’s amusing. If only you knew…”
She lifted the baby above her head. “If only you knew,” she repeated, as she held Neville in one hand and slowly began to spin him around.
Neville was screaming in terror. “Give him to me!” Alice demanded as she got to her feet.
“No, I don’t think so,” Bellatrix told her. “He’s perfectly happy here with me.”
“Bellatrix, he’s done nothing to you,” Frank said quietly. “Your issues are with us, not him.”
Bellatrix shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”
Frank started forward.”Crucio.” Barty Crouch Junior spoke for the first time.
“How dare you!” Alice snarled, stepping forward.
“You shouldn’t have done that,” Bellatrix said lazily. “Crucio.”
The pain was so horrific that Alice screamed until she thought she would go mad…
***
Epilogue - approximately sixteen years later
“They get quite a few visitors, dear,” he heard the head Healer on the Janus Thickey ward tell her new trainee. “Especially the Longbottoms. Old Mrs Longbottom is here every week without fail and she brings their son during the holidays.”
The younger woman nodded. “It’s good that they’re not forgotten by their families - even though it can’t be easy for them at all.”
“Or by their friends,” the head Healer said. “Mr Lupin, how lovely to see you again. I hope you’re well.”
Remus smiled briefly at the head Healer. “Very well, thank you,” he murmured. “May I see Alice?”
“Of course - you know where she is.” She watched him walk down to the far end of the ward.
Remus sat in the chair opposite. “Hello, Alice,” he murmured. “I’m sorry, it’s been a few weeks since I’ve come to see you, but…” He fell silent and looked down at the floor.
When he looked up, he noticed she was looking directly at him - something she rarely did. He smiled back at her and took hold of her hand. “It’s finally all over,” he said softly. “Voldemort is no more.”
He drew a shuddering breath. “Oh, Alice, you would be so proud of your boy if you could’ve been there. He - he did everything that was asked of him and more.” Remus gently rubbed her hand. “He killed her,” he continued, not wanting to use Bellatrix’s name. In the past Alice had reacted badly to hearing her name. “I know you don’t believe in holding grudges and taking revenge, but there’s a certain justice to what he did.”
Remus leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. “He’s fine and so is Harry. Well, a little beaten up, of course, but I think we’re all a bit sore after the last few years.” He closed his eyes. “I really can’t believe it’s finally over, Alice, and we can move on with our lives.”
Everyone except Alice and Frank, he thought to himself. Stuck here in their own little world.
He opened his eyes and smiled at Alice. “It’s finally over.”
Alice smiled back at him, then reached out with her free hand and patted his cheek. Maybe she did understand on some level.