renmemo18

[renmemo18]

PAST TO PRESENT: PART 3

The last remnants of the summer came and went. The beginning of term was upon them before they knew it. Morrigan had arrived earlier in the day to help with the preparations for the arriving students. After checking and double checking that everything had been completed, she sat in the kitchens enjoying a steaming cup of tea, prepared by the House Elves. She often frequented the kitchens. By now, they knew that they need not check on her as often, and if she needed something, she would ask. She just enjoyed the hustle and bustle and the friendliness of the Elves. Being here also reminded her of a distant memory from long, long ago, it seemed.

"Come on, come on, come ooooooon!" She was dragging Remus by the hand as the others followed. "Dove, where are we going?!" James exclaimed. "Yea, where's the fire- Oof!" Sirius said, accidently running into her. Morrigan stopped abruptly in front of a painting of a bowl of fruit. Peter slumped against the wall, his breaths coming out in big heaves and wheezes. "You won't believe what I found while I was here this summer." She looked at them all, grinning from ear to ear. "Well, you have us intrigued," Remus began, his eyebrows raised apprehensively. "But what's so interesting about a bowl of fruit?" She let go of his hand, not even realizing she still had it in her grasp after they had stopped running. "Absolutely nothing," she said, walking up to the painting, tickling the pear. "It's what behind it that matters." She looked over her shoulder, a satisfied, mischievous smirk played on her lips. The portrait swung open, and her friends' jaws dropped. "Let's go." She said. She took Remus' hand again and led him through the opening. She could see Remus turning his head to look at the others behind him when she leaned in to him and whispered, "Aren't scared, are you Moony?" As they entered the briefly dark entryway, she could make out a smirk on Remus' face. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her close to him as he whispered in her ear, "You wish, Dove..." .

Her cheeks were hot, thinking back on this particular memory. She took a sip of tea, trying to regain herself. In a short while, she would be seeing Remus again. Although their last encounter was brief and somewhat awkward, she could feel that there was still unfinished business there. Morrigan had this... quirk, so to speak. Often, she could sense things that were going to happen. Not premonitions, she was no seer. No, this was something different. It was just a sort of knowing. A feeling of foreboding, whether it be doom, love, fear, or anxiety. It coursed through her in the days leading up to whatever the event was. She could feel something but couldn't put her finger on it.

As she had been deep in thought, she hadn't heard her mother come in. She sat next to her and tapped her gently on the shoulder. This snapped Morrogan back into reality. " Oh, Mum, I'm so sorry, I didn't hear you." Minerva stared into her daughters eyes. A hint of concern etched in hers. "Are you alright?" She asked. "Yes, yes, I'm fine." Morrigan replied with a small smile. "I just got carried away with my thoughts, that's all." Minerva scrutinized her daughter for a moment before she spoke. "Have you heard about the Hogwarts Express? Is that what's got you so out of sorts?" Morrigan looked at her mother questioningly. "No... what's happened?" Minerva took a sip of tea that had just been placed in front of her. "According to Remus, dementors boarded the train. Apparently, in the attempt to find Sirius Black. They went after Harry Potter." Morrigan's jaw dropped. "What do you mean, according to Remus?" "Well, he had been in the compartment with Harry when the dementors attacked. He cleared them off and sent an owl ahead." Morrigan stared at her mother, incredulously. "Is everyone alright?" Minerva tapped her daughters hand, then grasped it. "Yes, yes, everyone seems to be ok. I plan to meet Potter before the feast to be absolutely certain if you'd like to join me? They'll be here shortly." Morrigan nodded and stood with her mother. They both made their way out of the kitchens and headed towards the Great Hall.

Both of the McGonagall women had a soft spot for Harry Potter. Being her best friend's son, she had wanted to take Harry in herself. On that fateful day when her entire world changed forever, she was prepared to raise Harry, and her mother supported her one hundred percent. However, Dumbledore supposedly had his reasons for leaving Harry with the Dursleys, something that she still resented to this day. Her mother had watched them all afternoon on the day of Harry's arrival to Privet Drive, and although she expressed her reservations and the Dursley's unpleasantness to him, Dumbledore had insisted. That was that. Dumbledore also deterred her from telling Harry about her past with his parents. Why? She did not know. That was one of the infuriating things about Dumbledore. She trusted him to a degree. However, there was always a lack of truth, or at least the whole truth. When she expressed this to her mother, she was dismissed. Minerva McGonagall trusted and followed Dumbledore to the highest degree of faithfulness. She wouldn't hear a word against him.

By the time they reached the Great Hall, they could hear students arriving. Both the McGonagall woman stood backs straight and hands clasped in front of them. Finally, she could see Harry through the crowd and not too far behind him, Remus. She took a step foward but her mother pulled her back. " Madame Pomfrey and I will attend to Potter, and I need to have a quick word with Ms. Granger as well. Why don't you stay here." She eyed her mother suspiciously. "What happened to talking to him together?" Minerva feigned a look of pure innocence." Well, I dare say someone else might need some looking after, and I am confident in your skills." She briefly patted Morrigan on the back and yelled,"Potter!" Seizing him before he could make it into the Hall. She looked after them, worry etched on her face. "Well, hello again, Dove." She snapped out of her trance and looked to see Remus Lupin standing next to her, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Hello to you too." She looked him up and down at an arms length. "I heard you had quite an exciting journey, care to explain?" His eyebrows furrowed, and he shrugged his shoulders. "It was nothing, just some dementors overstepping." She jerked her head and began walking in the direction of her classroom. He followed, although looking reluctant.

They reached the room and stepped in, closing the door behind them. "What are we doing here? The feast is about to start." She pulled up a chair and pushed him into it. "Sit." She demanded. She flitted off to her store cupboard and pulled a couple of vials out, along with a goblet and some wine. She set them down on the desk next to where he was seated and put both of her hands on each arm rest and leaned in close to him. She scrutinized him, looking into his eyes, looking at his color, which was getting progressively pink, and the fresh scars on the side of his face. She reached up and gently turned his face away so she could survey them. "You're looking a little peaky, Lupin. Producing a protronus right after a full moon is no small feat. It must have taken a great deal out of you." She poured the vials into the goblet and mixed it with some of the wine. "Drink." She said. She walked away and went into a set of drawers she kept by her desk and pulled out a salve. She walked back to him and got on her knees in front of him, opened the salve, and began dabbing some onto the scars. Remus stopped drinking. He was gripping the goblet so tightly in his hand that his knuckles were white. She tried to ignore this but chanced a look at him, his pupils were dialated, and his chest was heaving. She continued to stare for another second but then swallowed and forced herself to continue to focus on the task at hand. "Drink." She insisted, moving his hand closer to his mouth. He did, in one large gulp. She got up and put the salve away. When she turned back, he was on his feet, staring at her still. "What was it that you gave me?" She busied her hands by straightening her robes. "Just a restorative and some strengething potion. The salve won't get rid of the scars completely, but it should help a bit." He nodded, still staring so intently at her she felt as if she couldn't breathe. "Thank you." He said. "You're welcome." They stood in complete silence for what felt like an eternity. "Well, we should probably get back to the feast. Dumbledore will probably want to introduce you." She moved with haste to the door. She went to open it when her arm was pulled away from the knob and she was turned around. In one swift movement, her back was pushed against the door, and Remus' lips were on hers. Feverish, and full of urgency. His hands were on either side of her face, and he held her there. She returned the kiss just as eagerly. It was as if no time had passed in that moment. They were kids again, sneaking moments here and there when they could get away from their friends, lost in young love and promises. She stopped and put a hand on his chest. She rested her forehead against his. "I'm sorry." He breathed. "Are you?" She asked. "No... no, I'm not." She laughed, and so did he. "Good." She looked into his eyes, his hands still on her face. He stroked her cheekbones, making her blush. "We really do need to go..." She went to move toward the door again, but he held her there still. "Wait." He held her gaze, his eyes scanning hers. "What do you we do now?" Morrigan looked down and shook her head. "I don't know Remus. I have to admit, I'm confused about it all. I don't know if this is for the best." She glanced up and saw sadness etched across his scarred face. "But, I'm willing to find out." His lips broke into a great smile that made him look so much younger than the years had warranted. He swung her around, both of them laughing and kissed her one more time briefly. He opened the door for her and took her hand for them to walk to the Great Hall together, just like old times.

[renmemo18]

Past to Present-Part Two

Morrigan looked into those familiar deep brown eyes. She felt as if she could swim in them. She always loved the flecks of gold that glimmered in them. "Or should I call you Proffessor McGonagall?" He looked bemused as he gently stood her back up onto her two feet. "I..." she felt flustered. This was so strange. Where she was usually quick-witted and often sarcastic, she could not find a single word to say to this man. He looked much older than the last time they met. True, much time had passed. However, this wasn't due to age. She was well aware of Remus'... condition and saw new and fresh scars across his face and neck. His robes looked worn and faded. Despite all of this, he looked as handsome and attractive as ever, with that mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Hello, Remus." She said hoarsely. Her throat felt extremely dry. "How are you?" He looked at her apprehensively. "I'm well, thank you. Have you been here long?" "No, no. I just got here this afternoon." She didn't know what to do or where to look. "Uh... would you like to come to my classroom and we can talk there? I was on my way there when I uh... ran into you..." she said with a slight grin. He grinned back. "Quite literally, I'd say." They both laughed. "I'll follow you then." They fell into step with each other, and there was a brief silence that she had to break or she was going to go mad. "So, is it strange for you? To be back here, I mean." He glanced around at the familiar stone walls and portraits. "Not as much as I expected it to be. It almost feels like being home." She nodded understandably. "I get what you mean." He looked at her and smiled. "Well, of course, it probably feels more like a home to you more than anyone. You were here so much with your mum being a professor. I remember you were here during the summers at times before term started." She smiled fondly at that. True, her Mum would bring her around during the summer if she had pre term duties she needed doing. She would help prepare her classroom and help where she could. As much as she liked being around her friends and running wild during the school year, she basked in the days that she had the castle all to herself. She loved to explore and see things in the castle that she may not have noticed during the hustle and bustle of the crowded halls. "Yes... I happen to remember all that alone time in the castle proved to be pretty useful for our adventures during the school year." They turned down the next corridor and went into the first classroom to the right. Remus beamed at her. "Oh yes. Although none of us complained about all your newfound knowledge of the castle, we were I admit a bit jealous."

She offered him a seat and she started making some tea for both of them. Of course, she could have just magicked it up in a fashion, but it kept her hands busy. "Jealous?" She said, surprised. "What on earth for? You lot ended up finding more about this castle than I did. Even with all that time alone." She put the teapot, cups and saucers, and some cream and sugar cubes on a golden tray and brought it over to the desk, and sat across from him. "I don't know about that." Remus said, as he took a sip of his tea. " You contributed a fair amount of that information if I recall. But being here, with skint supervision, no one to see what you're up to. The possibilities were endless." She peered at him over her cup. "Well, if you know my mother, you know that there was always supervision where I was concerned. Especially when I fell into league with the four of you." "That's true, I remember she wasn't too happy when we were caught, to find you in the middle of us all." She smiled, reminiscently. "You all did your best to cover me. You knew she would be the hardest on me. Which, she was we soon found out. No matter how hard she tried or how many stern talking to's she gave me, she knew it was no use. What was done was done. There was a brief silence, with the occasional tink from their spoons stirring in their cups.

"So, what made you come back? I heard you worked your way up to Chief Heeler at St. Mungos... why leave?" Her eyebrows raised. How had he known that? The last time they were together, she was an entry-level Heeler. Still learning, and working in the field for experience. "I..." he looked down at his hands, which were folding and unfolding themselves nervously in his lap. "I may have... looked you up a time or two..." She could feel intense heat rising to her cheeks, and she took a sip of her tea to try to cover it up. "Oh, I wish you would have come by." This was perfectly true. In that time, she had lost all of her friends in one fell swoop. She was more alone than she had ever been, and she threw herself so aggressively into her work. Just to try to absorb the time she would have otherwise had, to think on the events that lead her to the emptiness she so often felt. Remus looked up, and sadness swam in his eyes. "I... I didn't know if I could.. should, I mean." "Of course you could have. I..." She was going to say,"I had missed you." But found this wildly inappropriate, so she took another sip of tea. Remus pushed his chair forward. He was very close now. He looked imploringly into her eyes. "Morrigan, I'm... I am so so sorry..." she looked back into his eyes and could tell he truly meant it. "It's ok, Remus. I understand." He shook his head aggressively. "I let everything that happened ruin the one good thing I had left."

She looked at him for a moment and stood. Tears swam in her eyes, but she would not let them fall. Not here. Not in front of him. She took the tea tray that laid the empty cups and carried them to refill them. "It's really ok, Remus. I've let it go. There's no point in holding on to it." She felt a hand grasp her elbow, and she turned to see him there. So close, she could feel the heat radiating from him. "Dove..." she could feel him slowly getting closer. She felt like a magnet, being pulled impulsively towards another. Their faces were inches away from one another when the door suddenly opened. They sprang apart and looked towards the source. Minerva McGonagall was inching her way in with a stack of books. "Oh good." She said, noticing Remus there. She obviously hadn't seen their closeness when she entered. "I'm pleased to see you both getting reacquainted." She set the books down on one of the desks. "It's good to see you, Professor." Said Remus, smiling kindly. "As we are colleagues now," Minerva smiled back kindly "I will permit you to call me Minerva in conversation, Remus. There's no need for formalities." Remus smile faltered unsuringly. He probably felt this to be awkward, after knowing Minerva McGonagall as "Professor" for the entirety of his younger years. Morrigan bit back a laugh. "Can I offer you some tea, Mum?" "No, no dear. I just came to drop these off. Madame Pince had them in her collection and thought you may find some use of them." She pointed towards a few books she has set aside from the larger stack. "Oh, how nice of her! Thank you for bringing them." Minerva smiled, "You're most welcome. However I have to take these..." referring to the tower of books "down to the dungeons." Remus started forward. "Let me help you Prof... I mean.. Minerva." He took the stack into his arms."After you." "Oh how nice, thank you, Remus." Minerva looked back and fixed her daughter with a knowing look. Ok... maybe she hadn't missed the closeness between her and Remus, after all. Whether she liked it or not, she was sure they would have words later. She briskly left the classroom, Remus trailing slowly behind and turned to face her. "I'll be seeing you around, Dove." She felt her cheeks growing warm again and was about to reply when her mother's voice rang in the hallway. "Hurry up, Lupin, I'm not getting any younger!" They both jumped, and Morrigan smiled apologetically at him. He shouted, "Coming, Professor!" He grinned back at Morrigan and stepped into the hall. As so many thoughts were running through her head, too many to get a grip on. Her emotions going wild. She heard the bickering of her Mum. "What did I just tell you, Lupin?" "Sorry, Professor." "Lupin!" "Sorry, sorry, sorry!" She laughed now. Hearing their banter echo all the way down the hall until it faded into silence. Yes... this was indeed going to be a most interesting year...

[renmemo18]

Past to Present- Part One

She always loved the view of the grounds. She stood facing out of the classroom window, transfixed on the glow the castle gave off from this angle. The shimmer, emitting from the grass and trees. True, this was a magical place (in the most literal sense of the word), but the beauty alone always surpassed the acts of magic, in her personal opinion.

A verbal "knock, knock" came from the opening of the door by a most familiar voice. She turned and smiled. "Mum!" She crossed the room and took Minerva McGonagall into her arms. " And here I thought I got the jump on you this year. I should have known." Minerva took her daughters hands and stepped back, giving her an amused smile. " Morrigan, I believe I arrived just shortly before you did, so I'll give you the win just this once." Her eyes sparkled. "How are you? The journey wasn't too bad, I hope?" Morrigan escorted her mother to the closest desk chairs and sat. "Not bad at all. Dumbledore allowed me to use the fireplace in his office for the day. Daughter of the Deputy Headmistress privileges, I'm sure." She knew this wasn't typical; being allowed to utilize the floo network in and out of the school (if not for emergencies). However, Dumbledore had always taken a great liking to her and her mother. Allowing for some given grace in certain circumstances. "Now, now..." Minerva shook her head and tapped the back of her daughter's hand. " You know full well that has nothing to do with me. Although..." she looked a little apprehensive now. " Albus has invited the two of us for afternoon tea." Morrigan looked at her, a little confused. "Oh, alright. Is... something wrong?" "No, no of course not!" Minerva reassured her. "I believe he just has some before term notices he would like to discuss with you, I mean to say; us." She had hardly ever seen her mother so nervous. But surely if it was true that nothing was wrong, there should be no need for concern...

They exited the classroom and made their way to the Headmasters office at a quarter till noon. "Are you ready for classes to start?" Minerva asked her, smiling. " Oh, yes!" Morrigan beamed. " I have a trip planned for my seventh years to visit St. Mungos. Some first hand experience and visuals of the field. Just the minor levels, nothing too graphic." She hurriedly reassured her mum after she had fixed her with a hard stare. Morrigan taught Healer Studies. A class dedicated to the Healer profession and those wishing to follow that path after their time at Hogwarts. However, other students were invited to participate in her class as well, who were choosing alternative paths; such as becoming Aurors. They talked all the way to the foot of a large stone gargoyle. " Ice Mice". At those words, the gargoyle jumped aside and allowed them to ascend the large staircase hidden behind it. Minerva rapped three times on the wooden door before they heard a soft "enter." The door opened, and they both stepped into the vast office, filled with natural light and strange objects. Albus Dumbledore slowly stood from behind his desk, smiled, and gestured for them to sit before him. "Ah, the McGonagall's! What a pleasure to have you both here! Please sit,sit." With a wave of his wand, a large tea pot and three cups and saucers flew through the air and landed gently on the desk. " Morrigan, I'm delighted to hear rave reviews from your classes. Every student who had taken your class last year had thoroughly enjoyed your teachings, with also astounding success rates on their exams. I can not thank you enough for taking up the post with such grace." Morrigan blushed. "It was my pleasure, Professor, truly." He beamed at her. "Should you need anything, my door is always open for you." A moment passed, and Proffesor Dumbledore now looked perturbed. "I must confess, this year will be difficult. With the Dementors playing guests to the grounds. I do not wish to have them here, but it is on the Ministry's request for the time being." Morrigan instinctively turned rigid. She, of course, knew why the Dementors were being stationed at Hogwarts.

This was a hot-button topic between the McGonagall women. Where Sirius Black was concerned, they could not see eye to eye. Morrigan was incredibly close to Sirius and the group that called themselves "The Maurarders" during their time at Hogwarts. She knew Sirius was wrongfully accused, but no one would hear of it. They had already damned him to a lifetime at Azkaban. She knew Dumbledore attributed to this, as he spoke against Sirius at the time of conviction. Not that she blamed him. All of the evidence did point towards Sirius. However, Morrigan knew better. Her best friend didn't have it in him to kill all of those incident people. She snuck a glance at her Mother and could see her eyes burning into her raised teacup, avoiding her gaze.

"I am however," Dumbledore continued, stirring a lump of sugar into his cup. "Delighted that we have filled the post for Defense Against the Dark Arts!" Morrigan's eyebrows raised at this. Surely, no one could be stupid enough to take the job! She would never say so out loud, but the position was, if not cursed, extremely unlucky for anyone who had filled it. "Really, Professor? Might I ask...who?" Dumbledore looked at her, his eyes hovering just above his half-moon spectacles. "Why, Remus Lupin, of course." Morrigan dropped her cup, tea puddled around her shoes, and she started blankly at him. "Come again?" She asked, her mind turning to mush. Dumbledore looked from Morrigan to her Mother, "Surely you told her, Minerva?" Morrigan turned sharply towards her mother, who was still avoiding her gaze, staring at a spot somewhere behind Dumbledore. "I hadn't found quite the right time, Albus..." Dumbledore folded his hands in his lap. "I see." Morrigan could hear the loud ticks of the grand clock in the corner, each making her heart palpitate louder and harder than it had in a long time. "Will that be a problem, Morrigan? I know you and Mr. Lupin have a...ah... history. However. I know you both to be extremely professional and able for your posts." Morrigan tore her eyes away from her mother and looked at the headmaster. "No... no, of course not Headmaster. No problem at all." She swallowed a huge lump in her throat. "Um... do you know when he will be arriving?" Dumbledore gave her a knowing smile."He arrived just shortly after you did. I also allowed him to use my fireplace. He will be staying for the weekend to stage his classroom and will be returning again on the Hogwarts Express at the start of term." Morrigan thought she was going to have a heart attack. "He's here?! Now?" Her voice had gone up several octaves, and her throat felt very dry. "Oh yes! I'm sure he's getting well acquainted with the castle once more. Now, if you don't mind Morrigan, I do need to discuss a few things with Minerva." He stood from his chair, and so did she. He crossed to her and took her hand in his. "I find," he said gently, leading her to the door. "That our past comes back to us in the most peculiar ways. However, it is up to us to leave it in the past or to explore the possibility of making it our future.' They stopped in front of the door, he smiled kindly at her. She knew she could not hide her expression of worry. " Now, you go and prepare your classroom. I know we took a great deal of your time. I thank you for indulging an old man the privilege of your company." She smiled back, gave her Mother a sharp look, and turned to leave the Headmaster's office.

She took her time, heading back to her classroom. Remus Lupin. She hadn't thought about him. Well, no, that was a lie. It was more accurate to say she tried not to think about him after all this time. They had been friends for years. Remus, being more quiet than James and Sirius, still had a cunning and wit that Morrigan marveled. They eventually dated in their fith year. She could never bring herself to forget the way his hand felt in hers. Or the way his eyes always met hers from above the book he was reading at the time. Or... his lips... on hers. She can't believe her mum hadn't told her. The moment she got that woman alone she would certainly get an ear full- Suddenly, it was as if she had collided with a wall. She abruptly fell backward and waited for impact with the floor. It did not come. Not realizing her eyes were closed tight, she opened them slightly and looked up to see the same person she had just been thinking about. "Hello Dove."

[renmemo18]

Mentions: War, Death, angst.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning. Marlene sat up and gave a big stretch whilst looking around to the surrounding occupied beds in the 7th Year Gryffindor girls dorm. Everyone else was still sleeping. Marlene hopped out of bed and yanked the curtains back from the largest window in their dorm. Sunlight poured in, temporarily blinding her. Once her eyes adjusted, she looked out into the glorious blue, cloudless sky. The grounds always had a glow about them on days like this. Ethiriel, even. It would be a perfect day to lay by the lake, maybe dip her toes in. "Up up up, sleepy heads!" Marlene chanted. Leaping from one bed to the next and yanking off the covers of Lily, Alice, Mary, and Dorcas. All of which we're muttering and yelling in protest. "Where's the fire?" Mary asked sleepily, while bolting upright to find the source of her abrupt waking. "Five more minutes..." Dorcas cried, shoving her head into her pillow. Lily and Alice both slowly awoke, swinging their legs to the sides of their beds and squinting towards the window. " Lake day?" Lily asked, a smile playing on her lips. "Yes!" Marlene smiled and ran to get changed.

It took longer than Marlene would have liked for all of the Gryffindor girls to get up and going, but it was still early. They had time to get a good spot at the lake. The group of friends strolled into the great hall for some breakfast. Taking seats nearby James, Sirius, and Remus, hmm... Peter wasn't there. This was strange. Peter was usually glued to the the boys.

"Good morning, Lily!" James said sunnily to Lily, she muttered a "Good Morning" while blushing slightly. This new development of Lily actually giving James the time of day was still odd. However, it was nice to be able to sit all together as one fronted unit. She always liked the boys in their year.

"Where's Peter?" Marlene asked Remus. "Dunno..." Remus looked around the Great Hall. "He wasn't in the dorm this morning. He was a little jumpy last night." "Probably had one too many puddings." Sirius said offhandedly while shoving bacon in his mouth. "He'll turn up eventually. Are you ladies going down to the lake?" "Yes," Marlene replied, still thinking about Peter's absence. "Oh good. We can all go together than." Remus said, getting up from his seat and holding out a hand for Marlene. Going slightly red, she accepted it, and the group of Gryffindors headed out into the beautiful sunshine.

They managed to get a prime spot by the lake. A shady spot, right next to the waters edge. They spent the day basking in the sun. James picked Lily up and ran with her in his arms straight into the lake. Lily couldn't help but laugh and splash James in the face. Soon enough, they all ended up in the refreshing water, playing and laughing. It was moments like this that made Marlene's heart swell. In happiness, because she loved these moments with the lot of her friends. But also with a twinge of sadness. They were in their 7th year, after all. Their last and final year at Hogwarts. The outside world always seemed so far away when she was here with all of them. But soon, they would be out in the thick of it. Fighting and surviving. Remus pulled her to him and held her as they treaded water. Looking into each other's eyes. He needn't asked. He knew what was troubling her, and it seemed as though the same thoughts were running through his mind as well. They looked around and took stock of their friends. Taking in every detail of each of them. Marlene pushed the nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach aside, and they both joined in a game of chicken.

After a full day of activity, they all trudged back up to the school. They went back to their dorms to change and then went to the Great Hall for some dinner before collapsing from exhaustion. They took their seats and began to eat when something dawned on Marlene. Peter had not made an appearance all day. This was most peculiar. And as he wasn't the most popular amongst the Gryffindors, she wasn't sure anyone else had noticed. "Hey, was Peter in your dorm when you lads went up to change?" The boys all stopped and looked at one another. Puzzling looks dawned on their faces. "No... now that you mention it." James' eyebrows furrowed. " It's really unlike him not to hang about, especially all day..." said Remus. "Maybe... maybe he's in the hospital wing?" Sirius said, only half convinced. "I mean, like you said, Remus, he wasn't really himself last night. Maybe he went down to the hospital wing when we were in bed." Everyone sat silent. "Well... let's check after dinner, ok?" James looked around, and everyone nodded in agreement. However, when they peaked their heads into the hospital wing after dinner, there was not a single person occupying any of the beds. Marlene looked up at Remus, who had a worried look in his eyes. Once they arrived in the Common Room, the boys went up to their dorm to check if Peter was there. No one was in the Common Room at the time. They bounded down the stairs, heads shaking. "He's not there." James said, ruffling his hair. "We ran into a third year on our way up. He reckons he hasn't seen him come or go in the last couple of hours." Not knowing what else to do or where else to search, they all agreed that if he didn't turn up by morning, they would bring his absence to Professor McGonagall's attention.

They bid everyone goodnight and headed up to their dorms, collapsing on their beds. It felt as though she had only been asleep for a minute when Marlene was being shaked awake. "Ms. McKinnon." Marlene woke up with a start and was looking into the eyes of Professor McGonagall. "Professor..." Marlene said sleepily, rubbing her eyes. "Is everything ok?" The girls in her dormitory were waking up, hearing McGonagall voice. "I'm afraid..." she looked pained, sad. "I'm afraid not... I need to ask you to come with me, Ms. McKinnon." Marlene looked at her, scared now. Not knowing what was going on. She hurriedly pulled on her dressing gown and slippers, and followed Professor McGonagall to the door. Pausing quickly to look at Lily, who was standing now, looking concerned. Marlene offered her a half-hearted smile, and continued down the steps of Gryffindor tower.

Professor McGonagall didn't say anything. She was taking long and fast strides, and Marlene was struggling to keep up. They finally stopped in front of the large gargoyle that stood at the entrance of what Marlene knew, was Dumbledores Office. " Sugar Quill." The gargoyle jumped aside, and they asceded upward. Professor McGonagall rapped 3 times, very quickly on the door, and a soft "enter" was heard. They stepped inside the headmaster's office, and he kindly told Marlene to take a seat. "Marlene..." Dumbledore started. "I am so very sorry..." Dumbledore started talking, but it was as if a dam had burst and water rushed into her ears, pounding. Her heart felt as though it would give out any moment. This couldn't be happening. This was a dream. A nightmare. She would wake up, surrounded by her friends, and be completely fine. She could only make out bits of what Dumbledore was saying "Dark Mark" and "Dead." She was snapped back to reality when he rose from his desk and strode over to her, offering her his hand and gentle pulling her to her feet. She just noticed her face was wet with tears. "Would you like to go?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes peering into hers. "Dumbledore," Proffesor McGonagall started. "Do you really think that's a good idea? The poor girl is in shock..." Her normally hard and stern eyes were now soft, and looking at Marlene as if she was going to shatter. "It is entirely her choice." Dumbledore said, still looking at Marlene. "Ms. McKinnon, you do not have to go if you do not wish to. But I will accompany you, should you wish to go. To see them." Marlene could only nod her head slowly. Her voice failed her. "Alright then." Dumbledore pointed his wand at an empty ink pot. "Portus". The ink pot rattled and glowed for a second and then rested as usual on the desk. "On the count of 3 than..." Marlene reached out and touched the Portkey. Suddenly, she was spinning, and with her stomach already in knots, she thought she would be sick. After a few moments, she landed in front of her childhood home.

It looked different. Although the physical being of the house had not changed, it felt different, wrong. A green glow cast down on the home, and she looked up. A large skull with a serpent slithering out of its mouth hung over the house. She couldn't take her eyes away from it. They've felt glued to the mark. She was broken out of her trance by Proffessor Dumbledor, which, for a second, she forgot was there. "After you, Ms.McKinnon..." Marlene's gaze broke away from the looming omen over the house, and she slowly moved towards the door. Her hands were shaking. She could feel a layer of cold sweat covering her forhead. The knob turned. She stepped in. And on the landing of the stairs, laid her father. A surprised look was frozen on his face. His arms and legs sprawled. Something in her peripheral caught her eye. She walked past her father on the stairs and blindly went into the kitchen. There lay her Mother, faced down. Her head pointed towards the stairs, giving Marlene the assumption she was trying to run to her husband in her last moments. Tears streaming down her face, Marlene dropped down and flipped her Mother over to look at her face. Her best friend. The woman who shared her looks and deep red hair laid before her, dead. A realization hit Marlene, and she shot up like a rocket and ran past Dumbledore, who was standing in the doorway watching her, and up the stairs. She ran into the first bedroom to the right and clutched the doorframe. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't move. There, lay her two younger twin brothers. She slid down and crawled to them. Sobbing now, her whole world crashed, the pounding in her ears only increased, and she couldn't hear her own screaming and wailing. It was as if time and space ceased. She was suspended in perpetual suffering. What was she to do? Her whole family, gone. Her world, shattered. She was alone.

It seemed like an eternity passed. She sat crumpled on her brother's bedroom floor. She couldn't say for how long. "Marlene." Dumbledore was standing in the doorframe behind her. She had no idea when he came up. "Marlene, it's time to go."No." Dumbledore came into the room and knelt beside her on the floor. "Marlene, there's nothing you can do. Nothing. I know you're hurting. But I may have a way to bring them justice for what has been done to them and your parents." She looked up at him, her face red and blotchy, tears still streaking down her face. It was a wonder she had any left to shed. They wouldn't stop coming. "Come..." Dumbledore said softly and held his hand out to her. She took it, and he led her down the stairs to the dining room. On the long oak table, where her family had dinner together every night when she was home for Holidays and the Summer, sat an old metal bucket, that they used to carry out the feed for the chickens. "The portkey is set to leave in a minute. Are you ready?" She looked around the house one more time. Not wanting to leave, but not wanting to stay either. She nodded, numbly, and touched the skinny bucket handle.

With a twist, they were back in Dumbledore's office. " Please, take a seat, Marlene." She did as she was told and looked, she did not know where. Not directly at anything in particular, just... in to space. "Marlene, I know this has been a shock and a terrible loss to you. I know your family loved you, so very much." She continued to stare into nothingness and said nothing. "Marlene, I am rallying Witches and Wizards and any being that wishes to fight Voldemort and his followers. It has been difficult to find a large following who is willing to fight. Understandable, of course. However, given the circumstances, once you've graduated, I would like to extend an invitation for you to join the Order of the Phoenix." Her focus snapped to Dumbledore, a quizzical expression stretched across her face. " I know you well enough, Marlene. Determined, brave, stubborn, and headstrong. I know you will not let this rest. You will not rest. Until the people responsible for this atrocity are apprehended." Apprehended? She didn't want them caught. She wanted them dead. All of them. It did not matter if they had a hand in her family's murder or not. She wanted to know that they were finished. She would not let this happen to another family. "Let me help you, Marlene. I know that once you step out into the world once this term has ended, I can not make you do anything. You will have your own choices to make. But I do not wish for you to feel as though you are in this alone. Your family, unfortunately, was an ultimate target because of your blood status. You being a McKinnon, your family is one of the original pureblood families we can trace back through the ages. Your family, being upstanding members of the wizarding community, surely would have never joined Voldemort. I can only assume that you will be hunted. Tracked. For they will want you to meet the same fate as your parents and your brothers. I can offer you protection, and we can find the culprits together."

She sat for a while, taking all of this in. He was right, of course. They wouldn't stop. Any word that there was a McKinnon still alive would attract attention. Her knuckles gripped the arms of the chair, so hard that they were white and going numb. She looked directly into Proffessor Dumbledore's eyes and spoke. Her voice hoarse, and cracking. As if it had been ages since she had used it. " Thank you, Professor. I know that they won't stop until I'm dead. Whether that's tomorrow, a month, or a year from now." Steeling herself, she straightened her back. "No matter how much time I have left, I'm going to make sure I take down as many death eaters I can with me." She leaned forward in her seat, resting her hands on the edge of Dumbledors desk. "When can we start?."

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Writing a few of these Wizarding War stories. Let me know if you'd like to see a series of one!

Suddenly, everyone was standing. There was a rushed movement throughout the entire house. Upstairs, downstairs, in the kitchen, out of the kitchen, back into the kitchen (that was mostly Molly).

They had just received the call over the radio; "lightening has struck". They were safe. The three of them were safe. As soon as The Burrow got word that Harry, Ron and Hermione were at Hogwarts, the energy shifted. Once nervous and anticipating was now frantic and determined. You went to change, and grabbed your wand. You walked through the hustle and bustle of everyone preparing for travel and headed into the kitchen to see Molly at the sink... looking out the window.

"Molly?... are you alright?" She stayed frozen, looking out into the yard. " It's strange you know..." You stepped next to her and gently put a hand on her back. "What is?" There was a slight smile on her face, but it had a glimmer of sadness in it. " I can't tell you how many times I've looked out this window... watching each of them grow. The fun that was had, the little sibling spats that happened, more than I would particularly like..." you chuckled at that with her. " But out there... it all looks the same. But they've changed. They're older now. Grown. They've come into their own, and... they don't need me anymore..." You moved your arm to around her waist into a side hug. " Molly... that's just not true... ". She wiped her eyes and shook her head. " It is. And it's alright." She gave your hand a soft pat.

"It's the part of a Mother's life that we dread the most... but we're also the most proud of. I look at each of them and know... if something happens to me, or Arthur, they'll be ok. But...." She looked down to the floor tiles. "....what?" She turned her eyes up to the ceiling, tears pouring down her face now. " But I can't help but fear... what if something happens to them? They're grown. I can't stop them from fighting. Aside from Ginny. But if I had my way, I would lock them all away and throw away the key." You nodded, understanding where she was coming from. "Well...I'm sure that would work for a time... until Fred and George explode it off it's hinges..." she laughed at that. Wiping tears away. "Too true."

You sat there in silence for a moment, hugging her, listening to the movement throughout the other rooms. "Everything will turn out ok...right?" You stared at the window, imaging the 7 redheaded children playing quidditch, fighting over penalties and faulty brooms. ".... I hope so Molly... I hope so..."

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The heat was unbearable. Sweat was pouring down your face. And although the constant shots of fire came from every direction, and made it seem impossible to breathe, you still managed to get goosebumps from the wails of pain and horror coming from your comrades.

The situation escalated from bad to worse in a matter of minutes. The trainers anticipated SOME death eaters to target the dragons while the rest of Voldemort's army went to the school. However, they didn't anticipate the Giants and Snatchers joining in this pursuit. The Death Eaters hid in the shadows, and flew overhead, while the Giants stormed the gates, and the Snatchers looted whatever they could, whenever they could.

The dragons were furious. And although there were enchantments barricading them inside the compound, it was only a matter of time until the constant firing of spells broke them free. Their roars were deafening. The Horntail's tail struck the ground and it felt as though the earth would break open by the impact. The Ridgeback's screech would have shattered your eardrums if the blood and sweat covering them wasn't acting as a barrier. The Chinese Fireball was roaring simultaneously with the constant wave of fire shooting out of its nose and mouth.

You managed to whip around and hit a snatcher with a body-bind curse. You ran to a near by tree taking down a broom bound Death Eater with a stunning spell.

"AH!" You looked across the clearing and saw your friend and fellow trainer falling back from two Death Eaters. "Protego!" A transparent shield emerged from your wand as you dashed through the flames to reach him. You both took shelter behind a boulder. "We can't take them all!" He had blood seeping through his shirt on his left shoulder. "We have to try!" You bellowed. " Those of us left can hold them off for a little while longer! Get to the nursery, grab all the eggs you can and RUN! Don't look back!" You shook your head, ignoring his commands. "I can't do that! You know I can't!". He took you by the shoulders and shook you furiously " Charlie will never forgive me if I let you die here. There's no use, there's too many of them. Save the eggs and GO!"

At that moment, everything stopped. The noise silenced. The shots of wands ceased. The yelling and growling of the Giants were no more. You both looked at one another... "What just happened?" You shook your head and slowly peared from around the boulder, wands drawn. The grounds were deserted... Slowly, the trainers that were left or able to walk came into view. Their wands drawn as well. The confusion and bewilderment was palpable.

A loud POP sounded from across the clearing. It startled the Dragons into another fit of anger. It brought the trainers back to reality and those who could sprang into action. Casting new protection barriers, running to the nursery, helping the wounded, and those who were not as fortunate...

Suddenly Charlie ran into the clearing. You wanted to yell to him but your throat was swollen shut. You saw him frantically looking in all directions until... his eyes met yours. You ran to him, and him to you. Your bodies collided and you held him with all the strength you had. "Charlie..." your voice was so hoarse you weren't sure if he heard you. "Harry, he did it. He killed him. Voldemort is dead." You took a step back and gripped his arms. You didn't know what to say. You looked at him and all you could see was sadness. His eyes watering as he looked back at you. "Charlie... that's wonderful but... what's wrong? We should be happy...shouldn't we?..." he bowed his head and reached for you. You stepped back towards him and he held you more firmly than before if possible. "Charlie?... Charlie what's wrong? Has something happened?" And at that moment, words tumbled out of his mouth. You couldn't comprehend it all. This couldn't be happening. He recalled everything from the battle at Hogwarts. And listed those lost... Fred... you couldn't believe what you were hearing. Suddenly your goosebumps were back, and a ringing sounded in your ears. At that moment his words became muffled and his cries became sobs. And all you could do was hold him, and thank Merlin you were able to do so one more time.

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My first fanfic so be nice...

Includes mentions of war and blood.

For what seemed like one brief moment, the war was over. You-Know-Who.... Voldemort had won. The... "Man" who you had only known from books, and rumors was standing right in front of you. The THING that caused so much pain and suffering, right before your eyes. And you were disgusted. There was a ringing in your ears, it was hard to make out what he was saying. You were trying so hard to focus, and you weren't sure if it was fear, sadness, anger, or emotions far more superior to claim causing the distraction.

"Draco!"... it broke you out of your trance in an instant. "Draco... come." You frantically scanned the crowed, and you spotted him. Covered in dirt, and grime, and blood you searched his face. And although his eyes seemed empty and emotionless, you could see so much more behind them. Voldemort smiled and motioned Draco forward with his wand. He turned and look right at you and paused, just for a moment. You stared back at him, scared and panicked. "NO...." you mouthed to him. It felt as though you screamed it, but no noise left your lips. He looked as though he was torn. "Please..." you mouthed again. He looked to the ground, and than turned to walk towards his parents. You went to run after him, to stop him, pull him back, but strong hands gripped your arms. You fought and tried to pull your way out of their grasp, but you were so tired, and weak, it was useless. Tears started to form in your eyes. You turned and looked up, and saw George peering down at you. He had just lost his brother, his best friend. He couldn't lose you too. You relaxed in his grip, and he slowly released you, holding your hand in comfort instead.

The time it took for Draco to make it to the other side of the courtyard felt like an eternity. HE took Draco into his arms, and pointed his wand in your direction. You scowled, anger bubbling inside you. When Draco finally made it to his parents, he dared not look at you, not even in your direction. You silently begged him to. Hoping somehow he would receive your telepathic message, "LOOK AT ME!". The tears started spilling over now. Losing hope, minute by minute.

And just like that... everything came back to life. The flashing of wands firing spells back and forth. The sounds of war, and destruction. The sounds of agony and despair. And all you could do was watch the Malfoy's walk away. Walk from the madness, walk away from the chaos. You ran. Ran as fast as you possibly could. Somehow dodging spells and objects firing and flying from all directions. You ran until you reached the edge of the bridge. You gripped the pillar, gasping for air. "Draco!" He turned and his eyes met yours. Looking guilty, and afraid now. His Mother barely looked in your direction. She pulled Draco along and whispered something to him that you couldn't hear. "Draco don't do this! You can help! You can make a difference! Don't leave... please!" He broke out of his mother's grip and whirled around to look at you. He looked at you, than back at his parents. Than back to you. He was torn. Another moment passed and he mouthed.... " I'm sorry... " turned, and with a loud POP he was gone...

You stood there. Not knowing what just happened. Feeling as though the castle itself had just came tumbling down on top of you. Your legs gave out and suddenly you were on the gravel, sobbing. Not believing that the boy you loved was gone. And this was how it ended. In cowardice, and betrayal.

You felt a presence next to you on the floor, and felt their arms wrap around you. " Y/N... we need you." And just like that. You dried your tears, took a gulp of air, and resumed your place in the raging war around you.

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Carry On My Wayward Son (Music Box Lullaby Version)

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Booyy Everything Is On Tumblr

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SPN S07-S08 | Kevin Tran & Castiel

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Oh Cas

SPN S05-S09 | CASTIEL: His Problem vs What Makes Him Special

I just had to…