it all ends with us: ruins

044

Chapter Forty-four:

"I want to lose the feelings I have just as fast as I lost you."

Atlas trekked through the castle after class on a Tuesday with a bag full of her things ready for the ritual. She had met up with Harry who told her he would be down as soon as he had collected both Sirius and Remus. The friendship group questioned why Atlas was helping Harry but only Theo and Ren knew what she was actually up to. It was crazy to think that the first time Atlas had helped Harry like this it caused her and Theo to fall out. Times changed and this time Theo was nothing more than supportive.

The edge of the forest was empty. She was deep enough for no one to see her but not far enough inside to be met with any unusual creatures. Atlas placed her bag down and grabbed the pack of salt. She poured it into a circle shape, big enough to fit three tall men inside along with herself. She then strategically put candles down along with a piece of paper and her spell book as well as a small pocket knife.

"Atlas." A voice called out from behind.

Atlas turned to look at a beaming Harry followed by Sirius and her Professor Lupin. The three wander down the slight hill and farther into the forest away from prying eyes. Harry hands the young girl a couple of items with a small smile. Atlas recognises one of the items from the last time she performed the spell.

"Miss Lennon, I assume you're a part of the surprise Harry has planned?" Ren questions.

"Just here to help Professor." Atlas beams.

"Sirius Black, I don't think we've met have we?" Sirius introduces himself, holding out his hand for Atlas to shake.

"Nice to meet you sir, I'm Atlas." She replies politely.

"No need for the formalities, you can call me Sirius." He exclaims, patting Atlas on the back.

"What's the surprise Harry?" Remus asks as they stare at the circle of salt in front of them.

"Erm, Atlas?" Harry rubs the back of his head nervously.

"It's better once you see, why don't you follow me." She avoids eye contact as she steps inside the circle.

Atlas sits and beckons for the others to follow. Harry sits to her right while Sirius sits to her left leaving Remus in front of her.

"This may seem a little weird and confusing but just wait." She winces slightly not knowing what to say.

Harry passes over the stuff that once belonged to his parents and Atlas places it next to her book of spells. She lights the candles with a flick of her wrist, leaving both adults in awe at her talent with magic. She writes down the names of Harry's parents folding it up before placing it in the centre. Atlas picks up the pocket knife, making a small incision in her right palm and squeezing out her blood onto the paper. Remus goes to stop her but is quickly silenced by Harry.

Atlas was quick to start the incantation. The sting of the cut on her right palm was evident but she didn't let the pain show. Instead she chanted the spell as loudly and as clearly as she could. This was her second time performing the ritual and it was a lot quicker than the first time. She could feel the energy shift and when she opened her eyes, she spotted the two familiar figures staring back at the group.

"Prongs?" Sirius whispered as he slowly stood up from the group.

Atlas watched as Remus' eyes shot open to Sirius' voice and followed him to where he was going.

"Lily?" Remus questions, biting back a sob.

Sirius runs towards James Potter but ultimately falls through their ghostly figures. Atlas holds back a grimace as Sirius falls to the ground. Both Harry and Remus run to help the guy back onto his feet. Atlas' chants become a sort of melody in the background as the five of them try to process what was going on.