Is this the life you chose yourself, or just how it ended up? Is that the yard you pictured when you closed your eyes and dreamed of children in the grass running through the sprinklers? Being somebody's wife, or were you living in another life?
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"You're probably wondering why I've asked the group of you here today." Dumbledore said, standing in front of the group that consisted partially of graduated Gryffindor's, but overall very familiar faces. There was a murmer of mixed answers, all of which urged him to continue. Dumbledore's eyes sparkled behind his half moon spectacles.
"If you're in this room, you're trusted by me to fight in this war... and keep a rather large secret. If you do not wish to fight, you may leave now." The room was dead silent as Dumbledore waited for someone, anyone, to get up and leave.
When nobody moved, he began to tell them about the order, and how it was to be kept secret from everyone who wasn't in that room. Theyd have to be trained to fight and infiltrate without blowing their cover.
Ascella, James, Peter, Remus, Sirius, Lily, Marlene, and Dorcas all shared a look. They were going to fight in a war. This was reality. Lives would be lost, but it was up to them to make sure they didn't die in vain.
They had to win this war.
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3 days later. . .
The group of friends sat around in a shared flat, located in the heart of Diagon Alley— belonging to Sirius, Remus, and Ascella, though James was there more often than not. Peter still lived with his mom, but visited sometimes. It was probably the last day they'd all be free at the same time. Training would begin the very next morning, bright and early.
Ascella was tucked under James's arm with her head resting over his heart, just listening to it thump in his chest with her eyes closed. James fidgeted with a loose thread on one of Ascella's sleeves.
Sirius's head was in Ascella's lap as she ran her fingers through his hair as equally dark as hers— he was half asleep.
Remus sat in an arm chair by the fire, pretending to read a book. The full moon was approaching and he'd rather pretend to read than accidentally snap at one of his friends.
Lily, Dorcas, and Marlene were stress baking, using any ingredients they had.
Peter happily taste tested everything that came from the oven.
All while one of Sirius's records played in the background. From the outside looking in, it looked like a group of friends spending time together on a regular Friday evening. They were, but emotions were ripping through the room like 8 tornadoes during a horrible storm.
Even as the smell of fresh baked goods wafted through the small flat, the news that was in the letter weighed heavily on their hearts.
The letter stated that Fleamont and Euphemia had dragon pox and both would be at St Mungo's. No visitors for a couple days, according to their former Headmaster. Things weren't looking good for either parent.
"We can get in there without Dumbledore, just to see them." Ascella assured James, wiping a tear of his away before it could fall on his jumper. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she stared at the man she loved.
"He'll know we went." James mumbled. "I don't care, love. We might be in his order, but he doesn't have control over our actions anymore. . . We're adults. He said himself that things weren't great, so you and I, we're going. . . Now."
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James and Ascella rushed through the crowded halls of St Mungo's, searching for the ward where Fleamont and Euphemia Potter were being treated for dragon pox.
Ascella's heart was heavy, knowing that her future in-laws were suffering.
As they approached the ward, they could hear the sounds of coughing and wheezing coming from within. They stepped through the door and were met with the sight of Fleamont and Euphemia lying in their beds, both looking pale and weak.
"James, Ascella, dear," Euphemia said weakly, attempting to sit up as they entered the room. "We weren't expecting visitors."
"We couldn't stay away, Mum," James replied, rushing over to her side and taking her hand. "How are you feeling?"
"I've been better," Fleamont said with a small smile. "But we're in good hands here. The healers are doing everything they can."
Ascella moved to Fleamont's bedside, taking his other hand that wasn't holding Euphemia's. "We're not going to let dragon pox ruin our plans," she said confidently, fighting back her emotions like she always had. "We'll postpone the wedding if we have to, but we'll make sure you're there to see us get married."
Fleamont chuckled weakly, squeezing her hand. "You're a strong one, Ascella. I have no doubt you'll make a great addition to our family."
James and Ascella stayed with Fleamont and Euphemia for several hours, talking and keeping their spirits up. Sirius and Remus showed up sometime and sat wherever was available.
They shared stories of their own adventures and plans for the future. Despite the dire circumstances, there was still a sense of hope and optimism in the air. That hope diminished slightly as the minutes went by and they grew paler and weaker.
As they prepared to leave, Euphemia grabbed Ascella's arm and put a necklace in her hands. It was a golden chain with an emerald set in the center of a gold Celtic Knot.
"I can't take this." Ascella said as she admired the piece of jewelry. "You can and you will." Euphemia said sternly in her weak voice.
"Its passed down in my family from daughter to daughter when they become of age. . . I've known since you were in third year that you'd marry my son, hence making you my daughter more than you already were. . . I've been planning this for years, you'll find the plans in the manor on the table. . . If you see something you like, do not hesitate."
Tears welled in Ascella's eyes once again as she bent down and hugged Euphemia.
"Thank you." She whispered. "Take care of our boys." Euphemia responded, wiping a tear of Ascella's away.
