Episode 3
James was walking along the outside of the building, after narrowly escaping death in the art room. He was focused on keeping calm and making sure to stand as straight as possible on the small windowsill as he took tiny side steps to not fall down three stories. He made it across a few classrooms until to his right, he heard the unmistakable sound of glass breaking and Sirius followed by a group of zombies falling out the windows the floor below him.
Sirius was able to grab onto the rope but a zombie also grabbed onto his ankle and dangled there with him. “Sirius!” James shouted, Sirius looked up at him. “Look down. Down! Down, Sirius, oh my god.”
“I know!” Sirius yelled out before looking down at his foot.
“She's holding on to you!"
“I know that.”
"What are you doing?” James didn’t understand why Sirius wasn’t panicking as much as he was. “Drop her. Drop her now.”
“I’m trying!” Sirius was kicking his other foot while desperately trying to cling on.
“What are you doing? For goodness sake.” James muttered. Sirius tried to pull himself up but instead slipped down a little. “Hey!” James yelped in fear. “I’ll just come to you.”
Sirius immediately looked up, “No. Don’t come.” James had a look of determination on his face. “Don’t. Don’t come!” Sirius repeated, his fear increasing.
There was a part of the wall that stuck out, with no ledge, blocking where James is to Sirius. He would have to step over to the other side and Sirius did not think James was flexible enough. “I’m coming.” James said again, as though he hadn’t heard Sirius.
“Don’t!” Sirius was still clinging onto the rope and James could barely reach the other side without his foot slipping or falling off the entire building. “Wait, James, above you!” Sirius yelled out.
James looked up and a zombie had poked its head out of the window above him. It fell out the window in its attempt to get to James and James jumped to the rope to avoid being dragged down by it. He managed, but just barely, to grab onto the rope and hit Sirius with his legs as he landed, Sirius groaning loudly. James slowly climbed down the rope, his legs moving down Sirius.
“Ow, my back, James.”
“Stay still. I’m helping you.” Once he made it to Sirius he let go of the rope and clung onto Sirius at the waist.
“What the hell are you doing?” Sirius said, voice tight from having to support the weight of three humans.
“Just wait.” James grunted, he was kicking the arms of the zombie on Sirius to get her to let go.
Peter stood back up onto the windowsill below to see what was taking Sirius so long, “James! It’s James!” He called out. Remus, Regulus, Barty and Evan all stuck their heads out the window, looking up.
The zombie finally let go of Sirius and fell off. All of them ducking their heads in, narrowly avoiding getting hit. “James! Are you okay?” Peter called out.
James was clinging onto Sirius’ waist, panting. “I told you to let go, Sirius. Why couldn’t you just do it?”
“Stop hugging me. You’re grossing me out.”
“I’m not hugging you, you idiot.”
Remus and Regulus below were frowning at them, exchanging unimpressed looks with each other before quickly looking away.
James slowly manoeuvred down Sirius' body. “Get lost.” Sirius huffed, laughing slightly.
James cracked a grin, “Do you like this?” They both struggled but finally made it down the rope and into the classroom. Regulus put his arm out slightly as James was coming in but Remus had grabbed his hand instead and Regulus immediately glared at him before helping Barty help Sirius in.
“Close it!” Bellatrix cried, jumping up from her chair. “Hurry up and close the window!”
“Don’t you see Sirius coming in?” Peter yelled, jumping off the windowsill and marching up to her. “We can’t close it until he gets in.”
“Is it wrong to say to close it?”
“Is your own survival all that matters?”
Bellatrix scoffed. “I can’t stand you, stupid squib.”
Peter shoved Bellatrix backwards and she fell onto the chair. “What the fuck did you just call me?” James ran forward and pulled his arm back.
“Stop it.” He said, gaping at Peter, “What is it?”
She got back up and glared at him, “Did you just hit me?”
“No, I pushed you.” Peter said slowly, like she was stupid.
“Cut it out.” McGonagall said, marching over after locking the window. “What are you two doing?”
“He just pushed me.” Bellatrix said to McGonagall.
“You called me a squib first.” Peter retorted.
“Was I wrong?”
James frowned at Bellatrix, “How could you say that?”
“What’s a squib?” McGonagall asked. “Tell me, what is it?” Everyone else looked away awkwardly as Alice tried to suppress a smile, covering her mouth. “What’s a squib?” She repeated louder.
Remus coughed a little, “It means they’re stupid.”
“What?” McGonagall turned to face him.
“Someone who is clinically stupid.” Remus answered.
McGonagall sighed before turning to face Bellatrix again, “Bella, don’t you ever say that word again.” She turned to face Peter, “And Peter, if you resort to violence when something doesn't go your way, you’re the one who loses. Yes?”
Peter nodded slightly, looking down.
“Look, we shouldn’t be fighting amongst ourselves right now. We don’t know what’s going on and-“
“Aren’t they zombies?” Sirius interrupted. McGonagall turned to him.
Alice stepped forward, “Where are the other teachers? Have you called the cops?”
“I’m sure someone has.” McGonagall answered. “I don’t have my phone.”
“We've called too, but they’re not coming.” James said, “Both the police and the first responders.”
“They’ll be here soon.” She assured, “Let’s wait here a little longer.”
“Professor.” Lily said, “Emmeline’s hands were cold too. And Mary’s.” She added softly, “What if it started with Emmeline?”
“But… she went to the hospital.” Evan said.
“Maybe it’s spread there too…” Frank said quietly, more to himself than anyone else.
“Maybe that’s why no one’s coming.” Barty muttered angrily, dropping his head onto Evan’s shoulder.
Frank pointed at the desktop on the table, “This works, right?” He hopped over on one foot, the other still cramped, “The internet. Sorry Professor, excuse me.” He went in between Peter and Bellatrix and in front of the computer. Barty pushed a chair over to him and he sat down.
Immediately, Alice, Barty, Evan, Lily, Remus and Bellatrix crowded around Frank as he turned on the computer. Peter walked off to the window, sulking, and James and Sirius exchanged worried looks. “Will it work?” Alice asked.
“I’m assuming yeah, it should.” Frank answered.
McGonagall peered over the group of them, “Why is it not turning on?”
“It just turned on.”
“Oh, I see.”
Regulus walked over to James and tapped his arm, James jumped and turned to face him. “I didn’t think it’d work.”
“What?” James asked.
“In the science lab.”
James’ face was blank, “I came from the art room. What’s in the science lab?”
“Oh. Well, I stuck a note for you.” He said softly.
The group over at the computer all cheered, “It works!” Barty said excitedly. Both Regulus and James looked at them and James was immediately distracted, going over to the computer. “Open google, quick.”
“Type in ‘zombie virus’.” Evan said.
Frank started typing and Alice stopped him, “Just search ‘zombie’ first.”
“No, search up ‘Hogwarts’.” Remus piped up, “We need to see the local area.”
“See what’s trending.” Lily suggested.
“Go to the news.” Barty said.
Evan shook his head, “There won’t be anything. Search ‘emergency’.” Peter glanced out the window warily, the wind was picking up outside and the hose began swaying dangerously back and forth.
“I’ll just check Instagram.” Frank said, over everyone arguing over what to search. He logged in and immediately the notifications were ringing like crazy.
“Holy shit, how many followers do you have?” Alice muttered. “There are over a thousand notifications!”
Frank’s brows furrowed in confusion, “That’s strange, there’s not normally that many.”
Suddenly the glass shattered loudly, causing everyone to jump, the nozzle of the hose crashed into the window, breaking it. Sirius grabbed Peter and they both scrambled to get away. “Step away from the window!” McGonagall said.
“Did someone not make it in?” Evan asked, looking around.
Sirius shook his head, having been the last one out. “No, we’re all here.”
“Don’t go!” James called out, Sirius was walking towards the window. “Sirius!” He scolded. Once Sirius approached the window, the wind was blowing through his hair.
“Do you see anything?” Barty asked.
Peter took a few steps forward and waved his hand, “Must’ve just been the wind.” Sirius squinted his eyes, peering forward a bit more when a zombie suddenly fell down the rope, its ankle hooked on a loop higher up.
The group let out a scream and Sirius and Peter both fell over backwards onto the floor. “It’s coming in!” Alice yelled. “Sirius, get back here!” Peter stood back up and James grabbed his arm to bring him further back.
“Sirius!” McGonagall yelled, “Bring Sirius back here!” Sirius leapt up and grabbed a broom that was in the corner which he used to start pushing the zombie.
“Push it! Push it!” Peter yelled, he ran forward and grabbed the broomstick higher up, helping Sirius push.
The zombie grabbed onto the edge of the window and Frank yelled, “The hand!” Peter tried to move its hand off the window but the zombie’s grabbed him with its other hand. Peter fought it off and flung it away.
Sirius used the broom to hit the zombie and broke the bristles part off, he frowned at it since it was broken now. “Sirius!” James yelled, he grabbed the broomstick out of Sirius’ hand, hitting Peter with it accidentally before jabbing the zombie with it.
It stilled for a second and James relaxed thinking maybe he had killed it when its hand reached up to grab the window again. It was growling angrily and Bellatrix was screaming, “Just push it already!”, clinging desperately to McGonagall.
“James! Just throw it away!” Evan yelled. “Throw something!”
Peter grabbed the desktop’s hardware case as the first big item he could find and picked it up. “James! Move!” Sirius yelled as Peter came running up, James ducked out of the way right as he threw it out the window. It hit the zombie and it finally fell off of the rope.
Barty and Evan ran up and the three of them all looked out the window to see the zombie get back up and ran off again. The group all sighed collectively, separating again from being crowded together at the back. Lily hugged Remus slightly, finally letting go of the death grip she had on him as Evan pat James on the back.
“Fuck, I’m tired.” Peter said. “That was terrifying.” Evan squeezed his shoulder too and Peter patted his shoulder back.
“Good thinking.” Evan said. Peter smiled and walked further into the room, leaning against the table.
Bellatrix looked at him and her eyes widened, “Oi.” She called out. There was blood dripping out of his nose, “You…”
“Peter, your nose is bleeding.” Sirius told him.
“It is?” He asked, he lifted his finger and touched it to his nose.
“That's cause I hit you with the broom when I was grabbing it from Sirius.” James said, rubbing the back of his neck, “Sorry about that.”
Peter shrugged him off and took a step forward to grab a tissue from the table. “Stand back!” Bellatrix yelled, "Don’t come closer. You were bit, weren’t you?”
“No I wasn’t! James hit me.” He walked towards Bellatrix who backed away again, “Why do you keep picking on me?”
“You were bit!” She yelled back, Peter shook his head while sighing and she turned to McGonagall. “Mary got a nosebleed just before she turned too. Lily, you know. That's how Mary was before she turned.”
Lily’s face dropped as her expression immediately turned sad and she frowned at Bellatrix. McGonagall exhaled sharply through her nose, “Peter…”
“I really wasn’t bit!” He said loudly, “I swear!”
“Look at your hand! What’s that? What is that?” Bellatrix yelled.
He looked down at his hand, there were three small scratches. “This is from when I picked up the computer!” He walked towards her again and Alice grabbed Frank’s arm as they all shuffled backwards slightly. His shoulders sagged, “Don’t you trust me? This happened while I was saving you, how could you do this?”
James walked up to him and grabbed his hand, he looked at it closely then looked at Bella, “It’s not a bite. It’s just a scratch. Come and see for yourself.”
Barty, Evan, Sirius, Remus and Frank all went up to him, “It’s a scratch. I’m sure of it.” Remus said.
“Professor, take a look.” James held out Peter’s hand.
McGonagall nodded and walked up to Peter, taking his hand. “I don’t see a bite. It’s just a scratch, thank goodness.” She looked at Bellatrix, “He’s fine.” She let go of his hand and he stood up straight.
“Satisfied?” He asked Bellatrix.
Frank walked past him and picked up the keyboard, “But… the computer’s gone.”
“Then the internet…” Barty narrowed his eyes at Peter, “Did you have to throw that of all things?”
“What could I do? It was trying to get in.” Peter snapped.
Barty put his hands up, “I’m saying you did good. Thank you. Don’t get mad.” He walked past Peter to Bellatrix, “Oi, Bellatrix. Just say you’re sorry and end this.” Peter glanced at Bellatrix from the side to see her reaction.
“Why should I?” She answered, glaring at Barty. James next to Barty was also glaring right back at her.
He frowned like it was obvious, “He did it to save us. Just say you’re sorry, you don’t even have to mean it.”
“Why should I be sorry?” She yelled. Peter stood back up and she glared at him, “I saw everything. I saw that zombie grab your hand. I’m right! He may have been affected.”
Peter and James exchanged looks of ‘can you believe this?’ and ‘god I know she’s insane.’
“Bella, that’s enough.” McGonagall said.
“It really touched him!”
“Does being touched mean he’s infected?” James asked.
“Who knows? It might.”
“I held Mary’s hand right before she fell.” Lily said, “Why am I okay?”
Bellatrix exhaled shortly, “He has a wound on his hand. It’s different when it’s an open wound.” Everyone around the room had formed a circle and not one of them agreed with her. “Think about it!” She yelled angrily.
“Hey Bellatrix, I know you’ve always hated Peter, but this is completely different from making fun of him. This is about life and death.” James said.
Alice rolled her eyes, “She’s always like this.”
Bellatrix spun her head to stare at her. Alice looked away, rolling her eyes again.
“If it weren’t for him, we could all be dead.” Sirius said.
“And now we’re all gonna die because of him.” Bellatrix retorted stubbornly.
Evan sighed, “I’m about to die right now because of you.”
“I’m fine right now.” Peter said.
“That’s enough, all of you!” McGonagall shouted. “Shut it!”
“Professor-“ Bellatrix tried.
“No.” McGonagall held her hand out at her.
“But she-“ Peter also tried.
“Enough.” McGonagall did the same to him, the group went quiet and she put her hands on her hips and sighed. “Let’s do this. Peter, stay in the recording room for just ten minutes. I know it’ll be hard, but I think that’s better than being suspected.”
“The others don’t suspect me. It’s just her.” He muttered angrily.
“Peter, would you do that? Please.”
He sighed, “Forget ten minutes. I’ll stay thirty- no, a full hour.”
“There’s no need for that. It takes less than five minutes to turn. Stop overreacting.” James reasoned.
McGonagall turned to Bellatrix, “Will that do?”
Bellatrix didn’t answer.
“And if nothing happens, you’ll sincerely apologise. Understood?”
“Fine.” She said.
“Everyone okay with that?” McGonagall asked.
There was a collective yes from everyone. “He’s clearly fine.” James mumbled stubbornly, “If we do this, who's going to step up next time?”
“Yes, but…” She sighed and looked around, “Let’s consider this a way to learn to trust each other.”
“I trust Peter.”
Peter looked up at James and shook his head slightly, he got up and walked to the recording room, “See you in an hour.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Remus asked.
Peter flipped him off in return, closing the door loudly as he entered. There was a window between the walls of the two rooms and Peter sat down in a chair and spun it to sit facing away from them.
“That stubborn jerk. Ten minutes would be fine.” Barty said, putting his arms up onto the cupboard in front of the window, watching him.
“Nothing compared to her.” Alice said, glancing at Bellatrix. Bellatrix glared at her in return, but when she looked away, she saw the broomstick they had used to fight the zombie, narrowing her eyes at it.
* * *
“Lift me more!” Narcissa said.
Marlene groaned, “This is the highest I can go, maybe you should be carrying me.” She wobbled side to side with Narcissa on her shoulders while Pandora was on Dorcas’ shoulders effortlessly, they were looking out the clerestory windows, still hiding in the bathroom. “Do you even see anything?”
“Yeah…” She answered breathlessly, “A shit ton of zombies.”
Pandora tapped Dorcas’ back and Dorcas crouched down until Pandora’s legs were back on the floor and she got off. Marlene did the same but a lot less elegantly, once Narcissa was off, she put a hand to the back of her neck and groaned in pain.
Narcissa rolled her eyes, “What do we do?” She asked.
“First,” Marlene said, she turned to Dorcas, “Do you have any cigarettes?”
“I don’t smoke.” Dorcas answered, bored.
“Oh, you totally look like a smoker.” Marlene nudged Pandora next to her, “What about you?”
“I don’t smoke either.” Pandora said, frowning.
Marlene deadpanned, “Don’t mess with me.”
“I don’t!”
“You’re so stingy. Athletes are all such jerks.” Marlene muttered.
Dorcas glared at her, “Watch your mouth.”
“Watch your body.”
“Do you really have to fight right now?” Narcissa asked, annoyed, “Don’t you have brains? Are you babies?” She was met with three glares and she faltered a little.
Marlene picked up a new broomstick, breaking the top off of it again. “Whatever, let’s get out of here.”
“How can we leave?” Narcissa argued, “They’ll eat us all if they see us. If you want to leave, go by yourself. I’m not going.”
Marlene scowled at her before turning to Dorcas, “What about you?”
“Don’t ask.” Dorcas drawled, “I’ll do whatever I feel like.” She and Pandora walked off and went to her backpack of arrows and where they had put down their bows.
“What a cold bitch.” Marlene said, trying not to smile. “Here, make some weapons.” She handed the broom to Narcissa and pointed at the storeroom behind her. Narcissa sighed but took it and turned around.
* * *
“Maybe they’re drawn to smell.” Evan said, “They go after you like crazy.” Nudging his head at Barty.
Barty frowned at him, “I don’t smell.”
“You sweat a lot.” Alice said.
“Sure, I sweat, but I don’t smell.” Barty argued, he sniffed something in the air, “What is that smell?” He ducked his head to check his armpits.
“Your sweat?” Evan asked. Barty looked up, jaw dropped in offence and stopped, turning his head to ignore him.
The three of them were sitting around the corner of the long table in the middle of the room, while James and Frank had sprawled out on top of it. “I think they’re more sensitive to sound than to smell.” Barty said.
“Sound?” Alice asked.
Barty nodded.
“This isn’t a movie.” Frank said.
“But that’s how most zombies are.” Barty explained, “And you saw their eyes, they can’t see anything with those eyes.”
Lily and McGonagall were sitting on the floor, Lily had wrapped an arm around her knees and her other hand was on McGonagall’s lap. McGonagall was sitting cross-legged with a hand on top of Lily’s. “Professor?” Lily asked.
“Yes?”
“Do you reckon some kids have left the school?”
McGonagall nodded, “Most likely, yes.”
Lily looked down, “Should we consider ourselves the lucky ones?”
“The fact that we’re alive means we’re lucky.” She said calmly, rubbing her thumb soothingly on Lily's hand.
“Really?” Lily asked her, pursing her lips.
McGonagall sighed sadly and wrapped an arm around her, “Yes.” Lily smiled and hugged her back. James looked over at them and his jaw dropped slightly, Lily stuck her tongue out at him.
Bellatrix was curled up on a chair in one corner of the room, staring at nothing as she chewed on her nail. Regulus was in another chair near the table but still away from the group, he sat sideways so he could rest his arm on the backrest to support his head and Remus was standing at the window, looking out of it.
Sirius walked over to him, resting his hands on the windowsill, “Are you okay?” He asked softly.
Remus was startled slightly, before smiling. “Yeah, I just keep thinking about Lily.” He answered, he glanced backwards to Lily and McGonagall who had just pulled out of the hug. “It's not your fault, Sirius. I don’t want you to feel bad.” He said, uncrossing his arms and putting one hand on top of Sirius’.
“I know.” Sirius sighed, he was staring at their hands. He shook his head and snatched his hand away, tucking them into his pockets instead, “What I did was cruel.” He said quickly, changing the subject.
“But necessary.” Remus said, he pursed his lips and turned to lean against the wall instead, looking at Sirius.
Sirius nodded slowly, “I just don’t want her to feel bad. I mean, she held onto her, until the very end.”
“Lily knows. Lily knows everything, I'm sure of it." Remus smirked slightly, "She’ll be okay and I’ll keep reminding her everyday.” They watched as the sun began to set and James sighed, getting up off the table and walking over to the recording room, tapping on the little window on the door.
Peter was playing with a Rubik’s cube he found, but he spun around in his chair when he heard the noise, James pressed his face up against the little window. He blinked at him before raising an eyebrow and James grinned. He put his lips together into a small ‘o’ shape and Peter smiled, he did the same as they whistled their tune.
James put his fist up at the window and mouthed ‘I’ll kill you’. Peter snorted and motioned, ‘wait there’ and faced away before facing back and pulling his fist from his 'pocket', rolling up his middle finger. James laughed before pressing his lips up against the window and Peter laughed too. James put up three fingers and Peter frowned in confusion.
“What are you saying?” Peter muttered.
“It’s been thirty minutes. Come out.” James mouthed back. Peter frowned and waved him off, looking down and focusing on the Rubik’s cube again.
James sighed in disappointment, “Professor, it’s been more than thirty minutes and Peter still won’t come out.”
“I’ll bring him out.” McGonagall said, standing up from next to Lily and walking into the recording room.
“What’s wrong with him?” Barty asked, getting out of his chair and going up to the window, followed by everyone but Regulus and Bellatrix. “He’s fine.”
“He’s completely fine.” Lily agreed.
Alice nodded, “I knew it.”
“Why is he being so stubborn?” James asked.
“He won’t come out?” Sirius asked. James shook his head in return. Sirius came over next to James and watched as Peter stayed seated, McGonagall leaving the room alone. “What did he say? Why isn't he coming out?”
“He said he wants to stay the full hour.” McGonagall answered.
“Then I’ll go in.” James said.
“Why should you?” Alice asked, “If anyone should go in, it’s Bellatrix.” They all turned in a line to face her.
Bellatrix glared at her, “Why should I?”
“He’s only in there because of you.” Alice argued, walking towards her. Lily went forward and held her arm back.
“What did I do?”
“Like you don’t know.”
Regulus frowned at Bellatrix.
“Was it wrong to suspect him?” Bellatrix asked, sitting up straighter in her chair. “You did too, every last one of you.”
Alice pursed her lips and looked away, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t suspect him.” James said.
“Me neither.” Sirius added.
“I don't look down on him the way you do.” Alice argued.
“Why are you picking on me?” Bellatrix asked.
“You’re the only one acting this way.”
“That’s enough, Alice.” McGonagall said, Alice sighed and spun around and Lily smiled sympathetically at her. McGonagall sighed too and walked over to Bellatrix, she leaned over so she was eye level with her, “You remember your promise, yes?” Bellatrix looked up at her. “That you’d apologise after thirty minutes.”
“Yes.” Bellatrix murmured.
McGonagall stood up straight and crossed her arms, “Well, it’s been thirty minutes.”
Bellatrix looked up at McGonagall, “Fine.” She looked over and everyone was looking at her, the disdain obvious on almost all of their faces. Bellatrix inhaled before standing up and going into the room.
Peter glanced back to check who it was as she walked in before rolling his eyes and looking away again. Bellatrix looked at the window, Evan’s arm was on Barty’s back and the two of them ducked down. Frank was leaning on his arm against the window but moved his hand to cover his face instead. James stared at her expectantly and she fumed.
“She’s going to him.” Barty whispered, she put her hand into her pocket before walking over to Peter.
“Oi.” Bellatrix called out, but Peter didn’t turn to face her, “I’m talking to you. Are you ignoring me?”
Peter snorted, “Are you starting a fight again?”
“They’re talking. It’s looking good.” Evan whispered back, snickering. Frank squinted at them, trying to read her lips while Remus looked at them curiously.
“Why didn’t you answer?” She asked.
“Unless you’re here to apologise, get out.” Peter said, looking away.
Bellatrix scowled at him before smiling sweetly, “How’s your cut?”
“You don't care.”
“Let me see.” She said, walking over and grabbing his hand.
Barty snorted and put his head down while Evan suppressed his laughter, his cheeks puffing out. “She grabbed his hand, oh my god.” Barty whispered. Regulus stood up out of his chair and approached the window, watching the two of them intently.
Bellatrix took her handkerchief out of her pocket before moving her body to cover his hand from the window and Regulus’ eyes widened. There was a bit of blood on the cloth as she pressed it to Peter’s cut, patting it. “I suspected you because the situation called for it.” She explained. “And I was really mad earlier. I’m still mad now.”
“Is Peter into that?” Evan asked. Barty looked at him before bursting into laughter.
“I have no idea.” Sirius answered. Lily and Alice giggling slightly.
She dropped his hand and put the cloth back in her pocket. “You know I’ve always looked down on you, right?”
Peter looked up at her before closing his eyes and shaking his head, looking off to the side when he opened his eyes again, “It’s fine.” He muttered, “It’s all in the past. Let’s go.” He said, looking towards the door.
“What’s fine?” Bellatrix asked, eyebrows raised, head tilted to the side. “You deserve to be looked down on. Squibs aren’t even supposed to be in public schools with us and you somehow snuck in. And you dare push me?”
“You fucking…” Peter swore, standing up and facing her.
Bellatrix raised her head to look him in the eyes, “You thought I’d apologise?”
“They’re gonna kiss.” Barty whispered and Sirius and Evan erupted into laughter.
Alice had a small smile, squinting her eyes at them. “No way, they hate each other.”
“Everyone’s taking your side.” Bellatrix continued menacingly, “And I was cornered because of a nobody like you. Stay the full hour. I hope you never come out.” She sneered before turning around and walking out, muttering, “Damn squib.”
‘They’re coming, they’re coming.” Evan said excitedly, him and Barty got up and started clapping for Bellatrix as she came out. “How nice was that! What-“
Peter came running out behind her and Barty, Evan, James and McGonagall all reached out to hold him back. “Peter!” James yelled.
McGonagall frowned at him, concerned. The rage was evident on Peter’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t believe you, you fucking…” Peter was rendered speechless as everyone else watched in fear and confusion. Bellatrix stood a few steps in front of him, glaring at him.
Sirius, Remus, James and Lily brought Peter over to a chair on the other side of the room and all listened as he ranted angrily about what she said, the sun setting completely behind them. “Why do I always have to take it?” Peter muttered, kicking at the floor.
“Did you really say that?” McGonagall scolded Bellatrix.
Regulus moved back into his chair in the corner, his eyes fixed on Peter. Barty, Evan, Alice and Frank stood beside McGonagall. “I did nothing wrong.” Bellatrix answered.
“You only think about yourself. You told us not to let our friends in and you said to close both the doors and the windows before they came in.” Alice said angrily, “That’s not right.”
“We almost died because Peter let the history teacher in. But none of you said a word about that.” Bellatrix retorted. Peter sighed exasperatedly and tried to get up but Remus kept a hand on his shoulder.
Instead James turned and walked over to Bellatrix, “He didn’t pull him in. He didn’t know what would happen.”
“That’s enough.” McGonagall said loudly at James, “Everyone just be quiet.”
“We’d be quiet if she was gone.” Alice said back.
Bellatrix dropped her head down and sighed, “Whatever.” She said softly, looking back up. “You’re all so annoying. What if I’m right? Then will you admit I saved you?”
“Why are you like this?” James said, shaking his head in disbelief, walking back over to Sirius.
Bellatrix glared at him before looking past him and smirking slightly, “Look. See if I’m right or wrong.”
Frank immediately turned his head to look Peter’s way, before everyone else slowly did too, Sirius next to Peter put his hand in front of Remus, pulling him away. Remus’ eyebrows raised as he took a shaky breath, “Peter…”
Peter frowned at him before feeling the blood drip from his nose to his mouth, he brought his hand to his nose to check where was bleeding from. He looked down at his hand before lifting his other hand, both of them were shaking.
McGonagall took a few steps forward and the four behind her plus Bellatrix all moved behind her, Bellatrix was white with fear, “See? You still think I’m wrong?”
The veins on Peter’s hands were becoming more and more visible as his whole body began to shake. His vision went hazy, only seeing red spots, he stood up, facing the group at the back, wobbly on his feet with bloodshot eyes. “What’s wrong with me? Something’s wrong with me.” He mumbled. Everyone started shuffling backwards but Remus went closer to him.
“What the fuck.” Remus swore, “What’s with you? It’s not true.”
Bellatrix began panicking, “Get rid of him. Get rid of him now!” She yelled, pushing at Evan in front of her, who pushed against her.
“No, I-“ Peter said, taking a step towards them.
“No stop it, Peter, don’t.” Alice said quickly, stopping him and them all taking another step back. “Don’t do that.” She said sadly.
Remus stopped next to Peter, turning to face him instead of them. “Fuck, I’m not!” Peter yelled.
“I’m sorry, Peter.” Alice choked out, tears on her face with her hand around Frank’s arm. “Please don’t.”
“I’ve turned, haven’t I?” Peter looked down at his hands again, “Remus, what do I do?” He said shakily.
Remus shook his head, “No. No, it can’t be. Why would you…” Sirius walked forward to grab his arm and try to pull him back but Remus flung him off angrily, “Let go! For fucks sake Peter, it’s not true. Why would you suddenly…”
Lily shuffled backwards behind James, tears in her eyes. Bellatrix continued to stare at Peter with an indecipherable expression. “You weren’t bit.” Remus said, shaking his head in disbelief, taking another step towards him, reaching his hand out to hold Peter.
“Stay away. Don’t come any closer!” Peter shouted, shuffling backwards away from him, bumping into the wall next to him.
Remus lowered his hand slightly and stared at him in shock. Peter’s neck jerked to the side with a painful crack and Remus’ face dropped. Both Sirius and James behind him winced, James was crying, his face scrunched up as he dropped his head onto Sirius’ shoulder and Sirius looked off, his jaw tightly clenched and blinking rapidly in an effort not to cry.
Everyone in the room was watching sadly and Bellatrix looked around in disbelief. “What are you doing? Tell him to get out. We’re all going to die!”
Hunched over, Peter lifted his shaking hands over his head, “Fuck, why am I…”
Bellatrix shakily exhaled before running for the door and removing the tripod which was jamming the door shut. “Get out. Get out!” She screamed.
“Shut up! Fuck!” Peter yelled, shaking his head violently as he ducked down further. “I’ll leave. I’ll leave on my own.” He said tearfully, standing up a little straighter. “Why would I bite you? We’re fucking friends.” Remus stood emotionless in front of him. “If I leave, it’ll all be fine.”
Regulus had stood up from his chair and faced Peter but tears were streaming down his face too. Alice was crying into Frank’s shoulder as he blinked away tears. McGonagall walked closer to Peter, next to Remus. “Peter,” Her voice trembling, her eyes glassy, “Why don’t you go back into the recording-“
“What will you do if we all die?” Bellatrix called out from the door.
“Bellatrix!” McGonagall screamed.
“We have to live.” She said stubbornly. McGonagall closed her mouth and her jaw twitched, trying to keep from yelling at her. Peter took a shaky step toward the door and McGonagall stood back, extending her arms to block the kids behind her.
Peter could barely walk as he trudged towards the door, relying heavily on the table, shaking and sobbing. “I’ll get out of here on my own. I’m sorry.”
Remus turned around slowly, watching sadly and Sirius lifted his hand up to wipe his nose. James picked his head up from Sirius’ shoulder, “Peter.” He called out.
Peter made it to the door and leaned against it, but he couldn’t turn around to face him. “It’s okay.” He took a shaky, short breath, “Thank you guys, for everything. Stay alive. Okay?” He grabbed the door handle and went to open the door but stopped when he heard people snickering and giggling.
“Are you alright, Peter?” Someone asked tauntingly.
Someone else laughed, “That idiot.”
He turned around and everyone’s eyes had turned white and they were all staring at him. No one was crying anymore. “Why are you doing that?” He asked, “You’re scaring me. Stop that.” He lowered himself to the floor, sobbing, “Stop it. James, why are you doing that?” He was frantically kicking his legs and flailing his arms as he pushed himself backwards onto the door. “Stop it! Stop it, please! I’m scared!”
Bellatrix was staring at him in fear as his jaw opened wide and made the same awful groaning noises as the other zombies, he laid on the floor, his bones cracking and he finally transformed. He stood up at the end, screeching. James walked towards him, flinging Sirius’ hand off his shoulder when he tried to stop him.
Peter charged right for one group, narrowly hitting Evan. Barty moved forward and pushed Peter back into the table. Peter hit the table and fell over before scrambling back up. Barty picked up a keyboard and Peter growled at him again before he stopped and looked to the right.
James had climbed onto the windowsill and crouched there, whistling their tune. He held onto the frame with tears in his eyes, waiting for Peter to come to him. Peter ran forwards, leaping up at him, as he did, James flung himself onto the rope and dangled there. Peter flew out the window, falling into a patch of grass on the front lawn. James swung back around onto the windowsill again and watched Peter get up and run off.
He stood there, lip trembling and more tears spilling out of his eyes. Once Peter was out of sight, he dried his eyes with his sleeve and stepped off the windowsill. Barty ducked his head down onto the table, Evan rubbing his back with a hand over his mouth. Alice flopped onto a chair, feeling weak in the knees and Frank ran his hands through his hair, face puffy.
Sirius and Remus both collapsed to the floor, leaning against the wall, Lily stood next to them, with her face buried in her hands. Bellatrix had her eyes on the group, lips tucked in and Regulus was glaring at her. McGonagall looked around at the group helplessly, shaking her head.
* * *
The room was eerily quiet, Sirius and Remus were still sitting on the floor, their backs against the wall with Lily asleep on Remus’ lap. Alice had fallen asleep on a chair, her head against the wall opposite them. McGonagall was sitting on a chair right by the window and James was looking out the window. Bellatrix was on a chair at the end of the table and Regulus sat across the table from her.
Frank, Barty and Evan were at the table, Evan asleep with his head down and Frank handed a roll of toilet paper to Barty, blinking slowly, fighting sleep. “Peter, that little punk.” He said, sniffling, “He was such a good kid.” He tore off a square and scrunched it up, wiping his tears. “Why did he have to turn?”
Bellatrix sighed and rolled her eyes, “I told you. He was infected.”
“Are you happy?” Barty asked, his voice strained.
“You were all wrong. Only I was right. What if you didn’t have me?” Bellatrix asked, arrogantly.
“Oi.” Regulus finally said, glaring at her. Bellatrix turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. “Maybe you did it.”
“Excuse me?”
Regulus stood up and walked around the table, stopping a bit in front of her. “I saw what you did.”
Bellatrix also stood up and faced him, “What? What did you see?”
“You did it.”
“I didn’t do it.” She yelled back, “I didn’t do that to Peter.” Bellatrix’s yelling caused everyone around the room to start waking up. Both Sirius and Remus looked over at Regulus and James tore his eyes away from the window.
Evan woke up and sat up straight, “What are you talking about, Regulus?” He asked, looking between Regulus and Bellatrix.
“I didn’t do it.” Bellatrix repeated.
Regulus tilted his head, “While we were all looking at him, you were in the back alone.” He pointed at the broomstick in the corner of the room, “You wiped that blood with your handkerchief, right before McGonagall made you go in.”
James and Sirius both looked at the broomstick, it was the one they had used to fight off the zombie that almost came through the window earlier.
“No, I didn’t.”
“You rubbed that on Peter’s wound, didn't you?” He said, his voice was calm but there was a sneer on his face as he spoke to her.
“I didn’t.”
He took a small step closer, “The handkerchief is in your pocket.”
“So?”
“Take it out.”
“No.” Bellatrix responded shortly.
“Take it out.” Regulus repeated, lifted his hand out in front of her.
“I said, no.” She pushed his arm away and James walked a few steps closer.
“Should I take it out?” He asked, when she didn’t respond, he grabbed her skirt pocket, Sirius raising his eyebrows in shock.
Bellatrix fought his hand off, “Who the hell do you think you are?” She shouted. “Does being the classroom president make you special?”
Regulus slapped her across the face and Frank stood up almost instinctively, eyes widening. “Since when have you considered me your classroom president?”
“Regulus, that’s enough.” McGonagall said, walking over to them. “Do you realise what you’re saying? If that’s true, it means Bellatrix killed Peter.” Lily covered her mouth with her hand while Alice gasped.
“It’s true.” Regulus said immediately. “Bellatrix killed Peter.” He said again, louder.
She finally looked up again after being slapped and she glared at him as she took the handkerchief out of her pocket and threw it at him, it falling to the floor. “You fucking cunt. There you go, satisfied?”
He picked it up and looked at it, “There’s blood on it.”
“I wiped Peter’s wound.”
“This is Peter’s blood?”
Bellatrix tilted her head, “Can’t you tell?”
“Then put it on your wound.” He said, holding the cloth out to her knee, where there were two scratch marks. “Wipe your wound with it if you’re so sure.”
She gulped, “Like his blood is clean? He became a zombie.”
Regulus threw the cloth on the floor angrily and walked right up to her, “He was fine until you wiped his wound with your handkerchief.”
“Bellatrix you absolute-“ James said walking over to him, Sirius stood up and held James back before he could get over to her.
“Fuck! It wasn’t me!” She yelled, crouching down with her knee up and grabbing the cloth. She held it above her cut, but hesitated before wiping it on.
Everyone peered over curiously as she looked at them from the corner of her eye. McGonagall crouched down and grabbed her hand, “Don’t do it. Stop it.” She said, Bellatrix tried to wrestle out of her grip. McGonagall grabbed the handkerchief with her other hand and the two of them stood up as Bellatrix flung her off.
“Leave me alone! Fuck!” She yelled. McGonagall backed away, frowning, “I’ll just die too, then. That’s what you want, isn’t it?” She sighed and looked off, licking her lips as her eyes welled up, “What makes Peter better than me?” She said, her voice unsteady. “That dirty squib pushed me.”
McGonagall gasped quietly, “Bellatrix, you didn't…” She said, her voice thick.
“Did you do it?” James asked, Sirius’ arm still around him, “Did you really fucking-“ He started fighting against Sirius and Remus got up to hold him back too.
“Calm down.” Remus yelled back, trying to keep James from attacking Bellatrix.
“I didn’t kill him! For fucks sake.” Bellatrix screamed. “Peter fell. He got back up and ran. He’s still alive.” Sirius, Remus and James were all holding back tears as they glared at her angrily. “He didn’t die. He turned.”
Lily stomped her foot, stepping in front of them, “Are you kidding me?” She yelled out.
“Why are you all picking me?” She shouted back. “You all laughed when I said he smelled. You all made fun of him too. Why are you acting innocent now?”
James finally broke free of Sirius and Remus, or maybe they weren't holding him back as tightly anymore. He ran forward and shoved Bellatrix backwards, causing her to fall into the wall. “Stop it.” McGonagall demanded, pushing his arm back.
He panted, trying to calm down, glaring at her. “You murderer.” Bellatrix looked up, tears streaming down her face.
“I have no friends.” She choked out, “I don’t need any of you. Fuck this.” She sniffed once before standing up, opening the door and walking out.
“Oi!” Evan yelled out, running over to the door. McGonagall beat him to it, she rushed over to close the door before blocking it with her body. Evan ran his fingers through his hair in disbelief.
“Guys.” McGonagall said, holding back tears, “No matter what happens, don’t die.” She shook her head, grimacing, “And don’t let anyone else die. If you cause someone else to die,” She continued, shakily, “Living becomes meaningless. Okay?” She smiled at all of them one last time, before turning around and leaving the room too, closing the door behind her.
Sirius ran forward, “Professor! Professor!” He shouted.
“Sirius, don’t go.” Evan called out, pulling his arm back.
“She left.” Sirius choked out, pinching the bridge of his nose as he started crying, sitting on the table. Evan stood in front of him and rubbed his back gently. Lily plopped down onto a chair and held her head as she cried, Alice turned away from everyone else to wipe her face dry.
James stopped crying and he inhaled once, “Fuck!” He yelled angrily, turning to the side and punching the filing cabinet in front of him repeatedly.
Regulus took a step back away from him, tears were welling up in his eyes as he looked around helplessly.