Episode 5
There were zombies running right at them, Dorcas and Pandora shot as many as they could with their arrows, leading the group at the front.
“Stay away!” Marlene screamed, jabbing her broomstick into a zombie.
Narcissa cried as she helped Marlene, “Shit. We’re not gonna go to heaven now.”
“We’re alive,” Marlene said back, “This is heaven.” She pulled the broomstick out and stuck it in his neck instead, instantly killing him. He finally stopped fighting and fell to the floor.
Dorcas shot an arrow right over Marlene’s head and killed a zombie that was running right at them and Pandora shot the last one in front of her, clearing the hallway. She ran over to McGonagall’s classroom and looked in, there were only zombies in there and they all ran for the door.
She slammed the door and looked at them through the little window, none of them were her brother. She grimaced, shaking her head sadly before joining the group again.
* * *
“In some countries, they are sadder when adults die than when children die.” Regulus said. “And in others, they are sadder when children die.” He stood by himself, facing away from the window. The others were gathered in a group near the window, looking at him curiously. “Which do you think our country is?”
Barty looked behind him at Frank, before frowning, “What do you mean?”
“When kids die, you lose hope.” Frank answered, “When adults die, you lose their wisdom. Hope and wisdom. Which do we value more?”
“What?” Barty asked, still confused. Evan rolled his eyes with a small smile as Frank sighed.
Regulus turned around at the sound of helicopters flying past, “Those have been flying around since yesterday. If they wanted to save us, they would have. And even if they do come, we won’t be the first to be rescued. We’re not that important. We’re just students. Nothing more.”
Lily wrapped her arms around Alice’s waist from behind, leaning on her shoulder and Alice smiled sadly, patting her hands. Remus sat in the chair in front of them, looking down at his hands. James and Sirius still hadn’t returned and he was worried about them, one more than the other he wouldn’t lie but still, extremely worried.
After about ten more minutes, James finally came back. “James!” Barty called out, nearest to the window since Regulus had moved. Him and Evan helped James in before Barty peered outside, looking for Sirius.
Evan let go once James was on his two feet again, “Are you okay?”
James walked further into the room, eyes wide with fear. Lily and Remus ran up to him.
“Where’s the phone?” Lily asked.
“Where’s Sirius?” Remus asked at the same time. James didn’t answer and Remus exhaled a quick breath, pushing past them to look out the window. “James…” He said, turning around, “Where is Sirius?”
James turned around to face him, “We got separated in the teachers’ office.” He said sadly, “He’ll be fine.”
Remus’ face fell. “You got separated?” Barty asked, “Fuck.” He looked out the window again, Frank joining him.
“I’m sorry.” James said, “For coming back alone.” Remus nodded slightly, looking downwards.
* * *
Dorcas and Pandora shot another two zombies down the hallway of the library. Marlene peered into the window, the bookshelves had fallen over and everyone inside was a zombie. “Shit.” She sighed, closing her eyes. “There’s not a single normal one. They’re all zombies.” She said, turning to Pandora.
“Hey! In front of you!” Narcissa shouted.
A zombie turned the corner into their corridor, “Fuck! Shoot it! Quick!” Dorcas already had her arrows ready and shot it in the neck, it collapsing to the floor.
Marlene sighed again, “We’re going to die before we find your brother.” Pandora frowned sadly at her, before looking at Dorcas. She had reached backwards, counting the arrows in her holster.
“Let’s go, Dora.” Dorcas said softly. Pandora pursed her lips before nodding once, Dorcas led the way out and the rest of them followed.
The four of them continued forward, going into the infirmary and Pandora quickly closed the door, “Ugh, seriously-“ Narcissa started, Dorcas turned to glare at her and Marlene covered her mouth with her hand, glaring at her. Marlene took a few more steps forward and prepared to open the curtain, Dorcas positioned her bow and then Marlene ripped it open.
Narcissa groaned in relief when the shadow turned out to be just a jacket on a coat hanger. They all breathed a sigh of relief as Pandora and Dorcas lowered their bows. “I told you we should have stayed put.” She muttered. “It’s crazy to think we could find her brother. And just as crazy to have followed her. I told you-“
They began searching the room, ignoring Narcissa’s complaining. “Cas!” Pandora called out.
Dorcas turned around, “What?”
“There’s a computer.”
Dorcas and Marlene both ran over, “Quick, turn it on!” Marlene said, “Post on Instagram or Twitter for help.” Pandora sat down at the chair and fixed the desktop into its original position, turning it on. She logged onto Instagram but the website immediately crashed.
“The cable’s connected. Why won’t it work?” Narcissa whined, fixing the wire on the back.
Pandora was spamming the mouse, “I keep refreshing, but-“
“Try the phone.” Dorcas said, hitting Marlene’s arm to get her attention and pointing to the other side of the desk.
Marlene nodded, dialling emergency services. The line only beeped in return, she hung up the phone. “Fucking assholes.” She muttered, “They cut off our phones and internet.”
* * *
Remus was standing at the window by himself, trying to hold back his tears. “What do we do?” Lily whispered to Alice, “Remus really… cares about Sirius.”
James looked over at them, raising an eyebrow. “I thought Remus liked Sirius.” Alice whispered back.
“How do you know?” She asked, eyes widening.
Alice shrugged, “I don’t, I’m just guessing. It’s kinda obvious.” James frowned at them before going over Remus, Remus quickly wiped the tears off his face and looked away.
“I’m sure Sirius is fine.” James said, “You know how fast he is.”
“He never listens to me.” Remus murmured, “He just always has to go against me. I told him not to go, but he insisted.”
“I’m sorry. I should’ve brought him back.” James ducked his head down, sighing sadly.
Remus sighed too, “Where do you think Sirius’ is?”
“I reckon he’s hiding somewhere safe.” James answered. They both watched as more helicopters flew by, Remus’ eyes immediately lit up.
“Frank.” He said, leaving the window and going to him, “Didn’t you say your science club made drones?”
Frank looked up, “You want to look for Sirius using a drone?”
“Can’t we?”
“We can,” Frank assured quickly, “But it’s in the science lab.”
“We can go get it.” Remus frowned.
“How can we get there? It’s full of zombies out there.” He pointed behind his shoulder, turning his head slightly to look out the door.
Remus pointed at the rope, “That.”
Frank’s eyes widened, “You want me to climb up using that?”
“The science lab is filled with zombies too.” Lily added, frowning at Remus.
“There weren’t any in the supply room.” He responded, “Right?” He asked Frank.
“That’s true, but…” Frank turned away slightly, avoiding eye contact.
Remus scoffed, “We have to find Sirius. Right now, we only have each other, and when has Sirius ever not sacrificed himself for us.”
Barty and Evan exchanged guilty looks at each other and Frank pursed his lips. “It would be good if we had a drone.” Regulus spoke up, “We can find Sirius and see how things are outside. We could even be able to send a message asking for help.”
“That’s all good, but who would go?” Alice asked.
“I’ll go.” Remus volunteered. “I can climb ropes and it was my idea anyway.”
James stepped forward next to Remus, “No, I’ll go.”
Remus turned to him, “You already went to the teachers’ office. You can’t keep putting yourself in danger.”
“The drone wasn’t completed, so we need a few more parts.” He deadpanned at the both of them, “Do you know what to get?” James narrowed his eyes in thought, Frank turned to look at everyone else in the room, “I have to go anyway. I’ll go with Remus.”
“No.” Barty called out, “I’ll really go this time.”
Evan glared at him, “You can’t go. You’ll die climbing up that rope.”
“I climbed down the rope just fine, but I’ll die if I climb back up?” Barty asked.
“Yes.” Evan answered, no hesitation. Barty sighed and sat back down, “There you go, good boy.” He joked. Barty deadpanned at him, then put his head down on the table to hide his face.
Remus shook his head at them, “Come on Frank, let’s go.” Frank nodded and stood up, going to the window, Remus turned around to follow him but James grabbed his wrist.
“It’s too dangerous, Remus.” James said, “I’ll go.”
Frank tried to jump onto the windowsill but banged his knee instead, groaning loudly as Alice snorted. Remus looked down at where James had grabbed him and raised his eyebrows, James dropped his wrist and Regulus’ eye twitched.
“Thank James, but I don’t want you to be in danger either.” Remus drawled. Frank had pulled a chair to the window and climbed up on that before getting to the windowsill.
“I’m going.” He called out. He grabbed onto the rope and stood up, “I’m going.” He repeated shakily. He started to climb up and Alice, Remus and James all approached the window.
Alice held the chair stable as Remus climbed on, James held the rope steady for him. “Be careful, Remus.” Lily called out. Remus smiled at her.
“Come back safely, Lupin. I mean it.” James said, raising his eyebrows sternly, Remus had to hold back a laugh, “I’ll be watching from here.” Remus nodded at him before standing up and climbing onto the rope.
Lily approached the window too and looked out of it with James, “Do you really think everything is okay out there?” She asked.
“I’m sure it is.” Alice answered, smiling reassuringly at her. “The soldiers and the police are there. I just want to go to my dad’s factory again.” She said softly, her eyes welling up with tears.
“You said you hate the smell of leather.”
Alice rolled her eyes, “I do. It’s just been so long.” Lily snorted but wrapped her arms around Alice nonetheless, patting her shoulder as Alice quickly wiped tears from her eyes.
James continued to watch them, even when they were no longer in view. Alice and Lily had gone to sit down again and Regulus went up to him instead, “Have you thought about that?” He asked softly.
“About what?” He asked, not looking down.
Regulus inhaled, putting his hands onto the window, “What if everyone turned and we’re the only humans left?”
James blinked at him a few times, “No way.” He replied, looking back up again.
“What if that were true?” Regulus asked again, looking straight out the window and not looking at James’ jawline which could literally cut glass or at his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down with his neck stretched out.
“Come on,” James said, smiling at him, “Don’t think like that.”
“It means we’re the minority.” Regulus replied, “And minorities always go extinct.”
James sighed and stood up straight, “I’m sure we’re not.” Regulus turned to look up at him.
“But what if we are? Could you endure this?”
He frowned, looking down at his feet, he turned to the window again. “I don’t know.” James replied. “But I don’t want to become a zombie, they don’t recognise anyone. Then…” He shot a quick glance at Regulus before looking away again, “I wouldn’t recognise you either.”
Regulus smiled involuntarily, immediately looking away out the window. He shook his head slightly and stopped smiling, turning to James who was still looking out the window, “I have a favour to ask for if I do get bit.”
“No.” James replied, looking away from the window and at him. “Don’t get bit.”
He smiled slightly, looking downwards, “If by chance-“
“No. Don’t get bit. You can’t.” James said, not a trace of laughter, “Don’t even think about it.”
* * *
Remus and Frank made it back up to the science lab and walked across the windowsill to the window of the supply room, entering in that way. “The drone and the case are there.” Frank said, once they were both in the room, pointing to the back of the room.
“Okay.” Remus replied, going to the back while Frank gathered the rest of the parts he’d need. He packed the drone into the case and then put the case into the backpack.
Once they had everything packed up, they each had a backpack and began going down again. Remus went down first, Frank stood anxiously at the top, watching him. “Be careful. Take your time.” He called out, “Hurry up. Hurry up, Remus.” He muttered quietly to himself.
Remus made it back into the recording room and Frank immediately climbed onto the rope, going down. Remus took the drone out of his backpack and laid everything out on the table. Frank made it down successfully and sat down at the table, he added the parts the drone was missing.
Lily and Alice had written, ‘help, we’re in the broadcasting room in hogwarts high school.’ On a piece of paper which Frank stuck it to the bottom of the drone.
“Does it work?” Barty asked Frank, he connected it to the battery pack and switched on the controller.
Frank nodded, “I think it will.” Frank put on a pair of goggles that showed where the drone would be flying and what it caught, using the controller he was able to get the drone to get up.
Everyone watched as the drone messily did a lap around the room, Barty ducked down as it flew over his head. “Holy shit, that thing’s fast.”
“I’ll take it outside after I find Sirius.” Frank said, “If I find rescuers outside, I’ll land it in front of them.” He moved it to fly out the window.
“Wait.” Regulus called out, everyone turned to look at him, “They say when people confirm their situation is hopeless, they truly fall into despair.” He said warningly.
Alice and Lily looked at each other fearfully and Barty frowned, “That’s a cool saying… but what does that mean?”
Evan exhaled and Regulus deadpanned at him, “It means…” He started slowly, “Even if the entire world has turned into zombies, let’s not despair.”
“I see,” Barty nodded, “So that’s what it means?”
“Regulus,” Remus said, “It’s best to have a plan and act accordingly, but we’re not all top students or as smart as you. Being logical isn’t necessarily being human.”
“We should be logical in crisis situations.” Regulus replied.
“Right now, we need hope more than logic.” Lily said, stopping Remus from arguing back. Regulus nodded slightly, frowning and looking down.
Barty scratched his head, “I think flying that is what we need most right now.” The room looked over at him and he ducked down next to Frank, “Go on.”
“Here I go.” Frank said. He flew it out the window and everyone gathered around the small screen that showed what the drone was seeing, Barty placing his head on Evan’s shoulder, claiming he could see better.
The zombies inside the classroom ran up to the window as the drone flew by. “Oh my god, everyone’s turned.” Lily said, breathlessly.
* * *
“I wouldn’t have studied if I knew this was going to happen.” Marlene groaned, “I can’t take the final exams anyway.”
Marlene and Narcissa had wrapped their arms up for protection, but Narcissa used an entire roll of gauze for herself. Dorcas was now doing the same but using significantly less, Pandora was in the corner, tightening the string of her bow.
Marlene found a bandage in the cabinet and sat down at the table, using the mirror to stick it to a cut on her forehead. “I’m never studying again, damn it.”
“Can you please be serious in serious situations?” Narcissa asked.
“I’m very serious right now.” She looked up at Pandora, “What are you gonna do? Are you gonna keep looking for your brother?”
Pandora sighed and shook her head, putting the bow down and taking the roll of gauze from Dorcas, starting to wrap her arms. “The archery training centre has an emergency phone.” Dorcas said, sitting down on the infirmary bed next to Pandora. “It connects to the hospital automatically.”
“Really?” Narcissa asked.
“Yeah,” Pandora answered, “We got it installed in case there were accidents.”
“What if it doesn’t connect? The phone and Internet are dead.” Marlene said.
Dorcas shrugged, “It doesn’t matter. That’s where all the arrows are anyway. I have less than 20 left. We need more if we want to leave the school.”
“I think-“ Narcissa started.
Marlene nodded at Dorcas, “Okay, let’s go. We’ll go to your training centre and get your arrows. Then let’s go home or to a supermarket. You know, in zombie movies, the ones that go to supermarkets always live the best.” She searched in the drawers of the table, “They have cigarettes too.”
“I think-“ Narcissa tried again, since Marlene finally stopped talking.
“The dumpsters are below these windows.” Pandora said, pointing right at the door, “I think we should jump down rather than use the stairs.”
Marlene stood up from the chair, “Okay. Let’s jump.” She walked to pick up their broomsticks, “Falling from the third floor won’t hurt as much as failing to get into university.”
“Let me get a word in.” Narcissa said angrily.
“Pandora.” Dorcas said, “Go down first and shoot any that come running.”
Narcissa stared at her in disbelief. “Okay.” Pandora replied.
“Then you two go down and help him. Dorcas continued.” I’ll cover you in the hallway and go last.”
Marlene nodded at her. “What did you wanna say?”
“Let’s just stay here.” Narcissa answered. “The adults will come to rescue us.”
Dorcas stared at her, “You can stay if you want. But I don’t trust adults.” She and Pandora went to the door and prepared their bows.
Marlene smiled after her. “Damn it.” She sighed happily, “That bitch is so my type.” She muttered, she turned to look at Narcissa, raising her eyebrows at her, “Come on, hurry up.”
Pandora threw open the door and they both shot a zombie on each side of the corridor. Dorcas prepared another arrow as Pandora opened the window and jumped out, landing on the roof of the floor below them, she walked across the roof and jumped again, landing on a patch of grass.
“Look out behind you!” Marlene yelled once she ran out the infirmary and over to the window.
“Move.” Dorcas said to Marlene, she shot her arrow out the window, hitting the zombie for Pandora since she hadn’t recovered yet.
Narcissa climbed onto the windowsill and her eyes widened, “Oh my god. Why is this so high?”
Pandora waved her hand at Narcissa to signal it was clear to jump. “Jump already.” Dorcas said.
“Okay, okay! I’m going.” Narcissa shifted a bit more, exhaling shakily. Dorcas rolled her eyes and pushed her, screaming as she fell. Marlene’s jaw dropped as she did and she immediately climbed onto the window, jumping with no hesitation.
Dorcas shot one last zombie that was running at them before climbing onto the window and jumping too.
* * *
The drone made its way around the school, “There’s no one in the infirmary.” Evan commented.
“Frank, go somewhere else.” Barty said, not taking his eyes off the screen. Frank nodded and flew the drone into the school, catching a zombie who had an arrow sticking out of her chest.
“Wait, hold on.” Evan said, “Is that an arrow?”
“Where?” Barty asked.
“This.” He pointed at the girl.
Barty nodded, “Oh yeah, it is an arrow. Why?”
“My sister. She had a competition today.” His eyebrows knit together and his lip quivered slightly, Barty frowned at him and patted his back gently.
Frank continued to fly the drone into another classroom, “Where the hell is Sirius.” James said, Lily grimaced as this classroom was also filled with zombies. The drone flew out the window and went down another floor, outside the music room.
“It’s Sirius!” Remus said, “What room is that?” He quickly asked Frank.
“Sirius!” James yelled at the screen. Barty got up and looked at the screen again.
“He can’t hear you.” Frank said.
“Oi, Sirius.” Remus yelled.
“I said he can’t hear you.”
James sighed in relief, “Remus, Sirius is alive!” He said, hugging Remus in his excitement. “He’s alive.” Remus froze and James looked over his shoulder at Regulus who was watching him.
Regulus smiled tightly upon making eye contact, before looking the opposite way, James let go of Remus and he raised an eyebrow at him. “Sorry.” He muttered. Remus snorted and they both returned to the screen.
“Where’s he going? “What’s he doing?” Barty asked, Sirius had picked up a table and was taking small steps further into the room. “Look this way! Over here!” He yelled. “Where are you going?”
“He can’t hear you!” Frank yelled back. “Be quiet, you’re gonna get us killed.”
Alice and Regulus both glanced wearily at the door and Regulus stood up to press his ear against the door, to see if he could hear anything.
“Didn’t you say the battery was low?” Alice asked.
“Yeah.” Frank answered, “I couldn’t fully charge it so there isn’t much left.”
“Since we confirmed where Sirius is, let’s look elsewhere. We wanted to check outside and ask for help too.” Alice said, “That okay?” She asked Remus.
Regulus came back from the door and sat down again, Remus nodded, “Yeah of course, I don’t care, do whatever.” He said quickly.
Alice smirked slightly, looking away, “Here we go.” Frank said, he flew the drone out of the school and over the front lawn of the school.
“It’s fucking zombieland out there.” Barty said.
“I think we should look outside of the school.” Regulus told Frank.
James nodded, “Let’s go outside.”
“Okay.” Frank flew over the school and did an overview of the roads.
“Wait.” Alice said softly.
“What is it?”
“Wait.” Alice said again, her voice shaky. The drone flew back a bit closer to the school, she was hyperventilating and a tear fell from her eye.
Lily frowned at her, “What wrong, Alice?”
“Wait.” She cried, “I can’t…”
“What is it?” Frank asked wearily.
“That,” Alice said, pointing at a white truck on the screen, “That’s my dad’s car.” She said, crying. Lily’s eyes welled in tears.
“Which one? The white one? The black one?” Frank couldn’t see where Alice was pointing with the goggles on.
Lily took a deep breath, trying to hold back her tears, “Don’t worry. I’m sure there are a lot of cars like this.”
Frank exhaled a shaky sigh, “Let me check.” He flew closer to the trunk and went to its front window. Upon seeing the people in the driver and passenger seat, Alice started sobbing, covering her face. Lily also covered her mouth and started crying.
Barty ducked his head down sadly and Remus’ eyes widened, looking at the screen, blinking rapidly. Regulus closed his eyes and put his head into his hands, Lily stood up from her seat and turned away, unable to keep looking. James came forward and wrapped his arms around her.
As the drone got closer, the two zombies inside the car started clawing at the window, trying to reach it, causing Alice to cry even harder. Frank ripped the goggles off his head, the drone was hit out of the sky by some zombies and the screen went black.