Chapter Text
October 31st, 1981
Halloween had always been Mia's favorite holiday.
She cherished everything about it—the costumes, the candy, the excitement of trick or treaters at her door. But this year was unlike any other.
The war raged on, and strict orders from the Order had forced her into a life of seclusion. Now, she found herself sprawled on her living room couch, drowning her sorrows in candy. The weight of the war bore down heavily on her; so many loved ones lost, missing, or in hiding.
When the doorbell rang, she almost ignored it. She wasn't in the mood for Halloween festivities anymore.
Reluctantly, she rose and peered through the peephole. To her surprise, there stood Hagrid. She unchained the door and opened it. "Here for some candy?" she asked, trying to mask her unease. Hagrid wore a grave expression. "Mia, I've been sent by Dumbledore. You need to come with me, right away." Dread washed over her.
Something terrible must have happened. Why else would Hagrid appear unannounced on Dumbledore's orders?
She exhaled slowly. "Okay... What's going on?"
"It's best if you just come with me,” Hagrid replied urgently. Mia hurried inside to change, throwing on jeans and a shirt before slipping into her shoes. She joined Hagrid outside where his pale blue motorbike awaited.
Hagrid usually filled the air with conversation, but now as they flew through the sky, he remained unusually silent. Mia's mind raced through worst case scenarios.
Had the Order been attacked?
Was Hogwarts in danger?
None of her fears prepared her for what awaited at her brother's house.
As they approached, the sight confirmed her darkest suspicions—the door blown off its hinges, wood splinters scattered around.
She couldn't hear anything over the rush of blood in her ears.
"Mia, don't—" Hagrid shouted, but she didn't hear him. She was already sprinting towards the house. Mia's heart pounded as she dashed towards the shattered doorway, Hagrid's warnings fading into the background.
Dread coiled in her stomach, each step heavier than the last. The scene before her froze her in place—a devastating tableau of destruction and loss.
In the foyer, the remnants of a once warm and welcoming home lay strewn about. The air was thick with the acrid scent of magic and burnt wood.
Mia's eyes swept over the devastation, her worst fears crystallizing into a horrifying reality.
There, strewn on the stairs, laid the lifeless form of her brother, James.
Mia felt a surge of anguish and rage, a gut wrenching ache that threatened to overwhelm her. She stumbled forward, her knees weak, reaching out as if to touch him, but stopped short, paralyzed by the enormity of the loss.
They had been inseparable since birth, their bond deeper than words could express. Now, seeing him lying there, his laughter silenced forever...
Tears streamed down her face unchecked, grief gripping her like a vice as she struggled to comprehend a world without him.
Suddenly Mia's head snapped up at the sound of the cry—Harry's cry. The realization hit her like a thunderbolt.
Harry! Was he hurt?
Panic surged through her veins as she scrambled to her feet, her mind racing with a single, urgent thought: she had to find him.
Without a moment's hesitation, Mia charged up the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest. Each step felt like an eternity as she ascended, her fear mingling with a desperate hope that Harry was unharmed.
The hallway stretched before her, doors lining either side. At the end of the hallway, Harrys nursery door was slightly ajar. Mia's pulse quickened as she approached, her hand trembling as she pushed the door open.
There, in the small nursery bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the window, lay a crib. A small figure stirred within—a tuft of dark hair visible amidst the blankets.
Mia's breath caught in her throat as tears welled in her eyes. Relief washed over her, followed swiftly by a surge of protectiveness.
She approached the crib slowly, as if afraid that any sudden movement might shatter the fragile peace of the moment.
As she peered down, Harry's emerald eyes blinked up at her, wide with innocence and confusion. His tiny hand grasped at the air, his mouth forming a silent cry that tugged at Mia's heartstrings.
"It's okay, Harry," Mia whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've got you."
Gingerly, she lifted him into her arms, cradling him against her chest. His warmth and weight grounded her amidst the chaos, a reminder of what was worth fighting for.
Mia's heart shattered as she cradled Harry close, unable to tear her eyes away from the heartbreaking sight next to him.
Lily, once vibrant and full of life, now lay still beside her son.
"We need to go, Harry," Mia murmured softly, her gaze sweeping the room one last time to ensure they were alone. "It's not safe here."
Harry blinked up at her, Mia could only hope that he understood, in his own way.
With a final, lingering glance at the nursery and at Lily, Mia turned and carried Harry downstairs. Hagrid met them at the foot of the stairs, his expression a mix of relief and sorrow as he took in the sight of Harry in Mia's arms.
"We need to get him to safety," Mia said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "We can't stay here."
Hagrid nodded solemnly, his eyes never leaving Harry's face.“To Hogwarts” he said. Together, they made their way back outside to Hagrid's motorbike, the night air cold against Mia's skin.
She settled Harry securely in her arms, her mind swirling with unanswered questions and a gnawing sense of betrayal.
Sirius Black—James best friend, her friend, the one that James and Lily had trusted as their Secret Keeper.
How could this have happened?
Had Sirius betrayed them?
As Hagrid guided the motorbike through the night sky, Mia's thoughts raced back to the conversations she had overheard among the Order members. There had been whispers, doubts about Sirius's loyalty. But James had insisted, had placed his trust in Sirius, convinced of his unwavering allegiance. Now, faced with the aftermath of unimaginable loss, Mia couldn't help but question everything.
Had Sirius been coerced?
Or worse, had he willingly given up James’ and Lily’s location to Voldemort?
The very thought made her feel sick with anger and sorrow. As Hagrid revved the engine and the motorbike lifted into the sky, Mia held onto Harry tightly, vowing silently to protect him with every fiber of her being.
The war had stolen so much from her—her family, her friends, her innocence—but as long as Harry was with her, she would keep fighting.
"We'll find safety, Harry," Mia murmured softly, pressing her cheek against his dark hair. "I promise you, we'll find safety."