Extraordinary (Sign it Series; BOOK 2)

Chapter 53

Maddy knew something had happened when her father arrived at her grandfather's with tear streaks lined up with his scars and bloodshot red eyes. The three were sitting at a little fold-out table playing Exploding Snaps when the door opened, revealing the very distraught Remus Lupin.

Dad! Maddy signed, ignoring the exploding cards in front of her as she stood up abruptly. What happened? Why are you crying?

Remus paused for a moment before holding out his arms. Slightly confused, but knowing what he wanted, Maddy ran over and wrapped her arms around her father's waist. He rested his chin on her head, leaning over slightly to do it, and Maddy could feel a few tears fall on her head. She wanted to ask what happened, who was hurt, or Marlin forbid, dead, but she wanted to hold onto her father for a little longer. Normally, she was content with her disability, but it was moments like this, where she couldn't whisper words of solace to her father, where she wished she could talk. But, wishing would never make it a reality.

"Remus," her grandfather said softly from behind. He was still sitting still, and had a hand on Dari's shoulder, staring at Remus with a look of confusion. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"I'm not hurt," said Remus, not letting go of his daughter. Instead, he picked her up and placed her on his hip, as if afraid if he let go, she'd evaporate into thin air. Remus hadn't carried Maddy in a few years, she was getting a little too old to be carried and the gesture confused her slightly. She wrapped her arms around her father's neck and put her head on his shoulder to comfort him with her presence. "But a lot of people are."

Do you know if my brother's okay? Asked Dari suddenly. Maddy lifted her head slightly to look at her father's expression.

"The battle never left the Ministry," Remus elaborated, "And Simon wasn't there, so I assume he's alright."

Darienne nodded in thought, "Good," she whispered. Is Padfoot okay?

A stray tear fell down Remus's face. Maddy watched it, from the second it had formed in his eye to the trail it made down his face, passing the scars and freckles, until it fell on the floor. She could almost hear the drop echo off the ground. The screams of silence.

"Sirius is dead."

And just like that, Maddy's world began to shatter.

■□~□■

When Simon woke up in the Hospital Wing, it was far more filled than when he had fallen asleep.

"You're back!" he exclaimed, pushing himself up so he was in a sitting position. Ron was in the bed beside him, wrapped in gauze, and the others had cuts and bruises on their faces. The only person not present was Harry. Professor Umbridge was there too, slightly shaky and unable to talk properly. "Oh God, I should've stayed up to make the healing potion."

"Don't talk like that, Simon," Madam Pomfrey said as she came towards his bed, fixing some knick knacks on the side table, "You needed sleep."

"Is Harry alright?" asked Simon, ignoring the healer's words, "What about Padfoot?"

The room sobered up at his words.

"Harry's talking to Professor Dumbledore," said Hermione. She looked like she'd seen a ghost, slightly wide-eyed and terrified. "Sirius—well, Sirius fought bravely."

Simon's jaw slacked, "He's dead?"

The silence spoke volumes.

"Oh Godric." Simon pulled his legs to his chest and stared at the white walls. His mind started to spin a thousand miles per hour as tears came to form in his eyes. He was worried about Maddy, Dari, and Harry, and his own grief seemed dull by the pain they must be feeling. Sirius was Maddy and Harry's godfather, an adult the two looked up to with such reverence, and Sirius had been his little sister's primary guardian while he was at school. To have another parental figure killed? That's a pain no one can fully mend. He had to go help them. "What about Darienne and Maddy? Were they taken too?"