Before the Dawn
The night air was cold on her skin. Lily Evans walked down her driveway and up the street as quietly as she could. She knew she wasn't allowed to leave the house, but something about being stuck there for the rest of the summer until school started didn't sit well with her. She knew it was in her best interest that she stayed home, but she was way too stubborn and prideful to listen.
Lily pulls her jacket tighter to her body. This was the coldest Summer they had had in years, but this was ridiculous. She could see her breath. Of all nights to have nowhere to go, this had to be the worst one ever. Lily got so caught up in how much she despised the situation she almost didn't hear the footsteps behind her.
Almost.
In a matter of seconds Lily's wand was drawn and pointed at the heart of the person behind her. The constant reminder of how much danger she was in made her testy and on edge. "Who are you?" She questioned, "Why are you following me?"
The person stepped out into the light from a street lamp. Lily immediately lowers her want, but doesn't leave her defensive position.
"I told you to leave me alone." She says, her voice cold.
"Come on, flower," The man taunts, his voice deep and alluring, "how could I stay away?"
"How do you even know where I live?" she exclaims, astonished. He chuckles lowly. Lily's skin breaks out in goosebumps.
"Easily, Lily," He whispers, taking a step closer to her. She raises her wand towards him again.
"Don't get closer," She commands. He smiles.
"Relax, Lily. I'm not going to hurt you." He says with genuine concern. He walks slowly towards her, one arm outstretched. Lily watches the man place his hand on hers and lower her wand arm gently.
"I know, Regulus." She whispers his name so soft, its a wonder how he was able to hear it. She places her wand back into her hand bag silently, her eyes never leaving his. He steps towards her until their noses are almost touching. Regulus intertwines his fingers in her hair.
"I'm glad you dyed your hair back. The black was too harsh on your beautifully pale skin," He whispers in her ear, remembering earlier that year when she rebelled against Dumbledore, and Potter's control.
Lily stood there, breathless. Regulus takes his other hand and caresses her face. "I've been watching, waiting for you to leave your house." He says, never looking away from her eyes.
"It's not safe here," she breathes.
"You're worth it."
He pulls her towards him and kisses her passionately. She pulls away after a few moments and stumbles backwards.
"I told you to leave me alone months ago! I don't want to be involved in what you've gotten yourself into!" She resumed her defensive position.
"You told me yourself, Lily. You'd rather die than be a slave to the good side!" He yells, insulted.
"I was FIFTEEN, Regulus! I was still sneaking out and snogging you in stairwells! Do you think I knew what I was saying?" It wasn't entirely the truth, she hated being told what to do all the time, but she also didn't want to run away with a death eater!
"Please, Lily. We planned this for 2 years... Every secret meeting, every stolen glance, every tender kiss..." He trails off. "Didn't it all lead up to this? Being together, despite everything that goes on. I love you, Lily Evans... Lily... Lily Black." Regulus dropped to one knee. All Lily could do was stare as he pulled out a ring.
"Regulus..."
"Lily Evans. I love you. I'd give up everything if it meant I could be with you."
Tears begin to pool in Lily's eyes. "But where will we go?" She sobs.
He smiles. "Is that a yes?"
"I... I..." Her heart breaks at the sight of him kneeling there, so loving, so broken. "Yes."
"Yes," he repeats. "Yes..."
"Yes!" She yells, and hugs him. They embrace.
"Come with me. We must go now, before anyone finds us."
And the apparate into the night.