Run. Run. Run.

The chant in her head grew louder and louder, blaring painfully against the endless torture she had to endure. Past the deserted woodland of the Forest of Dean lies a young redhead in a desperate search for a sanctuary. Eyes wild with panic, she turned her head blindingly fast, glancing at the undergrowth around her. She felt cold, abandoned and surrounded no safe place to go.

They are coming.

Lily Evans acted upon her instinct. She knew that they were closing upon her, a few miles from her standing point. But her body had no intention to move as it was too tired to go on. Against her protesting muscles, she heaved herself off the forest floor and rummaged her wand in her coat pocket. She sighed in utmost relief when she felt the familiar wooden object.

"Miss Evans." A high, cold voice echoed from the trees. Lily almost screamed. It was him. She searched high and low for the source of the voice but found none. It was as if he was watching her without her fully knowing where he was. She shuddered.

"Show yourself, you monster!" Lily recalled all the spells and incantation she learned, desperate for some defense of some sort. A horrible feeling washed into her. No, she was too inexperienced for a duel with the Dark Lord. She wouldn't survive to reach Hogwarts. But she had to try, or die without even trying.

"I know where you are, Mudblood." He sang tauntingly. In some other situation, she would've rolled away laughing uproariously at the weird image of Voldemort singing at the top of his lungs. Everything seemed to slow down. This was real, no laughter, no jokes, only the fear of not escape. His tone was menacing enough that it shocked Lily to the core.

"Leave me alone, Tom!" A risk she had to take. She learned the hard way not to anger the one who has the upper hand but she couldn't resist. It was a diversion to disarm him long enough to run as fast as she could and apparate where she can.

"You dare call upon the name of my wretched father?" He thundered, shaking the entire forest with the force of his cry.

That was her cue.

Blasting a Reducto curse in every direction, she took off in a sprint, not taking into consideration the scrapes she got from branches and roots. Immediately, her mind chanted once again, faster and faster it was a piercing shriek in her ears. Lily feared for her life and her family. This wasn't what she planned to happen. A secret hideaway to seek and leave before she was found was the plan she thought before being a moron and dueling almost every Death Eater alive and being followed by the Dark Lord himself. Lily wondered why she too unfortunate to be the first in Voldemort's mass murder list.

"You can run but you cannot hide. Surrender and be spared." He laughed cruelly. Lily knew that Voldemort never spared anyone. He will kill and kill mercilessly. It was too much for the girl. Her vision was blurry from the tears she refused to show.

Crying would only make the monster happy.

Grasping herself for a desired breath, she stopped for a second and swung herself on the tree branch. She silently thanked all the gymnastics her mum forced her to do during summer breaks.

Lily looked around and almost fainted in happiness. The forest was thinning and she could see the pale moonlight penetrating the thick branches of the trees. She was on the outskirts of the woodland, its area untouched by the anti-apparition jinx. Concentrating deeply, she thought-

"Ah, there you are, Mudblood."

She only had five seconds…...four…...three…...two…...one.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as though it was tasered. But it was more than that. Voldemort's pale, skull-like face was a foot away from Lily Evans. His body was being supported by an invisible force that lets him float off the ground. His bony fingers were reaching towards the auburn hair of the girl-

closer…... ever so closer.

'Hogsmeade…...Please, I need to be in Hogsmeade.' She pictured the stunning view of the village at night. She thought that it was as if it came from a story book she once read. It was beautiful, amazing and...

Safe-and that was what mattered most. Voldemort's fingers picked a loose strand and inhaled deeply. He was nearer to his victim than ever, he knew it. Raising his wand, he pointed it at her nape and summoned the most powerful Killing curse he could utter.

"Avada-"

She was gone with a pop. Voldemort's serpentine eyes blazed in fury.

She escaped him yet again.

But one thing he learned from that Mudblood whore is that good things come to those who wait. His scowl turned into a sadistic smile as he stared menacingly at the place Lily Evans stood before she apparated.

"We'll meet again, Lillian."


James Potter was bored. It was the first day back to Hogwarts for their final year and he was in detention with the Marauders. It wasn't their first detention with their Head of the House, Professor McGonagall. No, they could even notice the tiniest of objects misplaced in her office after hundreds of punishments from pranking and goofing around. After conjuring humungous images of Professor Dumbledore singing in the showers and Professor Slughorn waltzing with Professor Flitwick, much to their amusement, detention slips were given by a very disapproving Professor McGonagall.

"Fantastic! Couldn't she be a darling for one bloody second?" James complained to his mates when McGonagall ushered them out of the cheering Great Hall.

Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew shrugged, unsurprised. Professor McGonagall warned them when they first stepped into Hogwarts that she had a burning passion of hate towards unsupervised incantation and spells in the Halls. And pranks such as the Marauders' were always unsupervised in every way since it destroys the purpose of their secrecy. They passed by the portraits, who were congratulating them for the wonderful Start-of-Term show, and Peeves the Poltergeist, who saluted them in a military manner, and were pleased at their reaction.

"Right then. You are to stay here until the Feast ends. Hopefully one hour of no use of magic could knock some sense to you four." She muttered as she left the Transfiguration room.

"After all the detentions, she could've at least had the brilliant idea it's useless." Peter grinned, beady eyes glinting in the lamplight.

"Don't destroy the hopes of a young lady such as Minnie, Wormtail. She might faint of shock." James snorted as he played with his wand.

"Padfoot? Are you alright?" Remus whispered at the disoriented Sirius Black. His gray eyes were staring far away into the window. James was a bit preoccupied with ranting at everything that has ears and Peter was afraid of Sirius, and waking up from his trance was horrifying for the rat Animagus, so Remus is the one left to wake him. Hesitant, he tapped his shoulder.

"Wh—What? Oh, hey Moony. I'm fine." Then he proceeded to staring out the window, lost in thought. Remus frowned slightly before listening to Wormtail and James banter.

"Hey, Prongs. Have you seen Evans today?" said Peter.

James frowned a little. "Who knows?"

"But I thought you've been writing to her since last year."

"What? And she hasn't sent a Howler back to you?"

"Don't be surprised, Wormtail. I was being civil and gentlemanly towards her so she had no reason to be shirty with me. Besides," He added as a forethought. "She hadn't written not even a small note to me this summer. I mean, what's with that?"

"Merlin, Prongs. Lily wouldn't be Lily if she ever acknowledges your presence. Did you scare her out of her wits?" said Remus.

"I am likeable when I want to, Moony. As a matter of fact, I am likeable to everyone, even Minnie. It's only a matter of time before she joins my fan club." said James as Peter laughed.

"Hold your breath, Prongs. Or maybe not, because you'll die of suffocation."

"Oh, shut it, Moony. If Minnie fancies me, then Evans would too. I just need some motivation for her." said James boastfully.

"And pray tell what is the plan of the Great James Potter?" mocked Remus.

"I believe that space and time works wonders."

"I beg your pardon? Are you saying that you'll leave her alone?" said Remus, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Of-course not! Who in their right marbles would leave a girl he pursued for as long as he can remember?" He started, aghast. "No, I was saying that I'll leave her alone for some space. Be a good mate of hers, y'know."

"Who are you and what have you done to James 'Prongs' Potter?" whispered Remus, staring at James as if he'd grown two heads.

"He matured, I guess." James shrugged.

Remus' eyes bulged. "Matured? Do you hear yourself?"

"My hearing is perfectly fine, thank you very much." He snapped sharply. "Grandma and Grandpa Potter rattled my head and I changed for the better."

Peter gasped. "What kind of change?"

"Oh, y'know. Be mature. No more of the arrogant, bullying toe-rag Evans once kindly said. The good things."

"You mean to say, no pranking?" Remus asked.

"No! That would be mean. We would lessen our pranking to our friends in Slytherin." James wagged his eyebrows suggestively.

Peter pulled out a tuna sandwich and nibbled on it. "Oh, good. I thought even the Slytherins would be spared."

"Spared?" James laughed darkly. "There is no way we'll spare them. Right, Padfoot?" They all turned to look at Sirius, who was still in a trance.

"Wh—What? Oh, yes. Bellatrix and her nasty lot won't know what hit 'em." Sirius smiled half-heartedly and went back to his thoughts.

James frowned. He had never seen his friend so preoccupied, even in their OWLs. See, Sirius isn't the type that worries about everything. On the contrary, he never worries, not when he was kicked out of his family. Not when he found out that his brother Regulus joined the Death Eaters. He was never calm and collected, a personality no one can have the brains and wit to describe the notorious rebel of the Black Family. He is mad most of the time, but that's part of the nature of the Marauders. No, he was carefree and optimistic that it was too annoying sometimes. But Sirius wouldn't be Sirius if he wasn't all those things.

"Prongs, when has he been like this?" Remus whispered cautiously. Sirius did not acknowledge them talking behind his back.

James stared at Sirius for a while before whispering back. "About a week ago—He went out for a while and came back the next day thoroughly shaken. I can't force him to tell me, though I tried. He just wouldn't and I reckon it has something to do with that family of his." James's expression darkened.

"Strange." Remus breathed softly.

Remus was quite certain that Sirius was hiding something. Instead of being annoyed with him, he was secretly glad that he still knows how to hide secrets from someone after being inseparable with James. Besides, he knows firsthand how hard it was to keep a secret and vowed to himself not to pressure Sirius into spilling his privacy.

Suddenly, the doors flew open and in came Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall and-

"Professor Dumbledore?" said James in disbelief. The Headmaster looked entirely different when the Marauders last saw him. His twinkling eyes seemed to have lost its shine and he looked frail and old in contrast to his vibrant purple robes.

"Ah, Mr. Potter. How are your grandparents? I trust that they're well?" Dumbledore smiled faintly.

James stammered, intimidated by the presence of the Headmaster. "Uh-Yes. They-They are doing spectacularly."

"Excellent. How about yours, Mr. Lupin? Mr. Pettigrew?"

"Fine." and "Great." was heard from the two.

Dumbledore turned to Sirius, grim. "Mr. Black, may I speak to you for a moment?"

"You can say it here."

Dumbledore nodded. "I was asked to inform you that she had arrived."

That snapped him out of his trance. Sirius looked up at Dumbledore with a fearful expression. "Arrived? You mean she got out safe?" His voice was croaky and deep.

Dumbledore's expression hardened. "She arrived half an hour past six in the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Madam Rosmerta saw her unconscious near the Whomping Willow and brought her up here."

Sirius stood up, clenching his fists at his sides. The Marauders was astounded at the pure anger radiating from their friend and confused at the fact that Sirius seemed to know the girl.

"You did not answer my question, Professor? Is she alive and safe?" He spat through gritted teeth.

"Watch your attitude, Mr. Black." Professor McGonagall scolded half-heartedly.

Dumbledore raised his hand, not leaving Sirius's demanding stare. "It's alright, Minerva. Mr. Black deserves to know." He faced him with grave eyes. "I'm afraid that her mental and physical capability is at risk."

Sirius gasped in shock. "You mean to say-" If it were possible, he grew stark white.

"Her chances of survival are dwindling, Mr. Black. Her mental stability is weakening from hallucinations and forced control. Her body acquired too much exhaustion and torture it was astounding how one man can sustain it all and still apparate hundreds of miles from here." Flitwick squeaked.

"She may or may not survive the night, Sirius." Professor McGonagall whispered softly.

Sirius's lips went white with shock. James, Remus and Peter were stunned to silence. Even though the identity of the person was unknown, they knew that she was suffering badly. The professors felt guilty for giving such terrible news to sixth-year students but they were approaching the Dark Times. Sooner than later, they'll hear murders and death as they ripen into an old age.

"Can I see her? Please." Sirius grew pale, a sickeningly contrast to his lively dark hair.

Professor McGonagall hesitated. "Madam Pomfrey told us that no one, not even Dumbledore, should disturb her work and-"

"I don't care!" He roared. "I need to see her. She's in danger and it's my fault." He whispered sadly.

One moment, he felt like blasting his professor into smithereens then a second after he looked gaunt and hollow, as if the life was sucked out of him. James wondered what horrible thing Sirius would've done to make him look as guilty as this.

"Come, Mr. Black." Professor Flitwick ushered a pale Sirius out of the room.

"Wait!"

"Yes, Mr. Potter?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

"We need to know who the lady is. She might be our friend too!" James said.

Dumbledore glanced at Sirius, who nodded lightly. "Very well."


The doors of the infirmary were closely shut and large sign Do Not Disturb was posted on the oak doors. Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall and Flitwick made them stay while they talked to Madam Pomfrey, who was adamant of permitting four more people in her infirmary. The Marauders have no problems with it since they too were cautious and scared at what they would find beyond the walls. Instead, they waited outside. James was staring at the doors apprehensively, Peter was biting his nails and Remus was clenching his fists. The only one who was in constant movement was Sirius who was pacing back and forth, muttering nonsense under his breath.

"What was she thinking?" Sirius yelled at the top of his lungs.

"Padfoot! Calm down." Remus chided.

He rounded on him, livid. "How can I calm down? Her life is on the risk, Moony!"

Remus flinched but nonetheless kept up his composure. "Who is inside the infirmary, Padfoot?"

Sober, Sirius muttered, "You'll see her soon." That left no more arguments.

The doors opened and Professor McGonagall went out, teary-eyed. The students never saw the professor show any weakness on her part and seeing her crying left the four in stunned silence.

"Ma-Madam Pomfrey said y-you may e-enter." She sniffed.

The four entered as quietly as they could. A strong whiff of disinfectant and rust went up their noses. But it was soon forgotten as they saw the mess in the infirmary. The sight of the room was gruesome and horrible. There were loose garments soaked in a dark red liquid, which they came to realized was blood. Loads of medical tools were laid unceremoniously on the nightstands. The bunk farthest from the room was covered with white curtains which were also tinted in red. Their footsteps echoed lightly against the marble floor as they walked towards a frazzled-looking Mediwitch standing in front of the cot.

"I warn you now, Mr. Potter, Black, Lupin and Pettigrew, that this is a very grave matter. A life of a student is at stake here. And if you cannot take this seriously, leave out of my sight." She looked at the four sternly.

Remus nodded. "We'll be quiet, Madam Pomfrey."

"I trust you'll be, Mr. Lupin. This may be quite a shock for all of you." She closed her eyes for a moment before pushing the blinds aside.

The patient looked terrible. Her legs were twisted at a painful angle and thousands of bruises and cuts adorned her pale, creamy skin. The hospital nightgown was torn in the midsection, showing a slash on her stomach that was so deep they could've sworn her pink tissues and the ribs were visible already. Her shoulders were dislocated from its socket and her arms looked ravaged by a huge beast, a four-slashed wound that resembled greatly to a claw.

Remus paled at the sight.

James, feeling braver than he ever did, stepped forward and removed the thin white sheet covering the person's face. Professor McGonagall let out a small cry and hung to the bedpost for support. Professor Flitwick squeaked and Professor Dumbledore dropped his head in sadness. Peter fainted, Remus stepped back as if he was stabbed and Sirius dropped down to his knees.

But James did not see the others' reactions. He fell down on the nearest bed, shocked, tired and numb. Only one word escaped his pale and numb lips.

"Lily."

"Is-Is she still-"

"Yes, Mr. Lupin. Barely."


It had been an hour and a half since the professors disappeared behind the curtains. The Marauders tried to eavesdrop but soon found out the Dumbledore casted a very powerful charm against eavesdropping charms. James hated feeling helpless. Once it gets a hold of you, you might do things you'll regret entirely. Unable to contain all his rage and desperation, he blasted the nearest flower vase into pieces. True to words, the professors did not come out after the ruckus. After destroying the last bed unharmed in the infirmary, he felt empty. He raised his wand towards the windows when a hand stopped him.

"Prongs. Stop." Sirius's face peered in into him, void of all emotions.

James jutted his jaw. "You can't make me."

Sirius stared at him sadly. "You're not helping Evans in any way, Prongs. You're making it worse."

James hung his head in his hands. "Why her, Padfoot? Out of all the kind people in the world, why would this happen to a Lily Evans?"

"The world is full of cruelty and injustice, Prongs. Greedy people only want to rise to the top while the others who they stepped on will sink down low. They-"

"Then why can't the tables turn around? It's bloody unfair!"

"It doesn't work that way, James." Remus stood up from his seat and went to James's side. "Anyway, you have nothing to worry about. Lily will wake up."

"Easy for you to say. I saw her face, Moony. It looked disfigured and hit by lots of curses. Did you see her wounds? She even had a large gash on her stomach. How could she survive having those?" James's voice rose into hysterics.

"She is a tough one, Prongs, not to mention brilliant and talented without any effort. Moreover, Lily's not dumb like all the disgraced excuses of a girl you used to date." Peter smiled faintly but he was shaken.

"Thank you, Wormtail for that vote of confidence." James rolled his eyes, but felt relieved.

Yes, Lily was strong and brilliant, he thought. Wounds and bruises don't stop her from doing something she wants.

"Mr. Black," Professor Dumbledore came out, starry robes bloodied. "This was kept safely tucked in Miss Evans's possessions. I assume it was addressed to you." He handed a torn slip of parchment and went inside the curtains.

The Marauders huddled around Sirius, who was gaping at the neat cursive writing of Lily Evans in horror.

Snuffles,

They are coming for me.