Also written for the Insane House Challenge on Hogwarts. Character: Lily Evans.

Word count: 206

The bit in italics that isn't the rhyme is a flashback. The lines interspersed between the lyrics tie back to the previous chapter.


ii. hickory


The familiar Muggle children's rhyme played on repeat as she tried to fix the broken music box, annoyed that magic was proving to be useless for the task.

"Need help?"

She looked up, breaking into a smile when her eyes met hazel ones, scooting over so Remus could sit down beside her.

"You're up late," she remarked as she watched him fiddle with the music box.

"Couldn't sleep."

She eyed him with worry. "Did the painkillers wear off again…?"

He didn't answer, his brows furrowed in concentration as he continued with his ministrations. He sat back a moment later, shutting the lid of the box then reopening it. A little wooden mouse spun around a grandfather clock whose hands swiveled uncontrollably.

Remus frowned. "Sorry, I thought I could fix it."

She reached over with a sigh, but just as she made to close the lid, the rhyme started up again.

Hickory Dickory dock

"Remus," she called, reaching out a trembling hand. "Remus, it's me."

The mouse ran up the clock

Another snarl as hazel eyes flashed crimson.

The clock struck one, the mouse ran down

"I'm sorry," she sobbed, backtracking as the beast approached.

Hickory Dickory dock

"I thought I could fix you; I'm so sorry."