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Chapter Two

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They had not returned.

Luna knew she should not have been so worried. Harry, Draco, they were capable of many things. Hermione was awfully smart and Professor Lupin was a werewolf, he was strong and protected everyone he loved fiercely. He would never let anything happen to any of them if he could help it.

But it was getting late.

Her fingers were growing cold from the chill in the air.

Brushing back a lock of hair, a sigh parted her lips. It was unwashed, greasy, sliding between her cold fingers. She must have looked like a tree nymph now, covered in grime and leaves, standing beside the great pines all around her. The earth magic under her feet was strong in this place and it surged through her. Nothing was coming, they were still safe.

She made to turn away, to let Fred know that all was well, when something surged through her feet. It was oh-so familiar, oh-so wonderful. For the briefest of moments, she thought that perhaps her father—

No.

She choked on the sob. She knew her father was dead, she had felt it, just like she had felt her mother's death. This was someone…

She looked up, through the mist.

Her eyes widened at the sight of the man, just as dirty, caked in mud, and filled with earth magic as she was. He stood, staring at her, his crossbow poised, but his eyes, such a piercing blue, were so startled. She felt as though it was like he had seen a white deer and was entranced by its beauty—she was the white deer. His crossbow dropped loosely to his side.

Luna's fingers twitched against her wand. He was not a bad man, earth magic surged around him, hugging him, telling her he was balance.

More voices caught her attention. She twisted about in alarm. Through the dim light of twilight, she watched as a harrowed group tumbled out of the woods, all stopping before the earth magic man had stopped.

She backed away in alarm at the sight of them. The man with earth magic stepped forward, holding out his hands in a sign of truce.

"Lass, we don mean you any harm." Oh. Oh. His voice was so magical. Luna blinked. She almost did not know what to do. What would her father have done, meeting another person with earth magic like this?

Her eyes though, went to the warm beating light radiating from a petite woman, who was sickly pale, clutching her stomach. She was heavily pregnant. The life within her needed help—she needed help.

"You need water, and food…" She studied them all. "Rest. Fred!" She called softly. "Please go get Sirius, there are people here who need help."

There was a stand-off. Silent. Still. Luna waited, studying the group. Winter must not have been easy on them.

A crack of apparition sounded nearby. Luna felt Sirius' magical signature, along with Ron's and Fred's. Sirius was always easy to feel, he was cold, like ice, the years of his abuse in Azabkan had eaten away at his magical core, making cracks in it that let a draft in. It made her shiver every-time she reached out her own aura to brush against his. He would have been such a powerful wizard, if he had not been sentenced to such a cruel punishment. Now his magic leaked out, uncontrolled, so volatile. It did not make him dangerous, or angry, in fact, it made him peaceful. He could not allow himself to luxury to get angry. She was touched gently on the shoulder and drawn back into the fold of protection given by the three men. Ron's heavy build almost smothered her, so much like his mother, loving, cuddling, friendly. He could not help but radiate the warmth of a fire, it was in his blood.

Her eyes though, kept trailing to the earth-magic man. So much like herself, so much like her father.

"Who speaks for you?" Sirius spoke softly.

A man stepped forward. He was so haggard, they all were, but it was as though something haunted his steps. Luna frowned, drawing on her third-eye. A gold chain linked the man with the pregnant woman, and the young boy standing beside her. A family. He was the father and the husband, yet why did she sense such sorrow from all of them?

The boy's eyes were downcast, she could not even see his face from under the large brimmed hat he wore. He must have been handsome under it, if his father's worn features were anything to go by.

"I do."

Sirius nodded. "I'm Sirius Black. Luna said you need aid. We have a cabin through the woods, we're held up there for a few nights—we're just waiting for some of our group to return from a supply run, but you are most welcome to stay, though it may be a bit cramped. We have food, and water, if you need it."

Sirius raised a hand. "But please…I only have children with me, so…" he touched Luna's shoulder, "don't try anything. Luna tends to be a good read on people, but, the living are more terrifying then the dead."

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It was a tight fit in the shack, but the added bodies warmed the confines along with the fire and the newcomers sure did seem like they needed the warmth. Luna hummed softly as she boiled the pot of water on the stove, adding more wood to the crackling flames. She turned, studying the lofty shelf and the chipped set of mugs too high for her to reach. She pouted, her shoulders sagging.

"Right…" She pulled out her wand. She made a motion to summon them down but stopped midway through as a voice startled her.

"Need a hand, lass?"

Oh. It was him—the earth-magic man.

Luna turned. She smiled. He was still dirty, he still smelt of the pine forest, and of coiling magic leaking up through his boots. She doubted his crossbow missed its target very often, the earth simply would not let it miss.

"Daryl," he offered. "Daryl Dixon."

"Luna Lovegood." She chimed brightly in return. "Could you, ah, get the mugs for me." She stowed her wand back in her sleeve.

He nodded and silently reached up, plucking each mug off the shelf, handing them to her, one by one. She checked them, making sure they were clean, before setting them on a tray, adding a teaspoon of coffee. Daryl took the boiling water from the stove and carefully poured it out.

"Haven't had coffee in a while."

Luna giggled. "That's what Sirius said when Draco found it."

"Draco?"

"One of our supply runners, he's out at the moment, with Harry, Hermione and Professor Lupin. He's our other adult."

"Only kids, two adults." Daryl frowned. He looked as though he was putting the information aside for something. Maybe they had all been talking about them, confused as to why there where only just kids and no adults—maybe they had thought it a trick. It would not have surprised her, they all looked as though they would not trust something good to come along.

Luna shrugged. She told the lie Sirius had said to tell, because it was not as if she could say a Portkey had gone wrong. "We were on a school trip. Then shit hit the fan."

She caused a faint smile to touch the man's lips. It must have been something funny. Hermione hated it when she said the phase, but Harry always laughed and rolled around like a little boy.

"Some school trip," he muttered.

"Yeah." She took up the tray. He held the door open for her and she dipped her head in thanks as she took the mugs out into the small living room of the shack. The heat of the fire blazed against her cheeks. She sensed Daryl behind her and watched as he moved around, coming to sit himself nearby the leader-man. Rick. Rick was his name. She had to remember that.

She offered Sirius the first mug and he gave her head a gentle pat, before she quickly trotted around, offering other mugs to those who wanted them. She finally found herself in front of Rick. His eyes were like Harry's eyes—they told the most amazing story. So stormy, so sad, so full of anger and guilt. Just like Harry. She wished dearly that she could just reach inside his mind, brush it all side, and assure him he was not at fault. Just like Harry, Rick smiled wearily, while truly not meaning it, but she was grateful he tried as he accepted the mug from her tray.

"Thank you."

"Would your son like some soda?" Luna piped, looking to Ginny, who beamed suddenly.

"Oh yes!" Ginny jumped up. "We have a few left. I was saving them for Harry, Draco and Hermione when they got back…but I am sure they won't mind!" She dug into her pack, pulling out three cans. She held them out. Three different flavours. Personally, Luna really liked the cherry flavour one.

The young teen, beside his mother, was staring at the cans as if he had never seen them before.

"Maybe, when Draco, Harry and Hermione get back with Professor Lupin, they'll have found more." Luna offered. "And you can have them too!" She wanted to be positive for the young teen, he seemed like he needed it.

He looked as though he did not know what to do with what was offered to him. His eyes shifted to his father, then slowly to his mother before she nodded and he quickly accepted it.

"Thank you."

Luna wiggled down into a seat beside Sirius. "I'm Luna, this is Ginny, the Twins are Fred and George, but good luck knowing which is which, Ron is their younger brother. Ginny is the youngest. They're all red-heads. That's how you know they're a family! The Twins are the oldest of us. Ginny and I are the youngest by a year."

"Oh." The boy blinked. "How old are you."

"Fourteen."

His face brightened into a sudden smile. "You're my age."

"Fancy that." Ginny sat back on the arm of Sirius' chair. "Didn't catch your name?"

"Carl. I'm Carl." He slowly took off his hat, revealing his chestnut hair and pale blue eyes. Luna hummed silently. She liked it when she was right about things—he was quite handsome. "Thanks for the soda. I don't know how long it's been since I've had some."

"Well, Harry is very lucky. He always finds the good stuff." Ginny shrugged. "It's just part of his magic."

Everyone tensed as the door rattled. Luna noticed Rick went for his gun, Daryl made a movement for his crossbow, and even Sirius' wand appeared in his hand but it was just Ron—and—Glenn and Theodore, no—that was not it—the man had said to call him T-Dog. Yes. T-Doggie. Luna giggled. How did a name like T-Dog come out of Theodore? It surely had to be the result of Nargles!

Glenn and T-Dog had offered to help Ron set traps, they had both seemed to see just how tired Ron looked. The weight of worrying about Hermione was bearing down on the Gryffindor's shoulders.

Luna worried her bottom lip, stopping only when she noticed Daryl was watching her. She quickly tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear.

Ron stamped his feet on the mat. "Set up the traps with Glenn." He motioned to the man beside him. "We should be set for the night if Professor Lupin doesn't come back, but I'll keep watch, sir."

Sirius gave a nod. "Thanks Ron."

Ron shifted past the newcomers, planting himself by the window.

It was unlikely Ron would sleep tonight.

Glenn tucked himself down beside his girlfriend, Megan.

Luna was pretty sure, by their very similar auras, that the elderly gentleman Hershel, Megan and the young girl Beth were all related, likely father and daughters. She was glad that families had still managed to stay together. It was hopeful.

Though. Her gaze shifted to Rick, his wife Lori, and Carl, still enjoying his soda—

Lori's aura was off, ever so slightly. She was not sure if it any something to do with the unborn baby, but whatever it was, it was affecting Rick something terrible. Luna narrowed her lips. The strain on the man who must have felt a large degree of responsibility for the group was terribly obvious, but it was ever more so obvious when she looked into his aura.

She wondered if Daryl could see it too. If that was why the earth-magic man stayed with the group, protecting them.

"Is it just you, with the children?" Hershel inquired, breaking the silence.

Sirius shook his head. "I have my best friend, Remus Lupin. Other than that, yes, it's just us and the kids." He beamed proudly. "They've done us proud." He hugged Ginny to his chest. "Brave souls."

Hershel squeezed Beth's leg tightly. His daughter smiled shyly. "Yes, they are brave."

Luna slowly stood. She looked to Sirius. "I'll get some more blankets."

She knew Daryl's eyes followed her into the back room. He would have followed her, no doubt, if she had been too long. She wondered if he realized just how strong the earth-magic in him was, how much it compelled him to protect those he considered family.

He knew. He had to. Because she had always known.

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Three days.

Luna worried her lips.

Three days.

Harry, Hermione, Draco…Professor Lupin…

Three days.

She sat on the front step of the shack, studying the woodland beyond, misty with a carpet of morning dew left over from winter. Jack Frost was still nipping at her nose. Tears, they wanted to trickle down her cheeks, but she could not let them—she dared not let them.

Inside she could near the newcomers beginning to rise. Carl was nice. He was beginning to smile a little more and he talked to Ron. If the Twins could not make someone smile, then Ron could, with his kindness and he gentle soul. Anyone who was Molly Weasely's son could make someone feel warm and welcome.

The shack door squeaked open.

"Worried for your friends?" Beth was every bit Hershel's daughter Luna thought. Hershel made her very comfortable, and he was always telling the most wonderful muggle stories from his black book, which she thought was something important to him. Beth had the same comfortableness about her. While her aura showed things had not been easy for her—not in the least, for her beautiful white glow, so much like her fathers, was tainted with spots of brown for inking depression. Her soul had been cracked, only for it to be gradually pieced together by the family she had gathered around her.

Luna smiled at the girl. "Yes. They are very dear to me."

"I worry for my friends to, when they leave." Beth folded her arms behind her. "We just can't show it to them."

"No. We can't."

Beth eased down beside her on the brick steps. "I'll sit with you, if you like."

Luna nodded. "Thank you."

It must have been about an hour later when the figures of Daryl and Glenn appeared through the trees. Luna scrambled up, running down the steps, toward the earth-magic man and his friend. From the open doorway of the shack, Megan came out, along with Rick.

Luna skidded up to Daryl. "Did you find anything?"

"A lot of Walkers." Daryl frowned. "Might not be safe much longer." He glanced to Rick and Sirius.

Luna tugged on his wrist. "Harry?"

"How long have they been gone now?" Daryl queried.

"Three days." Luna piped. "It shouldn't have been so long. They were only going down the road, to a general store. Just for supplies." She glanced away. "They're never this long."

He nodded, turning toward Glenn and Rick. "Me and Glenn, we should check it out. It'd be best to know about the Walkers anyway."

Luna's head snapped up. "I'll come!"

Sirius held out his hand. "Now Luna—"

"Professor Lupin won't know if they're with us. You know how protective he gets. What if they're pinned down in some horrible little room and can't get out? Merlin forbid, Sirius, the full moon is only a few nights away, what if they're out longer than that!"

Sirius' hand dropped. He sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"I'm entirely equipped for these situations. Harry and Draco taught me too."

"She's right, Sirius." Ginny pressed. "And they'll need her if anyone is wounded. Draco won't be able to heal everyone, they'll need potions, Luna's our potion girl."

"Fine. Fine. But I swear, you apperaite back here the first sign of trouble. Promise me." Harry's godfather crouched down, setting his hands on her shoulders. "I couldn't stand to lose any of you."

Luna nodded. She swung around to face Daryl with a beaming smile. "I'll get my potions bag!"

With a skip and a hop she swept into the shack. Finally. She was going to be more useful!

"Potions?" Glenn's voice called out. "What potions?"

She heard Daryl's soft laugh as she vanished into the cabin. He knew. None of the newcomers knew, but the earth magic man already knew. She had the feeling he had known the moment he had laid eyes on her.

He knew she was a witch.

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"So…a witch." Daryl's voice was so soft, yet craggily from the cigarettes he smoked. She could smell one on his breath right now. "My mah was a witch."

Luna cocked her head around. "What type?"

"The worst." He shrugged. "The bitchy sort. She left us."

"I'm the best sort." She twirled about.

His smile was so faint, it lingered on the edges of his lips.

Silence crept between them again. Only the sound of their feet upon the road. Glenn came running back toward them, he shouldered his gun. "There is a sign ahead indicating the direction of a general store, so there must be a small town nearby but there is evidence of a horde coming through."

Glenn shifted his gaze to her briefly. She knew what he was indicating.

They might have been caught up in the hordes movement through the area. She could only hope not.

"Let's keep going." Daryl motioned with his crossbow.

Luna continued to skip on ahead, the comfort of the two men's eyes freeing. It had been a long time since she had felt able to freely skip down a road, perhaps it would be a good thing to have more people to travel with.

According to the quick tempus she cast, it had taken them almost two hours to walk to the general store. Upon seeing it, a small amount of anxiety lifted from her shoulders, though she was not sure why. Daryl's hand settled on her shoulder. The strength behind the grasp caused her to stall and she eased behind both men, letting them take the lead. It was likely Sirius' warning about her life was just as much in their mind as it was in hers.

"Someone's been here." Glenn motioned to the open door.

Daryl silently motioned to a run-down blue van. Its door was open, supply boxes sat around it. Someone was indeed here. But—but why—why would Harry have not come back sooner to tell them. Luna squeezed between Daryl and Glenn, clutching her wand tightly.

"Luna."

She heard something heavy thud on the ground nearby and spun on her heels. Harry was crouching beside a bin, that had been pushed up beside a wall. Had he climbed it? It did not matter. It was Harry! She ran, arms out.

Harry swept her into his arms. "Thank Morgan Le Fay." He breathed against her neck.

"Where have you been?" Luna pulled away.

"You wouldn't believe the time we've had getting back here." Harry set her back down. "Hermione! Draco!" He called out. From within the general store excited footsteps echoed. Hermione was the first to burst out, followed closely by Draco.

Luna giggled as she was gathered into more arms.

"Luna. Sirius let you out?" Hermione muttered.

Luna pouted.

Draco rolled his eyes. "She is quite capable of looking after herself."

"Thanks, Dragon," Luna whispered. "What happened? You've been away three days?"

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "There was a horde that came through, but we met another one fleeing from it and we had to take a detour back around. Then the bloody van broke down."

"Harry, language," Hermione piped.

"Whatever." Harry snorted. "On the plus side, we broke down near an old-folks home, got some meds!" He held up his bag. "Draco was ecstatic."

Luna giggled as Draco pulled a face. She had a hard time imagining Draco ever actually looking ecstatic about anything, but she supposed it was possible. She tensed, sensing Daryl's approach. Harry's eyes widened slightly, his wand snapped out. She flung out her hand, stalling the over protective hero.

"Don't, he's with me!" She stepped back, bumping into Daryl's waist. His hand seized her shoulder. His jolt of earth-magic calmed her sudden, jittering nerves. It would have been awful for Harry to start a fight, but he would have. Harry was terribly over protective of anyone he loved. She had a feeling he and Daryl would get along on that level.

Harry raised an eyebrow, lowering his wand just slightly.

"This is Daryl Dixon and that's Glenn Rhee. They're part of a group that met up with us a few days back. We came looking for you."

"Seems we've grown a bit." Hermione muttered, "Good thing Sam decided we should double back to get more supplies."

"Sam?" Luna blinked.

"Yeah." Hermione nodded to the nearby garage. "We met up with a couple here a few days back. Sam and Skyeola. They've just been wandering about so we joined forces. Skye and Professor Lupin are trying to get another car up and running so we can get more supplies."

Glenn looked to Daryl. "I should help out."

Daryl nodded. "Glenn's good with cars."

"That'd be awfully helpful. Skye and Remus look as though they're about to give up." A voice called down from the roof of the general store. Luna looked up, unable to contain her smile. So that was where Harry had been, on the roof. A young woman had her legs dangling over the side of the roof, looking about to lunge down, onto the old bin. Harry panicked suddenly, running toward her.

"Sam! Don't you dare."

"Oawe, I'm fine."

"I keep telling you," Harry shouted, "you shouldn't be taking such risks."

The woman made the leap. Harry threw up his arms and Luna bit her tongue, holding back the laughter as her friend stormed around in annoyance as the woman climbed down from the bin. She flicked his nose playfully.

Hermione shook her head. "Harry keeps having hissy-fits at her. Haven't seen him act this way since Ginny did her ankle in."

Luna frowned. She opened her inner eye, studying the petite woman as she approached them, laughing at Harry's antics. Her eyes betrayed her weariness, and her age, despite her size. She was not as young as she looked from afar, even in the ripped skinny jeans, flared skirt and leather jacket butted up against the spring chill. It was her aura, though, that gave it away—the reason why Harry was acting hero-mode.

Luna popped her lips.

She was pregnant.

Harry must have known. No one else did but Harry.

Luna shook her head. Typical Harry. Daryl's hand on her shoulder tightened again and she looked up at him, his eyes were studying the woman too, and she wondered if he could tell. It was probably likely. Glenn held out his hand. Sam took it before stepping back and bowing.

"Korea?" Sam asked.

Glenn rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. Japan?"

Sam nodded. "Yup. Husband's a bit of a blend though, Ethiopian and Indian, but he's only known America. Who is tall, grubby and handsome?" She jutted a finger at Daryl.

"Daryl Dixon." Daryl inclined his head.

"Semyueru Maz, but please, call me Sam." She waved her hand toward the garage. "The boys are in the garage, trying to fix up the landrover in there. Mind the dead Walkers, we had a lot of clearing out to do."

Draco shuttered. "Awful."

Sam clapped her hands. "Let's keep getting those supplies. Now that tall, grubby and handsome is here, he can take watch. I gather that's fine with you, sir?"

Daryl raised an eyebrow. He gave a nod to Glenn who jogged away with Harry in tow toward the garage. Fixing his crossbow Daryl released Luna's shoulder. "Give a call if you need me."

Luna beamed in delight. She was finally going to be doing something useful, helping Hermione and Draco with supplies. Skipping after them she gave one glance back toward Daryl, standing beside the blue van, his eyes turned to the horizon.

Things were finally looking up for them. They had met good people in a terrible world.

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Sam wiped the sweat off her neck. The sun was getting high, biting down on them. With a huff she tugged her jacket off, slinging it over the vans bonnet. Leaning back on the car she opened a water bottle, sipping the cool contents. It was interesting just how much stuff was left over from the whole—end of the world. They could scavenge for years and still find food, but eventually what they had once cherished would fade.

Like the stupid cars. Gas evaporated inside tanks. There was nothing that could be done about it. Her eyes glanced toward the garage. If fixing the landrover took any longer they were going to have to give up, but if Daryl and Glenns group were as large as they made it sound—then they truly did need the extra large car.

She sighed. The kids had nearly cleared out all of the viable goods in the general store. Doubling back had been a good idea—she hoped—well—Hermione, Draco and Harry seemed incredibly happy to see their friend again and it showed the folks back at their shack were worried enough to send backup.

She stirred from her thoughts as tall, grubby and handsome made his presence known. He thumped his crossbow down on the bonnet of the van.

Sam studied the hunter.

The girl Luna seemed to trust him inapplicably, and it was unlikely she trusted easily going from her nature.

Daryl held out the nut bar. She stared at it in confusion.

"The boy, Harry, he insists you eat it."

Sam snatched it from his grasp. "Damnable child."

"Pregnant women do tend to need to eat."

"He told you?" Sam hissed.

The hunter shook his head. "Some people can just tell."

"Yeah well, thank goodness my husband isn't one of those people. Think Harry is over protective, Skye will never let me out of a bloody-damn room once he knows." She tore into the nut-bar. Truthfully, she had not actually realized just how hungry she was. Now that she had something in her mouth her stomach clenched at the memory of food.

Daryl frowned sightly. "He seems like a reasonable man."

Sam laughed. "You two would get along, being all macho manly men."

He shook his head, lapsing into silence. She ate her nut-bar, humming contently. Upon finishing it, another was shoved into her face and she pouted up at the tall hunter. She would have refused if she had not been so hungry. The tiny, so subtle smirk he wore needed to be kicked off his face.

"How long have you known?" He turned his gaze back to the road and the few Walkers scattered about.

"About three days." Sam shrugged. "I might be, I donno, two months along. I think I'm actually starting to show, but Skye hasn't noticed, cause you know, don't get naked much." She wiggled her eyes. "Sex isn't entirely something you think about these days."

Daryl grunted.

She laughed and clapped him lightly over the head with her water bottle. "Oh come on, you were totally thinking it."

"You obviously thought about it once."

"Once is all it takes my friend." She winked. "Best make sure the kiddies know that, heh."

The garage doors swung open with a clatter, the roaring of an engine coughing and spluttering could be heard in the silence of the noonday. They both turned to watch as the landrover rolled out, Glenn waving from the driver's side, looking chuffed.

Daryl sighed. "Good."

"Yeah, about time. Oie! Kids! Magic time, let's get these cars packed so we can roll on home. Hop to it."

Hermione and Luna leapt down from their seat on the bin, joining Draco and Harry. Swiftly, and much to the awe of Glenn who fired off dozens of questions, the four filled both van and landrover with the boxes of new supplies.

Skye and Remus exited the garage, wiping oil stains on rags. Sam threw them both water bottles.

"Nice job, boys."

Skye sipped his water. "Your mate Glenn is a lifesaver."

Daryl shrugged. "We've been around."

"It's one thing magic can't do." Remus sighed. "Machines. Utterly useless I'm afraid. I do hope you and your group won't mind our…ah…somewhat un-orthodox methods?" He looked to Daryl hesitantly.

"If Glenn's enthusiasm is anything to go by, you'll be fine." Daryl took up his crossbow. "Rick is…uneasy…at the moment, his wife is about to pop with a bub."

Sam felt the hunter's eyes linger on her briefly.

"But I'm sure he'll feel better knowing you folk can help. We had a rough winter. " He moved away, joining Glenn and the kids.

Sam breathed out a tight breath she had not known she had been holding. Remus headed around the van, muttering something about their map and Sam watched him vanish. Skye finished washing his arms and face with his water. She shook her head.

"That doesn't help, hon, you still look like you've got a layer of grit all over you."

Skye grinned. "I'm sexy."

"Yes, you are. Thankfully the population of women competing for you has diminished considerably."

He chuckled and tugged her close. "Sweetie, you never needed to worry."

"I don't know, dead women seem rather interested in eating all that sexy flesh of yours." She smirked.

Skye pressed his lips to her forehead. His long arms smothered her. She was wrapped in a cage of hot sweat, car oil, and the off-putting stench of days-old blood, but it did not matter anymore, she likely smelt just as bad. They fitted together like puzzle pieces. Why was she so afraid of telling him—if this world was different, if they were back before everything had gone to hell, this would have been such a wonderful, exciting moment in their lives.

His parents would have been so happy.

He would have been so happy.

Would he still be happy—

She choked back a sob against his shirt, curling her hands into the fabric. If only—

"Hey…hey…" He tugged away, cupping her cheeks. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head. "Oh, you know, emotional."

He raised a brow. "Hm, yeah, that's a code word for something, I'm sure."

She stamped roughly on his foot. "Yeah, it's code for screw you."

"You have screwed me, numerous times, love."

"Oh my gosh. Skye! There are children—" His lips captured hers before she could protest any more, and she melted like cold butter against his hot skin. Fine. Fine. She was going to have to tell him. He deserved to know.

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With both landrover and van packed they had decided to split into two groups. Professor Lupin, Glenn, Hermione and Draco piled into the landrover, leaving Skye to man the old rickety van. Harry eyed the piece of junk wearingly as the landrover rolled past. Draco gave him a thumbs up.

"Good luck, Potter! See you back home, if you get there! I'll snog your girlfriend for you."

"Shut up, Malfoy, and she isn't my girlfriend."

"All the more reason for me to snog her."

"I'll strangle you, Malfoy."

"Give it your best try, Scar-Face."

Harry heaved himself into the van, smiling at Sam and Luna. Both girl's rolled their eyes at him. There was no way he was going split himself from Sam now, and there was no way he was going to lose sight of Luna either, despite how much he instinctively trusted Skye and the strange man Daryl.

They both seemed very much like him, if he was a muggle, they protected with their lives too. He had no doubt that they would have thrown themselves in front of a Biter to save someone they loved. Which was odd, because Daryl looked like the sort of guy he would have run from once. Harry shrugged it off—the world had changed, all sorts of people came together now, whoever they had once been. Maybe he would even have been friends with bloody Voldemort!

All right, maybe not that far. Harry chuckled.

Daryl slammed shut the van door, tapping Skye on the shoulder and they chugged off down the road, following the landrover into the afternoon mist.

"Finally." Harry leant back, stretching with a long yawn. "What a detour."

Luna hugged him. "I am glad it did not end badly."

"So am I, Luna." He kissed her cheek.

His gaze turned to the rolling forest and his stomach knotted in an uncomfortable twist. They still had a way to go for something to go-badly. He would not rest easy until he was back at the shack, looking at Ginny and Sirius again.

No Biters disturbed their comfortable drive, and Harry was not sure if it was a good omen—or an ill one—he tried to take it as a good sign, that the horde which had passed through had taken the whole swarm of nasty undead out of the area. That would have been nice.

He snorted at his dreaming. Yeah. That was all he needed, for him to let his guard down and get munched on. Arthur and Merlin. Draco would hex him to yesterday if he got himself bitten because he got idle. War Heroes like Harry-Damnable-Potter-Boy-Who-Didn't-Save-The-Wizard-World never let their guard down.

Following the landrover into the tiny clearing that held the small shack, Harry loosened his tense shoulders. The Twins both emerged out of the trees from their hiding spots, followed by a grey haired women bearing a gun.

Daryl heaved the door to the van open. "Carol, everything all right?"

"All clear." She nodded in reply. "We're all fine."

Daryl climbed out, Luna and Harry followed. Skye introduced himself through the open window of the van, motioning to Sam in the seat beside him. "We're stragglers, got picked up along the way."

The woman, Carol, smiled kindly. "Seems spring is the season for it."

Harry almost landed on his rump at the sudden influx of weight that hit him. Ginny. She was in his arms, wrapped around him like a strangling vine. Not that he could complain. He relaxed. Closing his eyes he squeezed his arms around her. Hugging—and touch—it had never been a strength of his—but now he would not know what to do without it.

"Merlin," Ginny whispered against his neck, "I was so worried."

"Sorry." Harry pulled away. "We had a bit of an adventure."

"You always do, Harry." She tittered. He stroked back a lock of her hair from her freckled cheeks. Ginny sunk into his shoulder, collapsing like a loose petal. These little moments, they were what he cherished.

Ron and Hermione were sharing a smothering hug, and Harry watched as the Twins descended upon Draco, causing him to hex them both as they danced around him, but his small smile told a different story, he was happy at the attention they gave him and they knew it. Harry held back the swell of tears. His family was safe.

Thank the Goddess.

Two heavy hands fell on his head, ruffling his hair and Harry looked up into Sirius' face, weighted with lines. He must not have been sleeping the past few nights. Harry bit his lips. He supposed it could not be helped, making people worry, it would always happen.

He let himself be hugged by his godfather. "Glad you're back, pup."

"We've got a lot of supplies, so it was worth it, and we found some friends."

"So did we." Sirius chuckled.

Harry peered around at the group emptying out of the small shack. Daryl was right. The winter had been hard on them, but none more so than the pregnant lady. He winced just looking at her. Draco was going to have his hands full with her. Introductions where given all around, and he filed away names.

Hershel, Maggie, Beth and T-Dog. All so different, yet all so much the same. What a curious bunch. They must have been together for a long time, and survived many things. He tried not to fall into his uneasy, untrusting instinct, wanting nothing more than to protect his family.

They were a family too—that much was obvious—and in this new world, everyone just wanted to be safe, however that meant to them.

"Draco," Harry called out, "we should take a look at Lori." He motioned to the pregnant woman waddling around, between the supplies they unloaded.

Siding up to him Draco held out a hand. "Do you have that book on potions for nutrition? We never reached it in Potions…"

"Ah…" Harry opened his bag, thinking hard for the title. Nothing came to mind. "Hey! Hermione, what's the name of that text book for Seventh Year Potions, the one that goes along with Herbology, you know, the one that belonged to…errr…Neville?"

Hermione called out. "The Value of Plants and Ooze."

"Thank you." With a swish of his wand he summoned the book out of his bottomless bag, flinging it at Draco.

His friend snorted. "Show off."

Harry shrugged. "Without Hermione I would forget everything I have in this bag." He pouted at an alarming thought—if she died—he pushed it aside—such thoughts were stupid. Draco clapped him over the head with the book.

"Come on, you are our cook. You've got a big job to do tonight."

Harry breathed out, nodding at the large gathering all milling about the cars, chatting in excitement. It made him smile, the sight of people, happy at simple things like cans of beans and toilet paper. Yep. The world might have gone to shit, but at least two-ply toilet paper could make it a little better.

Squeezing into the shack that night was quite the interesting endeavour, but the more bodies, the merrier everyone seemed, and the warmer they all where. It was unlikely, Harry mused as he stirred the large pot of baked beans on the stove, that he would ever be able to sleep alone again. He had become so used to company, to the sound of Ron storing, to the bodies of the girls pressed nearby, knowing they were safe because he could feel their presence. Hearing the footsteps of Professor Lupin and sensing his wolf's magic pulsing the closer the full moon grew.

The added company was welcome, despite how jittery he was about Biters noticing the increased presence. He was not the only one who thought about the undead. Daryl, Rick and Professor Lupin were out in the darkness, along with the Twins—and he had a feeling they would be outside all night.

Professor Lupin's wolf was growing stronger as the full moon grew nearer, he wanted to prowl, and it was best to let him do so.

"Is everything all right, Harry?"

He turned slightly as Lori entered the small kitchen. Rick's wife had a gentle smile on a face that was too thin. At first he had thought she looked rather like his Aunt, gaunt and horse-y, but up close he could tell how wrong his first impression had been.

She was gaunt because of the winter, and the strain of the pregnancy on her—and something else too, something sad lingered in her eyes, making her pluck at her sleeves shyly.

"Quite fine, thanks, Lori. If you like, you can check the bread I whipped up. It's cooking in the stove."

"Bread?" Lori gasped. "Really?"

Harry chuckled. He heaved the heavy pot of baked beans off the stove and slapped it down on the tiny bench, letting Lori past so she could crouch and study the bread inside.

"It's not much. I found a few packets of yeast, which hopefully I'll be able to duplicate."

"Wherever did you learn to cook." Lori pulled the tray out of the small stove, admiring the little round buns, which he thought looked more like scones. His Aunt would have been horrified at the state of them if she had been here. Not his greatest ever achievement, but he had to make do with what he had. He wished he had cheese and some herbs, but a transmuted cow did not make milk until it bred with another cow and made a baby bow, so it was a bit useless to transmute a cow from a block of wood. It was still, under it all, just a block of stupid wood that looked like a cow. Magic worked on somethings and not other things—it was so confusing. How did it breed, why didn't it make milk, why couldn't he make cheese from it? Oh, if only he had made it to Seventh Year Transfiguration.

He grumbled in annoyance as he crouched, sorting through the one box of supplies he had allowed to be carried inside. Everything else, other than some blankets and toilet paper had been left in the cars, just encase a mad dash for safety was needed. He thought it was rather a good idea of Rick and Hershel. Showed good planning.

He found the one plastic plate, the one spoon and the one cup he had taken, setting them on the table.

"My Aunt was a terrible tyrant of a woman, hated cooking, but loved the attention that a well cooked meal could get her in the neighbourhood. I had to learn from an early age how to cook." He sighed. "I could whip up a three course meal by the time I was nine. Gordon Ramsey would have been so proud."

He flicked his wand, "Geminio," he muttered the doubling charm, not letting it stop until he had enough of the items for every member in their new large family.

"That was before I knew I was a Wizard, too." Harry looked back to Lori with a smile. "Magic does make cooking a little easier."

Lori shook her head. "Sirius explained there was a whole hidden world we never knew about. Rick didn't believe him until he…he…turned into a dog."

He could not help but laugh at the thought of Sirius turning into a dog in front of Rick.

"I really hope Rick didn't try to shot him."

"Carl was too excited about it." Lori accepted the cutlery, adding them to the tray she held. "Is it something…you can learn?"

Harry shook his head. "Sorry, you sort of have to be born with it. Carl can enjoy the benefits of my cooking though."

"We are very grateful."

"It's honestly no problem." He headed out into the tiny living room, where everyone had once more gathered in the heat of the fire place. "So? Whose hungry?"

Cheers echoed in his ears and Harry grinned. That was a delightful sound. Happiness. He could cope with this horrible world if it had just a little bit of happiness left in it.

He and Lori spooned out the baked beans and handed out the rolls evenly.

Skye heaved himself to his feet. "I'll take some out to the boys on duty, they'll need the warm tucker."

"Thanks." Harry offered the pot and plates to the man. "There are beers in the boot of the van too if they want them. Should keep them happy."

Sam sprung up. "I'll come with you!"

"Sam, it's okay. Stay here, in the warmth."

"Nope." Sam swept to the door. "Those sexy undead ladies I was talking about earlier might come and nibble on you."

"You are insufferable." Skye sighed, but his smile was genuine.

"Yes, but I am your insufferable wife. Now, move it, husband." They vanished out the door and the chill of the night air vanished as it clapped shut behind them.

Harry nibbled on his crunchy bread, wondering if he would ever love Ginny as much as Skye seemed to adore his little, bouncy wife. He glanced over at her, sitting by the fire, chatting to Carl as the boy ate his second helping of baked beans and sipped on his soda. The flames lit her red hair in an incredible glow, illuminating her as if she was a phoenix.

Whatever had happened to Professor Dumbledore and Flawkes? Had they survived? Was Hogwarts still standing. A long sigh escaped him. Sirius rubbed his back gently, comforting him with the fatherly gesture and he leant against his godfather. It was good to be back amongst family. Harry closed his eyes, sensing the exhaustion of the past few days settle over him like a blanket as the murmuring of voices became a lullaby.

Sleep encased him.

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"You should have stayed inside Sam, got some rest." Skye flicked the small torched around, flashing the signal for Daryl and Rick. He set the pot down on the ground and removed his coat, wrapping it around Sam's shoulders. For once she did not protest and leant against him. He gathered her to his chest. She was such a fiery sprite. But he supposed that was the reason why he had been drawn to her. She had been like a spark in the darkness, and had turned into a blazing inferno that had consumed his entire existence. His parents had laughed at him when he had returned from Japan, his only trip overseas, to splutter out that he had found a girl to love.

They thought him cute and sweet and so innocent.

They had not met Sam yet.

When they did—oh—oh how then did they know just how much he had fallen so in love that fateful day of meeting. Truly, if love at first sight existed at all, he was a prince captured by a tiny dragon who stole his very soul.

Sam kicked a few stones lightly with her boots. Her head buried in his chest.

She was avoiding something. She always acted out of character, shy, coy and sweet when she could not speak her mind. Eventually though, she would blurt it out in a rush of words he would have to interpret, some of it would likely be in her native language. She had a habit of slipping back into Japanese when she was worried, or angry, or even happy. He thought it beautiful, albeit a little bit difficult for their conversations.

He hugged her tighter. As long as he let her know he was there, surely it would be all right. That was what his father had always told him—he just had to let her know he was not going to leave. Love was forever or something sappy like that. His old-man had been terribly romantic. He was sure that was why Sam had adored the old fellow.

"Skye…"

"Hmm."

"I ah…have something…important to tell you."

"Hmmm."

"I'm sort of…pregnant."

"Hmmm…what?" He stepped back slightly. "What do you mean sort of, you can't be sort of pregnant."

She pouted in the lantern light. "Oh, fine, I am totally pregnant, are you happy now?"

Happy. His stomach lurched. Was that the word he was supposed to use. What would his father say, what would his mother say—no—no—what—what would he say.

He breathed out. "I love you."

"I know," she whispered. "I know, Skye, but I'm scared. Shit. I'm so scared." Sam covered her face as a croaked sob escaped her lips. She curled against him.

He felt inadequate, useless, pathetic as he gathered her into his arms and gently rocked her. No words came to mind to bring comfort. The world was terrifying. She had every right to be afraid and he could not tell her to be otherwise. He could promise to protect her—but he could not promise fulfil such a promise, and he doubted she expected him to do so. She would never put that pressure upon him.

Out of the forest he watched as Daryl and Rick emerged. They both paused a few feet away and he inclined his head, letting them approach. Rick crouched by the pot, testing the baked beans.

"Still warm."

"Heating charm." A voice piped up from behind them.

One of the Twins appeared suddenly. Which one it was, Skye had no idea. Rick offered him two bowls. He vanished again in a faint crack.

Rick shook his head in wonder. "Amazing skills."

Daryl spooned his beans into his mouth. "Guess she told yeh?"

Skye frowned. "You knew?"

"Some people can just tell." The hunter shrugged. He briefly shifted his stance, causing Rick to go for his gun, but both relaxed as Remus made himself known with a flicker of his wand. Rick passed over another bowl.

Remus sighed in relief. "A good meal, Morgan Le Fay be blessed." He paused. "Sam all right?"

Skye nodded. "Apparently we're going to be parents. She'll be fine in the morning when she's cried it all out."

"I hate you all," Sam muttered against his chest.

Daryl chuckled. "I would get a beer for you, but, no alcohol for you for nine months."

She stuck out her tongue at him.

Daryl waggled his spoon. "Careful, luv, you'll get it bitten off."

"Skye, your new best friend is being a dick. Kick him for me."

Skye chuckled, shifting her gently under his arm, smiling gratefully at Daryl. If anything, a good sparring match of words always got Sam out of her spunk.

Rick's gaze shifted to the shack. His brow furrowing. "We're going to need a better place. We can't stay here. It's not safe. Not for the kids, not for Lori…or Sam. No place for families."

Remus massaged his temples. "The problem is…just where?"

The question sat amongst them in silence. None of them could answer it but they all knew somehow they had to find the solution.

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Luna really needed to pee.
She stared at the ceiling of the shack, frustrated. It was not yet dawn, and everyone in the small living room were all sleeping, but she really, really needed to pee. Beside her Ginny was curled up tightly under blankets, and to the other side Carl was spread out like an eagle. If she moved, she was bound to wake one of them.

But the call of nature was rather loud.

With a sigh she carefully untangled herself from the blankets.

Sure enough, Carl shifted, stirring from his sleep. His eyes blinked and she felt his gaze on her as she stood.

"Are you okay?" he whispered.

She nodded. "Just have to pee."

"Oh…err…right," he murmured.

Luna carefully stepped over Glenn and his girlfriend, making her way to the small toilet off the side of the kitchen. The air beyond the reach of the fire was cold, and it was worse when she sat on the toilet. She shivered, glad she had her wand to light the darkness.

Creeping back toward the warmth, she paused at the door. Carl was still sitting up, obviously waiting for her. He waved. Luna smiled. He was very nice, but his aura was tainted with the bitterness of the scary world. She had no doubt that he would not hesitate to shot the gun he had nearby to protect them—but then again—was it any different than her firing an Unforgiveable to protect her family?

Luna gasped as the door slammed open. Everyone in the living room was awake in an instant as Professor Lupin burst through.

"Sirius! Get up! We have to leave, now!"

"What…for Merlins sake, what's going on?" Sirius scrambled onto his feet.

Professor Lupin ran inside. "We are about to get over run. To many to take down. Get in the cars. NOW!"

Gun fire echoed from outside. Luna froze. Terror shot through her feet. She could not move as everyone rushed around her in a sudden frenzy.

She was lost amongst the mad rush, shoved and bumped. Landing roughly against a wall Luna curled up tightly, hugging arms tightly around her.

"No, no…no…" she chanted.

"Luna!" A hand grabbed her wrist, wrenching it tightly. Daryl dragged her through the shack and out into the dark forest. Biters were everywhere. She struggled, panic setting in. She had to get away!

"Stop, Luna, stop, struggling."

Luna squeaked as she was hauled up around the waist and heaved over Daryl's shoulder. He ran, belting the Biters surrounding them with his crossbow. She clung tightly to his back as the world bounced. He was yelling orders through the fray of blitzing wand light. Draco cut past, dragging Lori behind him. Luna watched as he shoved her into the landrover, spinning sharply on his heels and apperating on the spot, appearing behind Beth, grabbing her arm and snapping back to the car. The girl was half way between a scream before they landed on top of each with Draco cursing loudly.

"Get in the bloody car!" He heaved her off him, shooting a cutting curse at the nearest Biter. "For Merlins sake! Get in!"

Maggie rushed past, pulling her sister in with her. Draco jumped after them.

Luna sensed Daryl jolt her down sharply. They had reached the van. Sam was slamming the door open, ushering Lori and Carl in.

"Where are the Twins?" she shouted.

"They transfigured horses!" Remus called out, "And went on ahead."

The landrover roared to life ahead of them, vanishing into the thick forest. Skye shouted through the window of the front seat of the van. "We have got to go!"

Sirius spat out a consistent string of curses, clearing their path. "Where is Harry…Ginny? Harry!" He looked back toward the shack in sudden panic. Rick joined him, loading his shot-gun.

"Damn it, they both can't apparate." Remus gripped his machete.

Sirius sucked in a sharp breath. Rick charged back down the path without hesitation, toward the shack, and the doorway filled with Biters. Sirius followed him, the glow of curses from his wand filling the forest. Before they even reached half way, the door buckled. Luna cringed at the surge of magic flowing from the earth. Harry was angry. The windows of the shack burst, along with the door. Glass and wooden debris sat suspended in the air for a brief moment, before collapsing as Harry's magic scattered like sparks. Biters surged forward as though called to a flame. Harry and Ginny ran through the open doorway.

Rick fired off rounds, knocking flat any Biters in their path and Sirius ran toward the two. Luna held Daryl tightly. Shaking her head. Even in the pre-dawn light, her eyes caught sight of the Biter, lunging out of the shack. Harry's twisting movement was too slow. He had stepped too far ahead of Ginny to shove her away. The Biter snagged her, roughly, as though she were a doll, and grabbled for her neck.

Her mouth opened in a scream that pierced the forest.

Harry's flung curse shot the Biter back, blasting its head clean off.

Ginny clutched at her throat. Her eyes wide, staring at Harry in a blank, confused state. Blood spurted out of the bite wound as she staggered forward.

Harry stepped for her, his hand out stretched. Luna watched as Sirius snatched him around the middle and apperated in a crack. Ginny dropped, the Biters piling onto her. Luna smothered herself into Daryl's chest.

Sirius and Harry suddenly appeared in the van's back seat, the echoing snap of the apperation's completion causing Daryl to jerk about. Rick swung into the middle seat, slamming shut the door.

"Go! Skye! Go!"

Skye needed no second bidding. The van heaved forward, mowing down Biters.

Harry lurched for the van door. Sirius wrenched him back, smothering him in a bear hug. "Harry, Harry, it's too late."

Luna held back the vomit in her mouth as Harry thrashed about, his magic lashing out in a wild, untamed fury. "Let me go! Sirius! LET ME GO! I have to save her!"

"She's gone. Harry. She's gone. HARRY. You are hurting Luna!"

Daryl's arms pulled her away from Harry at Sirius' words. She saw Harry's eyes widen at her before he settled back, panting heavily, tears streaming down his blood stained cheeks. He choked on a sob, collapsing into a ball and his magic curled into himself until it was almost like it was not there. Luna burrowed into Daryl's lap, hiding away in his shoulder. Ginny. Ginny was gone. Her best friend was gone. A light, so bright, was snuffed out.

Daryl rocked her gently as she cried, and she must have cried for a long time, for his leather vest grew very wet, and yet he did not seem to care. All that mattered—

Ginny was gone.

Like her mother.

Like her father.

Like Neville.

She clutched closer to Daryl and whispered, "Please, don't ever leave."

His arms tightened.

It was enough of a promise.

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Hope you all enjoyed the second chapter.

Keep well my friends,

Cheers,

KL