A/N: Yes - I know what you're going to say to me.

All those empty promises of writing another chapter, but starting a new story instead.

Not updating for four months.

And neglecting his or her readers, which is possibly one of the worst things an author can do.

I'm sorry.

I didn't want to write FanFiction. I didn't have time to. I doubted my own writing skill.

But I stumbled across my story again while poring over other works in FanFiction and discovered it was.. good. A little sentimental, maybe, but still.. good. And I felt the urge to finish the cliffhanger, to finish this story, no matter how many chapters it took or how many flames I got.

I'm determined to finish this story.

(I hope this wasn't too sentimental for you.)

~Chapter 11~

"Mum? You look like you've seen a ghost!" Eileen looked over at Harry, who was probably reflecting her own worried look. Both Lily and Severus gripped the table, their hands pale, worry lines criss-crossing across their faces. They looked faint, and Lily whispered, "After all those years of trying to protect them from magic.." Severus nodded wordlessly, and put a hand on her shoulder.

Meanwhile, Harry glanced at the letter, his expression implying that he thought that the letter would burst into flames any moment. When it didn't, he let it slowly drop to the floor, and looked to his parents for explanation.

"Well, I'd like an explanation from you lot because I don't believe in this magic rubbish for one second!" Eileen shouted, her eyes flashing. She had worked so hard to take her mind off her real father, she had worked so hard to console and comfort her mother, and she had worked so hard to help the family along, but now the whole balance was being tipped by this single letter. Eileen did not want her family to be given in to some make-believe hogwash about as reliable as palm reading - unless, of course, they believed in that too.

"Lily, you don't have to tell them if you don't want to. They could stay secluded - and more importantly, safe - from magic for the rest of their lives." Severus' coal black eyes bored into Lily's almond green ones, and to Lily's surprise, his eyes seemed almost pleading.

"I know, Severus. But they deserve to know the truth." Lily's eyes softened considerably as she glanced at Severus, then at her children.

"Harry."

"Eileen."

"Magic exists in this world - and magic is what took your father."

Gasping, Eileen stumbled back until she hit the wall. She slid down the wall, still shocked, and cried, "What?"

Harry shook his head, and whispered, "It can't be!"

There was silence, and Eileen felt her heart was turning to ice. A cool autumn wind blew in the open window, scattering the silverware and blowing the letter out of the window.

Finally, Lily sighed, a long, shaky exhale and gripped Harry tightly on the shoulder. "It's true. I'm - sorry that I didn't tell you this earlier. I thought - you would be traumatized too much and - that it wouldn't be worth the pain. I was trying to protect you from the pain that I had experienced. Please. You have to understand - I did it for the greater good!"

Eileen glared, and her voice was low when she asked, "How did he die?"

"W-what?"

"I said," and this time Eileen lifted her head up high. "How did he die? And this time, I want to know the truth - not some lie about a car crash."

There was a chill in the air and a single tear ran down Lily's cheek. "He was murdered."

"By who?" Lily was surprised how nonchalant and monotone Eileen's voice sounded. But Eileen's eyes were filled with tears that ran down her cheek, and Eileen closed her eyes, waiting for the answer.

"I dare not say his name. I was - brave, saying his name instead of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named like most other wizards. But I grew fearful as he became more powerful, and there was a rumor that he was hunting down the Potters. I realized how foolish I was. I wanted to protect you - because there is a prophecy that one of you will be the one to defeat him."

"He died before Eileen was born. He died trying to protect me - and I don't want his sacrifice to be in vain."

Eileen raised her hand - and for a second Lily thought she was going to slap her - but instead Eileen caressed her cheek. Lily hugged Eileen tightly, and put out a hand for Harry to join them. Harry shied away at first, but then gave in to the warm hug, sighing contentedly.

"But what's Hogwarts?" Harry asked, his voice muffled from the hug.

"You'll have to read Hogwarts: A History to find out. But in one word - it's simply.. magical. And of course, the finest school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world," Lily said playfully, while Eileen and Harry grew frustrated at the ungiven information.

"I refuse to let them go."

Severus looked furious and said dangerously, "It was my mission to protect them from the dangers of magic. And now you want to send them to the place the Dark Lord targets most?"

"It will be safe." Lily firmly voiced. "Albus Dumbledore - "

"I have my regards for the Headmaster, but even Albus Dumbledore is growing less powerful with age! There is no guarantee that Hogwarts will be safe anymore. Lily, listen to reason!"

"I am listening to reason. You seem to be the exact opposite of it." Lily loftily responded.

Severus was shocked for a split second, then hissed, "Fine, but don't expect my help, Mudblood."

Lily was seemingly unaffected, and shouted, "When will you learn, Sev, from your Death Eater ways?"

"Never, possibly. It's one of my greatest flaws." Severus continued smoothly.

"I will protect Harry and Eileen in all ways possible. I heard there was a Potions opening - they would come to no harm while I am their professor." Severus said, while Lily looked surprised.

"Well then, I heard that there was an assistant professor Defense Against the Dark Arts opening. It must be certain that there will be no harm to them.. at all. Is that clear?" Lily took charge.

"Quite."

"Um, Mum? Dad?" Harry interrupted.

"Yes?" they asked in unison.

"The letter flew out the window almost an hour ago.." Harry admitted, shrinking from embarrassment.

Three pairs of eyes glared down at him.