A/N: Hey everyone! Chapters are counting down so quickly. I have really enjoyed writing this story and placing it on here for you to read. I wish I had gotten more feedback, but the numbers say a lot. I haven't really got to work on my other fan fics that much, but I swear I will get to them just as soon as everything slows down. With less than two months now before my wedding, I am doing a lot of last minute planning, showers, and everything else that relates to weddings. Not mention upon all of that I am taking a Business Communications class. Well enough about my life on with the story!!!

Chapter 26 - The Imperious Curse

Within a couple of days, Lillian and her friends received an official invitation to the Ministry of Magic. They were astounded that so much was happening. The invitation was simple and read:

You are cordially invited to the Ministry of Magic as our guest of honor. We congratulate you on your discovery and thank you for your hard work and dedication in finding a cure for Lycanthropy.

Sincerely yours,

Cornelius Fudge

Minister of Magic

Dumbledore told Lillian and her friends to keep quite about what went on, but despite everything everyone knew before the end of the day. It wasn't by their mouths that the news got around, but they accepted the praises of a job well done. Not that they didn't get their share of ridicule from those who denied their discovery. That was okay, if they wanted to be in denial so be it.

The night before they were to go to the Ministry of Magic, a dinner was served in their honor. They were given awards for services to the school. Lillian and her friends, however, could care less about getting the awards. What they will treasure was the thank you message from Lupin. He stood up and looked at them from the teacher's table and told them how he felt.

"You children and I call you children because of your youth; you have given me and many others a real gift. Many all over the world have tried to cure Lycanthropy, but have failed. You are young, but you are truly beyond your years in wisdom."

Professor Lupin paused before continuing. Tears flowed down his face. By the time his speech was nearing completion, nearly everyone in the school was sobbing.

"I love you children so much. Ron and Hermione, I know your parents must be extremely proud of you too. I wish you all the luck and happiness for the future. Harry and Lillian, I know your parents are no longer with us in body, but they are with us in spirit. I am sure they are extremely proud of you just as I am. I just really want to thank you on behalf of myself and those that you have given a chance to live a normal life."

Lupin left the stage and came over to them. They stood up to face him. Lupin gave each of them a grateful hug and thanked them again and again. Normally everyone would have gone back to their business, but everyone remained quite and watched every motion that they made. Lupin finally returned to the teacher's table. Lillian wiped away her tears. Her friends did the same. Everyone else returned to eating or talking to their friends. After they finished, Lillian and her friends left the Great Hall. They had a big day ahead of them and they needed their rest.

Lillian, however, didn't want to go straight to the room right away. She told her friends that she would see them a little later. She turned and walked toward the classroom. She tapped the door with her wand and went inside. With a wave of her wand a fire started in the fire place. She sat down on a blanket in front of the fire, her knees up to her chin. She hugged her legs close to her, resting her chin on top her knees and just stared into the fire. As the fire began to warm her, she closed her eyes and just let her fears, sadness, and all other things that caused her shoulders to feel heavy, melt away. Behind her, she never heard the door open and close. She never heard the footsteps approaching her. Only when a hand rubbed her shoulder and a kiss was placed upon her cheek did she realize she wasn't alone.

"Hi, Harry," Lillian softly said. She didn't have to open her eyes. She knew it was Harry by his touch.

Harry sat down behind her and rubbed his hands down her arms and back up to her shoulders. Lillian rubbed her faced against his hand and gently kissed it. Harry took her in his arms and just held her in silence. Lillian relaxed into his arms and just knew that this was something more than just a short term romance. They both rocked in each others arms just feeling the fire that warmed them to the soul. An hour passed before they knew it and as much as they hated to leave the comfort of each others arms and the warmth of the fire they had too.

Before they left the room, they packed their things and readied it for the trip to the Ministry. Lillian put the fire out with a wave and with the potion in hand. They carried on arm in arm up to the Gryffindor common room. It was empty. Everyone else had been gone to bed for quite a while. It had been a long day and everyone most likely was exhausted. They walked up the stairs to the foyer between the boys and girls rooms. Harry put the bag down and took Lillian in his arms. He held on to her as if he would never hold her again if he let go. When he released his hold, he looked deep into Lillian's eyes and gently raised her chin and rested his lips softly on hers.

"Good night," he whispered to her.

"Good night," she whispered back.

Lillian picked the bag up and with another quick kiss, they went to their rooms. Lillian placed the bag beside her bed. Hermione was asleep. Lillian changed into her night gown and slipped under the covers. She felt as if Harry was still holding her as she drifted off to sleep.

The next morning Lillian and her friends awoke earlier than ever. They had a long day ahead of them and they had to get started early. They were excused from classes today, but they would have to study the lessons on their own time, but that was no big deal. Each of them took their showers and dressed in their uniforms and met in the common room. Lillian had in hand all of their supplies. Ron and Hermione gave each other a quick kiss. Harry, however, took Lillian in his arms and embraced her with a long sumptuous kiss. When it was over, they caught Hermione and Ron looking at them in surprise. Both Lillian and Harry blushed slightly, but pretended to not notice their surprise.

Harry picked up the bag and they went to Dumbledore's office. Dumbledore sat at his desk talking with Cornelius Fudge.

"Good morning," said Fudge standing.

"Good morning, Minister," said Lillian. "Good morning, Headmaster." The others greeted them, also.

"Are you ready to go to the Ministry?" asked Fudge.

"We're ready," answered Harry.

"Shall we go then?" said Dumbledore.

They left Dumbledore's office and made their way to Hogsmeade from there, they Disapparated and Apparated at the Leaky Cauldron. Their loud popping sound scared a few wizards, but they quickly went back to their business. Fudge led them out to a car that would take them to the Ministry of Magic.

After receiving their name tags at the main entrance of the Ministry, they traveled down several corridors and passed many offices labeled with different sciences of magic. Finally, they reached the room in which today's events would take place. Several wizards and witches were standing or sitting waiting for their arrival including several reporters. Rita Skeeter was among them, but the quill that she carried these days, told the truth and nothing but the truth. When they made it to their seats, several came over to greet them and automatically began asking questions.

"Come now," said Fudge, "Questions can come later. I have someone here to visit with them."

Lillian and her friends looked around, but saw no one they knew. Fudge walked over to the door and motioned for them in. It turned out to be Ron's family. Mr. Weasley was walking a curiously familiar looking dog which was better known as Sirius. What surprised them the most was Erica, also, came into the room.

"Erica!" said Lillian. Lillian ran to her and gave her a hug.

"How are you?" asked Erica.

"I'm fine, how are you?" asked Lillian.

"I am so proud of you," answered Erica.

"How did you find out about this?" asked Lillian.

"A rather handsome man named Remus Lupin," said Erica.

Lillian glanced at Professor Lupin who smiled at her. Lillian smiled back at him. Lillian would have continued, but Fudge spoke up and said, "Let's begin."

Lillian and her friends sat down in chairs up front. They listened as Fudge and several others spoke about Lycanthropy and other related subjects. Most of it bored them, but they listened intently. When it was finally over, Fudge then invited Lupin to come and speak. Once he was done Harry came up and spoke with them. He told them the story from the beginning to now. Just as his speech was ending, Lillian felt as if something was about to happen; something bad.

Suddenly, she felt something tingle in the middle of her back. She felt a voice in her head that said, "Kill Harry!"

"No," she screamed causing the room to go silent.

"Are you okay, Miss Praisley?" asked a wizard sitting next to her.

Lillian couldn't make herself answer him. She was to busy trying to fight. Someone had cast the Imperious curse on her and she was losing her control. She looked over at the wizard and in her voice, but not her choice, she said, "Harry's got to die!"

Lillian felt herself reach into her cloak and grab her wand. She stood up and took aim directly at Harry. Lillian fought herself. She was unable to keep from firing, but she did manage to knock it off course. It hit the podium instead. She fell to the ground. Ron and Hermione came over to her. She pushed them off so hard, that they were knocked across the room. They hit the wall and they fell down unconscious.

The wizards and witches inside the room either fled from the room or tried to stop her. She knocked several against chairs and others against the walls. Others tried to get Harry and Erica and the other Weasley's out of the room. Harry broke away and came toward Lillian. Lillian turned to face him.

"You have to die," she said and knocked him to the floor.

She put her wand to his neck. She looked into his eyes. Lillian fought hard.

"No, stop it," she screamed at herself. "Harry, help me."

Lillian threw herself off of him. She managed to throw her wand across the room. She, however, went after about as soon as it left her hand. Harry sat up.

"It isn't her," he said grabbing Lupin's shirt as he tried to take Harry out of the room. "It isn't her!"

"What do you mean it isn't her?" asked Lupin.

"She's under the Imperious Curse," he said. "She's trying to fight it. Please, don't let her get hurt. I love her."

"I'll do my best," Lupin said looking at him.

Lupin took out his wand and just as Lillian reached for her wand he cast a sleeping charm on her. Lillian went out like a light. When she awoke, she was alone with one wizard. She didn't know him, but she felt uncomfortable around him.

"Hello, Miss Deneverous," said the wizard.

Lillian stared at him wondering how he knew her real last name. He wasn't apart of the Order of the Phoenix and they were the only ones besides Erica that knew.

"I chose you to kill Harry, but you seem to be stronger than I thought," said the man.

"You won't get away with this," she told him gripping her hands into a fist.

Lillian wished she had her wand so she could curse him into oblivion.

"I'm going to take the curse off you," he said standing up and walking towards her causing Lillian to tense. "When they come back in you will not tell them who did this. If you do just remember my aim is right at Harry."

He took the curse off her and just backed away when the others came back in the room including Harry.

"Lillian?" said a wizard. Lillian looked at the wizard. "My name is Collin Stapleton. Your friend, Harry, tells us that he believes that you were under the Imperious curse, is that true?"

Lillian glanced at the man who had threatened her. His wand was indeed pointing straight at Harry. Lillian wanted to protect him, but she was stuck in the chair.

"I think we are going to need truth serum," said Collin.

Another wizard reached him a small tube full of a liquid. Collin walked over and administered it to Lillian. It took a few moments before it became effective.

"Okay," Collin began again. "Are you or were you under the Imperious Curse?"

Lillian answered, "Yes."

"Do you know who cast the curse on you?" he asked causing Lillian's heart beat to quicken.

She knew the next question he would ask and if she answered it could possible end Harry's life. She had to answer. The potion wouldn't let her keep quite.

"Yes," she said.

"Can you tell me who it was?" he asked.

Tears swelled up in Lillian's eyes. Her heart was at its limit. She began to shake and felt faint, but she would fight it.

"I..." Lillian said and then swallowed. "I can."

"Who is it, child?" Collin asked.

Lillian glanced at the man and then at Harry. "It...it..." she stuttered causing the bad wizard to grip his wand tighter. "It was..." she said on the verge of hyperventilating.

Lillian captured everything in her and stood up despite the things that had bound her to the seat.

"It was him!" she pointed at the man.

The man stood up. "You'll regret that, young lady," said the man.

He pointed his wand straight at Harry's face. Lillian ran and knocked Harry out of the way.

"Avada Kedavra!" shouted the man.

It almost hit Lillian, but missed her by less than an inch. The force she hit Harry with threw her over him and into the wall. Lillian's head hit the wall and spots flashed before her eyes before darkness covered them up. Mr. Weasley came over to Harry and tried to rush him out of the room. Harry scooped Lillian into his arms and carried her out while the other wizards fought to control the dark wizard.

Lillian came around within a few minutes. Her head ached, but she found comfort when she realized she was in Harry's arms and he was safe. He rocked her as the pain left her. When she felt calm enough to talk, she first asked about Hermione and Ron.

"Their fine," said Mr. Weasley. Mr. Weasley was sitting at his desk. "They're on the way back to the school."

"Mr. Weasley," said Lillian. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt them."

Mr. Weasley got up and walked over to her. "Sweetheart," he said, "You didn't do anything wrong. You probably saved their lives if anything."

Mr. Weasley wiped Lillian's tears away and kissed her forehead. "You have become like a daughter to me. Just as Harry is like a son. I love you both and I don't want you hurt or feeling responsible for anything you are innocent of. It is a dark time and those on the dark side will do anything to hurt the ones we love. I am just thankful that all of you are safe."

Lillian stopped crying. She felt proud that Mr. Weasley considered her like a daughter even though he had know her only for a short time.

"There now," said Mr. Weasley. "I am going to go make sure they don't need me. You both stay here until I return. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," Lillian and Harry said.

Mr. Weasley left them. Noise echoed under the closed door. It carried on for nearly ten minutes before finally dying away. They sat in silence so not alert anyone they were in here. It was getting to the point that trust was a rare jewel among the people. You couldn't tell who your friends were and who would turn on you in a blink of an eye. Mr. Weasley finally did return and ushered them out of the Ministry of Magic building.

"Lillian, are you able to Disapparate?" asked Mr. Weasley.

"Yes, sir," answered Lillian.

"To Hogsmeade then," said Mr. Weasley.

Harry went first, followed by Lillian, and then Mr. Weasley. Mr. Weasley walked with them to the school. Lillian still ached a little, but she didn't let on that she did. McGonagall stopped Mr. Weasley just inside the doorway. She had most likely heard the news from the others.

"Professor," said Harry. "Where are Hermione and Ron?"

"They are in the hospital wing," answered McGonagall she said looking over her students.

Once Lillian and Harry got out of view of McGonagall and Mr. Weasley, they took off running. When they arrived at the hospital wing, they paused only a moment to catch their breath before entering. When they did open the door, they found Ron and Hermione sitting on their beds talking to Fred and George. Hermione was reading the Daily Prophet. Rumors had already started flying and Quick Quill Express News was on the ball to report what happened at the Ministry of Magic. They walked over to them and before either of them could say anything, Lillian hugged them both and apologized.

"It wasn't your fault if what I overheard was true," said Hermione. "The Imperious curse, right?"

"Yeah," said Lillian. "I tried to fight it. I swear it, but it was too strong. I have fought it before, but this time it was just too strong."

They went on to tell them of what happen from the point that they were knocked unconscious. Lillian was in tears before they were finished. Harry took Lillian and made her face him.

"Lillian, none of this was your fault," Harry said looking her straight in the eye. "It could have happened to either of us. We may not have been strong like you. If it had been us...someone could have died."

Harry pulled Lillian close. Ron and Hermione came over to them as well. They all just held each other until they heard the door open. Professor Lupin walked in carrying a small sack. He spoke a minute to Madam Pomfrey before coming over.

"Are you alright?" asked Lupin.

"We're alright, professor," said Hermione.

"What happened to the man who...?" asked Lillian, but was interrupted.

"He was arrested," answered Lupin. "He was one of the ring leaders of Voldemort. We found the mark on his arm. They gave him a truth serum and he revealed information that will be of great help to the Order. Now that is enough about that, I came here to give you these."

Lupin opened the bag and pulled out four medals and reached one to each of them. Lillian looked down and read hers. It read:

"We herby award this medal to you, Lillian Rose Deneverous, for your hard work and dedication. You have done a great work for the Wizard world in creating a cure for Lycanthropy."

When Lillian first read the medal, she paid no attention that they had put her real name. When she read it again, however, her eyes froze on her name.

"Sir, my name," began Lillian.

"Its okay, Lillian," said Lupin. "Your name was changed so you couldn't be found. They know you're here. It is only right that you be able to graduate with your true last name."

"Thank you," said Lillian. "You really don't know what that means to me."

"Almost as much as what you and your friends have done for me," Lupin finished for her.

"It was our pleasure, sir," said Lillian; her friends agreed. Lupin smiled.

"Lillian," said Lupin, "I think someone wants to speak with you."

"Who?" Lillian asked.

"A very sweet woman by the name of Erica," answered Lupin.

Lillian had forgotten about Erica. She wasn't use to her being here.

"Is she okay?" asked Lillian.

"Yes," said Lupin standing to leave "She's fine. I must go now. I'll send her in." Lupin left the hospital wing. Fred and George joined him and within moments, Erica came in. Lillian got off the bed and ran to her. She threw her arms around Erica and held on for the longest time.

"Are you okay?" Erica asked looking at Lillian.

"Yes, ma'am," answered Lillian. "Are you?"

"I'm fine," said Erica. "You gave me quite a scare, but it wasn't your fault. Remus...I mean Professor Lupin told me what happened. He got me out, you know?"

"I'm so thankful he did," said Lillian. "If he hadn't and you had gotten hurt I would never have forgiven myself."

"I'm okay," said Erica. "Just forget about what happened, okay?"

"Okay," said Lillian. "Come here, I want you to meet someone."

Lillian introduced her friends and told her that Ron and Hermione were getting married right after graduation. Erica congratulated them. They talked for nearly an hour before Professor Lupin came back.

"Miss Praisley," said Lupin, "I'm supposed to take you to the train station."

"Okay," smiled Erica. Erica turned back to Lillian and gave her another hug. "Honey," she said, "I've got to go now, but I'll see you at the end of term. I love you."

"Love you, too," said Lillian.

Erica bid farewell to Harry, Ron, and Hermione as well and told them it was nice to finally meet them. Erica got up and walked out with Lupin.

"She's seems nice," said Ron. "She's a Muggle, right?"

"She's a sweetheart," said Lillian. "She is a Muggle, but she has known about us her whole life. She's okay with it. She feels like a part of the family."

"Dad would be fascinated by her," said Ron.

"So," said Harry, "When do you get out?"

"We should be released now," answered Hermione. "I am surprised we haven't been told so."

They were stolen away from their thoughts when loud booms sounded.

"Is it another lock down?" asked Harry.

"Erica!" said Lillian.

Lillian jumped off the bed and ran toward the exit. Professor Dumbledore, however, stopped her before she could leave. He warned them to stay there. He asked for Madam Pomfrey to follow him and he shut the door and sealed it. Lillian grabbed the door and pulled hard on it. She groaned and kicked the door before sliding down to the floor.

"I've got to think," said Lillian. "I've got to get to Erica."

"Why don't you just Disapparate?" asked Ron.

"Ron!" snapped Hermione. "Don't give her any ideas."

"Ron," Lillian said, "you're bloody brilliant." Lillian stood and did just what he said.

When Lillian Apparated, she found herself on the Hogwarts Express train that Erica was going home on. It was stopped and really cold. She Dementors were on board, but she couldn't let that stop her. She ran down the isle toward the front of the train. When she entered the last car she found herself facing three Dementors and at least one Death Eater. She took out her wand and transported them to Azkaban with just a flash.

Once they were gone and before they could come back, she ran into the cubicle. Lupin was holding Erica trying to protect her.

"Erica? Professor Lupin?' she said. "Are you okay?"

"Lillian?" said both of them.

"How did you get here?" asked Professor Lupin.

"Not now," said Lillian. "We've got to get out of here. Is anyone else on board?"

"Just the driver," said Lupin.

"Let's go," said Lillian.

Erica and Professor Lupin got up and followed her out. When they got to the conductor's box, they found a Dementor and again Lillian transported it to Azkaban. The driver was lying unconscious on the floor. He was okay and most likely had just fainted.

Professor Lupin picked him up and brought him out of the compartment.

"Get in here," said Lillian. "Okay, is the train just like the school? Can you Disapparate?"

"No," said Lupin.

"Okay," said Lillian. "I am going to transport you to Platform 9 3/4. I'll follow just behind you."

Lillian transported them just as a door open and three masked men came aboard.

"Kill her," said one of them.

She dodged the spell, but hit her arm really hard against a metal bar. She felt it crack. It caused her eyes to sting, but she couldn't let it stop her. Lillian stood up and grabbed her wand off the floor. One of the men turned into her cubicle, but she managed to Disapparate barely in time to miss another curse aimed at her.

"Where is she?" was the first thing Lillian heard when she Apparated at Platform 9 3/4.

"Erica," said Lillian.

"Lillian!" Erica said as she grabbed on to Lillian accidentally hitting Lillian's arm.

"Ouch," Lillian gasped with pain.

"Are you okay?" asked Erica and Lupin at once.

"Never you mind," said Lillian. "Erica, I'm going to get you home and I am going to get Professor Lupin back to Hogwarts first. They need him there."

Erica thanked Remus for allowing her to come to Hogwarts. She was the first Muggle ever to knowingly step onto Hogwarts grounds.

"It was my pleasure," said Lupin.

"Professor?" said Lillian. "Are you ready?"

Lupin nodded. Lillian took her wand back out and transported Lupin into Dumbledore's office. A young wizard no more than twenty five took responsibility for the train driver. She told the man that the train was still at Hogsmeade station. She gave him a brief explanation of what happened, but she really needed to get back to Hogwarts.

"Come here, Erica," said Lillian.

Lillian transported Erica and herself to their house. When they found themselves in the living room, Lillian apologized that she couldn't stay, but Erica gave her a hug and told her to be careful. Lillian promised to write as soon as possible. Lillian backed away from her and Disapparated back to the infirmary. Her friends were still there.

"Lillian," said Harry.

Harry came over to her and held her close. He mashed against her hurt arm and she let out another small gasp of pain.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I just hurt my arm a bit," she answered.

"You had me so worried," he told her.

Harry then asked her about Professor Lupin and Erica.

"They're fine," said Lillian. "Erica is at home and Professor Lupin is with the Headmaster."

Their reunion was cut short when dust and debris flew across the room as an explosion broke the hospital doors into a thousand bits. A single Death Eater stood in the doorway. Lillian and her friends grabbed their wands and watched him approach. Lillian felt something. Something she hadn't felt before. She felt as if her senses were reading this character.

"Wait!" she told her friends. "This person is under the Imperious Curse."

"How can you tell?" asked Hermione.

"I...I can feel it," Lillian answered. "Whoever this person really is doesn't want to do this. He's fighting it, but he is too weak and the person controlling him is too strong."

Lillian motioned for her friends to dunk behind the bed. She then slowly pointed her wand and the man just after the Death Eater cast the first spell with a miss, Lillian cast the Finite Incantatem spell. The man fell to his knees, breathing heavily. Lillian approached him slowly, wand at the ready. He didn't move except to drop his wand. Lillian knelt down in front of him. She slowly reached over and pulled off his mask. It was Draco. His eyes were closed and Lillian could feel how weak he was.

"Draco?" said Lillian softly.

At first he said nothing as Harry, Hermione, and Ron rose up from behind the bed. When Draco finally raised his face to Lillian's, tears flowed down his cheeks.

"Lillian," he said. "I'm so sorry. I didn't want to do it, but I had no choice."

"No choice?" asked Lillian.

"Lillian," said Draco, "I killed your parents because my parents kept pressuring me. Afterwards, however, I wanted to stop, but my uncle found out and he placed me under that dreadful curse. He said it was to protect the family name with the Dark Lord. I have killed and hurt so many people, Lillian."

"Draco, it wasn't you," Lillian told him. "You had no control."

"It was my fault with your parents," said Draco.

"You were pressured," said Lillian. "Most people give into pressure. I don't blame you. If I blame anyone, it is Voldemort."

"Harry," said Draco. "I am so sorry about your parents also. I'm also sorry for the way I've treated you, Hermione, and Ron. You didn't deserve that kind of treatment."

Lillian looked at her friends for their assurance that they were okay with Draco and if they believed him or not. Harry was the first to walk over to them. Ron tried to stop him, but Harry went anyway. Harry knelt down beside Lillian.

"Harry," said Draco, "I am truly sorry."

Draco put his arms around Harry in an apologetic hug. After that Hermione and Ron knew that Draco had changed. If Draco hadn't changed, no way would he have given Harry a hug.

Hermione and Ron came over as well. However, this moment of discovery came to a brief end.

"I here someone coming," said Hermione.

They all became extremely quite. It was true someone was approaching with great haste.

"They must have heard the explosion," said Harry.

Lillian stood up and cast a quick repair charm on the doors that not even a speck of dust could be found.

"What about Draco?" Ron asked.

"Leave it to me," said Lillian.

Lillian grabbed Draco's hand and he vanished just as the door opened. Harry, Hermione, and Ron turned to face Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Lupin, and Snape.

"Are you children okay?' asked McGonagall.

"We heard an explosion," said Lupin.

"We're fine," said Hermione.

"Thank goodness," said McGonagall. "You need to come with us."

"Lillian may need Madam Pomfrey to look at her arm before we take them," said Lupin.

Madam Pomfrey did so and like the time she took care of Lillian's ankle she done the same with her arm. Lillian made sure she had a good grip on Draco's arm before she lost consciousness, but when she awoke he was still invisible to her relief.

She got to her feet and they followed their professors out of the infirmary. By the route they were following, it was suggestive that it was the common room they were going too. Lillian had no choice, but to let Draco to go in with them. When they were inside, McGonagall spoke with the Gryffindors and she and the other teachers left. Lillian motioned for her friends to follow her. She led them to the girl's steps.

"We can't go up there," said Harry.

"Sure you can," said Lillian. Lillian bent down and touched the stairs.

"Hurry," said Lillian. Harry and the others ran up the stairs followed by Lillian and Draco.

Once they were inside their room, they began to relax. Lillian released Draco who sat down on the floor near the window. He was really quite, but under the circumstances they were all really quite.

"How are we going to get him back to Slytherin common room without anyone finding out?" asked Ron.

"Ah!" gasped Draco grabbing his arm. He pushed his sleeve up and revealed the Death Eater mark.

"He's calling," said Draco. "I have to go or they'll know."

"It's okay," said Lillian. "You don't have to go. It's over. If you go, they'll be able to control you again."

"The mark, though," said Draco. "He can track us by it. He'll trace me down and kill me."

"No he won't," said Lillian.

Lillian placed her hand over the mark and bright light surrounded the area. Draco felt a burning sensation, but when the light faded, the mark was gone. Lillian lowered herself to her knees exhausted.

"Are you okay?" Draco asked with concern.

"I'll be fine," said Lillian.

Before Lillian could completely recover, the door opened and Ginny Weasley walked in.

"Herm...?" she cut short when she spotted Draco.

Ginny grabbed for her wand, but everyone said or did something to stop her from cursing Malfoy.

"He's okay, Ginny," said Ron.

Ginny slowly put her wand in her cloak pocket, but she didn't take her eye off him. This time they sealed the door and explained to Ginny what had happened. When they were finished, Draco had his turn.

"I'm sorry, Ginny," he said. "I'm sorry for every time I've teased you for one thing or another. I'm also sorry that my father slipped Tom Riddle's diary into your cauldron second year. I knew it and I did nothing. I am sorry for that, but I swear I've changed. I swear it."

They were so engaged in the words that came out of Draco's mouth that their hearts skipped a beat when a knock came from the door.

"I'll get Draco to his common room," said Lillian. "Just tell whoever it is, that I am in the bathroom. Harry, you and Ron come with me too."

Harry, Ron, Draco, and Lillian all went into the bathroom and closed the door.

"Huddle close," said Lillian.

Lillian transported them first to the foot of the Gryffindor boy's dorm room steps. No one was there and so she bid the goodbye and she and Draco vanished. When they reappeared they were in Draco's room. It was empty. Draco bid her farewell and she returned back to the bathroom. When she came out, Ginny was sitting on Hermione's bed and Hermione stood talking to McGonagall.

"Lillian?" said McGonagall. "Do you know where Harry is?"

"I guess he is in his room," suggested Lillian glancing at Hermione.

"I just came from there," said McGonagall.

"Are you sure you didn't see him in the common room?" asked Lillian. "I'm pretty sure both he and Ron would be there if they aren't in their rooms."

Lillian could tell that she just made McGonagall very unsure of herself.

"I'll recheck," said McGonagall. "Perhaps they were in the bathroom." McGonagall left and the girls breathed a sigh of relief.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Drop me a review if you have a chance.