Chapter 26

When we got to Hogwarts, James's arms wrapped around me and I fell against him, "It's ok Professor, we can handle it from here." James told Professor Flitwick and started leading, half carrying me down the hall.

"So what happened?" I heard Sirius whisper.

"We got to her house and the Dark Mark was over it, she ran inside. The house was disheveled and her parents…" Lina explained.

We walked through the doors to the Head dorms and James picked me up and carried me to my room. He laid me down on the bed and put the covers over me. "I'll be back soon love." He said kissing my forehead. He walked out and shut the door, but I could still hear them.

"What is going to happen?" Remus asked.

"Dumbledore is there now, I'm not sure, a funeral perhaps, and her sister took the news badly. She was blaming Lily, screaming at her. Is it wise to leave her alone now?" Lina asked.

"I will go back in a few minutes; she probably wants to be alone for a bit."

"Wait, where's Eva?" Lina asked with concern.

"Her parents took her out of school for a bit. They arrived, had words with some death eaters, talked to Voldemort for a bit and then said that they were taking Eva home. She put up a fuss though, and they pulled her out kicking and screaming." Remus said

"Why didn't you stop them?"

"I tried but her Father threatened to stupefy me if I got any closer." Remus answered.

Eva's parents taking her can't be good. I thought.

"Did my dad show up?"

"Yes, he was looking for you, he thought they hurt you. But we assured him that you were safe and had left. That's when the Order showed up, they told me my parents were still in hiding and well some brought us here, others stayed to deal with Voldemort."

"Ok, well I think we should go, you need to get back to Lily." Lina said.

I heard my door open again and felt James climb into bed with me, "Lils?"

"They are gone James, they are gone. And it's all my fault." I said sobbing.

He pulled me closer, "Shhh, no it's not, don't ever say that." He said holding me tightly to his chest.

I cried myself to sleep, in the morning I woke up to find myself still in James' arms. I closed my eyes and snuggled closer to him, I would give anything to stay like this forever and to hide from the world.

OOOOOOOO

The days drifted by slowly, Eva still hadn't returned, although she did send a letter offering her sympathy and saying that she wouldn't be able to come to the funeral. She said why her parents took her or when she was coming back and when I replied, my letter was sent back.

"Lily?" I heard James call as he walked into my room where I was standing in front of my mirror. "Are you ready?"

I sighed, "Yes, just a minute." I said. Today is my parent's funeral. I don't think I have any tears left I am just hardened by the reality that I'm never going to see my parents again. I walked out of my room to see Lina, Remus, Sirius and James standing there. Dumbledore was going to take us to the funeral and try and talk to my sister about what had happened.

"Ok, let's go." James said and took my hand.

OOOOO

"What are you doing here?" Tuney asked as I walked up to her and Vernon. She grabbed my arm and pulled me off to the side.

"They are my parents to Petunia; of course I would come to their funeral. I was the one that saw them lying on the floor dead. Do you know what that feels like; I can't get that picture out of my head."

"Why did you bring the others with you?"

"I need them, I know you won't offer any comfort."

"Fine, but after today I better not see you ever again. I don't even want to hear your name." she said and turned around.

Dumbledore, who was standing right behind her said, "Miss. Evans, may I speak with you for a moment? I promise it will not take long."

"Well I guess so." Tuney said. I walked away to give them more privacy.

'Who is that man with Petunia?" a large man who I could only assume was Petunia's Vernon.

"Hi, I'm Lily Petunia's sister. You are?"

"Vernon." He said stiffly.

"Well hi Vernon, that man is the Head Master at my school, he just has some financial stuff to sort out with Petunia, you know the money my parents were paying for my tuition."

"Oh right, that makes sense. He is wearing an odd outfit, don't you think?" he said indicating Dumbledore's robes.

"Well it is a Catholic school; he is dressing like the Pope, sort of a symbolic thing."

"Right, I am sorry for your loss." He said

"Thank you. If you will excuse me I am going to join my friends." I say and walk over to Lina, James, Remus and Sirius.

"How are you doing Lily?" Lina asks.

"Alright, just wanting this day to be over."

"Is that your sister's fiancé? He is well interesting to look at."

"Sirius!" Lina exclaimed.

"Yes that is Vernon, my sister's pride and joy. He seems nice enough, but it would be rude of him to be insulting today."

"If you all will take your seats, the Reverend will lead us with prayer." I heard Petunia announce from the podium.