May 1998
Two whole nights had passed since Lily and so many others had fled Hogwarts to avoid the impending attack of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. And though the news of Voldemort's defeat was plastered all over the Daily Prophet and the Wizarding Wireless Network the next day, she had still heard nothing of those she had left behind: the Weasleys, the Order, George...
Lily had retreated to her childhood home at Feverfew Vale in the frenzy of the battle and though it was a comfortable place – a safe place – her mother, Lydia, had never been as interested in the war as the average witch or wizard and she did not particularly share Lily's concern for the fates of those who had been left behind to fight in the Battle of Hogwarts.
After making herself another cup of tea, Lily resumed her post curled up in the sitting window that looked out onto the front garden. She sipped her tea and stared pensively out at the cherry tree lined path, the sun shining lazily through their branches which swayed gracefully in the breeze.
Crack!
Lily sloshed hot tea all down her front at the sudden noise, but she didn't care. Two violently redheaded men had just appeared in the walk, heading for the front door, looking solemn and careworn. She leapt up from her seat and flung the front door wide before they could knock.
"Charlie!" she exclaimed in relief, hugging him fiercely. "George," she sighed much more tenderly as Charlie released her, falling into his brother's arms instead. He held her tightly and did not let go for a long time.
"Please, come in," she offered when George released her at last, swinging the front door wide. "I've just made tea, we can -"
"We can't stay," Charlie said apologetically, but he didn't explain any further. "We just wanted to make sure you knew..."
Lily stared at them blankly for a moment, confused. There was something odd about seeing just the two of them on her front step, but she couldn't quite place what it was...then it dawned on her.
"Where's Fred?" she inquired, looking to George whose head was hung sadly, looking strangely small without his twin beside him.
Charlie just shook his head in reply.
