Lauryn awoke to a cold gray morning in Brooklyn, New York. She stretched out her arms and yawned deeply. Lauryn was always a light sleeper, but today she was very tired. She would have slept in if she didn't have a meeting with her friends that day. They were the ones who tipped her off about Draco's arrival, so they were probably very worried by now. She had to admit, it was nice to have them around most of the time, but sometimes they could act like her parents. Then again, that wasn't true. Her parents kicked her out of the house when she was eleven after finding out what she was. Dumbledore agreed to let her live with him over the summer break. He had always been kind to her, even though she had been in Slytherin. He treated her like she was his own daughter. When she graduated from the school, he helped her get a job with the Ministry of Magic as an Auror. She was extremely grateful for everything he did for her. Bet he never knew I had a thing for Harry though, she thought to herself, giggling softly. Then again, his sparkling blue eyes seemed to know her very soul. Lauryn shrugged off her memories and started getting dressed. Today would be a long day.

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"Quiet please!" bellowed Aryiana Sempent. After Lauryn's news about the "surprise" attack, the whole room erupted into excited chatter. Wizards and witches from every part of New York came to plan their next course of action since the recent events. Together they formed the Alliance of Darkness, since their heroic efforts were shielded from the ones they had sworn to protect: Muggles and other wizards and witches. Aryiana had wanted it this way when she formed the group 8 years ago, knowing Voldemort could easily torture an innocent soul until they gave up information. There were similar organizations like theirs all other the globe, desperately fighting to save their world. Lauryn was easily their best agent, which was why she was the most sought after. Dark wizards from every corner of the earth were in Azkaban because of her efforts. She was of particular interest to Voldemort because of her close ties with Harry Potter. Many of her friends knew that she was in love with him, and she had saved his life a number of times. I wonder where he is now, she thought anxiously, worried that they might have attacked him too.

"Harry is just fine, Lauryn."

Lauryn's head snapped up as she realized that the room had grown suddenly quiet and nearly everyone was staring at her daydreaming. Most of them at wide grins on their faces as she squirmed uncomfortably but obviously relieved. Aryiana smiled at her mischievously. I hate when she reads my mind, Lauryn fumed, especially in public.

"Now that your mind has been put at ease, can we please get back to your safety?" Snickers were heard around the room. "Does anyone have any ideas on how to protect our Sleeping Beauty?"

Lauryn had had enough. "I don't need protection! I need to know how I can help protect! I came here to help others, not to save my own skin!"

Tiana Newport, a friend of Lauryn's, gazed at her gently. "We know, girl, but a dead hero doesn't help anyone. Now I don't think she's talking about a bodyguard or anything, something light and simple should do it. Maybe a tracking charm, perhaps?"

Aryiana mouthed a thank-you at Tiana for calming Lauryn's nerves. " That should work. It will mask itself so that we know where she is but no one else will know we know. Also, should she get into real danger, we can just use a summoning charm to bring her back here. Now we do need to watch out for other events should they occur. Can anyone volunteer to be underground workers, find out any unknown Ministry action, send correspondence to other organizations?" Several of the younger wizards raised their hands, eager for field work. "Excellent. Well, then it's settled. Lauryn, you remember our conversation?" Lauryn dumbly shook her head. "You have a plan?" Lauryn thought for a moment, then uttered a firm "Yes." "Good luck then. Report back as soon as you have something solid." "Alright." She then nodded to everyone seated, stood up quickly, and made a mad dash for the door.