Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognize

A/N: Thanks a lot to all of those who reviewed and to Ally Serenity for betaing this chapter

Chapter Twenty-Seven.

SPLASH!

Lily had just fallen into the lake. Not thinking about what might be in the water, she swam to quickly reach the other edge. Once there, she waited for the others to come. James was the next one; followed by all the others. In a few minutes everyone was there, Bella having arrived last. There hadn't been any problems; the Repelling and Floating charms had worked perfectly. She ignored the complaints of the nobles, about the smell, the stinky water… She motioned to Bella to come over to her.

"Are they all alright?"

"Yes, they are fine; a bit shocked, but nothing too serious."

"Good, we are going to have to be quick."

"I know… We should go now; I do not think they will fall for your charade for long. We might have an hour left, not more."

"You are right; lead the way, I will stay behind."

"Okay."

Bella turned to the nobles.

"Ladies and Sirs, please listen to me. We are currently under the castle, and this passage," she pointed to a tunnel on her, "will lead us outside."

"And then?" asked a man in his thirties. "What are we going to do! There is nowhere to hide!"

Sirius turned to him.

"You wanted to stay in the dungeons? Feel free to go back if you want!"

This silenced the noble and Lily could tell the argument had touched the other members of the court.

"Okay, we have to be quick," continued Bella. "Follow me, we haven't much time left."

She walked towards the tunnel, the nobles behind her. Lily waited for them to pass her. Some looked scared, other completely lost, and a few seemed reluctant to obey.

"You did great." Said someone behind her.

She turned around and smiled lightly.

"Thank you James."

"You are welcome."

There was a small silence as they walked side by side.

"How are you?" Lily asked suddenly.

James sighed.

"Tired…"

"Well, it was to be expected, you escaped Elianor, and then Voldemort…"

"Yes, by the way, thank you for coming at the cathedral for the ceremony, it meant a lot for me that you were present."

"I couldn't let you down James."

He smiled and took her hand squeezing it thankfully.

She squeezed it back before letting it go.

"Lily…"

"Not now James, you know, I know, nothing more has to be said for now."

He nodded and they continued to walk in silence.

Their path was difficult; they had to stop several times as rocks blocked the tunnel. But finally they arrived at the end of the tunnel.

Lily leaned on James.

"Go with your parents, they are worried. I am going to talk with Bella."

"Alright."

She quickly approached her friend, contacting Amaris at the same time.

Amaris?

Lily? Are you all right?

Yes, no big problem here and you?

Same here, we are ready.

Good, they will come in groups of about ten.

All right. See you soon… and Lily?

Yes?

Take care.

I will Maris, I will…

"Amaris is ready, Bella."

"Good, we continue as planned?"

"Yes, but we have to hurry; they will not be fooled for long…"

"You are right."

Bella climbed on a nearby huge stone.

"May I have your attention please?"

Silence fell on the group.

"We are about one kilometer from the forest. There, the Lions and the new wing will wait for us and take us to the North Forest where we will be safe."

"SAFE!" bellowed a noble, "IN THE NORTH FOREST?"

"Good, your hearing is perfect, congratulations. The women and the children will be the first to go with The King and the Queen. The riders whose dragons are waiting for us in the forest will be the last."

Seeing the look on the King and Queen's faces, Lily could tell that they weren't happy with these plans.

Letting Bella explain everything, Lily approached the royal couple.

The King was frowning.

"Why should we go first? We can fight, and I do not want to be privileged."

Lily sighed.

"Your Majesties, we are going to need someone to organize everything while the dragons bring people. They will not listen to me; you know that by now. Bella must stay, as she knows the region nearly as well as I. James' dragon and I have been in the forest, as well as Remus' and Sirius' so they have to stay. And you are the only one, along with the Queen who will manage to organize everything."

Grudgingly, the King had to admit she was right.

"But," he added, "I will stay here and leave with one of the last groups. Dorilys will go there first, she has a knack for organization, a skill I lack…"

"And if I do not want to?" cut Dorilys

The couple started to argue, under amused looks.

Five minutes later and after a few arguments, the first group, led by Bella and Remus left. Later, she heard Amaris' voice.

They are here. Bella and Remus are coming back.

All right, I will be next.

See you soon…

Lily looked around and her gaze fell on James who was starring at her. She averted her gaze, and looked at Sirius.

"Sirius, we are next."

She saw a flash of hurt pass in James' eyes, but dismissed it. She knew she had to keep up appearance.

Sirius approached her and was about to speak when Bella came back, followed by Remus. She immediately went for Lily.

"The path is good, no obstacle. I did not see any guards or watchers."

"Good; I will go with Sirius, you take the next turn with James?"

Before Bella could answer, a noble had interrupted her.

"That is Prince James, young woman."

Lily raised her eyebrow at the man standing before her.

"Really?" said someone behind them, "I did not know my friends or partners had to use my title…" They turned and came face to face with an angry looking James.

"Well… I … I thought…"

"You thought wrong." Snapped James.

"Sirius, come on, we mustn't waste time." Interrupted Lily sensing James was going to say something that would not be diplomatically correct.

"Alright, lead the way, my fair lady…" he said, bowing.

They reached the group of ten women and children they were to lead and left the cave.

The journey went smoothly and soon, Sirius and Lily were on their way back to the cave.

"Lily?"

"Yes?"

"You have to stop doing that."

Lily frowned.

"What?" she asked, but knowing well what he was talking about.

"You know very well what I am talking about. Running away will not solve your problems."

"Perhaps not, but at least it does not worsen the situation."

"Maybe, but it is not solving it either. You will have to face it one day."

"Not if I do not want to."

"Lily!"

"It is for the best Sirius."

"The best?"

"Yes, once this is over, things will go back to their previous state: I will still be a commoner and he will be the heir."

Personally Sirius didn't agree with her, but was not about to voice his opinion, knowing Lily would not listen to him.

"I am not sure about that, but what I do know is that this situation is killing you both. You have to be able to work together!"

"I will try Sirius, I will try."

"Do not try, do it."

"That is not easy, you know, but I will talk to him, if it makes you feel better."

Sirius nodded wordlessly. They continued to walk in silence and reached the cave a few moments later.

She nodded at Bella indicating that the coast was still clear. Her friend nodded back and left followed by James who cast Lily a meaningful glance before exiting the place.

Lily went to a corner of the cave and sat, putting her head in her hands. Scanning the room, she spotted a small boy looking lost. Sighing, she got up and approached him.

"Hello, little one. Can I help you?" She asked kindly.

The boy who looked like he was about six years old jumped and starred at her with fearful eyes.

"I-I lost my mum." He stuttered.

Lily smiled reassuringly at him, something that made him relaxed

"Who is she?"

"Mum."

Lily suppressed a smile.

"Do you know how the other people call her?"

"Yes," answered the child proudly, "Lady Cyrielle."

Lily was surprised. Lady Cyrielle was a powerful member of the court. Her husband died a few years ago, and since then she had been ruling their land alone, doing a successful job at it.

"Very good; now we are going to find her."

The young child looked at her hopefully.

"Really?"

"Really. What is your name?"

"Henry!" said the young boy, a bit more cheerfully.

"That is a charming name."

He beamed at her as she motioned for him to follow her. Lily, with little Henry on her tail went to Albus.

"Lily, what can I do for you?"

"Well, little Henry here is searching for his mother, Lady Cyrielle."

Albus gave the child a warm smile.

"Well, Lady Cyrielle was part of the group that left a few minutes ago."

"I will contact Amaris to warn her."

Maris?

Yes, What is it Lily? Is there a problem?

No, but if you could have Lady Cyrielle stay with you, her child forgot to follow her. She may be a bit distressed.

No problem, I will have her stay and wait for you and the boy.

Thank you!

No problem.

"She will wait for us with the dragons."

"Perfect. You will go with the next group?"

"Yes."

"Very well, I will prepare the next ones."

"Thank you so much, Albus."

"You are welcome."

While waiting for Bella and James to come back, Lily talked with the young boy, telling him stories, which she illustrated by conjuring pictures.

Finally she saw Bella came back, alone.

She got up.

"Come Henry, we are going to find your mum."

The child smiled happily and jumped on his feet, putting his tiny hand in Lily's. They both went to Bella.

"His mother was quite distraught when she noticed he was not with her… I had her and James stay with the dragons. I did not think it would be wise to let her stay alone."

"It's alright, I will go alone, and Remus and Sirius will take the next group."

"You sure?"

"Positive. The coast is still clear?"

"Yes."

"Then there will not be any problem!"

"If you say so," replied Bella, a bit doubtful.

Lily nodded and headed for the fourth group.

They took off as soon as she had checked and seen that everyone was there.

During the walk to the forest where the dragons were waiting, she chatted with little Henry.

"Later I will be a Duke!" proudly stated the boy.

"I am sure you'll do a wonderful job."

Henry looked at her expectantly.

"Is there something you want to ask me?"

"Well… I wanted to know… to ask if… you would agree to let me ride your dragon."

Lily smiled.

"Well, you are going to fly on a dragon right now, but if you really want to, I am sure Amaris will not refuse to let you ride her."

"Really? Thank you!"

He hugged her, well tried to, as he was quite smaller than her.

"You are very welcome."

Finally they arrived in sight of the forest.

Lily led her group to the glade where the dragons were waiting.

"Henry!"

She looked up and saw a brown-haired woman running towards them.

She dropped on her knees and hugged her son tightly.

"You are safe, you are safe… Thank God…"

"Mummy, Lily promised me I would ride her dragon." Said Henry.

Lady Cyrielle stood up, smiling.

"Really?"

"Yes, she found me and stayed with me the whole time!" chirped the boy.

Cyrielle looked at Lily.

The red haired woman leaned over to Henry.

"Henry, do you see the big Bronze on the left?" She pointed to a dragon and the child nodded in understanding. "He will bring you and your mother to our new camp. Why don't you go and say hello to him."

The little boy squealed happily and ran to the mighty beast.

"Thank you Lilyaris!"

"You are welcome Lady Cyrielle; but I enjoyed his company a lot. He is a bright child."

"Yes…" she seemed to ponder over something. "Would you like to visit him, when this is over?"

Lily smiled widely at her.

"I would love to."

Cyrielle nodded with a small smile at seeing the happiness on Lily's face.

"Well you should get ready, you are going to leave in a few minutes," said Lily.

"Thank you again Lilyaris."

Lily only smiled and waved at Henry before heading to James.

The young man had been watching her since she came into view, never taking his eyes off of her. He smiled as he saw her talking with the young Henry, taking in her warm and kind smile. She had a way with children just as she had with animals…

He saw her heading towards him.

"Ready to go?"

He nodded and she gave him a small smile.

"Then let us go, we do not have a lot of time…"

They started to walk their way back in silence.

"James?" Lily asked suddenly.

"Yes?"

"I am lost."

He stopped and looked sharply at her. She looked so confused… He took her hand and squeezed it. She did not try to pull it away.

"I know not what to do anymore… I cannot stay with you, but I cannot stay away from you either…"

James let go her hand and put his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him.

"You are not alone in this Lily," he murmured, soothing her hair.

"What is going to happen James?"

"I do not know, but we shall face it together."

He kissed her on her forehead. She burrowed her head in his shoulder.

"Thank you," He barely heard it but smiled.

"You are welcome. Shall we go?"

"Lead the way, sir!"

They resumed their walk and reached the cave quickly. As they arrived, Remus and Sirius left.

They found Bella and the three friends started talking about what they should do once everyone would be safely in the North Forest.

Unknown to them, they were watched by two concerned people.

"He loves her, Regis." Stated Albus.

"I can see that my dear friend. But you know their social difference will never allow them to be together…"

"Yes, he is the heir and she will… always be a commoner, with no way to change her status," replied Albus.

Regis cast a confused glance at the old rider.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing my friend, nothing…"

He looked at Lily, James and Bella.

"Nothing…" he repeated in a whisper.

The cave emptied itself, and soon the only people still in it were Albus, James, Sirius and Remus, as well as all the riders whose dragons were still in the forest. Lily and Bella were out, leading the last group including the King.

Suddenly they heard people running and loud noises as well as people speaking.

"Shit!"

"Bella!"

"Oh come on Lily, you have to agree."

"That is beside the point!"

"Do you not think later will be a better time for scolding me about my vocabulary?"

At this moment, the two women entered the cave. Bella had a cut on her cheek and her left side was a bit burned. Lily had cut on the front, and hole in her trousers were the skin was a bit burned and her left shoulder was injured as well. They looked as if they had been fighting.

In a few seconds, everyone was around them, firing questions at them.

"Hold on, hold on, HOLD ON!"

Silence. Everyone was looking at Lily.

"Better."

She took out her wand and soon her injuries and Bella's were healed.

"They have discovered our disappearance, and we were attacked on our way back. Two hydrias. We managed to stun the first one, but the second managed to escape." Bella added the last part sadly.

"To sum it up, once we are out of the cave, we will have to run for our lives," cut a rider.

"Not exactly," answered Lily, "You will cast a charm over you. The Confinvisa."

All the riders from the Lions nodded while most of the others were looking quite confused.

"For those who do not know," said Bella, "this spell will make you invisible and will draw your enemy's attention from you."

She showed them the wand's movements as well as the right pronunciation. Fortunately they were quite skilled riders and had the charm right quickly. Then they tried to think of a way to get out of there.

"Oh this is getting nowhere!" cried Bella.

"I agree." said Yvan.

"Then we will use the good old method. Get out and run."

A silence followed Bella's suggestion.

"I second that idea," said Sirius.

All the others nodded their agreement.

"Alright, you know the spell, you know the place. So all I have to say is good luck and see you there," said Lily. "The charm will last for twenty minutes."

They approached the exit of the cave and raised their wands.

"Confinvisa"

The fifteen people disappeared; the only hint of their presence was the sounds that could be heard.

"Now," said Lily quietly before starting to run towards the edge of the forest. Once she stepped outside, she saw twenty hydrias flying over the area, their riders scanning the zone. She ran faster and was soon in the forest. She waved her hand, taking off the spell.

The others were quickly there too.

"What are we going to do now?" The rider seemed worried.

"We can use the same spell to make ourselves invisible."

"It will not work." Said Bella, looking up in the sky. They have just cast a charm to prevent any types of disguising or invisibility spells… Any other ideas?"

Nobody spoke.

"We are trapped here!"

Other rider agreed to this outburst.

"Oh! Shut up!" yelled Yvan. "Instead of shouting, something that will only attract attention to us, you should try to find a way out!"

This silenced everyone.

"Alright," said Lily, "Listen. I am going to make a diversion. It will give us about thirty seconds to one minute to fly high enough to apparate to the camp."

"What sort of diversion?" asked James.

Lily gave him a mysterious smile.

"One they will not be able to resist…"

"I do not want to know!" said Sirius.

Lily rolled her eyes.

"Be ready. It will take me a moment to cast it. Go the moment I tell you."

They all nodded.

Lily enlarged the Unicorn' horn to its normal length.

'Al right, here goes.' She pictured the illusion she wanted to cast and concentrated on it while building up enough power to sustain the illusion long enough for them to get away.

Suddenly to everyone's surprise, copies of all the riders present appeared, riding their dragons. They sprang in the skies and instantly the twenty hydrias started to chase them, throwing spells at them. The copies dodged them as if they were real.

"Go now, I will not be able to hold it for too long."

They obeyed and ran immediately, fifteen dragons sprang in the air.

The Death Eaters riding their hydrias noticed them in a few seconds, but were to far to do anything. In a blink of an eye, the fifteen dragons with their riders disappeared. Before apparating away, Lily waved her hand and smirked. Too bad she could not stay to see the effect of this little hex… Seconds later, twenty Death Eaters starred in at the spot where the dragons had been, dressed up as jesters.

Lily apparated to the Forest and gasped in shock. Instead of the house she had grown used to stood a small castle. She landed quickly and dismounted Amaris.

Can you check the area Maris?

All right… Funny thing you did before leaving.

Wasn't it? I would love to see their faces when they see it.

You are evil you know!

And proud of it!

Amaris took off, and Lily shook her head as the laughter of her dragon echoed in her mind.

Suddenly a loud explosion made her whirled on her heels.

A black sphere appeared in the air. It grew larger and larger. Then Voldemort's face appeared on it.

"Lilyaris! Wherever you are now, you had better listen to this. First I must congratulate you on managing to escape, well done I must say, but there is a catch. If you forgot, I still hold most of your army… So here is the deal, you surrender and I will release them. I will leave you two days. Past these two days, I will kill ten men every hour."

Lily paled at this and would have fallen if James hadn't supported her.

"Remember Lilyaris, two days… If you accept to surrender, come to the castle. Two days…"

The black sphere dissolved.

Lily looked down as James held her tightly.

"We will get them back Lil, we will get them back…" he whispered.