"I didn't mean you to hurt yourself," Lily said regretfully.

Voldemort shook his head, "It doesn't hurt so much, and this is the quickest way to assemble them."

Lily searched the summoned for signs of complaint or at least lack of enthusiasm to the manner in which they were called, but surprisingly there were none. All wore neutral masks, not daring if they had such thoughts of dissent to let them show.

"My lord, were you requiring our service?" Anthony asked, a frosty tone partially revealing his own feelings, but not enough to incriminate him of any transgression. Still the tone was not lost on his companions as several of his friends stared at him and Voldemort's head swung to glare at him coldly.

Lily, however, remained oblivious to the situation, and continued, "I think I've decided what I am going to do. I really enjoyed your hospitality...but I think...it's for the best...not really my place..."

Deciding to spare her any more ramblings, Voldemort nodded, "So what would you have Karakoff say to appease your parents?"

Calmly Lily decided, "I think the truth is the only way to go. Deception is a terrible way to go, and I'd like to avoid it at every turn if possible.

"A wise plan," Voldemort concurred. "This may indeed be the way about it. And, perhaps the flow of blood will return to my men's heads once again."

Lily blushed profusely, "Ah, yes...That too..."

"Karakoff, are you prepared to return her?" Voldemort asked without looking away from Lily.

"Yes, my lord," Karakoff chimed in.

"Do as she bids you, then return swiftly," Voldemort commanded.

Karakoff nodded and led Lily out of the camp back into the car she had come in. Looking into the back seat she noticed her trunk and belongings assembled in the back.

"So, we go back the old fashioned way?" Lily questioned.

Karakoff nodded.

"Did he say we had to go back this way?" Lily asked.

"Uh, no. Not specifically, but..." Karakoff broke off.

"Then how about we express it home?" Lily said persuasively.

"What did you have in mind?" Karakoff and Lily smiled conspiratorially.

Meanwhile, back at the camp

"Did you see the way he was looking at her?" Anthony ranted quietly.

"Keep it down!!" Lucius urged him. "If he hears you, you're dead."

"Don't think I've forgotten or forgiven your stunt either!" Anthony raged.

"Shut up!!" Severus whispered.

"She's my girlfriend, why doesn't anyone see that?!" Anthony complained.

"I see it," a cold voice caused them all to jump, "I just don't care."

"Lord Voldemort," Lucius stuttered nervously. "He's not in his right mind."

"It seems he never is these days," Voledmort observed. "The girl's influence it too potent on him. You will not see her any more."

Anthony was about to answer when Severus elbowed him in the stomach, "He understands, my lord."

"He better," Voldemort said coldly. "I'll not make another exception."

Without another word he disapparated.