Chapter 3: July (Teaser)

Moonlight columned into the small kitchen in Godric's Hollow, its pale fingers resting on the soft wood of the table where Penelope sat staring at her hands. Her thumbs moved deliberately over her fingers, her brow furrowing at the sensation.

"Isn't it about time you were getting back?"

"Hm?" she looked up towards the empty door leading to the yard. No one in front, in back, or on either side of her.

"What?" she said more loudly. The clock ticked in response, "No-thing. Not. Me." Penelope stared at it with darkening hazel eyes. Nearly 7 o'clock. Lily would be back from the market soon. And James. She got up to put the kettle on and switched on the lights.

"He'll have spoken with Sirius by now," she said aloud. She stiffened, steeling herself for the argument that was sure to come, when she felt something brush past her leg. She turned and faced only the table and askance chair.

"Harry?" There's a ridiculous thought, Pen. Her nephew was getting more sturdy and quicker on his feet, but Lily would never have left him at home.

"Phantoms and spirits on All Hallow's Eve. There's a surprise," she said to the kettle as she began turning back. She stopped midway, catching the glint of something silvery on the table. Walking over, she saw it was a St. Christopher medal on a thin filigree chain. She reached out for it and watched as it dangled before her eyes. Penelope's eyes narrowed as she focused on the figure of the man wading through water, a child on his shoulder, a bolt of lightning in the distant sky. "Behold…St. Christopher and…go…your way…in safety," she read as it oscillated before her. Why do I know this? She reached out for the medallion and turned it over in her hands. "My St. Kitts. Love from, M." She blinked.

"It's time, Penelope."

"What?" She looked up and saw James staring at her. He was not pleased, his mouth set and his dark hazel eyes glowering at her.

"It isn't safe. What were you thinking turning Sirius down?" he finished quietly.

Penelope squelched the rising wave of annoyance and shifted in her chair. She reached out and took her brother's hands in both her own.

"We've trouble enough without added discord amongst us, Jem. I can't drive the wedge between them any further," she finished, pressing James' hands.

"But if you move in with Sirius, you'll be safe. Even with the Fidelius Charm, I don't want you in further danger. Please, Pen."

Penelope merely shook her head and gave him a small smile. "I'll be all right. I'll get a cottage of my own, with a poky fireplace and a chimney that smokes," she said, rocking his hands.

James chuckled despite himself. "Do be serious, Pen."

"I can't," she answered getting up from the table. "I'm Penelope," she finished, bending down and planting a kiss on her brother's cheek.

As Penelope crossed over to the sink, Lily walked in with a speeding Harry changed for bed. He crashed straight into his aunt's legs and laughed. "Peppy!"

"Aren't we a happy one, hm?" Penelope smiled, scooping the boy up. Harry wriggled as she tickled him, finally settling into his Peppy's arms. She watched his smiling face and laughed when his merry green eyes spotted her necklace. He reached out and began playing with the small medallion near her throat.

"Now, Penelope. It's time."

Her head snapped up and she saw the terror in her brother's eyes.

"Get them out, Pen. Make her leave, d'you hear me?" His fingers crushed into her forearm. She willed herself to nod. "Get out of here and find Dumbledore. Go. NOW!" and he ran to the sound of the crash….the front door.

She dashed into Harry's room and began helping Lily gather the small bits they'd need for the boy.

"We have to hurry, Lily. Come—"

"AHH!"

They froze and stared at one another.

"No," said Lily, shaking her head.

"Jem?" Penelope mouthed.

Dimly, Penelope registered Lily racing across to Harry and shoving him into Penelope's arms.

"Get him out, Pen. Take him far—" but something interrupted her. She saw Lily spin around, heard her speak to something that cackled at her. Then the flash of green and Lily was on the floor.

Harry and Penelope looked at each other then raised their rounded eyes to the horrid laughing face growing bigger.

The face's arm raised its wand and pointed it at Harry. Then she felt it. The warmth started in her arms, traveling up from Harry and into her. Penelope felt herself lifted and thrown through the air and then the stabbing pain in the back of her head.

She bolted upright, panting, registered the coldness in her arms and vomited over the side of the bed.