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"You!" Amelia says the moment John enters the cabin in the woods. She's on her feet in an instant, marching forward and prodding a finger against his chest. "I've got a bone to pick with you."

John sighs because he knows exactly where this is going. Truth be told, he's been waiting for it and is surprised it's taken her this long to yell at him. "Look, Milly," he says, and secretly delights in the way she scowls, as she always does, at his pet name for her, "we both know you're in danger. Fudge agrees that it's best that you lie low for a little."

The color the seeps into her cheeks almost matches the purple blouse she's wearing. John knew she'd be upset to be isolated in this cabin in the middle of the words, but he realizes now that she's not so much upset as she is absolutely pissed off.

Still, with Fudge stepping down, everyone knows that Amelia is the obvious candidate for Minister. Unfortunately, she is also the last person. You-Know-Who wants to come into power. There is a target on her back, and John will be damned if he allows her to die when he can do something to stop it.

"I appreciate what you're trying to do, Dawlish," she says, because even after two years of dating, she always defaults to his surname. "I can't stay here."

"Milly, please."

She sighs, and he can see something in her eyes, some emotion that he can't quite name. It's gone in an instant, replaced by a small smile. She moves closer, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him into a hug, her lips finding his. "You always were so kind and considerate, darling."

He laughs and shakes his head. "Really? Because I'm pretty sure you've had some much less flattering things to say about me in the past."

"Yes, well… both are true."

He'll take it. Amelia seems more relaxed now, and that's all John needs. Nothing else really matters.

John wakes with a yawn, stretching as he rolls over. The side of the bed beside him, where Amelia had laid only hours before, is empty, the top sheet and pillow cold. His heart sinks to his stomach as he bolts upright, cold dread washing over him.

There's a note on the pillow, he realizes, quickly snatching it up and unfolding it.

My Darling Dawlish,

I do appreciate what you are trying to do. However, I feel like hiding in the middle of all of this is a slap in the face of justice. If I have a target on my back, no amount of hiding will change that. I will have to keep hiding for the rest of my life, or until this war ends. Whichever comes first.

I like to imagine Edgar faced his death with his head held high. He was braver than I could ever be, and I feel like I need to summon that bravery now. Let It be known that Hufflepuffs, despite popular opinion, are not cowards or pushovers. Let it be known that I met my fate and stayed strong. I promise you, should he come for me, I will not go down without a fight.

I love you. I'm sorry to leave without saying goodbye, but I know you would have tried to stop me. I know I would have had to Stun you, and I never want to turn my wand on you like an enemy.

Should the worst happen, keep an eye on Susan for me. She is my heart.

Yours,

Milly

Dawlish arrives on the scene, and his heart breaks. Above Amelia's house, the Dark Mark looms ominously, announcing that the lone occupant is dead.

Dawlish drops to his knees, sucking in a deep breath. His hand trembles as he draws his wand. There is no time to grieve and mourn. Not yet. He knows Amelia would scold him if he delayed justice for even a moment. After all, didn't she pour herself into her work when Edgar died? Didn't she grieve in private and carry on in public, swearing that the most important thing was to find the Death Eaters responsible for her brother's murder?

"Expecto Patronum," he says, conjuring the magnificent eagle.

Tears sting his eyes as he focuses his intentions on sending the silvery form to Rufus. "Amelia is dead," he whispers before reciting her address.

When the Patronus disappears, soaring off into the quickly lightening sky, John stands and dusts himself off. He takes a deep breath, holds his head high. He will carry on for Amelia. For now, at least while the world is watching, he has work to do, and his pain will have to wait.