A/N: I do not own Harry Potter.


"It's okay, I'm here," Lily whispered.

"I'll never be okay, Lil. He killed her."

"I know. He's in jail now, he'll never hurt you again." She leaned against me, her perfume filling my nose. Before us the river gurgled and roared. It matched the frantic beating of my heart.

"What happens now?" she asked.

"I don't know. Mum's family disowned her. I don't think he had any. I'll be of age in two years."

"I know, I know it's not ideal, but I talked to my parents. You can stay the summer, and holidays, if you'd like."

"I," I started to answer saying I didn't need her charity, their pity.

"Don't answer, just think it over," she interrupted. She probably knew what I was about to say. "You're riding with us to King's Cross anyway, give me your answer then. It's not pity, you know, I do care about you," she added looking into my eyes.

"Thank you," I whispered.

"You're welcome, Sev."