Escape

It was a risk, one with heavy rewards. Fear had clenched her heart for days after sending.

Would it make it to her?

Would it be returned?

Would Tobias see it?

Would she respond?

Then, two days later, an owl arrived. Eileen had seen it when she'd awoken, hidden until Tobias left for work.

A couple tears were shed. Relief softened her heart.

Letter burned, resolve hardened, Eileen prepared.

The next day, Tobias left for work. An hour later, Eileen guided Severus to the park.

A car backfiring was the only notable thing neighbors recalled when Tobias came asking later.

Guests

Dorea was more than happy to house Eileen and her son until they were able.

Charlus kept quiet.

Lilith was wary of the strangers in her home. The woman was formal and polite - impersonal.

The boy was different. Anger bled through her on sight. It confused her.

They'd never met.

Hadn't they?

There was no reason for her dislike.

Wasn't there?

It bordered on hatred.

Wasn't it?

She avoided him when able. Hid behind a polite facade when not.

Just like his mother.

She didn't understand these feelings, and it hurt to think.

She couldn't wait for them to leave.

Chosen

January 1969, Sebastien arrived at the orphanage, blending into his muggle surroundings. At the entryway, Sister Margaret welcomed him before leading him inside.

Sebastien followed the nun, ignoring her prattle about the children. He didn't care - he had already decided on his new ward.

The sister had tried to convince him otherwise, but he ignored her. Sister Margaret scowled as they arrived her dorm.

"Thomasina, this is Mister Sebastien DeLisle, your new guardian." She stood before them, the image of a subservient Catholic girl.

She had potential. He could see it in her hard, grey eyes.

He had chosen well.

The Most Ancient and Noble House

Midsummer festivities were spent in London at Black Manor. The girls went alone, which was fine. Dorea's presence detracted from her husband's absence.

Lilith would soon learn to associate her relatives with madness - Potters included.

Walpurga was not pleased at their presence and made it obvious. She was not alone in her feelings.

The disdain was palpable. Dorea didn't hide her amusement. Naturally, young Sirius attached himself to Lilith.

She didn't notice her immediate fondness for him. She wouldn't consider this until later.

She wasn't pranked, nor was anything thrown. She and Dorea considered the visit a great success.

Stamped

Lily struggled to see her back. Petunia had shrieked when she had undressed for bed. She'd run off to grab their parents, and suddenly, Lily was being interrogated.

Accusations were thrown. Punishments were threatened.

She couldn't even see what was on her back. Why would she know where it came from?

Her mother took pity on her after a time, but that only raised more concerns. How had "whatever" gotten on their daughter?

Finally alone, she stood, back to her mirror. She caught a glimpse of something dark - some type of scrawl.

Lily felt cold.

Why was that on her?