"Can you still drink Walden's blood, now that he's a vampire?" a sleepy voice asked.

Tony started. He glanced toward the stairs, where Evey stood in her pyjamas, yawning, her hair even more tousled than usual. He had been daydreaming about eating one of Molly's freshly-baked scones and hadn't heard Evey come down. He could hear her stomach rumbling, though, now that he was paying attention. "I can't, no. I had to…" He'd only had to do it once, but biting Molly had been a most disturbing experience. "I'm still trying to figure out a proper alternative," he muttered gloomily.

"Well, I'm here now," Evey said matter-of-factly as she sat across from him. "Aren't I a proper alternative?" she added with a grin.

Drinking Evey's blood was an even worse option. Her blood was too delicious, for one thing, and for another...well, it was Evey. He could never do that, for fear of losing control and accidentally draining her. "Sure. Good idea," he said unconvincingly.

"Tony, you have to feed. I mean, all that talk about…" She hesitated, biting her lip.

"Talk about what?"

"You know. What you said to Jane yesterday. About…wanting to die and…"

"It's Jeanne," he corrected her reflexively.

Evey rolled her eyes. "My French is atrocious, and Wal told me I wasn't pronouncing it right, so I'll just call her Jane. She already hates me, so she won't care. But you're deflecting. Do you want to…talk about it?"

She looked uncomfortable, but she was obviously worried about him. Tony gestured her concerns away. "I'm fine," he said good-naturedly. "I was just trying to evoke sympathy, and make Jeanne feel bad. She was being a real jerk to you and Walden." Evey didn't look reassured. "Seriously, V, I'm fine. It's nothing to worry about. And as for blood, I'm not hungry, so we don't need to think about that right now."

She kept her eyes on him a moment longer, then glanced at the scones. "May I…?"

"Yeah, Molly said to help yourself to anything you want, whenever you woke up. She's gone to the market to get supplies." He didn't say what the supplies were for. He suspected that Evey wouldn't be too happy about it. Thankfully, she didn't ask.

She took a hearty bite, smiling. "Gods, it's delicious." She shot him an apologetic look. "Sorry."

Tony shrugged. "How was the car ride, by the way? With the Wolves?" She hadn't mentioned it at all the previous day, and he'd wondered about it ever since she'd returned.

Her smile widened. She said something, but it was unintelligible, her mouth being full of scone. She swallowed quickly. "It was great! Ted is fun, and Silver has amazing taste in music."

Uh. Not at all the answer he'd expected, but alright. "Silver?" he repeated.

"His name is Miyamoto Musashi, but among the Wolves his nickname is Silverclaws, so everyone calls him Silver, apparently."

That made sense. Tony had already forgotten the bloke's real name. "I take it that your curiosity has been satisfied? All the Ancients have been formally introduced to you, and you even got to meet a few Wolves. Your nerdy brain must be frantic." He smirked. "I suppose that's what Walden and you were doing all night, discussing all these famous people."

Evey blushed lightly, but returned his smile, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Obviously." Her expression changed suddenly. "You know, we did get to talk a bit, actually. We're getting married on the winter solstice."

"We are?" he said teasingly. "You could have at least proposed to me, first."

Evey laughed. "Fair enough." She got down on one knee before him, and suddenly Tony didn't know what to say. What was she doing? He felt like his heart should have stopped beating.

Evey stared into his eyes, her face entirely serious. She smoothly proffered the remaining bit of scone as though it were a treasured family heirloom. "Tony, will you be my maid of honour?" She grinned. "Oh, and Walden's best man, too, if it's not too much trouble."

Merlin. What had he imagined? She was marrying Walden. He had to stop daydreaming. In his defence, he never got to dream anymore. He forced a smile on his face, hoping that it looked natural. "I'm happy to be both. Should I wear a suit or a dress, though?" he asked lightly.

Evey laughed again as she took her seat, popping the rest of the scone into her mouth and grabbing a second one. "You can wear whatever you want, honeybuns. I won't judge."

She ate her scone in silence this time, and Tony offered to make some tea, which she accepted gratefully. He was staring out the window, feeling melancholy and glad for the chance to hide his expression from Evey, when she spoke again. "Tony, there's something I need to tell you." She sounded serious – really serious, this time.

He turned to face her, but she was avoiding his gaze. "What's wrong?" he asked tensely.

Evey took a deep breath. "I didn't mention it earlier, when everyone was around, because we were trying not to get brutally murdered by our new…family, but Greyback knows that you're the fourteenth Ancient." She covered her face with her hands. "I told him. I wasn't strong enough. I'm sorry."

He chuckled with relief. "V, it doesn't matter. The Ancients may insist on secrecy but, personally, I don't care. Besides, Greyback was bound to find out sooner or later. We're certain to run into him again someday, aren't we?"

"Yeah, I guess. But what if he told Voldemort that you're alive, that you deserted?"

"What if he does?" Tony said with a shrug. "V, it's alright, really. I didn't expect to remain dead forever." Well, technically, he would be dead forever, but she had to understand what he meant. "I doubt either Greyback or Voldemort care much about me, anyway. They have other things to worry about." He paused. "Ah…well, though I suppose Voldemort would care, if he knew what I was. But Greyback wouldn't be foolish enough to tell him that, right?"

Evey shook her head. "I don't think so. He's a lot of things, but he's not stupid. And he despises Voldemort. I doubt he'd give him such important, dangerous information out of sheer spite."

Tony frowned as a dreadful thought suddenly invaded his mind. "V…when you said you weren't strong enough… Um, Greyback didn't actually hurt you to get my name, did he?" Please say no. Please.

She did. "No, no, of course not."

Too hasty. Still averting her gaze. Wringing her hands over the crumbs of her scones.

Tony groaned. "You are the worst liar I've ever met, and I know Walden." He sat down next to her, one hand on her arm. Her skin was so pleasantly warm. "I can't believe you let him torture you just for this, just for me! What the hell were you thinking, V? If someone asks about me, you tell them. If someone asks about the Ancients, you tell them everything you know. Your life is more important than secrecy, love." Evey nodded meekly. "Honestly, I feel a lot worse knowing that you were tortured than knowing you told Greyback my name."

"I'm sorry," she said again, head bowed dejectedly.

"It's alright. I'll just have to make sure that you're never captured again, so you don't do silly things like that, yeah?" He tried for lightness, and it had the desired effect. Evey smiled hesitantly, finally looking up at him. "Now, about that wedding…"

Molly had decided to arrange a little welcome-back party for the occasion of Evey's return. It would take place that very evening, as most members of the Order would be available to attend.

She had sent an owl in the morning to Dumbledore, and another to Ginny – she didn't trust Ronald to properly spread the news – then she had gone to Diagon Alley to inform George and Fred in person. That way, she was certain that everyone would know before lunch.

George was immensely relieved to hear the news. He'd been quite worried since June, often asking if he could do anything to help and even trying to follow several members of the Order as they went on missions, most of which had nothing to do with Evey. He was disappointed to learn that the girl was asleep when he arrived at the Burrow around noon, but Molly explained that she probably wanted to adjust to Walden's sleep pattern, as was to be expected. George went back to Diagon Alley but promised to be back in the evening.

Evey was already awake when Molly returned from the market. Walden shouldn't be long, she estimated. The days were short enough now that he could join them for supper – breakfast, to him. Everyone else was still at work, so Evey offered to help with the meal, when they had finished their tea. Antonin hovered around for a while, until Molly told him to either find something useful to do or somewhere else to be. He reluctantly shuffled to the living room, though she caught him checking in on Evey every few minutes.

Arthur came home early that day, for the first time in weeks, and he was accompanied by Bill and Fleur. Walden was up by then, and supper was almost ready. Tonks arrived half an hour later, soon followed by Remus, then Fred and George. Kingsley had excused himself, and Alastor didn't know the girl. Dumbledore had expressed his relief at learning that Evey had returned, but had politely declined Molly's invitation. Lately, she felt that he was avoiding the Burrow, though she had no idea why.

The dog, Nana – she was growing fast, and was already larger than Molly had ever anticipated – was delighted to see so many people at once and kept running happily around the kitchen. She always returned to Evey after a few minutes, though, as if to make sure that the girl was still there and didn't require protection.

George had wanted to sit at Evey's side, but she was constantly flanked by Walden and Antonin. Her son kept stealing glances at her, as if he couldn't quite believe she was there, and in one piece. No one could quite believe that she'd returned unharmed after being Greyback's captive for so long, but of course, they didn't know the whole story. Molly had promised Antonin not to reveal anything unless it directly threatened someone's life or pertained to Voldemort.

Evey was clearly uncomfortable, weary of all the attention she was receiving, and never left either Walden or Antonin for more than a few minutes. Not that they looked ready to leave her side.

After supper, they all sat down in the living room for tea, and some dessert, of course. Molly had made Evey's favourite: lemon and meringue pie.

Everyone was quiet as they enjoyed the dessert, until Tonks suddenly spoke into the silence, her voice wavering. "Evey, I'm so sorry," she whispered. "We did what we could, I swear, but Greyback was impossible to find. I tried everything, spoke to every source that the Aurors know of. Moody and Kingsley contacted every person they've ever worked with, to try to find some clue, anything."

"I interrogated every werewolf I've ever known," Remus added, "and many I'd never met before. Most were clueless, and those who seemed to know something were unable to speak. There must be some spell that prevents anyone who doesn't have express permission to give away information."

"Spells, wards, charms of all sorts… Black magic for the most part," Evey confirmed. "The place is invisible to all but his pack." She gave Tonks a reassuring smile. "I'm fine. Don't worry about it. I know you did everything you could."

"It's a miracle that you are even alive," Remus said gravely. "I know Greyback likes to play with his victims, but to keep you alive for months…" He was frowning. "Did he say why he took you? Does it have anything to do with…what happened last year?"

Antonin had witnessed, through Legilimency, exactly what had happened the night Evey's family was murdered. He'd seen Greyback attack her, even bite her. When Evey had joined them at the Grimmauld Place last year, Dumbledore had merely informed them that her parents and brother had been killed in the attack, but he hadn't mentioned Evey being harmed at all. Perhaps he hadn't found a satisfying explanation, or perhaps he'd known exactly how and why and refused to say, for whatever reason. The Headmaster did that quite a lot, Molly had come to realise over the years.

But the rest of the Order, as far as Molly knew, was not aware of this. Though it was quite possible that Molly alone had not been kept in the loop.

That also happened, too frequently for her taste.

In any case, Remus wasn't supposed to know that Evey had already survived Greyback once, and that it was likely the reason why the werewolf had abducted her. That, and their unnatural…connection, which Evey had mentioned the previous day.

Merlin, the poor girl. As if she hadn't been through enough ordeals already.

"I suppose he must have remembered me from last year," Evey said slowly, biting her lower lip and avoiding everyone's inquisitive gazes. Antonin was right; she wasn't a very good liar. "He didn't tell me much, though. He wasn't there most of the time, in truth. Really, I don't know why he bothered abducting me at all." She shrugged for good measure.

Remus was still scowling, as if he could hear the lies in her words, but Tonks smiled weakly. "We're just so glad that you're back, and in one piece at that." She cocked her head in Walden's direction. "You're lucky to have him," she murmured softly to Evey. "Molly told us that he sneaked out to find you, and never relented." Remus glanced at her briefly, cheeks reddening. Stubborn man, Molly thought ruefully. Evey and Walden were proof that age difference didn't matter, no more than someone's background or even the fact that one was more than merely human.

Walden looked at Tonks. Molly kept forgetting that his hearing was much keener now than it used to be. "Tony did most of the work, actually," he said quietly. "I wasn't even awake when Evey returned." That said with a hint of reproach, though he shot his brother a grateful smile.

Tonks met Antonin's eyes. She had never trusted him, Molly knew. Most of them didn't. She wasn't sure if she did. "Well, whatever you did, it was more than any of us could achieve. Thank you for getting her back."

"You don't have to thank me. I didn't do it for you," Antonin replied curtly.

"How did you find her?" Remus demanded, eyes brimming with suspicion.

"I made use of my tantalising charisma," Antonin replied with a disarming smile that revealed his sharp canines. Molly rolled her eyes. He would never change. Sarcasm certainly wouldn't make Remus any less distrustful.

The werewolf grimaced. "If it turns out that you knew where she was from the beginning…" he said in a threatening tone.

"Don't be a bloody fool," Evey spoke up sharply. And quite loudly, for everyone stared at her in surprise. She held herself upright. "I'm tired of everyone accusing Tony of being Voldemort's spy, or whatever you think he is. What will it take for you to trust him? You have no idea of the sacrifices he made to save me. And I have no intention of letting you know, because it's none of your fucking business. You don't deserve to know." She rose to her feet, Walden shadowing her an instant later with a look of concern on his pale face. "If you won't trust him – trust them – then I don't see why we should trust you with our secrets." She turned to Molly, and her eyes softened. "Mrs Weasley, I appreciate the gesture, but I should tell you I hate parties, especially when they're all about me. I need some air," she added as she made her way toward the back door, Walden and Nana on her heels. After a brief hesitation and an apologetic look directed at Molly, Antonin followed them outside.

"Weren't we supposed to take the opportunity of this gathering to invite everyone to our wedding?" Walden asked when they were outside. Evey sat on an old swing that must have been there since Bill was a toddler, Nana lying at her feet, eyes alert and scanning the darkness around them. Tony was leaning against the shed, looking up at the night sky. There were no clouds, and the stars shone brightly. The moon was almost full.

"Perhaps we should opt for a private ceremony. Just the three of us," Evey muttered moodily.

The 'party' had been a bad idea. Tony had tried to tell that to Molly, when Walden and Evey were still asleep, but she wouldn't heed his advice. The others had a right to see her, she'd insisted. He'd explained that they were perfectly welcome to visit Evey, but to make a party about her, to make her the centre of attention…that was a bad idea.

"Caraid will be heartbroken if you don't invite him," Tony pointed out. "After all these years despairing of ever marrying Walden off."

"Alright, the four of us, then," she amended, smiling at last. That's better, Tony thought. He hated to see her upset, now more than ever.

"It's all the same to me," Walden said. He frowned suddenly. "Aren't you cold?" he asked Evey. "I don't feel it, but we're in November…" She was wearing a simple blouse, Tony realised. She must be freezing.

Evey shrugged absently. "I'm fine. I don't really feel hot or cold anymore. I think my body just adjusts to the temperature."

"A year ago, I would have found that incredible, but considering the latest developments…" Tony said with a grin.

She returned it. "I wonder what's next," she speculated. "Perhaps I'll turn into a bat."

"As long as you don't start craving live human flesh, I think we can handle pretty much anything," Walden said with a laugh.

"What if I crave dead human flesh?" she countered playfully.

"Well, it's easier to come by," Tony said. "You could eat me, and I'd regenerate immediately. Endless food supply," he added crookedly.

"Gross," Walden grumbled. "I just ate, mate."

"Weakling," Tony whispered. His brother glared at him. "Anyway. That doesn't settle the matter of the wedding." They both scowled at him. "If you really intend to do it on the winter solstice, we'd better start planning, dearies. There's barely a month left." They wanted to do it on that date simply because it was the shortest day of the year – meaning the longest night, and that they would therefore have more time to spend together. "Seriously, you're going to invite other people, right? It's not really a wedding if there are no smartly-dressed guests, no glorious feast, no intoxicated uncle rolling under the table…"

"What little family I have left thinks I'm dead," Evey reminded him, "and in any case, they belong to the past. You're my family now, like it or not."

"I think Remus can play the part of the drunken uncle just fine. And Molly can be the fussy lady who keeps rearranging your hair and your dress. The twins will provide ambiance, I'm sure, and hopefully they'll bring some of their products as a wedding gift. Fleur can be your maid of honour, and as the best man, it will be my duty to…um…make sure she has a good time." He was picturing it all quite clearly, as he often had before Evey was captured: they would set firefly lanterns all over the garden – which would be enclosed in a warming ward, of course, if they insisted on a winter wedding; there would be enough food to feed everyone at Hogwarts for a year, and enough to drink to rival a Russian wedding; there would be music, everyone would dance, and–

Evey pulled him out of his reverie with a sly smile. "I doubt Bill will allow you to show Fleur a good time. Or that she will allow it, for that matter."

Tony snorted. "Bill will be too drunk to care. And how dare you doubt my ability to conquer Fleur's heart?" He didn't give a fig about Fleur, but the comment made Evey laugh, and that was what mattered.

"But I want you to be my maid of honour!" Evey complained. "I barely know Fleur."

"I'll be your man of honour if you agree to invite everyone, just like you promised earlier," Tony said.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine. We'll invite them all. Just not right now. I'm not in the mood."

"Of course not right now," Tony scoffed. "You have to make proper invitations. RSVPs. I think ivory or cream for the envelopes, and maybe gold for the parchment… Or the other way round? They'll have to be handwritten, obviously, with glittery, enchanted ink..."

He was talking to himself, he realised when Evey laughed again. "We'll leave it all to you, then. Just don't forget to invite us, alright?" Walden chuckled softly, and Nana barked in unison, as though to remind Tony that she ought to be on the guest list, as well.