Author's Note

Please forgive any spelling and/or grammar errors. I hope you enjoy it, please let me know what you think!

PS I'm not JK Rowling, so I don't own anything :(

Ch 13: Lily

"Lily? Are you here by yourself?" Gran asked worriedly as she stepped inside the Burrow and looked about for the two Order members she'd been left with. Except they had gone to help at Hogwarts. Lily fought the urge to roll her eyes. She was sixteen. She could handle being left alone in a house for a few hours. "Where has Remus and Tonks gone?"

"There was an attack at Hogwarts. They went to help," Lily answered, struggling to hide the anxious fear she felt from showing as she recalled precisely what was happening there and who all was involved – namely Draco. The last thing she wanted to do was worry the Weasley matriarch.

It didn't work. Her gran headed straight for the clock that had all hands pointing towards mortal peril, and began carrying it as she aimlessly moved various items from room to room. Not because anything was out of place, but to keep herself busy.

Each and every time they heard news like this, Gran reacted the same way. Grandpa had said having Lily around made it better though, since it gave Gran a new outlet to focus on, but Lily wasn't so sure as she watched the fear-motivated actions. Not that Lily was coping much better while they waited for news.

Most of the time this last year she was bored out of her mind and would probably have gone stir crazy long before if not for Remus, Tonks and the twins. Their visits were the only time she was allowed to leave the property, and even then it was mostly just to visit the joke shop. The rest of the time was spent studying with Remus or suffering through wedding plans with Fleur. Who knew a wedding involved so many decisions? Or was that simply because her aunt kept changing her mind about what she wanted every other week?

While it was certainly interesting getting to know her family, particularly since she didn't really remember them, she couldn't help but feel like she'd wasted most of the last year of her life. And now she was waiting around for more news, except this time she had even more of a personal stake in the outcome.

The sound of a muffled sniffle broke her out of her self-pitying ruminations. Lily's head yerked up in time to see her gran discretely wiping a tear from her face.

"I love you, Gran," Lily announced, hurrying over to wrap her arms around her Gran's soft middle. Immediately, the scent of apple pie filled her nose, reminding her of summer nights, laughter, and comfort.

"Oh, thank you, dear," Gran answered, patting Lily's arm reassuringly. "You shouldn't be worrying about me. Why don't you run along and get some sleep before your big day?"

Her O.W.L.s were supposed to be the next day, since the Ministry was sending someone to test her privately before they went to Hogwarts to test the rest of the fifth and seventh years, but she had a feeling they'd be postponed. Lily didn't bother arguing that there was no way she'd be able to sleep before learning of the night's events as she left her gran to continue wandering about the ground floor.

Besides, Draco had promised to return after it was over, and she couldn't wait to see him. Partly, she simply wanted to see for herself that he was all right, but also because she had something very important to tell him. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach at the thought.

Lily listened from the stairs as Gran informed Grandpa of what was happening when he arrived home late from work. Apparently, word hadn't just reached the Ministry before he'd left. Lily strained to hear the rest of their conversation, but couldn't quite make out what their hushed voices were discussing.

It wasn't long though before she heard Remus's voice calling out from the fireplace. "Molly? Arthur?"

"What is it? What has happened?" Grandpa demanded, hurrying past where she hovered.

"Bill was injured – Greyback clawed him," Remus answered gravelly, his hoarse voice weighed down with the gravity of the message he was delivering.

Gran gave a strangled cry and clutched her husband's shirt, swaying unsteadily, but Grandpa bravely asked, "Is he…?"

"He'll survive. He won't be a werewolf, but it will scar…badly," Remus said dully, shame for his own condition having him address the floor rather than his friends as he broke the news.

"We're on our way," Grandpa promised, guiding Gran to collect their travelling cloaks as he requested, "Can you stay with Lily?"

"Of course. I'll finish up here and head over. But there's other news," Remus continued, sighing wearily as he regretfully announced, "Dumbledore is dead."

So it had happened. Was it Draco? Or had Snape done it as promised?

Was Draco all right? Would he be there soon to explain?

A hot stab of pain flared through her head, followed by a wave of dizziness. Lily sank to her knees as conversations and memories bombarded her mind. Images of her uncle's scarred and grinning face danced around one of her father describing Dumbledore's death to a classroom full of her peers. Thoughts tangled themselves up in an impossible knot that threatened to topple her. They came too fast to process.

Everything that she knew about the events of the evening seemed to be assaulting her all at once. It was chaotic and confusing, but even as she felt like a bundle of nerves waiting for Remus to arrive and explain, the memories began sorting themselves out and settling into her mind as though they'd been there all along and the pain eased.

When Remus finally did arrive, he immediately asked, "How much did Draco tell you about what was going to happen tonight?"

"As much as he could, I think," Lily answered honestly. She wasn't sure what all had gone down, so it was hard to determine. "He only knew there was to be an attack on Dumbledore at the castle. He should be here soon if you have questions."

"I guess we wait then," Remus said heavily, and sank down onto the sofa with his face buried in his hands.

Right then, it was hard to remember that just a couple hours earlier, she'd been laughing and having fun with the now sober man as he conducted her final review session. How much can change in the blink of an eye.

Lily was abruptly grateful that her grandparents had left and that only Remus was there. He was so much more rational and patient than anyone in her immediate family. Were anyone else to be there when Draco arrived, they'd likely curse first and ask questions later, regardless of the role he'd played earlier.

For the second time that night she didn't have to wait much longer for news. The quiet knock on the back door had her racing forward and throwing it open to reveal the very wizard she'd been anxiously awaiting.

"Are you all right?" Lily demanded, scanning him from head to toe. His usually sleek hair was in wild disarray and he looked haunted.

"I don't know," he admitted raggedly, brow pinching.

Lily was about to hug him, offering what solace she could, when his grey eyes flicked to a point just over her shoulder. Weariness and uncertainty had him tensing visibly. Did he not believe that Remus was on his side? Hadn't Remus's praise from Draco's earlier warning meant anything?

"You were there when it happened," Remus said carefully. "Harry told me."

"I knew he was there," Draco said absently, following automatically when Lily took his hand and led him into the living room, Remus shadowing their steps.

"He has a number of questions for you," Remus warned, sitting across from where the pair perched side-by-side on the sofa.

The words made Draco snort, but the noise was devoid of humour as was his dry reply. "Of course he does."

"Care to share your version of events?" Remus prompted, keeping his voice as neutral as possible. Lily was grateful he'd not immediately slung accusations and was willing to hear Draco's side of things. "I'd like to understand what happened and why Albus is dead."

"That was always the goal, but it wasn't to happen like that, I don't think. It was my fault he couldn't defend himself. I disarmed him," Draco said quietly, studying his hands as though they were foreign to him. His words didn't make much sense to Lily, but she had a feeling Draco was struggling to process everything himself just then.

"Intentionally?"

"No. I was trying to avoid the fighting, and he surprised me. Then Snape was there and it was all over."

As far as explanations went, it wasn't much, but Remus seemed to understand regardless. Lily did too, thanks to her memory of her dad talking about it in detail. "It's not your fault we trusted Snape," Remus said consolingly.

The statement had Draco's head whipping up, and Lily saw the confused frown that distorted his features, but after a few seconds, he must have decided not to say what was on his mind, because instead he asked, "Did anyone else die?"

"No, but Uncle Bill was hurt," Lily answered, reaching over to lay her hand comfortingly on Draco's. His moved at once to thread their fingers together, finishing with a brief squeeze as he held onto her like a lifeline.

"What do I do now?" Draco asked uncertainly.

"Keep your head down, and continue on as you have. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Make contact when it's safe if you find anything out," Remus instructed him calmly.

"Should you be here now?" Lily asked, biting her lips as she imagined the consequences if the wrong people found out where he was.

Draco had made the decision to spy for the Order, and she wholeheartedly supported it, but the dangers involved were only just beginning to register for her. Somehow they'd not truly been cause for concern while Dumbledore was around to provide protection and guidance. But he was gone now. And so was the safety net that naturally came with him.

"They were celebrating. I doubt they'll notice my absence," Draco said, but the crease between his blond brows was back.

"Best not risk it. You should get back before anyone does," Remus said, noticing as well. "I'm here for you if you need help. Nymphadora is as well."

"I'll walk you out," Lily offered, determined to prolong their interaction for as long as she possibly could. Who knew how long it would be before they saw each other again.

"I'm sorry about your uncle. Will he be all right?" Draco asked.

"Yes. I remember what happened now," Lily admitted, recalling how the scars had always been a natural part of her eldest uncle.

"You do?"

"Right after Remus delivered the news. It was like remembering a dream or what I had for dinner the night before. Just there. In my mind," she said, ignoring the twinge she felt about keeping the brief pain that had accompanied the returning memories to herself.

"That's good, right? Means nothing changed from how it happened before?" he said, eyes darting over her face as though seeking verification that he'd not done the wrong thing. Her heart went out to him for the part he'd played and the way it was inevitably hurting him.

"Maybe. I don't think so at least. I asked Dumbledore about it last fall," she said, but stopped, swallowing back the rest of her words when a haunted shadow crossed his face. "Draco? How are you holding up? Really, I mean."

"I don't want to think about my part in all of this. Not yet. Please," he begged, gathering her against his chest and burying his face in her neck. A ragged breath fanned over her collar bone, making her shiver.

"If you're sure," she allowed, unwilling to force him to relive his experience before he was up to coping with it.

"I am. Now what did Dumbledore tell you?"

"That I'd likely have a lasting headache if the events were altered when I started to remember them," Lily said, repeating the information Dumbledore had shared with Remus about the spell he'd used on her.

"I'm guessing your head feels just fine right now?" Draco asked, bringing his hands up to card through her hair and cradle her head.

"Exactly," Lily said, smiling softly to reassure him.

She wished she'd recalled enough about the more important events of the war to write some of it down that first day she'd arrived in the past, but she'd been far more focused on writing about events from her childhood than things that happened before she was even born. If only she'd known the role Draco would play in her life when she'd had the opportunity!

Draco was staring off into the distance as she mused. He'd have to leave soon. Probably, he already should have. The knowledge spurred her to throw her arms around him. Tension steadily drained from his rigid frame as he relaxed into her.

"I have to go," he said reluctantly, pressing his forehead to hers and exhaling at the same time she did so that their breaths mingled.

"Come back to me soon," she begged, tightening her grip on him.

"I will," he promised.

"Draco?" she said, waiting until she had his full attention, before revealing, "I love you."

He kissed her then, branding her lips with the indelible truth. Elation coursed through her and she clung to him, responding with equal fervour.

They were both breathless when Draco finally tore his mouth away, and gasped, "Will I be welcome here?"

"I'll have Remus talk to my grandparents. He'll make sure they understand," Lily vowed, knowing she'd do whatever it took to ensure that end.

Draco looked doubtful, and she understood why when he asked, "What about Potter and Weasley? I'm sure they'll have something to say about it."

"I told dad everything…probably the longest letter I've ever written, but he never replied," Lily admitted, worrying her lip as she realized they'd probably be having a reckoning in person here before too long now that the school year was over and Draco had been involved with Dumbledore's death.

"He heard a conversation I had with Snape about you and spying. I'm not sure what he'll think about it all though now. Hopefully what he heard Dumbledore say tonight will help."

"He's probably rather confused and a bit distrustful. I think he's been waiting to talk to me about it all in person, but he'll especially want to now," she said frankly, voicing her earlier thoughts.

"I've been gone too long. I'll come when I can," Draco said, offering a final fleeting kiss before stepping back and Disapparating with an air-splitting crack!

"What's happening out there?" Draco asked curiously.

Lily had been waiting all day for him to arrive. He'd sent a note the day before stating he had news that was best delivered in person, just in case his owl was intercepted. Honestly, she thought that was just an excuse he'd come up with so that he could visit her. It'd been three weeks since Dumbledore's death, and she was worried about him.

"Wedding preparations. Come on," she urged, dragging him towards town. With everyone frantically working to transform the Burrow into Fleur's vision of the perfect wedding, she was hoping her absence would go unnoticed for hours.

Plus, the last thing she wanted was to have everyone supervising Draco's visit. She'd been so certain she could convince her family to trust him and believe he was willing to spy for them. But she hadn't counted on Mad-Eye's paranoia in the wake of what he insisted was Snape's betrayal. And unfortunately, Harry wasn't speaking up about what he knew to defend Snape to the others. Of course, that could be because he was locked away at his family's and not in contact with everyone. Hopefully, it would all get sorted when he joined them in a couple weeks. Until then it was probably best not to push things too much.

"Where are we going? I thought you wanted me to come over," he asked, slowing his steps and looking back towards the house.

When he'd written, he'd asked if she and Remus had properly prepared her family for his new role as spy for the Order, and she'd promised that they had. It wasn't a lie exactly, but as she'd already realized, it also didn't mean they would welcome him with open arms or accept the idea that Draco was in a relationship with Lily.

"I want to spend some time with you – can't do that if Uncle Ron is trying to murder you," Lily admitted, tugging his arm to get him to move further out of sight of any of her family members.

"Will your family be upset that you're gone?" he asked, one side of his lips tipping up. Probably at the idea of her breaking rules. He likely found her actions to be rather devious – very Slytherin of her.

"Mum promised to cover for me," Lily admitted, shrugging casually.

Internally, she winced. That had not been a fun conversation. They'd gone round and round for hours before Ginny relented, and she only did then because Tonks and Remus backed her up. Her mum was currently the only member of her family willing to trust Draco, and Lily had a feeling it was only for Lily's sake that she was trying.

Honestly, though, it had probably been a good rehearsal for the conversation she'd soon be having with her dad when he arrived at the Burrow.

"Weaslette did?" Draco asked incredulously. Lily couldn't help but laugh at the look on his face.

"She wants to talk to you when we get back, but yep," she confirmed.

"Wonderful," he muttered, raking a hand through his hair and musing the pale strands slightly. Lily adored the dishevelled look. It gave her all sorts of ideas on rumpling him further.

"What's been happening with…them?" Lily asked cautiously, feeling the contrast between her excitement at walking with her…boyfriend, and dread about the ongoing war.

"Lots of meetings and boasting. For the most part I've not been included, given my recent failure, but they're planning to break my father and a few other Death Eaters out of Azkaban in the next couple days," he said, sharing the information he'd deemed too sensitive to write in a letter.

"They want numbers for when they go after my dad," Lily guessed, frowning at the idea of an impending attack.

"Maybe. I hadn't thought of that," Draco said, visibly rolling the idea around as he tilted his head then nodded decisively.

"I'll pass the information along, but for now, let's talk about nicer things," Lily suggested, smiling genuinely when Draco lopped his arm around her waist and hauled her close as they ambled down the street. "You can still stay for a few hours, right?"

"Yes. Which uncle is getting married?" he asked, feigning interest for her sake.

"The eldest, Bill," Lily said, appreciating his effort.

"Did he heal up all right?"

"As much as he ever will," Lily said, conscious of the fact that Draco felt partially responsible for what had happened to him. "His fiance doesn't mind. I think she even prefers him this way – proof of his bravery."

Lily went on to tell him all about the endless preparations and how the twins kept doing things to prank Bill and hide surprises all over the place for the wedding. Then about how Ron would absolutely not stop complaining about helping – which Draco had a lot to say about. And how Hermione had arrived the day before, but Lily hadn't seen her because her aunt had locked herself in a room and was crying for some reason.

Draco also asked about her exams, which she'd finally taken the week before, and Lily was confident that she'd done extremely well on them.

After walking all the way into the small town and back, they stopped to relax by the secluded little pond tucked out of the way in the orchard. For several minutes they stared at one another, neither speaking.

Seconds ticked by as their faces inched closer, drawn together like magnets, the pull irresistible. The tip of Draco's nose brushed along the arch of hers and a shiver ghosted down her spine. The longer she waited, the faster her pulse raced. Anyone measuring it would assume she'd run a marathon by the time his lips finally pressed against hers.

It started slow. A mere tease. But it didn't stay that way for long. Before she knew it, Lily was drowning in him. A storm raged, tossing her about in turbulent waves. She relished the wildness, feeling herself come to life after months of barely existing.

Lily's hands wound into Draco's hair and she followed him when he laid back, draping herself over his torso and gasping into his mouth at the feel of his hands tracing her curves to settle on her bum.

It wasn't enough. She wanted more. Needed more.

A rush of Gryffindor courage had her sitting up and grasping the edge of the thin tank she wore, one that used to belong to Ginny. She grinned daringly when Draco's thundercloud eyes widened in understanding a second before she whipped it off. He was upright himself by the time she released the discarded top, his liquid mercury gaze surveying her as though he'd never seen a girl wearing only cut-off jeans and a serviceable white cotton bra before.

There was nothing sexy about her attire. It was hand-me-downs – all her family could afford. Draco was probably used to witches wearing much more alluring clothes. He'd admitted to having sex with one of his classmates when she'd written to ask about it in the spring. The knowledge left her feeling suddenly shy and slightly insecure.

Lily felt warmth bloom across her cheeks and chest as she flushed, wishing she could blame the sun or the heat of a summer day, but honestly it wasn't all that warm and the sun was currently hiding behind a rather thick layer of clouds. The only thing that stopped her from covering up again was the blatant appreciation on Draco's face as he took her in.

"I want to kiss every freckle on your body," he said huskily.

The very idea made her breath hitch. What would that be like?

Draco must have noticed her slight hesitation, because he asked, "But maybe we save that?"

"Ummm, kiss me again?" Lily said, a little uncertain but knowing she wanted to get swept up in him again – not sit there overthinking everything.

Draco complied immediately, and before long his hands were tracing the newly revealed contours and Lily could have sworn she'd turned into a toy top given the way her head was spinning. Her hands snaked under his shirt too, mapping his lean torso, honed from years of Quidditch, and soon his shirt had joined hers.

Part of her wanted to admire his body the way he'd done her's, but she didn't think she'd survive even a brief break from kissing him. It wasn't until his hand paused at her waist, his fingers toying with the button of her shorts that any degree of sanity returned.

Lily did have to think about what she wanted, just reached to undo the button herself in silent invitation for him to continue exploring her. All of her earlier embarrassment from never having been in this position had vanished entirely. She loved Draco. It was as simple as that.

Draco's hand disappeared, his fingers tickling slightly as they touched the sensitive place by her hip bones. Then it was at her centre, and his long fingers were dexterously caressing and stroking the little nub at the apex of her thighs.

"Augh," a heady moan escaped her, swallowed up by Draco as his tongue continued duelling with her. Tiny sparks ignited in her veins as his touch seemed to brand her very soul. The fire claimed her, possessing her and filling her with the knowledge that she was Draco's and he was her's.

Always.

Desire coiled her muscles, edging her closer to the edge of a cliff she'd never visited before. It was high, but she was ready to explore its secrets. But as a single digit circled her entrance, Draco hesitated, breaking the kiss and using his free hand to pull her as close to him as he could. Their heaving chests had grown slick with sweat and her tightened nipples tingled from the contact.

"I think I need to take a dip in the water, cool off a bit," he said breathlessly, but the statement sounded more like a question than anything and he didn't remove his hand.

"Or I could take care of you," she replied, already taking the initiative to free his straining erection.

She'd wanted to since he started touching her, but she'd let her uncertainty and inexperience restrain her. Not to mention the fact she'd been too caught up in the feelings Draco was coaxing from her all too willing body.

"Yeah, all right. That works too," he huffed, exhaling harshly when her fist gripped his cock.

The skin was softer than she'd expected, velvet over steel. He was hotter too, nearly scalding her palm. Then she was letting instinct guide her because she was too distracted to analyse him further when he captured her mouth again and his finger eased into her slick passage.

She'd barely stroked him, pumping her fist from base to tip twice before he groaned and warned, "I'm definitely going to embarrass myself here."

"Please do, it'll be a boost to my self-esteem," Lily all but begged, feeling a giddy rush at the idea. It only heightened the sensations he created as she teetered closer to the edge of the cliff.

"You shouldn't need one – you're bloody perfect, Lily," he said, his thumb rubbing roughly against her clit as he said the words.

A second finger joined the first as he thrust them into her, and she tumbled over the edge, crying out as her muscles released the mounting tension in a sudden burst. Exhilaration and bliss lit her up from the inside and she soared faster than a racing broom on a Quidditch pitch. Her hand squeezed about the rigid length she was working, and he groaned as well, wet heat spilling onto her hand.

Draco grinned sheepishly at the mess, but then he was rooting about the ground to find his wand and vanish the evidence of his enjoyment.

"Lily?" he began, looking a bit lost for words.

"How often can you visit?" she asked, deciding to cut the awkwardness with a bit of humour. Or maybe she was serious.

"Why?"

"We need to do that again – soon," she announced, wondering if he was interested in kissing all of her freckles the next time.

The thought disappeared though, and she had to bite back her words when she caught sight of his smug expression. His ego was already overinflated. There was no sense adding to it. In fact, she was content simply appreciating the skills he'd cultivated before meeting her.

"Guess it's time to face Weaslette," he said after another minute.

All too soon they'd covered all evidence of their recent activities and Lily had retrieved Ginny and brought her to where Draco was still waiting in the orchard.

"Harry and I have talked about this," Ginny announced without preamble. She was always like that, getting straight to the point and not wasting time skirting the issue. Draco waited, and Lily could see him biting back a number of retorts. She was grateful for the restraint. Hopefully it would help win Ginny over. "We don't trust you or think you're anywhere near good enough for her, but in the end, it's not up to us."

Lily hadn't had any idea what her mum had planned to say when she'd begged for help that morning to get to spend some time with Draco, but she'd never dared hope for this reaction.

"What are you saying?" Draco asked slowly, glancing from Ginny to Lily in question.

"Be careful," Ginny said, pursing her lips and placing her balled fists on her hips. For such a tiny witch, she had a way of looking quite intimidating when she wanted.

"Or what? You'll hex me?" Draco retorted, snorting derisively.

Probably, he was thinking Ginny's wrath couldn't possibly be worse than what he suffered at Voldemort's hands. To be fair, it couldn't. But Ginny had one leg up on Voldemort in this situation – the fact that she was Lily's mum and could make things excruciatingly difficult for them if she wanted.

Draco seemed to realise this at the same time she did, because he abruptly sobered.

"At the very least," Ginny said seriously, her face a cold, unrelenting mask. "I'm saying do better than you did in the past. I believe you want to, and that you're trying. Keep it up, and maybe one day you'll be worthy of her."

"I plan to," Draco said quietly, the vow no less potent for the lack of volume. If anything, it lent additional strength to it.

"Then you should go before Ron sees you here. He's not as open minded about this as I am," Ginny advised pragmatically.

"Thanks, mum," Lily said, fighting the urge to cry in relief.

As much as she longed to see Draco again, she accepted the fact it was too dangerous for him to visit while Voldemort was residing at his house along with the newly freed Azkaban prisoners. They contented themselves with letters, and over the next few days Draco confessed a bit about the guilt he felt over Dumbledore and his fear for what the future of the war held.

It was therefore a surprise when Draco appeared at the backdoor of the Burrow unexpectedly one morning.

"Draco Malfoy!" Grandpa yelled, clearly startled to find the son of his rival at his home before breakfast.

"I wasn't expecting you," Lily said, rushing over to join the pair.

"I need to see Lupin," Draco announced without greeting her. "It's important."

"He's not here," Lily said, frowning at his distraught expression upon hearing that. "You'll never believe it, but he and Tonks got married!"

He smiled briefly at her enthusiasm, but sobered almost immediately as he admitted, "I know. I heard last night. They know about the plans to move Potter. I had to warn you."

"What was that?" Bill asked from the kitchen table. Lily stepped aside so her uncle could see Draco too since it was obvious her grandpa had no intention of inviting him inside.

"Bill, right?" Draco asked, likely recognizing him from the slashes marring his otherwise handsome face. "There was a meeting last night. They knew about the plans. They killed Professor Burbage. My aunt wants Tonks dead."

Grandpa stared at Draco assessingly. Then the sound of Bill clearing his throat prompted him to give a resigned sigh. "Why don't you come in, son. I'll see if I can get Remus here."

"Er, yes, sir," Draco said, glancing towards Lily for a cue. She nodded eagerly, knowing this was a major breakthrough in getting her family to trust him.

"Everyone else is still asleep," Bill said, making conversation while her grandpa went to Floo Remus in the other room. "Mum has been working round the clock to get ready for the wedding."

"Sorry. I know it's early, but I want to be back before anyone realises I left at all," Draco said, flushing slightly as though worried about imposing.

Lily longed to greet him properly or talk to him, but he looked so uncomfortable being there, and she couldn't really discuss anything with her uncle watching them. Luckily, it wasn't long before her grandpa returned with Remus striding into the room just behind, his frayed robes more rumpled than usual. Probably, he'd thrown on whatever was on the floor from the day before in his rush to get there.

"What's happened, Draco?" he asked, moving to clasp Draco reassuringly on the shoulder. The act seemed to do the trick because Draco instantly transformed from the aloof and unfamiliar statue he'd been since arriving to the wizard she'd fallen in love with.

He looked so regretful as he answered, saying, "Aunt Bella…she-she intends to kill Tonks, because…."

"Because she married me? I feared doing so would put a target on her back, but she's stubborn," Remus said, a small smile flirting about his face and making him look years younger as he thought of his new bride.

"What plans were you talking about before?" Bill prompted, seeming to understand time was limited and they needed to move the conversation along.

"To move Potter. They know," Draco said succinctly.

"What do they know?" Remus inquired calmly, though Lily guessed he was anything but.

"That you're flying him in a couple days," Draco replied, shifting agitatedly.

"That's it?" Remus said, his brows raising in surprise.

"Isn't that enough?" Draco demanded, scowling as he looked incredulously at the assembled group. Nearly frantic, he suggested, "Can you move it up? Do it today instead?"

"They'd know someone told us," Grandpa said pragmatically, far more used to juggling the pros and cons of information learned through a spy than Draco was.

"Better than the Dark Lord killing him! Who knows what will happen to Lily if he dies –"

"Draco, thank you. We'll be ready for the attack. We'll get him here safely. I promise you," Remus vowed, gripping Draco's shoulder tighter, his voice infused with a calming sincerity one couldn't help but believe.

Draco scanned his face, searching for any sign of deceit or false bravado. Eventually, he deflated, recognizing that he'd served his purpose and there was nothing more he could do. "I have to get back," he intoned flatly.

Lily shot the wizards a pleading look, and when no one made to stop her, raced after Draco into the yard.

"I'll keep you safe," he vowed.

"I love you," she replied, kissing him fast and hard, infusing the act with all of the gratitude and faith she could.

Then he was gone. Again.