Disclaimer: All belongs to JK ROWLING.
Chapter One.
The streets were littered with cheery people, armored in the warmth of their coats, scarves, and hats. Snowflakes were gently falling and twisting in the dark skies, one by one they fell to the earth. The lamp posts were alight, reflecting the shadows of the buildings. Casting light to the snow-covered sidewalks and streets.
A girl of about twenty years walked along the sidewalk, wrapped up in an old Gryffindor scarf and a worn wool hat. Her face was rosy from the coldness of the evening, yet it held a small frown. She made her way to the broken-down building and opened the door. The entrance of The Leaky Cauldron appeared before her, warmth invading her chilled body. She made her way into the building and took her usual spot in a corner booth.
She unwrapped her scarf and let it hang around her neck freely. Picking off her red mittens, she set them in her worn satchel that was beside her.
"'Ello, Miss Evans, the usual?" Lily looked up and nodded at the male server, giving a small smile.
It pained Lily to smile.
Twenty minutes later, after Lily devoured her hot chocolate and warm soup, she paid for her meal and made her way into Diagon Alley and apparated.
The Wizard community came into view almost immediately. Once she hit solid ground, Lily started walking quickly. Bundled in her scarf, mittens, and hat, and bound tightly in her jumper, she made her way to her destination.
Stepping in front of the Potter Manor, she closed her eyes tightly and opened the gate, making sure no one was around her. Making her way up the snow cleared pathway, she knocked four times and waited in silence.
She waited.
And waited.
She was getting impatient.
Really impatient.
Lily groaned and pulled her woolen hat to cover her now pink ears.
Hearing a fast movement of heavy footsteps behind the door, she anticipated the opening of the door. Jumping slightly on her toes, to keep warm, the large wooden door finally opened.
"Oh, sorry, Lily," an out of breath Frank Longbottom expelled, "come on in." Frank grabbed Lily by the elbow leading her inside the warmth.
"Thanks, Frank," Lily whispered, rubbing her hands to gain back some heat. He gave a Lily a smile.
"Everybody is upstairs, let's go," he said.
Frank's tall and lanky frame lead Lily up a winding, elegant stone staircase, her tennis shoes squeaking with the melting snow on her soles as she followed. Lily followed the brunette, recognizing the familiarities of the home. The scent of cinnamon and worn books, the detailed photographs nodding at Lily, welcoming her back. She gave them all sympathetic smiles as she passed each one of them. Hard as it was for her, she sure missed it here.
Longbottom lead her through familiar halls until they reached an unnoticeable doorway, which Lily had never noticed before. She raised an eyebrow as Frank opened the door, letting her walk in first. She was greeted with the usual waves and a nod from Dumbledore, his deep blue eyes twinkling in her direction.
"Please, do sit, Lily," the kind man told her. She complied and took a seat at the circular table, holding all of its members. The room was quite small, but it held its purpose. A crackling fire, with its waves of heat expelling, warming the quaint room. The room held a sense of sadness, but composure. Lily could tell that something important was going to be told and she didn't want to know. She didn't want to know who died. She didn't want to know who saw the face of Voldemort and risked their life for the sake of someone like herself. She looked around the table at the faces that surrounded her: Frank and Alice, Dorcas, Marlene, Caradoc, Moody, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter and Arthur. And other faces that blurred before her; she shook her head, the twins were missing. Lily winced at the recognition.
Lily undressed herself of her winter necessities, but kept her hat on, her long auburn tendrils falling in a curly mess down her back. Her jumper hid her phoenix tee that many of the members had on. It showed their willingness to fight, their pride in the Order.
Arthur Weasley's brown eyes came into contact with Lily's burning emerald ones. Lily nodded in understanding, and let out a choked sob quietly.
"I'm sorry to report another loss." Dumbledore stood and bowed his head. "Fabian and Gideon Prewett were killed," the elderly man spoke gently. "They were faced with five Death Eaters." Albus talked quietly. "I believe they were killed by Dolohov. They were found last night, their flat completely torn apart. We are unsure how the Death Eaters found their way in, but they unfortunately succeeded."
"They fought like heroes!" Alastor Moody banged his fist against the table angrily in his coarse voice. Everyone nodded in agreement. "Brave men they were!" he continued, shaking his head and slumping back in his seat.
The Order meeting went on for two hours more, making up some kind of plans, arrangements, and how to provide more protection. As per usual, Lily sat and watched intently, adding her opinions and suggestions occasionally.
When the meeting conjured, Lily stood up and walked to the now dying fire. Her head was bowed, her eyes tightly held closed. She did not want to cry any longer. Ever since fifth year, it was all she did. Lily needed to hold herself together. Her smalls arms wrapped around her body, as her bright red hair hid her pale face.
Then an arm snaked around Lily's shoulders, and looking up, she faced James Potter. Taking in his appearance she quickly wound her arms around his waist. Burying her head in his chest, she cried. And cried, until the tears couldn't fall any longer.
"Shh, Lily." James rubbed her back, trying to sooth the girl. "Lily, everything going to be fine," he said as he rested his chin on her head. Her height was short compared to James, she barely reached his shoulders.
"It can't be alright, James." Her muffled words held truth, and James couldn't deny it.
/&/
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