Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

Beta: To be edited and replace the currently posted chapter at a different date.

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Eight days later

"Eggs or pancakes today do you think?" Lily asked with a yawn as she spun into the kitchen. James was sitting at the kitchen table, face lying against the rough wood. His hair flopped over his eyes and his glasses were set out beside him. Lily was fairly certain that he had pajamas on underneath his day robes.

"Both, Emmaline can't have gluten, remember? Everyone had eggs yesterday though," he mumbled. He may appear tired, but his mind was still wide awake.

"You're right, grab me the skillet, will you?" she asked him, tying her hair atop her head. James raked his hand through his hair before standing and rummaging through the cabinets for Lily's skillet.

Lily had taken to bringing breakfast to the members of the Order every morning. She discovered that not many of them had the time to eat before they left the house and went to either the Burrow or Dumbledore's office for the meetings. They needed their sleep and didn't wish to wake up early to make themselves something. Lily, however, got plenty of sleep seeing as how she was on maternity leave at the Ministry and wasn't allowed to go on missions. Waking up a bit early to throw something together for them was her way of helping.

There were times she felt guilty, for not being able to do more that is. She used to be quick, one of the quickest. She used to be the one they called for missions before he took over the Ministry. Now? Now she was pregnant, with little Harry who she already loved with all of her heart. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but miss the old days. The days when she'd anticipate the rush of casting a spell she had been taught. Now what did she spell? The skillet...her bed when she was too lazy to make it...sometimes the furniture when it got a bit dusty. No, not her idea of exciting. Lily knew it would be worth it, she was incredibly grateful for baby Harry, but wistfulness was becoming a big part of her life. Lily was getting cabin fever.

It was then that James finally found the skillet and placed it beside her on the counter. He trudged over to the seat he was previously sitting in and set himself back into it. He looked so...haggard. Lily was beginning to get worried about him. Before, it had been the two of them, working together, but it was all on him now. There she went again, Lily realized, thinking of before. It was silly really, because she would never be in before again. There was only what was to come. She was, indeed, incredibly excited and no longer wished for before to cloud her vision of the future.

Lily sighed, setting her wand on the counter and moving towards him. Breakfast for the Order would have to wait.

"They're really wearing you out James, you need a break," she murmured, kneeling down so she was level with his shoulder. He remained quiet. She pressed her forehead against him and breathed in his comforting scent.

A wide variety of memories rushed into her head as they always did when they had their silent moments. His head on hers underneath the tree at Hogwarts, their first kiss in the Room of Requirement, his arms twirling her at the New Year's dance, his arms holding her tight as she sobbed at what her life had become, the look on his face as he asked her to marry him. He was the one who was there during it all, the good and the bad. She couldn't wait to spend the rest of her life with him.

Without a word James took his arm and wrapped it around her, pulling her into his chest. She moved both her own arms around his waist and burrowed her head into his shirt. He moved his chin on top of her head and she heard him suck in a deep breath. She squeezed him a bit tighter. They sat like that for a long time, immovable, listening to the other breathe. It was all that kept them sane sometimes

##########

"How are you, Evie," Remus chimed into the telephone.

"Well enough...I miss you, you were one of the only good guys left around here," she chuckled weakly. "When are you coming home, Remus?" the voice on the other side answered. She sounded strained and tired. Remus squeezed his eyes shut for a moment.

"I honestly don't know, it's been over a week and we haven't made any progress,"

"You've only been gone that long? It seems like years," the line crackled.

"I'm sorry Evelyn...they need me here," Remus spoke, urging her to understand.

France. It had been his home, for several months actually. After he got done with his initial exploration of the world, something that only took a few weeks, Dumbledore had sent him to Paris. It was there he had rented a flat, one that was a few doors down from Evelyn, his companion for his stay. Dumbledore thought that playing themselves off as two who were to be married would be a clever move. After not too long Remus found himself enjoying Evelyn's companionship. He became used to her being at his side, holding his hand, standing up on the tips of her toes to kiss his cheek. Neither knew when something pretend became a little more real.

"I know Remus, really, I do," she breathed, he could hear the Evelyn he was coming to love once again. "You're a brilliant person, Remus, you're doing the right thing. I wouldn't let you come back early, besides. That can't stop me from wishing you were here though, wishing that your friends were still safe. That poor girl, she'll be okay, won't she? The baby too?"

"Knowing Alice, Frank too, I'm sure they're being stronger than any other person could be in their situation. They'll be okay...and if not," Remus stopped talking.

"Don't think like that...negativity is bad luck you know,"

"You did ask," he put in. He heard her laugh softly.

"Yes, I did. I asked not because I thought they wouldn't be okay, but because I wanted you to realized that they are. Can't you feel it Remus?"

It was moments like those that Remus' heart swelled. Evelyn was...everything he needed. She was sweet, incredibly so, always caring for those around her. She was clever too. More than once he had caught her playing mind games on him in order to brighten his mood, much like she had just been doing. He fingered the picture he had of the two of them in his hand, wanting to see her smile up close again. He let out another lengthy sigh.

"I miss you too, Evelyn," he spoke into the phone, it was something he had been needing to say since she first said it to him.

"You're doing a good thing, Remus," she assured him. "Alice, and Frank, you've known them for years and years. You've known me for a few months. I can wait,"

"That doesn't make you any less important, Evelyn. You know that don't you?"

"I do because you tell me it all the time," her voice sounded fond and it made him smile.

"Good,"

"Now today, Mr. Lupin, you're going to take a camera to work, and take a picture of all your wonderful friends for me. Might as well throw in one of yourself," he could picture her grin. "Tell Professor Dumbledore 'hello' for me as well,"

Dumbledore had recruited her for surveillance in France since nearly the beginning of Voldemort's rise. Evelyn was very good at subtly putting herself out there for such things. Only a trained eye would be able to catch her willingness to help. She was smart, not wanting to attract attention from the wrong people. Dumbledore saw her potential nearly immediately and put her on the job. Since then Evelyn and Dumbledore together had gather a fair number of faithful and willing participants to scout out certain events or areas in France for them. They often reported back to Evelyn and it was her job to contact Dumbledore. The whole process was very smooth and controlled, something that was completely Evelyn. She couldn't stand disorganization.

"Will do, maybe they'll give me an excuse to floo over to see you,"

"You know it's not safe, Remus," she spoke softly. He could hear the frown in her voice.

"I think it'll be worth it," he chuckled. "I've got to go now, I was supposed to be at the Burrow ten minutes ago,"

"Now how do you think that makes me look, Mister? Keeping you from your chivalrous duties and all," she laughed. "Goodbye Remus,"

"I'll call you soon, Evelyn, goodbye," he hung the phone up with a distinct 'click'.

It was after such phone calls that the fear began to set in. She was...how many miles away? Hundreds, he knew that. He also knew that he wouldn't be able to help her if she got into a bit of trouble. What Evelyn was doing was dangerous, granted, no more dangerous than what he did everyday, but she was alone. What were the chances that just as he had begun to love her, she'd get snatched away? According to his luck, rather high. He was hoping for the best, however, wanting to enjoy his happiness while he could. Remus hadn't felt better in ages. He finally understood what Lily felt when James went on missions, however.

There had been many a night when James had left on a mission with Sirius and Lily was left at the house alone. Marlene was there sometimes, but sometimes she was not, so Lily would call Remus. She'd invite him over for a cup of tea and a chance to try this new recipe she had baked up, claiming they had catching up to do. Remus knew what she really needed him there for, comfort and companionship. Lily did not like to be alone, not in the least bit. Of course, he'd happily oblige, telling her that he'd been craving her earl grey for ages. They'd sit and talk for the longest time and once it got really late, when the sky was black and the stars having shone for hours, Lily would tell him how scared and worried she was. She was scared for their future, for James and baby Harry. He'd nod and agree, feeling fear also. It wasn't the same fear though; the fear for another. Having just hung up on Evelyn, Remus felt that he finally understood.

With, yet another, sigh Remus stood, stretched out his back and walked out the front door. He had work to do.

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During Remus' whole conversation on the phone, what he didn't know was that Marlene and Sirius were in the next room, pressing their ears against the wall to hear his words. They tumbled over each other a couple of times in order to claim the right spot, and in the end Marlene won. Sirius was forced to crouch uncomfortably in a spot below her. Once they heard Remus leave the flat, the two straightened themselves up and decided that they should be leaving as well. Problem was, they were still in pajamas. Sirius had snuck into Marlene's room that morning once he heard Remus making the phone call. The two had rushed back to Sirius' room to lean against the wall and listen.

"They're adorable," Marlene cooed and she began to walk out of the room, Sirius naturally followed.

"I'm proud of him, he's finally found himself a decent girl," Sirius spoke through a yawn. "What I still don't understand is why the Order makes us wake up so blo-,"

"Watch your mouth Sirius," Marlene warned just as he finished his sentence. "You're going to be around a child soon enough, can't have little Harry and Neville hearing any of that,"

"They won't understand me, Marley, calm down,"

"But they will soon enough," she shook her head, reaching for a hair brush on the dresser in her room.

"Fine then. Let me correct myself. What I still don't understand is why the Order makes typing us wake up so annoyingly early,"

"Better, and they make us wake up so early because we have important things to do,"

"Half the time we're just wandering around London! I wish...there was was something more we could do to help. How are we going to find Alice and Frank like this?"

"Dumbledore knows what he's doing, Sirius, I would trust him,"

"I never said I didn't trust him, Marley," Sirius rolled his eyes, moving out of the room so that he could go get dressed. He strolled down the hall to his own room as he finished his sentence. "It's just that I can't stand them not being here, you know?"

"I know, now get dressed, we're late...again."

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"Morning Lily, James," Emmaline Vance spoke as she saw the two enter the Burrow. They were both carrying tinfoil wrapped plates. She breathed in deeply. "Your eggs are heavenly, darling," she said with a smile, swiping one of the platters away and depositing it on a table that had been set up. "Nevertheless, it's times like this I wish I could pancakes,"

"I'm sure we could find a way around it, Emmaline," Lily grinned, placing the rest of the plates beside the one Emmaline had set down. "Don't they make gluten-free flour?" Emmaline scrunched up her face.

"It costs a fortune, Lily, and isn't all that pleasant besides. Very gritty...kinda sticks to your teeth. Trust, me I've tried it. Ruined a perfectly good batch of cookies, it did. I've learned to stick to no-bakes, have you had them?"

"Never heard of them...wait," Lily paused. "I might have actually, tell me anyway,"

"They're brilliant really, takes no more than three minutes to whip up as well. Just boil some butter, sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and peanut butter. Once you've got it there you throw in oats and a bit of vanilla. They're wonderful really, I'll have to bring them some time."

"Oats? You found a way to cheat the system, Emmaline," Lily smiled as she began to take the foil off of all the plates. The food was still hot; something she took as a small success.

"Ugh," Emmaline moaned. "What am I doing talking about cookies? Sometimes my mouth just moves on its own accord. There are more important things! We have a lead, Lily, a superb one at that!" Lily's head whipped around.

"A lead?" She questioned. Emmaline nodded eagerly.

"Yesterday, I was in town with Caradoc, scouting out this shady pub you know? This guy was sitting on the side of the road and said his name,"

"And?"

"And then he was swarmed, five or six burly guys apparated in and carted him off, all wearing the masks and black cloaks. We've never seen it actually happen before,"

"So it's true then?"

"Now that we've seen it first hand we can use it as a lead, it was obsolete before,"

"You think that's what happened to him? To Frank? He said his name?"

"It's possible, very possible if you think about Frank,"

"So now what?"

"Now? Caradoc and I tried to trace the apparation with this handy charm Dumbledore taught us, it led us somewhere,"

"Can you do that? Trace an apparation?"

"Well... it's not technically legal. But it's all for the best, right?"

"Normally I'd be against this, but at this point I'd do whatever it takes to find Frank and Alice," Lily sighed.

"We have some members investigating it today. We're all really hopeful, Lily, this might be it!"

"You really saw it though? There's no chance it could have been a coincidence?"

"A coincidence that two seconds after this lad said his name he got stormed by death eaters? Not likely," Emmaline paused and brought her hand up to rub Lily's back. "You can wish for it Lily, there's nothing wrong with that,"

"I just...don't want to get my hopes up, you know?"

"Lily," Emmaline sighed. "Wasn't it you who always used to tell us how powerful hope was, how no matter what it was the very thing that could save you? Since when has Lily Potter not believed in hope?" Lily chuckled weakly.

"You're right, you're completely right. I still believe in hope Emmaline, there is no mistaking that. I'm just...scared,"

"Well that's perfectly fine, you know. We all have the right to be, I'd say."

"You think so?"

"I know so," Emmaline grinned her familiar toothy grin, displaying dimples in her cheeks. She had green eyes, unlike Lily's in the way that they matched the pale color of grass with the midday sunlight overhead. Lily had always found them gorgeous. With her flowing brown curls and prominent features, Emmaline was beautiful. She was such a good person, really, that Lily found a rush of gratitude running through her entire form. She placed her hand on Emmaline's arm.

"Thank you, those were the very words I needed to hear,"

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"Welcome everyone, sorry for the disarray the house is in, the twins were feeling particularly rambunctious this morning. They found it hilarious to swap all the food in the cupboards with the appliances in the garage. Needless to say, I had little time to tidy," Molly Weasley spoke clearly for everyone to hear. Several people chuckled. "Professor Dumbledore called ahead and told us to begin without him. Today's going to be a rather dull day, I suppose. You will get your assignments switched up tomorrow, but for now return to whatever it was told you were to do yesterday,"

"Did Professor Dumbledore tell where he is, Molly?" Sturgis Podmore spoke, sticking his head up.

"I'm assuming, and don't quote me on this, he is investigating the lead that Emmaline and Caradoc found yesterday. Anything else?"

Before anyone in the room had the time to raise their voice and ask another question, the front doors of the Burrow were opened. All expected to see several stragglers, but in walked Dumbledore, Frank Longbottom leaning up against him. Following were Fabian and Gideon Prewitt, Alice between the two of them.

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Chapter twelve. Yes, it's late...very late. I could come up with excuses but you guys don't deserve those. I found myself writing this chapter according to schedule, it was on it's way to be posted last week. It wasn't soon after I found that I wanted to take some more time on it, make it longer than my chapters have been, put in more effort. Needless to say, I was not able to post it within the last week. I find myself liking this thought out chapter more than the ones in the past. I hope you can all understand. Thank you so much for your amazing support!

-Sweets5236