iii
.
Lily glanced down. Where, not five minutes before, Harry had been smiling widely and looking around the cozy, familiar sitting room of Bathilda's house, he now sat with his head resting on Lily's chest and eyes closed, breathing heavily.
She grinned at him, brushing his hair out of his face with a steady hand. "Sorry, Bathilda, he's due for a nap. Next week, then?"
"Of course, dear. I'll walk you out."
"That'd be lovely, thank you." She grabbed her cloak from the back of her chair – though she didn't necessarily need it for the short walk here but brought nonetheless – not putting it on now because of Harry sleeping in her arms, and followed Bathilda to the front door.
"When's James meant to come home?"
"I dunno. Dumbledore's got him on guard duty for something or other, but I couldn't tell you how long he'll be out. I'm hoping he's back sooner rather than later, obviously. But Remus and Peter've been coming by, which helps. Look at me, I sound desperate. He's only been out two days, I'm fine. It's getting Harry to sleep that's the problem…
"Speaking of, I should really get going, he's heavy." She smiled. "See you next week, thanks for the tea." Lily crossed the threshold and went straight home, the wind cold and harsh on her bare face.