*** 12 – Help From Friends ***

Liz walked quietly through the hallways, not wanting to disturb many people. She really didn't know who she wanted to talk to, but she knew that someone probably had some answers for her. As she crept down the stairs, she heard voices coming from the sitting room.

"What can we do Albus? This can't go on any longer."

"I agree with you Mr. Zabini, but there is much to be done before we can proceed."

"So give us something to do. I hate feeling so helpless."

"As do I, but it is sometimes necessary to let things unfold without interfering."

"Albus, I barely knew her in school, and it nearly killed me hearing her speak of her past as a muggle. She truly has no idea who she is, and none of us can stand it. Draco has been a walking corpse for the last five years, and I won't let my best friend go through that again!"

"Please calm yourself Mr. Zabini. It also pains me greatly to see things in such disarray. But we cannot do anything until she is ready to do it. If we force her into anything, the repercussions could be severe."

"But if we let it go too long, the effects could be permanent!"

"I am well aware of that fact, but it must be her decision. In the meantime, all we can do is offer her our support. She will let us know when she is ready for us to give her further assistance."

Liz pulled herself away from the door, not wanting to hear anymore of their conversation. Obviously they were arguing about her, and how they could help her. Albus really was wise, not wanting to push her into anything, but she could understand Blaise's frustration as well. It was the same as she was feeling. And they were at a loss, just as she was. What a mess her life had become.

Feeling sorry for herself, she wandered into the kitchen in search of a glass of water. She opened the cupboard, pulled out a glass and ran some water in the tap. As she raised the glass to her lips, she stopped. She looked over at the cupboard that she had opened. How had she known which to choose? And how did she know that if she pulled open the drawer right next to the stove that she'd find the silver cutlery? Or if she went into the third cupboard from the left, she'd find the casual eating china? And that the cupboard next to it held the mini-pantry, full of teas and other everyday needs?

"Are you alright?" Liz jumped at the sound of a voice, and dropped the glass she'd been holding. It smashed at her feet, and she took an involuntary step back, and onto some of the broken shards. She grabbed the counter to steady herself, and felt a pair of hands grasp her waist. "Come dear, let's get this looked at."

As Liz walked carefully on her tiptoes, she glanced to her right to see the kind face of Remus Lupin. He led her to the closest kitchen chair, and set her down in it before kneeling and raising her left foot to his eye level. He took out his wand, murmured something as he waved it, and Liz felt a warm sensation in the soles of her feet. Remus repeated the same process on her other foot, and then raised himself into a chair as he conjured her a fresh glass of water.

"Thank you," Liz whispered, bringing the cool water to her lips.

"Not a problem at all Her – Liz," he said awkwardly before waving his wand and causing the broken glass to vanish into thin air.

"I'm sorry for all the fuss I've caused," Liz apologized, barely batting an eye at his actions.

Remus looked at her with an expression of disbelief. "You haven't caused a fuss at all. If anything, your presence here has brought a lightness that this house has not seen in nearly a decade." Liz looked up at him, surprised. "Back when you were at Hogwarts, this place was one of refuge. It always felt safe. And whenever you, Harry and Ron came to visit, there was a child-like innocence that came with you. This place became happy again because of the new life you brought to it. Everyone would come around when you three were here. But after Sirius passed, you three came here less frequently. And when you disappeared, Harry and Ron stopped coming altogether."

"Sirius?"

"Sirius Black, Harry's godfather. This house belonged to his family, but he was killed by the Dark Side during your fifth year at school. The house was passed on to Harry, but since it meant that he had lost the only family he had left, he didn't like coming here much. This place was a ghost-home for five years. And now there's life in it again."

"How long has everyone been back in this house?"

"Since Dora found you a few weeks ago. She brought everyone together to make it easier for travelling, and we've just stayed here since. No one has wanted to go home, because it would mean giving up again."

"So who lives here now?"

"No one really lives here anymore. We all have homes of our own. Molly and Arthur have the Burrow, Ron and George share an apartment in Diagon Alley, Dora and I have a house outside of London, Albus, Poppy and Minerva live at the school, and Draco, Isabel, Harry and Ginny all live in the same neighbourhood near Godric's Hollow. Blaise and Kingsley are here most often, but it is usually in between missions."

"I wish I could remember it all," Liz said sadly.

"You will in time," Remus told her confidently. "We have some ideas for how to retrieve your true memories, but as everyone keeps saying, we don't want to push you."

"What if I wanted to be pushed?" she asked him. Remus looked taken aback, so Liz rose from her seat and paced the room as she spoke. "I've only been here a day, and people are treating me like I'm an infant. I may not remember you all, but I'm not useless. I don't want to be handled with kid gloves. I'd rather people just be blunt and honest around me, and stop treating me like I'm going to break at the slightest pressure."

Remus was silent for a moment, before rising and moving to her side. She looked up at him, and only then realized that she had tears sliding down her cheeks. Remus pulled her into a hug, and she let his fatherly presence calm her hysterics. He stroked her hair, and gently whispered words to soothe her. "I had no idea you felt this way," he said honestly.

"I do," she whispered.

He pulled out of the hug, and looked her straight in the eyes. "What can I do?"

Liz stared back at him confidently. "Anything in your power to help me remember who I am."

Remus smiled at her, and hugged her again. "Very well," he stated. "Would you be willing to let me bring in outside sources?"

She nodded in response. "I don't know what can be done, but I need it done soon. I want to turn my world right-side-up again, and the sooner, the better."

With a smile and a nod, Remus agreed to her terms. "We shall start first thing in the morning then." Liz was a bit disappointed at having to wait, but nodded in agreement. Remus couldn't be expected to just drop everything right then and there. "In the meantime," he continued, "I think it would be best if you spent tonight relaxing your mind. Try not to think too much on the events of the past few days, and just let your mind ease itself."

"How do I do that?" Liz asked sincerely.

"You enjoy Molly's wonderful dinner, because they are always spectacular, and a night of frivolity. And I think I have just the thing to help with this. I'll let the others know, and they'll see to it that you are completely relaxed by the time you fall asleep."

Liz smiled at him, and nodded once more. It was at that moment that Molly Weasley decided to make an appearance in the kitchen to begin preparing her magnificent meal. Liz offered to help, but Molly shooed both her and Remus out of the kitchen so she could work. The two then headed into the den where they found Harry and Ron staring intently at a chess board, with Ginny, Tonks, George, Neville and Luna sitting nearby on a couch talking quietly. Ron called out a command, and one of his chess pieces moved into position and literally destroyed the knight of Harry's that was in the way. Liz gasped at the act, and Remus then sat her down so that they could explain the intricacies of Wizard's Chess. He then went over to join his wife and their friends on the couch, but made a point to steer the conversation in a new direction. He had a plan to give Liz the relaxing night she needed, but he would need considerable help with it. As he laid the plan out for them, they all smiled widely, nodded eagerly, and left the room with him to come and help. Liz, so focused on the barbaric game that Ron and Harry were teaching her, didn't even see them go.