a/n: so because these are one-shots, and I'm kind of running out of prompts to use as answers to earlier chapters, I won't be writing any more for chapter 31 - I feel it's resolved (sorry PoofPillow and Whatchoofelloverfor!), but I had an idea for a response to 33 that'll probably go in a separate story.

thirty-four - into the fire

The next time Lily's in St Mungos, it's to visit Remus, who suffered badly after an attack led by Fenrir Greyback a few days ago. She's a Warden on the Order's rota for this week, so it's up to her to come and fill in the blanks for the (too many) members who can't make it to meetings.

Checking the sign behind her to make sure she's walking in the right direction, Lily turns to the right and crashes into Healer levitating a tray of mugs in front of her.

"Shit! Sorry. Here, let me -"

Lily whips out her wand to clear up the damage but the Healer is faster.

"It's alright," she says, and then pauses. "Do I know you?"

The redhead curls her lip. "Don't think so." She observes the dark-haired witch in front of her. "What's your name?"

"Healer Meadowes," comes the reply. "Dorcas. You?"

"Lily Potter," she says, relishing the curl of her new name off her tongue.

"Henry!" Dorcas clicks her fingers. "You were in with Mr Potter when I was doing my apprenticeship in the summer. And then again, by yourself. Well, with his son, I think. I've seen you round here a couple of times."

Lily gives her a smile. "Bloody hell, you've got a good memory," she laughs. "But I suppose I am in here a lot. Comes with the job territory, really."

"Oh?"

Peering behind the Healer, Lily narrows her eyes. Noticing, Dorcas turns immediately, shoulders squaring, but she doesn't see Lily's slight smile at her reaction.

"Yes," Lily sighs, "but someone's gotta do it. Sorry, Dorcas, but I have to go. It was nice to meet you."

Offering her a smile as she leaves, Lily continues on her way down the corridor.

After she's checked in on Remus and updated him on the latest Order happenings, Lily Apparates to the flat James shares with Sirius, pretending not to notice a dark-haired witch with her blue eyes tracing Lily's disappearing figure.

"Thanks," she says, taking the tea James hands her with a smile and curling her legs under her on the sofa. "I think I've found someone."

Immediately James winks at her. "Who's the lucky bloke then?"

"Oh, tall, dark and handsome, and a much better lover than you." Lily takes a sip of tea. "Mm. Her name's Dorcas, she works at St Mungo's. Good eyes and quick with a wand."

"Lil," he says, nudging her knee with his, "I'm genuinely not sure if we're talking about your new beau or not."

"Beau?" splutters Lily. "Sounds like something my mum would say. Anyway, you're the only one for me. I think she'd be good for the Order, James. And she's a Healer."

James thinks it over for a second.

"Besides, you've met her," she says, taking another gulp of tea. "She was the trainee who rubbed that vile blue goo into my face when your dad and I were caught in the attack on the Ministry. "

"Just because she's interested, doesn't mean she'd work out. What's her name again?"

"I know." Lily stares into the fire, a glint in her eye. "But I've got a feeling about her. Dorcas Meadowes."

"Meadowes?" mulls James.

"You've heard of them?"

"Maybe. My mum was friends with a Victor Meadowes. He has a kid about our age. I reckon our parents tried to get us betrothed or something fucking ridiculous."

"Why am I suddenly going off her?"

James laughs. "Ay, you're the only one for me too, Lil. Why don't you let Moody know next time?"

"I will. I mean it, James. She stood out to me."

James stands and clears the mugs onto the coffee table before taking Lily's hand and pulling her too him. He kisses her.

"Okay. Good." She giggles against his lips as he gives her another kiss. "I've hardly seen you all week, Lily."

"I know," she sighs. "I missed you too."

"A bit presumptious," he murmurs, loosening the knot of her ponytail so her hair falls to her shoulders.

"You did miss me, Potter, but you're just too stubborn to admit it."

He takes her face in his hands. "Ah but, Potter -"

"Shut up."