At last, the day has arrived, the last day of Marge's visit. The week went by relatively quickly, Lily enjoyed her dance classes, and all her spare time was spent either hiding from their family with Harry or doing a puzzle, or playing video games with Dudley. This day is like the rest. Arriving home from dance class Lily rushes into the house, changing out of her dance-wear.

She goes to Harry's room and invites him to go to the park with her, during this busy week it is hard to find time to get away and she figures they both could use a break.

"I think that's a great idea," Harry tells her, going under his bed and opening the loose floorboard. "If you could grab a bag we can bring some of the snacks my friends sent me."

Lily gets him a bag and he fills it with all sorts of treats. While he does that Lily sneaks downstairs to where her aunt is in the kitchen, baking cupcakes for Dudley and his 'little friend's' play date planned for the next day. Lily picks the two biggest cupcakes from the rack of freshly made ones and rushes back up the stairs giggling as she hears her aunt's half-hearted berating. Reaching upstairs she pulls on her sweater, places Claude in a pocket, and watches as Harry drops the bag out of the window, into the bushes below.

Exiting the house Harry grabs the bag and the two are on their way. Lily passes him his cupcake and they enjoy them on the way, every so often giving a bit to Claude.

Arriving at the park they swing on the swings, talking about their days and sharing bits of information they've received from letters.

"Ron and his family are supposed to be getting back from Egypt any day now, it was really exciting, he was telling me this story about how Fred and George tried to lock Percy in a tomb and..."

"Art's moving to America which isn't the greatest because I'm really going to miss him but there are many interesting things in America that I know he'll just love besides ..."

"And then Hermione and her parents went on a vacation too, I don't remember where but I know it's really far away but ..."

"I know you aren't the biggest fan of Draco but he and I are trying to work out a time to go to Diagon Alley together, and I'd love it if you would come along..."

"Absolutely not! I cannot stand that prat, he's just so..."

Lily sits, bored listening to Harry drone on and on about all of Draco's negative personality traits, unable to stand it anymore she rushes out. "Harry, I know, I know you two don't get along, and I know you had some argument when you first met. I know he gets on your nerves and you both share insults. But please, it's been three years. Can't you put your differences aside and get along for one day? For me?"

Harry looks down in shame, "Alright, for you."

Moving from the swings the two go to the jungle gym sitting together in the tube. They pull out Harry's different snacks and enjoy them immensely. At the sight of the sky changing colors, they both pack up their things and head back to their aunt and uncle's house.

Sneaking back through the front door they dart up the stairs to prepare for dinner. Showering and doing their hair routines and Lily does her skin routine. She pulls on a sundress, making sure her hair is pulled out of her face, curls flying free.

"Lily dearest, it's time for dinner," Petunia calls up the stairs.

Descending the stairs she calls back, "Coming Aunt Petunia."

Lily sits at the table, sipping on her lemonade as Petunia barks orders for Harry to grab their food.

Dinner is going well, Marge and Petunia talk a lot, and Harry keeps his cool. Everything is fine. It isn't until Harry starts gathering the dishes from a dessert that things take a turn for the worst. Lily is standing by the sink, washing a plate when she hears it.

"What did the floozy expect, running off with that no account, good for nothing, lazy scrounger? Why, I wouldn't be surprised if he crashed the car on purpose, hoping to take the life insurance." They all stop at the sound of the plate in Lily's hands shattering into a thousand pieces.

She is staring at the shattered plate, shaking. "My father wasn't lazy, he was a good man. Who loved his family." She says, not making eye contact.

Marge exchanges a glance with Petunia, "Your father was a drunk, and a liar. And he deserved everything he got. Why, your mother was the very same, a bad egg. No offense Petunia, every bunch has got one. Luckily my brother ended up with the good sister."

Harry slams his rag onto the counter, "Shut up! You didn't even know her so shut up!"

Marge looks at him, holding up a finger she starts, "You listen to me boy-" She pauses, surprised. The tip of her finger is swollen and grows as they watch it. It grows to the size of a gumball, her face turns an awkward shade of purple as she seems to be growing before their very eyes.

Petunia and Vernon begin to scream at Harry and Lily's breathing quickens. As Marge grew Lily abandoned the sink, running from the room upstairs, mindless of the blood dripping from her hands. Throwing open her door she grabs her suitcase from under her bed, throwing in clothes, toiletries, and anything she can think of. Stuffing her favorite blanket and the stuffed animal Dudley got for her into the bulging suitcase she barely manages to close it. Scooping up Claude she rushes to Harry's room next and with her duffle bag she gathers what few things of Harry's that she can. She carefully sets his clean suit and the items she found under his floorboard into the bag before slipping on one of his hoodies. Setting Claude into the hood she slings on Harry's duffle and grabs both her suitcase and Hedwig's cage and makes her way downstairs.

The sound of the cupboard under the stairs blasting open sends Lily staggering into the wall, head foggy as she glances around the hall. Seeing Harry drag out the trunks she goes to step forward until Vernon arrives, dragging Harry back, screaming in his face. Harry pulls his wand on Vernon, holding it against his neck.

"You, you can't do magic outside of school. You'll be expelled." Vernon shudders.

"Try me," Harry states.

Lily walks forward grabbing her trunk. She leaves Harry's duffle bag and Hedwig's cage on top of his own. Stepping outside she waits on the sidewalk as Harry follows. They begin making their way down the sidewalk until the echo of shoes on the veranda fill the air. Turning they see Petunia standing there. She holds onto the baluster, calling for Lily.

"Lily, dearest, come back inside. You have Dance tomorrow." Petunia sends her a sweet smile.

"Auntie, I'm going to go with Harry. I don't want to stay with that woman anymore." Lily reaches out, grabbing Harry's sleeve at the elbow.

Petunia's naturally pale face flushes with color. "Dearest, you need to come back inside. It isn't safe for you to be out here. What is he going to do for you, he can't protect you, he can't even protect himself." Petunia takes a few steps toward the verandah stairs watching as Lily and Harry stagger backward, away. "Look at how you're acting right now, my Lily would never behave this way. You would never be so rude to me. And to think of all of the things I have done for you over the years. I fed you, clothed you, and took you to dance classes, what more do you want from me? Do you want more attention, I just don't know what to do anymore. I never thought that I raised such a selfish child and yet here we are. To insult me in such a way, how could I ever forgive you? Good luck finding somewhere to stay, he won't take care of you as I can. You'll be abandoned on the street before you know it. And don't come crawling back to me when he does, because I won't be waiting for you."

The two turn and run away from the house, Lily tries her best to ignore the words being screamed at her down the street.

Once they can no longer see the house, Harry pulls Lily to a stop. She looks up at him before bursting into tears. She can hear her blood rushing through her ears and the world begins to spin, she can feel herself beginning to panic. She tries to back away from Harry but he catches her arms before she can slip off the curb. As her breathing begins to increase Harry pulls her into his embrace and they stand there in silence. The only sounds on the street are Lily's cries and the sound of leaves blowing in the August wind. Harry runs a hand through her disheveled hair, trying to soothe her until a twig snapping has Harry whipping out his wand. Whipping around Harry and Lily look across the street where a large black dog stands, watching them.

"What i-is that?" Lily hiccups, unable to see clearly through her tears.

Harry holds his wand out in front of him and when the dog takes a step forward he pulls Lily behind his back, shielding her. Although he misjudged just how close they are to their trunks causing Lily to trip. She grabs onto the back of his jacket, trying to stop her fall and only succeeding in dragging him down with her. Harry sits up as best he can, wand at the ready but is surprised at the view of a large double-decker purple bus skirting into place in front of them.

A heavily acned boy steps off the bus, "All aboard the night bus where the ride may be bumpy but you get what you paid for so don't be grumpy-" He pauses his spiel at the sight of the two on the ground. "What you doin' down there?" He asks, Harry scrambles to stand.

"We fell over," He peaks around the side of the bus, only to see the dog gone.

The boy pulls Lily to stand, "What you fell over for?" Seeing her red, cried-out face, he pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket, holding it out to her.

Lily wipes her face, "We didn't mean to," She dusts off her (well Harry's) jacket and peers around the bus looking past Harry, seeing nothing.

The boy leans behind them, looking at the empty forest, "What'chall lookin' at?"

They whirl around to face him, "Nothing." Harry lies.

The man then grabs the two trunks, "Well come on then! Let's not wait for the grass to grow!" He drags them onto the bus as Lily and Harry follow. Looking around the bus their eyes drift over the collection of beds, some of which contain a witch or wizard. Spotting a relatively clean bed Harry steps forward, stopped by the man's hand. "Yous two look familiar, what'd you say your names were again?"

"Oh, I'm Li-" "Neville and Hermione Longbottom, sir." Harry cuts Lilly off, trying his best to keep their identities somewhat of a secret.

"Longbottom, an unfortunate last name but I understand. My name is Stan Shunpike, and welcome to the Knight bus." Stan flourishes bending into an exaggerated bow. He throws their bags and trunks near the bed Harry was looking at. "Hold on tight, it's gonna be a bumpy ride. Take it away Ern'!"

"Yeah, take it away Earnie!" A shrunken head echoes.

Lily sits on the bed just as the bus leaps forward, scrambling to grab onto the bed railing in time. Soon enough they become accustomed to the bump and jostle. Sitting on the bed Lily rubs soothing circles into Harry's back, trying to comfort him as he comforted her. As the bus throws them around the bus slams to a stop, a little old lady crossing the presumedly empty street. Harry flies forward off the bed, crashing into the window. She winces as he peels his face off the glass. Sitting back he sighs in pain, he feels a crunch under his butt and pulls out an old newspaper.

The face of a man wildly screaming at the camera, "Who's this?" Harry asks Stan.

"Who is this? Who is this?!? Don't tell me you've never been hearing of Sirius Black." They shake their heads " He's a murderer. Got himself locked up in Azkaban for it."

"How did he escape?" Lily asks.

"Well, that's the question, isn't it? He's the first one that done it! He was a big supporter of..." He pauses, possibly for suspense, possibly for thought. "You-know-who!"

The children share a look. Not asking any more questions as Stan moves on.

Arriving at the Leaky Cauldron Stan gathers their trunks as they grab their separate bags. Harry steps off the bus and freezes, blocking Lily's exit.

"Ah, Mr. Potter," A voice declares. "So nice of you to join me on this foggy night." Peaking around Harry's shoulder she meets the eyes of the Minister of Magic himself. "And your sister as well, A pleasure to meet you, Miss. Potter." The minister bows removing his bowler hat to reveal a horribly formed combover. "Please, let us get out of the cold. Tom will bring your things to your rooms, Miss. Potter if you wouldn't mind waiting in your room whilst I speak to your brother."

Entering the Inn the Minister takes Harry's shoulder, leading him away.

Harry pears back, watching as Tom guides Lily to her room.

Setting foot into her new room, the Inn Keeper drags her trunk to the end of her bed. "Good evening miss. I'll just be down the hall if you need anything, perhaps a spot of tea?"

"No, thank you, sir, I am alright." Mr. Tom bows, before exiting to room.

Opening her suitcase, Lily-Kathryn takes out all of the spare clothes she has brought, folding and putting them neatly back into the suitcase. She pulls her pajamas and her cosmetics bag out and enters the attached bathroom. Setting her things down she begins to finally feel the results of the shattered plate, her hands covered in tiny scratches and dried blood. She rinses her hands in the sink, watching as the water turns from red to pink and then once more to clear. Having washed her hands to the best of her ability she takes a semi-warm shower, ignoring the sting, and does her nightly hair and skin routine. Feeling properly refreshed and calmed down from a most overwhelming night she opens the door to her new room and almost screams in shock.

Sitting at the foot of her bed is none other than the great and powerful Dumbledore.

"Good evening my dear, how are you doing tonight?" He asks, his high voice oddly serious for once.

"I'm doing alright professor, if I might ask, what are you doing here?" He gives her a sort of sad smile, the twinkle in his eye more of a dull glow.

"I am here to take you back to your aunt and uncle's house." Lily gasps at his words.

"But sir, I don't want to go back! I want to stay here with Harry."

"I understand but it is out of my hands, the minister himself has made this request, and I have no other choice but to follow his order." She shakes her head, "Besides, you would be the safest there, with your family."

"Sir, I really don't want to." She says, throat closing slightly in fear at being sent back there so soon after the blow up, literally. "And no matter how much I respect you, I wont go back."

"I see." Dumbledore says, as Lily looks into his eye she seems to feel a sort of itchy, poking sensation in the back of her mind and behind her eye. Pushing the feeling away she averts her eyes. "But you need to understand that I am trying to do what is best for you and your brother." He stands and Lily takes a cautious step back. "So I must insist that you come with me," Dumbledore reaches out as thought to grab her when she turns and rushes from the room.

Running down the hall she cries Harry's name, a door at the end of the hall opens and there he is standing there. She crashes into the boy, holding onto his shirt with all her might begging him not to send her away, to please let her stay she promises to be good. Harry just holds her at a loss, not knowing where she got this idea that she would be sent away from.

The minister clears his throat awkwardly. "Yes, well, I do think it would be best for your sister to go back with your aunt and uncle. Just until the summer is up."

Harry looks at the man, outraged. "Well I am sorry to disappoint you minister but, my sister and I are staying together, and we are not going back to that house."

Fudge nods wishing them a good night, and disapparates.

At Lily's request to stay with Harry, fearing the return of either Dumbledore or the minister they head back to her room and gather all of her things. Bringing them into the room Harry is to stay in.

The two crawl into the large bed, Claude curled up at their feet. As they begin to fall asleep Harry gets up suddenly and goes to his trunk. Pulling out what he was looking for he goes back to bed and hands Lily a small, obviously loved, bear. The very same bear she gave to Harry before his first quidditch match the year before. Ecstatic to see and and to see that Harry kept it all this time, she snuggles into Harry's side, bear clutched to her chest. And they fall asleep.