They won't go where I go

A small amount of warmth rose in her chest at the witch’s comment. Even though she was a member of the Order, and one of the few people who pretty much knew her entire predicament. It was at least some sort of indication that she wasn’t the type to get word out about the situation – though the fact she had thought to help her was telling enough. Even if that might have been more for her friend. Though, her next words made her reconsider her thought process. “Us?” She questioned, remembering only the brunette at the scene. Well, besides the werewolf and the stag. She wasn’t comfortable letting others know what had happened, but she supposed she didn’t have much of a say in that regard. Still, the offer of help brought a small but genuine smile to her lips. In her current predicament, as a prisoner and a new werewolf, some help or even a friend would be nice. And although she couldn’t imagine that would go down well with other Death Eaters, there was a lot about her that wouldn’t these days. “Thank you,” she said. “I would like that – and I appreciate it.” Her gaze moved down to her lap for a moment before moving back to look at her. “But I don’t want to cause any trouble for you.”

Mary hadn’t realised her mistake until the female had pointed it out. There was always the option of trying to explain it to the female, after all she now knew Remus’ secret which was way bigger than James’ but it didn’t feel right. It wasn’t her secret to tell, not only that but she wasn’t sure if the young witch would go and relay the information to someone else - sure, she hadn’t told Remus’ secret but that could have been because it was her own secret as well. “What? Oh, did I say us?” She gave a small laugh hoping her nerves weren’t showing. “Sorry, I meant me... Remus told me.” Mary gave her a reassuring smile, she felt bad for lying but knew it was for the best. Her smile grew wider at the female’s reply. “It’s no trouble, honestly. I mean, I’m kind of new to the whole thing myself but I have been speaking to Remus about it and I feel like I could definitely help out, and I know Remus would like to help you if you feel comfortable with it but if you don’t he’s said that he’ll walk me through it all if it’s too much for you to face him.” 

Hearing a knock at the door, Lyra looked up from the book she had been reading. She didn’t have much time to move, however, before the familiar brunette entered the room. Lyra shook her head at the woman’s comment and placed her book on the bedside table. She wasn’t quite sure what the protocol here was. Of course she was thankful to the witch for helping her, but at the same time she occupied a very real and traumatic part of her life that Lyra only wished to forget about – regardless of whether that was actually possible (it wasn’t). Still, she offered the other witch a small smile and nodded. “I’m doing pretty good,” she said, continuing to nod though she averted her eyes for a moment. It wasn’t exactly a lie. Considering what had happened, she was doing good – physically, at least. She was alive, after all and she had the brunette to thank for that. That was good. When regarding her mental state, the word might have been less appropriate. “You, uh –” she pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear. “You didn’t have to come check on me.” Lyra was surprised that she had bothered, actually, considering the fact they were on opposing sides of this war. Though, if Lyra wasn’t entirely sure of where she stood in regards to Voldemort’s cause before, then she was even less clear about that now. “But, thanks.” She offered the witch another smile.

Mary nodded with a small smile at the woman’s reply. “Good.” She replied softly. Though the more she looked at the witch the more something told her that she wasn’t doing quite as good as she claimed -- not that she was surprised by this. “I know, but I wanted to.” The brunette stated tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. “I know we’re on different sides but you seem different from the others and Remus told us how the whole thing had occurred -- you tried to help him.” She didn’t want to upset the female by stirring her memories so she tried to keep it short. “You’re going to need help...some friends and I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone and although we are on different sides if you want the help... well... I’m here.” 

“Ewwww, I don’t want your nasty germs. That’s just gross. Why aren’t you in some kind of containment thingy, what is it the muggles call it?”

Mary rolled her eyes at her friend. “You’re the one that came here. I haven’t asked you to stay, you’d probably just make a mess or annoy me anyway -- or knowing you, you’re here because you want something.” She paused narrowing her eyes at the male. “I’m not making you food again if that’s what you’re here for. Get Robin to do it.” She sighed before walking back over to her bed and collapsing on it. “Containment thingy? I don’t have the slightest clue what you’re going on about. It’s a cold xav, I’m doing what muggles do -- I’m in bed we don’t put ourselves in quarantine.” She shook her head chuckling at the male. 

James hovered by the door for a moment before moving into the room. “I have a strong immune system, I think I’ll be fine, Mare.” 

The female raised a brow before shaking her head. “Suit yourself but don’t come crying to me when you’re ill Mr. Ihaveastrongimmunesystem.” There was a trace of a smile on her lips. “Was there something in particular you wanted? I mean, I’m not much company at the moment - I’m too busy feeling sorry for myself.” 

The young witch knocked on the prisoners door waiting for a reply before opening the door. “I hope I’m not intruding.” She stated entering the room, her usual confidence replaced with a small nervous voice. Mary wasn’t sure what kind of a person the death eater was, whether she had be annoyed by her presence yet she still wanted to check on the witch. “I just wanted to check how you were doing?” 

Listening to Mary’s words, James hoped she was right, but he felt as though he was missing a significant portion of himself and there was a possibility that it would never return. There was no way things would be the same again. But, he had to try, and he knew that. He nodded in response. There wasn’t much else he could say to that. He had experience with death, they all did – but this went far beyond anything he had felt before. The wizard offered her a small smile, excited to introduce his son to others, even though he wasn’t in the most promising of states. “Come with me.” He said, turning the corner – he hadn’t wanted to stray too far from the room, so it was on their next left. “I hope not.” A genuine smile graced his lips for a few moments. The thought of his son sharing some of his traits was enough to do that. He walked into the room and guided the brunette to the transparent cot that his son lay in. The copious amount of wires still making his chest tight. 

Mary was glad to see the smile on his face, no matter how small it was. It meant that despite everything there was still hope, hope that this tiny little baby could give him what he needed to heal - that he could give his father some type of happiness. She followed the male down the corridor suddenly feeling very nervous. Her mouth fell open as they finally approached the cot. There were so many different wires connected to him. She took a deep breath and looked past them, concentrating on his face. He was beautiful. She could see both James and Lily in him, but he was ever so small. Too small. It scared her. They’d already lost Lily, she knew James wouldn’t be able to cope losing him too. She shook her head. No, that wouldn’t happen. The little baby was obviously strong, he’d already been through a lot yet he was still here. “He’s beautiful James.” She finally spoke, tears prickling her eyes as she looked up to smile at her friend. 

James nodded, his jaw clenching slightly as he swallowed. The emotions that were consuming him were so raw, and there were so many, that his whole mind felt fuzzy. But there was no denying the pain. James was glad that Lily had enough strength to hold out for the baby, but he wished desperately that she had been able to hold out for herself – for him. He nodded again. “I’m trying.” He took in a shaky breath. It hadn’t been long since Lily had passed, but he knew he’d have to be there for Harry no matter what. “You can – you can meet him, if you want.” The wizard met her gaze. “He’s not very talkative, though.” An attempt at a joke, but it didn’t hold any of the humour that usually clung to his words.

She nodded at the male. “You can do this, I know you can. It’s going to be hard, but if anyone can do this you can James.” Mary replied placing a hand on his shoulder. She bit her lip, nodding. “I’d love to.” She replied her voice shaky. The brunette gave him a half smile as he tried to joke, never did she think she would see the male in such a state. He always seemed so strong, so unbreakable but here was being reminded that this war could affect even the strongest of people. “If he’s anything like his dad that won’t last for long.”

“Dreadfully boring.” He smiled, shaking his head. “But I’d be a lot further away from a heart attack.” He joked with his little sister, the smile on his face growing. Her next comment caused him to playfully narrow his eyes. “Yet.” He chuckled lightly, wrapping his arms around her as she hugged him. “I love you too, troublemaker.” 

“Exactly.” She replied smugly. “I think I’m worth the risk.” Mary joked with a light laugh. She bit her lip laughing as he narrowed his eyes at her. “Well, you are getting older brother dearest.” The brunette teased with a playful grin. “Too right. Now, tell me, have you been working yourself into the ground again? I don’t know why I’m asking when I already know the answer. When did you last have your day off?” She asked raising a brow as she pulled away from the male to look at him. 

Feeling her pull him into a second hug, he was thankful. He hadn’t wanted to be alone with this – and it wasn’t just him who had lost someone after all. He imagined that Mary was feeling just as awful as he was. He tightened his grip on her, too. Her question about the baby made him pull away slightly. “He made it.” A small smile managed to fight its way onto his lips, though the tears remained. He took in a deep, shaky breath. “They don’t know how long for… But he’s alive.” James nodded. It was the only light in this cloud of darkness.

Mary was torn, she was filled with a sadness that she thought would never leave yet there was apart of her that was relieved and happy to hear about the baby. She nodded forcing a small smile to her face. “He’s go her strength.” She replied sniffing back tears. “He’s fighter, he’s already shown us that. You just have to be strong for him.” 

His vision was blurry as he focused on the brunette. He couldn’t reply before he was pulled into a hug, and his arms wrapped around the brunette, slowly at first, but then he gripped on to her shirt, hugging her tighter. His body was shaking as he tried, and failed, to keep the tears at bay. He simply nodded at her question before allowing her to pull away from him. Then, shook his head at her next question, swallowing as he attempted to find some composure. He met the brunette’s gaze, still shaking. “It’s – she was on patrol… And….“ He swallowed before continuing. "They couldn’t save her.” His brows twitched and his bottom lip shook, failing to compose himself.

In that moment, as she felt the male’s body shake from the tears, she felt her heart break. Mary scrunched her eyes shut as the male explained what had happened. She brought her hand up to her face as a sob slipped from her lips. “Oh god.” The brunette pulled the male back into a hug, grasping onto him tightly, her heart going out to him. She couldn’t even imagine what he must have been going through. She felt broken knowing her best friend was dead but it was his wife... his child--wait... “And the baby?” She asked apprehensively. 

semi-closed starter | only close connections reply (i mean it)

It was the first time he had left Harry since sitting beside him. He had been waiting outside the room. “She’s gone.” He said, as he spotted them. It was the first time he had said those words and they made him feel so empty. “She’s gone.” He repeated, quieter this time and the tears he had been managing to hold back for some time, as he waited for his friend to arrive finally broke through once again. When he was finally able to think, he had managed to send a message out via his patronus asking them to come to the hospital. He couldn’t leave. Not with his son here. But, just staying in the same building he knew his wife was lying dead within was enough to make him go crazy. His hand, still stained with his wife’s blood, brushed through his hair.  “And I can’t – I don’t know how…who…” He could barely get his words out – he didn’t really know what he was trying to say. “And Harry – he…” As if they knew who Harry was.

“Who are you talking about James?” The brunette asked concerned as she saw the state the male was in. She pulled him into a hug not knowing what else to do. She’d never seen him like this before, it was worrying. “Is it Lily? Where has she gone?” Mary asked her brow furrowing in confusion. It was only as she pulled back from the hug to look at him that she noticed the blood covering him. Her chest tightened at the sight. “Wait are you hurt? James, what’s happened?” 

Kieran shook his head, though there was a growing smile pulling at his lips. “I’m aware of that. You’ve been doing it since you were able to walk.” He was truly glad that Mary was okay, though. He didn’t know what he would do if she hadn’t been. “You’re the one making me old before my time.” He said, taking a sip from his coffee cup. “Once more won’t hurt.” 

Mary laughed at the male’s comment. “You know you secretly love it. How boring would your life be without me.” She teased smirking. “Don’t worry, it’s not showing...yet.” The brunette gave a laugh from behind her cup before taking a sip to hide her smile. “Well, I love you.” She told him while wrapping her arm around his side to give him side hug.

James had not been expecting Mary’s attack, but in hindsight he should have. He knew the witch well enough to know that she would retaliate. He was just caught up in the humour of it all. Holding his hands up to protect himself from the pillow and stepping back, he laughed. The sound filling the room, along with Mary’s own declaration of payback. His tongue rolled along his bottom lip as he attempted to bat away the pillow heading in his direction once more. “You can’t out-prank the master, Mare.” He warned her, a smirk lingering on his lips. “But I look forward to you trying.” 

“Oh please, there will be no trying. It’s going to happen and it’s going to be amazing. Payback will be sweet. Well, not for you, I hope you enjoy the taste of bitterness.” She smirked as she thought of the different possibilities. Of course, she might have to recruit a little help - maybe she could talk to his best friend and persuade him into helping if the need called for it.

@merry-macdonald

“You are the reason I am going grey in my thirties.” Kieran joked with his little sister, a small smile gracing his lips. Of course, his tone wouldn’t be so playful if he didn’t know she had returned. “And while we’re at it, I think I’ll blame you for the wrinkles too.” He said, passing her the hot beverage he’d brought her. 

A smile tugged at Mary’s lips, “What can I say, I like to keep you on your toes.” She joked with a light laugh. “Hey, I’ll accept the grey hairs but the wrinkles are on you.” The brunette gave him a pointed look before breaking out into a grin. She took the cup smiling as the smell of tea hit her. “Have I mentioned how much I love you?”