It was, Lily thought, a particularly brutal summer. The kind of heat that seeped into your bones and clung to the back of your throat. She sat at the kitchen table, debating whether to risk a sip of her lukewarm coffee. Air conditioning hummed softly, but the open window let in waves of oppressive heat. It was a choice between discomfort and a desperate need for caffeine.
Before she could decide, a snowy owl swooped into the room, landing on the island counter with a soft thump. Lily abandoned her coffee and walked over, instinctively reaching for the letter attached to the bird’s leg. The tall, slanted script was immediately recognizable – James Potter. A familiar wave of exasperation washed over her. She knew she’d open it anyway. She ripped open the cream envelope.
*Dear Lily,*
*I know you probably rolled your eyes when you saw my owl. You always do. But, you open the letters anyway, don’t you? I hate having to do this over letter, but I’m stuck at the house. Marlene’s parents… they were attacked by Death Eaters. The only people who weren’t there survived, and that includes Marlene and her brother, Rick. Rick has to get back to the Ministry any minute now. Marlene hasn’t said a word to anyone. I really think she might open up to you. We could really use your help. I was wondering if you could stay here for the rest of the summer to help Marlene. If you can, write back as soon as possible.*
*With hope,*
*James*
Lily’s stomach clenched. She hadn’t been close to the McKinnon family, but Marlene was her best friend. She felt a sudden ache for her friend, and a pang of sympathy for James. He’d lost his aunt and uncle. She grabbed a piece of parchment and quickly scribbled a reply, promising to come. She packed a bag, leaving a note for her parents. They’d be fine with it, she figured. She’d write them properly when she got settled.
She waited outside, watching the heat shimmer off the pavement. She was already sweating.
James apparated with a sharp *pop*, and Lily flinched, instinctively bracing herself.
Her gaze snagged on his shirt, and she wiped at his face. She rolled her eyes. She wasn't particularly athletic, but she wasn't unathletic either. That was when Lily realized his eyes were red and puffy. She felt a wave of guilt for her own lack of tears when she’d first heard the news. She felt her own eyes begin to sting. “Nice place,” she managed, her voice catching in her throat.
“Um, thanks.” She sniffed, unsure if it was a hiccup or the beginning of a cry. She wiped at her eyes. Then she realized how rude she was being. “How are you?”
James shrugged, his shoulders slumping. “Been better. But nowhere near how awful Marlene is feeling.” Lily picked up her bag, straining under the weight. James noticed and, before she could protest, took it from her.
Lily scowled. “I—”
“I know,” James said, but he didn’t hand the bag back. He was just holding it. Lily bit her lip, trying to not snap at him. He was acting…different. She took his hand and he apparated them to his house. It was large and imposing, but Lily wasn’t focused on the surroundings. Before she could ask, James said, “She’s upstairs, first door on the right.”
Lily walked up the staircase and down the hall, her heart pounding. She knocked on the door. No answer. “Marlene, I know you’re in there,” she called. She tried the handle, and thankfully it wasn’t locked. She slipped inside. “Hey Marls,” she said softly. She walked over to the expansive bed and saw her best friend lying face down, her dirty blonde hair tangled across the pillow.
Marlene was clearly awake. She groaned and rolled over. Lily sat on the bed next to her and saw Marlene’s face. Her eyes were red and swollen, rimmed with dark circles. She looked…gone.
Lily rubbed Marlene’s back, her own throat tightening. “I don’t know how.” Marlene’s voice was raw and gravelly, as if she hadn’t spoken in weeks.
“You will be okay, I promise.”
Marlene buried her head under a pillow and rolled over. Lily ripped the pillow from her clutches. “I’m here for you,” Lily told her. “And so are Rick, and James, and Sirius, and Mr. and Mrs. Potter, and all the girls at school.”
Marlene sat up and looked Lily in the eyes. “I know,” she mumbled, clearly on the verge of another breakdown. She moved to sit up next to Lily, and Lily wrapped her arm around her best friend. They lay next to each other in silence for long moments, until Lily felt Marlene drift into a deep sleep. She didn’t know when or for how long, but she too fell asleep.
Lily woke to the sound of muffled snickering. She opened her eyes and saw James and Sirius hovering at the foot of Marlene’s bed. “That’s hot,” Sirius whispered. Lily grabbed a throw pillow and, with one hand, launched it at him. It would have connected with his face, but James, with a practiced Seeker’s move, caught it inches away.
“Kinda petty, huh, Evans?” James asked, a grin playing on his lips.
“Ha ha,” Lily whispered sarcastically.
“You got her to fall asleep?” James asked, sounding genuinely astonished. Lily nodded, feeling a swell of pride.
“Leave before you wake her up,” Lily whispered. James smirked and nudged Sirius out of the room ahead of him.