Only Death Will Have Me

Apparate

The whole squad of monsters, as Matt started calling them, went to Hogsmead together on a December weekend, the last before Christmas. They bought some stuff before going to the three broomsticks, Andrew and Aaron weren't talking to each other, the latter was clearly waiting for someone, while Kevin disappeared with Thea. Nicky ordered them butterbeer and talked to Neil about the upcoming game after the holidays, Gryffindor against Ravenclaw. Nick said he wasn't scared of Aaron, they played in the same position, they wouldn't be near each other, Aaron was bothered anyway. A girl entered and Neil almost recognized her, she smiled and Aaron went to her, Andrew glared at them before getting up and going outside. 

Nick paid for the beers and got up, he said goodbye at the door, apparently his boyfriend was waiting for his call, Andrew taught him how to use a phone, they also used owls, but hearing his voice was better, according to Nick. 

"Take Neil back safe." Nick said in German blowing kisses their way.

Andrew looked with hooded eyes at Neil, who hadn't said anything at all. 

"Ask." He said taking a long drag from his cigarette. 

"Uh… when…" Neil started fumbling with words. "How did you learn German?"

"The Triwizard tournament, we went to Germany. Nick met a guy, and started learning German, he taught me and Aaron." Andrew said and started walking, Neil was still thinking about it, should he tell Andrew he could understand them?

Before he could start following Andrew, he saw a woman in the busy street ahead, she was talking to a tall man. Neil would never forget her face as long as he lived, he took two quick steps and grabbed Andrew's hand, apparating to a nearby rooftop. They hid behind a chimney, Neil peeked, it was really her, Lola Malcolm, he felt his hearts sink into irregular beats. He felt Andrew's shaking hand leave his own and his fingers pressed hard on his nape. 

"Breath." Andrew ordered in a whisper. Neil looked at him and they apparated again, this time showing up in the forbidden forest. Neil felt his guts clench and choked. Andrew was mad now. "Stop it, and tell me what the fuck is happening." 

"I… I have to go, now, I need to hide, I…" Andrew pressed his fingers even harder, Neil transformed to escape his hard grip, Andrew didn't let go falling to his knees, the fox whined.

"Come back right now, Neil." He snarled, Neil obliged. 

"I have to run, Andrew." He was almost sobbing, Neil was looking at him now, they were both kneeling on the forest floor.

"You don't have to," Andrew said with so much honesty Neil almost believed him. 

"Lola is here, she is dangerous, she works for him, she shot me, she shot me," Neil had sat on the ground now, his breath came broken and sharp. "I have to…"

"I'll protect you." Andrew said. 

"Do you know what a gun is? She stopped wasting her time with wands, it…" Neil yelled, feeling tears in his eyes.

"She won't get to you, I promise," Andrew said, and helped Neil up. "She is a death eater, she should be in Azkaban, we will talk to Dumbledore and he will alert the ministry, she will be captured." 

Neil denied with his head, they wouldn't, how could they, she was like smoke. 

"But if she is as dangerous as you say, Aaron, Nick and Kevin are still there, we need to go back." Said Andrew calmly, he had the flames in his eyes again.

"Can you apparate?" Neil asked, Andrew denied with his head. "Then wait here," Andrew wasn't fond of this idea, but he nodded hesitantly. "I'll be right back."