Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 7

 Getting out of bed the next morning Lily gets dressed for the day. She picks Claude up when he paws at her covered leg. Deciding to let Harry sleep, Kathy walks downstairs alone to get some breakfast. Mr. Tom lets her load up a tray with some eggs, sausage, and porridge. A kettle of hot chocolate and two mugs balance as well. Claude trots behind her as she floats up the stairs. Knocking on her and Harry's shared room she slowly pushes open the door just to see Harry still out like a light. Setting down the tray Kathy gently shakes him awake.

Harry sits up with a gasp, "I'm up, Aunt Petunia!"

Lily grabs him by the arms, "Harry, you're fine. Remember we left last night, we're at the Leaky Cauldron." Harry looks around and sinks back with relief. "Sit up a bit, I've brought breakfast and hot chocolate."

Sitting up the two enjoy their breakfast and get ready for their days. Dressed in a flowy sundress Kathy pulls her hair up into a ponytail with one of her ribbons. After searching through her ribbons she is disappointed in the lack of quality ribbons left. Most of them frayed and falling apart. Her and Harry walk downstairs and out into the Leaky Cauldron. Walking out back the children are quickly swept up into the hubbub of the streets of Diagon Alley. They walk arm in arm looking at all the new wares on display. A glint of gold catches Harry's eye, dragging Kathryn over she has to talk him out of buying a solid gold pocket watch.

"Harry, you don't wear anything to use a pocket watch, put it back and get a normal watch." Harry lets out a huff and puts the shiny watch back, pouting, but they continue on regardless.

They are in the middle of talking to an older witch outside of a bakery about their newest product when Claude, who had been safely tucked away in Harry's hoodie, leaps to the ground and begins chasing pigeons.

"Claude, no!" The children shout, chasing after him. They chase him through Diagon Alley, apologizing to all those they run into. Seeing where he is headed Harry freezes in fear.

"Kathy, wait!" He tries to stop her but she doesn't hear him. He watches as she chases Claude right into Knockturn Alley. Not waiting any longer he takes off after her, wand in hand.

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Her footsteps echo off the walls, her feet pound against the ground as she runs through the narrow alley. Having lost sight of Claude Kathryn paused, breathing heavily. Looking around she realizes she is lost. No Harry. No Claude.

A woman, a beautiful woman, steps out of the shadows. Her long dark hair, a stark contrast against her alabaster skin. Her pale eyes, sharp and cunning, narrow at the sight of the girl before her. She takes a few steps forward, practically floating. She reaches a delicately manicured hand and grabs Kathy's chin.

"Are you lost my dear?" Her voice is soft in contrast to her sharp features.

"Mrs. Malfoy!" Kathryn sighs in relief, rushing forward and throws her arms around Nqarcissa Malfoy's waist. The Lady Malfoy holds the small girl close, casting a wary glance around the dark alley.

Wrapping an arm around Kathryn's shoulders she leads her away, "Come along dear, it isn't safe here."

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Running through the Alley Harry pants heavily having not had to run in a bit. I need to do more cardio. Keeping his eyes peeled for either his sister or Claude he somehow misses what is right in front of him. Pain explodes behind his eyes as he runs head first into a pile of bricks. Crashing to the ground Harry rubs his forehead in pain. He doesn't do much until he hears someone else groan in -pain. Grabbing his cracked glasses off of the ground Harry is shocked at the sight of Draco Malfoy sitting on the ground in front of him, rubbing his own forehead.