Second chance a new choice

Old Warrior

Noon, the day before the full moon, Severus stepped into the Ministry, Lily at his side. Astounding, how you read me so well... even insisted on coming with me today. You knew I wasn't completely comfortable with this, didn't you?

The pair went to the brewing room. There, they dispensed the last dosage of Wolfsbane to the werewolves. When they came to Evelyn, Severus administered her portion himself.

Lily knelt. "How old are you?"

"Six and a half." Evelyn proudly displayed six fingers, plus one bowed in half.

Lily paled a little. "You're quite a big girl." She forced a smile and stood as Severus moved to the next werewolf.

"Guys, you really don't have to be here." Familiar voices in the hall caught Severus' ear.

"Moony, we swore never to let you spend another full moon alone."

"I know, Prongs, and I'm grateful, but..."

Severus stiffened, and Lily tensed as he exchanged a look with her. She probably didn't consider this as a possibility when she insisted on coming today. She knew about Lupin, but even I hadn't counted on seeing the Marauders here.

"No, but Moony, a promise is a promise," insisted Black, just outside the door.

"You can't help me like you used to," said Lupin. "And we know it'll be fine. I've tried it before, remember? I'm just going to be under observation this time. That's all."

"Then there's no harm in us being here," said Potter.

All four boys entered. Lupin scanned the room for Severus. When he saw Lily, his jaw dropped.

"What is it?" Potter followed his gaze. "Evans!" He immediately ruffled his hair into an unruly mop. "What're you doing here?"

"Evans?" Black joined Potter in staring.

Severus muffled a snort. They don't even see me. Must be the muggle clothes.

"I—I'm here with Sev!" Lily scooted close and grabbed Severus' hand.

All except Lupin gawked.

"Snape?" said Potter. "What're you doing here?"

How do I stay anonymous as this potion's creator? And get Lupin to play along? "I'm here to see Evelyn." Severus gave Andrea a pleading look. Though puzzled, and a bit apprehensive of the three newcomers, she gave a discreet nod.

"Who?" said Black, suspiciously.

A little hand reached for Severus' free one and clutched it tight. "Sev is helping me fight the man in the moon," Evelyn declared with a defiant stare in the boys' direction.

Black, Potter, and Wormtail looked at the girl as though she'd just stepped out of a flying saucer. Confidence undaunted, Evelyn returned the favor. She looked like an alley cat facing off against a pack of junkyard dogs, ready to bite if necessary.

"The man in the moon," she repeated slowly, as if talking to idiots. "He comes down and hurts me when the round portal opens. And Sev helps me fight him because he's a warrior—like the knights!"

The Marauders exchanged bewildered looks—all except Lupin who stared at the floor as he blushed red.

"Remus..." Lily hesitated but let go of Severus' hand and approached Lupin. "You okay?"

Lupin's blush deepened.

"I know why you're here." Lily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm... I'm sorry." Lupin was redder than a garden full of overripe tomatoes now.