I stared hard into Moody's eyes, carefully ignoring his magical one swiveling around in its socket. "So, why am I here?" I asked curiously, taking a sip of my cold tea.

Moody leaned over his desk and stared at me. "We have reason to believe that You-Know-Who is out for you," he growled. I choked on my tea. My heart leapt and my stomach suddenly churned.

"W-w-what?" I stammered. Surely I heard wrong… "How do you know?"

"Our recent captive Death Eaters," Moody said calmly. "Why would they kill your parents if they weren't trying to kill you?" I glared at him. The sudden mention of my parents' deaths irritated me.

"Evans, your relationship with Potter triggers his plan," Moody continued.

I became thoroughly irritated now. "My past relationship with Potter," I growled. "He's a bloody moron." Moody smirked.

"And a damn good Auror," he said. I rolled my eyes. "He wants to hurt Potter as he possibly can."

"By killing me?" I said dryly. "He wouldn't be hurt." I looked carefully at the scone on my plate and risked a nibble.

Moody opened his mouth but suddenly closed it. "To insure your safety, Aurors will be watching you." I dropped the scone.

"WHAT?!" I looked at him as though he was crazy. "Moody, I do not need Aurors watching my back. They'll only get in the way--"

"Evans, it's for your own good," Moody growled. "I assigned a team of Black, Potter, and Longbottom. Black automatically comes with Potter." I stared at him, my temper rising. Potter and Black?

"I can defend myself perfectly!" I snapped. "Just as well as Potter or any Auror."

"This is for your well-being, Evans," Moody said smoothly. "And Potter is one of my best Aurors. He even volunteered."

"Then tell him to unvolunteer!" I yelled. "I don't need anyone looking after me especially Potter!" I got up furiously and glared at Moody.

"Just leave me alone," I said coldly. I Apparated home with a pop.

---

My head felt heavy as I climbed out of bed. The corners of my mouth were dry and I anticipated brushing my teeth. Ambling into the bathroom, I stared at my reflection. My auburn hair slipped out of its messy bun and cascaded down my shoulders in tangles. Deep bags settled underneath my green eyes. I felt horrible. I just wanted to slip back underneath my sheets and have no care in the world.

I wish life was that simple. I began brushing my teeth, wistfully thinking about fairy tales where life would end with a 'happily ever after'. My stomach groaned loudly as I stumbled out of the bathroom. I quickly pulled my hair into a ponytail and headed for the kitchen.

"Morning, Lils!" I screamed and pulled out my wand. My eyes narrowed when I saw Sirius Black, James Potter, and Frank Longbottom crowded around my table, drinking coffee. "What are you doing here?" I kept my wand in the air, pointing at Sirius who smiled happily at me.

"Didn't Moody tell you?" he asked.

"Yes, but he knows bloody well that I don't anticipate three Aurors in my kitchen! Or let alone in this house!" I yelled furiously.

"Lils, don't say that," Sirius whined. "I know you love me."

"No, I don't," I snapped. My voice was hoarse from yelling so much so I decided to keep quiet for the meanwhile. My tempers rose as I glanced at Potter, watching me carefully. I poured myself a cup of coffee and took a crumpet out of a jar.

I stood near the counter, buttering my crumpet and ignoring the three the best I could. I hungrily attacked the crumpet and drank my coffee, relishing its warmth. My head felt lighter than before but still weighed on my shoulders heavily. Most of all, I felt annoyed and irritated than ever.

"So, I take it you'll be here all day?" I said calmly, pushing away my anger.

"For weeks, actually," Frank said sipping his coffee.

"In my house?" I growled, frustration rising. "For weeks?"

"Well, do you think Voldemort goes on vacation?" Sirius said sarcastically. "Of course, we're staying! Besides, I love you, Lils!" He grinned at me and I glared back.

"Just don't trash the place," I said grudgingly.

"Yes, mum," Sirius said innocently. I rolled my eyes. I had a sudden urge to lock myself in my room for the few weeks they were here.

I felt Potter's eyes boring into me and I finally snapped. I whirled around and narrowed my eyes at him. "Why do you keep looking at me, Potter? I appreciate it if you unglue your bloody eyes and stare at your coffee instead!" I snapped.

"Lily, I--" I did not let him finish. "Don't talk to me! I don't want to hear it!" I yelled, pointing my wand at him. "Just do your job and leave me ALONE!"

"Feisty Lils!" Sirius said happily. "Do all redheads have tempers like you or--"

"Would you shut up!" I shouted, turning to Sirius. I slammed down my coffee and stormed out of the kitchen. I needed a shower to clear out my mind.

"Lily, I--" I turned around and sighed, irritated. "I said leave me alone," I repeated coldly. Potter ran his fingers through his messy hair and sighed.

"I'm sorry," he said carefully. "I was stupid and--"

"Just do your job. Okay?" I said curtly. I went into my room and slammed the door shut. I didn't need another broken heart. I walked into the bathroom and locked the door. I turned the knobs on the shower and ran my fingers under the cascade of water.

"I don't need Potter," I whispered fiercely to myself. "I don't need anyone." I fought back the tears, threatening to spill. "Stop crying." I choked down the sobs and slipped into the shower. The hot water ran down my face, mingling with the salty tears rolling down my cheeks. I closed my eyes, breathing carefully.

I struggled to clear my mind. Memories flooded it, fighting against my will to release them. They played over and over again. Fragments of my seventh year resurfaced and I saw James. He hugged me gently, comforting me when my parents were dead. He soothed me with his words and held me tight.

"All of it were lies," I said convincingly. "He lied. I don't need to waste tears on him." I drew a shuddering breath and swallowed a sob.

But I knew it would be hard to forget when he would be so close by. Why did he come into my life again? Why won't he let me be?

---

A/N: Thanks for reading! Please review!