Epilogue – Four Months Later

The room where the Ministry of Magic held trials was as large around as it was tall. Every word should have echoed, put the room was enchanted. Lacelin could barely hear the couple behind her, and she was glad. She stared straight ahead and wished the day was over.

Remus sat beside her, his arms hooked with hers and their hands intertwined. She was so thankful for his presence. Whenever she trembled he'd comfortingly squeeze her hand. When it was time for her to give testimony, he didn't let go until she was out of reach, and when she came back to her seat he immediately enveloped her in his arms.

Despite all of the horrible things they did to her, when her parents were sentenced to life in Azkaban she wept. She acutely felt the darkness in their world, it felt so close to her now she couldn't stop trembling.

She cast her gaze around the room – some were looking at her with pity or mistrust, the rest listened to the minister – and her eyes found Dumbledore. He stood in a place of honor behind the minister, and when he caught Lacelin's eye he smiled.

Something steeled in her heart that day. She wiped the tears away and looked up at Remus.

"I've decided. When we graduate, I'm going to stop the Death Eaters. No matter what."

Remus squeezed her shoulder. "So will I, because I will always be by your side."

They embraced, drawing warmth and strength from each other. The first step into a world where moonlit nightmares reigned.

END