She began to object when he leaned back to grab her hand, but he looked so pleased with himself that the words died on her throat, replaced instead with a mystified little laugh as she allowed herself to be led further into the dark castle.

Every time she had needed to hide Lily had begun to second guess herself, but then when it was time to run again the thought left her mind. It was like she knew she was doing the wrong thing, and for once, was allowing herself the luxury of not caring. Tomorrow, she would resume her course on the straight and narrow, but tonight would be for cups of tea and bewildering moments presented by way of a young man who seemed far too thrilled with what was going on for it not to be infectious to some degree.

Lily laughed when he nudged her and she shook her head, "I know, I know," but gracious, was he excited about it, excited enough to make her chuckle again as she tickled the pear so the doorknob revealed itself. Surprising herself with her own boldness Lily didn't wait, pulling the door open and stepping inside without waiting for Sirius. She had only been to the kitchens a few times before this, but never so late at night.