Something About Harry: The Lilia Watt Files

Chapter 13: Goodbyes

It was strange how he almost seemed to know what was coming.

So things weren't as bad as they could be. Sure, the Dark Lord was my father and I couldn't get anywhere near my boyfriend...but I didn't know that things were going to change.

I got the letter about halfway through April, and it still pains me to remember the words. I was sitting in the common room late that night (everyone else had gone to bed) when the owl came, dropping the envelope into my lap. It was from my mother...well, Aura anyway. My brows furrowed, I opened the letter with great concern; she didn't often send mail. It read:

Dear Lilia,

Professor Dumbledore has given me a bit of advice, and I agree with him. However, I thought it best if you heard it from me.

At the end of the term, we must go back to America. It will be less dangerous for all, especially you. I thought I should tell you now so you have time to...set things in order, so to speak. I am very sorry about all the secrets and unpleasant surprises, but there is nothing we can do.

Love always,

Aura

I was too upset to cry; but I knew she was right. No matter how much I had grown to love Hogwarts, things had changed over the past year, and I was no longer safe here.

I kept the news inside as the last few weeks of term sped by. I couldn't look at Ginny, Ariana, or Harry without a jolt of the heart and a sad smile.

Ginny and I got along quite well then, which made me even more reluctant to leave. Worse still what tat I couldn't, wouldn't, and didn't tell anyone.

But sadly, all things come to an end. As the train pulled into Platform Nine and Three Quarters, and we unloaded all our things, I wondered if this would be the last time I saw any of them.

Just as Harry was about to walk through the barrier, I grabbed his hand. He turned around and looked at me curiously, and smiled. Oh, that sweet smile. This was going to be painful.

"I...have something to tell you," I said hesitantly. "Well, I would've told you sooner...but..." I broke off.

He was still holding my hand, and nodded for me to continue.

"I can't do this," I said, tears pricking my eyes. "I can't do this to you..."

"Lilia," he said gently, hugging me. I pulled away slightly, and took a deep breath.

"And besides that, Harry...this was my last year at Hogwarts. We have to move back to America," I whispered, and bit my lip, but the tears were now pouring down my face.

He stood back and stares, aghast.

"No, Lilia...but...but we can make this work, right?" He sounded almost pleading, as if he himself didn't believe his words.

"No we can't. I endanger you."'

"But...Lilia, it's not your fault..."

"I'm sorry," I gasped, shaking with tears. But as I turned to go, he stopped me. He looked for a moment at me, and then kissed me, one last time. As we both began to glow brilliantly, I broke down.

"Oh, Harry, don't leave..." I hugged him tightly, not wanting to let go, but finally we broke apart.

"Good bye, Lilia." It shocked me to hear the sorrow in his voice.

"Good bye, Harry."

I let his hand go very reluctantly and he turned away, blinking his eyes furiously. I sat helplessly on the ground and cried, staring after hi as he disappeared through the barrier.

Perhaps I was not so famous or special as Harry Potter. But at least I was worth a year of his time.