For you, always: Part 2

Chapter 5

Lexi sat in the downstairs bar of the Leaky Cauldron, gazing moodily at her half drunk glass of wine. The bar was smoky and dusty, patrons filling the seats and bar as the early evening rush began. She nodded vacantly in the direction of several witches and wizards from the Ministry that she knew, but other than that she kept to herself. She checked her watch, Emmeline was due to meet her soon even though all Lexi wanted to do was return to her room and remain there until term started. Her meeting with Sirius, though necessary, had left her guilt-ridden and miserable.

Lexi had decided as soon as she'd left for Asia that she couldn't face returning to the family home. She found the place cold and unfamiliar ever since her father had died when she was sixteen. This was mainly because her mother had kept his possessions as he'd left them. His slippers still sat by his chair next to the fireplace, and his coat still hung on the hook by the front door. Gregory McNaughton had worked as a mechanic, and had owned a garage in the town where Lexi grew up. Her mother worked as a nurse at St Mungo's, and hadn't been quite the same. Her last visit home had shaken her so much that she hadn't been back since.

"Cheer up, it might never happen!" She heard Emmeline say, as she flopped onto the stool next to her.

"I think it already has," she sighed miserably, taking a large gulp of wine. "But don't get me started, I don't wish to dampen your mood."

"Suck it up, McNaughton!" Emmeline barked in an uncanny impression of Moody. "The world doesn't stop for your problems!"

Lexi couldn't help but chuckle. "You could strike fear into the hearts of Auror's all over with that impression!" She smiled, remembering Moody growl those very words to her numerous times throughout her training.

"All part of my retirement plan," Emmeline said mischievously, tapping her nose. "We'd better get going." She added, checking her watch.

Lexi drained the rest of her glass and followed Emmeline to the alleyway behind the pub. They were to join the rest of the Advance Guard at Privet Drive to assist with bringing Harry to London with the rest of the Order. Lexi hadn't seen her godson since she'd resigned from her post at Hogwarts. Even though their parting had been amicable, she wasn't sure how he'd react after having time to digest the revelations he had received. Emmeline took Lexi's hand and they both disapparated

It Lexi's eyes a few seconds to adjust to the sudden darkness of the Surrey suburbs. The street was quiet, save for whispered voices coming from a group of people standing outside a house with a perfectly pristine lawn. Lexi spied Remus who stood next to Tonks.

"Hey, Lexi," he said brightly. "Harry's family have just left, we're waiting for Moody to give us the all clear. He is, to quote, 'securing the area'."

Lexi raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised the man still stands, his blood pressure must be constantly through the roof!" She said, although she did draw her wand from her blazer pocket.

"You would as well if you'd seen what I have!" A gruff voice announced, making them all jump.

Moody appeared from behind one of the hedges in next doors garden, his fake eye swirled sickenenly in it's socket as though it was independently looking for danger.

"Jesus, Alastor! Could you not have coughed or something?" Emmeline hissed, clutching her chest and readjusting her shawl.

Moody said nothing, but beckoned them to follow him to the rear of the house. The gathering followed in single file, with Lexi and Emmeline giggling at Moody's crouched figure. He looked like a cat stalking a bird. With a final check either side of them, Moody opened the kitchen door and entered the dark house. Tonks followed, Lexi and Emmeline with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Elphias Dodge with Hestia Jones, Sturgis Podmore and Dedalus Diggle bringing up the rear.