The Fidelius Charm and Lily Evans (IV)

Lily in the photograph turned her head and looked at someone beyond the frame—not at the camera, but at Dumbledore.

Her eyes were emerald green, exactly like Harry's. They curved with a smile, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly, as though she were saying, "You're watching us again, Albus." Then she lowered her head and teased the baby in her arms. The baby reached for her hair, and she laughed as she dodged, gently pressing the baby's hand down. Then she looked up again, beyond the frame, wearing that same smile.

Warmth. Trust. Not a trace of wariness.

A drop of water fell onto the photograph. It landed right on Lily's face and ran down her cheek like a silent tear. Lily in the photograph looked up, her smile turning to confusion. She tilted her head and reached out, trying to touch the spreading stain of water on her face.

Her fingers passed through the droplet and touched nothing.

She smiled again, turned away, and resumed playing with the baby in her arms.

Beside that drop, another fell. Then a third.

Dumbledore turned the frame over and placed it face down on the desk. Lily's smile was hidden.

He closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, then opened them. The moisture in those blue eyes had vanished, replaced by an almost transparent clarity, so calm it was frightening.

He opened the drawer and put the photograph back. The drawer closed softly, like the final door of some room shutting. The moonlight outside dimmed by a shade, and the flames in the fireplace returned to their normal flicker. Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, his hands folded on the desk, fingertips pressed together, his gaze resting on the tightly shut door.

There was no expression on his face, only