“Okay, okay — I will. It’s okay, I won’t let you do anything scary,” she said, her words hurried and unsure. Her voice had lost some of its softness, but she still made a good show of playing the mum figure, doing her best to offer another of those comforting smiles.
“I just, um —“
It was at this point that Lily thought it might be wise to call in back up, but she didn’t want Harry to just charge in guns blazing as he had promised. Still leaning against the doorframe, with her back to the window, she slipped her free hand behind her back, out of sight from the girl. A little wave to catch Harry’s attention, followed by a slow beckoning gesture and then a flat palm. Come closer, then stop. She repeated the gestures again, hoping against all hope that Harry understood her meaning. “Can I tell you something? I’m scared too,” she said as she was signalling, eventually letting her hands fall to her side and stepping away from the doorframe.
“I’ll help you, but I need you to come with me and hold my hand.” At that, Lily offered up her hand, her genuine unease doing a lot to make her fake fear seem real.