Chapter Seventy-Eight
Muggles and Maps
Every demon wants his pound of flesh
But I like to keep some things to myself
I like to keep my issues drawn
It's always darkest before the dawn
(Shake it Out - Florence + The Machine)March 30th, 1978Harold and Aster Evans died in a car accident in their hometown of Cokeworth.
The couple had been driving away from their home when the car veered off the road and
into a telephone pole. Muggle police could find no signs of the car braking, no skid marks
on the road, nor sign of any other cars involved. Neither of the Evans parents had been
found to be intoxicated in any way nor under influence of any kind—not any kind that
could be traced by Muggles, that is. The only silver lining was that the accident report
indicated Lily's parents had passed away almost immediately, and they did not suffer.
Lily had been understandably devastated. Professor Dumbledore allowed Mia to
accompany her through his Floo, which had been connected to a squib acquaintance, who
lived in Surrey. The kindly old woman who Mia knew from her former timeline as Mrs
Figg, greeted them on the other end of the fireplace and offered her the use of her
telephone so that Lily could get in touch with Petunia and Vernon Dursley. Lily's sister
assured her that the funeral arrangements were being taken care of, though was also quick
to point out the financial stress it would put on her and her new husband, but that Lily
need have nothing to worry for, since Petunia would handle it all. The witches returned to
Hogwarts, and Lily was dismissed from her classes to be doted upon by James, who refused
to abandon her in her grief.
Whether it was prefect and Head Boy and Girl privileges, or because Dumbledore
had a soft spot for the Gryffindors, the headmaster allowed Mia and the others to
accompany Lily to her parents' funeral as emotional support pillars.
Mia took it upon herself to make sure that the purebloods were all dressed
appropriately in Muggle attire, transfiguring their dress robes into long black overcoats and