Without thinking, like it was second nature (and, perhaps, it was), Lily's wand was out and a hex cast almost before Sirius' fingers closed on her elbow. A sudden shield shot out, pushing Sirius away from her as Lily yanked her arm away.

"Don't touch me," she growled, a half-flash of life in her eyes. But then she curled back up on herself, still watching the damn door.

"It's too late." On that, the words voiced in a whisper, there may have been a slight crack. But it was gone as soon as it showed, shoved back away, nothing but cool neutrality apparent on Lily's face as she ignored Sirius again.