A/N: Ok, here's my first chap, I hope it gets you hooked.
Oh and again, I do not own anything you recognize from the Harry Potter books.
Chapter One:
Another birthday, and a new friend
The day began like all the days before. Lily Evans woke up just as the sun began rising over the tops of the trees, but unlike all the other days during the year, this day was special. It was July 19 1967, and it was Lily's eighth birthday. Her eyes began to focus as the fogginess of sleep left her, and the bright twinkling light of life filled her emerald green eyes. The sounds of birds chirping, and the comforting sounds of her mum making breakfast pulled her from her bed. Walking to her closet with a spring in her steps, she rummaged around for the perfect outfit. After all it was a very special day, you only turn eight once in your life. Deciding on a white sleeveless top, and green cotton shorts she ran to the bathroom. Showering quickly, and brushing her teeth, she went back to finish getting ready in her room. Brushing the tangles from her very long and red hair, she pulled it back out of her face, and put it up into a ponytail. Turning to her carefully picked outfit, she put it on, and then began to search for her new white sandals. Huffing to herself, she got down on her hands and knees and crawled under her bed, hoping to find her shoes. With a small little cry of victory she crawled back out form beneath the bed holding not one, but two pairs of shoes.
"I knew my tap shoes were somewhere in here"
Lily said to the empty room. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she put her sandals on, and threw the tap shoes on the floor, where everything else she owned lay. Springing from her bed, she ran from her room bumping into her older sister who had been on her way to the loo.
"YOU LITTLE RAT! WATCH WHERE YOUR GOING, YOU ALMOST KNOCKED ME OVER. I SWEAR IF IT WEREN'T FOR MUM AND DAD I'D WALLOP YOU GOOD."
"Sorry Tuna, I didn't see you there. I'd totally forgotten that horses were allowed in the house."
"WHY YOU LITTLE WITCH, YOUR GONNA WISH YOU NEVER SAID THAT LILY EVANS."
Petunia shrieked at the top over her lungs, while diving towards lily. If there was one good thing about being smaller than all the other children her age, it was the fact that she could move faster then them, and her eleven year old sister who acted younger then her and her friends most of the time. Giggling madly she dashed beneath Petunia's out stretched arms, and flew down the stairs, with out touching a single step. If her heart hadn't been pounding so hard and fast, she may have stopped to think about that small fact, and what it could possible mean in the years to come.
Skipping into the kitchen with a bright smile on her face, she came to a dead stop as the smile began to falter. Mrs. Evans was staring at her with that look. You know the one that says now look here little miss just because it's your birthday doesn't mean you can go and put your sister in a screaming fit. Looking down she scurried over to the table and took her seat, not daring to look at her mum. She could feel Mrs. Evans eyes boring into her, while trying to ignore the inevitable. Now you would think that Mrs. Evans would not be capable of looking angry. She was 5'6 and very slim for a woman who had, had two children already. Her hair was shoulder length and light blond, just like Petunia's, and her eyes looked like the ocean on a stormy day. In her mid thirties, she looked no older then twenty-five, and many of her friends along with Petunia's hadn't believed that Mrs. Evans was their mother.
"Morning Mum, what's for breakfast?"
Lily asked, while looking up and playing the innocent card perfectly. Unfortunately Mrs. Evans didn't buy it, and Lily had thought, that her Mum couldn't look anymore upset then she already did, but again Lily had been very, very wrong.
"What was the meaning of all that, in the upstairs hall, Lily Evans?"
Mrs. Evans asked in a clipped voice. Lily thought frantically for some sort of excuse, but she knew Petunia would tell the whole story leaving out her part, and of course Mum would believe her like always. Sighing in defeat, she raised her green eyes to face her mother with out fear, even though fear was the only emotion she was feeling at the moment.
"I didn't see Petunia as I ran from my room Mum, and I almost knocked her over. I said I was sorry, even after she was right wicked with me, but you know I lose my temper at times. Honest Mum its not my fault, it my hair. Just look how red it is, so you see the temper comes with it."
Lily's bright green eyes were beginning to water, even though she was fighting with all her might to keep the tears from falling. This was her birthday, and Petunia just had to do something to ruin it. It wasn't good enough that she ruined all the other days; she had to ruin this day as well. Mrs. Evans looked at her youngest daughter, and sighed. She was such a bright girl for only eight, top of her class and very cheerful as well, if only she could keep her temper under control and stop getting into trouble. She went to her daughter as a tear slid down her check, and wrapped her in a loving hug, while she whispered softly to her.
"Oh sweetheart, don't cry. Its just so vexing the way you two always pick at each other. Your sisters Lily, and you should start acting like it. Now dry your tears, while I get your plate, after all it is your birthday and Petunia should have taken that into consideration before yelling at you."
She kissed Lily's cheek lightly, and walked back to the stove to put the last touches on breakfast. Watching her Mum's back for a moment she thought that this birthday was starting off horribly. Picking her napkin up off the table she dried her face, and then got up on her knees to pour a glass of orange juice. It was at that exact moment that Petunia entered the kitchen with a smile for their Mum, and a sneer for her.
"Good morning Mum"
Petunia said cheerfully while sitting down across from Lily. She poured herself some orange juice and took a small sip, than looked up at her sister, noting the redness of her eyes. She smirked.
"Lily"
That one name had been said with more venom then that of a poisonous snake. Lily looked over to their mother, but as usual Mrs. Evans was too busy to notice her eldest daughters attitude towards her youngest daughter. Lily looked down and began to play with her napkin not wanting to meet Petunia's cold blue eyes, in case she lost her temper again.
The sound of the front door opening and closing, signalled the return of their father from his morning stroll to get the Sunday paper from the box down the street. Mr. Evans was a tall man who stood at 6'1, and you could not find an ounce of fat on him anywhere. He was in his mid thirties, with sandy blond hair and bright blue eyes. His face was ruggedly handsome, yet the twinkle in his eyes, made him look almost boyish. He was always smiling, and he rarely ever got angry with his two girls. Coming into the kitchen he headed straight to his wife who was busy at the stove.
"Morning love, that smells wonderful."
"Good morning to you to Richard, now go sit down with the girls while I bring it over."
Mr. Evans leaned over and kissed his wife softly in greeting before turning and striding to his seat at the table. Lily watched her father from the corner of her eye, while she smiled secretly to herself, over the love her parents both shared for each other. Ignoring the evil looks Petunia was throwing at her from across the table she turned to her father, with a bright sunny smile on her childishly round baby face.
"Morning Daddy."
Lily looked at her father hopefully, after all he hadn't said happy birthday to her yet, and while she thought about that, she realized that her mother hadn't said it either. Oh she had lectured her on not causing Petunia to go into a tantrum on her birthday of all days, but she hadn't said happy birthday Lily dear, like all the years before. Mr. Evans eyes shone with mischief as he looked at his youngest daughter, and the hopefully excited light that seemed to radiate from her bright green eyes. Smiling to himself, and trying hard not to laugh at Lily he spoke.
"Morning Lily, and how are you today."
He picked his paper up and faked interest in the sports section, while he watched her out of the corner of his eye. Lily's face dropped, and she turned her eyes to the top of the table, as her mother came over and placed a plate full of pancakes in front of her.
"Fine Daddy, just fine. I've never been better."
She mumbled, while picking up her fork and beginning to play with the food on her plate. Petunia smiled happily at her fathers snide to her sister. She like Lily thought her father had forgotten also, and it made her foul mood turn in to one of happiness. Putting his paper down, he looked up at his wife who had just sat down across from him. She was looking at him with a raised eyebrow, not really believing that he had forgotten their daughters eighth birthday. Mr. Evans smiled humorously at his wife and winked, making sure the girls didn't see it.
"Christine dear."
"Yes Richard."
"There's something about today, but I just can't seem to put my finger on it. What could I have possible forgotten?"
"Well it could be a number of things Richard, you know how forgetful you tend to be."
Lily had looked up, at this point in the conversation, and she looked back and forth between her parents. A small part of her still believing that her father had forgotten, kept her from realizing that the suspicion she was feeling towards her father, and his forgetful memory, was a correct one.
"Yes, yes. Now let me see. Is there a football game on this afternoon? No I just finished with the sports section and there hadn't been any mention of one. It must be something else."
Lily looked at him, and arched her brow just like her mother had done. Mr. Evans laughed out right with the look on lily's face.
"Oh…now I remember, silly me. Happy birthday sweet pea."
Lily jumped from her chair, and ran the two steps it would take her to reach her father. Wrapping her small little arms around his neck, she showered him with butterfly kisses. He laughed as he hugged lily tight and stood up, to twirl around in circles with her in his arms. She giggled continuously as Mr. Evans spun them around the kitchen, and each time she caught Petunia's face during her fathers little dance, her smile grew. Petunia's face was almost as red as lily's hair, and her eyes were cold, and filled with hatred, but their was something else in them as well, only lily would never know what that something else was until years later.
Christine Evans sat back in her chair, while watching her husband twirl around the kitchen with lily in his arms. Mr. Evans was in his element she noted, with firm satisfaction. He had turned out to be the perfect man for a wife, house and family. Lily's bell like laugh brought her out of her thoughts and she smiled.
"Now, now…you two, enough of this nonsense. Come back to the table and finish your breakfast."
"Of course dear. We were just finishing up, weren't we my little lily."
"Oh yeah…we were just finishing mum."
"Well then hurry up, before your breakfast becomes to cold to eat."
Mr. Evans placed lily on her chair, than took his own seat. The three of them were just about to begin their meal, when Petunia who had remained silent during the whole spectacle their father had put on, spoke in a low tightly controlled voice.
"I'm not that hungry mum. May I be excused?"
"Yes of course Petunia. Are you ill?"
"No, I'm fine mum. Just not very hungry at the moment, I've just remembered something that was rather disturbing, and it's made me feel sick at heart. I'll just be in my room, mum, dad."
With that said Petunia left the kitchen, as thought the devil himself had been on her heals. Mr. & Mrs. Evans watched her retreating form until she had slipped out of sight. Sighing they looked at each other, both had already guessed, what the disturbing memory, Petunia had suddenly remembered was.
"Richard! Who's going to tell her about this afternoon?"
"Not now love, let lily finish her meal, and then you and I can talk over dishes."
Lily didn't like the worry that had been in their voices during that little exchange of words. Looking at her parents, lily thought for the fist time ever that they actually looked their age. Taking the silence as her queue to leave, she pushed her chair back from the table and stood. Going over to her father, she gave him a quick hug and a kiss on his cheek. Pulling away she looked at him with understanding he had never seen in her eyes before. He tried to smile and reassure her that all was well, but she just shook her head and walked over to her mother. Lily hugged Mrs. Evans tightly as her mum returned the hug.
"I really am sorry about earlier mum. I didn't mean it, I do love Petunia, as much as you and daddy."
"I know you didn't mean it, you just can't help yourself sometimes with all the beautiful red hair, and besides lily dear, its what being a child is all about. Oh sweetie I almost forgot. Happy birthday my heart."
"Thank you mum. May I go into the backyard to play for a while now mum, dad?"
"Go right ahead sweet pea, just be sure to stay where we can see you, and don't go into the woods."
"I won't daddy. I'll just go play on the swing."
Lily left her parents at the table, and ran out the back door, and towards the swing. Today just might turn out all right after all she thought.
"Petunia dear, come down to the kitchen please. Your father and I need to speak with you."
Mrs. Evans yelled up the stairs to her daughter. Not waiting for a reply she walked down the hall and into the kitchen, where Mr. Evans sat waiting. Sitting down beside her husband, she rested both hands on top of the table, and shook her head no, to Richards questioning eyes. Taking a deep breath she waited in silence for Petunia to come down. After all there was nothing else to talk about. Mr. & Mrs. Evans had gone over Petunia's attitude and continuous jealousy towards lily while cleaning the breakfast dishes. There was really nothing they could do, and unfortunately they were both almost at the end of their tether, with the constant fighting between Petunia and lily.
Petunia finally made her way into the kitchen twenty minutes later, with a look of disinterest on her pale pasty face. Mr. Evans placed his hand on top of his wives right hand and squeezed it trying to calm the anger he knew was rising, from Petunia's disregard to her mothers call. Petunia stopped on the opposite side of the table, and folded her arms across her chest, and waited for whatever her mother had wanted.
"Why didn't you come when your mother called you Petunia?"
Mr. Evans had never raised his voice to his daughters or wife; his voice was always cheerful and pleasant even when he was lecturing his girls. But now it was low and rough. It could almost pass as stern, and Petunia noticed this difference in her father immediately. The little colour she had in her face drained away completely, as she answered him.
"I did come. I'm here aren't I?"
"Petunia! I called you twenty minutes ago. WHEN I TELL YOU TO DO SOMETHING I EXPECT YOU TO DO IT WHEN I TELL YOU. NOT TWENTY MINUTES LATER, BUT RIGHT AT THAT SPECIFIC TIME."
Her mothers voice was rising with each word she spoke. Mr. Evans squeezed her hand reassuringly again, trying to calm her. It wouldn't do any good, if lily were to hear them for the backyard.
"I was on the telephone with Amanda. That's why I couldn't come right when you called."
"Then you should have told her you'd call her back. Petunia you really shouldn't have kept your mother and I waiting. Its rude and disrespectful to both of us."
"Fine! I'm sorry, it won't happen again."
"It had better not young lady. Now that you're here, your mother and I need you to watch lily this afternoon and through most of the evening."
"WHAT!! YOU'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO GO OUT ON HER BIRTHDAY. I'M SURPRIZED WITH THE WAY YOU FAVOR HER ALWAYS."
"Don't raise your voice to your father! Show some respect for once, and we don't want to leave lily on her birthday, but we have no choice. You've known about your fathers company party for weeks now, so don't act all surprised Petunia."
"Well I can't do it. I've already made plans with my friends, so I can't do it mum."
Mrs. Evans stood up angrily and Petunia flinched at the sudden movement, while Mr. Evans tried in vain to pull her back down into her chair, but she would have none of it.
"Then I suggest you go and phone them now, and be sure to tell them you won't be meeting them today. You see Petunia you are going to watch lily for us, there's no ifs, ands or buts about it. Your family comes before your friends Petunia, not the other way around."
Mrs. Evans stormed from the room, before Petunia had the chance to dispute her mothers order. They both listened to the stomping of her mother's footsteps as she went upstairs, then the sound of the bedroom door slamming, seemed to echo through the quiet house. Mr. Evans shook his head sadly as he looked at Petunia, with disappointment written in his eyes.
"I won't do it! I refuse to do it! You can't make me!"
"Oh my dear girl, that is where your very, very wrong. You're going to watch your sister for us, and your going to do it with a smile on your face. Then when your mother and I get home, you and I are going to have words. I've always been lenient with you girls, and now I can see that, that leniency has lead to the chip on your shoulders. Well it stops today Petunia, even if I have to keep you in your room from now until your thirty. I'll not have you upsetting your mother with this nonsense any more. Do you understand me young lady?"
"BLOODY 'ELL, YES I UNDERSTAND!!"
"Don't swear Petunia, act like a proper lady. Now go to your room until its time for you to watch lily, and I want you to think about the way you have behaved, and how you could possible rectify the situation."
"Yes daddy."
Petunia turned with that and walked sulkily back to her room. Her mind had already begun to plot her revenge. If lily thought she was unbearable now, just wait until her parents left, because Petunia knew it was entirely the little witches fault that her parents were being stern with her. Petunia was also tired of all the praise lily got from her parents and family, it was always lily did this, lily did that, oh did you hear lily scored 100% on her math test. Lily was perfect, and Petunia's hatred would grow in the years to come because of that.
Lily's day from the time she had gone into the backyard to play, up until her parents had to leave, had been more then wonderful. Her father had come into the backyard to push her on the swing, and when she had tired of that they had lain on the grass to look for shapes in the clouds, as they rolled along with the light wind. Lily hadn't known how long they had been staring at the sky, but all to soon her mothers voice called them from their little game. Lunch was ready, and the two of them walked back to the house slowly, with her small hand clasped in her fathers much bigger one. Lunch had been extremely pleasant for lily because Petunia still wasn't hungry and she stayed locked up in her room. Lily was so excited and enjoying the day, that she didn't notice the looks her parents threw at each other, when Petunia said she wasn't coming down. After they had finished their meal, lily's mum carried over a cake with eight candles, and they sang happy birthday to her. She had closed her eyes tight, and made her wish, and than blew out all the candles with one blow. Presents had come next, and lily had ripped the wrapping form them hurriedly. They were all wonderful, but her very favourite was a thick and heavy hard cover book called The Sword in the Stone. After that her parents had to go get ready for their party. Lily was a little sad by their having to leave for almost the whole day, but she understood that her father's work was important. She had made her way, with the huge book under her arm into the living room. She found her favourite window seat to read in, and she sat down. With in two pages, lily was carried away to the dark ages, where a young king Arthur was beginning his destiny, with the help of Merlin who just happened to be a wizard. She was so enthralled; she didn't notice her parents and Petunia talking over the rules before they left. She didn't even hear them say their goodbyes before leaving the house and closing the door behind them.
What lily did notice was the shadow that fell over her blocking her light. Looking up, she came face to face with Petunia, and she was actually smiling at her. If she hadn't known better she would say she was having a nightmare because Petunia never smiled at her, and if she was doing so now then it couldn't be good. Lily gave her a wavering smile of uncertainty, then dropped her eyes back to the words on the page, wanting nothing more then to read for the afternoon, and keep as far away from Petunia as possible. Unfortunately that wasn't going to happen; what did happen was shocking none the less. Petunia took the book from her hands, and made sure to place a bookmark in it before closing the book and placing it on the table gently. Lily couldn't hide it anymore, she looked at her sister with shock and disbelief written on her face, and if lily didn't know any better she would have sworn that Petunia's smile grew. Then Petunia grabbed one of lily's hands and pulled her from her perch and began to drag her towards the kitchen.
"Come on lily. We are going to do what you've always wanted to do since moving here."
Petunia's voice actually sounded sweet and loving, this was so out of character for her, that lily tried to pull her hand away and stop, but Petunia was stronger, and she would never win against her when it came to strength, she was just to small. By that time, they were heading out the backdoor in the kitchen, and lily had finally realized that she had a voice.
"Petunia, what are you doing, let go of me. I want to read my new book."
"Lily, lily, lily. You can read any day, but while mum and dads away, we girls can play. LOOK!"
Lily's eyes had followed Petunia's pointing finger, and up a head she could just make out the path that lead into the woods. She had always wanted to walk along that path and see where it would lead. Lily had a very active imagination, and she believed that there could be fairies; unicorns, wood nymphs and all the other mythical creatures she had read about were real. So if she walked along that path it just may lead her to their secret little world and then she could watch them play and do all the things she had read about. Excitement was beginning to course through her as they began walking towards the earth beaten path once more. Then just as fast as the excitement came, it left.
"Mum and daddy said I'm not allowed in the woods, and your not allowed either. We can't go Petunia, what if we get lost, and what if they found out. I'd hate to see how mad they would be from us disregarding their rules."
""Oh lily, don't be a bloody idiot. Mum and dad will never know, and we won't get lost as long as we stay on the path. Besides this is my gift to you, see' in as how you wish to walked through the woods, and look for all your fairy tail creatures."
"I do really want to go, but I just don't know Petunia. I don't think we should, it'll be dark in a few hours, and if were still in the woods we won't be able to follow the path out."
"Don't be such a baby lily, this will be fun, and we'll be back before nightfall anyways. You said it yourself, can't have mum and dad finding out, so we have to make sure we're back before dark."
If she hadn't wanted to do this one thing for so long, and if Petunia had been her usual cruel self, lily would have turned around, and gone back to her book. Unfortunately Petunia was being kind, and loving to her for the first time in her life, and that was what she wished for every birthday. To have Petunia love her, the way she had always loved Petunia. Well it had looked like lily's wish had finally come true and she wanted to do this with her, because it felt like she had a sister.
"Ok Petunia, I want to see a water sprite."
Petunia nodded her head, and pulled lily onto the path, and the two of them entered the woods with out a backwards glance.
Walking along the path for over an hour, Petunia knew it was now or never. Stopping she turned to look at her sister.
"Lily I'm gonna rest, and we've gone as far as we can for today, so you may want to take a look around for any of your fairy tail creatures before we have to turn back. Go on, I think that's water I hear over there."
Petunia pointed northwest, and lily's eyes seemed to brighten at the thought of seeing a water sprite.
"Don't you wanna come look with me, it'll be fun and even if they aren't real, well it'll still be an adventure."
"I would lily, but I'm tired. Why don't you go on and look, and once I've had a bit of a rest I'll catch up with you by the stream."
Lily being eight years old was still somewhat naive, even though she was exceptionally bright for her age. She also trusted her older sister, so didn't question her any further. Lily nodded then dashed into the dense foliage heading towards the sound of running water. Petunia watched her go, and smiled to herself. Waiting until she could no longer see lily, she ran back the way they had come.
"Well I guess, they won't think she's so perfect anymore."
She said aloud to the forest, and for the first time, she sounded truly happy.
The forest was peaceful, allowing you to forget everything outside of this breathtakingly beautiful place. Everything here was alive and vibrant, the birds chirped merrily in the trees, the woodland creatures went about there daily business seeming not to mind in the least that a child was walking through their home. Quite on the contrary they seemed to watch her with knowing eyes, and they didn't fear this redheaded girl one bit. The suns rays were still filtering through the canopy of trees overhead, when lily came to the small river. She sat down on the banks of the river, and watched the slowly sweeping current, wash bits of debris over its surface. Lily sat quietly just letting all the things around her sooth her with its untouched beauty and love.
The minutes ticked by as the sun solely made its decent from the sky, lily was just beginning to wonder where Petunia was when she caught movement to the left of her, just on the other side of the river. She gazed over at the heavy foliage and shrubs not daring to breath. Her mind was racing; what if this was a sprite or a pixie. She watched with mounting excitement, while she made her body remain still because she knew that any movement from her now would surly scare the creature away, and then she would never know what lay lurking near the waters edge.
"Come on, step through the bush so I can see you" she thought.
Lily didn't notice the subtle changes occurring around her, as the sky began to deepen into hues of red. The forest was beginning to take on a look of hidden secrets, with the last light of the sun. The foliage parted, and the creature's head appeared followed by its body. At first glance it looked like a skittish white colt, but upon further inspection lily gasped out loud. The creature looked up at the small sound lily had made, but it didn't run. Its beautiful large ebony eyes stared at her, and it didn't seem frightened of her in the least, it seemed to be taking her in with as much interest as lily was taking in it.
"My God, it can't be. Can it? Oh but it must be, in less I'm dreaming. My God, I'm not dreaming, so it must be, it's a…that's a!! Unicorn!" Lily whispered aloud.
The unicorn pawed the earth proudly with its front hooves, as it bowed its head to her, trying to let her know that her assumption was correct.
Lily watched the unicorn in absolute wonder, as it pawed the earth. Was it actually trying to communicate with her? Standing up slowly, she watched it trying to see any signs that she was frightening it. Lily gasped again, for she was sure her movement would have made it run back the way it came, but instead it stepped into the stream, coming towards her. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers, as the magnificent white beast came towards her.
"Are you not afraid of me?" She asked the ever-nearing unicorn.
It stopped at the sound of her voice, and nickered swaying its head side to side, before moving towards her once more. Shocked beyond belief at the unicorn's actions, she took a step forward.
"Can you…that is to say, can you understand me?"
Again it nickered, but this time it nodded its head, a few times with out stopping. Lily stood in awe, as it finally stepped on to her side of the riverbank. For a baby, it was still big, and the beautiful creature towered over her. Raising her hand slowly, she reached for it, wanting nothing more then to run her hand down it's silky looking white neck. It closed the distance between them, and lily found her self right in front of it. Its breath was ruffling strands of fiery red hair that had escaped their holding, and lily giggled at the ticklish sensation running through her from its breath. She brought her hand from behind its ear, and ran it down its long neck, revelling in the silkiness of the coat, it didn't feel like other horses, and she smiled at this thought, because it wasn't like other horses, it had magic powers.
"You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Are you this friendly with all the strangers you meet in the forest?"
It swayed its head from side to side and seemed to give a snort of distaste. Lily giggled, and the unicorn nudged her in the shoulder, sending her off balance, while it then stomped the earth with its powerful front hooves once.
"Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, I'm just thinking its kind of strange that you would let me see you, when you say you don't show your self to others that may come near you." Lily whispered.
The unicorn whinnied, and then nudged her again, for good measure.
"So I'm forgiven I see. Well do you have a name, that you could tell me some how?"
The unicorn backed away from her, making lily think she had offended it some how, but it stopped backing up once it was five feet from her.
"Oh are you trying to tell me your name, well go on, I'm really good at charades."
The white beast rose onto its hind legs, and kicked the air with its front while letting out a loud and powerful whinny, just before dropping back to the ground. As soon as its silver front hooves it the ground it took off, making it look like a white streak of light flashing through the forest. Lily had never seen anything move quite that fast, and before she had time to say so, the unicorn stood before her once more. It was breathing heavier then before, but that was to be expected after that little show. Smiling and stroking it between the eyes, she waited for it to calm its breathing. Once it was back to breathing gentle breaths she stepped away to look at her, she had just decided that it was a girl, because it had to be one, it was to beautiful not to be.
"That was brilliant. I would have to guess that your name is lightning, because that's what you looked like streaking across the forest floor."
Nodding its head, she moved to sniff lily's hair playfully.
"What a wonderful name."
Lightning's head shot up all of a sudden as her ears perked up trying to listen for something that lily couldn't hear. It was then that lily noticed just how dark and late it was, and she knew now that Petunia hadn't really change her attitude towards her. The forest was a wonderful place during the day but in the pale light of dusk it was frightening.
"Lightning! My sister Petunia has left me, I'm never gonna find my way out of here now. Oh I never should have believed she had changed that quickly. What am I gonna do, Mum and dad are going to be so angry with me."
Lily began to cry, not noticing Lightning's agitation. She was pawing the earth frantically and give off a small cry like whinny. Lily's crying stopped abruptly as she caught the sounds of howling coming from the other side of the river. Looking to Lightning she saw the wild look in her huge ebony eyes.
"Wolves, I forgot about the wolves. That's why daddy never wanted me in the forest."
Lightning was nodding her head frantically, just as lily caught sight, of one lone wolf coming to the waters edge just across form them. All colour drained from her face, as she stood frozen to her spot. Lightning came to her and began nudging her trying to get her attention, lily finally looked at her, and the unicorn bent its front legs down beneath its body, and threw its head back. Lily didn't have to ask if it meant what she thought, because it was apparent. With out thought, lily jumped onto lightning's back, just has the rest of the pack came through the foliage behind the lone wolf. The next thing lily knew, they were flying across the ground, and she had to wrap her little hands in lightning's beautiful mane to keep from falling off. Her heart was pounding fiercely as they flew through the trees at a break neck pace, but lily was starting to enjoy the ride, even though danger lurked just behind them. Lightning seemed to know where she was going so lily made sure to stay quiet, letting her think with out disruption. They burst from the forest just as nights cloak was covering the sky, and to lily's amazement she found her self, staring at the back of her house.
"How did you know? Thank you, so much, you'll be my friend for life."
Lightning came to a halt then, and waited for lily to dismount. Once lily was safely on the ground once more, she threw her arms around Lightning, trying to tell her how much she loved her, for bringing her home. Lightning gave a soft whinny, and nudged lily towards the back door. Laughing and brushing the tears from her cheeks she walk towards the back door. Once she got there she turned back to look at lightning one last time.
"Will I ever see you again?"
Lightning nodded, and whinnied before turning and running back into the forest. Lily stood watching until Lightning was out of sight. Sighing she turned back and strolled into the house with a smile on her face. Closing the door, she heard running foot steps then Petunia's gasp as she came into the kitchen.
"WHAT!! BUT HOW? I MADE SURE YOU COULDN'T FIND YOUR WAY BACK. THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT YOU COULD FIND YOUR WAY BACK ON YOUR OWN LILY EVANS."
Petunia screamed, in out rage. She had made sure of that, bring lily far enough away, than making her leave the path. Lily just looked at Petunia, with the bright smile still on her face.
"I know Petunia! I couldn't find my way back."
"THEN HOW?"
"A friend showed me the way home."
Lily said this cryptically, and then ignoring her sister's look of disbelief and out rage she walked by her, and out of the kitchen. She was just heading up stairs to her room, when Petunia halted her once more.
"WHAT FRIEND! WHO COULD YOU HAVE POSSIBLE MET IN THOSE WOODS? YOU NEVER TALK TO STRANGERS."
"I know. Now I'm very tired and I just want to go to sleep, so see you in the morning Petunia."
And with that Lily Evans walked up the last few steps, laughing at the look on her face, while Petunia stood at the bottom in shock. Lily's birthday was not suppose to end like this, oh no she had made sure that she would be grounded for life, yet there she was walking up the stairs to her room, and their parents would never know just how much of a witch she really was. Lily stopped at her door, and peered down at Petunia.
"Oh Petunia, this was one of my best birthday's ever. I'll never forget it, and it's all because of you."
Petunia threw her hands up in the air and screamed at the top of her lungs, before turning and storming away from the stairs. Lily giggled wildly as she entered her room thinking about a white unicorn, and the friendship they had just begun, for lily knew with out a doubt they would meet again sometime in the near future, and she couldn't wait for that day to come.