A/N OK, so I forgot to put this in the first time around. Hopefully everyone already knows that none of these characters are mine and to whom they really belong (if you don't this might not be your cup of tea, yeah?) Anyway, enjoy! And reviews are always appreciated!
The sky was overcast. The wind essentially nonexistent, barely rippling the top of the majestic, old oak. Not a sound could be heard, except the occasional sniffle. It was incredibly humid, and several people were shifting around uncomfortably in their stiff, black formal wear, attempting to dispel the perspiration running down their backs. The humidity gave everything a slightly blurry look, as if the scene was being viewed through a slightly dirty window. Two young men, dressed all in black were situated closest to the headstone. Pale and drawn, they were the solemnest of the group. While others moved around, even murmuring to one another on occasion, the two teens stood rigidly, eyes never moving from the plot of recently packed soil.
In the back of the group, one man had been fussing with a bulky object in a black case. He stood now, moving towards the front of the gathering. In his hands, he held a violin. Reaching the two young men, he placed a hand on one's shoulder, murmuring something into his ear. The young man nodded slowly. The other continued staring straight ahead. The violinist took a few steps to the side, standing under the old oak. He lifted the violin and began to play. The haunting strains of Amazing Grace could be heard, echoing across the silent graveyard out into the hills beyond. It began to drizzle. The water accumulating on the faces of the gathered mixed with the tears.
As the hymn drew to a close, the group began walking slowly out of the graveyard. Behind the party, the two teens still stood. The young man on the right slung an arm around the shoulder of his companion and said something into his ear. He began to guide him towards the exit of the graveyard. The follower threw off the arm and remained standing, still staring at the graves. His companion looked at him, grey eyes full of concern. He ran a hand through thick, black hair in consternation. He gestured towards the lane outside, where the group stood, waiting. The second young man shook his head, causing water to drip from his messy hair down his forehead. The first teen nodded sadly, and headed out toward the lane, pausing only once to look back. His friend hadn't moved. He joined the group and they disappeared, one by one. Only the echo of muffled pops and cracks was left behind.
Standing by the side of the grave, the young man knelt down, running a finger through the wet grass. On his knees, he moved up to the headstone. With a shaking hand, he traced the words carved into the marble. Harold and Annette Potter. Beloved parents, siblings, friends, and mentors. They will be missed by all who were warmed by the light of their presence. Slowly, slowly, he let his hand fall down to rest limply in his lap. Closing his hazel eyes, he raised his pale face to the sky. As the rain ran in rivulets over his eyelids and cheeks, James Potter broke down and cried.
&
Standing in front of her mirror, the young woman observed her reflection. Her curly, red hair was pulled back into an elegant French twist. Her green eyes were startling beneath lashes black with mascara. Her cheeks were pink with blush, and her lips shone with gloss. Her pale, white shoulders were accentuated by the formal black dress, which was strapless. Just below the bust ran a strip of black satin ribbon tied into a bow in the back. The dress fell to just below her knees. On her feet were low-heeled black sling-backs. Looking in the mirror, the young woman realized she had forgotten to put on jewelry. Gold chandelier earrings and a simple gold bangle completed the outfit. Surveying herself in the mirror, Lily Evans was satisfied.
"Lily!" a voice called up the stairs.
"Coming!"
Lily walked out of her room and down the stairs. Below, in the foyer, Mark and Julie Evans stood, waiting. Twenty-one-year-old Petunia was also a part of the gathering, but she stood a little ways off, arms crossed, lips tightly pressed together. As she separated them to speak, they shone white in the dim light as the blood rushed back in.
"Hurry up, I don't want to be late. We're supposed to be meeting Vernon in twenty minutes!"
"Petunia, dear, clam down." Julie Evans spoke, the voice of wisdom amid the tension. "We're all ready, and it will only take us ten minutes to get there. We'll be there early, even."
Petunia huffed and stalked out the door, closing it sharply behind her. Julie Evans sighed.
"Come along Lily, Mark. We don't want to make Petunia worry. After all, we are going to eat with her new fiancée."
Lily rolled her eyes, ignoring her mother's admonishment. Vernon Dursley was a horrible man, if he could even be called a man. Lily was convinced that he was at least part whale. He was enormous and ham-handed, with a large, bristly moustache. He was boring and self-centered. He worked at a drill place for Merlin's sake, and acted as though it were the most important industry in England. He was all in all, one of the worst men Lily had ever met. He was also her sister's new fiancée and the 'love of her life.' Lily climbed into the car silently and put on her seat belt. The engine rumbled to life and Mr. Evans backed the car out of the driveway. Lily rested her head against the cool glass and watched the lights flash by, bright in the dark English night. She hoped the night would be over quickly.
Days later, Lily was eating breakfast when she heard a rapping on the window behind her head. Petunia looked up and screamed. With a cry of, "freak!" she flew out of the room. Lily turned around and rolled her eyes. Opening the window, she let the large, tawny owl fly into the kitchen. It perched on the table and waited patiently for Lily to untie the letter from its leg. With the heavy envelope safely delivered, the owl gave a hoot and flew out the window again.
Closing the window, Lily turned back around with a rising feeling of excitement. She ran her fingertips over the heavy envelope. The sun shone in from behind her head, making patterns on the table. A few rays hit the envelope as she slowly pulled out the thick parchment. Lily opened the first letter. As usual, it was a list of school supplies. Lily closed her eyes for a moment before unfolding the second piece of parchment. The sun glinted off her hair, giving her a red halo. It lit on the parchment, making it glow a blinding white. She took a deep breath. Slowly, she unfolded the parchment.
Dear Miss Evans,
I am proud to announce that you have been selected as Head Girl for the coming school year. You have worked hard these past six years, and I know that you will treat this position with the gravity it deserves. You will meet the Head Boy in the Head's Compartment on the Hogwarts Express. In the compartment, you will find a list of your duties, as well as the duties of the Prefects. The Prefect meeting will be at 11:30. After the meeting, Prefects will be expected to patrol the train. During the train ride, one or both of the Heads is expected to remain available in the Head's Compartment. Congratulations and Good Luck!
Sincerely,
Albus P. W. B. Dumbledore
Lily's head tilted up to the heavens and her eyes fell shut in silent thanks. She remained in that position for several minutes. Lily Evans, Muggle born witch was now Head Girl of Hogwarts. She remembered being a first year, how naive she had been. Her dreams had quickly been shattered, and replaced with the reality of being a Muggle born in the magic world: second class. But eleven-year-old Lily had risen to the challenge. She wanted to beat the stereotype, to be better than all of them, to show the world what a Muggle born could do. And with the badge that she now held tightly in her fist, she had succeeded.
&
Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, looking out the window at the Quidditch pitch. The grass was green and the stands sparkled in the sunlight. As the rays warmed his face, he closed his eyes and allowed his mind to wander. A soft, precise knock on the door brought him back to the present.
"Come in, Minerva. Have a chair."
He gestured to a squishy armchair opposite the one he sat in. Lowering herself cautiously, Minerva McGonagall allowed herself to look Dumbledore in the eye.
"How are you this morning?"
"I am splendid, and yourself?"
"Fine," she answered impatiently. "I'm sure you know why I am here," at this, Dumbledore smiled and chuckled. "So I'm not about to hedge. Why did you do it?"
"May I inquire as to what you are talking about? There are a number of things I have done recently. Why earlier, I chose to get out of bed at five, instead of six. I had quite a strong urge to use the bathroom you see. However, I was distracted looking for a robe and ended up finding a rather wonderful old marble I had thought I lost years ago. Furthermore-"
"Yes, yes, very clever," Professor McGonagall broke in impatiently. "And yet I'm not in the mood for games. Why did you make Lily Evans and James Potter co-Heads? They don't get along, as you well know. Do you really think it's fair to burden Miss Evans with a Marauder, just to give him a taste of power in a misguided attempt to control him!" McGonagall broke off, chest heaving, lips pressed firmly together. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and sighed.
"Ah." He paused a moment. "At this time in the wizarding world, there is unrest. I fear that Lord Voldemort- as he calls himself- will soon begin to increase his influence. I do not foresee this to be a pleasant occurrence."
"Yes, but what does that have to do with out Head Boy and Girl?"
"Lily Evans and James Potter are two of the most powerful students at my school. They are also the leaders, it seems, of their respective groups. And yet they do not get along, so their groups will never get along either."
"Again, what do mere school friendships have to do with…?" McGonagall trailed off. Dumbledore looked at her inquisitively and she glared. "You're going to make me say it, aren't you?" Dumbledore looked at her.
"Fear of a name increases fear of the thing itself."
McGonagall sniffed. "All right. What does a teenage relationship have to do with Lord Voldemort?"
"Ah, Minerva." Dumbledore surveyed her through his half-moon glasses. "If what I predict indeed comes to pass, we will all need each other more than ever. That includes all of our students, as well as the staff itself, and the entire wizarding world. The largest rift in my class that will soon be graduated falls between Lily Evans and James Potter. If that rift can be mended, we will be a few steps ahead in ensuring safety once they enter the world on their own. They will be quite useful, you see, in certain…organizations." Dumbledore gave her a sharp look. Receiving no response he smiled and continued on, "and if I do say so myself, Lily and James would make a lovely couple." McGonagall looked scandalized.
"Albus!" Dumbledore merely smiled benignly and stood up. Offering her his arm, he helped her up and proceeded walk with her out of his office.
"I heard a rumor that there are wonderful cinnamon rolls in the Great Hall this morning, and I would quite like to indulge in one." Her reply was lost as they disappeared down the spiral staircase. An echo of grinding stone as the gargoyle opened and closed, and the office was silent once more.
&
September first dawned bright and sunny. The air was crisp. Outside Lily's window, a few birds still sang among the colored leaves. As her digital clock flipped to 7:00 AM, the radio thudded on. Groaning, Lily cracked an eye, only to shut it quickly as the sun shone brightly on her face. Rolling over, she flung a hand out towards her bedside table, knocking over a glass of water. Muttering a sleepy curse, she lifted her head off the pillow. Reaching over again, she successful shut off the alarm and rolled out of bed. Unfortunately, she stepped right in the water. Muttering another epithet, she took one sock off. With one sock off and one on, she walked over to her closet. Pulling open the door, she flicked the light on. She grabbed jeans and a long-sleeved green T-shirt and headed towards the shower.
After a nice long shower, Lily felt refreshed. Now properly awake, she felt a fluttering of anxiousness and excitement in her stomach. Today was her first day as Head Girl. Pulling her wet hair back into a low bun, she cleaned up the water on the floor with her wet sock. Dumping it in the hamper, she proceeded down the stairs for breakfast.
As she walked into her kitchen, she could see her mother cooking something on the stove. Coming up behind her, Lily realized it was eggs. Her tight stomach heaved at the sight of the eggs so early in the morning. So she sat down at the table with a bowl of cereal instead. Her mother turned from the stove.
"Good morning sleepyhead." Lily looked at her.
"Good morning mum. And it's only eight. Too early." Her mother chuckled.
"Well, soon you'll be getting up at this time every day." Lily groaned.
"Don't remind me."
"What? Aren't you excited for your first day as Head Girl? Dad and I are so proud." Lily smiled patiently.
"Yes mum, I'm excited too. But I really want to know who the Head Boy is. It could be Amos Diggory from Ravenclaw. I hope it is. He's smart." Her mother shot her a mischievous look.
"And handsome?" Lily blushed and traced the wood grain of the table.
"Yes, and handsome. But, it could be Remus Lupin. He'd be all right too. He is a Marauder, but he's the best of them." Lily's mother looked up sharply.
"The Marauders?" Lily nodded. Smirking, her mum said,
"Isn't that the group your charming suitor James Potter belongs to?" Lily sighed.
"Unfortunately, yes. Although, I must admit, I haven't heard from him all summer. Rather refreshing actually. Hopefully he's realized that I do not care." She ended this statement ferociously. Lily's mother simply gave her a look and a small smile.
"Don't even start that with me mother. I don't like him. I've been saying that for six years now, and I'm not about to up and change my mind." Lily's mum laughed.
"Eat up. We have to leave shortly."
Ten minutes later, Lily and her father were lugging her trunk out to the car as her mum yelled up the stairs to Petunia.
"Petunia, we're leaving now! Please come say goodbye to your sister. You won't see her for several months." There was a pause where nothing happened.
"Petunia, now!" Muttering angrily, Petunia appeared, bedraggled, at the top of the stairs. Lily came in through the front door.
"Bye freak." Lily looked at her.
"Bye Petunia."
"Petunia, be nice," their mother scolded.
"Whatever." Petunia disappeared and a door slammed on the second floor. Rolling her eyes, Lily disappeared out to the car.
The ride was long and boring; Lily lived about an hour from King's Cross. However, they made good time, and at 9:30, Lily was pushing her trunk through the barrier. As soon as she appeared on the other side, she heard a shriek.
"Lily!" Three girls came running over.
"How was your summer?"
"Good," Lily replied, looking at all of them. "How were yours? You guys look great!" Emmeline Vance was the first to answer. Her straight brown hair swing wildly around and her brown eyes sparkled as she gestured with her hands.
"It was great! I went to the beach often, and I played a lot of Quidditch. Have to keep practicing, you know. I think we're going to win the cup this year! You know, our chances are quite good. In fact-"
"Emmy, shut up." The interrupter was Dorcas Meadowes. With honey blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she was easily one of the prettiest in the group. She was also quiet, but obviously not around Emmeline, who was looking quite put out after the interruption. Dorcas made an apologetic face.
"Sorry, but you go on for hours." She laughed. "Anyway, I'll be quick, unlike some people. I went to France for the summer." Shocked gasps and mutters of "Wow" flew through the group.
"I'm so jealous!" Lily grinned. "I went nowhere. But I didn't hear from suitor extraordinaire either, so I suppose that's lucky." Mary Scott, a roommate of Lily's spoke up.
"You know, maybe you should give him a chance. I mean, he's seventeen now. He must have grown up." Lily felt her face heat up.
"I will never and I repeat NEVER give James Potter a chance. He's such a arrogant, cocky, conceited-"
"Ok, ok. You're not giving James Potter a chance. That's settled. Let's move on." Lily reached over and playfully tugged one of her friend's curly brunette locks.
"Shut up." Mary laughed, blue eyes crinkling in amusement.
"You asked for it. You know, you were the one who brought him into the conversation."
"Brought who into the conversation?"
"Hestia!" Lily, Dorcas, Emmeline, and Mary exclaimed. Dorcas provided the answer.
"You know who." Grinning, she mouthed "James Potter." Hestia's blue eyes widened in understanding.
"Oh," she mouthed back.
"Hestia, did you cut your hair?" Emmeline asked as she moved behind Hestia and began braiding her thick, black hair.
"Yes, actually. It was getting a little too long."
"Well, it looks great. Elastic?" Hestia pulled one off her wrist and handed it back.
"There." Emmeline tied the braid off. "Lovely."
"Thanks Emmy. And where's Alice?" Dorcas laughed.
"Where do you think? Running late of course! Let's go look for a compartment. She'll find us eventually." They five girls laughed as they headed off towards the Hogwarts Express. For a moment, it gleamed brightly, hiding all five girls in the glare. Then a cloud passed over the sun, and the girls were visible once more.
On the other side of the station, a much more subdued greeting was ensuing.
"Hey Moony, Wormtail. How were your summers?"
"Good, thanks, and yours?" answered Remus.
"Fine. I finally escaped from that hell-hole," replied Sirius. "Although it wasn't much fun at James' this summer." Remus nodded understandingly.
"Why?" This question came from Peter, who was obviously not the brightest bulb in the group. Remus and Sirius stared at him unbelievingly.
"Uh, Wormtail," Remus fielded the question. "His parents died."
"Oh."
Remus looked around. "Where is Prongs?"
"On the train," answered Sirius. "He said something about finding a compartment, and left."
"Well, let's go find him."
&
At 10:00, the Hogwarts Express pulled out of King's Cross. All students had made it on board, although in the case of Alice Stockwell, it had been a close affair.
"So then, I heard the second whistle. But my trunk was stuck. So I pushed really hard, just praying it would move. Suddenly, I heard this metallic squeak and the wheels started to move."
At this point, all the other girls in the compartment were in hysterics. Emmeline was even lying on the floor.
"Finally, I felt this tug and my trunk moved. I dove on before the train could pull out and completely ran over Jared Holmes who had basically just saved my life." Alice blushed horribly. "It was so embarrassing." Covering her face, she slumped down in her seat.
"Only you Alice, would be saved by the hottest guy in the year aside from the Marauders and then promptly run him over," Mary said. Alice blushed even more.
"I said I was sorry," she said defensively.
"What did he do?" asked Dorcas. Alice grinned.
"He just laughed and said it was fine. I was mortified, though, so I just ran away." The girls laughed again. Just then, the witch with the trolley came by.
"Snacks, dearies?"
Emmeline raced over and bought several packs of chocolate frogs.
"These should do the trick." The others purchased some pumpkin pasties and Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans, and they sat back down to enjoy the ride. Suddenly, Lily looked at her watch and gasped.
"I'm late!"
"Late for what?" asked Hestia.
"Head Duties!" Lily raced out of the compartment to cries of "Congratulations!"
Walking at a furious pace, she made it to the Head's Compartment in two minutes. She walked in stammering apologies.
"I am so sorry. I completely lost track of time and-" She broke off with a shocked gasp. Her mouth fell open.
"Potter! What are you doing in here? Listen right now, I don't know who you've stolen that badge from, Remus or someone, but I will not tolerate…" She trailed off as he turned to face her. His eyes were hard and emotionless as he informed her,
"I didn't steal it. It's mine."
"But, it can't be! Is Dumbledore off his rocker? You weren't even a prefect!"
"It's still mine. Apparently you don't need to be Prefect."
"But you're so arrogant and conceited and, and, HOW can Dumbledore have made you Head Boy? I can't work with you. You don't even work! Strutting around like-" James stood up, suddenly furious.
"I didn't ask for it, Evans. But Dumbledore gave it to me. I'm so sorry I'm not up to your perfect standards, but no normal person could be. Not everyone is as anal as you!" He stalked out the door. Lily reeled in shock and sat down cautiously on one of the padded seats. Evans. He had never called her Evans. Not since the end of fifth year when he had vowed to call her by her name.
"It's such a pretty name," he had said. "Lily." And Lily had been secretly flattered; what girl wouldn't be? He had continued on, "Lily, Lily, Lily, my Lily-Flower, will you go out with me?" And Lily had slapped him and walked off. "I'm not your flower," she had shouted as she ran back to the common room, leaving him behind with a red handprint on his cheek. Yet ever since then, he had called her Lily. Until today.
What did I do wrong? She thought. There was nothing unusual about that encounter. Just James being arrogant and me taking him down a peg or two. And not even in public! Yet he had been angry. She sighed. Maybe I was too hard on him. Suddenly, guilt kicked in. She had been nasty. He had just been sitting there and she had jumped on the offensive. But he does that all the time! She argued with herself. But this time, you started it. And he didn't deserve it. The guilt intensified. All right, all right. I'll apologize. I'll see him at the prefect's meeting anyway. Which is in…"Five minutes!"
She jumped up, grabbing the list of prefect duties off the table in the compartment. Heading next door, she found several people already there. But there was no sign of James. She made small talk until 11:30 when she called for order. There was still no sign of James.
"All right everyone. For those who don't know, I'm Lily Evans and I'm the Head Girl this year. My co-Head is James Potter, but he was…unable to come at this particular time." At James' name, there was a sudden explosion of whispers.
"Yes, yes, calm down. I'm sure you don't want to be here for longer than you have to, so I'll try to be brief. As prefects, you are responsible for setting an example. In order to get this position, most of you have already proven yourselves. Keep up the great work. However, as prefects, you will have extra responsibilities. Namely, patrolling." The older prefects groaned.
"I know, not fun. But it is necessary. I will make up a patrol schedule and bring it to the next meeting. Prefect meetings will be on Mondays at seven in Professor McGonagall's room. You are all expected to come. For those who are consistently tardy or miss meetings altogether, there will be consequences. Dumbledore's, not mine. So be there. Also, as prefects, you may dock points. But never more than five, and you need to have your deductions checked by either of the Heads or Professor McGonagall. So, each prefect will need to write down the points they deducted, that is, the number of points, the name of the person, and the infraction. To help you know what is an infraction, here are your handbooks. Don't bother to read them unless you need to check something. You all know the rules anyway. And if you don't know them, they're not worth docking points for. However, lists. Lists are to be submitted at the prefect meetings every month. Professor McGonagall or James or I will read them and check to make sure the deductions were reasonable. If we don't believe the punishment is necessary, the points will be reinstated. Finally, you all must patrol the train until it reaches the station. I will be available in the Head's compartment next door if a problem arises. You are free to go, except Remus, I'd like a word."
The prefects filed out, leaving Lily and Remus in the compartment.
"Where's James?" Remus sighed.
"I don't know. I didn't even know he was Head Boy. I'm surprised because I figured he'd want to write about something good." Lily frowned.
"Why? Did something happen?" Remus looked surprised.
"You don't know? He didn't tell you?"
"Obviously not. Why else would I ask?"
"What did you talk about in the Head's compartment then? I thought he wasn't here because he'd had a, hard, time telling you."
"Well," Lily sighed. "We got into a bit of an argument, actually. I didn't believe he was Head Boy, and he was rather insulting. Although, I started it." Lily looked upset. "I really wanted to apologize."
"Lily Evans? Apologize to James Potter?"
"Don't joke. I wasn't very kind. It was my fault. But you're getting me off track. What happened?" Remus sighed in a depressed manner.
"If he didn't say, I probably shouldn't tell you." Lily just looked at him.
"Well listen. If you see him, tell him I'm looking for him, ok?" Remus nodded and headed out.
&
On the other end of the train, Sirius found James sitting alone in a compartment.
He knocked softly. No answer. He hesitated, and then opened the door.
"Go away."
"Prongs, it's me."
"I know, go away." Sirius blew out a breath.
"James, come on. This is no way to live." James didn't respond. Sirius dropped the bomb.
"Your parents wouldn't have wanted you to be like this. They would have wanted you to be happy." James turned slowly to face Sirius. Rage and sadness burned in his eyes.
"You have no idea what my parents would have wanted. You think just because you were there for one summer you know them? Well think again."
"James," Sirius' expression was pained. "They were my family, and you know it. Stop being so self-centered. They were like parents to me."
"But they weren't, were they? They weren't your real parents." James turned to look out the window again. Sirius laughed disbelievingly.
"You think that makes it hurt any less? It hurts more. They were all that I had. You and them. They saved me. You saved me. You know that. I loved them, James. You say they weren't my real parents, then who were they? They took me in when I needed them. They cared for me like a son!" James looked back at Sirius and the expression on his face was terrifying.
"I hate them."
"Who?"
"Them."
"The Death Eaters?" James' jaw tightened. He nodded once, very slightly.
"I hate them. I wish I could kill him."
"James, you're crazy. You can't kill Voldemort. No one can. Except maybe Dumbledore."
"I will, I'll kill him." Sirius sighed.
"Listen, mate, let's talk about something else. Like Evans." James' face darkened again.
"Not Evans," he spat.
"Um James, haven't you been obsessed with her for like, six years now?" James looked at Sirius and said emphatically, "Not. Anymore."
"Why?"
"She's just, she too…she's such a priss! She has all these standards that no one can possibly meet. Except for her because she's a freak. Or maybe she's just normal like the rest of us, in which case she doesn't meet her own standards either!" Sirius was confused.
"I thought you liked her standards?" Then light dawned. "Did you two have another lovers quarrel?"
"We fought, yes. And I'm done."
"James, you can't be done! You worked for this for six years! She was going to cave this year, I know it!" James just gave a tight shake of his head.
"I'm done. She hates me; it just took me seven years to realize it. And you know what? I just don't care anymore. I finally realized how immature she is. She's so obsessed with school. Like it matters." James gave a short, maniacal laugh. "When we're out there fighting for our lives, no one will care who took whose badge or who pranked who. Her standards are childish, and so is she. I am officially done with Miss Evans."
Just then, Remus entered the compartment.
"Moony, Moony! James has given up on Evans! We can't let him," said Sirius. Remus looked enquiringly at James.
"Really," he said skeptically. James nodded curtly.
"Well, how are you planning on doing that? You are her co-Head."
"I'll still talk to her, but only when necessary. I'm done, Remus," he said, cutting him off before he could open his mouth. Remus nodded sadly.
"All right. But you're making a huge mistake." James looked mutinous.
"I don't think so."
&
In the Head's compartment, Lily sat alone, staring out the window. The scenery flashed by, a blur of bright, autumn colors. As the sun's rays warmed her face, she closed her eyes and allowed her mind to wander. She smiled slightly thinking of her first train ride.
Eleven-year-old Lily had run through the barrier at platform nine and three quarters. Making it to the other side, she had stood and gaped in awe. The Hogwarts Express gleamed purple in the sun, large and slightly intimidating. Around her, the hustle and bustle of the station was also a little scary. She cautiously wheeled her trunk up to the train and proceeded to try to drag it on. After a few minutes, an older student had come up to her.
"Hi! I'm Edgar Bones, 5th year prefect. Do you need some help?" He smiled at Lily, and she nodded.
"All right. Here we go." Edgar had hauled her trunk onto the train into a compartment with a few other girls in it. Two girls had dark hair and pretty blue eyes. One chubby girl with blonde hair and green eyes smiled at her and spoke up.
"Hi, I'm Alice and this is Hestia and Mary."
"Hi, I'm Lily." And so a beautiful friendship had begun.
A while later, two boys had burst into their compartment, panting.
"Mind if we stay here for a moment? Only, we've just put some dungbombs in that snotty Lucius Malfoy's trunk and now he's chasing us." The boy had stopped and smiled charmingly. "I'm Sirius Black, by the way." He gestured to the other boy who was now staring fixatedly at Lily. "That poor sap is James Potter." At the sound of his name, James jerked to attention.
"James Potter," he repeated. "And who are you?" He addressed this question to Lily.
"Lily Evans."
"Well, Lily Evans pleased to meet you. It's not everyday-" James was cut off as Sirius let out a shout.
"Here he comes. We'd better go. Thanks!" They disappeared out the door. Lily had smiled to herself and thought about all the new friends she had. Magic people weren't freaks like Petunia said. Lily frowned. She supposed she'd just have to write Petunia and tell her.
Lily laughed a little bitterly thinking about how that had turned out. Not well, to say the least. James Potter. She wished he could have stayed a nice eleven-year-old forever. For all of first year, they had been great friends. Then in second year, the Marauders began gaining status. Suddenly, James had been too busy with pranks and socializing to remember his old friends. Lily had been furious and hurt, and had vowed not to talk to James Potter again. Then after ignoring her for all of second and third year, she had come back in fourth year having grown. Her hair was now thick, curly, and a deep shade of auburn. Her eyes were even more startling now that she'd gotten contacts, instead of keeping her glasses. Suddenly, James had noticed her again. He hadn't remembered her; he'd just realized her existence once she became beautiful. But Lily remembered. She still felt the sting of rejection from when he had ignored her. And she had vowed never to forgive him. If he didn't need her, she certainly did not need him.
Just then, she realized the train had pulled up to the station. Getting off, she looked for James. He was nowhere in sight, so she directed the first years towards Hagrid alone. As soon as the last first year was gone, she had walked slowly towards the Head's carriage. She climbed in and rested her head against the seat. She was exhausted. She was tired from her early morning and from her fight with James. She realized with a start that she had been calling him James instead of Potter. She shook her head. He was Potter, and always would be. Regardless of how guilty she felt.
Exiting the carriage, she began her walk up the steps. She walked into the Great Hall and sat down with her friends. They smiled at her.
"How'd the Head duties go?" asked Alice.
"Well." Lily sighed. "Potter and I got into a bit of an argument and he ran off. He didn't bother to show up for the prefect's meeting or anything so I just dealt with that and the first years."
Dorcas looked angry. "How could he do that to you! He has responsibilities too! I'm going to go and-"
"Do nothing," interrupted Lily. "You're going to do nothing."
Dorcas seemed surprised that Lily was defending James.
"I thought you hated him."
"I never hated him," Lily began slowly, "we just didn't always see eye to eye."
Emmeline appeared shocked and Alice smirked.
"Seems like someone has a bit of a sort spot for our favorite Marauder." Lily flushed and opened her mouth to say something, but just then, the first years filed in. The Hall was silent as the hat began to sing.
"In times of old when I was new
And Hogwarts barely started
The founders of our noble school
Thought never to be parted:
United by a common goal,
They had the selfsame yearning,
To make the world's best magic school
And pass along their learning.
"Together we will build and teach!"
The four good friends decided
And never did they dream that they
Might someday be divided,
For were there such friends anywhere as Slytherin and Gryffindor?
Unless it was the second pair
Of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?
So how could it have gone so wrong?
How could such friendships fail? Why, I was there and so can tell
The whole sad, sorry tale.
Said Slytherin, "We'll teach just those
Whose ancestry is purest."
Said Ravenclaw, "We'll teach those whose
Intelligence is surest."
Said Gryffindor, "We'll teach all those
With brave deeds to their name."
Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot,
And treat them just the same."
These differences caused little strife
When they first came to light,
For each of the four founders had
A house is which they might
Take only those they wanted, so,
For instance Slytherin
Took only pure-blood wizards
Of great cunning, just like him,
And only those of sharpest mind were taught by Ravenclaw
While the bravest and the boldest went to daring Gryffindor.
Good Hufflepuff, she took the rest,
And taught them all she knew,
Thus the Houses and their founders
Retained friendships firm and true.
So Hogwarts worked in harmony
For several happy years,
But then discord crept among us
Feeding on our faults and fears.
The Houses that, like pillars four,
Had once held up our school,
Now turned upon each other and,
Divided, sought to rule.
And for a while it seemed the school
Must meet and early end,
What with dueling and with fighting
And the clash of friend on friend
And at last their came a morning
When old Slytherin departed
And though the fighting then died out,
He left us quite downhearted.
And never since the founders four
Were whittled down to three
Have the Houses been united
As they once were meant to be.
And now the Sorting Hat is here
And you all know the score:
I sort you into Houses
Because that is what I'm for,
But this year I'll go further,
Listen closely to my song:
Though condemned I am to split you
Still I worry that it's wrong.
Hough I must fulfill my duty
And must quarter every year
Still I wonder whether sorting
May not bring the end I fear.
Oh, know the perils, read the signs,
The warning history shows,
For our Hogwarts is in danger
From external, deadly foes.
And we must unite inside her
Or we'll crumble from within.
I have told you, I have warned you…
Let the Sorting now begin."
Lily clapped along with everyone else, but she turned to Emmeline on her right, eyebrows raised.
"What was that?"
"Clearly," broke in Dorcas, "the Hat was trying to warn us."
"Yes, I know," replied Lily. "But why?" Alice and Dorcas exchanged significant looks.
"We'll tell you later, in the dorm. Dorcas, tell Mary please."
Dorcas leaned over and whispered to Mary who raised her eyebrows. She shot a look at Alice who narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Not here," she mouthed. Satisfied, Mary turned back to conversing with her other friends. Dumbledore stood up.
"Welcome all to another year. I have more to say, but for now, I ask you all to enjoy the delicious feast."
"Yes!" This cry came from Sirius. The entire Hall turned to look at him. "What? I'm starving! I haven't eaten in…a whole hour!" A few people laughed.
"Well Mr. Black, you will be pleased to know, then, that I heard a rumor that the chicken is supposed to be spectacular tonight." He inclined his head slightly and sat back down. As the students applauded, food appeared on the great, golden platters in front of them.
All too soon, the food on the platters was gone. It rested in the extremely full bellies of the Hogwarts populous. Dumbledore stood again to make a few last announcements.
"Before you all head off to bed, I would like to first introduce out Head Boy and Girl. Would James Potter and Lily Evans please stand?"
Lily stood, blushing. She looked over at James only to find that he was determinedly not looking at her. She frowned and sat back down.
"Also, I have been asked to remind you all to please attempt to clean your feet before walking about the castle. Some students are rather fond of tracking large amounts of mud through the hallways and this makes Mr. Pringle's life rather difficult. Finally, dungbombs and other joke products are prohibited. In fact, there is a full list of all three hundred and sixty seven items that can be viewed in Mr. Pringle's office. I think that is all. Would the prefects please show everyone back to their common rooms, and would the Head Boy and Girl please meet me outside my office?"
&
Amid the chaos, James, Sirius, Peter, and Remus stood.
"We'll see you later James."
"No you won't. I sleep in the Head's dormitory, remember?"
"Oh yeah…Well, have fun!"
"Fun?"
"You're rooming with Evans. Live it up!"
"Sirius. I'm done with her, you know that."
"I know that's what you said, but I don't think that's what you meant." James glared and stalked off. In truth, he didn't know what he'd meant either. But James Potter was stubborn. He was not about to give his friends the satisfaction of mocking him. Besides, he reflected, she really did hate him. He supposed it was time to move on. And if the truth was told, he just didn't have the energy to deal with her anymore.
His long strides carried him quickly through the corridors and he arrived at Dumbledore's office before Lily. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. He was exhausted. He hadn't been sleeping well since his…since his parents had died. His dreams were haunted with scenes of them being murdered. He sighed.
"James?" He jumped as a soft voice spoke from beside him.
"Are you ok?" He realized that Lily was standing next to him. At first, his heart jumped at her nearness. Then he remembered. I'm over her, he reminded himself.
"Fine," he answered coolly.
"Good. Listen, I just wanted to apologize for that scene on the train." He just looked at her. "I was out of line, and I apologize for being so rude when I found out you were Head Boy."
Just then, Dumbledore walked up.
"Good evening, Miss Evans, Mr. Potter. I am here to show you the way to the Head's dormitory." Lily looked slightly dismayed.
"But what about our friends?"
"You are free to give your friends the password. Although, you may want to keep it private. It can come in handy. Also, I believe you may be pleasantly surprised when you see it." Mystified, Lily followed. James was slightly behind her. And though he was over her, he couldn't stop noticing the way her hair glinted in the soft candlelight.
&
Lily stepped into the Head's common room and gasped.
"It's beautiful!" She heard James enter behind her and look around. Silently, he made his was towards a door marked "James." Pushing it open, he disappeared inside. The heavy wooden door shut with a resounding thunk. Lily went and sat down on one of the chairs. There were two red chairs and a large sofa grouped around a fireplace. Over on the opposite wall stood two beautiful desks. The windows by the desks overlooked the lake. Lily grinned. She couldn't wait to study there.
On the wall ahead of her was a door marked "Lily," right next to James's door. Pushing her door open, she stepped into her room. The room was pained a soft shade of blue. He bed was against the wall to her left, and a sheer, white canopy surrounded it. On the wall opposite her, there was a set of French doors. Opening them Lily found herself looking out on a small balcony. She stepped outside and looked up at the stars. After twirling around once, she went back inside. On the wall opposite her bed was a gorgeous bathroom with a connected walk-in closet. Her possessions were already hanging in the closet. Grinning, Lily got into her pajamas. She brushed her teeth and her hair, and took out her contacts. Standing in the door of her bathroom, she ran across the room and dove on her bed. Laughing, she pulled down the covers and crawled inside. She was asleep the moment her head hit the pillow.