Going Through It was inspired by the sudden moment when I thought of Lily Potter's tragic ending. From a fifteen year old witch to one of Lord Voldemort's most tragic victims, Lily Evans seemed to be the one to write about, most of her life being mysterious. Then I wondered how Lily got into that situation. Soon my imagination ran wild and I knew I had to write about it

Disclaimer: All original idea, character, plots, etc belong to J.K. Rowling. Anything you do not recognize is from my mind, but I take no credit for anything that is rightfully J.K. Rowling's!!

Author's Note: This story begins with Lily meeting her tragic end, then suddenly she thinks back on how she got there. The story then begins from when Voldemort began to change their lives to when he ended hers.

There will be many twists and turns along the way, but do not worry, you will always know the ending!

Nobody lived near Godric's Hollow, it was the perfect place for James and Lily Potter to stay, while Voldemort hunted them down. However, a traitor thought otherwise. It had all led to this.

Lily Potter clutched her infant to her chest. His mother, who was ready to flee, had awakened the baby who had been sleeping. Lily hushed her small child as she held him tightly. The hollow shook and trembled, as she could hear James's shouts down the hall. Voldemort was so close, she could feel him near.

Before Lily could take a step, a flash of green light and a booming voice filled her eyes and ears. The green light flowed through the cracks of the locked door, the door flying open, the slamming noise unable to be heard over the spell. The spell itself causing Lily to stumble forward, her stomach ramming up against her son's crib. The whole affair made her cry out it pain and fear, the infant stayed silent. Smoke stung her already wet eyes, making them water more. Her face slightly sooted and her hair tangled and dirty. The light that filled the room then faded, to only reveal a much bigger fear.

Still clutching her child, Lily turned around to face the intruder, the attacker, and the killer. The man was tall and overly hooded in a black cloak and hood. None of his face nor body could be seen, except his spider- like fingers, coiled around his wand.

"Step aside you silly girl!" came the voice from the hooded figure. It was barely understandable, being so cold and hiss-like. If Lily had not known better she would have suspected it was a snake beneath that cloak.

"No! You'll have to kill me first," and Lily knew he would. Despite how strong she tried to be her voice shook. This was it, some one had betrayed their secret. Peter Pettigrew. So much of this could have been prevented, all this loss and death. Lily's thought raced, Voldemort's treachery never seemed to end. But how did she get here? How did she come to meet this fateful end? Then suddenly, she was taken back.

"Happy Birthday Lily!" chorused Lily Evan's parents from the kitchen, on one hot August morning. Today Lily was turning 15. It was a tradition for her to be called downstairs that way on her birthday. Though she started it herself when she was three, she still loved it. Her face beamed with delight as she had bounded down the stairs and into her kitchen.

During the summer, although she was a witch, she enjoyed wearing muggle clothing. Since it was so warm out, even early, Lily had some casual jean capris and a normal peach top. Her hair flowed onto her shoulders; they held a slight wave.

Pushing open the door, she saw her mother, standing in the same spot she did every morning. Bacons and sausages sizzled in the pans, while the toaster browned the toast. Lily's mother, Emilia Evans, was some one people could label the model mother. Though Lily went away at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for school she still loved the fact that her mum was a stay at home mum. Emilia was a slim woman in her mid-thirties; her hair was a deep red, to the point where it seemed brown at times. Her eyes were a misty blue, the kind of color you only see in stones.

"Morning Lily dear," said Mrs. Evans from the stove. Taking her cooking mitts off and setting on the counter near the stove. She strode over to her daughter, wrapping her into a hug, pulling away then giving her a small peck on the cheek. "Happy Birthday."

"Thank you mum," said Lily, smiling. Eyes wandered across the kitchen to the table. There she could see her sister, Petunia. The two sisters looked nothing alike; they were different in every way. While Lily always seemed to be active and petite, Petunia preferred spying and was big-boned. While Lily had flowing red hair (Not as radiant as their mother's) Petunia's hair was a dark brown, with barely any shine or highlight to it but was all immaculate. Lily also had bright emerald, which cause much jealousy from her sister, who only had dull beady brown eyes to show.

However, if you talk to anyone who knew the Evans daughters, most favored Lily above Petunia. Lily however never felt this way, well at least not until recently. She had always treated her sister nicely, but Petunia would always respond with the same annoyed coldness. However, what irked Petunia above all was that fact that her sister was a witch. Their parents however took an entirely different route and never missed a moment to comment about it.

"Morning Petunia," said Lily brightly, sitting across from her sister. Petunia's eyes glanced to her and she mumbled something that may have been a cross between "Good morning" and "What a freak." Lily was not oblivious to the fact that Petunia thought she was a freak, being a witch and all, but she was used to it, so she did the usual and ignored it.

"There is my little lily" boomed a voice coming through the door. Inside stepped Mr. Evans, a generally joyous man of medium height, and with a round belly. His hair was a light brown, and his eyes a blue, but darker than her mother's. John Evans worked as the owner of his own bookstore, definitely the person who was in charge of Lily's love for reading. He often called her "little lily" as in the flower not her name. Lily's father reminding her alot of a teddy bear, one of the few Muggle toys she kept from her early childhood.

"Happy Birthday darling!" his voice boomed again. Though only his head and the tip of his belly appeared behind the door. "Close your eyes!" he said, pointing at his youngest daughter. Lily giggled excitedly and covered her eyes with her hands, not daring to peek through.

Hearing her father's footsteps as he walked over to her, she felt him plop something into her lap. Four things in fact moved unsteadily on her lap. What was it, was all she wondered

"Alright open you eyes!" said her father, she could tell he was excited too. Uncovering her eyes, Lily looked down to see a small kitten in her lap. The small creature had splashes of white, copper, and gray, the small kitten looked up at Lily to reveal bright emerald-canary orbs.

"His name is Leonard, Leo for short," explained her father, giving the kitten a stroke along his back. "He is a Rag Doll cat, he will grow to be pretty large. Your mother and I figure you can take him to school with you."

"They allow cats there right?" asked her mother. Who had begun to walk to them, leaning on the back of Petunia's chair. It was only then did Lily notice the sour expression on Petunia's face, but she was determined not to tell let it bother her today.

"Yes they do," spoke Lily. Gathering Leo in her arms and hugging him to her. "He is so handsome," was all she could say as she stroked from his ears right down to where his tail met his back. The small kitten purred with delight, burrowing his head between Lily's arm and torso, she laughed softly.

Petunia rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. It was silently in the kitchen until Petunia gave a long exasperated sigh, more of a bored rude sigh.

"May I be excused?" asked Petunia, standing up abruptly. Scrunching up her nose, she pointed at Leo. "I can't eat with that mongrel on the table!" She walked towards the door and pushed it open and stomped through. Lily did not think much of it; she was used to her sister's odd and most of the time rude antics.

"So dear what did you want to do today?" asked Mrs. Evans. Turning back towards the stove, where the bacon sizzled loudly, she hummed "For your birthday and all."

"I don't know, I thought Alice could Floo over," she looked up at her parents hopefully. Mrs. Evans turned around and husband and wife looked at eachother for a moment. Alice Wood was a pureblood witch, a very good friend of Lily's from her school, Hogwarts. Alice and Lily became friends right away when they met on the Hogwarts Express in their first year, too much of their enjoyment both of the girls were sorted into Gryffindor. Alice had brown hair with natural loose curls and highlights. Her eyes were big and brown the reminded Lily much of a puppy. Though Alice was studious, she was more carefree, which brought out the more playful side of Lily.

"I think that is a wonderful idea," spoke up Mr. Evans finally. Lily let out a sigh of relief, which was followed by an excited squeal. She clutched Leo tighter and scratched behind his ears.

"Thank you mum, thank you Dad!" she said with excitement, standing up from her seat. Going to her father then her mother pecking each of them on the cheek. "I'll go owl her right now!" Lily dashed out of the kitchen and turned down the hallway, before hopping up the stairs. She slowed and stopped once she got outside her door and she walked in. Her room looked of the average Muggle teenager, if your eyes only grazed it.

If you looked, close enough you could see it was a wand not a pencil on her desk. Her shelves were crammed with spell books instead of textbooks. In place of a computer was her parchment and some quills and ink. Lily sighed and she set Leo on her bed without a thought, she turned to her desk ready to start her letter to Alice before Leo immediately began to cry.

Turning around Lily finally noticed two, perched on the foot poster of her bed. Leo was by the headboard, crouched, making a pitiful hiss.

"Shh kitty," said Lily soothingly. She ruffled the fur on his head before looking up at the owls. Lily held out her arm and the larger one swooped down and landed on it. It was a large Merlin, with a beautiful plumage of color on its feathers. In its beak, it held the string, which suspended a parcel with a roll of wrapped parchment. Relieving the bird from its burden, it wasted no time to flap its wings and soar out the window.

Lily seated herself on her bed while the other owl hooted softly, seeming quite patient. Lily unraveled the parchment first setting the parcel down next to her. She could read the script easily, but looked down at the signature first. Much to her surprise, it was from Remus!

Dear Lily

Happy Birthday! I saw this book in Diagon Alley a few days ago and I knew it was for you! Hope your birthday is great! Also I hope your summer has gone well, see you when school starts!

Remus

"Oh Remus" said Lily smiling, her eyes looked down farther, finally noticing the post script.

P.S. You might be disappointed to know I mentioned your birthday to a certain close wizard friend of mine

Lily sighed, unfortunately she knew exactly whom Remus was talking about. She wondered why he would mention her birthday to a certain James Potter. Lily found James ignorant and conceited, and all around annoying most of time. Lily supposed it depended on what mood he was in because there were few moments where his presence was tolerable. Although she had no feelings for Potter she knew he fancied her, and she did not like it one bit.

Lily finally took the package in her hands, untying the string and placing it next to her. Leonard found the string quite interesting and he began to bat at it timidly with a paw. Lily laughed and she unwrapped the package to find a particularly large book

"The Complete Collection of Charmwork" read Lily aloud. "By William Bodkin. Wow..." was all she could say. Charms was Lily's favorite subject, then Transfiguration. To her they just seemed the most useful of classes to a witch or wizard. Now she had a whole book with all the latest Charmwork possible!

Lily's hand grazed the cover and she set it down next to her. Leo now on his back, seemed to be in a wrestling match with the string. Three of his paws were tangled with the string; it seemed the string was winning.

The owl that had been waiting patiently had now swooped down from its perch. Landing beside Lily puffing out its chest and holding up its beak proudly. Lily smiled as she removed the owl's small package and what seemed like a sliver of parchment.

Right after removing the package the owl gathered its feather and flew right back up to the perch. Lily thought that was quite off but maybe it was tired and needed some rest before going off again. Lily unrolled the little bit of parchment and read the messy scrawl.

Dear Lily

Thought you would like this, also it will help me decide when is a good time to ask you to go out with me!

James

"James," muttered Lily, with a slight anger. She snatched up the box and parchment and set it on her desk. She pulled out her chair and grabbed her quill. She dipped it in the ink and began on her letter to Alice Wood.

Alice

How are you? Hope your doing fine! My parents said you could Floo over today! Hope you can come! I have something to show you when you get here!

Lily

Lily waited a moment for the ink to dry, then she folded the parchment. Suddenly she realized she did not have an owl to send this letter to Alice. Remembering James's owl she looked up and it and whistled. It swooped down, landing on her desk.

"Can you take this to Alice Wood?" asked Lily, holding the folded parchment up to the bird. It took it in its beak then fluttered to the window. "You can return home after you send it." The owl looked at her as if she understood, and then suddenly he took off in the same manner as the Merlin before him.

Lily watched the owl soar off, sighing she looked back at her room. Leo, still on his backside, seemed to have given up the fight with the string. He lay there with his legs in the air still tangled. She giggled at his odd posture before walking across the room to sit next to him again. Gently she untangled his legs he shook himself gratefully. Rubbing again her side and purring loudly. Smiling she lifted into his arms and lay on her back on her bed. Setting Leo on her stomach, he seemed to like this spot. He circled her stomach for a moment, before flopping himself down then curling up into a small ball. She scratched behind his ears until she could feel him breathing, smooth and even, she knew he was asleep.

Lily didn't know how long she had been lying there but she didn't move until some one spoke from the doorway

"Is that friend of yours coming over?" spat out Petunia. Her hands on her hips, eyes fixed angrily on Lily. Lily looked up then sat up, awakening Leo and setting him on her pillow.

Watching her sister for a moment, Lily said, "Yes she is." She spoke almost triumphantly; suddenly the thought of her sister upset over a friend coming was funny. "Is that a problem?"

Petunia only glared at her sister, showing her contempt. "Yes, but oh well," she sighed. "I shouldn't be punished because our parents are too blind to notice your freakishness, I'll be going over Anne's house. Don't mess with my things!" Without another word she spun on her heel and stalked down the hallway. Lily rolled her eyes and turned back towards Leo, stroking his head.

Petunia was always worried Lily would use magic on her or her "thing," but she never had. (Not saying she never thought about it!) She also knew Petunia's friend Anne all too well. Anne and Petunia took to great humor teasing Lily when she was younger. Petunia eventually "got bored" of the sport and the two stopped. Lily really knew it was because she had come back from her first year at Hogwarts.

Before Lily could give much more thought about her nasty past with her sister, another owl landed on her windowsill. Lily recognized the bird immediately by being Alice's. It was a large tawny, Saph, was her name. Saph got her name because Alice wanted to name her owl Sapphire but there was nothing Sapphire about her! Therefore, Lily and Alice concluded shortening it to Saph.

"Hey girl," said Lily softly, standing up and walking towards the bird. She took the letter from the bird, which nipped her finger before fluttering off. Lily unraveled the parchment, which contained a small note:

Lily
Great! I will be right over; I have a surprise for you!

Alice

"Yes," murmured Lily softly. She could not wait to have her closest friend over on her birthday. Before Lily began at Hogwarts, she was more of a geek in her muggle school. Nowadays Alice spent hours trying to convince her that she had the perfect life, "beauty and brains" as she put, and that everyone wanted to be like her. Lily did not think so but Alice always said one day she would realize it. On the contrary, Lily thought Alice was the prettier of the two and their scores were almost identical.

Tossing the note aside she made for the door. Heading out into the hall, she passed her sister's room. She stopped right outside the door, the door itself was open just a crack. Petunia was talking to some one, no one was in the room the though, on the telephone of course.

"My sister is always home for the summer," spoke Petunia into the telephone, with 'I hate it' tone. "Why would you want to come here today?" Petunia paused before beginning again, "Good, because I don't want to be in the house with a freak any longer than I have too, see you later." Her voice was nasty. Lily usually was not hurt by her sister's comments, but this was seemed to have an affect.

Quickly, before she was seen, Lily clamored down her stairs. She trotted breathlessly into the living room where her parents sat. Lily went straight for the fireplace and kneeled right in front of it. She peered inside and looked up, checking to make sure the chute was open.

"I take it Alice is coming," said her father from his large maroon armchair. His eyes moving quickly over the newspaper, which he read every morning.

"Yeah she is," said Lily brightly. She stood up, brushing off her knees and hands.

Lily's mother smiled from her rocker near the fireplace. In her hands was a book. She was never far from one, just like Lily. "Do you like Leo?" asked her mother.

"Yes I," Lily stopped in mid-sentence, "Oh I forgot Leo!" Before she could turn around to go back upstairs to her knew cat

"Merow!!" came a loud call from below. Lily looked down and there was Leo, tail swishing, at her heel. He pawed the back of her leg, calling for attention

"Oh you smart kitty," said Lily, picking him up. She cuddled him to her face and planted a kiss on the top of his head. There was a sudden loud bang, Lily was thrown off her feet, and she slid across the living room floor. Lily slid into a side table near her father's armchair, causing a lamp that rested on top of hit to come crashing to the floor.

"Oh sorry! I'm so sorry!" came a frantic voice behind Lily. Still rubbing her head, Lily sat up and turned around to see Alice, lying in front of the fireplace. Leo, however, had climbed up the drapes to escape the commotion. Alice sat up, she too rubbing her head. Lily stood up, walked over to her friend, and offered her hand. Alice took it and hoisted herself up.

"Hello Alice," said Lily, laughing slightly. Leo, cautiously and warily, jumped down of the drapes and padded over to Lily. He eyed Alice while pawing at Lily's leg.

"Oh Leo," said Lily, picking up her young cat.

"Hello Alice," spoke Mrs. Evans from her rocker. She smiled at the two young girls.

"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Evans," said Alice. Seeming to have finally seen the two, she smiled at them nervously. Lily could tell she felt awkward. Not only was this a pureblood witch in a muggle home, she had just tornadoed their living room.

"Um come on Alice," said Lily. She grabbed her friend's wrist and began to tug her out of the living room. "We'll be in my room!" She continued to lug her friend up the stairs and down the hall, not letting go until they entered her room.

"And who is this little guy?" cooed Alice. She scooped Leo from Lily's arms and cuddled him to her. Lily laughed but Leo tried to frantically scramble of this strangers arms. Alice released him and set him on Lily's bed.

"His name is Leonard, but I call him Leo," said Lily fondly. She stroked his head and sat on her bed while Alice took a seat on her wooden chair nest to the desk. "He is a present from my parents, they said I can take him to school."

"He looks a little big to be a kitten," said Alice, squinting at him.

"He is a Rag Doll cat," explained Lily. (A/N: A this particular breed of cat is quite large and can grow to be as big as a medium sized dog)

"Wow," spoke Alice. "I wish I had a cat to bring to school."

"But you have Saph," interjected Lily.

"But safe isn't cuddly!" Alice laughed, "And besides Leo could have a friend, and I don't think Saph would enjoy playing with Leo."

The two girls laughed together, "I think you are right," said Lily between giggles.

"So..." drawled Alice, "What did you have to show me?" she scooted onto the edge of her chair, looking interestedly at Lily.

"Well there is Leo..." trailed off Lily. She stood up, walked over to her desk, and picked up the book Remus got her and gave it to Alice and took her seat.

"Neat," said Alice, she flipped through the pages. "But is this honestly it? I mean you usually don't get this excited over showing me a book."

"Well I wouldn't say I was excited about it..." trailed off Lily once more. She turned around and grabbed the package and note of parchment James had sent. "James gave me this," she said holding it up

Alice squealed and took hold of the box and parchment. She unraveled the parchment and scanned it. Rolling her eyes she set it on the desk, but holds on to the package, "So James...well did you open?"

"No and I don't plan too," said Lily. Taking Leo into her lap whom rolled onto his back.

"Well then can I open it for you?" Alice laughed and Lily rolled her eyes but smiled.

"If you must!" Alice giggled and began to open the parcel. However, Lily was annoyed with the note James sent she was very curious about what was in the package. Alice managed to get it open and gasped slightly and what was inside.

Alice now holding it up she could see what it was. It was a long silver chain necklace and looped onto it was a clear stone. "It is very pretty you have to admit." Alice handed the necklace to Lily who examined it. "But I don't get it. How does it help him decide if it is a good time to ask you out."

"I dunno," shrugged Lily, holding the stone between her finger. Leo batted at the chain with one paw.

"Well put it on," said Alice excitedly. She crossed her legs and the chair and put Remus's book back on the desk. Lily looked up at her friend and smiled slightly. She undid the necklace put it around her neck the clasped back together again. No sooner then when she clasped the two ends of the chain together did a deep violet glow surround the stone then disappear to reveal a deep violet mist in the stone.

Alice and Lily stared at eachother wide-eyed, "Whoa," was all Alice could utter. "Why did it just do that?"

"I don't know!" stammered Lily. "But I am taking it off." Her finger fumbled with the clasp but before she could undo it, a light green color glow surrounded the stone then disappeared, to reveal a light green mist. Lily gasped and finally got the necklace undone. Once the stone dropped back into her hand, it shown clear.

"Oh my," said Alice. She took the stone from Lily and began to examine.

"It-it changed with my emotions," stuttered Lily, pointing at the stone. "You try it on!"

Alice who was quite baffled but excited by the stone, put it on with out question. Once it was on the stone glowed yellow then shown a yellow mist.

"What are you feeling right now?" asked Lily, staring at the stone amazingly.

"Um," said Alice, her mind blank. "Confused."

"Yellow must mean confused," said Lily, shaking her head with disbelief.

Alice unhooked the clasp of the necklace and returned it to Lily. "It was a dark violet for you, then-then you got scared and it turned to green!"

"Oh boy," said Lily. She took the stone from Alice and got up from where she sat and began to pace. "Wait I got it!" She sat back down and faced Alice; "There is a Muggle item you can buy. Usually a ring that changes colors according to your emotions. But really, it is something cheap that is based on your body heat. This must be the Wizard version but it really works!"

Alice nodded her head as Lily spoke, but then she laughed aloud. "That would explain why James said he could use it to see if it is a good time. With you wearing that thing he could know if you're mad or happy or scared or anything!"

"I guess your right," mumbled Lily, fingering the stone once more.

"But you should wear it anyway, it is very pretty." Alice winked at her friend.

"Yeah your right," giggled Lily. She clasped the necklace around her neck once more. It showed a glow of violet again then the mist. "This must be calm or happy," she said looking at the stone then her friend.

"Must be but we will find out soon." Alice grinned evilly.

"What does that mean?" asked Lily warily, eyeing her friend.

"Well..." drawled Alice, "My parents said you could stay the rest of the summer at our house, with my birthday coming up and all."

"Really?" squealed Lily. Alice nodded and stood, so did Lily. "Oh this is so wicked!" The two girls hugged and danced around, Lily looked down at her stone to see a clear ocean mist had appeared. So, that must be happy.

"Wait I have to check with my parents," Lily made for the door but Alice grabbed her arm.

"Before you ask I should tell you something first." Alice nibbled her lip and Lily looked at her strangely. "For my birthday, even though I don't want too, my parents have a huge formal dinner for all the purebloods and..."

"And...?" asked Lily anxiously.

"That mean," began Alice, "The Malfoy, the Potters, and the Blacks will be there..."

"You're kidding...?" asked Lily. She thought for a moment but she knew she had to be there for her friend. She frowned slightly and Alice did at the sight of her friend. Lily then smiled and said, "How do you survive that every year?"

"You mean you'll come still?" asked Alice hopefully, her face lighting up again.

"Of course!" Lily exclaimed and the two girls embraced again. Then they dashed out of the door and down the stairs to ask Lily's parents for permission

Ok not really a bad cliffhanger, I mean it is somewhat obvious

So tell me what you think, like the plot, the length, the detail (If there is any!) grammar and spelling, etc!

Hope you like! Please review!