Disclaimer: I do not own HP
Hey guys! This is cylobaby. Lily and The Arrogant Marauder is my third fanfic story and my second Harry Potter fic. Please read and enjoy. And review. Thanks.
The grounds were sunny and the birds were singing. The enchanted school of Hogwarts was beautiful. Lily Evans stared out of her window in the Girl's Dormitory in the Gryffindor Tower. Her shabby suitcase was half-heartedly packed and recently read books were strewn over her unmade bed. This was unusual in itself, for Lily was normally a perfectionist. Today was the last day of Lily's sixth year at Hogwarts. The fiery redhead could not have dreaded summer more.
During normal summers, Lily stayed with her kind old Professor Dumbledore. All of her family was dead apart from her father and sister. Her father was in Muggle prison and her sister was a newlywed. She had recently married 'Vile Vernon' and was living a perfectly normal life. Petunia would never have housed her freakish younger sister. Lily snorted. It wasn't like she wanted to spend her summer with her cruel sister.
Unfortunately, this was not a normal summer. Lord Voldemort was rising and the Order was working harder than ever. Lily knew all about the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix due to her time pent with one Albus Dumbledore. The headmaster had decided that it was much too dangerous for a student, much more for a muggleborn student, to stay with him. He was in constant danger from Death Eater attacks. On rare occasions, Lily even got to battle with Voldemort's supporters.
She had won in both incidents. Dumbledore, being very loving and protective, had made sure Lily got to stay with a wealthy and very kind family for this summer. He had assured her that they were respected members of the Order and Aurors to top it off. Dumbledore had realized that to force her to spend a summer with her Muggle relatives would be torture.
Dumbledore, being a sort of 'adopted' grandfather to the young witch, would go with her to meet her new family. He would make sure she made it safely and that Lily got settled in well. With a sigh, Lily raised her wand. "Pack!" she said. Her scattered belongings flew through the air and landed in neat piles in her suitcase while the pre-packed clothes straightened themselves out. She closed the bulging lid and muttered, "Colloportus," for good measure.
Lily her made her bed and set her trunk neatly on top. The girl brushed her hair and put it in a low ponytail and it almost reached the curve of her back. She strode down for what would be her final breakfast in the Great Hall for three months. She greeted no one on the way down and received no acknowledgement in return. Lily hated getting close to people. Her past and her present life were not meant for prying eyes. Most people figured her to be a know-it-all muggleborn snob. Lily was the best in her classes and she was a muggleborn. But a snob? That was not a word you could use to describe the temperamental redhead.
No one had even noted her existence (apart from her professors) until a certain Marauder fell in love with her. And he had only noticed her because she had openly yelled and insulted him and his gang. From then on, Potter had been asking her out with such regularity she could set her wizarding watch by it. She smirked, remembering the last time. The next time the Quidditch Captain had looked in the mirror, he found the face of a makeup obsessed princess. 'Some boys never learn,' she thought scathingly.
Only a few people were in the Great Hall so far, so Lily sat down in a deserted bench and filled her plate with strawberries, toast and eggs. She picked up the book she was currently reading. It was entitled My Life: The Tale of a Goblin. It was entirely in the language of the goblins, but that happened to be one of the thirty languages Lily was fluent in. One of her most impressive languages was Mermish, but she had a slight accent of Siren. The two languages were so very much alike.
Being around Dumbledore so often had taught Lily many things, school-related and other. She had learned dueling tips, her languages and even the noble art of karate. She had especially learned to multi-task. She was currently reading, translating what she read, was eating and daydreaming. She was yet again picturing her future. It included no husband or boyfriends or men in general. Just herself, her own house and own life. She would have a respectable job as an Auror and never intrude on the privacy of some one else's home again. Though Lily never showed them, emotions ran through her head unrestrained at all times.
Her pondering was cut off by a voice saying, "Hello Evans," the voice was slightly nervous, but had an obvious attempt to sound smooth.
"What now Potter?" Lily asked, greatly annoyed. She heard the sound of shuffling feet. She sensed that his Marauders were all around her. "I've been thinking about what you said-."
"I have said many things, Potter," she said in a tired tone. Her anger was starting to build. Did they have to do this every week? It was getting so old.
"And I promise," the teen said, as though nothing had interrupted his little speech, "that if you go out with me I will try to be less arrogant."
Lily glanced up in time to see Lupin hand-signaling his friend what to say. "Why thank you, Remus," Lily smiled without any humor, "But the last time I checked, you weren't the arrogant Marauder."
Lupin gazed calmly at Lily with his dark blue eyes, "Why don't you give him a chance, Lily?" The muggleborn raised her eyebrow.
"Prongsie would realize he doesn't love you and move on," encouraged Padfoot. He gave out his bark like laugh, "It would give us all a break."
Lily glared, "I believe no one controls me," Seeing their skeptical expressions, her voice rose, "Especially not some conceited, arrogant, stupid, naïve, idiotic Quidditch playing pranksters like the Marauders!"
Potter sighed, "Just one little date?" Lily grinned unexpectedly and said sweetly, "You know what? Fine, I admit it. I would love to go out with you."
"Really?" Potter said, a look of joy spreading over his face.
"No." Lily said shortly and then addressed Remus, "Let your daft friend know that was the end of the conversation,"
Lupin and a guffawing Black grabbed their shocked looking friend and drug him away, with Pettigrew scurrying along behind. Lily rolled her eyes. She knew she would never go out with Potter. However, that was the first time Lupin had ever interfered on Potter's behalf. Lily sighed and picked up her piece of toast. 'Some boys never learn,' she thought again.
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"That was so pitiful," Sirius said. He mocked in a deep, hopeful and stupid voice, "Really?" He snorted, "Absolutely pathetic."
"Why doesn't she yell at you?" James asked sadly to Remus. They were seated at Gryffindor table for the End of Term Feast. Peter was in the Hospital Wing after he had a run-in with a door.
"For starters, I respect her. She knows she can trust me. I call her Lily (which happens to be her name) and I would never ask her out in one breath and jinx her in the next," the werewolf explained.
A look of dawning comprehension came over Prong's face. "So… can you teach me?" James asked hopefully.
Remus looked taken aback, "About what?" he asked bewildered.
"You know… in being polite and caring and calm and other such stupid stuff." Remus laughed outright at that. "What?" asked James stubbornly.
"Hello Prongs. It's the last day of term. For you, it would take at least a week to learn politeness and how not to be arrogant."
James shrugged, "So you can come to the mansion. We have a secluded tree house in the back that me and Sirius built in case you ever came over. It would be perfect for full moons."
Remus smiled happily, "Sounds awesome! Sirius stays there too, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world!" Padfoot said happily, "Mum and Dad Potter are awesome."
At that time, Dumbledore came to announce the House Cup. In those days, the hourglasses were kept from view in the last week of school, and Slytherin and Gryffindor had been tied for first last they saw. "It is now time to announce the winner of the House Cup. In fourth is Hufflepuff with 450 points." There was polite clapping all around as the school waited in bated breath.
"In third is Ravenclaw with 472 points. In second… is Slytherin with-." The rest of his words were cut off by an uproar at the Gryffindor table. Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were also clapping loudly. Better Gryffindor than Slytherin. "In your face, Snivellus," yelled Sirius over the crowd. The greasy Snape glared coldly at the applauding people and looked completely disgusted.
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Lily clapped along with the others. Her throat constricted as she yet again registered that this would be her final feast as a sixth year. For the next three months she would be intruding into a stranger's life. She rose with the rest of the table as they got up to leave. Lily glanced instinctively at the staff table and saw Dumbledore give her the sign for her to meet him in his office. Lily nodded and winked to her Headmaster and began walking with the others. She left the rush once they reached the marble staircase. She watched the flood of procrastinators speed by to pack their forgotten suitcases.
She raced swiftly and silently to the Head's office. She skidded to a halt in front of the stone gargoyle and gasped, "Drooble's Best," She walked up the stairs with a hopeful air. Maybe her summer wasn't destined for ruin. Maybe the professor had changed his mind. Lily was, however, fully aware that Dumbledore wasn't in his office yet, but she had no reason to dawdle. She reached the imposing oak doors and knocked.
"Who is it?" asked a whispery old voice from inside. Lily recognized it as the voice of the portrait of old Headmaster Wesem. The steel haired kind wizard guarded the office door.
"It's me, Lily!" she called cheerfully. She heard a kindly chuckle from within, "Shoulda known, dearie. C'mon in."
The doors magically unlocked and Lily walked into the spacious office. The girl strode immediately over to a large golden perch. On it was a swan-sized bird.
"Hello Fawkes," Lily said, stroking its gold and scarlet plumed head. Even being near the mythical bird swelled Lily's sense of hope. She settled down in the chair across from the Headmaster's desk. Fawkes swooped over and landed on the arm of her chair. Lily sat back and waited for her 'grandfather' to appear.
The redhead didn't have to wait long. Dumbledore strode into his office about five minutes later. Her headmaster sat at his desk and crossed his hands over the arms of his chair. "Hello Lily," Dumbledore said pleasantly. "You are probably wondering why I called you here."
Lily nodded, not daring herself to speak. Her emerald eyes never left Dumbledore's. "I would like to tell you sorry for all of this," he said with a saddened air. Lily's bubble of hope burst inside her.
"I hate doing this to you. You have been through so much. I felt it was my job to find the best people possible to take care of you. I can reassure you that these kind people volunteered. I thought they were the best suited of all of the willing Order members," Dumbledore continued to gaze at her. "Do you have any questions?"
Questions? Lily had hundreds. She knew Dumbledore's answer to all of them except one. "Do these people have any children?" she asked.
Dumbledore suddenly got a closed expression on his face, "How about we leave that as a surprise for tomorrow." Lily nodded, confused. Deciding to change the subject she said, "Are we going to Floo there?"
Dumbledore smiled, "No. We shall Apparate." Lily gasped excitedly. "Really! I can't wait! Thank you so much."
Lily had gotten her Apparating license only last week and was looking forward to trying out. "Am I not going on the Express, then?"
Dumbledore nodded, "It would be best if we left later tomorrow. We will get there after the train has already arrived." Lily smiled. "That is," Dumbledore continued, "If you don't mind."
Lily's smile widened, "It would be perfect," she said.
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The Marauders were packing their ill-used bags (with the exception of Moony) and chatting. "Sorry you can't come, Peter," James was saying in a slightly nonchalant tone.
"My parents won't even let me go to my grandma's house without supervision." Wormtail said in a squeaky tone, trying to joke around. Nobody laughed. He was short with a small pair of watery dark eyes and a pasty complexion. Peter had mouse colored hair and a very non-handsome face. He always was the least noticed of the otherwise gorgeous Marauders.
He was only popular by association. He had joined the Marauders when James, Remus and Sirius had beaten off a group of bullying Slytherins from jinxing the cowardly boy. (AN: Wish they had left him to die, that little… mother coughs from doorway. I mean, I couldn't let him be in the story or else I would let a wild hyena eat him.)
"I suppose we'll see you next year then," Remus said, yawning. He had short, golden hair and kind blue eyes. He was about 5'7 and muscular from his jaunts as a werewolf.
"We still need you in the Marauders, you little rat," Sirius said in a would-be affectionate voice. Padfoot was a 6'3, a literal giant. He had elegant black hair and a charming smile that any girl would fall for. Any girl but Evans. He was the ladies' man of the group with a different girlfriend every week or so. His rebel gray eyes attracted even the most shy and quiet of the girls. Except one… that certain redheaded one.
"I dunno what my mum would say if I told her that all the Marauders were coming. Having two is a right old handful as it is. She also owled me last week for me to tell you that we are having a sort of foster child for over the summer. Apparently this girl stays with Dumbledore usually," James informed the other Marauders, running his hair through his messy black hair.
His hazel eyes normally sparkled with mischief. He was 6'0 almost exactly and, as he often thought, only four inches taller than the love of his life, Miss Lillian Evans.
"I didn't know Dumbledore had custody over any students," Remus said, confused.
"Well, Mum says she only stays with him over the summers and he is her unofficial guardian. She said she didn't know what school the girl attends or if she is even in school any longer," Prongs said with an I-don't-care-as-long-as-she-doesn't-bother-me-attitude.
"Sirius, get that look out of your eye. No flirting with other guests," James said in a half stern, half worried tone, "Mum would murder you,"
"Right you are Prongsie old chap; I shall not lay an eye on the innocent maiden, in fear for my own very valuable life." Padfoot said in noble tones. The Marauders' laughter filled the sixth year dormitory.
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Lily watched the flood of talkative students board the Hogwarts Express. She was safely tucked away in her private dorms near the Head's office. She had watched the suitcases loaded on board and the seventh years bid farewell to their favorite teachers and students. The main farewells would take place as they got off at Platform 9 ¾. Her memories drifted back to the first time she had gone to the Platform.
She was only 11 years old and her sixteen year old sister had dropped her off in a car, laughing her head off. "See you in June!" Petunia had shouted and left her standing sadly alone in the King's Cross Station. She had seen a couple of people walk through the barrier and tried for herself. It worked and she had boarded the train as it blew the final whistle.
She had been forced to sit with some gossiping third-year Hufflepuffs. When she had arrived she was sorted into Gryffindor. She could clearly remember the Sorting Hat's words. "Quite a temper I see. You've been through much hardship. You could have been in Slytherin but for your heritage. Piles of brains you have here. Maybe Ravenclaw? Well, I think your courage outstrips your knowledge. So you better be GRYFFINDOR!"
The Gryffindors had clapped happily, yet with an air of uncaring politeness.
Her hand constantly went up in class and she had earned her house almost one thousand points, but the mischief making Marauders had been docked the same number. Gryffindor had lost by 100 points to Slytherin that year. She sighed unhappily at the memory. She cared a great deal for her house, even though she wasn't the most friendly towards them.
She turned away form her window and sat down at her art and music half of the dorm. Lily played the flute and was very artistic. She picked up her silver flute (a gift from Dumbledore) and blew her first scale. She let the music control her. She played first a sad tune, but as she began to relax the notes came out in sixteenths (Authors Note: for those of you who don't play, that is quite fast.)
She played for almost two hours, pouring her fear and worries into the beautiful instrument. She resolved to take it with her to her temporary home. She began on her homework and was halfway through when a house-elf peeked its head in. "Master Dumbledore would like your attendance. It is time for Miss Lily to be leaving."
Lily nodded gratefully to the house-elf and levitated her suitcase. She put her flute, pencils, sketch pallet and homework in another bag and threw it over her shoulder. She walked to the stone gargoyle, but before she entered saw Dumbledore emerging. "Ah, Lily. Come this way. Remember we can't Apparate on school grounds."
Lily nodded, for this information was not new to her, and together headmaster and student strode down to the front doors. They emerged silently from the dark and quiet castle into a bright summer afternoon. "All of the students are safely home, I wager," Lily said, breaking the silence.
"Yes, the school train arrived in London about two hours ago. This way, please." Dumbledore said, nodding to the imposing iron gates. They walked out onto the deserted road that led to Hogsmeade, Lily with both bags by her side. "Ready?" Dumbledore asked, grabbing a suitcase.
"Ready," Lily said. Her voice quavered and she was very nervous. Time to meet the people she would be spending the next three months with.
Dumbledore noticed her shaky voice and said, "Everything will be okay, Lily dear. Now focus on Godric's Hollow and we shall apparate on the count of three. One, two, three!" With a loud crack, the two were gone.
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