Chapter 1. The illness
"Oh no!!!" cried Lily.
"I'm afraid it's true, Lily. I guess you'll have to stick with the glasses and the other things..." whispered her mother.
"No...." hollered Lily.
She pushed her mother out of her room. She laid on bed, thinking the things that happened just two days before...
It was an ordinary morning. Lily and Petunia was having their usual morning fight. Today's topic was about doing more laundry....
"It's not fair, why I need to do the laundry in the afternoon while you go out with guys?" yelled Petunia.
"I don't go out with guys. All my afternoons are full. I need to learn piano on Monday, dancing on Wednesday. Tuesday and Thursday I have meetings at school. Friday always have some assembly, so how can I do the laundry? I go out with my friends on Saturday." reasoned Lily, talking perfectly calm. "And we need to go to church on Sunday."
"You arrange things that way on purpose so you don't need to do the laundry!!" shouted Petunia.
"Even I help you to do the laundry you won't let me 'cause you don't trust me to touch your clothes. Anyway, you don't need to do them if you want. Lucia will." said Lily.
"That's not the point!! Dad, tell Lily that she must do her own laundry at night from now on!!" hollered Petunia.
"But her school uniform will never be dry if she does it at night. Also, you don't need to do it yourself. You have Lucia." said her father, not moving his eyes out of his morning paper.
When Petunia started to protest, her mother came in. She handed Lily a letter.
"Beautiful green ink, I must say. But no stamp.... how strange. Who sent it to you, Lily?" asked her mother as she settled herself on a chair.
Lily thought it must be from her pen friend Jennifer. But then the address was a bit odd.
Miss L. Evans
The Second Biggest bedroom
1 Star Road
Bath
The envelope was thick and heavy, made of yellowish parchment. As her mother said, the address was written in beautiful emerald-green ink. On the back, was a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms: a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake surrounding a large letter "H". Lily felt weird for a second, then she carefully opened the letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. Of Wizards)
Dear Miss Evans,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"This is a joke, right?" asked Lily. "I don't believe in witches ages ago. But I have to admit that you guys did a perfect act. Haha. You did it, Daddy. You finally fooled me. Mom, you've got to tell me where to buy this kind of ink..." she looked at her mother and father. But Miss Evans and her husband looked clueless about what Lily was saying.
"Let me read the letter, dear." said Mrs. Evans. After a while, she went a bit red. "George, I need to talk with you about this letter. Can we go to your study and talk?"
"Yes dear." said Mr. Evans, taking his last sip of coffee. " But we better hurry, I've got to go to work."
Lily's mother and father went in to Mr. Evans' study and close the door. Lily and Petunia went to listen by the door.
"I feel that somehow this is not a joke. I hear that my mother have these letters too, and also from the same school." said Mrs. Evans.
"Yes, you told me that Mother was a witch and ...."
"WHAT???" yelled Lily, opening the door. "Are you trying to tell me this is not a joke, and I am a witch?"
For once Petunia felt sorry for her sister. "I'm sorry Lily. That's bad luck...."
"Bad luck? I am happy about it!! Yippee!!" shouted Lily. Petunia stared at Lily in disgusted.
"I need to go to work, dear. So why don't you tell Lily all about the school? " said their father, looking at his watch.
"Okay. Goodbye George." said Mrs. Evans, kissing her husband goodbye.
"What's Grandma have anything to do with this letter, Mom?" asked Lily. Petunia moaned and went out of the room, slamming the door.
"Your grandmother is a witch, Lily. You are one too." said her mother, smiling at her.
"You mean I'm really going to this school?" asked Lily.
"Of course! Mother would be so please if she know you were a witch. I wanted to be one too, after hearing all the things my mother told me...." said Lily's mother. But Lily wasn't at all listening. She was day dreaming.... dreaming about flying on a broomstick, flying up to the sky....
"Lily? Are you listening?" asked her mother.
"Oops. Sorry." said Lily. Then the telephone ring. "Rrrrrring..."
"I'll get it!! Hello?" said Lily, almost shouting at the telephone.
"Lily Evans, do you want us deaf?" said two voice at once. Two of Lily's best friends Felicity Jones and Clarissa Grayling. They both sounded half annoyed.
"Sorry. Why did you call?" asked Lily, unable to hide her excited voice.
"Well, we were wondering if you had a letter without a stamp, that's all. I receive one and so did Clarissa. So we thought..." said Felicity.
"I have one of those too!!!" shouted Lily at the phone. The girls in the next line was very annoyed.
"If you can't control your voice, we will have to call you later." said Clarissa threateningly.
"Really, I'm very sorry. Can you guys come over to my house? It's really important. Take your letters with you." said Lily.
"Alright. Bye." said the two girls and they hang up.
"Mom! Felicity and Clarissa had one of those letters!!!" yelled Lily.
"Please Lily, control yourself. I wouldn't tell you what Grandma said if you wouldn't be quiet." said her mother. Lily instantly shut up and looked at her mother.
"That's better. I think we should go up to the attic to get Grandma's trunk down." said Mrs. Evans, smiling. Both of them went to the attic to get the trunk out. Petunia looked.
"You're not really letting Lily go to that... school, will you Mom?" asked Petunia.
"Of course she's going." said Mrs. Evans.
"How can you stand a witch... no, a freak in the house?" said Petunia, then she immediately regret it.
"How dare you say that!" shouted her mother. "You are insulting your sister as well as your grandmother. Apologize!"
"Sorry." said Petunia unwillingly and ran to her room. Her mother can be very frightening when she begins to shout.
"Ding Dong!"
"They're here!!!" yelled Lily before her mother would stop her from yelling. She raced down and opened the front door.
"Hi, Lily" said Felicity and Clarissa at the same time.
"Come right in! Did you guys bring your letters with you?" asked Lily.
"Yup." and they both went inside. Mrs. Evans began to tell them all about Lily's grandmother and all about Hogwarts. After she had finished, the three girls jumped up and yelled.
"Yeah!!! Yippee!!! Yay!!!! We're witches!!!" they shouted.
"You girls deafen me." laughed Lily's mother, who were just as excited as the girls. All of them went to the attic and help Mrs. Evans to get Grandma's trunk. They pulled it down to Mr. Evan's studies.
"Here, there's a letter." said Lily. She opened it and read it.
My dear daughter ( "That means Mom!" exclaimed Lily. ),
When I carried Lily in her babyhood, I knew she was a witch like me. I'm so sorry that you weren't. I knew you would get this trunk out when the time comes.
Anyway, there are a few things I need to tell you about Lily. You must kept a secret about Lily being a witch. You can't tell to other Muggles (that means non-magical people). Now, I'm going to tell you about going to buy Lily's school things.
In my box, there is a jar of some kind of glittering powder. It is called Floo Powder. Threw a pinch of powder in the fire of your fireplace and......
"Wow..." said the three girls, breathless. The letter was very long so Lily's mother continue to read the letter and let the girls talk.
"Girls, I'm going to call your parents and talk about your school and the money you need..." said Mrs. Evans and went to make her call.
"Do you think your parents will let you go to Hogwarts?" asked Lily.
"I do hope so. I can't bear to go to other ordinary schools now that I know I'm a witch." said Felicity, dreamily.
"I think they would let us, if they are willing to believe what your mom says, Lily." said Clarissa and pointed at Mrs. Evans.
"No no, I'm fine Mrs. Jones....." said Mrs. Evans patiently. "Yes yes, Lily has one of those.... ok, I'll tell Felicity...." and she hang up and called Clarissa's parents.
"Yes, Mrs. Graying. I'm perfectly sane....." the girls giggled at Mrs. Evans impatient face. Then finally she hang up.
"Hmm, girls? I'm going to drive you guys home and take some money from your parents and help you buy your things for school. Lily, do you want to come with them or stay here?" asked Lily's mother.
"No, I'll stay and look at Grandma's things." said Lily. As she said good bye, she took all the things out of the trunk. She saw a cloak, It was fluid, and silvery-grey. She picked it up. It's smoothness was like water. Lily wanted to try it on. But she decided to let her mother's helper, Lucia to wash it before wearing it. She read some of the books until she heard her mother and friends coming back.
"Lily!" called her mother. "Get the Floo Powder and come to the fireplace!"
"Okay!" replied Lily and took the bag of Floo Powder.
"Let see if this works..." said Mrs. Evans, biting her lower lip. She took a pinch of powder and threw it to the fire. The fire turned emerald green and rose very high.
"Step right in, Lily and say "Leaky Cauldron" out loud and clearly." said Lily's mother.
"Step in?"
"Yes! Right now!!"
Lily stepped right into the fire and yelled "Leaky Cauldron". Then, excepting to get burnt or something, she felt herself spinning.... then, she was standing in another place. It was dark and shabby. She straightened her hair and walked out.
"Ouch!!" said a voice behind her. It was Felicity. "Remind me never use Floo Powder to travel again...." She walked to Lily side.
"Are we there yet?" asked Clarissa, shutting her eyes. Lily pulled her out.
"Everyone here?" asked Mrs. Evans, who had just arrived. "Well, let's go." They went outside, where there was small walled country yard. There was only a dustbin and a few weeds.
"Now, lets see..." said Lily's mother, taking out the letter and read it once more. She counted the bricks above the dustbin. "This must be it." she muttered. She tapped the wall three times. A small hole appeared and it grew bigger and bigger, enough for them to go through.
"This," said Lily's mother. "is Diagon Alley."
The girls looked around in delight. There were shops selling owls, broomsticks and so on.
"Come on. Let's go to the bank or we will never be able to go back home." said Mrs. Evans. There was a big snowy-white building.
"Gringotts." said Lily's mother and they walked in. There were many goblins bowing to them and there were some behind a long counter, all looking very busy. Lily looked all around, not able to say anything.
"Good day," said Mrs. Evans nervously to one of the goblins. "I need to open two new accounts and take money from Miss Lily Evans safe." The goblin asked for the two owners of the two new safe. "Felicity Jones and Clarissa Grayling." The goblin scribbled it down.
"Very well. Got your key, Madam?" asked the goblin. Lily's mom handed him the key. The goblin looked at it.
"I'll have someone to take you to your vaults. Grongle!" called the goblin. Another goblin came to them.
"Hmm, sir, I want some muggle money changed." said Mrs. Evans and handed two envelopes to the goblin. The goblin opened it and counted the money. He gave two big bags to Mrs. Evans. It was too heavy so Grongle help her to carry it.
Grongle showed them to a cart and told them to climb in. It hurtled down the twisting passage. The cart was so fast that Mrs. Evans felt sick, but the girls, who like playing roller-coasters, enjoyed the cold wind and the ride.
The cart stopped beside a small door. "Miss Lily Evans' vaults!" said the goblin and unlock the door. "Wow.." the girls gazed at Lily's fortune. "You're grandma save them for you, Lily. She said it was enough for you until you're one hundred! Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine bronze Knuts to a Sickle. You go get enough money for this year, dear." said Lily's mother. Lily piled her money into a bag.
"The next two please." said Mrs. Evans.
When Felicity and Clarissa pour their money in their safe, they moaned.
"Your grandma must be a millionaire, Lily. We don't even have one-ten of your money." said Clarissa, pretending to feel annoyed.
"Never mind, I'll share it with you if you don't have enough." said Lily, generously.
"You two have more money than other witches or wizards already." said Grongle.
The sun hurt their eyes after the cart ride. "Where shall we go first?" asked Mrs. Evans.
"To buy our wands, of course!" said the girls.
"Alright." said Mrs. Evans, laughing. They went to buy their wands at "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC".
"Good morning. What may I do for you?" said the owner, Mr. Ollivander with wide, pale eyes.
"Good morning. My friends and I want to buy our wands." said Lily politely, hoping they would hurry about buying their wands and go. The shop gave her an unusual feeling.
"What is your wand arm, ladies?" asked the man in a soft voice.
"Er... Right-handed." said the three girls. The owner measured Lily and her friends. Or should I say, the tape measure was doing the job itself.
"That will do." said the man and gave the girls some wands to try on. Lily felt stupid as she wave the wand. But none of them seems to be right. She tried many wands already while Felicity and Clarissa already have a suitable one.
"Try this. Ten and a quarter inches long, swichy, made of willow. Good for charm work." said Mr. Ollivander.
Lily waved the wand and brought scarlet and gold sparks. "Yes, this is the one. Congratulations!!!" said the owner. Lily paid him and hurried out of the shop.
Then they continue their shopping.
It was getting late and Mrs. Evans need to prepare dinner so they went back home by Floo Powder once more. ("Oh no..." moaned Felicity.) They didn't eat lunch so they had a big tea. Felicity and Clarissa thanked Mrs. Evans and hurried home, wanting to tell their parents want happened.
******
The next day, Lily had a fever and stayed in bed all day. Mrs. Evans called their doctor and he whispered in Mrs. Evans' ears and she nodded. She went out in the evening when Lily's father came back from work, and bought clothes, glasses and an awful wig for Lily. She explained the situations to Lily the next morning.
"Why?" thought Lily. "Why just two whole days can already ruin my life?"
She caught a disease and her eyes watered when she looked at near or bright objects. She was forced to wear a brown wig (her eyes can't stand red), thick eyeglasses (so she won't have watery eyes all day long ) and dark colored clothes.
She wore her new things and looked at the mirror. She sobbed.
"Why? Why me?" She looked at her unattractive self. Her eyes watered, but not because of the illness, it was because of self pity. Tomorrow, she will need to go to her new school and how? How can she stand out in public looking like this??
"Lily dear, Felicity and Clarissa's here!" her mother called.
Lily didn't bother to answer. Felicity and Clarissa went in to her room. Lily looked at them. Both of them were very pretty and attractive. Felicity had thick black wavy hair and dark brown eyes. Clarissa had blonde curl hair. Although pretty they are, none of them looks as lovely and pretty as Lily. Lily had dark red hair, and emerald eyes. She was the most popular one among the three. Her friends were shocked to see her.
"Wow Lily, you look really different!" said Felicity, amazed.
Lily sobbed louder. It was really uncomfortable for them to see her cry, because Lily hardly cried at all.
"Don't agitated her, Feli " whispered Clarissa.
"Well Lily, just think what fun we will have at Hogwarts tomorrow! What about this way, Lily. We won't put make up or have boyfriends until you are you again. Okay? I promise!" said Felicity.
"Yeah! I promise too! Anyway, the doctor said you only need to wear these... things for about 2 weeks."
"Hmm..." Lily thought about it. It was tough for her friends, especially Felicity to promise such a thing when both of them can't survive for one day without a boyfriend.
"Okay. But please stick with me and don't tease me, alright?"
"Okey Dokey!!! Princess! "
Clarissa and Felicity stayed for dinner and went home to prepare for tomorrow's trip to Hogwarts. Dinner was not a pleasant affair. Petunia, Lily's older sister was staring at Lily with satisfaction. Petunia had always hated Lily. Lily was pretty, and she wasn't. Lily was attractive and of course, she wasn't. Now, Lily's looks were all hidden. Petunia felt that she must remember this moment and she smirked. Lily pretended not to notice but she wasn't used to people staring at her face because of her ugliness. She secretly noted that if she ever get rid of the horrid wig of hers, she will give Petunia something more to remember in her life time.
After saying good bye to her friends, Lily went upstairs to her room and pack up her stuff for tomorrow. Petunia just push herself in and looked around.
"Well, I guess I'll take over this room.... That bedspread with have to go. That ..."
"I'm not dead yet Petunia."
"You aren't ?" said Petunia, pretended to be astonished. She looked closely at Lily.
"If I look like you I rather die."
Lily didn't replied. She didn't want to show she perfectly agreed with her.
"Lucky me I don't have such thick eyeglasses." Petunia looking at Lily's glasses with a sickly innocent look on her face.
"Petunia," said Lily, in a soft tone that Petunia smelt danger. " Aren't you afraid that after I've learn Something in my school will make you sorry for every single word you are saying to me just now?"
Petunia knew it wasn't wise to stay in Lily's room just now and she just went out, slamming the door.
Lily sighed. She dislike her sister, but not hate her.
"But," she thought, "it wouldn't be bad to give her a teeny tiny punishment." Her eyes flashed mischievously. It amazed her that why her sister were so different from her. Red hair to blonde hair. One never gossip and the other puts her nose on other's business....
"How different we are..." thought Lily. "If she would be a bit..."
Suddenly, a knock came from the door.
"If your name starts by "P", I advise you not to come in." said Lily, knowing perfectly that Petunia would never knock at her door. Especially when she just slammed it.
"I hope Petunia didn't bother you too much." said her mother, coming in and closed the door.
" 'Course she does." replied Lily. She sat down on the bed and looked at her mirror.
"She's just jealous that she's not a witch."
"She hates this kind of stuff. How can she be jealous of me? She just called me a freak 2 days ago!!!"
"Well, just don't let her ruin your trip tomorrow, hon. Do you know how lucky you are that you are a witch? I've always wanted to be one. I'm really proud to have a witch in the family. Be sure to be the best witch in the school, Lily."
"Okay mom. I've already learn most of the spells from the books we've bought."
"That's swell. Good night and sleep earlier. You've got a long trip tomorrow." said her mother, kissing Lily's cheek.
"G' night mom. By the way, how do you know Hogwarts was far from here?"
Her mother grinned. "I've read some of your books. How interesting..."
The next day, Lily's mother drove her to King Cross station. "I'm sure there's no Platform 9 3/4..." muttered her mother. Just then, Lily saw her friends and grabbed all her belongings. She yelled a good bye to Mrs. Evans and dashed towards her friends. She even knocked down all the people in front of her.
"Hiya guys, do you know where's the platform is?"
"Do we look like we know?" questioned Clarissa.
"No."
"You've just answered your own question."
As the three stood there, they saw some red heads ran toward the barrier between Platform 9 and 10. Lily was about to yell "Look out!" but there weren't any red heads to call to.
"Well guys, I think I've just figured out how are we going to Platform 9 3/4." said Lily, smiling.
"Oh no, you just can't be serious!" said Felicity, staring at the barrier in front of them.
"You mean we're going to run? Run thought there and get our heads bump?"
"Yup, you've got that right, girl!!"
"I should have known. She lost her mind as well as her beauty."
Lily shot a dirty look at Clarissa. "Ok, ok. Together we shall bump our heads off!! 1- 2- 3!!!" hollered Clarissa.
The 3 girls ran with their eyes close and waited for their heads to hurt. Then, Felicity shouted "We're here! Platform 9 3/4!!"
"Oh no!!!" cried Lily.
"I'm afraid it's true, Lily. I guess you'll have to stick with the glasses and the other things..." whispered her mother.
"No...." hollered Lily.
She pushed her mother out of her room. She laid on bed, thinking the things that happened just two days before...
It was an ordinary morning. Lily and Petunia was having their usual morning fight. Today's topic was about doing more laundry....
"It's not fair, why I need to do the laundry in the afternoon while you go out with guys?" yelled Petunia.
"I don't go out with guys. All my afternoons are full. I need to learn piano on Monday, dancing on Wednesday. Tuesday and Thursday I have meetings at school. Friday always have some assembly, so how can I do the laundry? I go out with my friends on Saturday." reasoned Lily, talking perfectly calm. "And we need to go to church on Sunday."
"You arrange things that way on purpose so you don't need to do the laundry!!" shouted Petunia.
"Even I help you to do the laundry you won't let me 'cause you don't trust me to touch your clothes. Anyway, you don't need to do them if you want. Lucia will." said Lily.
"That's not the point!! Dad, tell Lily that she must do her own laundry at night from now on!!" hollered Petunia.
"But her school uniform will never be dry if she does it at night. Also, you don't need to do it yourself. You have Lucia." said her father, not moving his eyes out of his morning paper.
When Petunia started to protest, her mother came in. She handed Lily a letter.
"Beautiful green ink, I must say. But no stamp.... how strange. Who sent it to you, Lily?" asked her mother as she settled herself on a chair.
Lily thought it must be from her pen friend Jennifer. But then the address was a bit odd.
Miss L. Evans
The Second Biggest bedroom
1 Star Road
Bath
The envelope was thick and heavy, made of yellowish parchment. As her mother said, the address was written in beautiful emerald-green ink. On the back, was a purple wax seal bearing a coat of arms: a lion, an eagle, a badger, and a snake surrounding a large letter "H". Lily felt weird for a second, then she carefully opened the letter.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. Of Wizards)
Dear Miss Evans,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment. Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31st.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"This is a joke, right?" asked Lily. "I don't believe in witches ages ago. But I have to admit that you guys did a perfect act. Haha. You did it, Daddy. You finally fooled me. Mom, you've got to tell me where to buy this kind of ink..." she looked at her mother and father. But Miss Evans and her husband looked clueless about what Lily was saying.
"Let me read the letter, dear." said Mrs. Evans. After a while, she went a bit red. "George, I need to talk with you about this letter. Can we go to your study and talk?"
"Yes dear." said Mr. Evans, taking his last sip of coffee. " But we better hurry, I've got to go to work."
Lily's mother and father went in to Mr. Evans' study and close the door. Lily and Petunia went to listen by the door.
"I feel that somehow this is not a joke. I hear that my mother have these letters too, and also from the same school." said Mrs. Evans.
"Yes, you told me that Mother was a witch and ...."
"WHAT???" yelled Lily, opening the door. "Are you trying to tell me this is not a joke, and I am a witch?"
For once Petunia felt sorry for her sister. "I'm sorry Lily. That's bad luck...."
"Bad luck? I am happy about it!! Yippee!!" shouted Lily. Petunia stared at Lily in disgusted.
"I need to go to work, dear. So why don't you tell Lily all about the school? " said their father, looking at his watch.
"Okay. Goodbye George." said Mrs. Evans, kissing her husband goodbye.
"What's Grandma have anything to do with this letter, Mom?" asked Lily. Petunia moaned and went out of the room, slamming the door.
"Your grandmother is a witch, Lily. You are one too." said her mother, smiling at her.
"You mean I'm really going to this school?" asked Lily.
"Of course! Mother would be so please if she know you were a witch. I wanted to be one too, after hearing all the things my mother told me...." said Lily's mother. But Lily wasn't at all listening. She was day dreaming.... dreaming about flying on a broomstick, flying up to the sky....
"Lily? Are you listening?" asked her mother.
"Oops. Sorry." said Lily. Then the telephone ring. "Rrrrrring..."
"I'll get it!! Hello?" said Lily, almost shouting at the telephone.
"Lily Evans, do you want us deaf?" said two voice at once. Two of Lily's best friends Felicity Jones and Clarissa Grayling. They both sounded half annoyed.
"Sorry. Why did you call?" asked Lily, unable to hide her excited voice.
"Well, we were wondering if you had a letter without a stamp, that's all. I receive one and so did Clarissa. So we thought..." said Felicity.
"I have one of those too!!!" shouted Lily at the phone. The girls in the next line was very annoyed.
"If you can't control your voice, we will have to call you later." said Clarissa threateningly.
"Really, I'm very sorry. Can you guys come over to my house? It's really important. Take your letters with you." said Lily.
"Alright. Bye." said the two girls and they hang up.
"Mom! Felicity and Clarissa had one of those letters!!!" yelled Lily.
"Please Lily, control yourself. I wouldn't tell you what Grandma said if you wouldn't be quiet." said her mother. Lily instantly shut up and looked at her mother.
"That's better. I think we should go up to the attic to get Grandma's trunk down." said Mrs. Evans, smiling. Both of them went to the attic to get the trunk out. Petunia looked.
"You're not really letting Lily go to that... school, will you Mom?" asked Petunia.
"Of course she's going." said Mrs. Evans.
"How can you stand a witch... no, a freak in the house?" said Petunia, then she immediately regret it.
"How dare you say that!" shouted her mother. "You are insulting your sister as well as your grandmother. Apologize!"
"Sorry." said Petunia unwillingly and ran to her room. Her mother can be very frightening when she begins to shout.
"Ding Dong!"
"They're here!!!" yelled Lily before her mother would stop her from yelling. She raced down and opened the front door.
"Hi, Lily" said Felicity and Clarissa at the same time.
"Come right in! Did you guys bring your letters with you?" asked Lily.
"Yup." and they both went inside. Mrs. Evans began to tell them all about Lily's grandmother and all about Hogwarts. After she had finished, the three girls jumped up and yelled.
"Yeah!!! Yippee!!! Yay!!!! We're witches!!!" they shouted.
"You girls deafen me." laughed Lily's mother, who were just as excited as the girls. All of them went to the attic and help Mrs. Evans to get Grandma's trunk. They pulled it down to Mr. Evan's studies.
"Here, there's a letter." said Lily. She opened it and read it.
My dear daughter ( "That means Mom!" exclaimed Lily. ),
When I carried Lily in her babyhood, I knew she was a witch like me. I'm so sorry that you weren't. I knew you would get this trunk out when the time comes.
Anyway, there are a few things I need to tell you about Lily. You must kept a secret about Lily being a witch. You can't tell to other Muggles (that means non-magical people). Now, I'm going to tell you about going to buy Lily's school things.
In my box, there is a jar of some kind of glittering powder. It is called Floo Powder. Threw a pinch of powder in the fire of your fireplace and......
"Wow..." said the three girls, breathless. The letter was very long so Lily's mother continue to read the letter and let the girls talk.
"Girls, I'm going to call your parents and talk about your school and the money you need..." said Mrs. Evans and went to make her call.
"Do you think your parents will let you go to Hogwarts?" asked Lily.
"I do hope so. I can't bear to go to other ordinary schools now that I know I'm a witch." said Felicity, dreamily.
"I think they would let us, if they are willing to believe what your mom says, Lily." said Clarissa and pointed at Mrs. Evans.
"No no, I'm fine Mrs. Jones....." said Mrs. Evans patiently. "Yes yes, Lily has one of those.... ok, I'll tell Felicity...." and she hang up and called Clarissa's parents.
"Yes, Mrs. Graying. I'm perfectly sane....." the girls giggled at Mrs. Evans impatient face. Then finally she hang up.
"Hmm, girls? I'm going to drive you guys home and take some money from your parents and help you buy your things for school. Lily, do you want to come with them or stay here?" asked Lily's mother.
"No, I'll stay and look at Grandma's things." said Lily. As she said good bye, she took all the things out of the trunk. She saw a cloak, It was fluid, and silvery-grey. She picked it up. It's smoothness was like water. Lily wanted to try it on. But she decided to let her mother's helper, Lucia to wash it before wearing it. She read some of the books until she heard her mother and friends coming back.
"Lily!" called her mother. "Get the Floo Powder and come to the fireplace!"
"Okay!" replied Lily and took the bag of Floo Powder.
"Let see if this works..." said Mrs. Evans, biting her lower lip. She took a pinch of powder and threw it to the fire. The fire turned emerald green and rose very high.
"Step right in, Lily and say "Leaky Cauldron" out loud and clearly." said Lily's mother.
"Step in?"
"Yes! Right now!!"
Lily stepped right into the fire and yelled "Leaky Cauldron". Then, excepting to get burnt or something, she felt herself spinning.... then, she was standing in another place. It was dark and shabby. She straightened her hair and walked out.
"Ouch!!" said a voice behind her. It was Felicity. "Remind me never use Floo Powder to travel again...." She walked to Lily side.
"Are we there yet?" asked Clarissa, shutting her eyes. Lily pulled her out.
"Everyone here?" asked Mrs. Evans, who had just arrived. "Well, let's go." They went outside, where there was small walled country yard. There was only a dustbin and a few weeds.
"Now, lets see..." said Lily's mother, taking out the letter and read it once more. She counted the bricks above the dustbin. "This must be it." she muttered. She tapped the wall three times. A small hole appeared and it grew bigger and bigger, enough for them to go through.
"This," said Lily's mother. "is Diagon Alley."
The girls looked around in delight. There were shops selling owls, broomsticks and so on.
"Come on. Let's go to the bank or we will never be able to go back home." said Mrs. Evans. There was a big snowy-white building.
"Gringotts." said Lily's mother and they walked in. There were many goblins bowing to them and there were some behind a long counter, all looking very busy. Lily looked all around, not able to say anything.
"Good day," said Mrs. Evans nervously to one of the goblins. "I need to open two new accounts and take money from Miss Lily Evans safe." The goblin asked for the two owners of the two new safe. "Felicity Jones and Clarissa Grayling." The goblin scribbled it down.
"Very well. Got your key, Madam?" asked the goblin. Lily's mom handed him the key. The goblin looked at it.
"I'll have someone to take you to your vaults. Grongle!" called the goblin. Another goblin came to them.
"Hmm, sir, I want some muggle money changed." said Mrs. Evans and handed two envelopes to the goblin. The goblin opened it and counted the money. He gave two big bags to Mrs. Evans. It was too heavy so Grongle help her to carry it.
Grongle showed them to a cart and told them to climb in. It hurtled down the twisting passage. The cart was so fast that Mrs. Evans felt sick, but the girls, who like playing roller-coasters, enjoyed the cold wind and the ride.
The cart stopped beside a small door. "Miss Lily Evans' vaults!" said the goblin and unlock the door. "Wow.." the girls gazed at Lily's fortune. "You're grandma save them for you, Lily. She said it was enough for you until you're one hundred! Seventeen silver Sickles to a Galleon and twenty-nine bronze Knuts to a Sickle. You go get enough money for this year, dear." said Lily's mother. Lily piled her money into a bag.
"The next two please." said Mrs. Evans.
When Felicity and Clarissa pour their money in their safe, they moaned.
"Your grandma must be a millionaire, Lily. We don't even have one-ten of your money." said Clarissa, pretending to feel annoyed.
"Never mind, I'll share it with you if you don't have enough." said Lily, generously.
"You two have more money than other witches or wizards already." said Grongle.
The sun hurt their eyes after the cart ride. "Where shall we go first?" asked Mrs. Evans.
"To buy our wands, of course!" said the girls.
"Alright." said Mrs. Evans, laughing. They went to buy their wands at "Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC".
"Good morning. What may I do for you?" said the owner, Mr. Ollivander with wide, pale eyes.
"Good morning. My friends and I want to buy our wands." said Lily politely, hoping they would hurry about buying their wands and go. The shop gave her an unusual feeling.
"What is your wand arm, ladies?" asked the man in a soft voice.
"Er... Right-handed." said the three girls. The owner measured Lily and her friends. Or should I say, the tape measure was doing the job itself.
"That will do." said the man and gave the girls some wands to try on. Lily felt stupid as she wave the wand. But none of them seems to be right. She tried many wands already while Felicity and Clarissa already have a suitable one.
"Try this. Ten and a quarter inches long, swichy, made of willow. Good for charm work." said Mr. Ollivander.
Lily waved the wand and brought scarlet and gold sparks. "Yes, this is the one. Congratulations!!!" said the owner. Lily paid him and hurried out of the shop.
Then they continue their shopping.
It was getting late and Mrs. Evans need to prepare dinner so they went back home by Floo Powder once more. ("Oh no..." moaned Felicity.) They didn't eat lunch so they had a big tea. Felicity and Clarissa thanked Mrs. Evans and hurried home, wanting to tell their parents want happened.
******
The next day, Lily had a fever and stayed in bed all day. Mrs. Evans called their doctor and he whispered in Mrs. Evans' ears and she nodded. She went out in the evening when Lily's father came back from work, and bought clothes, glasses and an awful wig for Lily. She explained the situations to Lily the next morning.
"Why?" thought Lily. "Why just two whole days can already ruin my life?"
She caught a disease and her eyes watered when she looked at near or bright objects. She was forced to wear a brown wig (her eyes can't stand red), thick eyeglasses (so she won't have watery eyes all day long ) and dark colored clothes.
She wore her new things and looked at the mirror. She sobbed.
"Why? Why me?" She looked at her unattractive self. Her eyes watered, but not because of the illness, it was because of self pity. Tomorrow, she will need to go to her new school and how? How can she stand out in public looking like this??
"Lily dear, Felicity and Clarissa's here!" her mother called.
Lily didn't bother to answer. Felicity and Clarissa went in to her room. Lily looked at them. Both of them were very pretty and attractive. Felicity had thick black wavy hair and dark brown eyes. Clarissa had blonde curl hair. Although pretty they are, none of them looks as lovely and pretty as Lily. Lily had dark red hair, and emerald eyes. She was the most popular one among the three. Her friends were shocked to see her.
"Wow Lily, you look really different!" said Felicity, amazed.
Lily sobbed louder. It was really uncomfortable for them to see her cry, because Lily hardly cried at all.
"Don't agitated her, Feli " whispered Clarissa.
"Well Lily, just think what fun we will have at Hogwarts tomorrow! What about this way, Lily. We won't put make up or have boyfriends until you are you again. Okay? I promise!" said Felicity.
"Yeah! I promise too! Anyway, the doctor said you only need to wear these... things for about 2 weeks."
"Hmm..." Lily thought about it. It was tough for her friends, especially Felicity to promise such a thing when both of them can't survive for one day without a boyfriend.
"Okay. But please stick with me and don't tease me, alright?"
"Okey Dokey!!! Princess! "
Clarissa and Felicity stayed for dinner and went home to prepare for tomorrow's trip to Hogwarts. Dinner was not a pleasant affair. Petunia, Lily's older sister was staring at Lily with satisfaction. Petunia had always hated Lily. Lily was pretty, and she wasn't. Lily was attractive and of course, she wasn't. Now, Lily's looks were all hidden. Petunia felt that she must remember this moment and she smirked. Lily pretended not to notice but she wasn't used to people staring at her face because of her ugliness. She secretly noted that if she ever get rid of the horrid wig of hers, she will give Petunia something more to remember in her life time.
After saying good bye to her friends, Lily went upstairs to her room and pack up her stuff for tomorrow. Petunia just push herself in and looked around.
"Well, I guess I'll take over this room.... That bedspread with have to go. That ..."
"I'm not dead yet Petunia."
"You aren't ?" said Petunia, pretended to be astonished. She looked closely at Lily.
"If I look like you I rather die."
Lily didn't replied. She didn't want to show she perfectly agreed with her.
"Lucky me I don't have such thick eyeglasses." Petunia looking at Lily's glasses with a sickly innocent look on her face.
"Petunia," said Lily, in a soft tone that Petunia smelt danger. " Aren't you afraid that after I've learn Something in my school will make you sorry for every single word you are saying to me just now?"
Petunia knew it wasn't wise to stay in Lily's room just now and she just went out, slamming the door.
Lily sighed. She dislike her sister, but not hate her.
"But," she thought, "it wouldn't be bad to give her a teeny tiny punishment." Her eyes flashed mischievously. It amazed her that why her sister were so different from her. Red hair to blonde hair. One never gossip and the other puts her nose on other's business....
"How different we are..." thought Lily. "If she would be a bit..."
Suddenly, a knock came from the door.
"If your name starts by "P", I advise you not to come in." said Lily, knowing perfectly that Petunia would never knock at her door. Especially when she just slammed it.
"I hope Petunia didn't bother you too much." said her mother, coming in and closed the door.
" 'Course she does." replied Lily. She sat down on the bed and looked at her mirror.
"She's just jealous that she's not a witch."
"She hates this kind of stuff. How can she be jealous of me? She just called me a freak 2 days ago!!!"
"Well, just don't let her ruin your trip tomorrow, hon. Do you know how lucky you are that you are a witch? I've always wanted to be one. I'm really proud to have a witch in the family. Be sure to be the best witch in the school, Lily."
"Okay mom. I've already learn most of the spells from the books we've bought."
"That's swell. Good night and sleep earlier. You've got a long trip tomorrow." said her mother, kissing Lily's cheek.
"G' night mom. By the way, how do you know Hogwarts was far from here?"
Her mother grinned. "I've read some of your books. How interesting..."
The next day, Lily's mother drove her to King Cross station. "I'm sure there's no Platform 9 3/4..." muttered her mother. Just then, Lily saw her friends and grabbed all her belongings. She yelled a good bye to Mrs. Evans and dashed towards her friends. She even knocked down all the people in front of her.
"Hiya guys, do you know where's the platform is?"
"Do we look like we know?" questioned Clarissa.
"No."
"You've just answered your own question."
As the three stood there, they saw some red heads ran toward the barrier between Platform 9 and 10. Lily was about to yell "Look out!" but there weren't any red heads to call to.
"Well guys, I think I've just figured out how are we going to Platform 9 3/4." said Lily, smiling.
"Oh no, you just can't be serious!" said Felicity, staring at the barrier in front of them.
"You mean we're going to run? Run thought there and get our heads bump?"
"Yup, you've got that right, girl!!"
"I should have known. She lost her mind as well as her beauty."
Lily shot a dirty look at Clarissa. "Ok, ok. Together we shall bump our heads off!! 1- 2- 3!!!" hollered Clarissa.
The 3 girls ran with their eyes close and waited for their heads to hurt. Then, Felicity shouted "We're here! Platform 9 3/4!!"