"Focus, Lily," the fourteen year old mumbles to herself, trying to force her attention back to her summer Transfiguration homework. But the soft patter of rain on the roof, the droplets of water racing one another down the window are distracting and far too tempting. The witch tosses her quill to the side and reaches back, pulling away the elastic to free her waves of auburn hair before racing through the hall and onto the front lawn.
The rain is light and warm as it mists her skin. A laugh escapes her, and she stretches out her arms, spinning around and jumping into puddles.
This is freedom. This is perfection. "Lily! Come inside!" Petunia calls from her window, the horror clear as a bell in her voice. "Someone might see you! Then they'll all know you're a freak!"
Lily isn't bothered by the warning. Why should she care about her neighbors? Lifting a hand to shield her eyes from the drizzle, she finds her sister with a grin. "Come on, Tuney!" she shouts back, gesturing with her free hand. "We used to play in the rain all the time!" "When we were kids!" the older girl snaps, slamming her window shut.
Shrugging her shoulders, Lily resumes dancing around until she's dizzy, crashing onto the ground with a fresh bout of laughter. Homework can wait. Everything else in the world can wait just for this moment. She leans back, letting the precipitation soak through her clothes, eyes closing, losing herself in thought. The door opens and closes, and soggy footsteps approach, squishing in the mud, but Lily doesn't return to reality until she hears her sister's voice. "You look daft." But for the first time in years, Petunia's words are soft and play, not criticizing.
Peeking an eye open, the young witch smiles, lifting a hand. "Help me up?"
As Petunia reaches out, Lily tugs her hand, sending her into a puddle.
"Oi!" the blonde gasps, sitting up quickly with a shocked expression. She sputters, her face littered with bits of mud and natural debris. "I'm telling Mum!" Somehow, in her current state, the threat has no power, and both girls are consumed with fits of giggles, splashing each other before running around, slipping and sliding over the grass.
Far too soon, the grey clouds part, allowing the sunshine to creep through as the rain ceases to fall. Within seconds, Petunia seems to remember herself. With a huff, she wipes a hand across her face, eyes narrowing. "Freak!" she spits, turning on her heels and storming back into the house.
Lily slides to the ground, back resting against the hedge bush. She should feel hurt. In any other instance, Petunia's words might have stung.
But for just one moment, the summer rain had worked a magic no spell or potion ever could. For just one moment, the sisters had been friends again.