Chapter One – The pain of loss

Tears stung her eyes as she looked out of the window of her sister's apartment. She looked down at the almost empty street and thought about the many times she and her parents had walked down it. She felt as if a dagger has pierced her heart as she thought about the many fond memories of her parents.

Her parents. They sound so foreign as if Lily had never seen them for a long time. Michael and Elizabeth Evans was a very happy couple with two daughters whom they loved dearly.

"They're gone." Lily thought to herself, unable to believe that it was only yesterday morning that she saw them. "They're gone. Gone just like that....." At that, she broke down and sank to her knees, sobbing her eyes out. "Why?" She asked herself. The thought of her parents' murderer made her clenched her fists tightly. Voldemort. The horrible dark wizard who had a liking of killing anyone who wasn't a pureblooded. "Why can't he just get me and leave them alone. They didn't do anything wrong!"

Guilt filled Lily as she thought about why he had murdered her parents. It was obvious that he had came after Lily and her family. But she wasn't home that day. It was a coincidence that she had planned to meet her friends at Diagon Alley. She had returned home that afternoon, glad that she had bought her books, only to find a dark mark above her house and Petunia screaming hysterically. She panicked, dropped her shopping bags and rushed into the house. Her parents were lying on the floor, their eyes wide with fear, holding each other hands tightly. Petunia was by their side screaming at her as she sink to the ground beside them, eyes filled with tears. "Its all your fault! All your freaking fault! Look what you have brought upon them."

The ministry of magic workers appeared after a few minutes. Somebody had obviously informed them about the murder. She faintly remembers an auror, Alastor Moody, asking her several questions but she was in too shock a stage to answer. He was the one who suggested her to stay with Petunia for a few days before school starts. Though Petunia was reluctant, she couldn't do anything as Alastor Moody was giving her a look that showed that if she didn't take me in, she would get herself in hot soup.

An owl flew down to Lily's side, shaking her out of her thoughts. Drying her tears, she took the letter and read it. It was from her best friend, Esther Madison, asking if she was alright and if she wanted to stay at her house for the last five days of the summer. Obviously, Esther had heard about her parents' death. She got up and took out a blank pierce of parchment, gratefully accepted the invitation and sent it back with the owl.

She stood by the window and watched the owl fly away into the rising sunlight till it was a speck of nothing. With a heavy heart, she went to the bathroom to prepare for the long day ahead of her.

That morning at breakfast, Petunia seemed perfectly normal. She didn't look like somebody she loved died the day before. She acted like as if nothing has happened except for the fact that Lily was in her apartment. She ignored Lily like she didn't see her and continued eating. "I'm going to stay at my friend's house for the last few days before school. I guess we won't see each other anymore unless you count the funeral." At that, Lily felt tears in her eyes again. Petunia acted as if she didn't hear her at all. "Well," Lily bit her lip to prevent crying in front of her I-couldn't- care-less sister. "Bye." Seeing that she won't get a reply, she turned around and walked back to her room to pack her bags. But no before hearing Petunia muttering under her breath "Go live with your freaking friends. I don't want to see you ever again. Not even at the funeral." At that, Lily felt as if her eyes were on fire. She quickly ran to her room and packed. "It isn't the first time she's being mean. Be strong." Lily said, willing herself to stop crying.

Esther's owl returned and flew in, landing on her bed. The letter said that she would be arriving soon by car. Esther was a muggle-born, like Lily and they were both often taunted by the Slytherins which was how they first met. It was when Malfoy was disturbing Lily and Esther stuck up for her.

"Beep!" A car horned and Lily jumped in shock. She clutched a hand to her heart and breathe deeply. "It must be Esther." She thought. Dragging her trunk, she made her way out of the apartment, down to the car in which Esther was waiting impatiently, anxious to see her best friend.