Chapter 1 The Evans Sisters

The smell of the ocean air was a telltale sign to the Evans that they would be arriving shortly to their designation. Summer had only begun a week prior and every summer the Evans family would vacation in their summer home at a small coastal town called Little Whinging. The Evans came from a wealthy background and were a well known family of England. Mr. Jack W. Evans was a middle-aged, successful, businessman. He was slightly round in the middle, had short auburn hair, graying on the sides, and blue eyes. His wife was the regal and ever beautiful Mrs. Primrose Evans, with long beautiful blonde hair and striking green eyes that had captured the hearts of many potential suitors when she was younger. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had two daughters, a nineteen year old Petunia Evans and a sixteen year old Lily Evans. Petunia had her mother's blonde hair and her father's blue eyes. Her eyes were as striking as her mother's, however her face was long and resembled somewhat of a horse; thus rarely gaining attention of the opposite sex. Lily Evans had long auburn hair and the same shade of green eyes as their mother. The youngest Evans was quite beautiful for her age and was now old enough to be courted by well, groomed men of elite caliber. Mrs. Evans was ecstatic, Lily was not.

The horse drawn carriage continued down the main cobblestone road through the beachside town. Mr. Evans was snoring softly, slouched back against his seat, and Mrs. Primrose and Petunia were conversing quietly with one another while Lily was reading quietly to herself. She loved to read, the books had always captured her imagination. Its stories were filled with such grand adventures that Lily secretly yearned for. She loved novels whose themes were of adventure and true friendship, and in some novels romance. Lily blushed lightly to herself, yes some of the novels she tended to read were rather...heated. The youngest Evans kept those books safely locked away in her room in Cokeworth. If her mother ever knew...well it certainly wouldn't bode well for Lily. Her mother might have her books burn as they weren't, supposedly, proper for a woman. That wouldn't do, books were an escape for the young Evans.

However, Lily wasn't ungrateful of her life. She was well aware of how the other side lived. But everything was too structured, too prim, too proper, even too clean if one were to go into Petunia's room. It was all so dreary! Everything was the same. Rise at a decent hour, dress tastefully learn etiquette and studies that were deemed appropriate for the future Lady of the House, attend galas, behave the way society expected one to, et cetera. And if that wasn't terrible enough, then it was the people she had to associate with. Lily hated the way everyone would have a hidden agenda, the friendships made between two families were only beneficial for business and climbs in the social hierarchy. The snobbish women that would judge your every move waiting for any imperfection to gossip amongst one another.

Their daughters were just as worse. Lily knew plenty of young women that were her and Petunia's age. Such vainglorious girls! The whole lot had a split personality that would more often than not make Lily's head ache. Most, if not all, loved nothing more than to spread secrets and scandals around the circles, true friendship was a fickle thing in high society. Lily never could figure how her sister thrived and loved such an environment. "It is good to be visiting Little Whinging once more." Primrose spoke fondly as she gazed out the window while they passed the beachside. Lily mentally shook away her malign thoughts. If she thought them too much her mother would surely pick up on them (not that anyone could read minds but with Lily's unfortunate luck it wouldn't surprise her) and paid rapt attention to the Lady of the House.

"Yes, I cannot understand why we don't live here permanently." Petunia spoke and looked meaningfully at their father. However her statement was met on deaf ears as Jack continued to snore. Lily huffed under breath. Petunia then turned her gaze over to Lily, her chin upturned in a haughty manner. "Dear lord Lily, are you still reading?" Petunia shrieked incredulously. Their father stirred quietly in his sleep before stilling once more.

Here we go. Lily thought tiredly. She marked her place in her book before turning her attention to her older sister. "Yes Tuney, I always read. Why does this surprise you?" she burred. Petunia's left eye twitched slightly. Lily smirked, she knew Petunia loathed the nickname Lily gave her when they were children.

"I've told you to call me Petunia." the young woman snipped " And for your information we are on vacation. Relaxing from the stress of our everyday lives." Oh yes, I bet ordering the maids to go to town to pick up a new dress must be taxing on the mind. Lily mentally rolled her eyes, such an action wasn't for a proper woman after all. "And you're going to be doing the same thing as you do at home? Stay in your room and read by yourself?"

"No, I plan to read on the beach as well." Lily said testily.

Mrs. Evans laid a placating hand on her elder daughter before turning her attention to Lily. "Lily dear, while I'm sure you have fascinating novels to read, wouldn't it be better if this year you bonded more with some of the other girls?" While it came out as a question, Lily knew it was more of an order.

She noticed shrewdly that Petunia barely held back an undignified snort. She resembles more of a horse when she does that. "Mother, no offence, but none of the other girls and I have anything in common."

"That's because they all think of you as a freak." Petunia muttered making sure that their mother did not hear a word she said. Lily did however, and she glared down her sister while pretending her words did not sting.

"Lily I think it would be best if you actually socialized with people this summer. You are now at the age where suitors will begin to court you. It would not do to have a young woman become an unsociable shrew! You will never capture the eyes of a suitor and I will not have any of my daughters shame this family by behaving as such." her mother gazed sternly at both of her daughters. And Lily was suddenly reminded of all the lessons from her mother and late-grandmother when she and her sister were younger. "Behind every great man is a proper woman. A woman's job is to make sure the home runs smoothly." And other such lessons that Lily had secretly found to be complete nonsense. But she took the lessons in stride. It was how the world ran and eventually Lily did want a husband, and she didn't want another lecture on the consequences of an improper woman.

"Mother, I do socialize with others." Lily replied calmly

"The help does not count Lily." Petunia taunted.

"And why ever not? They're as much human as you and I are." Lily defended, besides the servants and maids were the only ones that Lily could feel like she could be herself with. There was no fear of judgment and ridicule, no need to watch what you said and how you said. Lily could just be normal and herself around them.

"They're not in our class, and I will not have my daughter be seen associating with the working class." Mrs. Evans said in a warning voice. "Lily," the auburn-haired girl shuddered slightly, she hated when her mother used that voice. "I have tolerated your behavior all these years long enough. You are now at the age of marriage, and it is time to put such childish behaviors aside and act like the proper young woman I raised. No daughters of mine will become an old spinster. I expect you to socialize with the other young women and gentlemen." she casted her stern gaze on Lily.

"Yes mother." Lily spoke quietly. The matriarch, having decided the matter settled, turned her attention back to gazing at the passing scenery. Petunia smirked in Lily's direction and copied her mother's actions. Lily returned to her book, though it was with less enthusiasm than before.

It was these moments that Lily felt as though she was a stranger amongst her own flesh and blood. Her mother was the very definition of regal and poise. A strand of hair was never out of place, and her makeup was always applied classily. Her jewelry was expensive and tasteful and always complimented the dresses, the hair, and the makeup. Mrs. Evans' tea parties were well known and invitations were only handed to the crème de la crème. Her mother was well mannered and patient Lily had never seen her mother lose her temper, always keeping a leveled head in every situation. She was the perfect lady, a loving wife to her husband, a stern but fair mother to her children. Yes Primrose Evans was indeed the definition of an elite woman, too perfect sometimes. The auburn haired girl had remember years previous how she would strive for her mother's approval. Lily would copied everything her mother did, but when her actions did not meet Lady Primrose's expectations she was chastised.

Then there was her father, Jack Evans. Though she had been in the same company as him her entire life, little was known about the man. What she knew of her father was mostly on the family company. At the age of twenty Jack Evans inherited his father's whiskey business and took it in stride. The company's signature alcohol was a drink called Firewhiskey. It was well popular throughout Europe and even in the States. Lily remembered when she was younger her father and she got along splendidly. He would often read Lily fairytales before bed, thus sparking her love for reading, and was always the one that could make Lily smile whenever she was sad. Now however, with the company shipping worldwide, Mr. Evans was deeply engrossed in his company and now had little time for his family. With the exception of social gatherings and the occasional kiss to the forehead, Lily rarely saw her father. Hopefully that would change come this summer.

The carriage came to a slow halt in front of an old Georgian style manor. There were steps that lead to a double oak door, the house, if one could call it so, was a two story home. There were six bedrooms and seven bathrooms, a large dining room, kitchen, sunroom, drawing room, as well as a library and study with a spacious garden. Lily smiled fondly at house, she remembered when she was younger how she would climb the large tree in the back just to catch sight of the ocean and passing ships. Her mother had a right fit when she found Lily high up in the branches one day.

The driver walked up to their door and held it opened for Primrose, he took hold of the offered hand and helped her out of the carriage; repeating the same process twice for Petunia and Lily. "Thank you Mr. Jones." Lily whispered to the driver. The man inclined his head with a smile before returning his attention to Mr. Evans. The man thanked the driver then offered his arm to his wife. The four walked in a leisurely pace up the front steps of their summer home and the doors were opened for them by the waiting butler. Lily had forgotten the butler's name.

"Welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Evans, shall I send for your belongings?" he asked in a oily tone. Lily stared blankly at the man, she forgotten the butler was a kowtower.

"Yes, thank you." her father responded. Once in the house, Jack quickly went over to his study, and the women found themselves in the sunroom awaiting for tea to be served. Lily didn't really feel up to drinking tea at the moment, right now she just wanted to curl up underneath a tree or a plush armchair and read at a leisurely pace. The look her mother gave Lily spoke otherwise.

"I have heard through the mill that the Dursleys will host a Summer Solstice Ball." their mother spoke. Lily would never cease to be amazed on her mother's skills in gossip. "They have a son your age Petunia, if I recall." Lily wanted to scoff at the eager look Petunia was displaying. Was she really that desperate to marry?

Lily didn't see Petunia's yearning. While part of Lily wanted to marry, a larger part of her thought otherwise. As far as she was concern, her life was no longer hers to control after marriage. The woman would have to stay home, be the perfect wife and be only useful to bear heirs for her husband and throw galas. Maybe that was the kind of life Petunia wanted but not so much Lily. Though she suppose it was only because she was young, perhaps when Lily was a little older and a little more mature she might view marriage differently. "I expect you both to be at your finest, a lot of potential suitors will be present and I would like to one day leave this world knowing that my daughters are well taken care of." Primrose spoke softly. It was a rare moment for their mother to break down her mask and show the tender caring side of her.

"Well I suppose new dresses are in order." Petunia said excitingly. What fun. Lily thought acerbically. Lily highly doubt Petunia needed another dress. While Lily enjoyed the occasional shopping for dresses and jewelry, it was nothing compared to the magnitude of Petunia Evans.

"A splendid idea. Why don't you take your sister with you to town?" their mother suggested.

"What?" the Evans sisters intoned. "Mother I do not think Lily would want to go."

"Yes, I don't need another dress at this moment." Lily agreed frantically.

Mrs. Evans opened her mouth in retaliation but closed it shut as another person made themselves known. "Care to join us Jack?" she spoke in a tone that said she didn't approve of his wandering off.

"Sorry for the delay my dear. There were some last minute items that needed to be tied off." Jack took his seat next to Primrose and kissed the back of her hand. "Now," he turned his attention onto his daughters and Lily suddenly had a sense of foreboding. This is not going to end well. She thought. "what it is this I hear about not wanting to join your sister, Lily?" he focused on the youngest Evans with a pointed look.

"It is nothing of the sort daddy," Lily quickly placated "I just have no need for a dress at the moment."

"And what is the reason in needing a new dress Petunia?" Lord Jack turned his attention to his other daughter. He hoped that the dress wasn't just because the one she was wearing was currently too 'used' for her liking. Honestly he loved his dear Petunia with all his heart, but there were moments where the woman was too spoiled for her own good.

"The Dursleys will be hosting a Summer Solstice Ball in a month's time. Petunia simply wanted a new dress now before the other girls grabbed hold of all the good fabric." Lily thought it was a little presumptuous to assume that the Dursleys were going to invite her family to the event. Yes the Evans were an outstanding family but that didn't necessarily make them entitled to every event. Lily didn't know much about the Dursleys, her mother knew all about them no doubt, only that they were the family that kept the town running.

"A marvelous idea!" her father's voice broke through her haze. Lily suppressed a well reasoned groan. A whole day, shopping, and with Petunia. Did her parents honestly expect that the two of them would come back from town in one piece? Lily loved her sister, but the two of them have not gotten along since she was eleven, for reasons Lily could only hint at. "The two of you need more bonding time, I think this excursion would be perfect for the both of you." Jack Evans boasted as though it was his idea all along. And from the covert looks Primrose was giving her husband, she, too, thought the same thing.

"But daddy, there is a chance that I'll see my friends. I don't want to be seen associated with her with them there." Okay that hurt a little. Lily thought forlornly.

"Petunia Olivia," their mother spoke in a stern voice. "I know that there has been a rift between the two of you for some time now, and I want this petty squabble to end. The both of you are sisters and should act like such!" Lily knew this was a serious matter has her mother actually dropped her emotionless masked and showed some of her ire. "I expect you two to wash up and head to town together, and to come back together. And for the rest of this summer I better not hear one hurtful word spewed at one another, understood?" their mother spoke with finality.

"Yes mother." the Evans sisters intoned. It is going to be a long day. Lily thought resignedly.

Lily had long left Petunia and her snobbish friends the moment she was done getting fitted for a new dress. Lily had to admit she was a little excited for the Solstice Ball now because of her green dress that matched well with her eyes. Lily had to reluctantly admit that both her mother and Petunia were right, a new dress was needed. Lily would never say that to her sister, she did not want to see the ever annoying smug grin appear on woman's face.

Currently Lily was walking idly down the cobblestone street staring around curiously at the shops and the people. Little Whinging was definitely a fishing town, as most of the shops were designated to the ships in port. Lily sighed happily as she gazed about. Majority of the townspeople were commoners milling about happily. The children played merrily through the legs of the adults. Sailors laughed and sang boisterously of love poems, most rather crude, to passing women. There was even a lovely couple strolling calmly down the bustling road.

However what Lily was really looking for was a bookstore. The book she had on her now would be finished within a few nights. The problem was she couldn't remember where the bookstore actually was and hoped it didn't closed down in the past year. Lily had walked passed a bakery and the smell of hot bread and pastries made the young girl's mouth water. She inhaled deeply and sighed in satisfaction until her stomach grumbled. Lily sighed, she hadn't had much to eat today. With her eyes fixated on the store, Lily wasn't watching where she was going until she bumped into someone's chest. "Oomph!" Lily nearly lost her balance until a pair of calloused hands grabbed hold of her upper arms.

The man straighten the confounded young woman and let his hands fall to his side. Lily pushed her hair away from her face and looked up and her cheeks flushed. Dear lord he's handsome! Lily fawned. The man was certainly tall, taller than even her father. His hair was brown in color and was tied back at the nape of his neck, deep blue eyes, and a rugged tan face with a short beard. Lily quickly averted her eyes when the man smiled down in amusement. "M-my apologies!" she quickly stammered "I was not watching where I was walking." Oh if mother saw me now. Lily bemoaned

"There is no need to apologize miss." the man's voice was laced with humor. "Are you alright?"

Lily's cheeks flushed an even deeper shade red. She was just thankful Petunia wasn't around as she would surely spread this embarrassing moment with the other gossipmongers. "Yes, I'll be fine..." she trailed off uncertainly when the man gazed at her with a peculiar look. His eyes widen in astonishment. "Miss Lily Evans?"

Lily was taken aback, he knew her name yet she couldn't put a name to his face. "Yes?" she answered cautiously.

"Ah, you haven't seen me as often as your sister. Richard Williams, a pleasure to see you once more Miss Evans." He bowed slightly and kissed the back of Lily's hand. She refused to admit that she swooned lightly. Lily certainly remembered Williams now, he was a year or so older than her sister Petunia. And to this day Petunia still talked about him constantly; it was easy to see why. He was pleasing to the eyes that had Lily flustered. The Williams and Evans families used to congregate with one another often when Lily was younger. She remembered vividly all the long winded discussions Petunia would have on the "perfect marriage" her and a certain Williams Heir would have one day. "

"It is a pleasure to see you once more! My sister will be ecstatic once she hears that you're in Little Whinging." Lily thought she could see a hint of a grimace but paid no mind. "Are you here with your family?"

"Yes, my father had thought it to be wise if we vacationed this summer. I had just finished my term at the University of Oxford." he stated proudly. Lily gave the man his praise. "Are you walking about the streets alone?" Williams questioned

"I was with my sister, but we went our separate ways some time ago." That was the civil way of saying the young Evans was sent off from the group. Not that Lily minded in the least, Petunia's friends were just as spoiled and shallow as her sister. Birds of a feather flock together, they say.

The man looked affronted but quickly donned a charismatic smile. Lily deftly ignored the racing heartbeat underneath her chest. "Well then I shall accompany you." Williams stated as if it was obvious.

Lily was once again taken aback. "Oh no, that won't be necessary. I'm sure you have plans already made. I would hate to disrupt them!" Lily protested. She didn't think he would find it all that thrilling to spend an afternoon in a bookstore.

"Nonsense!" Williams held out his arm and with a flushed face Lily dutifully wrapped her arms around his. "It would be improper of me if allow a young, beautiful woman to wander about the town all her lonesome. Now where were you heading off to?" the older gentleman asked

The young Evans quickly schooled in her gob smacked expression and cleared her throat. "I was looking for the bookstore. I can't recall where it was." Lily was sure it was on this street, then again everything looked different to Lily since last summer.

"I think it is located on the next street over." Williams replied with a grin.

"I knew that." Lily said stubbornly. She gave a small smile when Williams chuckled, even if it was at her expense.

"Of course you did, milady." Williams placated. The two got into an easy conversation on the way to the aforementioned bookstore. As it turned out both had quite a few things in common. Williams loved to read, and he had a sense of adventure as he traversed all across western Europe. What Lily found funny was the fact that to this day Williams was still intimidated by her Mother. "I mean no offence, but your mother could stare down a ravenous lion!" he said defiantly when Lily laughed softly into her hands.

Lily giggled as she was perusing down the aisles, so far no book was catching her interests. Well that's not fair. Perhaps she would have better luck next week when a new shipping of books was sent to the bookstore. "Have you had better luck in finding a book?" Lily asked over her shoulder.

"Well I did find a fairytale novel that my niece would love, but her mother does not improve of such readings." Williams replied indifferently. After another quarter of an hour spent in the bookstore, the pair came to the conclusion that it was useless to search any further. It was at this time, the sun was making its descent to the horizon out at sea.

"I should be going. The driver should be at Madam Malkin's by now." Lily pointed out as the sun was beginning to set.

"Well then, allow me to escort you." Lily smiled fondly, she hated to admit this to herself but it was a pleasing feeling being doted on by the rather attractive man. The other part of her screamed in disbelief, wasn't she ranting on about the lack of identity that came with being with a man only hours prior? She deftly ignored it.

The two continued walking through the streets at a leisurely pace. At one point they stopped at the local bakery and Lily was treated to buttered croissants that melted in the mouth. She listened with rapt attention to the stories Williams had at his disposal. Her favorites were the ones when Williams and his father spent a summer hunting the exotic wildlife of Africa. It was so different from her life here in England.

It all came to an end too quickly for Lily's liking when they stopped at the corner shop Madam Malkin's; the store had just closed for the night. The young woman wanted to spend more of her time in the company of Williams. She deftly told herself that she only wanted to spend time with Williams to catch up the missing years. If only she could fool her brain. "Miss Evans," Williams started in a tone that garnered Lily's attention closely "since you and I had a nice evening together and are well getting along, I was wondering, hoping really, if you would allow me to take you on another outing tomorrow night?" Williams asked, and Lily could detect a slight tremor of the nerves.

It took all of her etiquette for Lily not to let her mouth drop. Williams was interested in bookish Lily and wanted another outing. "Of course I would ask your parents' permission, but I would like to know if it is something you would like to partake with me."

Lily could admit that she was rather flattered. After spending only a few hours, Williams was interested in spending another afternoon with her. And they spent most of it in a bookstore for Christ's sake! Her inner voice, which strangely sounded exactly like her mother, said she should except the man's invitation or else become her Great-Aunt Rosalind; an old maid. There was a problem however. Her sister, Petunia Evans.

Lily didn't know if she still had an infatuation on Richard Williams. The two sisters haven't had a civil conversation in years and now Petunia felt like a complete stranger to Lily even though they live in the same home. Lily didn't want to inadvertently hurt her sister's feelings. regardless of Petunia's lack of concern for Lily's. But on the other hand Williams was nice and thoughtful and charming that Lily couldn't help but be smitten for him. And he was certainly a man her parents, more specifically her mother, would approve of. Well mannered, from a good family, and was in the same social class as the Evans. Most important to Lily however, was that she actually liked this man, he was not like the other men she met. They've all felt as if they were entitled to the world. Besides Petunia had already had the mindset to peak the Dursley Heir's interest at the Solstice Ball.

"Miss Evans?" Williams gaining Lily's attention once more.

"My apologies." Lily's face flushed lightly. "I accept your request." Williams face broke out into a wide grin, that may or may not have made Lily's heart beat faster.

A dramatic gasp drew their attention over to a group of young women, Petunia stood front and center. Her face was horror stricken, her blue eyes bulged and went from Lily to Williams. Meanwhile Petunia's so-called friends were giggling at one another behind their hands. Lily felt as though her stomach was filled with lead. Oh no, I've made a mistake. she thought frantically. "Petunia...I-"

"I have nothing to say you." Petunia hissed, her eyes were filled with cold hatred. Lily felt her heart break at being at the receiving end of such a look, especially from her own sister. "You're nothing but a wench." she hissed through gnashed teeth. The other girls gasped and Williams pulled Lily closer to him protectively. Petunia emanated such fierce anger and hate from her figure and the blonde woman shoved aside her friends and ran off down the road.

"Petunia! Petunia wait!" Lily took off after her older sister. Though it was too late, she had already disappeared amongst the masses. Lily could only groan, regardless of how improper it was, in frustration and misery. It had appeared to Lily that her already strenuous relationship with her sister was now beyond repair.