Hogwarts was a week away.

My Mum had taken me to Diagon Alley to get the things needed for my first year. A number of thick books, my chosen familiar was a Bombay cat by the name of Louis, and a wand. After nine tries, I had found the right wand – or should I say the right wand found me. It was Larch wood, known to be strong and durable with a warm color. The core was phoenix, and according to Mr. Ollivander it was the rarest type. It was 12 ½" in length with a rigid flexibility. I liked the fact that it wasn't too bendy, if it was I would always think it'd break.

By the time we'd arrived back in Cokeworth it was half past four. Eager to show my new wand off to Severus, I dropped everything off at home then headed over to the tree – of course not without a stern warning not to try any magic with the wand from Mum.

I arrived minutes later, thankful to be out of that gloomy looking town. I was just about to enter the clearing when I heard a voice, Severus'.

"She's just jealous. 'Cause she's ordinary and you're special." Immediately I knew who he was speaking to. Lily Evans. The redhead from two weeks ago whom I'd grown to detest. For some reason, Severus was infatuated with the girl. He'd even had the gall to ask me what I thought of her. Of course I was polite and forced out a 'she seems nice', but I was lying through my teeth.

"That's mean, Severus." Lily scolded. Through the foliage I saw them, lying on the grass shoulder to shoulder staring at the sky. Again there was that twisting feeling. I looked for a second longer, then turned away and headed home.