A/N: So, here's the next chapter. Hope you'll enjoy!
Disclaimer: Still don't own :(
The next morning, I had completely forgotten about the events the day before. That is, until I sat down for breakfast. Tuesdays are better than Mondays in the respect that by then, you're used to getting up early again. Roughly translated: I was up quite early. While I was eating, I suddenly saw an owl coming towards me. I remembered only then what kind of week it was. With huge eyes, I watched the owl… flying right past. I immediately looked to my right, and saw my fellow Gryffindor, fellow fifth year, and fellow Prefect Remus Lupin unfolding the Daily Prophet. I let out a relieved breath I didn't realise I was holding, and this seemed to catch Remus' attention. He looked up at me, gave me a sad smile, which I returned, and then we both went back to our breakfasts and, in his case, his Prophet.
That was probably the only advantage of weeks like this: the oh so famous Marauders kept to themselves as well and left the rest of the school alone. Including me. I usually didn't have much peace and quiet since James Potter had decided a couple of months ago that he fancied me. I know, it's horrible to think that way – it's not as if I want people to get hurt all the time just to get rid of Potter, but still, it's definitely a plus. Which is completely outnumbered by all the bad things going on, of course.
After finishing my homework in the library (no one goes there this early in the morning) and trying to survive my morning classes, it was time for lunch. I decided to go to the kitchens instead of the Great Hall – after a day and a half, the nervousness that hung there during meals had already become too much for me. Apart from the House Elves, the kitchens were abandoned. Pondering about what food I wanted, I didn't see the Daily Prophet in time. It just lay there, on a table in the corner, as if nothing was going on, as if it didn't contain horrible news. I tried to ignore it, but it was too late; my attention had already been caught by the headline. 'Death Eaters on the loose again. Three more deaths.'
I couldn't tear my eyes away from the article, as much as I wanted to. It was horrible. Three wizards had been killed while trying to defend the Muggle village they lived nearby. Some of the Death Eaters had been killed too, but not after they had instigated an enormous slaughter. I shuddered; something like this could happen to my family – all Muggles – as well.
Taking a deep breath, I turned the page, bracing myself for what was to come. And indeed – the Prophet had thought it necessary to spend two more pages on what had most likely been in the paper yesterday. That wasn't very pretty either. Members of a prominent wizarding family (the Bones'), had been brutally murdered – first the grandparents, then the two young children, right in front of their parents, and finally, the parents themselves, after being tortured for Merlin knows how long. I shuddered once more. I really couldn't comprehend how people could be so cruel. Then, suddenly, a vivid picture of Amelia Bones, who was now in her seventh year, floated into my mind. I didn't know her that well, but this had to be her family. I don't know why exactly, but right then, I felt like crying, and that was exactly what I did.
When I finally managed to get a grip on myself again, I read the other articles (after all, it couldn't be much worse). Apart from the Bones', a couple of other people – mostly family members of people who worked at the Ministry (not that I knew them, but that's what the Prophet said) – had been murdered. Still shaking, I left the kitchens. I could go to class, but it had, most likely, already started. I decided against that and instead went back to my dorm, where I collapsed on my bed.
"Lily? Lily! Wake up!"
"Huh?" I moaned unattractively. I opened one of my eyes (obviously, I had fallen asleep) to find Mary McDonald, one of my friends and dorm mates, sitting on my bed, poking me, in order to wake me up.
"Where were you?" she immediately asked me. Of course, it would have been a big issue in the entire school that I, Lily Evans, hadn't shown up for class. Honestly, didn't those people here have a life? But since it was one of those weeks again, it would probably be forgotten by tomorrow – everyone had other stuff to think and worry about than a fifth year Prefect who had skipped Care for Magical Creatures.
"I was tired," I answered truthfully. After all the crying I had done I felt exhausted. Mary simply nodded.
"Yeah, I think everyone does," she answered. "You found out who were killed, didn't you?" Ah, Mary. She knew me too well. I simply nodded, though. "I figured as much. Amelia Bones went home today. I can imagine that you'd rather be home than here in a situation like this." I nodded again, unable to say anything. I was scared I'd start crying again. "Anyway," Mary continued, "I've got your homework. We have to do an assignment in pairs and I thought I'd save you. So, unless you feel like investigating Blast-Ended Skrewts with Potter, you're stuck with me."
I shot her a grateful grin and then pushed myself up. "Thanks, Mary. I'd love to be stuck with you anytime. Now, what's the time? Believe it or not, I'm pretty hungry."
"I thought you'd never ask," Mary replied happily. Dragging me towards to stairs, she added, "It's dinner time. So let's get going!" I followed her down, smiling a little again. The silence had been broken, at least for a little. I was never good at that, so thank heavens for Mary.
A/N: So Lily's been pulled out of her lonely state. What did you think? Please review!
