Two
All but two people thought her Patronus would be a doe.
When word had gotten out that Harry had finally relented and agreed to teach his 14-year old daughter how to cast a Patronus, as he had when his sons had been 14, George Weasley had immediately set up a betting pool.
And everyone bet on a doe.
Well, not everyone. Sure, Ginny had placed a bet on a strong horse, as she claimed that Lily had been far worse than either James or Albus at kicking up a storm during the nine months she had been trapped in her stomach. And Molly had placed a small wager for a rabbit because she thought her youngest granddaughter was as cute as a bunny rabbit.
But even they had admitted that either choice was unlikely, that Lily was a doe through and through.
Even Hagrid agreed. He had chuckled and said, "She's jus' like her grandmother, she is. Ya put me down for a doe."
So when James leaned back and confidently named his animal and his price, everyone had raised an eyebrow, shook his head, and chuckled. And when Albus agreed with him, with a firm nod and an equally outrageous offer, everyone had argued and dismissed their choice. Even Harry had tried to dissuade them, to no avail.
So one Sunday afternoon, just as the traditional Weasley lunch was about to start, a flushed Lily Luna rushed out of the Burrow's Floo and flew into a surprised James's arms.
And before he could ask what was the matter or do anything more than look over her worriedly for any injuries or whatnot, Lily looked up at her oldest brother and with a brilliant smile, said, "Expecto Patronum."
As a magnificent creature began to take shape, Albus slipped away from the rest of the dumbfounded family to stand behind his brother and sister, smiling as the large form erupted from his little sister's wand. His eyes twinkled when he saw what it was and he laid a hand on his sister's shoulder and squeezed tightly as he smiled down at her.
But James took one look at the corporeal, shining Patronus, before laughing, long and hard, and then ran his fingers gently through the orange hair complete with black barrettes. Lily smiled at him and asked, with a smile in her voice, how he liked her Patronus.
He tucked her close, pressed a swift kiss to her forehead, and in a whisper that all could hear, said, "I'm proud of you…Tiger Lily."
And Lily beamed at him, before burrowing herself into his arms and leaning into Albus beside him.
Because only two people knew what her Patronus would be.
They were the two who knew her best and maybe, even the two who loved her best.
Because, more than anything, she had always been their Tiger Lily.
A/N: My prompt for this chapter was "patronus." Sorry for the late update! Also, a disclaimer. The nickname "Tiger Lily" is not mine. It came from keeptheotherone's story "Auror Take Two." I found it cute and remembered it for this drabble. Take a look at keeptheotherone's stories! They're all great. :)
Thought of the Day: What do you think Lily's Patronus would be? Or maybe even James's or Albus's? :) I'd love to know what you think! See you next time! :)