Chapter 2: Learning of a New World
Over the next few weeks, the two became good friends. Severus, or Sev, as Lily had begun to call him, told her all the wonderful things about being magical.
Perhaps her favorite thing was that when she turned eleven she would get to go to a school for witches and wizards called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Petunia frequently called Sev a liar and said Lily was being stupid for believing him and being friends with him. But Lily didn't care.
He told her of Azkaban, the wizard prison. This had given Lily nightmares for several days because she thought she could go to prison because of all the underage magic she'd been doing. But Sev explained that Azkaban was for really bad witches and wizards. The guards, the dementors, sounded really foul to Lily. She couldn't understand why witches and wizards would do bad stuff if they knew they going to be sent there. It had certainly scarred her for life.
For months Lily dreamed about getting her Hogwarts letter. She turned ten that January.
Only one more year… and then some, she'd thought to herself. Sev had told her that they'd probably get their letters around July.
One day they were talking again, about this topic. It was late October and the small forest behind Lily's house was beautiful, with all the leaves changing color and spiraling down to the ground.
"And will it really come by owl?" Lily asked Sev, as they sat against a large tree.
"Normally," Sev replied with a smile. "But you're Muggle-born, so someone from the school will have to come and explain to your parents."
Lily nodded. That made sense; her parents would probably think the letter a joke otherwise. Although it would explain her strange abilities. She'd made Tuney swear not to tell them about her still practicing magic (it gave her a little thrill to even think of it. Magic…) and they thought Sev was just a boy she'd become friends with.
Something about Sev's words worried her. "Does it make a difference, being Muggle-born?"
He seemed to hesitate, as he stared at her. "No, it doesn't make any difference," he said. Lily dismissed the hesitation as her imagination.
"Good." She said, relaxing against the tree.
"You've got loads of magic," said Severus. "I saw that. All the time is watching you . . ."
The hard wood of the tree was pressing into Lily's back so she scooted forward and stretched out on the ground next to him. "How are things at your house?" she asked.
She knew that because Severus's mother was a witch, and his father was a Muggle, it created tension at home. They argued a lot, and it made Sev upset. She could see why he'd had so much time to spy on her and realize she was a witch. She wouldn't want to be in a house where her parents argued all the time.
A little crease appeared between Sev's eyes. "Fine."
"They're not arguing anymore?" she asked hopefully.
"Oh yes, they're arguing," he absentmindedly began shredding the leaves around him. "But it won't be that long and I'll be gone."
Lily's heart ached for her friend. "Doesn't your dad like magic?"
"He doesn't like anything, much," Sev said sadly.
"Severus?"
A little smile twisted Sev's mouth when she said his name. "Yeah?"
"Tell me about the dementors again." She was always asking about the dementors. She never wanted to do anything that would cause her to meet them.
A few moments later, there was a rustling noise behind one of the trees. Petunia's head popped out.
"Tuney!" Lily cried. She wanted her sister to be a part of this, but Petunia continued to push her away. She wanted that closeness she had always had with her older sister, the closeness that her magic had seemingly pushed away. But beside her, Sev had jumped to his feet.
"Who's spying now?" he shouted. "What d'you want?"
Petunia was breathless and angry at being caught – Lily could see it in her eyes. "What is that you're wearing, anyway? Your mum's blouse?"
She pointed to Sev's shirt, which Lily thought looked just fine on him. He couldn't help his family's poorness. She felt her anger rise up in her, but pushed it down. She couldn't afford to get mad at Tuney. She would not endanger their relationship as sisters.
A loud crack brought her back to the present. A branch over Petunia's head had fallen. Lily screamed as the branch caught Petunia on the shoulder; she staggered backwards and burst into tears.
"Tuney!" She yelled. But Petunia was running away.
Lily rounded on Severus. "Did you make that happen?"
"No." He looked both defiant and scared.
"You did!" She was backing away from him. "You did! You hurt her!"
"No – no I didn't!"
Lily's bottom lip trembled, in anger and in sorrow. The lie didn't fool her. She didn't understand how the two most important people in her life could hate each other so much. With one last burning look at Sev, she turned and ran after Tuney.
Of course, she and Sev made up.
He told her more about the wizarding world. She learned that there was a sport played on brooms called Quidditch. It amused her to think of someone flying around on a broomstick throwing a big red ball through the air. She wanted to see a game played.
Finally, January rolled around and it was her birthday! Lily was finally 11. She had a small gathering of friends over, including Severus. He seemed uncomfortable with all her school friends, and Tuney didn't help. She ignored him completely, and he ended up leaving early. Later, she found his present on her bed. It was a small book, called Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, by Newt Scamander. There was a note attached to the front. It read:
Lily, I thought you'd appreciate this book seeing as it's about magical creatures. I hope you like it. Happy 11th Birthday! –Severus
Lily hugged the book to her chest. She would treasure it always. Then she sat down on her bed and began to read.
6 Months Later…
As Lily sat eating breakfast one morning in July, she heard rapid knocking on the door. She jumped up and ran down the hall hollering, "I'VE GOT IT!"
She flung open the door to see Severus, his normal pallid face bright red and his black hair sticking out in crazy directions, as if he'd gone out for a morning run.
"I GOT MY LETTER!" he shouted, throwing his arms around her. It took her a moment to realize what he meant.
"What? Let me see!" she shrieked.
"Can't . . . it's at home. I . . . came right away . . . to tell you . . . Someone will probably be coming . . . to bring you yours," he gasped out.
She was grinning at him like a maniac but she couldn't help it. "Oh Sev! This is amazing. I can't wait. Oh SEV!" She spun around and around happily, her red hair fanning around her, until she fell on her butt, dizzy.
"Lily," Severus laughed at her. He reached out a hand to help her up, but she yanked him down next to her. His thin face was the happiest she'd ever seen it. She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back.
"Lil?" Mrs. Evans poked her head out the front door. "Lily Evans! Get back in the house and eat your breakfast! And for heaven's sake, get dressed!" With a sigh, she went back into the house.
Lily looked down at herself.
"Oops," she giggled. "I'm still in my pajamas!"
Severus laughed with her, and they spent several more breathless moments sitting there. Then Lily stood up.
"I had better go in and get ready. I'll come get you as soon as I get my letter, okay?"
"I can't wait," Sev grinned at her. "I'd better get back too. See you later!"
"Okay!" she called back happily. "See ya!"
She returned inside and finished her breakfast quickly. Then she ran upstairs and brushed her teeth and flossed. She needed to make a good first impression on these wizards. She combed back her long red hair, and held it in place with her favorite purple headband. Then she went into her bedroom and dug around in her drawers until she found her matching purple dress. Then she went into her small closet and pulled out her nice black church shoes. She smiled at herself in the mirror, then stuck out her tongue. She went downstairs and sat primly on the couch, smoothing out the front of her dress.
"Well, well, well," her mother said, walking into the room. "What are we all dressed up for?"
"Nothing," said Lily, a small smile crossing her face.
"Okay," Mrs. Evans replied, smiling back. "Well, if you want to let me know who's coming over, I'll be out in the garden."
Lily waited all morning. At noon, she went into the kitchen and carefully made and ate a sandwich. Then she resumed her spot on the couch, calmly staring at the front door.
At precisely three o'clock the doorbell rang. Lily sat up straighter, her eyes shining. Her mother opened the door and . . . her father walked in.
"Hello honey! Why are you home so early?" Mrs. Evans asked in surprise.
"It was the oddest thing," he replied, "They gave me the rest of the day off, paid. Said I've been doing a wonderful job and to keep it up."
"Wow, that's great news Dad!" Lily said with a smile, trying to hide her disappointment.
"Well! You look lovely today sweetie! Why are you all dressed up?" he asked with a smile.
"Well," she began, when the doorbell rang again. Since Mrs. Evans was still standing there, she opened it to admit a tall gentleman with a long white beard. Lily's heart began to race. This must be her wizard, with her letter. Oh, how she hoped this was him.
"Hello ma'am, is this the Evans household?" he asked.
"Why yes it is," Mrs. Evans replied with a smile. "How may we help you?"
"May I come in?"
"Of course!" Mrs. Evans opened the door wider. She gestured towards the sitting room. "Please, have a seat." He sat down on the couch across from Lily and her father. He was wearing a rather odd looking suit; it was dark orange and didn't seem to fit him quite right. His tie was green, and had little golden balls with wings on it. He was quite thin, and had long white hair as well as his beard. Perched on his nose were a pair of half-moon spectacles. Lily couldn't help but stare.
Mrs. Evans sat down on the other side of Lily. "How may we help you?" she repeated.
"You are Lily Evans?" the stranger asked Lily. Lily's heart nearly flew out of her chest. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.
"Yes, sir."
"And you know what you are, I suppose?" he queried, peering at her through his spectacles, a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.
"Um," again, she swallowed, "What do you mean sir?"
"Yes, what do you mean?" Mr. Evans asked.
"My dear child, don't pretend with me!" he laughed softly, but it wasn't mocking. She found that she liked him, as confusing as he was.
"Excuse me, but I don't believe you introduced yourself," Mrs. Evans interrupted.
"Oh! My sincerest apologies madam. I am, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the same school, in fact, that I would like to extend an offer of invitation to your daughter Lily." He smiled serenely at her dumbfounded parents.
"Witchcraft and Wizardry . . . So, our baby girl is a witch?" Mrs. Evans asked faintly. Lily looked at her mother's pale face and stood up.
"Excuse me, I'll just go fetch some drinks for them, Mr. er . . ." she trailed off, wondering what she should call him.
"Professor Dumbledore will do dear. Tea sounds like an excellent idea," he said.
Lily hurried into the kitchen and set some water to boiling on the stove.
"Who's here?" Tuney asked, walking in.
"A wizard from Hogwarts!" Lily replied excitedly.
"What?" Tuney's face fell and she turned and ran out of the room. Lily could hear her feet pounding up the stairs and thought she heard a muffled sob. Biting her lip at her own thoughtlessness she turned to go after her sister when the kettle began to whistle. Lily put then tea things onto a tray and brought it into the living room, setting it down on the small table between couches.
"Thank you, my dear," said Professor Dumbledore. Her parents, as well, expressed their thanks. "Now down to business. Your daughter is a witch. This is not a hoax. Twice today, I have had people laughing in my face when I told them their son or daughter was magical."
"You mean there are other Muggle-born's my age?" Lily interrupted with a gasp. Her father shot her a look. "Oh sorry," she quickly apologized.
"It's quite all right," Professor Dumbledore looked amused.
"I believe you," Mrs. Evans said.
"Me too," said Mr. Evans.
Lily met her parent's gazes with a shocked one of her own.
"There's always been something . . . different about Lily. And when she began to make things move without touching them, well, we suspected," Mrs. Evans smiled.
"Good, good," Professor Dumbledore murmured. It was as if he already knew everything that was being said. Lily decided to try and surprise him.
"I've met another wizard boy," she chimed in.
Her parent's exchanged a startled glance. "Who?"
She looked right into Professor Dumbledore's eyes. "Severus Snape."
He stared right back, the amused twinkle back in his eye. "Yes, Severus is your age and lives down on Spinner's End, does he not?"
She nodded haughtily.
"Severus? A wizard? I never guessed that," Mr. Evans admitted with a rueful laugh. "What about Petunia?"
"Ah, yes. The sister." At this, Professor Dumbledore looked almost sad. "She is a Muggle, just like her parents. A non-magical person," he added, seeing the Evans' looks of confusion.
Lily didn't know what to say. Poor Tuney . . .
Professor Dumbledore clapped his hands. "How silly of me, I still haven't given you your letter!" With a flourish, he pulled out a yellowish envelope, addressed in green ink to Miss L. Evans, 42 Wingers Street, Cokeworth England. She held out a trembling hand for it.
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Miss Evans,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1.
Yours Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall,
Deputy Headmistress
Lily looked at her professor in awe. "It's real," she whispered. "It's really happening!"
"Yes my dear, it is," Professor Dumbledore smiled happily.
"So you have a deputy headmistress? Does she take over when you're sick? Or do you not get sick because you have potions and stuff?" Lily asked excitedly.
"Professor McGonagall is indeed my deputy headmistress. She is new this year, as headmistress and as head of Gryffindor house. This will be her 5th year teaching Transfiguration," he held up a hand as Lily opened her mouth again. "The time for questions is not now."
She nodded, abashed.
"Now! I believe we must get going!"
Lily was startled. "Where are we going?"
"To Diagon Alley. You have your booklist?" he nodded to the envelope in her hand. She pulled out a second sheet of parchment.
"Good, good."
"Wait- where are you taking her?" Mr. Evans cut in rather sharply.
"To get all of her magical supplies," Professor Dumbledore replied calmly. "Can you drive?"
"I – Yes," Mr. Evans responded.
"Then we must be off now if we are to catch the train. Unless you would both like to come?" he asked.
"So . . . is this like a wizard's shopping mall?" Mrs. Evans questioned.
"Precisely!" Professor Dumbledore sounded delighted.
"Then we'll both come, if you don't mind."
"Excellent. Miss Evans?"
"Let's go," Lily mustered a determined smile. Off to Diagon Alley, she thought. Wherever that is!
A/N: Okay, next chapter will be the last before Hogwarts. Maybe we'll even meet James on the train :O I'm not sure yet:) Reviews are, of course, much appreciated! Oh, and all of this belongs to J. K. Rowling. Some of it is directly taken from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: The Prince's Tale. None of it belongs to me! No matter how much I wish it did :)