Chapter One:

Lily Potter sat up in bed on one sunny day towards the end of summer. Because it was summer, Lily only awoke before noon if it was to her benefit, which it rarely was. On that particular day it was completely to her benefit as she was to go shopping with her friends. Trent Cole and Jordie Southerland and her cousin Hugo Weasley - the three were very close and when her brothers weren't around they took over the role of Big Brother - had been her best friends for almost their entire lives. She met Trent when she was young, his father worked with Harry in the Arura Department. Jordie was Hugo's best friend practically from birth, he was always around so therefore Lily became close friends because she spent so much time with Hugo. Even when Jordie was sorted into Slytherin, Hugo into Ravenclaw and the other two were in Gryffindor they were still the best of friends and spent most of their time together. On this particular day they were going school shopping, for things that they knew they were going to need like; cloaks, new school robes and what not (they had not yet received their letters) for their last year of schooling.

As Lily crept out of her bed she shivered because the magically cooled air hit her exposed skin sending goose bumps up and down her body. Groggily, she walked down the creaky stairs of her home to the kitchen. Ginny Potter, Lily's mother, sat at the large kitchen table with a copy of the Daily Prophet. Ginny looked surprised to see her youngest child up at such an early hour. She looked at her daughter's appearance and was slightly shocked. Usually Lily came downstairs showered and dressed for the day. Today she stood in the doorway in a pair of boxer looking shorts and a tank top, there were no slippers or socks on her feet. Her elbow length wavy dark red hair was in knots and tangles down her back.

"Morning," Ginny stated happily, always the morning person. Lily responded with a grunt, she hated mornings much like her father. "Why are you up so early?" Again Lily responded with a grunt. It was times like this when Ginny wished her eldest son, James, was still at home. Somehow he was always able to get through to Lily in the morning. "Are you hungry?" Ginny asked her non-communicative daughter, even though she knew the answer to it. Lily was always hungry when she first wakes up, it could be ten to three in the morning and Lily would sneak down to the kitchen. It was completely beyond Ginny's imagination what her daughter did when woke up late at night at Hogworts. Then again she was her father's daughter in so many ways, she more than likely found a way.

Lily had gotten a bowl from the cupboard and was reaching for a box of cereal too far out of reach, being on the top shelf. Ginny sighed, she may have many of her father's mannerisms but she looked so very much like Ginny, down to the height of a little shorter than 5'3. Ginny flicked her wand and the box Lily had been reaching for floated down to the counter. Lily didn't say thank you but she waved to her mother as a way of showing her thanks and calling her a show-off.

Ginny watched her sixteen year old daughter over her paper. In a few days she'll be legal age, she'll be seventeen. Albus is nearly nineteen and James is in his twenties. Merlin I'm getting old, she thought. As Ginny was deep in thought about her age, Lily had moved to the kitchen sink. She was rinsing her bowl when there was a faint pop in the kitchen. Ginny squeaked in utter shock, Lily on the other hand ignored the noise.

As Lily turned to leave a shock of black hair caught her eye. "Harry James Potter! Why can't you use the door like a normal person?" Ginny asked almost calmly. "Because Sweet-Heart," Harry responded happily, "I'm not a normal person." Harry grinned at his wife, he had yet to see his daughter. When the floor boards creaked under Lily's weight did Harry notice her. "Morning Cupcake. Nice to see you up before noon." He smiled fondly at his youngest child.

"Morning Daddy," Lily said and hugged her father warmly. She then proceeded to leave the kitchen.

"Now how did you manage that? All I've been able to get out of her is grunts." Lily heard her mum complain as she climbed the staircase.

"I guess she just likes me better," Harry laughed. Lily smiled at her father's reasoning. It wasn't that she liked him best it was more that she was able to connect with him more than her mother.

In her room she found a grey owl sitting on her window sill. Pandora was her owl, which she hadn't seen in over a week. Lily sighed and moved across the room to her owl. By Pandora's feet was a small note. It read:

Lils,

What time are we suppose to meet? You see there was this raccoon and it made me forget the time. And can you believe it? The stupid thing ran off with my favourite pair of jeans. So do you think when we are done in Diagon Ally we can go shopping in Muggle London? I could use new socks as well. Well please tell me what time and I'll come and get you, sound good? Good.

Trent

Lily sighed at the note. Trent sure did have an imagination. She sat at her desk in the corner of her room and pulled out an ink well, a quill and a scrap piece of parchment. Tapping the quill against her chin lightly, Lily thought about what to tell her best friend.

Trent,

What is it you have done to the raccoons? They seem to have a vendetta against you. So it took your favourite pair of jeans huh? Are they the ones you think make your butt look good? That really must suck. But you need new socks? Well if that is the case then of course we can go shopping. We are suppose to meet Jordie and Hugo at the Leaky Cauldron at 10:30, that means a.m., I might add.

Lily

Lily gave Pandora her note and told her to take it to Trent. Pandora nipped at her fingers lightly and took off into the morning sun. Lily turned back to her room and saw that the time was 8:45, she had plenty of time. She grabbed her towel and house coat and headed towards the bathroom She had her hand on the door handle when her father's voice came up to her. "Lil, your Hogworts letter is here." She dropped her things in front of the bathroom door and rushed to the stairwell. She looked down the many stairs and then the shiny banister caught her eye.

In true Potter fashion, Lily decided taking the banister would be quicker and, lets face it, more fun. Lily's dark red hair flew out of her face and trailed behind her like a tail of a comet. She smiled at the speed, it was the closest thing she could find to flying a broom. It felt like no one could touch her. Then the ride was over as quick as it had started.

She nearly skipped into the kitchen, she felt so happy after her brief ride. Lily's smile grew when she saw her Hogworts letter on the table. Normally she wasn't this excited for her letter, but this year she was up for Head Girl and this letter would tell her if she had in-fact received that honour.

Lily ripped open the letter excitedly. Inside she found her letter and a list of school supplies she needed besides the ones she needed to replace. She need books for advanced potions and transfigurations, books for charms and astronomy and quite a few others. The list also went on to detail that students needed a cauldron, school robes, and blah blah blah. Lily bypassed the list of school supplies and went on to the letter from Headmistress LeFay.

Miss Potter,

As I am sure you are aware, you were a possibility for the position of Head Girl for this coming year at Hogworts.

Whatever, Lily thought impatiently. According the her father, LeFay could be as long-winded and as round about in talking as Dumbledore had been. I just want to know if I got it. That takes a whole sentence to say, two max.

Lily's parents watched her, amused by her actions. Not since her first year had Lily been so excited to get her letter. Her eyes skittered across the page as her hand repeatedly went through the tangled mess that was her hair.

"No way!" Lily basically screeched. "No way! I did it! I'm Head Girl!"

Ginny got up calmly to hug and congratulate her daughter. Harry reached for the letter that she was still holding. "I am very pleased to inform you that the vote to make you Head Girl was unanimous. You will find your badge in the envelop. On September 1 you will be expected to hold the first Prefects meeting with the Head Boy. Congratulations."

Lily stayed in the kitchen with her parents for the next half an hour to celebrate, in a way. Ginny suggested having a big family dinner that evening. Lily, barely even listening to what was being said, agreed happily. After all the excitement had died down Lily excused herself and moved away from her proud parents. Lily once again climbed the steep stairs back up to the washroom.

She let the water run a little so the water was nice and hot. She stepped into the steamy shower careful not to slip on the wet floor, again. As she worked her mango scented shampoo into her hair she let the pulsing water work out the kinks in her back. While working the shampoo into a rich lather, Lily thought about all the fun she will have as Head Girl. With her own dorm, and basically a free pass…

At ten to ten Lily sat in her room finishing drying her hair with a muggle blow dryer, because she wasn't of age yet she had to do things the long way. She barely heard the knock at her door over the blast of hot air in her ear. "Come in," she shouted. Whoever it was came in and sat on her bed waiting until she was done. A few minutes later Lily finally turned off the blow dryer and turned to her mirror. "Morning Trent," she said without looking at the seventeen year old who was laying sprawled out on her unkempt bed. Lily quickly drew her comb through her hair before twisting the strands into a braid which fell over her right shoulder.

She turned to see Trent laying there almost asleep. He wore faded blue jeans with a hole in the left knee and a simple dark blue polo shirt. His brown hair, which was in dire need of a cut, made his blue eyes seem all the more brilliant. Lily smiled lazily at her best friend. Just to be mean, Lily took in a deep breath and let out a piercing whist. To her delight, Trent practically jumped out of his skin and fell to the floor with a THUD. He grumbled about something that was somewhere along the lines of "I hate my friends." He got up slowly from his spot on the floor. When he was standing up straight, Trent was almost an entire foot taller that her, standing at 6'2. Lily, who was still laughing at Trent, was picked up and spun around in a bear hug. When Trent finally put her down he appraised what she looked like. "Jeez kid, I didn't think it possible but I am pretty sure you got smaller since the last time I saw you," Trent observed.

Lily glowered at her friend. "Who are you calling kid? I am seventeen in five days." Lily told him smugly, "Anyway, how would you know if I have shrunk or not? Ever since you got your apparation license you've been over here all the time." Trent laughed at her logic, which was completely true.

He held Lily out at arms length and appraised her as an older brother would. She wore a white scoop neck t-shirt with a black vest, which showed off her hour-glass shape. Her boot cut jeans made her look taller than she really was. Her dark red hair seemed more red than usual when placed against her darker clothing. With her hair pulled away from her face her lovely green eyes and ivory skin was showed off nicely. When looked at closely you could even see a light splatter of freckles across her face. She wore no makeup on her face, as usual. Trent turned away from her content that she looked decent. He saw the clock out of the corner of his eyes. 10:15 a.m. Lily also caught sight of the clock. Before Trent could turn around Lily was already in the hall heading towards the stairs. Trent's long legs carried him quickly to his friend. She stood at the top of the stairs waiting for him. Lily turned to her friend smiling. "Race you?" Trent nodded eagerly. "No apparting, got it?" Again he nodded certain Lily would lose. "On your mark, get set… Go!" Trent was off quick as a shot, Lily watched him with a smile.

When he turned back to see where she was he was surprised that he didn't see her running after him. He heard her laugh and turned to see her sliding down the gleaming wood banister. Before he knew it Lily was at the bottom of the stairs and the race was over. He had lost. Trent grumbled about losing and Lily laughed at his reaction. "You cheated," he accused hotly.

"I did not," Lily defended. "If you care to remember, the only rule made was no apparting. Obviously I didn't. Besides, I'm surprised that you didn't think of it too." Trent grumbled once again because sliding down the banister like they did as kids had never occurred to him. "Come on we're going to be late." Lily walked to the door and slipped on her black and sliver flats. "I'm leaving, be home later," she called to no one in particular. There was no answer as she and Trent left the house.

She stood on the door step and looked out at the world. It was a warm and sunny day, but Lily could feel the threat of rain in the air. She looked at Trent, he wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulder. There was a slight pop and the strange sensation being pulled and stretched in all different directions and being sucked through a vacuum all at once. Then just as quickly as it had begun the sensation stopped with another slight pop. Lily felt a little disconnected and out of sorts as she normally did after side-along appartation. She took a deep breath to make sure she still could and to see if her lungs were permanently squished.

Trent waited patiently while Lily regained her bearings. When she was ready they walked two blocks from the apparting point to the Leaky Cauldron. They entered as the clock struck 10:30. Tom, the old bartender, stood behind the counter like he always did. Lily often wondered just how old this man was as everyone seemed to know him from way back when. Sitting at the counter on a low stool sat a tall boy with shaggy gold-blonde hair that fell into his eyes. Next to him sat a gangly looking boy with hair the colour of fire, with just a little curl to it.

Jordie turned his dreamy dark brown eyes on the two who approached him slowly. He wore a dark green button up shirt and black jeans, he always dressed meticulously. His hair gleamed in the little light of the room. He glared impatiently at the two, as if saying "took you long enough." Hugo had just turned around after shoving the rest of his food into his mouth, Lily just shook her head at him.

"We weren't late. We came in at ten thirty exactly," Trent said defensively.

"I wasn't going to say that." Lily raised an eyebrow obviously she didn't believe what she had just been told. "Really. I wasn't. I was going to say can we go? Apparently I have to be home for some stupid luncheon Father has planned. Apparently this stupid thing will open the doors he wants open for me. " Lily laughed. Jordie was always different, different from other Slytherin families, which basically means he resented the way his family treated him. Like an object used to gain social standing not like a person and son. Even though Jordie resented his family, he did as he was told until the day he was out of school and could finally do what he wanted. At school Jordie was a different person because he didn't have to worry about honouring his family and doing what his father told him to do, at school he was just another normal kid.

Jordie got up from his stool and made his way to the back to the small brick wall which was the entrance to Diagon Ally. Lily, Hugo and Trent followed their friend with a wave to Tom. They caught up with him as the wall gave way to the hustle and bustle of the wizarding world. Jordie walked quickly and with a purpose towards the centre of Diagon Ally. Both Trent and Lily walked more slowly and tried not to laugh at their friend's obvious attempts to look important, while Hugo tried not to look bored.

When all were together again they made a game plan, to say the least. Because they were taking different classes (Lily-mostly advanced seventh year classes; Trent- the regular N.E.W.T classes; Hugo- the minimal amount needed to graduate; and Jordie was taking a mix of everything) they decided they would split up and get what they need and then meet up for lunch. So they went their separate way to retrieve specific supplies.

Lily pulled out her list to see where she should go first. She looked over it carefully and thought that books would take the most time. She checked the time, it was now going on to eleven. She walked to Flourish and Bolts to find the store full of books and very few people inside. Ah heaven, Lily thought happily. There is nothing like an empty-or near empty- book store.

Lily roamed the shelves looking for Advanced Potions Making and A Guide to Rare Potion Ingredients and Where to Find Them, the two texts that she'll need for Transfigurations: Advance Transfigurations and Transfigurations in the Modern Wizarding World. Seeing that book on her list made Lily rather excited. This was the reason she was taking Transfigurations- in the seventh year advanced class practical uses were put into place and studied more closely than in years passed. And potions was just fun, there were so many things you could do with potions. Astronomy is always interesting and the centaur Frenze made it fun too, having to stay up late was always hard but she thought it was worth it. Lily searched for the charts and books she needed for that class as well. Within the next half an hour Lily had found all her text and charts that she needed.

Lily stayed in the academic section for a while longer grabbing a bunch of parchment, ink wells, and some new quills. When the bases were covered Lily moved on to the fictional books, she needed something to do between classes and homework. She spent another ten minutes looking for a few non-educational books. After paying a fair bit of money, Lily walked away with three heavy bags full of books. She stopped just outside of the shop, to once again look at her list, now she need ingredients for potions and she remembered her cauldron was in need of a replacement.

As she bent down to retrieve her heavy bags she had placed around her feet she heard a female shouting at another. The voice was angry not scared nor excited. Lily listened from afar trying to find out who and why she was angry. The person had a high pitched voice and when angered it became very shrill. Lily recognized the voice but couldn't put a face to it. As she listened to the female screech at whomever she was yelling at, Lily gathered enough information to realize that she must be angry at a relative it seemed to be a family matter.

Thinking that the argument was none of her business, Lily again moved to retrieve her belongings from the dirty ground. As she heaved the heavy bags another voice made her stop all of her actions. It was a low, very masculine voice. The voice was calm but you could hear the underlying anger. That voice she knew. As she heard the voice she saw the honey blonde hair and blue-grey eyes. That low, eerily calm voice belonged to Malfoy. That angry female had to be his twin sister, she was the only one who dared to talk to him like that, after all he was Slytherin Royalty.

Lily grabbed her things and moved towards the Apothecary, she didn't want to get involved in Malfoy family drama. Little did she know, she was now heading straight into the line of fire.

"You, little brother, are a disgrace to the Malfoy name," Priscilla Malfoy screeched. Unlike her brother who had dark honey blonde hair and blue grey eyes, Priscilla had the trademark white blonde hair but she had hard brown eyes.. "You may be smart, but you have done nothing to honour our family."

"Priscilla, you are causing a scene, stop it," the youngest of the three Malfoys said forcefully. Lily took a step back from the two with a quite gasp. Her hearing must have been off, she could have sworn they were in the other direction.

Lily's presence did not go unnoticed, both Priscilla and Cassie Willows, Lucas Malfoy's best friend, turned to stare at her. Priscilla turned away, she could care less that she was there. Cassie on the other hand continued to laugh at the scene in front of her. Willows always found other people's anguish, humiliation and pain funny; even her best friend's. She was a true Slytherin, through and through. Willows sauntered over to the shocked Lily.

"Lils, I'll fill you in on what's happening. That way I'll have someone to laugh with me." Lily's expression turned from shocked to horrified, which made Cassie laugh all the harder. "Relax Potter, I have no real grudge against you, except that you are a Gryfindork. Really I've heard about the things you have done throughout the past few years, I am utterly shocked that you were not put into Slytherin with me. We could have had so many great schemes, oh well."

"Willows, were you hit on the head over the summer? I mean that could be the only reason why one of Malfoy's goonies would take an interest in me. I'll have you know that I do not scheme, I plan and execute shenanigans."

Cassie Willows ignored the comment made against her. Instead she went on, in detail, about the argument that unfolded in front of them. "Basically it all revolves around how Lucas is Head Boy and won't do what his father wants him to," Willows finished.

"What?" Lily asked rhetorically. "That prick is Head Boy?"

"Hey, you don't even know the guy," Cassie replied casually. "He's really not all that bad."

"Not that bad? His family has done nothing but torment my family for year, going back to my grandfather and possibly even beyond that! I find it hard to believe that after all theses years the Malfoy's have finally spawned a descent human."

"You see Lucas, even Potter can't believe you're Head Boy," Priscilla commented.

"There is no way in hell I'm spending the rest of the year with him. And I will not share a living space with that son-of-a-ferret."

Lily turned to leave but was stopped by Priscilla ugly voice. "Just a minute Potter, I'm not done with you." Lily turned to face the female Malfoy. Confidence surrounded her and impatience clear in her green eyes. "How could they pick you over me? I mean I'm better than you at everything, and I'll prove it." Priscilla pulled out her wand from her cloak. Lily raised an eyebrow in disapproval. "What's wrong Potter? Oh that's right, you can't use magic outside of school. This will be easier than I thought." Priscilla turned to her brother, "Watch dear brother, this is why father favours me." Again she turned to Lily, her wand raised. "I won't show you mercy you filthy half-blood."

Lily's eyes glowed with anger, but she didn't move. Lucas stepped towards his sister. "Don't you dare Ferret," she warned him. "The war has been over for nearly thirty years, let it go," Lily told Priscilla coolly. Priscilla moved forward and aimed her wand at Lily's body. "I can't believe you would draw your wand at a defenceless witch, not very classy." Lily moved towards her opponent slowly but with confidence.

When Lily stood in front of her, she whispered. "Do you really want to know why they chose me?" Priscilla took a deep breath to cast a curse, but before she could Lily's fist connected with her nose. There was a sickening crunching sound as cartilage broke. Priscilla fell to the ground in pain holding her now broken nose. Lily knelt down so she could look into Priscilla's watery eyes. "Because Prissy, dear, I don't rely on my magic to do everything for me." Lily stood and went to collect her books she had left a few meters away.

As Lily Potter walked in the direction of the Apothecary once again two sets of eyes followed. "I see what you mean," one said to the other who simply nodded and watched the red headed witch walk away.