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Lily climbed out of her carriage and made her way into the castle. Instead of following the others into the Great Hall, she went up to the fifth floor to the Hospital Wing.

"Ms. Evans! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be down in the Great Hall for the sorting?" asked an agitated Madame Prose.

"I have a friend on her way up here. She got knocked out on the train," Lily said honestly.

"That doesn't exactly explain why you're here, does it?" stated the older woman, lifting an eyebrow.

"Well… I need your help. I got kind of banged up on the train ride," Lily said, partly honest.

"Well, let me see then," said Madame Prose, bustling over to Lily. Lily lifted her sleeves.

"Oh my," gasped Madame Prose, "Lily, are you sure this was just on the train?"

Lily's heart skipped a beat. "Yes," she said firmly.

"Mhmm," said Madame Prose, disbelievingly, but proceeded without question.

"Follow me," she said, heading behind a screen to a medicine cabinet. Lily followed, glad she wasn't asking further questions. The nurse turned back and examined Lily further.

"These go up pretty far. I'm going to have to ask you to take off your shirt, please," she said.

This was the only thing heard by Sirius Black and James Potter as they entered the Hospital Wing. They shot each other hopeful glances, grinning impishly.

"Umm… Madame Prose?" James said, trying to stop himself from laughing.

Behind the curtain, Lily froze. She knew that voice. She whispered desperately to Madame Prose, "Its James. He's here with Dion. Please don't tell him I'm here!" Madame Prose nodded comfortingly, before bustling out to meet the boys.

"What can I do for you?" Madame Prose said, agitated.

"Dion, here, got knocked out on the train ride," Sirius piped up.

"And her hand's broken, I'm pretty sure," James added.

"Well, set her here," Madame Prose said, motioning for the bed closest to them. They obeyed.

"Ennervate," she said seriously. Dion's eyes flickered open.

"How do you feel, Ms. Lyons?" Madame Prose asked gently.

"My hand hurts, so does my head," Dion answered weakly.

"Take this," Madame Prose said, handing her a bottle of headache potion. Dion obeyed as Madame Prose healed her hand silently.

"You may go down to the feast if you wish," Madame Prose said lightly.

"Um... Madame Prose? Whose behind that curtain?" asked Sirius playfully.

"That is none of your business, Mr. Black," she snapped.

"Have you seen Lily? I haven't seen her since she was at the station," asked James, changing the subject.

"No, I have not," Madame Prose lied as she ushered them out the doors, "Perhaps she is in the Great Hall already," She then turned around and proceeded back to Lily, who was waiting on her.

"Thank you," she said gratefully. Madame Prose just smiled.

"Now let me see," she said turning Lily round. She gasped as she saw her back. There were bruises all up her arms and down her back and sides. There were sparse cuts down her back and sides. There was also a deep gash on her right shoulder going down around her shoulder blade.

"How long has this been going on?" she asked, disgusted.

Lily didn't answer.

Madame Prose sighed. "Well, I think I'm going to have to keep you here overnight. Some of these are very bad," she said, getting a jar of thick yellow paste and rubbing it on her back and arms.

"Alright," Lily consented, knowing her friends would worry about her.

Most of the minor bruises cleared up quickly under the paste. Others were taking a bit longer. Madame Prose performed a spell on her cuts so that they closed up seamlessly. She then wrapped up her shoulder in bandages.

"Well, that's about all I can do for now," Madame Prose said, handing Lily a pair of pajamas.

"Thank you Madame Prose, really," Lily said slipping into the pajamas. Madame Prose smiled sweetly, "You're welcome, my dear," Lily slid into the hospital bed as Madame Prose took the screens down.

Lily listened to the sounds of the outdoors as she drifted off to sleep. She would wake up the next day and go about her life as normal, and no one had ever need know that she was in the Hospital Wing.

Down in the Great Hall, Lily's friends watched the Sorting distractedly.

"Did any of you see Lily come in?" Carrissa whispered urgently to the others. They all shook their heads anxiously. No one had seen Lily since the train station.

"I saw her head over to the horseless carriages, but that was the last I saw of her," James whispered back, concerned.

"She might be avoiding you, James," Sirius teased.

"Sirius, this isn't the moment for any of your stupid comments!" Dion said, hitting him in the back of the head. Sirius was about to express his indignation, but was cut off by Dumbledore standing up to make the usual announcements.

"Welcome students, old and new! I have only a few announcements to make before we begin our delectable feast," he began in his usual cheery tone, "To the first years… The Dark Forest is strictly forbidden, something some of our older students ought to remember as well," he said, eyeing the Marauders knowingly. They smiled back innocently.

"I also wish to announce that we have some changes made to our staffing this year. Professor McFedrew has decided to retire, however he will be replaced by an former pupil of ours, Professor Kettleburn!" there was a low applause for a shabby, aged looking wizard in patched robes.

"Also, as you all know of the tragic accident of last year's Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, he was, unfortunately, forced to leave," he eyed the Marauders once again, only this time it wasn't as friendly. They shifted guiltily as he continued, "But I am pleaed to announce that his post will be taken by Professor Mikhail!" a handsome, foreign looking wizard stood up bowing slightly to a storm of applause, mainly from the girls. The applause quieted as he sat down, allowing Professor Dumbledore to continue.

"Also, Mr. Filch has reminded me, yet again, that there are great deals of objects prohibited, that somehow find their way into Hogwarts each year anyhow. Such as Fanged Frisbees, Love Potions, and the like. A complete list is, as always, available next to Mr. Filch's office on the ground floor. But enough of that! Let us enjoy our excellent feast!" he completed happily, sitting down in his own chair ready to eat.

As if that was their cue, food suddenly appeared on the golden plates before them. Sirius and James dived for the turkey as if it were a race, and began playing tug-of-war, each trying to get it for themselves.

"My word!" cried Alanna, watching the two boys.

"Just ignore them. They do this every year," Remus informed calmly, seizing the mashed potatoes before him.

The twins just grabbed trays and bowls, and started dumping random foods on their plates. They proceed to grab food with their hands and shove them into their mouths.

"Boys," Jackie sighed rolling her eyes. The other girls nodded in agreement.

"Wa? Wer hungry!" Caleb said, sending food flying.

"I believe I just lost my appetite," Dion announced, holding her stomach, sickeningly.

"I agree," Carrissa said, joining her in gripping her stomach.

"Well, I'm starving. So there's no way I'm going to let a couple of guys ruin my dinner," Jackie declared, grasping for the chicken, before it, too, was taken captive by the brutes.

"HAHA! IN YOUR FACE JAMES!" Sirius shouted triumphantly, having at last secured the turkey. Everyone in the hall turned to look at him questiongly.

"What? I got the turkey!" Sirius announced to the inquiring looks from the hall. They all rolled their eyes, and returned to their suppers. James, looking resentful, turned to the duck and started piling his plate.

"I agree with Jackie. I'm too hungry to let them spoil my dinner," Alanna said reaching for the bowl of salad.

"Remus, are you the only one here that's civilized?" inquired Carrissa.

"At the start of term feast, yes. Any other time, it's only Sirius who's the pig… usually," Remus said casting his friends annoyed looks.

About halfway through desert, Dion decided to breach the subject of Lily again.

"Hey, James? Do you think she might be in the Hospital Wing?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Nah. Sirius asked Madame Prose who was in there and she wouldn't tell us. She would've told us if it was Lily. Besides, Lily wasn't even hurt that bad anyway. She didn't need the Hospital Wing," James informed between bites.

"Well, I guess you're right. But why would Madame Prose have told you if it was Lily in there?" Dion continued, confused.

"Because Madame Prose knows I'm familiar with Lily. If anything was wrong with her, she would tell me. Lily and I are friends," James said casually.

Jackie scoffed, "Friends, my aunt's fanny! Lily hates you, and the last person she would tell something to is you!"

"I dunno, Jack'. They seemed quite cozy today," Sirius said skeptically. Jackie threw him a murderous glare. Sirius was always messing with her, and she hated that stupid name he called her.

"Well it's not exactly like we wanted to spend the train ride with the lot of you! We didn't really have a choice of which compartment we fell in, you know!" Dion said irritably. James and Sirius just shrugged.

"Guys, why don't we quit worrying about it? She'll turn up. We need to stop thinking about it, or we'll jump to unreasonable conclusions. Then we'll all get frightened and nervous, and when she turns up she'll be irritated with all of the questions we'll ask her in our relief!" explained Alanna swiftly. They all stared at her with blank faces.

"Okay… Now explain that again for us please? Only this time, not the Daytona 500 version," Caleb said slowly. Everyone, excluding Alex and Carrissa, shot him a strange look.

"You know. Racing, NASCAR, ERL, any of that ring a bell?" he continued exasperated. They all shook their heads, but they got the picture. Racing.

"Basically, we all need to stop worrying, or things will definitely get bad," Alanna explained calmly.

"And they aren't already?" inquired Carrissa sarcastically.

"They'll get worse!" Alanna corrected with a huff.

"Alanna is right. Let's all just relax and let things play out. We'll reassess this problem tomorrow," Remus proposed. They all agreed to let it go until then.

They finished supper and headed up the Grand Staircase to Gryffindor Tower. Marching up to their seperate dormitories, they failed to say their goodbyes. The girls entered their room, half-expecting Lily to be in her bed.

They were disappointed, however, to enter an empty dormitory, where all of their things had been laid out by the house-elves, as usual. They all climbed into bed, and though they didn't voice it, they were all still worrying about Lily.

Lily awoke early the next morning, and, after getting approval from the nurse, she got dressed and headed down to breakfast. She wanted to get there early so she would be there when her friends arrived. It would make it easier to compose a cover story.

There were few people in the Great Hall this early. The ones that were there certainly weren't Gryffindors. Lily chose a seat half-way down the hall and sat down to enjoy her breakfast.

She looked around the hall at the few other occupants. There were two Ravenclaw fourth years, and one Slytherin sixth year. Lily didn't know either of the Ravenclaws, but she did recognize the dark, greasy haired Severus Snape. He was scrawny and pale, and disliked by many in the school.

Lily had tried to help him out of a tight spot with James and Sirius last year, but he just insulted her, saying that he didn't need help from a mudblood. James had tried to make him apologize, but Lily got mad at him too, for being a pompous, arrogant prat. She had then run back to the school, crying.

Lily distinctly remembered that occurrence, although many like that had happened in the past few years. In each case either James, Snape, or both were being pricks and she had run into the comfort of either her friends or her brothers, who would, in turn, take care of James.

Lily turned back to the food, and began fixing her plate. She got scrambled eggs and toast with some pumpkin juice, and, beginning to eat, she started to formulate a cover story for her being missing the previous night.

Not too long after, she saw Dion and Alanna entering the hall, gossiping intently. However, they didn't seem to notice Lily as they took their seats a little beyond hers. Lily just shook her head pityingly and returned to her meal, smiling lightly.

It didn't take too long, though, before they turned and realized Lily was there. A few seconds later, there was an outburst loud enough to wake the dead.

"LILY!" cried Dion, relieved.

"Where have you been!!?" shouted Alanna, trying to sound stern, but failing in her relief.

The entire hall, not that there was much, turned to observe the episode with looks of confusion, interest, or, in Snape's case, annoyance.

" Hey! I'm fine! I'll explain everything when everyone gets here all right?" Lily proclaimed, not wanting to have to repeat her story, and possibly change it accidentally.

She waited until Jackie and Carrissa arrived, still half-asleep, to begin her account.

"On my way here last night, we hit a bump in the road and I fell out of the carriage and bumped my head. It wasn't very bad, but Madame Prose wanted me to stay overnight to make sure there wasn't any extensive damage," Lily shammed, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you all, but I went straight to Madame Prose and I wasn't allowed to leave,"

"I had to go to the Hospital Wing, too. I didn't see you there. Were you behind the screen?" Dion asked suspiciously.

"Um, yes. I was changing into my pajamas," Lily lied quickly. The others seemed convinced and Lily let go a breath she didn't know she was holding. Who knew she could be such a good fibber?

Moments later, Remus Lupin and James Potter entered the Great Hall. Remus was chatting animatedly with James, who looked rather drowsy. James looked up as he entered the hall, trying to find the perfect seat. It took him a minute, but he soon saw Lily sitting with her friends. He ran over to her and hugged her in relief.

"Lily Evans! Where have you been?!" he asked, also trying to sound stern, but failing.

"I don't believe that's any of your business, Potter. Now if you will excuse me, I would be greatly pleased if you would let go of me," Lily said curtly. James looked offended, but said nothing as he let her go. She turned back to her friends, ignoring James.

"Don't worry, mate. She's just telling you that nothing's changed between you two," Remus informed, amused, though he did think her behavior was a bit uncalled for.

"That much is obvious. Why does she have to be so rude about it?" James asked quizzically.

"It's the same way she acted last year. She's not rude, just annoyed," Remus explained.

"Remus, how do you know so much about girls and their behaviors?" James questioned, bemused.

"I pay attention, Prongs. A skill you and Sirius lack greatly," laughed Remus, "But I don't know all that much about girls. They're too complex. I just know the obvious things. Things you don't notice because you're too busy drooling over them to listen!"

"Right. If you say so, Mooney," James said skeptically. Remus just shrugged, and turned to his meal.

"Lily, why are you so rude to him?" Alanna asked incredulously.

"I'm not being rude. It's the same way I've always acted towards him," Lily replied.

"Yeah, rude," said Carrissa honestly.

"Well, you can make conversation with him if you like. I'm not going to," Lily said stubbornly.

"You know what? I think I might," Alanna said with a huff. She got up and moved over to sit across from James and Remus. Lily shrugged and continued her meal.

"Hey guys! Sorry about Lily over there. She's just grouchy this morning," Alanna explained coolly.

"It's alright, Alanna. No need to apologize," Remus stated kindly.

"Yeah, it's not your fault she's a grouch," James said loudly, glancing over at Lily. Remus rolled his eyes.

"So, did you two have good summers?" she asked cheerfully.

"Pleasant enough," answered Remus.

"It was alright," James replied.

"Mine was fine, too. But oh! You should here about Lily's!" she exclaimed suddenly, "But of course, she won't tell you. So I suppose I ought to," The boys looked at her with raised eyebrows. She was quite gossipy this morning.

"Well, Lily was so busy this summer she didn't even have time to write! So, she told us on the train what happened, because of course, we were hot and bothered about it. It turns out, that she had to go to France! She was there for a while, but she was busy shopping and site-seeing, so there was no time to write, because when you get home, you're obviously worn out. So then she goes back home and plans to write to us, but her stepfather got promoted!" Alanna went on. The boys just nodded their heads, barely taking in a word she said.

"So obviously she had to clean the house for all of the dinner guests coming over and such. Then she had to go to….oh where was it!? Spain! Yes, she went to Spain to meet a co-worker of her stepfather's. By the time she got back home, she was so exhausted that she slept for two whole days! Poor dear. She barely made it to the train on time! Petunia was screaming about some lost shirt and woke her up in the nick of time!" she finished quickly.

"Has anyone ever told you, that you gossip worse than an old maid?" James inquired dumbfounded. Alanna blushed uncomfortably.

"No you don't. You just talk very fast and always have news!" Remus lied reassuringly.

"Thanks," she replied gratefully.

There was a loud BANG! And Sirius entered, giving himself a double door entrance. He practically danced down the table to where James was sitting. He seemed to have forgotten all about Lily being missing. Caleb and Alex followed, amused expressions on their faces.

"Hello Boys! Lady!" Sirius said jumping into his seat and digging in.

"Hey, Sirius! Had a good lie in?" James asked, not wanting to use his nickname in front of non-Marauders.

"Yes, I did! Thank you for asking!" he said brightly.

"You three have good summers?" Remus asked good-naturedly.

"The usual," Caleb said grabbing some bacon.

"Sitting at home, owling, hanging out, the like," Alex finished, stealing some of his brother's bacon, ignoring his indignant, "HEY!"

"I suppose you could say mine was good," Sirius said indifferently.

"What do you mean?" asked Alanna, eyes wide with interest.

"I finally had enough with my parents. I ran away," he continued, apathetic.

"Yeah! He came to my house!" James said laughing, "Gave my parents quite a scare, didn't you? Showing up in the middle of the night," He and Sirius cackled reminiscently.

"Why did you run away?" Alanna asked, confused.

All of the Marauders went silent, looking warily at Sirius, who had suddenly gone silent. He didn't like discussing his family. It was a touchy subject, one that caused him pain.

"Did I say something wrong?" Alanna asked worriedly.

"No, Alanna. You didn't do anything wrong," James said comfortingly.

"Let's just drop it, shall we?" Alex suggested quickly. Everyone nodded, desperete to change the subject.

"So… How did everyone do on their O.W.L.'s?" Caleb questioned.

They continued on that note until Sirius decided he wanted some toast. He got up to go look for it down the Gryffindor table, and on his way, spotted Lily. He forgot about the toast, opting, instead, to rush towards Lily, scooping her up in a relived hug.

"Lily! YOU'RE ALIVE!!" he shouted dramatically, holding on to her, "I was lost without you!"

"Black! Get off of me! I can't breathe!" Lily cried, thinking it was a good thing she had gotten mended last night, otherwise she would be in constant agony with all the hugging she was getting. Sirius let go reluctantly.

"What's gotten into you!?" she asked, glaring at him. Sirius looked affronted.

"Lily! The better question is what has gotten into you?!" shouted Dion angrily, getting up from her seat. Lily stared at her, dumbfounded. The hall, which had filled considerably, turned to watch the scene.

"Lily, all these people have done since last night is worry about you!" she cried, pointing at the other Marauders, "Now I can understand you being harsh with James, to a point, but only to a point. You are being very foul today, and I don't know what's up, but I know that whatever it is, I don't like it. You've been acting odd ever since we saw you on the platform. What happened to dear, sweet Lily Evans, the girl I used to know?" she said, nearly in tears.

With a hard sniff, Dion ran out of the hall without a second glance. Lily started to go after her, but halted when she felt a gentle hand pulling her down. Lily obeyed it and sat. Sirius got up sadly and walked back over to his friends, all of whom were staring at Lily with clear looks of irritation.

Lily felt guilty. She hadn't realized that she had been so foul. She turned to look at the owner of the hand. It was Carrissa. Lily gave her a guilty look, Carrissa responding with an understanding nod.

Two seconds later, Jackie noticed the hall still silently watching. Growling, she stood up and shouted, "HEY PEOPLE! NOTHING TO SEE HERE! THIS ISN'T A SOAP OPERA YOU KNOW! RETURN TO YOUR BREAKFASTS!" Everyone in the room jumped a bit and hurriedly returned to their meals, making quick conversation with whoever was nearest. Jackie scowled.

Lily shot her a grateful look. She was starting to feel like a fish in a bowl. Jackie returned her it with a smile. Something she only did for her friends.

"Dion's right you know," Carrissa stated truthfully. Lily nodded.

"I'm on your side Lily. I think you treated those pests exactly as they deserved," Jackie said, trying to comfort her friend.

"Thanks," Lily said half-heartedly. She was grateful for the support, but the fact that she was treating people the same way Jackie did wasn't exactly reassuring.

"Look Carrissa, I'm sorry-," she started sadly, but was cut off by Carrissa's hand flying up to stop her.

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to," she said pointedly. Lily smiled thankfully and got up, moving over to where the Marauders were sitting.

"Hey," she said nervously. They ignored her.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I hadn't realized how much of a jerk I was being. There's no excuse for it. All you were trying to do was help, and I was a prat. I'm sorry," she said, her face downcast.

Slowly, they turned to look at her, blank expressions on their faces. Then suddenly Sirius burst out laughing, scaring Lily half to death, and causing the others to join in. Sirius and the twins stood up and hugged her, and told her to have a seat, which she gladly accepted.

They were all still chuckling when James, on the other side of the table, stood up and raised his hand laughing in an 'It's alright manner', about to speak. Lily, however, recoiled instinctively, afraid of being hit. They all stopped hooting and stared at Lily.

"I was just going to say 'its fine'," James admittedly guiltily, putting his hand down slowly.

Lily opened her eyes to the awkward situation, and embarrassedly tried to make it seem like she was scratching her head. She stood up still slowly, giggling embarrassedly, and made a dash for the double doors. They all looked after her, clearly worried.

"Do you think we should go after her?" Caleb whispered to Alex.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Alex whispered back.

"Well, she is our sister,"

"Yeah, but this might be one of those girl things,"

"Nah, or else Alanna would be going after her,"

"Good point,"

"So what are we going to do?"

"We might as well,"

"Yeah, okay. Let's tell the others,"

"Hey, guys! We'll be right back," Alex announced to the Marauders and Alanna.

"Whatever," Sirius said through a mouthful of food.

"Can we see the map, James?" Caleb asked holding out his hand. James nodded, and pulled the parchment out from his robe pocket, handing it to them.

"Thanks," they called as they ran out of the hall.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Caleb said once they were alone in the Entrance Hall. "Where the heck is Lily?" he muttered.

"There! The Black Lake!" Alex pointed out excitedly, bounding off through the Great Oak Doors.

"Mischief Managed!" Caleb said, following his brother. They sprinted down the grounds towards lake. Lily was already sitting at the edge, her face buried in her hands.

"Lily! Lily, are you alright!?" they called down to her. She looked up in alarm, her eyes red and puffy. She had, obviously, been crying.

"Lily, what's wrong?" Alex asked softly, sitting down beside her. She buried her face once again.

"Nothing! Go Away!" she sobbed, her voice muffled. Caleb sat down on her other side, rubbing her back soothingly.

"Lily, what's the matter? What happened in the Great Hall?" he asked gently.

"Would you two please just go away!?" she bawled.

"Not until you tell us what happened," Alex said firmly.

"Nothing happened!" she said, getting up and wiping her eyes, "Now if you will excuse me, I need to go get my schedule," And with that, she walked off, leaving the two boys utterly perplexed. They just shrugged and followed her, needing to get theirs' as well.

"So, what's up?" Remus asked as the twins entered the hall, taking their seats.

"Dunno," Caleb stated, setting his head on his hands.

"She wouldn't tell us," Alex said, mimicking his twin.

"She wouldn't tell you? She always tells you," James stated looking up.

"She didn't this time," Caleb said simply.

"Wow. I wonder what's wrong?" Alanna questioned worriedly, glancing over at where Lily now sat with Jackie and Carrissa.

There was little time to contemplate, though, as Professor McGonagall was now sweeping down the row handing out schedules.

"Hello, Professor! You look ravishing today!" Sirius procalimed, as Professor McGonagall approached him. James and the twins rolled in the floor laughing.

"Don't press your luck, Black. It may be the first day, but I won't hesitate to put you in detention," she snarled, her lips as thin as a toothpick. Sirius just smiled and took his timetable.

"Today: Charms first before lunch, followed by double potions," he announced, consulting his agenda, "What about you guys?"

"Transfiguration, then Care of Magical Creatures and Arithmancy," Remus stated, looking at his own schedule.

"Transfiguration and double potions," James answered plainly.

"Care of Magical Creatures, Transfiguration, and Charms," Caleb said dully.

"Same," Alex said, raising his hand slightly.

"I've got Charms, Transfiguration, then Arithmancy," Alanna said happily.

"Why are you so happy?" Sirius asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Because I like all of these classes. Besides, I'm not alone in any of them," she replied with a grin.

"If you say so," he said shaking his head.

"Hey Lily, what classes do you have today?" Alanna said, getting up and moving down to her.

"Transfiguration, Care of Magical Creatures, and Arithmancy," Lily answered, looking down at her schedule.

"You have the same agenda as Remus!" Alanna informed, surprised.

"Wow, that's weird," Lily said, though she didn't look as shocked.

"What do you two have today, Carrissa, Jackie?" she asked.

"Care of Magical Creatures, and double potions," Jackie answered, not even bothering to look at her schedule.

"Charms, Transfiguration, and Arithmancy," Carrissa said looking at her agenda.

"You're with me today, Carrissa! Isn't that great?!" Alanna announced excitedly.

"I guess. What's got you so hyped today? You're usually so quiet and shy," Carrissa questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"It's just the first day. Tomorrow she'll be back to normal," Jackie grumbled as she grabbed her books and began to head out of the hall.

"See you two later," Lily waved, following Jackie's example of leaving.


So there it is. the edited version. If you can't tell the difference, that's okay. Just wait for the new chapter which I will post soon I promise! I just need to get started on chapter 4 so I won't be too far behind. If this is your first time reading, please review! If its not, please review! lol. see you in Chapter 3!