A/N- Next Chapter, I promise we're at Hogwarts. I hope you like this, Sorry I haven't been updating as quick. Leave a review for requests or to tell me what you think. Thanks for reading, enjoy!
Lily stood in the small, cramped kitchen looking down at the pot full of John's dinner. She had the sleeve of paracetamol tablets in her hand. All she had to do was crumble them in, and then with the alcohol he would be out for the rest of the night and tomorrow. That was all it would take, and then she could go shopping and not have to face his wrath when she returned. Lily refused to chicken out. She would do this. She wouldn't let him stop her.
Lily awoke early and made herself presentable. She brushed her long, blonde, wavy hair and put on her least-tattered clothes - there wasn't much selection. The clothes from the charity shop were thin, worn and over-sized on her small frame but at least they covered the bruises. She took all the money she had which amounted to a, mere total of 3.27. Lily was really worried about how little money she had to buy all the school supplies. She took her acceptance letter which she'd hid behind the old TV and tiptoed past the passed out man. She was aware he was out cold, but didn't want to risk anything. She could only imagine what would happen if he awoke to find Lily trying to sneak out with that letter. Lily hoped he wouldn't even realize a day had passed when he woke up later on that night. It's not as if he was holding down a job that would miss hiss presence.
Lily silently made her way out the tiny terrace where she'd wait for this professor McGonagall. Lily most certainly did not want her going inside the house.
Lily was daydreaming about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, about the adventures she'd have and about how much fun she'd have practicing and learning magic. A very loud 'crack!' pulled her out of her imagination, and when her head snapped up a woman was standing there as if by magic. Well, it was magic really. The woman was quite old, she was clad in beautiful emerald robes and her dark hair was scraped back tightly into an intricate bun. She wore a stern look on her face, but her kind and respectful eyes were smiling.
"Lily Black?" The woman asked. Her voice was firm yet not unfriendly. Not exactly warm either, though.
"That's me," Lily replied brightly - full of excitement. She had been ever since she received her letter.
"My name's Professor McGonagall. I will guide you through Diagon Alley today where you will purchase you're school supplies. Do you have your letter with you?"
"Yeah," Lily flashed her letter to confirm.
"Are your parents or guardians in?" The professor questioned curiously.
Oh crap Lily thought. Think fast.
"Um, no, at work," Lily replied rather fluently for a lie made up on the spot.
"Hmm. Well, I'm afraid we'll have to apparate to the Leaky Cauldron today."
" 'Apparate?' What's that?"
To put it short, to apparate was to go from one place to another instantly while making yourself violently sick. Lily felt as though she was being forced through a tiny tube and shaken about violently. Never the less, when they arrived in a homey-looking pub, Lily ignored how ill she felt and refused to ruin this day by complaining. Lily took in her surroundings. The pub was mostly timber and looked lovely enough, but the people in it really caught her attention. There was a group of long nosed old women in large pointy hats playing a card game heatedly, two men at the bar downing some weird glowing drink and so many more interesting people. Lily was really fascinated. A small cough from the professor recaptured her attention. They began to walk out together through a door in the back. On their way, the bartender called out to them.
"Hey, Minnie"
"Hello, Tom" McGonagall replied with an actual smile.
As soon as they exited, Lily became very confused. There was a small space between the large door they had just exited from and a huge brick wall surrounding them. There was no fence, door or anything in the bricks. Lily looked up at McGonagall, wondering why she'd brought her there. McGonagall stepped forward and summoned a wand from her beautiful emerald robes. She then went on to tap several bricks in what seemed a precise order.
To Lily's total and utter amazement, the brick wall split and opened up to show a long street with many shops on either side of the pavement. This must be Diagon Alley Lily realised. The alley was very busy, with children and adults bustling about carrying bags full of school supplies. Lily looked on in awe at the wonderful scene before her.
It was all so wonderful - until Lily remembered about her money problem. She decided it was time to confess to the professor. Lily only hoped she'd still be allowed to attend Hogwarts.
"Umm, Professor?" Lily began nervously, "I don't really have much money at all. I know I should have told you sooner, but I didn't know if you'd still let me attend. I'm so sorry."
McGonagall only smiled slightly, yet it was a friendly smile that comforted Lily. "Don't worry, I've already been to Gringotts - that's the bank, dear - and withdrew enough for your school supplies. I set up your own vault while I was there, too." She didn't say where the money came from. It was actually from Hogwarts funds, although Lily had well more than enough in her family vault, McGonagall didn't wish for Lily nor she to set foot in there - god forbid. And so she changed the subject as they were walking so the blonde child would not question the money's origin.
"So, when is your birthday?"
"September 1st," the girl replied - although she didn't see the purpose of her having a birthday. Birthdays were supposed to be about celebration and that was something John certainly did not do on her birthday.
Her answer seemed to intrigue the professor, however. "hmm."
"Is there something wrong with that?" Lily asked concernedly at McGonagalls reply.
"No, not at all," the professor replied while making a note to ask Dumbledore when she got the chance before changing the subject once more. "Now, I think we should get your wand first. Here we are at Ollivanders. He'll sort you out while I go and get your equipment - things like your cauldron, that is, let's have your letter? Yes, I'll be here when your finished. You're not to go off alone. Off you go, now," she ushered the child into the dusty shop.
Lily wandered into the shop which was very dusty. Ollivanders, was that what Professor McGonagall said? Yes, that's it. The shop appeared empty however, when the young child scanned it. Until suddenly, an old, friendly man appeared as if out of nowhere. What is it with magical people appearing out of nowhere? Lily thought.
"Ahh, my child, come in, come in. I take it you're seeking a wand. What's your name, child?" Mr Ollivander asked.
"Lily Black"
"Ah," his face seemed to drop for a split-second before he composed himself. "I can see it now. Uncanny, really."
"Err, Wha-" But he cut her off.
"Now, what's your wand hand?" Do all magical people change the subject like crazy, too? Lily pondered before handing out her left hand to the man. Numerous tape measures came out of thin air and started measuring her in awkward places and Lily vaguely wondered what the distance between her belly button and toes had to do with anything. Once the tapes were finished, Ollivander disappeared again and when he re-emerged he was holding a long box. He summoned a wand from the box and handed it to Lily.
"7.5", Whippy, Willow, Dragon heartstring core - good for charms, those with this type often find themselves adept at Herbology, and is quite powerful"
Numerous wands and several destroyed items belonging to Ollivander later - the shop keeper emerged from behind a shelf with a wide grin on his face.
"Don't worry about the mess, dear. You see, the wand chooses the wizard - or witch in your case. You have no idea how many explosions happen in here every day. Here, try this." Ollivander said in a friendly tone, handing her the 7th wand. "It's 10.5" in total. Hornbeam body with Sequoia handle - a sturdy wand, dear. Chimera Scale Fragment and Phoenix tail feather blended core. Very unusual - in fact it's the rarest wand I've ever sold. Very powerful, especially for a child. Good for Defense Against The Dark Arts, Transfiguration and Charms. I'm afraid it's said that most most witches and wizards with this kind of core aren't much use at potions. Go on, give it a swish."
Immediately, an indescribable warmth spread up my left arm and wonderful gold sparks emerged from it's tips. I looked on in awe. I can't believe I'm doing this.
"Great, child. That will be 7 Galleons."
Lily really had no clue what Galleons were. She assumed it was wizard money but she didn't know anything about wizard money. She just handed him the exact coins that the professor had given her.
"Is this enough?" Lily asked handing him the money, scared she'd just embarrassed herself.
"That's it exactly," Ollivander told her while boxing her wand and handing it over. "Goodbye, dear."
"Bye, Mr. Ollivander."
Lily had had a wonderful day, and was disappointed that it was coming to a close. The child had learned all about wizard money too, from McGonagall. She had everything on the list, except a pet - but that wasn't really necessary and she didn't like to ask. Everything that was compulsory she had, except her robes that is.
"There is Madam Malkins over there. I'll be waiting for you just outside, I just need to run into a shop first. On you go, I'll take your bags for you."
Just as she was about to push the door open, someone behind it pulled. Lily, being the clumsy girl she was, fell right into them. They managed to steady her and when their eyes met, realization and shock flashed on both their faces.
"Lil!"
"Harry!"
"What happened?"
"I moved school. It was a last minute thing, I so wanted to say goodbye, Harry, I really did. I'm so sorry. How were the other kids after I left? I left you all alone, Harry. I'm so sorry. Are the Dursleys still as Dursley-ish? I'm so sor-" Harry cut off her blabbering, "Don't worry, Lils'. And yes, they're still as persnickety, irritating and Dursley-ish. How's your new scho-," then he cut himself off. "Hey! If you're here then ... are you going to Hogwarts too?"
"Yes! Oh Harry I'm so happy I've found you again. Although I don't really know anything about magic to be going to a school that teaches it..."
"I don't know a thing either. Hagrid, see that giant man over there?" Harry gestured for Lily to turn around and she spotted him right away. "That's him, he's so nice. And really funny too. He turned Dudley into a pig." Harry paused to allow Lily's outburst of laughter. "Lil, I'm sorry. I have to go get Hagrid - he's waiting for me."
"That's fine, I need to go get my robes anyway. Don't think you're going to get rid of me that easy now we're both attending the same school again - we're going to catch up once term begins. As soon as term begins - September 1st."
"I have so much to tell you too, Lil," Harry continued to use his old nickname for Lily. It was fitting too, considering her small height and tiny frame. "Well, I'll see you later. Bye!"
"Bye, Harry!"
Lily walked into the shop with a huge grin on her face.
How had she ended up getting measured next to such an annoying, arrogant boy? He had been prattling on about house groups, quidditch and wizard blood for a full 10 minutes. None of these things did Lily have a clue about, yet she was certain that his attitude absolutely stunk. What was his name again, Dracula Malfunction? Drab Monkey? Drone Malfunction? Draco Malfoy - that was it.
Lily was relieved when he eventually left, and ended up having a very pleasant conversation with the seamstress measuring her. She tried not to wince too much whenever she accidentally touched a particularly sore bruise or abrasion.
When Lily exited her shop after counting up the money and paying all by herself, Professor McGonagall was waiting outside for her.
"I know your birthday is a good month or so away, but I couldn't resist getting you this gift. It reminded me of yourself - it's beautiful eyes, I think. That's what "Neena" means in Hindi - "pretty eyes". Perhaps you're beautiful eyes is why you received that name." The professor stopped herself there, not wanting to further instigate thoughts of the child's parents, although she didn't understand how they could have named her. She didn't even understand how they could of even had her in the first place. But that thought is not for today, McGonagall thought, handing over the cage to Lily.
The iron cage contained a beautiful owl. All of its feathers were as black as coal and shined beautifully in the light. It was rather small for most owls, yet not tiny. In fact, it looked quite powerful. The most captivating thing about the elegant bird was not its size nor it's glossy feathers - but it's eyes. They were the most brilliant shade of bright, deep orange. They were absolutely captivatingly beautiful.
"Are you serious?" The small child asked in awe. The word "serious", however, had connotations that the professor did not wish to think of at that moment.
"Of course. Don't be silly, child."
"Thank you so much! I don't know what to say..."
"Thank you has sufficed," McGonagall told Lily with a small yet sincere smile.
Another lie. They seemed to slip out too easy for Lily's liking.
Her father was still at work, but wouldn't be long home. He often got held up at his work. What work? Oh, he's an, uh, Sales Assistant. Yeah, he worked really hard to provide for her. Oh no, not that they were poor or anything. She'd never gone without at all.
She was glad when McGonagall left after Lily thanked her numerous time. Lily also learned that on September 1st she had to be at King's Cross Station on Platform 11 & 3/4 by 11 O'clock to catch the train to Hogwarts. She couldn't wait - to learn magic, to get away from John, to see Harry again - for the whole experience.
All Lily had to do now was stash her new supplies in the old shed in the tiny back garden. It was terribly old, creaky, dusty and mostly empty apart from old tools and spiders. Lily wasn't necessarily scared of spiders - they were a regular occurrence in the messy terrace - but she disliked them a lot none the less. At least she was certain nobody ever went in there. She decided that she would leave the door slightly ajar to allow her owl which she had named Sienna, meaning orange-red (Professor McGonagall had participated and helped in her deliberation), out to hunt and explore. She would also give it any food she possibly could sneak.
Opening the old and creaky door, Lily nearly choked with all the dust that seemed to fly everywhere at the slight disturbance. She firstly put her biggest things in to begin with. The young girl worked as quickly and efficiently as she could to ensure she spent no longer than was necessary in the horrible and stuffy shed. The heavy trunk was only half full with school supplies and it wasn't as if she had many personal belongings to fill it fully - just as well, probably, she'd have difficulty heaving it about as it was. The cage with Sienna in it lay on top of stable pile. Petting the graceful bird once more, she closed the door to the shed only slightly so no-one could see in but that Sienna could get out if she wanted too. Lily then placed a large rock down to secure the opening.
The honey-blonde child then returned to the terrace, thinking on how to complete her mission - Escape to Hogwarts.
