Chapter 3: New Friends

A/N: Well, here's the third chapter. Please feel free to leave me some feedback. I'd love to hear from you about whether you like the story or not. Don't be shy. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: Any characters you recognize in this story are property of J.K Rowling. I own any characters you don't know.

The first thing Lily heard when she woke up was her mother coming upstairs to wake them up. Lily knew that James would be the hardest to wake up since he liked to sleep in. Sure enough, Ginny was insisting that James wake up, or she would take away his broom. After James assured her he was up, she moved on to Albus, who got up as soon as she poked her head in the door.

Lily got out of bed just before her mother knocked on her door. "I'm up, Mum!" she called to her.

"All right, dear!" Ginny called back. "Hurry downstairs when you get ready! I want us to be there early."

After Lily got ready, she went downstairs to eat a quick breakfast of toast and bacon. Her brothers and the twins were also eating breakfast at a fast pace. Once Lily was done eating, she went back upstairs to make sure she had everything she needed then came back down with her trunk and Minerva's cage so she'd be ready to go.

"Well, Lily, today's your first day of school," Harry told her, giving her a squeeze. "Are you nervous?"

"Just a bit," Lily replied. "Were you nervous on your first day, Dad?"

"Yeah, I was," Harry answered. "I didn't know what to expect when I got there. I was nervous about the Sorting because I didn't want to end up in Slytherin because of its reputation for turning out Dark witches and wizards. It was the House Voldemort had been in, and I didn't want to be associated with him."

"I can understand that," Lily replied. "He was your enemy, and you didn't want to be like he was. I'd feel the same way if it was me."

"Well, the good thing is that you don't have to worry about any of that," Harry said. "You'll have a very peaceful year with no threat of attack."

"Now, Dad, I don't want my year to be completely dull," Lily laughed. "I'd like at least a little excitement like you had."

Harry chuckled at her remark. "I wouldn't call Voldemort trying to kill me exciting," he said. "It was frightening more than anything."

"Dad, I didn't mean it like that," Lily said. "I just meant that I want some sort of adventure, not someone trying to kill me. Although the way James talks, he probably thinks Scorpius Malfoy would kill me. Was his father like that, Dad?"

"No, he didn't want to kill me," Harry replied. "He was just jealous I didn't join his little gang and became friends with your Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione. He couldn't even kill Dumbledore when he was ordered to, so I doubt he would've killed me. He was put under pressure by his father and Voldemort."

"Rose and Al like Scorpius," Lily reminded him. "If he was a mean person, I know Rose and Albus wouldn't be friends wit him. I'm going to give him a chance and see what he's like."

"That's a good idea, Lily," Harry told her. "No sense in being enemies when you can be friends."

They arrived at King's Cross Station in plenty of time, but Ron, Hermione, Rose, and Hugo weren't there yet. Lily wasn't nervous about getting into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters because she had done so twice. She smiled as she saw the Hogwarts Express getting ready to head off. She looked around and soon spotted her Uncle Ron, Aunt Hermione, and cousins Rose and Hugo.

"Hey, Lily," Rose said, giving her a hug. "I can't believe you're starting this year."

Lily pretended to look offended by her remark. "Did you think I wasn't good enough to come?" she teased.

Rose laughed. "No, of course not," she replied. "I just can't believe it's come so soon."

"Hi, Lily," Hugo said. "Are you nervous?"

"Just a bit," Lily told him. "You?"

"Yeah, I am," Hugo replied. "I'm nervous about what House I'll be put in. I don't want to be in Slytherin."

"Hugo, don't worry," Lily soothed. "If you are put in Slytherin you won't be alone. Al's there, too."

"Yeah, I forgot about that," Hugo replied. "Maybe it won't be so bad after all."

Hermione came and hugged her son and daughter. "Have a good term, you two," she said. 'And you have a good term, too, Lily."

"I will, Aunt Hermione," Lily promised.

Ron also said goodbye to them. "And don't forget, Hugo, you better be in Gryffindor," he said with a serious face. Hugo looked alarmed until Ron said, "Just joking, son. It doesn't matter to me where you end up."

"Ron, don't tease him like that!" chastised Hermione.

"It's all right, Mum," said Hugo. "I know he's just kidding."

After hugging Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione, Lily turned so she could hug her parents. Ginny promised to write her every day, but Lily said that once a week would be enough. She then turned to her father who had a look of both pride and sadness on his face.

"I'll see you at Christmas, Dad," she said giving him a big hug. It was hard because he was holding Sirius, but she managed it and also gave Sirius and Ariana, who was being held by Ginny, kisses and hugs.

"Have a good term, sweetheart," said Harry. "Don't forget that Hagrid will be having you for tea on Friday."

"Choo choo," said Sirius, pointing at the Hogwarts Express.

"Yes, Sirius, that's a train," said Lily. "When you turn eleven you'll be going on it, too."

Sirius giggled and grabbed some of Lily's hair until Harry admonished him to let go. It was as if he didn't want to part from his big sister.

Ariana also made her feelings known. "Lili, no go!" she cried.

Lily came over to her little sister. "Don't cry, Ari," she soothed. "I'll be back before you know it, and I'll write often."

Ariana didn't understand and continued to cry. Lily didn't want to leave her sister in such distress, but she had to. After one last kiss, Lily boarded the train with her brothers and cousins. As it headed out of the station, she leaned out of the window and waved to her family. All of them waved back until the train disappeared around the corner.

Rose and Albus went to sit with friends while James went to the prefects' carriage to get his instructions. Lily and Hugo went to find themselves a compartment. As Lily studied her cousin, she could tell he was still nervous about the Sorting. She tried to talk of other matters such as the feast and what classes they'd be taking. This cheered Hugo up, and he joined her in talking about what classes he was looking forward to.

Not long after this, two other students came by their compartment, looking for a place to sit. One was a sandy-haired boy, and the other was a dark-haired girl. Both looked uneasy when they realized they had interrupted a conversation.

"May we sit with you?" the girl asked them politely.

"Sure," Lily replied. "We don't mind."

The girl smiled as she and the boy took seats across from Lily and Hugo. Both appeared to be first years since they had an air of uncertainty as though they didn't know what to expect.

The boy spoke up. "I'm Kenneth Finnigan," he said. "Me dad used to go here. He said it's the best school there is."

"My dad said that, too," Lily told him. "I'm Lily Potter, and this is my cousin, Hugo Weasley."

Kenneth brightened. "Me dad was friends with your dad," he said. "He always talks about how brave Harry Potter was when he flattened Voldemort."

"My dad helped, too," Hugo insisted. He didn't want anyone to think that his dad wasn't as brave as his Uncle Harry.

"Yeah, he was brave, too," Kenneth said. "I heard he stuck with Harry the whole way. That took a lot of guts."

Hugo felt better after Kenneth said that and got into a conversation about Quidditch with him. This gave Lily a chance to get to know the dark-haired girl.

"What's your name?" she asked kindly.

"Miranda Newman," the girl replied. "I have two younger siblings named Teresa and Luis. Teresa's nine, and Luis is seven. How many siblings do you have?"

"Four," Lily answered. "James is in his fifth year, and Albus is in his third. I also have a twin brother and sister named Sirius and Ariana who are two. Hugo's sister Rose is in her third year as well."

"That's nice," Miranda said. "I really can't believe I'm going. It seems weird since my parents are Muggles. My father's a magistrate, and my mother's a librarian. What do your parents do?"

"My dad's head of the Auror Office," Lily replied. "That means he catches Dark wizards who do bad things. My mum works at the Daily Prophet as a sports columnist. That's our newspaper here. She writes about all the Quidditch teams, which is a sport in our world. I'll tell you about it later. Hugo's dad is also an Auror and Aunt Hermione works in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement."

"Interesting," Miranda said, giving both Lily and Hugo admiring looks. "So have you thought about what House you'll be in?"

Lily shook her head. "No, and it really doesn't matter," she said.

"I feel the same way you do," Miranda told her.

"Well, I hope I'm in Gryffindor," Kenneth said. "Me dad was in it, and he said it was a great House. I'd hate to be in Slytherin. That House has nothing but evil little gits in it."

"That's not true!" Lily snapped. "My brother's in Slytherin, and he's not evil at all."

Kenneth was taken aback by this piece of news. "Oh, sorry," he muttered. "I didn't know that. I'm sure your brother is nice."

In no time at all, the train stopped at Hogsmeade Station. The students put on their robes and filed out of the train. They were greeted by a voice saying, "Firs' years, this way. Firs' years, over here to me!" The voice belonged to Rubeus Hagrid, the Hogwarts gamekeeper and professor of Care of Magical Creatures. He smiled at Lily and Hugo as they came up to him.

"All righ', you two?" he asked them.

"We're fine, Hagrid," they said. He had visited their homes at least twice early in the summer.

They went down to the fleet of boats that would take them across the lake. Lily, Kenneth, Miranda, and Hugo got into a boat. As it glided across the lake, the four of them kept exclaiming how neat everything looked. Hogwarts Castle soon came into view, its windows twinkling with welcoming lights. As the boats touched land, everyone climbed out and followed Hagrid up to the oak front doors. Hagrid knocked loudly and waited for someone to open it.

When the door opened, the students saw a witch with light brown hair tied in a bun. "Yes?" she said.

"I've brought the first years, Professor Ellington," Hagrid said. Diana Ellington had taken over Transfiguration since Professor McGonagall was now Headmistress of Hogwarts.

"Thank you, Hagrid," Professor Ellington said. "I'll take them from here." Hagrid nodded and headed back into the Great Hal to make his way to the staff table.

Professor Ellington turned to the students. "Welcome to Hogwarts," she said. "Before you take your seats, you must be Sorted into your Houses. The four Houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. While you are in your House, any satisfactory work you do will earn your House points, while any unsatisfactory work will make you lose House points. At the end of the year, the House Cup is awarded to the House with the most points. I do hope that when you are chosen for a House that you will represent that House with dignity. I must go and see if they are ready for you. Wait here." Then she turned and headed into the Great Hall.

While the students waited for her to return, they speculated on what the Sorting would be. One boy said that they'd have to fight some fierce monster, while a girl said that they'd have to do an obstacle course and get chosen that way. Lily rolled her eyes because she knew exactly what was coming and informed the others about the hat. Professor Ellington came back and told them that the Sorting Ceremony would begin now.

As Lily walked into the Great Hall, she couldn't stop looking around her. She was especially impressed with the enchanted ceiling that reflected the sky outside. It was packed with stars and looked so beautiful. Then she noticed that students were looking at her. James and Rose waved to her from the Gryffindor table while Albus waved from the Slytherin table. Next to Al sat a pale boy with blond hair, and Lily guessed that this was Scorpius Malfoy. Despite the fact that she really didn't care where the Hat placed her, she couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.

She gazed up at the staff table and looked at the teachers. Hagrid waved to her from his place, and she smiled at him. She also saw Professor Longbottom giving her a smile of encouragement which made her feel better. At least she'd have two adults she'd be familiar with. In the middle sat Professor McGonagall, Headmistress of Hogwarts, but when Lily saw the person to Professor McGonagall's left, she gasped. What was her father doing here? Before she could ponder this, the brim of the Sorting Hat opened, and it began to sing a song about the qualities of the four Houses in which they'd be Sorted and how the Hat had the task of choosing which House they'd be in. It also ended with a command to stand united and then fell still. Professor Ellington then got to her feet and spoke.

"When I call your name, you will come forward, the Sorting Hat will be placed on your head, and you will be Sorted into your House," she said. "Avery, Thomas."

A boy with blond hair and a heavy build came up to where the Sorting Hat was placed and sat on the stool. The Hat was placed on his head, and there was silence. Then the Hat's brim opened and he shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" Thomas Avery looked disappointed, and he grudgingly went to the Gryffindor table.

Lily watched as one by one all of the first years got Sorted. Kenneth Finnigan and Miranda Newman both ended up in Gryffindor, which made Lily want to be a Gryffindor, too. She had just met those two, but she really liked them and wanted to be in the same House as them.

"Potter, Lily!" called Professor Ellington.

Lily took a deep breath and let it out slowly to calm her nerves. Then she headed to the stool and sat down. As the hat was placed on her head, a voice spoke into her ear that no one else in the Hall could hear. This made Lily feel a little uncomfortable.

"Hmmm…another Potter," said the Hat. "You seem to have a lot of intelligence as well as a bit of bravery in you. This is quite difficult. Where shall I put you?"

"I'd like to go to Gryffindor," whispered Lily so only the Hat could hear. "Please, let me be in Gryffindor."

"Are you sure?" asked the Hat. "I think Ravenclaw would be better suited for you. You'd do very well in there. What do you say?"

Lily remembered her father telling her that the Hat sometimes took a person's choice into consideration, and this made her choose her final decision. "No, I want to be in Gryffindor," she told the Hat.

"Bit of a stubborn one, you are," said the Hat. "That's a quality worthy of a Slytherin if you want to go there." Then the Hat sighed as Lily continued with her request. "Well, if you want to be stubborn about it…GRYFFINDOR!"

Lily smiled as the whole Hall cheered for her. She looked in her father's direction and saw that he was beaming proudly. She went to the Gryffindor table and got hugged by Rose. She saw Albus cheering for her while James gave her a friendly smile, though she thought he was teasing her.

"James, why is Dad here?" asked Lily.

James shrugged. "No idea," he said. "He's probably here to protect his little girl. You know how he is about you."

"She's got us for that," said Rose. "I think he's going to be teaching."

"But why would he do that?" inquired Lily. "He's already got a job as an Auror."

"Don't worry, sweet thing," said a boy on James's right. "You're safe with me."

"Watch it, Stubby, that's my sister," warned James.

The boy immediately looked guilty. "Oh, sorry, James," he said. "I was just having a laugh."

"Sure you were," James replied. "Lily meet my best mates Phillip Stubbs, Sean Reilly, and Robert Jordan. Guys, meet Lily Potter, my sister."

"Nice to meet you," said Lily, and the boys said the same. She introduced Kenneth and Miranda, but had to be quiet because Hugo was being Sorted. Lily kept her fingers crossed until the Hat declared him a Gryffindor.

After the Sorting was done, Professor McGonagall got to her feet. "To our new students, I'd like to welcome you to Hogwarts," she said. "To our returning students, I welcome you back. I have notices to give, but they can wait until after the feast. Let the feast begin!"

Lily watched as the plates filled with food. As she ate, she listened to James and his friends recounting their adventures at Hogwarts. She was shocked at some of the pranks her brother played on other students. Rose's eyes darkened in anger when James talked about a prank he'd played on Scorpius Malfoy last year. Lily suspected that Rose liked Scorpius and decided to ask her about it the next day because she was too tired to think about it now.

Once dessert was finished, Professor McGonagall got up to speak. "I have a few notices to give out," she said. "First years must note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to them, and some of our older students should remember that as well." Her eyes rested on James and his friends. "Anyone wishing to sign up for their House Quidditch team should talk to their Head of House.

"Mr, Filch, our caretaker, has warned me that any items bought at Weasley Wizard Wheezes are banned from the school. There is a list on Mr. Flich's door where students can look to see if they have any of these items.

"And now, I'd like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mr. Harry Potter. He has kindly consented to fill the post since we weren't able to get anyone else."

"There you are, Lily," said James. "Dad's our new teacher. I wonder if he'll let me skip a lesson or two."

"I doubt it," said Lily. "He'll probably put you in detention if you mess with him."

Harry got up and nodded at the applause he was receiving then sat back down so that Professor McGonagall could finish her announcements.

"Now, I suggest you all go to your dormitories and get some rest," she said. "You have class in the morning. Off to bed!"

"First yeas, follow me," ordered James as he led them to Gryffindor Tower. Lily was excited as she and Miranda remarked about the portraits that were winking at them. Soon they stopped at the portrait of the Fat Lady.

"Password?" she asked.

"Bravery," answered James.

She swung forward, and the students entered the Common Room. James directed them to their dormitories and left. Lily, Miranda, and Rose said goodbye to the boys and went to their own rooms. Rose parted with them to go to the third year room, while Lily and Miranda went to the first year room.

"This is so amazing!" exclaimed Miranda. "I can't believe I'm here! Is your dad a good teacher?"

"Yeah, he is," Lily replied. "He taught quite a few students in his fifth year, and it went well. I'm glad he's here. Well, I'd better write a letter to Mum telling her all about my first day."

"All right," Miranda said. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Same here," Lily said. Then she sat down and wrote a letter to her mother.

Dear Mum,

Well, I'm here and I couldn't be happier. I've been Sorted into Gryffindor which makes me very happy. I've made two new friends named Kenneth Finnigan and Miranda Newman. Ken's dad went to school here, and Miranda's parents are Muggles. Both of these kids are very nice. I think I can become friends with Scorpius Malfoy too. I know Dad wants me to give him a chance, though I know James hasn't. He's played some horrible pranks on Scorpius. I'll have to tell Dad if he does it this year.

Speaking of Dad, he's our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. It's neat that he wanted to surprise us, but I wish he would've told us. I think everyone will like him. Well, I have to go now. Give everyone my love and let Uncle Ron and Aunt Hermione know that Hugo's in Gryffindor, too. They'll be proud of him just like I am. I'll write to you again soon.

All my love,

Lily

She sealed the letter and gave it to Minerva. The owl hooted and then flew off. Then Lily got into bed and fell asleep, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

22222222

"Harry, do you really think this is wise?" asked Professor McGonagall. She was sitting in her office with him. "Perhaps we should tell the students what's going on."

"No, I don't want to frighten them," replied Harry. "I took this job to protect them, and that's what I'm going to do" Kingsley had asked him to stay at Hogwarts because of the Death Eater breakout from Azkaban.

"But they're going to know about it, anyway," said Professor McGonagall. "Some of the Death Eaters' grandchildren are in this school, and I'm sure they'll brag about the breakout."

"Yes, they might," said Harry. "However, I'm here to make sure they don't hurt my children." His green eyes flashed with determination.

"You're right, Harry," said Professor McGonagall. "I just hope your wife will be safe with the little ones. We can always bring her here. She might be safer."

"No, that would cause too much suspicion," pointed out Harry. "She's safe at her mum's for now. She can come here if it gets worse, or if we know they're close to her. I don't want the kids getting upset, especially Lily. I want her first year to be calm, not filled with unwanted stress."

"Oh, we wouldn't want that," said a sarcastic voice. Harry turned to see the portrait of Severus Snape, his old Potions master, glowering at him. "It's much better to leave them in ignorance until Hogwarts is attacked. Then they won't be prepared, and more innocent lives will be lost. What a lovely plan, Potter."

"Now, Severus, I'm sure Harry has only good intentions," said Albus Dumbledore's portrait, giving Harry a kind look. "He only wishes to protect his children, just as you wanted to protect Harry."

"Yes, I suppose so," said Snape drily. "However, his son is just as much of a bully as his grandfather was. But surely you know that, Potter?"

"Yes, I'm aware that he has a tendency to bully," replied Harry. "I assure you that if I catch him bullying other students he will be punished."

"I believe you, Harry," Professor McGonagall told him, giving Snape a reproving glare. "Now, you'd better hurry off to bed. You have a class to teach tomorrow."

"All right," Harry said. "Goodnight, Minerva. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Harry," Professor McGonagall replied. "Have a good sleep."

He left the office and went to his sleeping quarters. It was very different from the Gryffindor Common Room, but he knew it would be a good place to feel comfortable. Harry was determined to protect his children from the horrors of his past. They weren't going to grow up in a world like he had. As long as he was alive, no one would go after his flesh and blood, or their cousins. With that last thought in his head, Harry fell asleep to wait for tomorrow.

A/N: Wow! I can't believe this is eleven pages long! I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and this story. Please leave some feedback after you've finished reading.