Chapter 3

A letter from mum

After breakfast, the owls arrived, bringing post. Lily waited for her tawny owl Leo, and sure enough, he swooped down low over the Gryffindor table, to many 'ooohs' and 'ahhhs' from the other Gryffindor students. They loved Leo; he was friendly and beautiful to look at. Lily had chosen him just before her third year when her old tabby cat had passed away.

Leo dropped an envelope onto Lily's empty plate, and landed near by. Alice Freight, the long-term girlfriend of Frank Longbottom, tickled the owl gently, and fed him some bread.

Lily picked up the envelope, and looked at it. She knew instantly it was from her mother. Lily opened it carefully, and with Mary looking at it over her shoulder, scanned her eyes over the letter.

Dear Lily,

How are you doing darling? Well, I hope. Things here are same as usual. Quiet, but then, with us being 'muggles', what can one expect?

Petunia has met a boy; Vernon Dursley. Me and your father have only met him once, and if I'm honest, it was not an enjoyable experience! We were having dinner, when Vernon saw that picture of you we keep next to the window, and of course asked who you were. Things got a little awkward then; Petunia had warned me beforehand not to mention you or your magical abilities. However, I am very proud of you, and told Vernon all about you. I could tell it was a mistake, because his face went red and he excused himself before we'd even started pudding! Petunia was very angry with me.. But I argued with her that if young Vernon was going to become part of them family, he would have to find out about you at some point! Of course, your sister disagreed. Teenage girls..

Although saying that, you never put a toe out of line, and you're supposed to be the witch of the family!

We can't wait to have you home for Christmas. We will be giving you your eighteenth birthday present early, as you will be back at Hogwarts when the big day comes.

We are really all looking forward to your return home! (Even Petunia.)

Lots of love, Mum x

Lily was still gazing at the paper long after she'd finished reading it. Petunia missed her.. that was likely. And she was now involved with a boy? Lily had to admit, she never thought her sister would be able to find someone who would put up with her obsessive and slightly arrogant behaviour. But this 'Vernon Dursley' sounded like he may just be the same. Perhaps worse..

The thought made Lily shudder. She was not looking forward to meeting him. Maybe Petunia would of moved out by then? She was nearly nineteen after all.. Lily sighed, and Mary tapped her on the shouler.

"I see what you mean about your sister being judgemental!" she said. "I would be proud to have you as a sister, Lily! Whether I was a muggle or not!"

Lily smiled at Mary, but she knew in her head that Petunia had always been envious of her. Even as children, before Lily had known she was a witch and was experimenting with her magical abilities, Petunia had not bothered hiding her jealousy. It made Lily sad. All she wanted was to get on with her sister.. However, it seemed to late to make amends now. Petunia would probably marry this Vernon Dursley and move away, maybe never speaking to Lily again.

I am a freak.. Lily thought to herself. I should be with my sister, discussing boys and stuff..

She sighed again and looked down. No point in dwelling over what could have been.