I apologize profusely for the wait, I suffered major writers block on this chapter, which is also why it's so short.
Anything you recognize, isn't mine… unfortunately.
Chapter 4:
Lily surfaced from the ocean of sleep early in the morning, but refused to open her eyes to the harsh morning light.
"Maybe," she said to herself "if I don't get up the day will go away."
She wasn't looking forward to the icy glares and cold silence that was sure to be projected her way, and was sure every one of them had owled their parents to inform of the scandal.
Lily sighed, and hauled herself out of bed despite every particle of her being against the idea. She pulled on her got dressed and pulled on her new school robes, before running a brush through her soft red hair. All of her roommates were slowly awakening as Lily slipped out the door and across the Slytherin common room. The early risers were already in the Hall, munching on their breakfast and waiting for their school schedules. Lily sat down among them, and glanced over the enormous breakfast spread. Eventually, she settled for some toast and jam (she had never really enjoyed marmalade), and sat chewing as she watched the late sleepers trickle in. She spotted Sammie and Ella shuffling in, bleary eyed and yawning, and waved them over. Ella and Sammie loaded their plates, digging in.
Then the sound of hoots and beating wings filled the hall, and a swarm of owls plunged down toward the students, each seeking a particular person. Heads turned as five owls landed at the Slytherin table, all directly in front of Lily. The Potter/Weasleys looked smug, happy their plan had worked. Now Lily would get some sense talked into her. Lily hesitated, then she reached for the owl nearest, figuring she might as well get it over with. At least she didn't see any howlers…
Dear Lily,
We are so proud of you sweetheart! There is absolutely nothing wrong with Slytherin, and don't let your cousins tell you any different. Speaking of them, if they give you any more trouble, tell them Aunt Ginny and Uncle Harry won't get them anything for Christmas if they don't shove off. We've already sent owls to the boys telling them this, they shouldn't bother you.
Lilykins, don't be ashamed of your house. Some of the most honorable people we know were in that house once upon a time, and came out of it just fine. You'll shine in that house, and we are in no away ashamed of you.
Stay strong against your cousins, you're doing the right thing.
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy
Lily sighed in relief, and that first positive letter gave her the strength to read the rest of the letter still attached to the impatient owls that stood ruffling their feathers and hooting irritably. Some were positive, others slightly disappointed but none completely against her. Sighing with relief as she finished the last letter, she looked around and was surprised to find a sheet of parchment with her classes on the oak table in front of her. Her schedule had arrived while she was reading, and she picked it up, scanning it quickly before hurrying off to the first class of what was sure to be a very long day.
Her first class was Potions, with the Gryfindors of course. The silence was tense in the hall as they waited for their teacher, Professor Unuldia, the strict head of Slytherin house. Nobody dared to breathe a word as they filed into the dungeon classroom, and not a peep was made as they took their assigned seats under the worn stone ceiling. Rather unfortunately for her, Lily was seated next to Hugo Weasley. They didn't look at each other as the teacher gave directions and rules, and silently prepared for their potions. It was about 10 minutes in when a whisper of sound came from one of the table's occupants, so quite that Lily almost missed it. Slowly, she turned around.
"Yes, Hugo?" she said coldly.
Hugo lifted his head to look her in the eyes "I'm sorry."
A huge weight lifted off her shoulders as she looked him in the eye and could tell that he meant what he said. She laughed and tackled Hugo in a hug, almost knocking him off his slightly wobbly stool.
"So…" Hugo started hesitantly "are we good?"
"Yes." Lily sighed "we're good."
Maybe today wouldn't be so bad after all.
