Chapter Three

The Ball

Or

Her Life Will Change Forever

In Which

Lily Goes to Hogwarts


An Invitation


The Evans family was gathered in their living room, watching television on a rainy, summer afternoon. The girls were arguing about what show to put on next, their parents chuckling and shaking their heads at the silliness of their children. Their family bonding was interrupted by three sharp knocks at the door.

Mr. Evans rose and walked to the door, opening it to reveal a stern-looking woman holding an umbrella. "Hello," she said, "Mr. Evans, I presume?"

"Yes, I am, how may I help you?"

"I'm here concerning your daughter, Lily."

At the mention of her name, Lily as well as her mother and sister, tuned themselves attentively toward the door. David pinched the bridge of his nose, "Oi, what did she do? We'll pay for any damages."

Ruth and Petunia looked at Lily with slightly scolding expressions. "I haven't done anything!" she whispered.

"Lily has done nothing wrong, to my knowledge. My name is Minerva McGonagall. Do you mind if I come in to explain things?"

David hesitated before inviting her inside. In the living room, Lily was squealing. "She's from Hogwarts, Tuney! I told you it was real!"

Just as Petunia was about to refute her sister, the strange woman and their father walked through the door, into the living room. "Hello," the strange woman greeted them.

"This is my wife, Ruth," David introduced, "this is Petunia, and this," he gestured toward his youngest daughter, "is Lily."

"Very well," the strange woman said, "I'm Minerva McGonagall, and I represent Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Professor McGonagall, as she was, in fact, a professor, explained everything Severus had said. Lily was a witch. Hogwarts was real. Lily was accepted there. She explained what was necessary for her schooling, and where they could buy the supplies; when the term started and how to find the train to take her there. By the time she had left it was decided: Lily was going to Hogwarts.


An Enchanted Pumpkin


The night of August thirty-first seemed like an eternity to Lily. She managed to sleep for a few hours, but spent most of the night tossing and turning in a flutter of nerves and excitement. She was up with the sun, and dressed before a single rooster had crowed. She impatiently got herself breakfast and when her parents finally emerged from their bedroom, bleary-eyed and yawning, the first thing out of Lily's mouth was: "Can we go now?"

They left after an agonizing wait, and at ten thirty in the morning they arrived. Walking through a brick wall was a bit scary for everyone, but they managed. Lily was the first one through, of course, and she was absolutely astonished by what she saw. A gleaming scarlet steam engine stood before her, surrounded by parents and children, chatting or hugging or laughing. There were cats, and owls! and was that a toad? Even Petunia, who had tried so hard to remain angry and uninterested, could not contain her gasp of surprise.

Coming back to reality, Ruth and David got their daughter situated, and ready to board the train. Petunia and Lily stepped away from their parents for a moment, presumably to say good-bye to each other. They returned shortly, each one looking a bit angrier than when they had left. Lily gave each of her parents a hug, told them good-bye and headed for the train.

The ride was dreadful. She had found and empty compartment at first- she had no desire to see Severus, the boy who had turned her sister against her- but soon two boys joined her. They ignored her, for the most part, but had still disrupted her crying, which was not acceptable. Severus soon found her, and joined the compartment. The two boys turned out to be vile though, that hadn't really surprised Lily. The old friends left, and continued their ride sharing the excitement and nerves they both had.

After several hours, they saw it, looming in the distance: Hogwarts.


The Ball


It took Lily all of three days to fall in love with her new school. She made friends with her roommates, took interesting classes, and learned so much. She couldn't spend as much time as she would have liked with Severus, because they were in different houses, but when ever they had free time, they could be found sharing it together.

There were bad things, of course, there were always bad things, but it was altogether a glorious thing. And in less than a week, Lily knew, this was where she belonged.