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Lily sat uncomfortably upon the couch, conscious of Petunia's sulking demeanor and glaring eyes. Mr. and Mrs. Evans had just sat down next to Lily on either side, clearing their throats and giving each other knowing glances. Lily finally lifted her eyes from the carpet to the armchair across from her, where her younger sister was perched like an angry, ruffled bird. "Lilly," Mrs. Evans murmured, "Would you like to tell her yourself or have us tell her? Either way is fine to us, you decide." Lily forced herself to ignore her knotted stomach. She had known this day was approaching since she stepped foot from the Hogwarts Express, and although the thought of explaining her magical soulbond to an older sister torn by envy and scorn for anything along magical lines made her sick, she knew she had to face her. For a fleeting moment she wondered where James was. Probably sitting comfortably on a sandy beach on the English coast, she thought bitterly. Her father's patient eyes waiting for her response jolted her back to reality. Meeting Petunia's suspicious stare, she responded: "I can tell her." Her father gave a little smile and squeezed her hand.
Lily turned to where Petunia sat and began, taking a deep breath. "It all started beginning of last school year when I went in for a check-up. I happened to glance over at my folder containing medical history and noticed that instead of saying Ms. Lily Evans, it said Mrs. Lily Potter nee. Evans. I brought this up to the school's nurse, Madam Pomfrey, who explained what had happened and what was going on. I was in a soul-bond with another first year, James Potter. A soul-bond is something that only happens when two souls are so perfectly in tune with each other and when two should match each other perfectly, like a completed puzzle. A soul-bond starts when the younger of the two is born, so when I was born, and is initiated when the soul-bonded share some form of physical contact, like a handshake, but won't begin to "work" I guess until both of the soul-bonded know about it. Soul-bonds take years to be complete and there are many things that happen before a soul-bond is finished. I was given the choice this year to tell James about the soul-bond or to not tell him. I chose to not tell him because it seemed like to much for him to handle and it wouldn't be fair to throw something so life changing onto a first year, though that's what happened to me. His parents know about the soul-bond and my decision to not tell James quite yet and are completely behind me. Mom and Dad are also aware of the soul-bond and my decision and support me. You were the only one who didn't know, besides James, who really mattered because this affects you too. I know it's a lot to take in right now, but I'm hoping you'll understand a little more and will help Tuny."
Lily sat back in her spot by her parents as she finished talking and gave a small glance at both of them. They gave her a reassuring smile and small squeeze of her hand before turning to Petunia and seeing her reaction. Her face was twisted into a confused expression, and although she was brimming with questions, what blurted out first was "Just how will this affect me?" Mrs. Evans glanced to her husband before speaking. "Petunia, as the soul-bond grows and increases, James and Lily will need to spend more time with each other which means he may be spending time here during a vacation. As you will be living here for a while longer, it was pertinent that you were told about Lily's soul-bond because you would be seeing it and it was better to explain it now rather than later, when it might be more confusing and harder to explain." Petunia sat in silence for a few moments. "Seeing it? How and why would I be seeing this thing that pertains to Lily and not me?" Lily's face burned as she felt the scorn from Petunia. Her parents rushed to intervene before a fight broke out. "Were you not paying attention to anything Lily or us just said Petunia? The soul-bond will grow and increase and James and Lily will begin to need to spend more time together so James may have to spend some vacations here and as you still live here, you will see it and it was good that you should know about this. Clear?" Petunia let out an angry snort before jumping to her feet. "I don't understand this dumb soul-bond and I don't care about it either!" she yelled, before turning on her heel and stomping up the stairs to her room.
Lily's parents sighed and gave a sad look to each other. They knew it would be difficult, but they hadn't realized it would be this difficult. Lily sat between her parents feeling so ashamed and embarrassed. Why her? She already had enough problems to deal with, this just topped the cake and made her feel more miserable. Lily was taking deep breaths trying to contain what she knew was going to be the result of everything that had happened in the past school year and over the summer, but it was no use. The tears came and she let them come, sitting there between her parents, barely able to hear their consolation between her choked sobs. Her mother sat there, holding her, quietly rocking her and brushing her hair, while murmuring softly. Her father sat there staring at his poor little Lily flower who seemed to have grown up suddenly and taken the world on her shoulders. If there was anything he wanted to do, it would be to take her away from all and leave it far behind, but he knew that she would never be able to leave it completely behind, so he hoped that she could only embrace it and grow, stronger and better. He also hoped that James would eventually be able to help her with it as he knew that eventually, he and her mother would not be around to comfort her and guide her through her journey. He hoped with all his heart, that someday, his little darling girl, could find the happiness in her situation. He desperately wished for her smiles and laughter, the way her eyes twinkled when she thought of something funny or mischievous. But those twinkling eyes were gone and replaced by eyes that looked much too old for a 12 year old girl. This soul-bond had changed her and he could only hope it would be for the better.
Lily cried herself to sleep that night. It wasn't just because of what had happened that day, it was a cumulation of everything that had happened since she had found out about this soul-bond. It was the build up of emotions that she had been hiding behind a brave face for many months. As she fell asleep, Lily hoped, wished, prayed that things would get better, would become easier. Miles away, James could be found in his room, not crying, but feeling a state of desperation and depression.
The next morning, Lily walked down to the kitchen and found an owl sitting on the table, holding a letter in its mouth with a familiar seal. She happily took it from the owl and gave it a treat before sending it on its way again. She opened the envelope to find her second year list.
To Ms. Lily Evans,
Please be reminded that you must board the Hogwarts Express from the usual King's Cross Platform 9 and 3/4 on September 1st at 9:34 a.m.
Second year students require...
1. The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2 by Miranda Goshawk
2. Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
3. One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
4. A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
5. Beginners Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
6. Defense Against the Dark Arts, Grade 2 by Quentin Tremble
... in addition to your standard wizarding equipment, as required in your first year.
All students years second to seventh are eligible for quidditch tryouts, which initiate shortly after fall term begins. Contact head of house for further information. (A reminder- any students with less than satisfactory marks and below exemplary behavior shall have all quidditch privileges withheld).
We look forward to receiving you at Hogwarts next semester.
Draco Dormiens Nunquam Tittilandus
Professor McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardy
Lily smiled brightly at the prospect of going back to Hogwarts. It had become a very real part of her life, one that she wasn't going to give up. Lily put the letter back in the envelope and as she did, she noticed a small piece of paper. Pulling it out, she saw that it was a letter from Dumbledore himself.
Miss Evans,
I trust that your summer vacation has been well and that you have pondered over the little issue we have at hand. If you would please, come to my office after the Welcoming Feast. I would love to discuss with you further your situation.
Best Regards,
Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbldore
P.S I do love Chocolate Frogs. Don't you?
Lily sighed. In truth, she hadn't been able to stop thinking about her little situation, but that didn't mean she had an answer and decision made. She had made a pro and con chart about telling James and not telling James, but still was unable to come to a decision because they said the exact same thing and there was no way to figure out a decision otherwise. She pushed the matter out of her mind, or at least tried to, and showed her parents the letter when they came down for breakfast. Her parents promised that they would go to Diagon Alley the next day to pick up her things. At that moment, nothing could have made LIly happier.
James woke up to the smell of pancakes. That and the weight of Sirius on top of him bouncing him awake. "James! Your mum made pancakes! Get up!" James groaned and burrowed under his covers. For some reason he wasn't in the mood for getting up today. Normally he was like Sirius, up and bouncing around before the sun was up. Today though, he would much rather be in bed asleep.
Sirius stopped jumping on his bed and crawled down to where James was curled up. "You okay, James?" Ever since Sirius had shown up at the Potters' Manor this summer, crying and looking severely beat, James and him were inseparable. They would wake up around the same time, spend the day together playing Quidditch or Wizards' Chess or Gobstones, and then would usually collapse around the same time. Mrs. Potter had joked that Sirius and James were twins who had been separated at birth which only caused more mischief from the two boys.
Sirius crawled up to where James was and pulled his comforter from his face. "James, you okay?" James shrugged. He didn't know to be honest. He just felt tired, really tired. Sirius hopped off James bed and ran out of his room telling James he was going to get his mom. He came back a few minutes later with Mrs. Potter who sat down on the edge of his bed and brushed his ever messy hair out of his face. "What's wrong love?" James curled up and pulled his comforter back over him. "Tired." It was quiet as Mrs. Potter sat and brushed James hair. Sirius went back downstairs, leaving Mrs. Potter and James alone. Mrs. Potter put her head against James' forehead, feeling his temperature. "I think you've got a fever love. I'm going to call the doctor to make sure it's nothing serious." Mrs. Potter went downstairs to send a message to the doctor leaving James alone.
Great, of all the days to be sick, summer vacation. James continued to grumble to himself about being sick, but quieted down as he heard voices coming up the stairs. "Yes, I felt his forehead and noticed it was a little warm. That and he's not bouncing around the house, bursting with energy." His mom and the doctor walked into his room. The doctor walked over to James' bed and knelt down. "Hey, bud. I'm just going to do a few diagnostic spells to make sure nothings wrong, okay?" James nodded and the doctor went to work. He finished a couple minutes later and walked over to Mrs. Potter. "Well, as far as I can tell, he's perfectly fine, just got a little fever. Give him some Pepper-up potion and he should be fine." Mrs. Potter thanked the doctor and lead him back to the floo before going back up to James' room with a Pepper-up potion. "Here love. Just drink this." James made a face and burrowed further under his covers. Mrs. Potter sighed. "James, if you want to feel better, you need to drink this." From under the covers, a muffled James spoke. "I don't want too. I'll just wait it out." Mrs. Potter sighed again. "Shame. Your father and I were talking of going to Diagon Alley today to get your and Sirius' things. Your letters came today." James poked his head out of his blankets and looked up at his mom. "You know mum, maybe I will drink that potion." Mrs. Potter laughed as James took it, then sent him downstairs to get some breakfast.
Lily was in awe as she walked through Diagon Alley. The Wizarding World never ceased to amaze her. All around her were mystical things, things she knew were real, but being a muggleborn, still couldn't quite get her head around. She was looking at wonderful little magical theater as her mother came by and pulled her away, saying they needed to go to Gringotts first and then they would get her school things. Maybe, they would even stop for some ice cream at Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. This seemed to cheer Petunia up, just the teensiest bit.
Lily had just gotten her new robes, she had grown quite a lot, and was heading down to Flourish and Blotts to get her new books. Flourish and Blotts was by far her favorite store in Diagon Alley, well along with Scribbulus Writing Instruments. She loved the smell of the books and how they felt as she brushed her hand over their leather binding. She quickly located all of her new books and was heading to the counter to buy them when a boy rammed into her, knocking her over and sending the books flying. Lily shrieked as everything went every which way and she landed on the ground with a hard thump. The boy had gotten pushed backwards into his friend and they were struggling to untangle themselves from each other and get up. Lily pulled herself up and gathered her books before turning to where the boys were. She opened her mouth to say something, but noticed that there was already a women there, chewing the boys out.
"I've told you boys time and again that you do not run in stores like these. Honestly, you are no better than your father James and Sirius…" The woman paused and sighed. "Honestly, what am I going to do with you two troublemakers. Did you at least help the poor girl you two barreled over." James and Sirius looked down sheepishly and shook their heads. The woman muttered something about boys and James and Sirius giggled. Then she looked up and noticed Lily standing there.
"Lily!" Lily smiled. "Hi Mrs. Potter!" Mrs. Potter walked over to her, James and Sirius standing behind her in confusion as to how the two knew each other because as far as they knew, they had never met. Mrs. Potter gave Lily a hug as best she could with Lily's arms full of books. "How are you dear? Are your parents here with you?" Lily nodded. "I'm doing well and my parents are grabbing my robes from Madam Malkin's. They should be here soon." Lily glanced around the store looking for her parents and Petunia, before turning back to Mrs. Potter. " Wonderful. Well I'm so sorry about James and Sirius. I don't know what I'm going to do with those two boys. James was a handful by himself, but add Sirius to the mix and…" Mrs. Potter sighed. "Those two are just as bad or worse than my husband." She looked over where Sirius and James were, standing by a book that was looking at them sleepily. "Boys!" They turned around and looked at her sheepishly before walking over to where she and Lily stood.
"You two need to apologize for knocking Lily over." The boys mumbled their apologies, obviously embarrassed. Lily laughed and Mrs. Potter shook her head. "What to do with those two." James and Sirius looked at each other, still confused. "Mum, how do you know Lily?" Mrs. Potter turned back to where James and Sirius were. "We met her while leaving Professor Dumbledore's office. We were heading out as she was going to his office." James nodded, but didn't really believe his mother. Sirius was looking at a book on food. Mrs. Potter turned back to Lily. "Well it was nice to see you again dear and I'm sure we'll see you again later in the year. Take care Lily and remember that Fleamont and I are an owl away if you have any questions or need anything." Lily nodded and smiled, giving Mrs. Potter a hug before walking over to her mother.
Lily walked up to the counter and found her mom standing by there, looking at a book about home-keeping. "I've got my books mum." Her mom turned to face her and smiled. "Good. We'll get these and then get your school supplies from Scribbulus and then join your father and sister and Florean's." Lily nodded and followed her mother to the check-out.
"I can't believe you boys." Mrs. Potter herded Sirius and James along. "You two need to pay more attention to things that are happening around you." She quickly reached out and pulled Sirius out of the way of a stack of flying boxes. "Honestly, you would think you two didn't have brains the way you act." She shook her head and guided them to Madam Malkin's to get them fitted for new robes. Sirius protested a little, but gave in after Mrs. Potter gave him a stern look. "Sirius, you need new robes and if your parents aren't going to get you them, then I will. Up you go now." James sat by his mom while Sirius got poked and prodded. "Mum," Mrs. Potter turned towards him and attempted to fix his hair. "Yes, James." He pushed her hand away and rumpled his hair up, making his mom sigh in exasperation. "How do you know Lily?" Mrs. Potter brushed James' hair out of his face. "I told you James, we met her as we were leaving Professor Dumbledore's office." James messed up his hair again. "You seemed really familiar with her though if you've only met her once." Mrs. Potter tried to fix James hair again, gave up, then ushered him over to get his robes. "We talked for a little bit James, so yes, your father and I are familiar with her." James could tell by his mother's tone that the conversation was over, but he couldn't help but wonder how and why his parents knew Lily so well. His mum wasn't telling him everything, but maybe his father would tell him, he usually told him about things.
Lily had been up for hours making sure that she had everything packed. She had gone over her checklist at least 10 times and knew she had everything, but still worried that she might forget something. She was about to review her list for the eleventh time when there was a small knock at the door and her mom's head poked in. "Oh, you're already up. Wonderful. Your father has breakfast ready downstairs dear." Her mother left to wake up Petunia and Lily put down her list, heading down for breakfast. It was futile to constantly check to make sure she had everything when she did have everything packed and ready to go. Petunia came down the stairs grumbling about how she shouldn't have to get up as it was Lily who was leaving, not her and she didn't really care. Lily had gotten used to these little insults, but it still hurt her to see that her best friend and her sister could just suddenly become this person she never knew. She quickly finished her breakfast and went back upstairs to double check, for the eleventh time, that she had everything and bring her luggage downstairs.
James had been up and bounding around the house for the past hour. Mr. and Mrs. Potter were trying to ignore their son and were partially dozing in their bed. It was ended quite abruptly when Sirius decided he would get up and join James and they decided to race their brooms in the house, knocking over a lamp that Mrs. Potter wasn't particularly fond of. The Potters eventually got up and made the boys breakfast. Mrs. Potter asked both boys if they had everything packed and ready, only to get sheepish looks from both boys. She groaned and put her head in her hands muttering how they were exactly like her husband. "Well the apple doesn't fall far from the tree now, love does it?" Fleamont winked at James and Sirius who laughed, causing Euphemia to groan and shake her head. She sent the boys back up to their rooms telling them to hurry and pack, but knowing that she would have to intervene and make them pack.
After much hustling and bustling, the boys were finally ready to go. "Come on boys. Into the car, quickly now." James climbed into the car behind his father, Sirius hung back, wary of the muggle object. "Oh, come on Sirius. It's not dangerous
Despite already encountering the splendor of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters the year previous, Lily could not help but release a sigh of wonder at the scene before her. A loud whistle emanating from the gold and cherry train mixed with the incessant buzz of voices, families sharing their parting goodbyes, students calling to friends, and parents instructing to write, and in some cases, stay out of mischief this year. Through the fog and array of travelling cloaks, suitcases, and caged creatures Lily spotted the face that had entered her thoughts frequently all summer. James, laughing uncontrollably at a remark from Sirius, stood with his parents close to the engine. Lily noted the absence of Sirius' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Black, and the wide berth between the boy and his other siblings at the station. Her mother's voice awakened her from her observations.
"Well, this is it, Lily." Her father gave her hand a squeeze accompanied with a warm smile. "We will be supporting you, just a letter away. Dumbledore also offered free visits to the school whenever necessary," she continued. Lily forced herself to calm the sudden feeling of panic rising in her throat. She would need to be brave, and panicking was not allowed. "Thank you, mum and dad." She hugged them longer than usual, burying her face into the warm fuzz of their cloaks. When she pulled apart, a grin was spreading across her previously solemn face. She was going back to Hogwarts, her second home, and the excitement was beginning to sink in full force. The whistle warned of soon departure, and Jily gave her final goodbyes before joining the flurry of students hastening towards the train.
"Good job, Peter," Sirius said, clapping the small boy upon his back. "You saved us a compartment before those first years got any ideas of stealing our seats." James smiled, casting a glance towards the children running through the corridors in search of friends and spaces to sit, enjoying the new status as a second year. "Glad to see no one has had a personality change over the summer," Remus grinned, biting into an apple meant for his lunch later. "Same to you," Sirius retorted, his twinkling eyes contradicting his annoyed tone. "We have loads to spill about the Holiday, don't we James?" he said, settling into his seat with arms behind his head and feet resting on the seats opposite. "What? Oh, yes, loads of fun and conniving. Wait till you hear some of the gigs we have ready to pull this year." James was rather proud of his recovery, for he had been only partially paying attention to their conversation. His eyes had caught the swish of red hair from a certain Lily Evans in the outside corridor. Whenever he glimpsed her, he felt an unsettled perplexity, his mind wandering to her and his parents too-familiar meeting in Diagon Alley. He knew that there was a different reason to how his parents and Lily knew each other, he just wondered why they wouldn't tell him the real reason.
"James, oi mate!" James was brought back to reality as Sirius knocked the side of his head. "Yeah?" Sirius looked over at Remus, who shrugged. "You've been acting strange, you sure you're okay?" James nodded. "Just thinking. Hey, I've got a question for you all." Sirius rolled his eyes. "So, Sirius and I ran into Lily at Diagon Alley and the weird thing was my parents knew her, but they honestly shouldn't because she's a muggle-born, we're purebloods, and I've never mentioned her at home. Yet they seemed fairly familiar with each other. And get this, my mom said that they had bumped into each other outside of Dumbledore's office. I'm pretty sure that's a lie and I really want to know how they actually know each other, but neither of my parents will tell me and I doubt Lily will." Sirius rolled his eyes and looked over at Remus who shrugged. "I don't know James. Maybe that's the truth." James shook his head. They didn't understand. "No, they're lying. Sirius was there. He saw how my mom got all defensive when I asked her." "Well, you had been pestering her about it James, so I think she had a right to be defensive. Just let it go mate. It's probably as your mom said." James looked around at Sirius and Remus. How could they say that?
James slumped back down in his seat. "Whatever. There's something up and I'm going to find out what's going on." Sirius and Remus looked at each other and rolled their eyes. James could be so dramatic. "And I thought I was the dramatic one." Sirius mumbled under his breath. James looked up. "What Sirius?" Sirius looked up at James, over to Remus who was struggling, trying not to laugh and shook his head. "Nothing, mate." The rest of the ride to Hogwarts was silent.
And there's chapter 7! I'm so sorry it took so long for this one! I've had finals and I'm dealing with college stuff because I'm a senior in high school so college is happening next year and my life has been extremely hectic. On another note, I should mention that one of my dear friends has been helping me write when she can and I appreciate her so.
Huge thank you to Sakura Lisel, Skoliver4ever, Lizairy Cullen, Milou Milou, krishna-kalki, Ijustwantyoutoknow, christina768594, trygger, aldigomez2, Sinner27, Meirionna, and rileylana16 for following or favoriting this story. It means so much!
Rileylana, Booklover1182, RaeOfSunshine9, and Meirionna: Thanks so much for your reviews! They mean a lot!
