It was nearly sunset before Lily made her way home. She and Sev had spent most of the afternoon in the thicket talking about the wizarding world. Lily had almost forgotten that she hadn't told her parents she was out. Lily walked through the door.

"Is that her?" Lily saw her Dad's head appear from the living room. "Get in here young lady." He said fiercely.

Lily sighed and went to face the music. She walked into the living room where her Mother was sat as well. Her Dad closed the door behind her.

"Where have you been?" John asked.

"Out." Said Lily.

"Don't get smart with me young lady." Said John. "Me and your mum have been worried sick. Where have you been?"

"I was with Sev in the woods." Said Lily, "Where I usually go."

"Seeing that Snape boy again." Her dad said disapprovingly.

"Not you as well." Said Lily. "Mum doesn't like him either."

"He's not the sort of person we think you should be associating yourself with." Said John. "There are rumours about him and his family Lily; you're too young to understand now. But there bad news."

Lily's eyes became slits. But her dad didn't back down. "You will stop seeing him, and concentrate on your SATS young Lady. You are grounded until your exams are over."

"DAD!"

"No, now go to your room and start revising." Lily looked to her Mum for support, but nodded encouragement. Something told her that her mum and made this lenient punishment. Lily got up abruptly and stormed to her room, blowing the light bulb in the living room. She slammed her door; again every other door in the house did the same. She threw herself on her bed and cried into her pillow. She looked up at her calendar.

Only eight more weeks. Then she would get her letter and she would be gone. Maybe deep down she shared some of Sev sentiments about home life. Though she would never swap his life for hers… she couldn't wait to get that letter that proved everything. That she was a witch, and she was going to become more powerful than any other witch in existence.

The Marauders Proudly Present Lily Evans In: The Marauders Year One

Chapter Seven

The Letter

Written By Chambers10

Lily spent the weeks revising for her exams. She was confident of passing them all, she still saw Sev on her way to school and still talked to him. But she had to respect her dad's wishes and stop seeing him in public, from prying eyes.

School finished for Lily, and summer began again. All she had to do was wait, according to Sev. Wait for when the owl came with her letter, and then she would be going, and everyone would see that she was right all along.

She was sitting on her bed getting ready to go and see Sev. Now it was summer, her parents couldn't stop her.

"Lily." Lily looked up to see Petunia standing in her doorway, she walked into the room and sat down on Lily's bed.

"Please don't tell me you're going to see that Snape boy again."

"So what if I am." Said Lily stiffly.

"Look…why don't you come to Sheffield with me?" Said Petunia. "We'll do some shopping, get you a new dress. Come on it'll be fun."

"I don't want to." Said Lily springing to her feet.

"Oh come on Lily." Said Petunia, her calm replaced by irritation. "Enough with this rubbish." Lily started at her sister and went to gather some stuff.

"Why does it bother you?" asked Lily.

"Because you are smarter than this and you are throwing you're life away."

"I am not." Said Lily fiercely.

"Oh wake up and smell the coffee." Snarled Petunia.

"Even if this is real, which It isn't. Do you really think you'll be accepted for being a-a-a what was it…Muggle." Lily paused for a second, she never considered that. What if they didn't like muggles coming in, outsiders.

"They don't think that." Said Lily pushing past Petunia. She needed to get out and see Sev again. She opened the front door and made her way to the thicket. Sev was there waiting for her. She smiled at him and sat down next to him.

"And the Ministry can punish you if you do magic outside school, you get letters."

"But I have done magic outside school!"

"We're all right." Said Snape "We haven't got wands yet. They let you off when you're a kid and you can't help it. But once you're eleven," Lily watched as Snape nodded importantly, "and they start training you, then you've got to go careful."

There was a little silence. Lily had picked up a fallen twig and twirled it in the air, her bright green eyes followed it as she imagined it was like a Catharine wheel. She let it all to the floor before looking up at Snape.

"It is real, isn't it?" asked Lily, "It's not a joke? Petunia says you're lying to me. Petunia says there isn't a Hogwarts. It is real, isn't it?"

"It's real for us," said Snape. "Not for her. But we'll get the letter, you and me."

"Really?" whispered Lily.

"Definitely," said Snape, and even with his poorly cut hair and his odd clothes, he struck an oddly impressive figure sprawled in front of her, brimful of confidence.

"And will it really come by owl?" Lily whispered.

"Normally," said Snape. "But you're Muggle-born, so someone from the school will have to come and explain to your parents." Lily then thought about what Petunia had said to her, it had preyed on her mind for a long time.

"Does it make a difference, being Muggle-born?" she asked timidly.

Snape hesitated. His black eyes, eager in the greenish gloom, moved over the pale face, the dark red hair.

"No," he said. "It doesn't make any difference."

"Good," said Lily, relaxing. She breathed a sigh of relief and stretched on the leafy ground.

"You've got loads of magic," said Snape. "I saw that. All the time I was watching you…"

His voice trailed away; she was not listening, but had stretched out on the leafy ground and was looking up at the canopy of leaves overhead. He watched her as greedily as he had watched her in the playground.

"How are things at your house?" Lily asked.

A little crease appeared between his eyes.

"Fine," he said.

"They're not arguing anymore?"

"Oh yes, they're arguing," said Snape. He picked up a fistful of leaves and began tearing them apart, apparently unaware of what he was doing. "But it won't be that long and I'll be gone."

"Doesn't your dad like magic?" asked Lily.

"He doesn't like anything, much," said Snape.

"Severus?"

A little smile twisted Snape's mouth when she said his name.

"Yeah?" Lily tried to think of something to change the subject.

"Tell me about the Dementors again." she said eagerly

"What d'you want to know about them for?"

"If I use magic outside school - "

"They wouldn't give you to the dementors for that! Dementors are for people who do really bad stuff. They guard the wizard prison, Azkaban. You're not going to end up in Azkaban, you're too - "

He turned red again and shredded more leaves. Then a small rustling. Lily looked up to see Petunia, hiding behind a tree, she had lost her footing.

"Tuney!" said Lily, surprise and welcome in her voice, but Snape had jumped to his feet, becoming very defensive.

"Who's spying now?" he shouted. "What d'you want?"

Petunia was breathless, alarmed at being caught. "What is that you're wearing, anyway?" she said, pointing at Snape's chest. "Your mum's blouse?"

There was a crack. A branch over Petunia's head had fallen. Lily screamed. The branch caught Petunia on the shoulder, and she staggered backward and burst into tears.

"Tuney!"

But Petunia was running away. Lily rounded on Snape, her green eyes eying him suspiciously.

"Did you make that happen?"

"No." He looked both defiant and scared.

"You did!" She was backing away from him shaking her head. "You did! You hurt her!"

"No - no, I didn't!"

But the lie did not convince Lily. After one last burning look, she ran from the little thicket, off after her sister, and Snape looked miserable and confused.

Lily ran through the leaves and branches, trying to keep up with Petunia, but to no avail. Lily ran out into the village and back towards her house, the front door was open and the car gone from the drive. Lily sighed and walked into the house.

"In here young lady." Lily walked into the kitchen to see Lavender sitting at the tale, she looked angry and pushed the seat opposite her with her foot so Lily could sit down.

"Your sister is on her way to A&E." said Lavender, "She's dislocated her shoulder. Do you know how?"

"Sev did it." said Lily, "He made the branch fall on her." Lavender sighed.

"See Lily," she said, "This is why we don't want you to use your magic in public, or see this Snape boy, because bad things happen when they do." Lily nodded. She looked down at the ground and dared not to look at her mother.

"Your sister will be fine."

"Will she?" asked Lily.

"Yes." Said Lavender, "Your father thinks it'll only need popping back in. "So apologise to her when she gets back."

"I will." Said Lily. "And I'm not going to see Snape again." Lavender took her daughters hand and held it.

"If that's what you want." Said Lavender.


Lily had ignored Severus for a couple of weeks; she didn't want to see him. He had hurt Tuney, and in her eyes, that was unforgivable. Her concern for her sister wasn't reciprocated towards herself. Petunia didn't want to speak to her, she accepted Lily's apology with a stiff upper lip. But after that, she didn't speak to Lily at all.

Lily was lying on her bed listening to her radio, she was reading a book as well, completely oblivious to the world around her. It was what happened when her two biggest loves came together, she zoned out. Lily had stopped with picture books from an early age as she wanted a challenge; thankfully her mother being a self-confessed book worm had loads of book Lily could read.

Lily could hear the door knock from downstairs; she assumed it was someone to see her mum or dad. There was some discussion from downstairs; it seemed to go along for a long time. So much so Lily almost didn't hear her mother call for her.

"Uhm…Lily." Her voice was broken, and a little scared.

"Lily can you come down here for a moment."

Lily flipped her radio off and turned the page corner of her book and made her way downstairs. It was weird, she had never heard her mum nervous before.

Lily walked into her living room. There was her mother and father sitting on the two piece, with another woman sitting on the armchair. A rather severe-looking woman who was wearing square glasses and wearing an emerald cloak which seemed to be the same colour of Lily's eyes. She turned to look at Lily, her black hair tied up in a bun seemed to be eyeing her.

"I haven't done anything." Said Lily quietly and quickly. She became accustomed to the tension in the room.

"Lily…" Lavender began, "Have you been doing anything you shouldn't?"

"Lily hasn't done anything wrong." The severe looking woman said quickly, "As I have explained, she has come of age, she is a Witch." Lily's eyes grew wider, did she say what Lily thought she said.

"I'm a what?" she said dumbly.

"A witch, Miss Evans." The woman said rising from her seat. She plunged her hand into her cloak and pulled out an envelope. She passed it over to Lily, it was heavy and had her name on the front in green writing.

Miss L. Evans

17 Cocker Way

Cokeworth

Sheffield

Lily with trembling hands opened the letter, her face lit up even more if possible.

"Lily?" John asked, "What does it say?"

HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY

Headmaster: ALBUS DUMBLEDORE

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock, Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Miss Evans

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall,

Deputy Headmistress

Lily finished reading the letter and looked at the woman in front of her. She was a witch, she was a witch. Severus was right.

"My name is Minerva McGonagall." She said, "This may come as a bit of a shock to you, but you are-"

"A witch!" said Lavender loudly, Lily and McGonagall both turned to face her.

"No-no-no." she said getting up and standing next to Lily. Placing a frim and protective hand on her shoulder.

"Lily can't be a witch! What about our other daughter, Petunia, why isn't she one?"

McGonagall sighed.

"There is no explaining magic, it works in mysterious ways. Lily has been bestowed with a gift. Something that you cannot deny."

Lavender went to argue but McGonagall held her hand up for silence, which strangely enough, she did.

"Have you noticed Lily can do unexplainable things when she's angry, or scared." Lavender backed down from her argument. Lily knew her magic could be controlled to a certain degree. But still, sometimes strange things happened sometimes, not as powerful as when she was in her youth.

"These things are caused by her magic manifesting itself." Explained McGonagall. She turned to Lily.

"As you may be aware, Lily can already control some aspects of her magic. Going to Hogwarts, we will teach her to hone and control her abilities."

"What about her normal studies?" asked John, "Do you expect her to give up on those?"

"No, not at all." Said McGonagall, "I'm sure we can come to some arrangement on that."

"I don't want her to go." Said Mr Evans flatly, "Sorry, this is all very convincing but…it seems." He sighed as he couldn't find a word to sum this situation up.

"As you are aware, your daughter has started to develop magical powers." McGonagall said sternly.

"As she gets older her power will become stronger, like a wild fire it will destroy everything in its path unless she learns to control it." McGonagall walked over towards Lily's parents.

"We can help her do that. Otherwise, incidents like what happened at her primary school will happen again. But cause more destruction." Lily had never seen her Dad look so scared. But there was truth in what she was saying.

"I know this is a shock. But we must have an answer."

Lily looked from her mother to her father. They looked uneasily at each other before looking at her.

"Do you mind if we speak about this in private first." asked Lavender.

"Of course." Said McGonagall, she walked out of the room and closing the door behind her.

"I don't know anything about this." Said Lily, Wanting it to be out there.

"We know Lily." Said Lavender, "It's just a little…shock."

"That's a bloody understatement." Said John. "It's not every day your daughter is branded, well, a witch."

"Pass me the letter." He asked. Lily handed it over and her dad read through it. He then picked out the list of things Lily would need. He looked at Lily and back at the list.

"Lily, go wait in your room while me and your mother discuss this."

"Dad!"

"Lily just go." Said Lavender gently and nodding. Lily started to walk up the stairs, she took one last look and went to her room. They waited for the shutting of her door.

"What the hell is happening?" Said John. Lavender sat on the sofa and ran her hands through her hair.

"I don't know." Said Lavender, "I have no idea."

"She's a witch." Said John, "Or, that's what that McGonagall woman says."

"It certainly explains a lot." Said Lavender, "What happened on holiday a couple of years ago, what happened at her school."

"They were all—"

"They were all Lily, and don't try to say any different." Said Lavender. "She does these things when she is angry and scared."

"But she always seems so in control."

"From what I've rattled of we know she isn't, not to mention the things she doesn't show us."

"I'm not so sure." Said John, "If you have a grasp of this—"

"I think she should go." Said Lavender. John looked over to Lavender.

"What? Why?"

"John…" said Lavender, "You know as well as I do that Lily has been able to do these things. And that woman is right, what if one day she ends up seriously hurting someone." John sighed.

"Or herself." John hadn't expected that, but Lavender always had a knack for surprising him.

"If she stays, then where just playing a very dangerous game of Russian roulette with her power." Lavender looked at John straight in the eye.

"I will not toy with our daughter's safety." John looked down at the letter and back up at Lily.

"But you heard what she said. This is a boarding school, she'll be gone for nine months of the year." Said John, "I want her home, with us, being a family."

"As do I, as do I." said Lavender. "But…as her parents, we have to think about what's best for her as well."

"It's not the way I envisioned things." Said John.

"I know we had a plan." Said Lavender hugging him, "But this is just one more twist, one more thing for us to overcome." John sighed, Lavender knew how much family meant to him. But he loved his daughters as well. She knew deep down that this was the right thing to do. Even if he didn't want to admit it.

"She'll still be coming home for holidays." Said Lavender.

"What about the normal curriculum." Said John, "What about her life here, how do we explain to friends and family that Lily's going to boarding school and petunia isn't? How do we even begin to tell people she's a witch?"

"We'll work something out." Said Lavender, "But the most important thing here is Lily. What she needs, and she needs a fresh start and new surroundings, but also an eye to help control her magic." John sighed in coincidence.

"She'll be an outcast though." Said John. "They might hurt her."

"How?" said Lavender, "She'll be a goddess to them." They both stood in silence for a moment.

"Will it be hard…yes…but no one ever said it was easy." John nodded. But by the look on his face he still had his doubts.

"Lily." Lily walked into the room. They both looked at her, she seemed so innocent yet grown up at the same time.

"Do you want to go?" he asked, "It means you staying away from home for a while." Lily thought for a moment.

"I want to go." Said Lily, "Dad this is the chance of a life time." The seconds passed like hours as Lily thought they were making a decision.

"If we say you can go. Will you promise to keep up with your normal studies." Lily nodded. John sighed and looked at Lavender who nodded encouragement.

"Uhm…Professor." McGonagall opened the door and walked back into the room. She looked round at the family and then at John.

"Yes Mr Evans."

"We accept." Said John, he stood up and shook her hand. Lily beamed as McGonagall turned to her.

"You have made the right choice." She said with a smile, "I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must be to make this decision, but know that Lily will be well taken care of."

"Thank you, that means a lot." Said Lavender.

"I will be seeing you in September Miss Evans." She said with a smile. "I thank you for your hospitality." She rearranged her cloak and went to stride out.

"Excuse me Professor, just one more thing."

"Yes Mr Evans?"

"Where is Diagon Alley?"


Lily bounded from out of her house and down the road. She passed the school where she would never go again and into the woods. She slowed down as she approached the thicket, she hoped Sev was there. She pulled back the branch, and there he was. He was sitting on the ridiculous coat looking at the canopy of leaves above his head. Lily noticed his letter at his side. As soon as Lily entered Sev lifted his head up. His eyes grew wider as he noticed Lily holding her letter firmly in her grasp.

"It came." He said breathlessly.

"Yeah." Said Lily, "It didn't come by owl though…"

"It didn't?"

"No, some woman came round and explained it to me and my parents." Said Lily sitting down next to him.

"They're going to let me go."

"Your parents?"

"Yeah." Said Lily, not quite believing it herself, "So long as I keep up with my muggle studies."

"That's great." Said Sev, "Where going, where really going."

"I know." Said Lily, "I'm meeting Professor McGonagall in London in two weeks so we can go to this place called Diagon alley."

"Ah, I haven't told you about Diagon Alley." Said Snape.

"What's it like?" asked Lily. Snape went to answer, but held back.

"Nah," he said looking at her eager face, "You can only appreciate it when you go there."

"Ah Sev!" Lily pleaded.

"No." said Snape with a smile, "You'll thank me when you get there." Lily pouted for more but Snape wouldn't divulge her.

Lily was sat at the table with her family; her parents couldn't believe that she was a witch. Petunia on the other hand was just moving her food round with her good arm shooting evils at Lily. Lily just couldn't stop grinning and reading her letter, she was going to study magic, she was going to be able to do things that other people could only dream about.

"Are you sure this isn't fake." Said Petunia. Both parents looked at their daughter with surprised looks.

"I admit, we thought it was at first." said Mr Evans, "But that McGonagall woman convinced us."

"And, it does explain some of the things that Lily has done over the years." Said Lavender. "Were meeting this McGonagall woman in London at some address she's given us."

"Are we all going?" Asked Petunia in a constricted voice.

"I should think so." Said Mr Evans looking at Petunia, "Why don't you want to go?"

"NO!" said Petunia, she pushed her plate away and stormed out of the room, she ran upstairs and slammed her door. Lavender instantly left the table and went upstairs.

"Did I do anything?" asked Lily.

"No Lily." Said Mr Evans, "I think Petunia feels a little…"

"Jealous?" asked Lily, Mr Evans nodded.

"Look, Lily, don't flaunt this in front of your sister, ok." Lily nodded.

"I want her to be happy for me. Not jealous." Said Lily sounding down. Lily didn't see Petunia or her mum for the rest of the evening, her Dad had gone into see what damaged had been caused, but for the better part, Petunia was still very upset. Lily was in bed looking at her celling when her door opened.

"Lily?"

"Mum?" asked Lily sitting up, Lavender walked over and sat on the bed.

"How's Tuney?" asked Lily.

"She's fine." Said Lavender, "It's just…a little bit for her to take at the moment."

"Is she jealous?" asked Lily, Lavender sighed, she didn't want to admit it her directly, but the look on her face said everything. Lily hugged her knees.

"I don't want her to resent me." Said Lily upset.

"She won't Lily." Said Lavender hugging Lily, "She just needs time to adjust to the situation." Lily nodded and looked up at her mum.

"Are you proud of me?" asked Lily. Lavender smiled and looked at Lily's face which needed reassurance.

"Yes Lily." Said Lavender, "Me and your father and Petunia are very proud of you for what you've achieved."

"Do you think I'll be ok?" asked Lily

"You'll be the best witch there." Lily smiled as Lavender tucked her into her bed.

"Lily…don't, boast about this to your sister ok."

"I won't mum." Said Lily sleepily. Lavender kissed Lily on her forehead and walked out the room.


Lily opened her eyes, she had been dreaming of being in a forest with a stag. She then fully realised what today was, she was going to London to get her school supplies. She was finally seeing what all the fuss was about. She changed quickly and ran downstairs to the kitchen where her mum had a bacon sandwich on the table with a tea. Lavender didn't even need to ask if Lily was looking forward to today, her eyes where wide and excited while she wore a huge grin.

"Hurry up Lily we need to get going." Said Lavender.

Soon Lily and Lavender where in the car on their way to London, Petunia didn't want to come, while her dad wanted to come, he remained behind to spent time with Petunia. They parked the car and walked down some of the back streets of London before they came to the street that Professor McGonagall had written down.

"This is the road." Said Lavender looking at two buildings. "But…the leaky cauldron doesn't seem to be here. Lily stepped forward as her mother started to fret over not being able to see the pub.

"Maybe we could contact her…"

"I can see it." said Lily, Lavender stopped and looked at her.

"What do you see?"

"The leaky cauldron." Said Lily. She could, it was a black building with a picture hanging from the side of a cauldron with holes in bottom.

"Lily…there's nothing there." Lily smiled and held out her hand.

"Trust me, I can see it." Lavender looked up and held her hand as Lily led them across the road and seemingly into two houses. Lavender suddenly found herself in a pub.

The air was thick with all sorts of men and women in different sort of clothing.

"Ah, Mrs Evans." Professor McGonagall came sweeping over, "I hope you found us ok."

"Well…Lily found it actually." Said Lavender sheepishly. Lily smiled triumphantly.

"Well, we must be getting your supplies Miss Evans." Said McGonagall, she turned and led them out of the back room and into a small court yard.

"Now remember this because it's very important." Said McGonagall pulling out her wand, "Two bricks up. And three across." She tapped the brick. The wall let out a huge groan, Lily took a step back and watched as the wall opened up to reveal a doorway.

"Lily's shock and apprehension was suddenly replaced with awe as she stepped onto the cobbled street. Witches and wizards where wondering round deep in conversation, looking in shop windows at things Lily had never comprehended.

"First we'll need to exchange your currency." Said McGonagall, she strode off leaving Lily and Lavender gawping at the new alley around them.

"Ahem." Lavender snapped out of it and dragged Lily along with her. Sev was right thought Lily, this place was amazing. McGonagall led them to this huge white building that towered over every other building in its path.

"This is Gringott's" explained McGonagall, "This is the wizarding bank, this where you can exchange your money for our own.

"There's a different currency?" asked Lavender.

"Don't worry." Said McGonagall, "I'll help you gain your money this time." They walked in the open doors. Lily suddenly clung on to her mother.

"Mum…what are those things?"

"There goblins Miss Evans." Said McGonagall. Lily looked at a goblin again, it was a head shorter than Lily, but had all the sharp and nasty features Lily would expect. The hall that they were in was long and grand, either side where Goblins counting coins on scales before writing on pieces of paper. Behind them where doors leading off to corridors. Lily was unsure as to why there where so many, put other witches and wizards where being led down them.

"Here we are." McGonagall stopped outside a booth where a goblin looked up at them.

"Yes."

"We wish to exchange some muggle currency." The goblin looked over the desk at Lily.

"How much exactly?" McGonagall turned to Lavender who like Lily was caught up in the atmosphere.

"Oh right." She pulled out her purse and pulled out three hundred pounds in notes and handed it to the goblin. He counted it with his long fingers and placed it on the scales. He made some notes.

"That will be one hundred and fifty galleons, 12 sickles and a knuts."

She took the money and gave it to Lavender. She led them both outside and turned towards them.

"I must go." She said checking her watch, "You can find all you need on your list in the shops. I look forward to seeing you in September Miss Evans."

"You too." Said Lily excitedly, McGonagall nodded and walked off into the street.

"So Misses." Said Lavender, "What first?" Lily pulled out the list and looked down.

"A wand mum, I want to get my wand!" said Lily excitedly. Lavender smiled and took her hand.

"Ok, let's get your wand." They set off down the road looking at all the shops, they were both guilty of staring at shops with weird and wonderful things in them.

"Mum! There!" Lavender looked up at the shop that said Ollivanders Fine Wand Makers since 946 A.D Lily and Lavender walked into the shop. It was dark and full of small boxes that lined every wall. They both walked forward to a small desk at the front of the room. Suddenly a stair rolled came tearing from a corridor which startled them both. An old man who was on top of them watching. His bright blue eyes narrowed as he seemed to look into Lily's soul.

"You're new." He said getting off the steps he dusted himself down.

"Uhm…yeah. I'm Lily." The old man smiled.

"It fits perfectly." He said, "A pretty name for a delicate flower." Lily felt her cheeks go crimson at the complement.

"She's here to buy her wand." Explained Lavender nudging Lily.

"Of course." The man said, "My name is Olivander, please hold out your wand arm."

"My What?"

"Wand arm…" said Olivander, Lilt continued to look on dumbly at the obscure question. Olivander smiled kindly as he soon understood that Lily wasn't of magical blood. "The arm you write with." He said, gesturing with his own arm.

"Your left arm Lily." Said Lavender, Lily held her arm open. Olivander pulled out a tape measure and measured her arm. He smiled and started to inspect the boxes.

"Oh yes, very powerful." He muttered under his breath. He let his finger go down some boxes before pulling it out. He opened the box and gave her the wand.

"Try this." He said. Lily held it, she didn't know what to do. Did she have to say something, do something?

"Give it a wave." Lily pointed it at the bell on the counter which burst into flames. Lily screamed, but Olivander but it out.

"No." he said taking it from her hand, "I don't think that one will do." He then set off down a small corridor and pulled out another box, he gave it to Lily who waved it again. A small drop of water escaped the tip.

"Apparently not." He said stroking his chin.

"Am I witch?" asked Lily.

"You are." Said Olivander taking the wand from her, "But… the wand choses the wizard young Lily. Like, for you name sake's flower blooming only when ready." He picked out a box and pulled the wand out. As soon as Lily held it…it felt right, it felt like…a piece of her was complete without realising it. She looked down at the wand.

"This one." said Lily.

"Willow, 10 ¾ inches." Said Olivander, "Should be very good for charm work." Said Olivander. "Now be careful with it. They don't grow on trees you know." He took the wand and placed it back in its box and took it behind the counter. They paid for the wand and went back out into the alley. Lily looked down her list again and ticked of wand.

Lily was measured out for new robes, Lavender only insisted on 5 with enough room that Lily thought she wouldn't need any till the end of the 5th year. They visited all the ingredients shops for her potions. Though Lavender was quick to point out to Lily that she would have to go in there on her own in the future. The sun shone down over alley as Lily and Lavender explored all the little nocks and cranny's this place had to offer. They were sitting outside a small ice cream parlour. Lily was looking at some of her potions ingredients while Lavender was admiring the stitching on lily's new robes. Lily licked her strawberry cone and placed the ingredients away out of view.

"You still need your books." Said Lavender, looking down the list.

"I can't wait." Said Lily, "God, there's so much to learn here." Her big green eyes surveyed the street, passing people and the weird things they did. "I don't ever want to leave." Said Lily lightly. Lavender's smile wavered lightly as she looked at her daughter's amused and wondered face.

"We just need to get your books." Repeated Lavender getting up. Lily picked her bags up and followed her into the street. They, through a series of eavesdropping and watching people made it to a shop which had a glass display filled with complex book structure. Lily's mouth opened in awe as she inspected it. She just wanted to loose herself in the store. Her eyes wondered up at her new favourite place in the world.

Flourish and Blotts.

Lily and Lavender walked into the shop, before she could scamper off Lavender held her back.

"School books first missy." Said Lavender, she didn't care. She found the whole thing amazing, books on all matter of subjects she had no idea existed.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

The rulers of the ancient magical world.

Morgana: The Temptress.

Gilgamesh: The lost Treasure.

Lily picked up the book which showed some sort of warrior being worshipped by the masses. Except he was wearing a strange suit of armour which Lily thought looked quite silly. She couldn't wait to look through this shop, so full of knowledge and things she didn't even know she know existed. Lily was sure that looking for the books she would be able to pick up something interesting. Unfortunately for her all the Hogwarts books where in a convenient pile where she could pick them up.

"I think I might need a few more." Said Lily. Lavender frowned and looked down the list.

"No, Lily I think you have everything you need."

"Urgh, but mum." Lily hushed her voice, "Mum this world is new to me, and I want to learn about it, a couple of books so I can at least not look like a complete idiot." Lavender sighed and looked around.

"Well you have a history of magic." Said Lavender, "Maybe something about the school you're going to."

"What about!"

"Don't push me Lily." Said Lavender. Lily went silent, but breaking her mother's resolve had let her roam around the shop looking at some of the titles. She let her finger roam over the titles.

"H, H, H." she said looking over the books.

"Where's Hogwarts?" she asked.

"Hogwarts." Lily jumped as a boy next to her engaged in conversation. Lily looked at him, he was a wizard, he had to be if he was in here. He was in a t-shirt and jeans with trainers, he was taller than her and had a head unruly black hair which stuck out in all directions. He was looking over the H section as well, but didn't seem to be looking at her.

"You going to Hogwarts?" he asked.

"Uhm, yes, I mean…not now, but I want to and…I really, should, stop, talking." Lily turned away as her face went crimson. She heard him laugh softly and picked a book off the shelf.

"Here," he said handing Lily the book, "Hogwarts a history, everything you need to know." Lily turned back and took the book.

"Uhm thanks." She said timidly, "Are…you going to Hogwarts?" she asked, hoping he'd say yes.

"I am." He said not looking from the bookcase, "First year in September." Lily nodded and looked down at the cover.

"Thanks anyway." She said walking away. Lily walked away to where her mum was standing smirking at her.

"Making friends?" she asked.

"Shut up." Said Lily hot in the face handing her the book.

"Hogwarts a history." She said looking at the back. She nodded and added it to the pile. "Oh, and I picked this up for you. Since I know how much you like you action and adventure." She handed Lily a book.

The Adventures of Jonathan Croak.

Lily read the back of the page, "It's a bit like Tarzan and John Carter." Explained Lavender, "Another thing to help the easing process." Lily smiled and hugged her mum.

"Did you get that boy's name?" she asked. Lily's mind snapped back to that damn smile.

"Er…no." said Lily looking back to the bookcase they were at a couple of minutes ago. But he was gone, must have found his book as well.

"Oh well, I'm sure you'll see him again." said Lavender while she paid for the books. They walked back onto the streets and made their way back up towards the arch way. Lily turned back sadly and looked at the street. With all its wonders and untapped potential, she smiled sadly as her mother ushered her back into the pub and back onto the London Street. Boring, grey, and ordinary, unlike her, extra-ordinary.

"I want to go back." Said Lily.

"I know," said Lavender, "You only have a couple of more weeks to wait."

"I suppose." Said Lily. She turned and smiled at her mum and took her hand as they walked back towards the car.


Lily turned the page of her book and gasped as more knowledge went into her brain. She couldn't believe that she was going to this place. She had spent her days stuck in her books looking at different potions, spells, animals that she was going to see. She had tried a couple of spells with her wand, only to have it sharply taken away from her mother when she burst the plumbing.

"This is amazing." Said Lily to herself, she was alone in the house, her mum and Dad had taken Tuney to the hospital for her shoulder. She heard a knock. She went down and opened the door to see Sev standing there.

"SEV!" said Lily, "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." Said Snape, "We were supposed to meet 15 minutes ago."

"Really?" Lily looked at the clock in the hall, sure enough she was late.

"Ah sorry." She said, "I was just reading my book. Come on in, I'll go get my shoes." Snape gingerly followed Lily into the house. He looked afraid to touch anything as Lily led him into the living room and up the stairs to her room. Lily walked on into her room, Snape however had stopped outside Petunia's room.

"This place is amazing Sev, there's so much here you could-?" Lily turned round to continue the conversation but found herself speaking to no one.

"Sev?" called Lily, she poked her head out into the hallway, and down towards Tuney's room. Like most typical teenagers, Petunia had various posters of bands and pop stars on her wall, he room was a ghastly peach that Lily hated with matching bed and ornaments. Lily walked in gingerly and noticed Sev standing at Tuney's desk which was full of books and homework.

"Sev." Said Lily nervously, "This is Tuney's room, you shouldn't be in here." Snape didn't appear to be listening. He was too busy reading a letter on her desk which looked wet from tears.

"How?" asked Snape lightly.

"Sev." Lily said more forcefully. Snape turned round with a letter in hand.

"It's impossible." He said, looking back at the letter, almost oblivious to Lily's nerves. "Your sister contacted Hogwarts without an owl."

"What?" asked Lily, forgetting herself that she shouldn't be in here anyway. She peered over Snape's shoulder and read the letter.

Dear Miss Evans.

Thank you for your letter in asking to join your sister at Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry in September. However, I am afraid I must disappoint you in my reply as I must say that unfortunately we cannot accept you at this time.

The basis of magic is unknown, certain people, and individuals develop magical abilities that we as a school try to control. As you yourself have not manifested any sort of power we cannot teach you to control something you do not possess. We know this must be very hard to take, epically since your sister will be starting with us in September. But she will need you love and support to help her through this tough transitional period.

We wish you all the best and every future success in your remaining studies.

Albus Dumbledore, Head Master.

Lily was almost brought to tears at the sight of the letter, she just wanted to hug Petunia and tell her it was all going to be ok.

"Ha, stupid muggle." Lily's temper flared.

"What?"

"Look at all the tear marks." Said Snape with glee. "She's so jealous of you, you have to rub this in her face." Lily opened her mouth in horror.

"What! No…I could never do that to my sister!" said Lily, "She's my life, my best friend. I want her to go to Hogwarts as much as me!"

"Why?"

"SHE'S MY SISTER!" Lily shouted, "AND I HATE SEEING HER IN PAIN!"

"But she's not like you, at all." Snape tried to point out.

"We may be different, but we come from the same blood." Said Lily fiercely.

"Why are you defending her?" asked Snape, "You complain about her more than anyone."

"That maybe," said Lily, "But I still love her." There was a thick silence between them.

"Get out, until you understand that, I don't want to be your friend anymore." Snape looked on astounded.

"I said, get out." Said Lily snatching the Letter from Snape and placing it on the table. Snape looked at Lily's face and made his way down the stairs. Lily followed to make sure he stepped outside. Snape took one last look back at Lily, his face didn't show the slightest bit of guilt or remorse. When he did step out, she sat down on the stairs and cried.


Next time. Enter….

James Potter.