After her first day of school, Lily was, in a word, tired. She had to force herself to go into the Great Hall for dinner. When she got there, however, the Head of House for Gryffindor, Professor Munro, stopped her.
"Lily Potter, you are to spend dinner in the Hospital Wing."
Lily knew immediately why this was happening. They wanted her to get to know Madame Pomfrey, and grow accustomed to the Hospital Wing. They thought she'd be in there soon enough.
"Oh," Lily said "all right." she turned to her friends as Munro walked away "See you in the common room? Save me a chair." and she left.
The hospital wing wasn't hard to find. She asked a couple 5th years, and they gave her directions. When she got there she found it empty except for Madame Pomfrey and a small table laden with food. Madame Pomfrey herself sat in the chair facing the door.
"Hello, dear," she said pleasantly "sit down." Lily took a seat, looking around the gigantic hospital wing. The beds were arranged in neat little rows, and potions sitting out on counters.
"Do you often have a lot of people here?" Lily asked
"Often enough," Madame Pomfrey shrugged "would you like some tea, dear?"
"Oh, yes, of course."
There was a pause as Madame Pomfrey poured the tea. "Your father was in here often, of course."
Lily sipped her tea "Really?"
"Yes, of course. Attracted trouble, that one. Finger sandwich?"
"Yes, please. Madame, have you spoken to my father about..."
"Yes," Pomfrey said as she handed over the sandwich. "I am terribly sorry about you...condition dear," she saw Lily's eyes narrow and quickly averted her eyes
Lily nodded slightly, and changed the subject "Do you always eat up here?"
Madame Pomfrey nodded "Yes. My job requires me to be available at all hours." she motioned toward a door "that leads to my bedroom."
Lily nodded again. She'd been practically raised by healers. She knew that they like to be ready for anything at any time. "I've always been interested in healing, but the doctors at Mungo's never told me anything."
"Are you interested in becoming a healer?"
Lily considered for a moment, and then thought that she wouldn't ever get to. She would be dead when the snow fell. "I can't."
"Why not?" Madame Pomfrey looked at her skeptically
"I -" Lily broke off, remembering that she wasn't supposed to know that she was going to die. "I'm always the one sick. I wouldn't have time to heal."
Madame Pomfrey stared at Lily a long second, but then nodded slightly "I suppose that has some truth in it. But I could teach you a little, if you like."
"Oh, yes, please!" Lily's heart fluttered with excitement at the thought.
"Would you be willing to give up your evening meals every day to learn?"
Lily didn't hesitate. "Yes."
Madame Pomfrey nodded "Then meet me here again tomorrow."