Disclaimer: I do not own anything…not even the characters…maybe I own the names but NOT their personalities...they are either real people or characters owned by the Princess Sissi series creators. So do not sue! Besides even if you do all you'll get is my computer and maybe two cents or something.
This chapter is dedicated to my beta eclectia88! THANK YOU!
Lily sat across from Helena in the study room with Lady Molly.
"Eventually-" said Lady Molly, obviously teaching Lily. "Hungary will be taken over by Austria."
"Yes and my father will be the one to make them surrender," said Helena.
"Never," said Lily. "Hungary will never surrender." Lily was obviously angry.
"Oh yes they will and those outlaws will be put into their right places," Helena retorted.
"Well I know one Hungarian who will never surrender," said Lily and turned the page of the book lying in front of her. A picture of Mundungus Fletcher was shown on it. He stared up at them with a great amount of dignity and occasionally blinked.
* * *
"I, Lord Butterscotch, the ring master of the Zonko's circus am proud to present the elastic human Arabella Figg," rumbled a jolly round man with blonde balding hair. He was of course the ringleader and there were many shrieks of delight as Arabella, the most beautiful maiden in Hungary, stepped out. She did a series of cartwheels and then bent herself into a pretzel shape. There was more applause. She then stood up straight and bent herself backwards so that her head was touching the ground and her hands touching the back of her feet. She then stood up and bowed. Roses were thrown from the crowd and Arabella, while smiling politely at everyone, caught site of a man standing underneath the wooden bleachers.
He winked at her and raised his hat slightly of his head so that Arabella got a good look at him and then tipped his hat back down. He swished his cloak around himself so that nothing but a pair of smiling lips could be seen. Arabella quickly walked off stage, her heart beating fast.
The man meanwhile stood and waited patiently and then he felt as if someone had hurled a sack of potatoes at him.
"Arabella." He wheezed as Arabella held hugged him tightly. "I need air."
"Never ever scare me like that again," she whispered harshly, her head resting against his chest. Two tears trickled down her cheek. "How did you escape?" she asked loosening her grip on him. "Mundungus I thought they had…" but she couldn't go on and buried her head in his shoulder.
"Come now," said Mundungus, stroking her hair. "You really think those Austrians could harm me? They're such cowards that they cower at my shadow," he said breezily and then laughed. "Actually I had help from some friends."
"Who?" asked Arabella and so Mundungus began to tell of his adventures. He told her about Duke Max, the posse, and, of course, Lily. "She seems wonderful," said Arabella.
"She is and she and James even got into a fight because of me but they must have patched things up as now Lily is the next Empress of Austria," said Mundungus.
Arabella opened her mouth to say something but suddenly a huge ruckus began in the circus and the two of them looked up. Marshal Vangrosburg stood in the middle of the ring and a soldier spoke up with his magically magnified voice.
"This circus is now under the control of the Austrian Empire. All the circus members are ordered to pack and go to Austria for the Empresses entertainment and Marshal Vangrosburgs daughter's birthday!"
The next thing Arabella knew was that she was roughly being pulled away from the safety of her sweetheart's arms.
* * *
"Will," said Helena.
"Will not!" Lily yelled back.
"Will too!"
"Will not!"
"They will too surrender, Lily Anastasia Isabella Evans (A/N: See that's why she has two different middle names!) And you know it!" Helena exclaimed punching the table with her fist in a very unladylike manner
"They will not!" Lily bellowed. "Hungary will never surrender to Austria and Austria will never be able to take over Hungary so-"
"Lily!" came an astonished voice.
Lily and Helena looked up to see the Empress standing there in shock. "How dare you yell in such a barbaric way? Hardly the way should a princess act and you're going against your own country! Hungary is a very essential place for our country to take over."
A huge commotion suddenly came blasting from outside and there was also some music. Lily and Helena rushed towards the balcony to see a plump, jolly man leading a circus.
"Come one come all!" he yelled in a magically magnified voice. "To the Zonko's incorporated circus!"
Lily and Helena watched clowns run around doing different antics. One levitated himself up into the air and then let himself fall. Both girls began to laugh.
"Pleased Helena?" asked the Empress happily.
"Oh yes your majesty," said Helena happily. "Thank you for allowing this circus to come here."
"Your father had it sent all the way from Hungary," said the Empress warmly. "Besides, it's your birthday! Happy Birthday, dear."
"Thank you your majesty," said Helena.
"You may invite whomsoever you want to," said the Empress.
"If you agree that Hungary will be taken over by us then maybe you'll be able to get an invitation from me to see the circus," said Helena in a whisper.
"Never," said Lily.
"Lily, that is no way to treat Helena! Especially when she's been so nice and has become your friend," said the Empress.
"Helena, my friend?" asked Lily disbelievingly. "Ha. Don't make me laugh."
"Oh, your Excellency, you see what I have to put up with?" asked Helena in pretend despair.
"I know, dear, I know. Lily…how James chose you above Helena is beyond Me." The Empress said and left.
* * *
"Thank you for your help," said Jonathon to James.
"No problem," said James before mounting his broom. "Sirius, Remus…lets go home," James said and kicked of into the air. He couldn't wait to see Lily again and found himself fantasizing about running his hands through her long hair.
* * *
Lily and Tommy stood in Lily's room laughing at Cherry's antics. The squirrel was, at the moment, chasing his own tail.
"Oh Tommy he's so cute!" said Lily as the squirrel came to rest in Tommy's hand.
A sound came from outside. Lily and Tommy both looked towards the door.
* * *
Helena listened to the laughter coming from Lily's room. The door suddenly opened and Helena fell into the room.
"Looking for something?" asked Lily raising an eyebrow expectedly.
"I l-lost my earring," Helena stuttered. "But it's not here." She then walked away.
Lily slammed the door shut but not before saying, "Next time Helena you might want to be a bit quieter while playing spy."
Helena smiled and whispered, "There won't be a next time Lily Evans…I know your little secret now."
A shadow came over her and Helena looked up. "You!" she exclaimed.
* * *
Lily went into her closet where Tommy lay at the top part of her clothes shelf. It had been made into a bed for him as to hide him from lady Molly and the other maids that came in at different times.
"We'll have to be careful from now on," said Lily, smoothing the covers over Tommy. "Helena is a real pain. Anyway, sleep tight," said Lily and kissed him on the forehead before getting ready for bed.
* * *
The next day Lily sat in her room when suddenly Carl came in.
"Lily quickly. Counselor Pettigrew had some spy exploring the castle because he thought that there was a Hungarian spy on the loose. Anyway right now they are on their way up to the attic WITH my mother because of a huge crash that just took place up there and-and-"
"And?" Lily prompted.
"And Tommy had been up exploring in the attic!"
Lily stood up quickly. "Come on," she said and raced out of her room with Carl following close behind.
They raced up to the attic as Lily's room was on one of the top floors. What Lily saw made her heart stop. It looked as if a bookshelf had fallen over Tommy and only his upper torso stuck out.
"Tommy!" Lily exclaimed and ran over to him. "Tommy, are you okay?"
She heard a feeble cough. "Get this thing off me," he wheezed.
"My wand…my wand…I need a new one!" Lily exclaimed suddenly, remembering how hers broke. "Carl…" she looked at him but Carl was already on it. He took his wand and levitated the bookshelf so that it was standing on itself properly. Lily embraced Tommy in a hug.
"Tommy, I was so scared!" Lily exclaimed. "You're like a little brother to me you know that? I'd die if anything happened to you!"
"Lily make the speech some other time," Carl urged. "Mother is coming."
The doorknob belonging to the entrance door began to rattle.
"Too late," said Carl, gulping.
* * *
The Empress, in the lead, opened the door to see Lily sitting on the piano and Carl playing.
"And there you'll be," Lily finished off, her voice ringing in the empty attic.
Carl stared at her. Her voice was mesmerizing. He'd only heard her sing a few words but it was as if she had put a spell on him where he wanted to hear more of her voice. It was so light and soft. It was clear and a twinkling sort of singing voice. Counselor Pettigrew and the Empress also stood as if they had been hit with a stunning spell but Empress Sophia quickly recovered.
"Well, Counselor Pettigrew, there's your spy," spat Empress Sophia. "The peasant is brushing up on her singing. What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "Lily, you caused us all quite a shock. We thought a terrible accident had taken place up here. I will not tolerate this, Lily, do you understand?"
"Yes, your majesty," said Lily, jumping of the piano. "I understand."
"But, Mother, she didn't do anything-" Carl began but Empress Sophia cut him off.
"Carl, be quiet. You know better than to argue with your mother," reprimanded the Empress.
"Yes, mother," Carl mumbled.
"Lily, go to your room at once and Counselor Pettigrew have that piano disposed of," said the Empress.
"Yes, your Excellency. I'll see to it that Peter carries out your orders."
"Make sure he does," said Sophia coolly. "I doubt he's even thrown out that rotten egg I told him to a few years ago."
Lily stared at the piano before going out of the attic and into her room.
* * *
"Peter?" asked Carl.
"Yeah?" asked Peter, looking up.
"Did your dad tell you to get rid of that piano yet?"
"What piano?" asked Peter.
"Good…now listen to me carefully…" said Carl and walked down the hall with Peter.
* * *
Lily sat in her room with Lady Molly brushing her hair.
"I miss my home," Lily sighed.
"Maybe after you get married you can go and visit it…"Lady Molly trailed off.
"If the Empress ever allows me to get married," Lily said bitterly. "I miss Bavaria so much!" she exclaimed, staring at her clasped hands.
"That reminds me!" Lady Molly exclaimed. "Rumor around the castle has it that a visitor just came from Bavaria!"
"Papa!" Lily exclaimed. "It MUST be Papa!"
Lily stood up, nearly knocking her chair backwards, and went towards her room door. It was suddenly flung open and Lily got ready to fling her arms around the person she thought was her father but looked at the man's face just in time.
"You!" Lily spat.
"Funny…Helena had the same reaction when she saw me. Although she was more delighted than angry."
"What do you want Count Snape?" Lily asked angrily. "Who invited you here?"
"I did," said Helena stepping into Lily's room.
"How dare you-" Lily began but was cut off by Count Snape.
"Dear girl how could you possibly EVER think your father would come to see you?" sneered Snape. "Do you know what's going on at Posse right now? They are happy. They love the fact that you're finally gone. In fact I was there the other day and I told them I was coming here to Austria where their precious daughter Lily was. Do you know, Ms. Lily, what their reaction was?" asked Snape advancing on her as Lily took steps backwards.
"What?" asked Lily defiantly.
"They asked me who cares! They said as far as they know they have only three daughters. They have forgotten you! They do not even remember you anymore! They do not miss you and Carly is now known as the second oldest girl in the family. Do you not wonder why an invitation to Petunia's wedding was not sent to you?"
Lily was pushed up against the wall now. Lady Molly then spoke up. "I demand you to leave right now young man or I shall call the guards!" but Snape ignored her.
"Because Petunia hates me and doesn't want me at her wedding," Lily spat, anger burning in her eyes.
"Yes but don't you think your mother would've convinced her otherwise…would've convinced her to invite her 'favorite' daughter?" Snape asked, taking no notice of how close he was to her and tried to if possible take another step towards her. "But she didn't and you know why?" he asked. Lily tilted her head away from him. "It's because they do not think you are part of the family anymore…especially your father who hates the fact that you're marrying an Austrian Prince."
"Liar!" Lily exclaimed and tried to push him of her but to no avail.
Helena had paled during this time. "Count Snape that's going too far!" she exclaimed and pulled the man of Lily. "How dare you speak to her this way? The poor girl! Look at her!"
Lily's eyes were wide in shock and she shook violently. Both anger and fear were in her eyes.
"Count Snape, get out of here!" Helena yelled and pointed to the door.
Count Snape glared at Helena. He raised a hand and Lily thought he might strike Helena but instead he caught himself and stormed out of the room with out another word.
Lily was speechless. In the end she was able to mutter a very thankful "Thank you."
Lily then thought of a question. "Why?" she asked.
"That Count Snape was so mean to you Lily," said Helena. "I just couldn't let him stand there and say such things…-no one's that heartless."
Lily didn't reply.
"Listen Lily maybe we just got off on the wrong foot," Helena started. "I'd like to be friends with you if you don't mind. To prove it here's an invitation to the circus. Can you ever forgive me? I'm really sorry," she added tentatively.
"Helena this is great!" Lily exclaimed taking the invitation from her. "I'd love to be friends with you," she said and hugged Helena.
"I'm so happy Lily," Helena said. "Now why don't we go tell Tommy the good news?"
"You know about Tommy?" asked Lily flabbergasted.
"Of course I knew about him," said Helena as she followed Lily towards her closet.
"Tommy!" Lily called. She touched a shelf in her closet and it swung open to reveal Tommy standing there.
"Lily! Look out Helena's right behind you!" Tommy exclaimed.
Lily laughed. "Don't be stupid Tommy. Helena and I are friends now."
"Are you sure she can be trusted?" asked Tommy suspiciously.
"Why of course she can be trusted," said Lily. "Lady Molly doesn't even know about you Tommy and Helena does. She's known for God knows how long and never spoke a word about it to anyone."
Lady Molly then came into the walk in closet. "Goodness me what's that child doing here?" she asked in surprise.
Lily thought for a moment. "Lady Molly please you mustn't tell anyone anything said in this room."
"I won't child I promise but please give me an explanation. Although, I'm not surprised at it. Helena and you becoming friends, a boy popping out of a closet what's next? Count Snape in a dress (A/N: Not in this lifetime!)?"
Lily giggled. She then told Lady Molly the whole story with Helena listening intently.
"Now you know the whole story too, Helena," said Lily smiling.
"Yes and now Lily dear you must learn never to trust a double edged sword," said Helena, smiling with malice in her eyes. "Fool. You've just spilled everything out to me! And here I was thinking that I might just be able to catch Tommy but now….Oh the Empress will love this."
"But you fought with C-Count Snape and-" Lily started.
"It was all a setup Lily to gain your trust," said Helena off-handedly. "You're too easy to deceive. This wasn't even fun." She yawned and made a grab for Tommy who jumped back away from her. Count Snape stormed in at that moment.
"I knew the boy was hiding in here! I just knew it!" he exclaimed.
"Helena how could you?" asked Lady Molly angrily.
"Like this," she said, smirking. Count Snape ran after Tommy, who ran out of the closet and into Lily's room. Lily ran after Count Snape trying to catch him and give Tommy time to escape. Tommy took a leap out of Lily's window and landed on a small snow dune underneath her window. Count Snape went after him and Lily after taking a deep breath jumped onto the window ledge and made ready to jump.
"What's is the meaning of this?" came a voice. Lily turned to see Empress Sophia standing there. "Lily, get down from there this instant!"
Lily stepped down. "Your Excellency I-" Lily began but Helena cut in.
"Your Excellency, she stole my invitation and tried to escape by jumping out of the window!" Helena exclaimed. "See!" she pointed to Lily's hand, which held the invitation to the circus.
"What nonsense! Your majesty Helena is the one at fault! She-" Lady Molly began but the Empress held a hand up.
"Lady Molly I had not expected you to lie and stick up for her."
"But your majesty-"
"Silence, Lady Molly, or I shall have you relieved of your duties."
Lady Molly lowered her head. "Yes, your Excellency."
"AS for you!" The Empress whirled around and stared at Lily. "You are forbidden to leave your room at all today! Tonight the circus is entertaining Helena for her birthday and I will not have you ruin her birthday!"
Lily didn't reply.
The Empress went on "And even if you do manage to get a ticket you can forget about coming. I, as Empress, have forbidden you to attend…-at all."
Empress Sophia turned and left with Helena behind her smirking.
Lily stared at their retreating backs unable to say anything.
* * *
Tommy ran towards the circus tent with Snape behind him. He took a sharp turn behind the tent and ran into a cabin belonging to one of the circus people. He slipped inside a small portable cabinet and held his breath. He felt footsteps coming closer and closer to the cabinet until the handle was about to turn.
* * *
"Hey, what are you doing in here?" demanded Arabella, coming into her small cabin.
Snape looked up. "Erm-" he started. "Terribly sorry to bother you Ms.-"
"Figg," said Arabella.
"Yes, Miss Figg, but you see I believe one of my servant boys is hiding in your closet."
"There's no one in my closet, I assure you," said Arabella icily. "I know who you are Count Snape. I've heard much about you. Now please leave." She pointed to the door.
"But-but-" he stuttered.
"If you're so sure there's someone in my closet then fine. Lets have a look," said Arabella and put her hand on the side of her closet casually. A small button gave way unknown to Snape and Arabella lifted her hand. She opened the door. No one was there.
"But I could've sworn-he was-he came in-but then-" Snape looked inside the closet and stuck his greasy head practically all the way in. He emerged with a sigh. "Sorry to have bothered you," he said and left.
Arabella waited until the door banged shut. She then reached over to the side of her closet and after shutting the closet doors she pushed the side closet button. It gave way again and she opened the doors. Tommy sat there clumsily with Cherry.
"Thank you," said Tommy. "But how'd you do that? And without magic?"
"My closet has a fake bottom. Now who are you?" asked Arabella picking up a brush for her hair.
"I'm Tommy," he said.
Arabella dropped her brush. "Tommy?" she asked her ears perking up. "Do you know Lily?"
Tommy nodded proudly. "In fact I'm her best friend."
Arabella smiled. "I need you to give a message to Lily somehow. It's from Mundungus on behalf of Hungary."
"There's no way I could-how do you know Mundungus?" Tommy asked and then went on. "I can't you see Count Snape is after me and he'll surely spot me if I go out."
"Never mind Mundungus. He's a dear friend of mine. Now, will Lily be coming to the show?" asked Arabella quickly.
Tommy nodded. "Helena gave her an invitation."
"Well then," said Arabella. She took a mirror and with a very complicated series of turns to the right and left the handle fell out to reveal it hollow on the inside. Arabella put a note inside of it. "I know how to get this to her," said Arabella, satisfied.
"Now to give you a disguise." She snapped her fingers. "The best way to hide in a circus is to be part of it."
She got out some white powder.
"Good idea!" exclaimed Tommy happily.
Neither noticed Snape spying through a window.
* * *
Lily sat forlornly on her bed. It was evening and the circus was about to begin. She watched the Empress along with Helena, Carl, Counselor Pettigrew and Peter ride in carriages to the short distance of where the circus was located on the palace grounds. Fairy lights were everywhere and the inside of the tent glowed brightly. She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up to see Lady Molly staring down at her questioningly. "Well?" she asked expectantly. "Aren't you going to get ready for the circus?"
"Oh Lady Molly you know what happened." Said Lily bitterly. "The Empress has forbidden me to go."
"Forbidden, smidden. I'm tired of following her unruly orders. Come on Lily you have a circus to get ready for," said Lady Molly, and threw a well chosen emerald green gown of Lily's onto her bed.
Lily smiled at Lady Molly gratefully and wiped away a small tear from her cheek.
* * *
Count Snape sat under the bleachers ready to give Counselor Pettigrew the signal. "I just have to find out which one's that insolent little peasant brat," he muttered.
Above him Carl and the Empress sat chatting and completely unaware of what was going to happen.
"But mother Lily should've been-"
"Not another word Carl," said the Empress. "I don't want to hear one more word about Lily."
"Yes mother," said Carl and bowed his head. Helena sat fanning herself. A tight-rope walker suddenly appeared and began to do flips on the tightrope.
"Boring," said Helena, yawning.
Carl suddenly looked up to see Lily walking into the tent. All eyes suddenly riveted towards Lily. She came walking into the tent wearing an emerald green gown with long sleeves. Her long fiery red hair flowed down her back in a mane and shone beautifully. Clips held her hair back from her face with two thin wisps framing it and the necklace Carl had given her rested on her neck.
Carl stood up suddenly and offered Lily his seat. Lily bowed slightly before accepting and sat down. Lady Molly went to stand behind the box the whole family was sitting in as Carl sat down in a seat beside Peter and behind Lily.
"You look great Lily," Carl whispered from behind.
"Thanks," Lily whispered. She suddenly felt a hand grab her wrist tightly. The Empress who was sitting beside her said through gritted teeth.
"I'll see to you after the circus."
Lily pulled her hand away and ignored her.
Arabella suddenly came out.
"And may I present the human elastic!" said the ringmaster, Lord Butterscotch.
Arabella bowed and then made her body into a pretzel shape. Many people clapped and then she stood up and balanced herself on the toes of her right foot. She the bent backwards making her left leg rise up as her head dipped down behind her.
Many people applauded and Arabella stood up. She bowed and then got a mirror out of her long purple cloak.
"May I present the magic mirror! It works without a wand and has not even been charmed." She called a little girl up to test it with her wand. The girl performed a few simple spells and declared that nothing had been done to the mirror. "It was given to me by an Indian who said that since the beginning of time this mirror has held magical powers. It shows a person their true identity. See." She held the mirror up in front of the girl and a mockingbird appeared. "A mockingbird!" declared Arabella. "Always helping others and never harming. You must be a very sweet girl."
The girl looked away shyly and ran back to her seat.
"Try me next!" exclaimed Helena.
Arabella walked towards Helena and held the mirror up. A Toad appeared on the mirror. A roar of laughter issued from everyone who had seen and Arabella decided to save the deceitful girl some embarrassment and not tell everyone. She then went up to Lily. Holding the mirror in front of Lily it suddenly showed Lily. But instead Lily was wearing a wedding gown and a golden crown rested on her head. "A Princess. A beautiful Princess destined to be Queen and lead her people!" Arabella announced.
Lily smiled.
"Keep it Princess," said Arabella gently and slipped the mirror into Lily's hand. "You'll be surprised what information this mirror holds." She then turned and left. Everyone applauded Arabella.
The clowns suddenly came out and started doing different acrobats. There was one clown though that kept on messing up and people laughed as he tried to balance a plate on his nose but messed up terribly. Everyone thought it was part of the show. But little did they know who the clown really was…
* * *
Tommy failed miserably and the plate fell with a crash to the floor. He looked around and saw Lily sitting there laughing merrily. He tried to catch her eye but she was busy talking with Carl and Peter. She looked up and saw him. Tommy tried to wave at her but suddenly it was time for the hardest part of the show. The clown pyramid. Lily didn't show any sign of knowing that it was him.
Tommy stood at the bottom of the Pyramid with four other boy clowns. Then suddenly Cherry decided to reveal himself and jumped out of Tommys small pouch.
"Cherry no!" Tommy hissed and made a grab for him. The whole pyramid suddenly came tumbling down as Tommy ran about trying to catch Cherry. Austrian guards suddenly appeared, surrounding the circus ring.
Counselor Pettigrew stood up. "Terribly sorry, Ms. Vangrosburg, for cutting your birthday party short," he said and then in a magically magnified voice spoke up. "This circus is under arrest for being in league with the Hungarian outlaw Mundungus Fletcher! Especially Arabella Figg!" he pointed towards Arabella and realization dawned on Lilys eyes. Arabella Figg…….-Mundunguse's sweetheart!
But Lily had no more time to think as the Empress grabbed her arm and pulled her up suddenly.
"Come with me you rebel!" she hissed as Helena took the mirror from Lily.
"I'll show this mirror to not mess with me." She muttered. "A frog honestly. I was supposed to be the princess…" and Helena walked of trying to get the mirror show her as a princess. Right now however the mirror only showed a toad.
Lily was dragged all the way to the front of the castle.
"Bring out her old things!" called the Empress. In less than twenty minutes guards had brought out Lily's old Bavarian things. The last memories of Bavaria she had left. "Burn them!"
"No!" Lily exclaimed trying to free herself from the Empress's grip. She watched as her old photo albums were thrown in. Pictures of her and her family. Pictures of her father and the only picture of her and Petunia when they had been friends as little girls. She watched her old dresses go up in flames. Dresses that held so many memories. The first dress James had ever seen her in. The dress she had worn when James had proposed to her. The first dress she'd ever worn. She didn't cry. She refused to cry. She just silently watched the black smoke rise up into the sky. Helena stood there snickering.
"Oh look the little peasants crying for her peasant things," she snickered.
Lily at that moment felt anger boil and spill over. She freed her arm from the Empresses grasp and brought her hand back.
A deafening crack filled the air that could be heard above the merrily crackling fire. Helena staggered back clutching her cheek.
"I am sick and tired of you Helena!" Lily shrieked. "You are always bad mouthing me to the Empress and are always plotting against me! I hope you're happy you conniving little wretch! I have nothing left to remember my old home by! Nothing!" Lily had a deranged look about her and her hair was a mess. She looked as if she'd kill anyone that came within a few feet of her. This however did not scare the Empress.
"What impudence! You disrespectful girl! How dare you talk to Helena like that?" The Empress gasped. "Helena is a thousand times better than you. You shall never be half the lady she is. I think I must teach you another lesson! Lady Molly is going to be relieved from her duties."
Lily's eyes widened. Lady Molly had nowhere else to go. She'd always worked in the palace.
"I'm not finished yet," the Empress said. She dragged Lily by the hand into a small room in the palace. The next thing Lily knew her long hair, which had grown all the way down to just below her butt, was being cut. It was cut all the way up to the small of her back. When Lily looked in the mirror she had to admit it looked stylish. It had been cut into layers starting from just beneath her face and two strands framed it perfectly but her hair had been cut. She hadn't had it actually cut for sometime. A trim here and there did not count as a haircut. But this…Tears streamed down her cheeks. She knew it her more vain side crying over something so small as this but she'd become so attached to her hair and James had always loved her hair. He'd always liked the fact that it was so long.
Lily was pushed into her room where she fell into bed face down. A small click told her that the Empress had locked her door. She began to cry. She began to let everything out. She just didn't let the tears just pour out of her eyes, she let out all her pain and sorrow in those tears. She heard a small click and knew that Empress Sophia had opened the door. She was too caught up between her crying and wondering why Sophia was going to punish her again to notice that whoever it was, was now sitting on edge of the bed beside her. She suddenly felt a warm hand on her back and recognized it immediately.
"My Lily what's wrong?" asked a concerned voice running their hand up and down her back for comfort. Lily turned onto her back and looked up into the warm eyes of James Potter full of concern. Indescribable joy filled Lily. James was back.
"Oh James," Lily sobbed. "I missed you so much." She let her hands snake around his neck as James leaned in.
James bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. As the kiss gradually deepened a warm feeling spread through Lily and she felt as if everything was all right again.
A/N: This thing is 28 pages long! Considering its size I don't think I took THAT long to update! And then I had to write EVERYTHING over after my comp crashed! Plus basketball practice, tests and other stuff! But I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING! SPECIAL RECOGNITION GOES TO Wildcat Ohrya for being my hundredth reviewer! THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING!
Kaite: I really am sorry for not updating for so long and I hope you don't mind! So you cant come on regularly? Hmm….if you have an email address give me that and maybe we could work something out. Thank you for liking my story so much! And I really DO feel guilty for not updating for so long but 28 pages! And I had to write them over after my comp crashed! I really hope you don't mind! Just tell me ur email and we'll work something out or email me at ruby_devilsangel@hotmail.com.
Ityw: I know! Helenas REALLY SPOILT!
The-girl-who-lived: Lolz and you said there was nothing left for the Empress to do!
HPdreamer: correction I told oliverwoodschic that lily SORT OF reached the mines. THANKS for reading this whole thing!
MKHfanforlife: Was this chapter better than the last? **lookes around hopefully**
Lilykat: I had Lily slap Helena JUST for you! Lolz. ;)
Eleya Hynin: They are not in Hogwarts cuz they are royalty and have special tutors and stuff. Lily isn't in Hogwarts couse her family was 2 poor to send her and she learned from one of the town wizards. Besides! If they went to Hogwarts it would destroy the whole plot!
Bubblegum*girl: see I did some more-er A LOT more.
Sinfonia: Sorry we wont be seeing Jonathon more in the way YOU think-although he might make an appearance here and there but nothing major really.
Lilyflower8602: Glad you like it!
Oliverwoodschic: its ok I LOVE nags! Writers block? Well I know how that feels but I get rid of mine by just sitting infront of the comp and start typing. Another way is to reread your story a few times.
Nin: Thanks. Well I kept on writing. And 28 pages 2!
Wildcat Ohrya: Yay! You got me to that big one zero zero! THANK YOU!
Btowmbabe: I would've done that except I think James took the cloak with him. Lolz. I know it's a bit angst-y but hey whjat fun would it be if it wasn't?
Sirena: SEE! James came home! Hope ur happy! Next chapter will contain some fluff!
Goodmorning(iluvfrogs):) :) :( :P: see they got 2 see each other again! Good thing I gave James that extra key to Lilys room eh? **wink wink**
THANK YOU EVERYONE! YOU GUYS REALLY KEEP ME WRITING THIS THING! One more thing! The PRINCESS SISSI SERIES ARE BINGH CONTINUED! I need help! Has anyone seen ALL the shows?! Even the new ones?
This chapter is dedicated to my beta eclectia88! THANK YOU!
Lily sat across from Helena in the study room with Lady Molly.
"Eventually-" said Lady Molly, obviously teaching Lily. "Hungary will be taken over by Austria."
"Yes and my father will be the one to make them surrender," said Helena.
"Never," said Lily. "Hungary will never surrender." Lily was obviously angry.
"Oh yes they will and those outlaws will be put into their right places," Helena retorted.
"Well I know one Hungarian who will never surrender," said Lily and turned the page of the book lying in front of her. A picture of Mundungus Fletcher was shown on it. He stared up at them with a great amount of dignity and occasionally blinked.
* * *
"I, Lord Butterscotch, the ring master of the Zonko's circus am proud to present the elastic human Arabella Figg," rumbled a jolly round man with blonde balding hair. He was of course the ringleader and there were many shrieks of delight as Arabella, the most beautiful maiden in Hungary, stepped out. She did a series of cartwheels and then bent herself into a pretzel shape. There was more applause. She then stood up straight and bent herself backwards so that her head was touching the ground and her hands touching the back of her feet. She then stood up and bowed. Roses were thrown from the crowd and Arabella, while smiling politely at everyone, caught site of a man standing underneath the wooden bleachers.
He winked at her and raised his hat slightly of his head so that Arabella got a good look at him and then tipped his hat back down. He swished his cloak around himself so that nothing but a pair of smiling lips could be seen. Arabella quickly walked off stage, her heart beating fast.
The man meanwhile stood and waited patiently and then he felt as if someone had hurled a sack of potatoes at him.
"Arabella." He wheezed as Arabella held hugged him tightly. "I need air."
"Never ever scare me like that again," she whispered harshly, her head resting against his chest. Two tears trickled down her cheek. "How did you escape?" she asked loosening her grip on him. "Mundungus I thought they had…" but she couldn't go on and buried her head in his shoulder.
"Come now," said Mundungus, stroking her hair. "You really think those Austrians could harm me? They're such cowards that they cower at my shadow," he said breezily and then laughed. "Actually I had help from some friends."
"Who?" asked Arabella and so Mundungus began to tell of his adventures. He told her about Duke Max, the posse, and, of course, Lily. "She seems wonderful," said Arabella.
"She is and she and James even got into a fight because of me but they must have patched things up as now Lily is the next Empress of Austria," said Mundungus.
Arabella opened her mouth to say something but suddenly a huge ruckus began in the circus and the two of them looked up. Marshal Vangrosburg stood in the middle of the ring and a soldier spoke up with his magically magnified voice.
"This circus is now under the control of the Austrian Empire. All the circus members are ordered to pack and go to Austria for the Empresses entertainment and Marshal Vangrosburgs daughter's birthday!"
The next thing Arabella knew was that she was roughly being pulled away from the safety of her sweetheart's arms.
* * *
"Will," said Helena.
"Will not!" Lily yelled back.
"Will too!"
"Will not!"
"They will too surrender, Lily Anastasia Isabella Evans (A/N: See that's why she has two different middle names!) And you know it!" Helena exclaimed punching the table with her fist in a very unladylike manner
"They will not!" Lily bellowed. "Hungary will never surrender to Austria and Austria will never be able to take over Hungary so-"
"Lily!" came an astonished voice.
Lily and Helena looked up to see the Empress standing there in shock. "How dare you yell in such a barbaric way? Hardly the way should a princess act and you're going against your own country! Hungary is a very essential place for our country to take over."
A huge commotion suddenly came blasting from outside and there was also some music. Lily and Helena rushed towards the balcony to see a plump, jolly man leading a circus.
"Come one come all!" he yelled in a magically magnified voice. "To the Zonko's incorporated circus!"
Lily and Helena watched clowns run around doing different antics. One levitated himself up into the air and then let himself fall. Both girls began to laugh.
"Pleased Helena?" asked the Empress happily.
"Oh yes your majesty," said Helena happily. "Thank you for allowing this circus to come here."
"Your father had it sent all the way from Hungary," said the Empress warmly. "Besides, it's your birthday! Happy Birthday, dear."
"Thank you your majesty," said Helena.
"You may invite whomsoever you want to," said the Empress.
"If you agree that Hungary will be taken over by us then maybe you'll be able to get an invitation from me to see the circus," said Helena in a whisper.
"Never," said Lily.
"Lily, that is no way to treat Helena! Especially when she's been so nice and has become your friend," said the Empress.
"Helena, my friend?" asked Lily disbelievingly. "Ha. Don't make me laugh."
"Oh, your Excellency, you see what I have to put up with?" asked Helena in pretend despair.
"I know, dear, I know. Lily…how James chose you above Helena is beyond Me." The Empress said and left.
* * *
"Thank you for your help," said Jonathon to James.
"No problem," said James before mounting his broom. "Sirius, Remus…lets go home," James said and kicked of into the air. He couldn't wait to see Lily again and found himself fantasizing about running his hands through her long hair.
* * *
Lily and Tommy stood in Lily's room laughing at Cherry's antics. The squirrel was, at the moment, chasing his own tail.
"Oh Tommy he's so cute!" said Lily as the squirrel came to rest in Tommy's hand.
A sound came from outside. Lily and Tommy both looked towards the door.
* * *
Helena listened to the laughter coming from Lily's room. The door suddenly opened and Helena fell into the room.
"Looking for something?" asked Lily raising an eyebrow expectedly.
"I l-lost my earring," Helena stuttered. "But it's not here." She then walked away.
Lily slammed the door shut but not before saying, "Next time Helena you might want to be a bit quieter while playing spy."
Helena smiled and whispered, "There won't be a next time Lily Evans…I know your little secret now."
A shadow came over her and Helena looked up. "You!" she exclaimed.
* * *
Lily went into her closet where Tommy lay at the top part of her clothes shelf. It had been made into a bed for him as to hide him from lady Molly and the other maids that came in at different times.
"We'll have to be careful from now on," said Lily, smoothing the covers over Tommy. "Helena is a real pain. Anyway, sleep tight," said Lily and kissed him on the forehead before getting ready for bed.
* * *
The next day Lily sat in her room when suddenly Carl came in.
"Lily quickly. Counselor Pettigrew had some spy exploring the castle because he thought that there was a Hungarian spy on the loose. Anyway right now they are on their way up to the attic WITH my mother because of a huge crash that just took place up there and-and-"
"And?" Lily prompted.
"And Tommy had been up exploring in the attic!"
Lily stood up quickly. "Come on," she said and raced out of her room with Carl following close behind.
They raced up to the attic as Lily's room was on one of the top floors. What Lily saw made her heart stop. It looked as if a bookshelf had fallen over Tommy and only his upper torso stuck out.
"Tommy!" Lily exclaimed and ran over to him. "Tommy, are you okay?"
She heard a feeble cough. "Get this thing off me," he wheezed.
"My wand…my wand…I need a new one!" Lily exclaimed suddenly, remembering how hers broke. "Carl…" she looked at him but Carl was already on it. He took his wand and levitated the bookshelf so that it was standing on itself properly. Lily embraced Tommy in a hug.
"Tommy, I was so scared!" Lily exclaimed. "You're like a little brother to me you know that? I'd die if anything happened to you!"
"Lily make the speech some other time," Carl urged. "Mother is coming."
The doorknob belonging to the entrance door began to rattle.
"Too late," said Carl, gulping.
* * *
The Empress, in the lead, opened the door to see Lily sitting on the piano and Carl playing.
"And there you'll be," Lily finished off, her voice ringing in the empty attic.
Carl stared at her. Her voice was mesmerizing. He'd only heard her sing a few words but it was as if she had put a spell on him where he wanted to hear more of her voice. It was so light and soft. It was clear and a twinkling sort of singing voice. Counselor Pettigrew and the Empress also stood as if they had been hit with a stunning spell but Empress Sophia quickly recovered.
"Well, Counselor Pettigrew, there's your spy," spat Empress Sophia. "The peasant is brushing up on her singing. What is the meaning of this?" she demanded. "Lily, you caused us all quite a shock. We thought a terrible accident had taken place up here. I will not tolerate this, Lily, do you understand?"
"Yes, your majesty," said Lily, jumping of the piano. "I understand."
"But, Mother, she didn't do anything-" Carl began but Empress Sophia cut him off.
"Carl, be quiet. You know better than to argue with your mother," reprimanded the Empress.
"Yes, mother," Carl mumbled.
"Lily, go to your room at once and Counselor Pettigrew have that piano disposed of," said the Empress.
"Yes, your Excellency. I'll see to it that Peter carries out your orders."
"Make sure he does," said Sophia coolly. "I doubt he's even thrown out that rotten egg I told him to a few years ago."
Lily stared at the piano before going out of the attic and into her room.
* * *
"Peter?" asked Carl.
"Yeah?" asked Peter, looking up.
"Did your dad tell you to get rid of that piano yet?"
"What piano?" asked Peter.
"Good…now listen to me carefully…" said Carl and walked down the hall with Peter.
* * *
Lily sat in her room with Lady Molly brushing her hair.
"I miss my home," Lily sighed.
"Maybe after you get married you can go and visit it…"Lady Molly trailed off.
"If the Empress ever allows me to get married," Lily said bitterly. "I miss Bavaria so much!" she exclaimed, staring at her clasped hands.
"That reminds me!" Lady Molly exclaimed. "Rumor around the castle has it that a visitor just came from Bavaria!"
"Papa!" Lily exclaimed. "It MUST be Papa!"
Lily stood up, nearly knocking her chair backwards, and went towards her room door. It was suddenly flung open and Lily got ready to fling her arms around the person she thought was her father but looked at the man's face just in time.
"You!" Lily spat.
"Funny…Helena had the same reaction when she saw me. Although she was more delighted than angry."
"What do you want Count Snape?" Lily asked angrily. "Who invited you here?"
"I did," said Helena stepping into Lily's room.
"How dare you-" Lily began but was cut off by Count Snape.
"Dear girl how could you possibly EVER think your father would come to see you?" sneered Snape. "Do you know what's going on at Posse right now? They are happy. They love the fact that you're finally gone. In fact I was there the other day and I told them I was coming here to Austria where their precious daughter Lily was. Do you know, Ms. Lily, what their reaction was?" asked Snape advancing on her as Lily took steps backwards.
"What?" asked Lily defiantly.
"They asked me who cares! They said as far as they know they have only three daughters. They have forgotten you! They do not even remember you anymore! They do not miss you and Carly is now known as the second oldest girl in the family. Do you not wonder why an invitation to Petunia's wedding was not sent to you?"
Lily was pushed up against the wall now. Lady Molly then spoke up. "I demand you to leave right now young man or I shall call the guards!" but Snape ignored her.
"Because Petunia hates me and doesn't want me at her wedding," Lily spat, anger burning in her eyes.
"Yes but don't you think your mother would've convinced her otherwise…would've convinced her to invite her 'favorite' daughter?" Snape asked, taking no notice of how close he was to her and tried to if possible take another step towards her. "But she didn't and you know why?" he asked. Lily tilted her head away from him. "It's because they do not think you are part of the family anymore…especially your father who hates the fact that you're marrying an Austrian Prince."
"Liar!" Lily exclaimed and tried to push him of her but to no avail.
Helena had paled during this time. "Count Snape that's going too far!" she exclaimed and pulled the man of Lily. "How dare you speak to her this way? The poor girl! Look at her!"
Lily's eyes were wide in shock and she shook violently. Both anger and fear were in her eyes.
"Count Snape, get out of here!" Helena yelled and pointed to the door.
Count Snape glared at Helena. He raised a hand and Lily thought he might strike Helena but instead he caught himself and stormed out of the room with out another word.
Lily was speechless. In the end she was able to mutter a very thankful "Thank you."
Lily then thought of a question. "Why?" she asked.
"That Count Snape was so mean to you Lily," said Helena. "I just couldn't let him stand there and say such things…-no one's that heartless."
Lily didn't reply.
"Listen Lily maybe we just got off on the wrong foot," Helena started. "I'd like to be friends with you if you don't mind. To prove it here's an invitation to the circus. Can you ever forgive me? I'm really sorry," she added tentatively.
"Helena this is great!" Lily exclaimed taking the invitation from her. "I'd love to be friends with you," she said and hugged Helena.
"I'm so happy Lily," Helena said. "Now why don't we go tell Tommy the good news?"
"You know about Tommy?" asked Lily flabbergasted.
"Of course I knew about him," said Helena as she followed Lily towards her closet.
"Tommy!" Lily called. She touched a shelf in her closet and it swung open to reveal Tommy standing there.
"Lily! Look out Helena's right behind you!" Tommy exclaimed.
Lily laughed. "Don't be stupid Tommy. Helena and I are friends now."
"Are you sure she can be trusted?" asked Tommy suspiciously.
"Why of course she can be trusted," said Lily. "Lady Molly doesn't even know about you Tommy and Helena does. She's known for God knows how long and never spoke a word about it to anyone."
Lady Molly then came into the walk in closet. "Goodness me what's that child doing here?" she asked in surprise.
Lily thought for a moment. "Lady Molly please you mustn't tell anyone anything said in this room."
"I won't child I promise but please give me an explanation. Although, I'm not surprised at it. Helena and you becoming friends, a boy popping out of a closet what's next? Count Snape in a dress (A/N: Not in this lifetime!)?"
Lily giggled. She then told Lady Molly the whole story with Helena listening intently.
"Now you know the whole story too, Helena," said Lily smiling.
"Yes and now Lily dear you must learn never to trust a double edged sword," said Helena, smiling with malice in her eyes. "Fool. You've just spilled everything out to me! And here I was thinking that I might just be able to catch Tommy but now….Oh the Empress will love this."
"But you fought with C-Count Snape and-" Lily started.
"It was all a setup Lily to gain your trust," said Helena off-handedly. "You're too easy to deceive. This wasn't even fun." She yawned and made a grab for Tommy who jumped back away from her. Count Snape stormed in at that moment.
"I knew the boy was hiding in here! I just knew it!" he exclaimed.
"Helena how could you?" asked Lady Molly angrily.
"Like this," she said, smirking. Count Snape ran after Tommy, who ran out of the closet and into Lily's room. Lily ran after Count Snape trying to catch him and give Tommy time to escape. Tommy took a leap out of Lily's window and landed on a small snow dune underneath her window. Count Snape went after him and Lily after taking a deep breath jumped onto the window ledge and made ready to jump.
"What's is the meaning of this?" came a voice. Lily turned to see Empress Sophia standing there. "Lily, get down from there this instant!"
Lily stepped down. "Your Excellency I-" Lily began but Helena cut in.
"Your Excellency, she stole my invitation and tried to escape by jumping out of the window!" Helena exclaimed. "See!" she pointed to Lily's hand, which held the invitation to the circus.
"What nonsense! Your majesty Helena is the one at fault! She-" Lady Molly began but the Empress held a hand up.
"Lady Molly I had not expected you to lie and stick up for her."
"But your majesty-"
"Silence, Lady Molly, or I shall have you relieved of your duties."
Lady Molly lowered her head. "Yes, your Excellency."
"AS for you!" The Empress whirled around and stared at Lily. "You are forbidden to leave your room at all today! Tonight the circus is entertaining Helena for her birthday and I will not have you ruin her birthday!"
Lily didn't reply.
The Empress went on "And even if you do manage to get a ticket you can forget about coming. I, as Empress, have forbidden you to attend…-at all."
Empress Sophia turned and left with Helena behind her smirking.
Lily stared at their retreating backs unable to say anything.
* * *
Tommy ran towards the circus tent with Snape behind him. He took a sharp turn behind the tent and ran into a cabin belonging to one of the circus people. He slipped inside a small portable cabinet and held his breath. He felt footsteps coming closer and closer to the cabinet until the handle was about to turn.
* * *
"Hey, what are you doing in here?" demanded Arabella, coming into her small cabin.
Snape looked up. "Erm-" he started. "Terribly sorry to bother you Ms.-"
"Figg," said Arabella.
"Yes, Miss Figg, but you see I believe one of my servant boys is hiding in your closet."
"There's no one in my closet, I assure you," said Arabella icily. "I know who you are Count Snape. I've heard much about you. Now please leave." She pointed to the door.
"But-but-" he stuttered.
"If you're so sure there's someone in my closet then fine. Lets have a look," said Arabella and put her hand on the side of her closet casually. A small button gave way unknown to Snape and Arabella lifted her hand. She opened the door. No one was there.
"But I could've sworn-he was-he came in-but then-" Snape looked inside the closet and stuck his greasy head practically all the way in. He emerged with a sigh. "Sorry to have bothered you," he said and left.
Arabella waited until the door banged shut. She then reached over to the side of her closet and after shutting the closet doors she pushed the side closet button. It gave way again and she opened the doors. Tommy sat there clumsily with Cherry.
"Thank you," said Tommy. "But how'd you do that? And without magic?"
"My closet has a fake bottom. Now who are you?" asked Arabella picking up a brush for her hair.
"I'm Tommy," he said.
Arabella dropped her brush. "Tommy?" she asked her ears perking up. "Do you know Lily?"
Tommy nodded proudly. "In fact I'm her best friend."
Arabella smiled. "I need you to give a message to Lily somehow. It's from Mundungus on behalf of Hungary."
"There's no way I could-how do you know Mundungus?" Tommy asked and then went on. "I can't you see Count Snape is after me and he'll surely spot me if I go out."
"Never mind Mundungus. He's a dear friend of mine. Now, will Lily be coming to the show?" asked Arabella quickly.
Tommy nodded. "Helena gave her an invitation."
"Well then," said Arabella. She took a mirror and with a very complicated series of turns to the right and left the handle fell out to reveal it hollow on the inside. Arabella put a note inside of it. "I know how to get this to her," said Arabella, satisfied.
"Now to give you a disguise." She snapped her fingers. "The best way to hide in a circus is to be part of it."
She got out some white powder.
"Good idea!" exclaimed Tommy happily.
Neither noticed Snape spying through a window.
* * *
Lily sat forlornly on her bed. It was evening and the circus was about to begin. She watched the Empress along with Helena, Carl, Counselor Pettigrew and Peter ride in carriages to the short distance of where the circus was located on the palace grounds. Fairy lights were everywhere and the inside of the tent glowed brightly. She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.
She looked up to see Lady Molly staring down at her questioningly. "Well?" she asked expectantly. "Aren't you going to get ready for the circus?"
"Oh Lady Molly you know what happened." Said Lily bitterly. "The Empress has forbidden me to go."
"Forbidden, smidden. I'm tired of following her unruly orders. Come on Lily you have a circus to get ready for," said Lady Molly, and threw a well chosen emerald green gown of Lily's onto her bed.
Lily smiled at Lady Molly gratefully and wiped away a small tear from her cheek.
* * *
Count Snape sat under the bleachers ready to give Counselor Pettigrew the signal. "I just have to find out which one's that insolent little peasant brat," he muttered.
Above him Carl and the Empress sat chatting and completely unaware of what was going to happen.
"But mother Lily should've been-"
"Not another word Carl," said the Empress. "I don't want to hear one more word about Lily."
"Yes mother," said Carl and bowed his head. Helena sat fanning herself. A tight-rope walker suddenly appeared and began to do flips on the tightrope.
"Boring," said Helena, yawning.
Carl suddenly looked up to see Lily walking into the tent. All eyes suddenly riveted towards Lily. She came walking into the tent wearing an emerald green gown with long sleeves. Her long fiery red hair flowed down her back in a mane and shone beautifully. Clips held her hair back from her face with two thin wisps framing it and the necklace Carl had given her rested on her neck.
Carl stood up suddenly and offered Lily his seat. Lily bowed slightly before accepting and sat down. Lady Molly went to stand behind the box the whole family was sitting in as Carl sat down in a seat beside Peter and behind Lily.
"You look great Lily," Carl whispered from behind.
"Thanks," Lily whispered. She suddenly felt a hand grab her wrist tightly. The Empress who was sitting beside her said through gritted teeth.
"I'll see to you after the circus."
Lily pulled her hand away and ignored her.
Arabella suddenly came out.
"And may I present the human elastic!" said the ringmaster, Lord Butterscotch.
Arabella bowed and then made her body into a pretzel shape. Many people clapped and then she stood up and balanced herself on the toes of her right foot. She the bent backwards making her left leg rise up as her head dipped down behind her.
Many people applauded and Arabella stood up. She bowed and then got a mirror out of her long purple cloak.
"May I present the magic mirror! It works without a wand and has not even been charmed." She called a little girl up to test it with her wand. The girl performed a few simple spells and declared that nothing had been done to the mirror. "It was given to me by an Indian who said that since the beginning of time this mirror has held magical powers. It shows a person their true identity. See." She held the mirror up in front of the girl and a mockingbird appeared. "A mockingbird!" declared Arabella. "Always helping others and never harming. You must be a very sweet girl."
The girl looked away shyly and ran back to her seat.
"Try me next!" exclaimed Helena.
Arabella walked towards Helena and held the mirror up. A Toad appeared on the mirror. A roar of laughter issued from everyone who had seen and Arabella decided to save the deceitful girl some embarrassment and not tell everyone. She then went up to Lily. Holding the mirror in front of Lily it suddenly showed Lily. But instead Lily was wearing a wedding gown and a golden crown rested on her head. "A Princess. A beautiful Princess destined to be Queen and lead her people!" Arabella announced.
Lily smiled.
"Keep it Princess," said Arabella gently and slipped the mirror into Lily's hand. "You'll be surprised what information this mirror holds." She then turned and left. Everyone applauded Arabella.
The clowns suddenly came out and started doing different acrobats. There was one clown though that kept on messing up and people laughed as he tried to balance a plate on his nose but messed up terribly. Everyone thought it was part of the show. But little did they know who the clown really was…
* * *
Tommy failed miserably and the plate fell with a crash to the floor. He looked around and saw Lily sitting there laughing merrily. He tried to catch her eye but she was busy talking with Carl and Peter. She looked up and saw him. Tommy tried to wave at her but suddenly it was time for the hardest part of the show. The clown pyramid. Lily didn't show any sign of knowing that it was him.
Tommy stood at the bottom of the Pyramid with four other boy clowns. Then suddenly Cherry decided to reveal himself and jumped out of Tommys small pouch.
"Cherry no!" Tommy hissed and made a grab for him. The whole pyramid suddenly came tumbling down as Tommy ran about trying to catch Cherry. Austrian guards suddenly appeared, surrounding the circus ring.
Counselor Pettigrew stood up. "Terribly sorry, Ms. Vangrosburg, for cutting your birthday party short," he said and then in a magically magnified voice spoke up. "This circus is under arrest for being in league with the Hungarian outlaw Mundungus Fletcher! Especially Arabella Figg!" he pointed towards Arabella and realization dawned on Lilys eyes. Arabella Figg…….-Mundunguse's sweetheart!
But Lily had no more time to think as the Empress grabbed her arm and pulled her up suddenly.
"Come with me you rebel!" she hissed as Helena took the mirror from Lily.
"I'll show this mirror to not mess with me." She muttered. "A frog honestly. I was supposed to be the princess…" and Helena walked of trying to get the mirror show her as a princess. Right now however the mirror only showed a toad.
Lily was dragged all the way to the front of the castle.
"Bring out her old things!" called the Empress. In less than twenty minutes guards had brought out Lily's old Bavarian things. The last memories of Bavaria she had left. "Burn them!"
"No!" Lily exclaimed trying to free herself from the Empress's grip. She watched as her old photo albums were thrown in. Pictures of her and her family. Pictures of her father and the only picture of her and Petunia when they had been friends as little girls. She watched her old dresses go up in flames. Dresses that held so many memories. The first dress James had ever seen her in. The dress she had worn when James had proposed to her. The first dress she'd ever worn. She didn't cry. She refused to cry. She just silently watched the black smoke rise up into the sky. Helena stood there snickering.
"Oh look the little peasants crying for her peasant things," she snickered.
Lily at that moment felt anger boil and spill over. She freed her arm from the Empresses grasp and brought her hand back.
A deafening crack filled the air that could be heard above the merrily crackling fire. Helena staggered back clutching her cheek.
"I am sick and tired of you Helena!" Lily shrieked. "You are always bad mouthing me to the Empress and are always plotting against me! I hope you're happy you conniving little wretch! I have nothing left to remember my old home by! Nothing!" Lily had a deranged look about her and her hair was a mess. She looked as if she'd kill anyone that came within a few feet of her. This however did not scare the Empress.
"What impudence! You disrespectful girl! How dare you talk to Helena like that?" The Empress gasped. "Helena is a thousand times better than you. You shall never be half the lady she is. I think I must teach you another lesson! Lady Molly is going to be relieved from her duties."
Lily's eyes widened. Lady Molly had nowhere else to go. She'd always worked in the palace.
"I'm not finished yet," the Empress said. She dragged Lily by the hand into a small room in the palace. The next thing Lily knew her long hair, which had grown all the way down to just below her butt, was being cut. It was cut all the way up to the small of her back. When Lily looked in the mirror she had to admit it looked stylish. It had been cut into layers starting from just beneath her face and two strands framed it perfectly but her hair had been cut. She hadn't had it actually cut for sometime. A trim here and there did not count as a haircut. But this…Tears streamed down her cheeks. She knew it her more vain side crying over something so small as this but she'd become so attached to her hair and James had always loved her hair. He'd always liked the fact that it was so long.
Lily was pushed into her room where she fell into bed face down. A small click told her that the Empress had locked her door. She began to cry. She began to let everything out. She just didn't let the tears just pour out of her eyes, she let out all her pain and sorrow in those tears. She heard a small click and knew that Empress Sophia had opened the door. She was too caught up between her crying and wondering why Sophia was going to punish her again to notice that whoever it was, was now sitting on edge of the bed beside her. She suddenly felt a warm hand on her back and recognized it immediately.
"My Lily what's wrong?" asked a concerned voice running their hand up and down her back for comfort. Lily turned onto her back and looked up into the warm eyes of James Potter full of concern. Indescribable joy filled Lily. James was back.
"Oh James," Lily sobbed. "I missed you so much." She let her hands snake around his neck as James leaned in.
James bent down and kissed her softly on the lips. As the kiss gradually deepened a warm feeling spread through Lily and she felt as if everything was all right again.
A/N: This thing is 28 pages long! Considering its size I don't think I took THAT long to update! And then I had to write EVERYTHING over after my comp crashed! Plus basketball practice, tests and other stuff! But I AM SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING! SPECIAL RECOGNITION GOES TO Wildcat Ohrya for being my hundredth reviewer! THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING!
Kaite: I really am sorry for not updating for so long and I hope you don't mind! So you cant come on regularly? Hmm….if you have an email address give me that and maybe we could work something out. Thank you for liking my story so much! And I really DO feel guilty for not updating for so long but 28 pages! And I had to write them over after my comp crashed! I really hope you don't mind! Just tell me ur email and we'll work something out or email me at ruby_devilsangel@hotmail.com.
Ityw: I know! Helenas REALLY SPOILT!
The-girl-who-lived: Lolz and you said there was nothing left for the Empress to do!
HPdreamer: correction I told oliverwoodschic that lily SORT OF reached the mines. THANKS for reading this whole thing!
MKHfanforlife: Was this chapter better than the last? **lookes around hopefully**
Lilykat: I had Lily slap Helena JUST for you! Lolz. ;)
Eleya Hynin: They are not in Hogwarts cuz they are royalty and have special tutors and stuff. Lily isn't in Hogwarts couse her family was 2 poor to send her and she learned from one of the town wizards. Besides! If they went to Hogwarts it would destroy the whole plot!
Bubblegum*girl: see I did some more-er A LOT more.
Sinfonia: Sorry we wont be seeing Jonathon more in the way YOU think-although he might make an appearance here and there but nothing major really.
Lilyflower8602: Glad you like it!
Oliverwoodschic: its ok I LOVE nags! Writers block? Well I know how that feels but I get rid of mine by just sitting infront of the comp and start typing. Another way is to reread your story a few times.
Nin: Thanks. Well I kept on writing. And 28 pages 2!
Wildcat Ohrya: Yay! You got me to that big one zero zero! THANK YOU!
Btowmbabe: I would've done that except I think James took the cloak with him. Lolz. I know it's a bit angst-y but hey whjat fun would it be if it wasn't?
Sirena: SEE! James came home! Hope ur happy! Next chapter will contain some fluff!
Goodmorning(iluvfrogs):) :) :( :P: see they got 2 see each other again! Good thing I gave James that extra key to Lilys room eh? **wink wink**
THANK YOU EVERYONE! YOU GUYS REALLY KEEP ME WRITING THIS THING! One more thing! The PRINCESS SISSI SERIES ARE BINGH CONTINUED! I need help! Has anyone seen ALL the shows?! Even the new ones?