Chapter Eleven

The owls were hooting mournfully.

Alone in the Owlery, Lily was scrunched up in a corner, her knees pulled to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs. It was two weeks after the cave exploration.

Lily had liked the caves. They were damp and cool and quiet, an easy place to sit and think. She wished she could return to them, but the students were not allowed to, since many of the caves filled up with water from the lake at certain times of the day.

Seven years before, when Lily arrived at Hogwarts, she had thought it was the most wonderful place in the world. Severus by her side, she had explored and learned, so happy in her new home. She had forgotten about the world of Muggles and even her sister. She had never thought that she would feel lonely in the castle.

Now all she wanted to do was go home: go home, and persuade Petunia that they could be friends again. All she wanted was one kind word in her sister's voice, or a moment to forget that her best friend had betrayed her, but she could not have that.

Alone in the Owlery, Lily waited for her owl to return, but it never came.

Alone in the Owlery, Lily cried.

She was tired of being strong.

AN: As I mentioned before, there are only a few chapters left. :( However, I am planning on starting a new chapter story, and I thought I might as well ask you all for suggestions on what characters I should focus on. Draco? Luna? Ginny? Lily Potter the second? Let me know in the comments! 3 And, as always, thanks for reading!