Harry was a good student. Here, he was not under any pressure, there were no great expectations, and no predictions concerning his future.
In short, he was just a normal little boy.
But – there was still that certain SOMETHING, that indefinable characteristic about him that made him special. People could feel it when he was in their presence, but they just did not know why.
Lily knew. So did James.
They were his parents. They KNEW him like no other people EVER would. Their background, experiences together and their numerous times they each sacrificed for one another gave them special insight into their friends and family's lives.
Harry was now nine years old and starting his fifth year, the year when the O.W.L. (ordinary wizarding level) tests are given at the end of the year.
The school day started early, the sun just peeking up over the horizon, and Harry was in the classroom with his Mum, Molly and Ginny and his Transfiguration Teachers.
"Well, harry, today will be a review day for you in charms and Transfigurations along with D.A.D.A. Do you think you're ready?" Lily asked Harry; she was smiling, knowing he was definitely ready.
"I'm about as ready as I'll ever be, Mum" Harry replied gladly, trying always to please his Mum and the rest of the family.
"Now, have you written some parchments on the History of Charms as I asked you?" Lily asked.
"Yes"
"And, now, tell me what is it about charms that stand out as the most important?"
"That's easy, its' intent. It's what your purpose is in either creating the charm or in how you use it or cast it."
"A question I should have asked you first, is 'what are the three main areas of magic?'" Lily asked.
"Again, that's easy: First is Charms, the second is Potions and the third is Transfirguations."
"Now, Harry, I want you to go into the Library and spend the rest of the morning researching charms, paying close attention on how they're composed, what they're supposed to do and more importantly, how the caster came up with the idea of them and how they started developing them." Lily said.
"Why do you want me to know all this? Isn't it useless? We've already got the charms."
"Son, it's not enough to know how to cast a charm, but how it works, and the genesis of the idea behind creating it. It'll help you in other areas, such as potions or transfigurations and especially defense. Knowing how a charm was created and why it works will assist you in overcoming it, to defend yourself in creating a rather unique defense against other charms or even potions or other areas of magic. We've got the best library, so use it."
"OK, Mum, I will, and I'm beginning to understand you better now."
"Oh, and always remember: Knowledge is the best defense or offense."
"At the end of this year, I want you to really impress your professors when they give you your O.W.L.'s, so go hit the library and take Ginny along with you, she'll help you." Lily looked at Ginny, smiling, and winked at her.
Ginny blushed – the typical Weasly red sign of embarrassment.
Lily loved that reaction.
For the rest of that morning Harry and Ginny were in the Library researching Charms. "Harry," Ginny asked, "Let me show you where to start. Remember, now, this is the best library on Magic in the entire western hemisphere. So, let me help you. After all, there's much I have to learn also." Ginny said.
"Can we look up some ancient wizards or witches, and see what they did? Maybe look up some of your favorite charms and see who created them and why?" Harry asked.
"Sure, Harry, lets get started."
And so they researched, not only charms, but transfigurations, and some potions. Notes were made, and lots were committed to memory.
"Ginny," harry asked while they were in the Library, "could I ask you a question?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"Do charms ever affect people, say, for a long time without them knowing? I mean a really long time. I know I'm only nine, but that seems a long time to me."
"Charms do affect people, but you'd notice it right away, but as faras them not knowing or others' not knowing, I don't think so. Why?"
"Well . . . , I – I just don't know how to put this but none of you seem to change."
"What do you mean?"
"There's a picture in my room, and it shows Mum and Dad and all the rest of you. Mum is holding me. It was taken the day I was born and all of you look just like you did then."
Ginny stopped what she was doing and wondered just how much he really knew. He would eventually find out just what that picture meant because she'd brought it to her family's attention several years ago. They ALL knew the meaning of it, except Harry. She'd better let his Mum explain that to him. "Well, Harry, sometimes it appears that way because not all that much time has passed, especially with Mum and Dad."
"Oh, ok, still it just seems that way, but, thanks for the explanation."
"Well, Harry, there's more to it than what I've just told you, but to be safe, I'd best let your Mum and Dad talk to you about it. It does concern you, in fact, it concerns ALL of us. That's why we're so busy trying to get you educated and qualified so fast. Your Mum will be needing you – why, I don't know, but she will need us all eventually."
Harry was looking at Ginny so intently and remembering everything she was saying. It seems as though a familiar feeling was decending upon his small slender shoulders once again. He remembered this feeling from long, long ago and it hounded him then. Well, he thought, time to take on some responsibility like the rest of the family. Apparently there's some responsibility I've got to take and I sure don't want to disappoint any of them. I've done this once before and I sure can do it again.
All these thoughts were going through Harry's mind as he looked directly into Ginny's eyes. So very intently was he looking into her eyes, and thinking, that he was once again lost in his own thoughts, so many of them, that he'd not noticed she had stopped talking.
"Harry, Harry, are you there?" Ginny put her hands on his hands and cheeks to get his attention. She'd noticed that lately, sometimes, he would be staring out into space, apparently thinking his own thoughts into which he was submerged deeply into. She'd have to look after him in the future, now that he was growing up more and maturing. He's beginning to learn more and remember more. She smiled a deeply felt smile for the boy she remembered, not the Boy Who Lived, but 'harry, just harry' the one she had feelings for that were greater than what she'd care to admit now, but were still there.
She remembered what Hermione said to her that fateful day, at Gringotts' bank, the day that his Will was read. She remembered each and every word she'd said that would comfort her dear soul for the rest of her life: "And Ginny, don't loose sight of your dreams, they will come true."
Ginny just looked at Harry in amazement because she would never have believed then, that he would have returned. Now, Ginny believes, not just that harry is here, but what Hermione said to her that day in Gringotts' Bank, overheard by all the rest of the family. She still had her Dream, she was just keeping it to herself until the time was right.
Ginny still Believed.
The two of them continued to stay in the Library studying the work that other wizards and witches had completed on charms and transfigurations, some of which was their life's work. Many notes were made, but the best part, for Ginny anyways, was just working with Harry. She still had feelings for him – recalling how he was in his previous life. Ginny would just stop what she was doing, once in a while and just look at Harry. And, she smiled.
"What, Ginny?" Harry would say when he noticed her not working and that she would be looking at him.
"Oh, nothing, Harry, I'm just thinking, that's all."
"What about?"
"How lucky you are to have the kind of parents you do. They don't put a lot of stock into the material things of this world, but instead they show you the value of human relations, of feelings that are most important. Besides, you get to work with them. There've been times I've seen you with your Mum and I'd see how you'd look up at her in a most loving and admiring way."
"Oh, I didn't know you were that observant, Ginny."
Ginny just smiled and hugged Harry to her side with her arm around Harry's shoulder. "Harry, one thing you have to learn about me is that I'm very observant. Not much gets by me. I guess I get that from my own Mum."
"Yea, and your temper, too, especially when Fred and George 'do something', if you know what I mean. I've seen just how you go after them. I'd never want you to be mad at me. Never."
"Oh, Harry - you, YOU, of all people don't have to worry about that. If anything, I'd be protecting you and be standing right beside you, where I belong, next to your Mum and Dad."
Harry heard what Ginny said: ". . standing right beside you, where I belong . . ." He'd been having memories recently, and what Ginny just said to him kinda answered a few questions, but only partly. Still, it was an answer, and that answer was pointing him in a certain direction that he'd not have been totally unaware of. Anyway, time to get back to studying. His O.W.L.'s were approaching and he wanted to be ready.
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Harry's Flashback and Lily's Biggest Fear
In the Library Harry was seated at a table looking at a piece of parchment. On top of it lay a quill, just an ordinary looking quill. Beside him sat his Mum.
"Hummm," thought harry, "time for another lesson. Wonder what it's going to be?"
Lily looked at Harry "Son, we've been noticing how you've been struggling to take notes, and it was Ginny's idea to get you this." Lily indicated the quill laying in front of him.
I've already got a quill, Mum. But, thanks, anyway, I can always use another one."
"Oh, but this is not a regular quill – watch." With this said Lily used her wand, tapped it gently on the quill and it rose up in the air, poising over the parchment, and started to write down everything that was said
But something happened, something unexpected that was not even considered – it had been buried so deep and thought it was all over and done with.
But, it wasn't!
Harry froze upon seeing the quill move of its' own accord, seemingly, to Harry.
"Go ahead, harry, Dear, use it, it'll help you take notes." Molly was gently persuading him to try the quill.
Harry turned white as a sheet, but he did not move nor try to run, as badly as he wanted to. He was brave and tried to show that he wasn't scared. He heard a voice in his mind, a cackling laughter "tsk, tsk, tsk, my boy, you can do BETTER than THAT. Write some more, I want you to feel the pain!" A toad faced woman's image rose in his mind's eye. Beads of sweat popped out on his face and forehead, he tried to move his hands, his arms, but couldn't. His eyes became unfocused, vision blurry, visions of a woman – toad-like in appearance sprang up into his field of vision.
And Harry reacted – He sprang up, backing away shouting "NO! No! I won't use yur blood quill again – not anymore! You've hurt me and others' enough! I'll stop you now Umbridge, I'll do whatever it takes! NO MORE!" and with that Harry passed out, slumping to the floor.
Molly, Ginny, and Lily were horrified.
Lily ran over to Harry, scooping him up into her arms, her white shimmering Protection just BURSTING forth Suddenly and overwhelming them all !
"Harry! Harry! Wake up, wake up. Oh, Son, please, not again! Don't die on me now, not a second time!" Lily was tearful and scared of it all happening again. Looking down on her son, then looking up, "Father, please help me! He's my son, my only child, don't take him from me. Take me instead, but not him. Please!" Lily cried and cried holding Harry to her chest, cradling him gently, oh so gently.
Ginny looked on, horrified, frightened, a memory sprang forth, the memory of the battle at Hogwarts during her 6th year, recalling the sight of Hermione holding Harry in just this same way, crying and pleading exactly like this. Tears ran down her cheeks over this unexpected turn of events, of Harry being taken from them again, so quickly, so suddenly.
"Get Dumbledore, Please!" Lily screamed out! "I'm going to St. Mungo's" She got up, cradling Harry in her arms and using the fireplace, flooed out to the wizarding Hospital.
Molly used the floo network to contact Dumbledore. "Albus? Are you there?" Molly asked.
"Yes, Molly. What is it?" Dumbledore replied.
"Something's Happened to Harry, he just collapsed here and Lily's already taken him to St. Mungo's. I'm sending Ginny to locate James and the rest of the family. Lily wants you at St. Mungo's."
"Do you have any idea what's wrong?" Dumbledore asked.
"Well, we were showing him how to use a self writing quill when he froze, beads of sweat poured off him and he jumped up screaming Umbridges' name and something about a blood quill. He just collapsed afterwards. Oh, Albus, I'm so worried. Lily is too; She just scooped up Harry and her white light just burst forth suddenly without warning. That's how frightened and worried she is over Harry. Lily's afraid Harry will die, and Albus, I don't think she can take that. Not anymore."
"Calm down , Molly, calm down. I know the problem. Meet me at St. Mungos." Albus left the floo network and Molly and Ginny left to meet him there.
There, the MediWizards and Healers were working over Harry feverishly. Lily was right beside them never leaving. Molly also noticed something odd: they even had some muggle physicians. They were only used in the most extreme cases, and this, more than anything else caused much concern and worry for Molly.
Finally after hours of waiting and seeing so many healers go in and out someone came and talked to them.
"Harry has been stabilized, but we'd almost lost him, and not just once, either. We had to bring in some Muggle medical specialists with whom we've worked with previously. Seems Harry's a complicated young man." The Healer was addressing the entire Weasley Family.
"You just don't realize how right you are." Ginny spoke up.
The Healer continued: His blood pressure was dropping fast, his heart rate and pulse were almost non-existant, breathing so shallow we had to give him oxygen. He's in a coma now and we'll just have to wait till he wakes up on his own, neither our own Healers nor the muggle physicians can do anything about that, but just wait. Additionally, Professor Snape is here with a potion he's made that wuld, if all else fails and we see that if Harry is about to die, will prevent that from happening. Headmaster Dumbledore has Fawkes with him, too. So, just wait, go get something to eat. We'll call you if any changes happen."
"May I see him, Please? Just to look at him?" Ginny asked. There was Pleading written all over her face.
"Well, yes, but make t short. He won't be aware of you. I just want you to know that." The Healer said.
Ginny walked in and what she saw scared her: Harry was hooked up to tubes – many tubes, breathing apparatices, but he was seemingly sleeping. She walked up to him, Lily being on the other side. Ginny, hesitantly, picked up Harry's right hand and held on for what seemed like dear life.
"I'm so sorry, Lily, I'm so sorry."
"Why? You didn't do anything, Ginny."
"I did! It was my idea for that self writing quill."
"None of us could have foreseen his response. No one blames you, Ginny, no one." Lily walked around the bed and took Ginny into her arms and hugged her, for a very long time.
Lily looked at Ginny's tear streaked eyes, "Ginny, I trust you with Harry, I trust you with everything I am. As Harry grows up more his feelings for you will return and I want you there, beside him, that's where you belong. He needs you now as his teacher, his guide. You are one of the few people who will in the future, the far future will remember him as a student in his first life. He's going to need someone – you – with whom he can relate to. That will be very important."
"I don't understand all you're telling me, Lily, but thanks for, well, . . . , everything. And, you're right, I still do like him, a lot. He has been in my thoughts, ever since, I first saw him at the Burrow. I just can't help it."
"I know, Gin, I know and I'm here to help you. Just trust me and work with me and everything will work out, I do promise you that."
"Ok, and thanks."
"Ginny, one good thing that came out of al this was Harry's response. Did you see the way he stood up to Umbridge's mere memory? He still has his Gryffindor courage!" Lily said, smiling.
Both women laughed, just hugging each other and laughing.
Ginny gently took Harry's hand after laughing so much and just held on to him, but as she was holding his hand she felt something. Looking down on the back of his hand were the faint images of scars.
Ginny saw them and a look of pure terror crossed her face!
"Lily, Lily, look, here, on Harry's hand!"
Lily took Harry's hand and upon looking at it recognized at once the meaning. They were not random scars but words: "I will not tell lies" deeply embedded across the back of his hand.
Lily flamed up – immediately! Her protective barrier intensified to the point that Ginny had never seen before, not even in battle!
"Stay here, Ginny, Please. Don't let go of Harry, hold on to him with your very life!" With that said Lily walked out.
The family saw Lily coming out of the room and approached James.
"James, please, go in and stay with our son. Put your hands on his head, use your protection at all times." Turning to Molly, "Mum, please can you go in and hold onto harry's other hand, the rest of you – please, go in and stay with Harry. I need you all in there."
"Why? What's wrong?" Molly asked suddenly scared.
"I can't talk now, James will fill you in on the details." Lily said, getting angrier.
"Its' time for me to pay back an old debt – Umbridge!" With that name mentioned everyone fell silent.
"What did she do? She's in Azkaban." Fred said.
"James will explain! Please, if you want to help, do as I asked of you, oh, Please!" and having said that Lily whirled around and with her white robes billowing out (as professor Snapes' does), she left.
The family all walked in and surrounded Harry's bed, James at the head with his hands placed gently on his son's head. Molly holding harry's hand, ginny still there holding harry's other hand. The boys standing around the rest of harry's bed.
"It seems uncanny how much like Dumbledore Lily is." Fred said wonderingly.
"True, twin, true, It really is. I've noticed that myself." Replied George.
Ginny remained quiet when she heard this, very quiet, but she said, almost in a whispesr "you don't realize how close to the truth you are."
Everyone looked at Ginny.
"What do you mean, Ginny?" asked George.
Ginny had that 'trapped' look in her eyes.
"We can see you know something. What is it?" Fred asked.
"Dumbledore swore me to never tell what I know, but . . . ,"
"but . . . ?" asked George.
"Just wait till Harry finishes his education. He's got just two more years. That's when . . ."
"?" Everyone was waiting for Ginny to finish.
"When it'll all start to fall into place." Ginny looked up into James' eyes, pleading for understanding.
"Why do you think she's here, and James, too? Just look at Harry, at what he's done, both now and in his previous life. Remember the power Lily has shown? With that much power for good there's an equal amount for evil and Lily will need a place from which to use it."
Still, everyone was as thickheaded as Ron used to be.
"Everyone who has come before her has paved, or prepared, the way for her, HER! Not some anonymous person who might be in the right place at the right time, but for her, our very own Lily."
"Oh, Ginny, Ginny, you don't mean . . . ," Molly gasped out loud. "not HIM!?"
"Mum, please – don't say anything else, please. Ginny asked her Mother.
"I've always notice how brave this family is, All of you, but for this amount of bravery of courage, of ability, I didn't even see THIS coming!" Molly was almost in tears, for the full impact of what Lily was about to accomplish fell on her shoulders.
"Mum, let Lily do her job that was given to her, all will be well." Ginny said.
The family remained silent, no one asked any other questions of Ginny or their Mum. They just tended to Harry.
A Lesson Learned
Lily found herself outside the Prison walls of Azkaban.
They could not keep her out – THAT she knew!
But, the very THOUGHT of someone hurting a child – it was so repulsive to her nature. She'd cried up to her Father, BOTH times, to take her instead of him. She had her chance at this noble exercise of Father's that was called LIFE, but for those who were small, weak, helpless, dependent upon others' for their very existence, she would have sacrificed herself without hesitation – she loved others and Life itself that much!
But, she hesitated at going in.
It would be so easy, but something here was wrong.
"Lily." It was a soft gentle voice behind her. She knew that voice, she could feel the comfort of the presense that accompanied it. Turning she saw –
her Headmaster.
'How,' Lily thought to herself, 'does he DO it? How does he know where I am? I never told anyone.'
"Don't do it, Lily," Dumbledore asked her. "Father is testing you. You need to pass this one last test. It is an absolute MUST. Please, just do the right thing. Remember what you're here for? To teach us faith, hope and charity, for giveness, forebearance and humility. Your people, Lily, YOUR PEOPLE need you. You've passed all your tests, but this last one. If you go in there and hurt Deloris Umbridge, then ALL you've worked for and done will have been in vain. She'd not be able to defend herself against you, no one can, Lily."
"Remember: Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely! Please, don't let this small thing corrupt you absolutely. Please don't. Just walk away with me. I'll help you."
Dumbledore extended his hand to lily.
She took it – gratefully, with tears in her eyes, "Please, Headmaster, forgive me!" she fell down to the ground and cried in great heaving sobs, that racked her small slender frame. She felt the loving, gentle hands of her Headmaster upon her shoulders, gently holding her, consoling her.
"What will Father think of me now, Headmaster? What will become of me? I'm so ashamed of my actions, of my temper. Harry is my son, and he was hurt, he is still just a child a young boy who can't protect or defend himself. He's my weakness, I love him so!"
"I understand, Lily, completely, but this test had to have been given to show you the danger of the misuse of your great abilities. Remember what your son said in the Forbidden Forest, when you were talking to the Centaurs':
"Just because we can perform Magic doesn't make us better than others, It means we have the responsibility to help others."
Lily looked up at him, shocked by what he reminded her of what harry said.
"You're correct, Headmaster, but what do I do now?"
"Just take my hand and we will go back to St. Mungo's so you can be with your son. He will be recovering now. Don't worry."
Lily got up off the cold, freezing ground and asked one more question, but it was more like a statement: "This is the first time I've failed." Lily looked up at her Headmaster with sad tear filled eyes.
"Lily, you did NOT fail. I helped you see your proper choices and outlined the consequences of each choice. It was you who made the proper decision.
You passed."
"Remember: Charity and Forgiveness for everyone."
"Thank you, Headmaster, thank you." Lily said.
Dumbledore smiled and this time both of his eyes were twinkling.
Together, they apparated back to St. Mungo's. Lily took off directly to see Harry, who was setting up in his bed wide awake, feeling 'perky'.
Into the Hospital room she flew, robes billowing (like Professor Snapes') and rushed to Harry's side, gathering him into her arms and hugging him and hugging him to her. "I love you son, I'll love you forever and ever without end."
Lily was crying now, almost uncontrollably.
"Mum, I love you too, you're the best Mum anyone could ever have." Harry told her softly and only she heard him, only she.
Lily looked up at her family – "I want to apologize for my rudeness in leaving. It's just that I thought I'd lost Harry again, that I was out for revenge, to lash out and hurt Deloris but I was wrong in feeling that way. She's been paying for her crimes, in Azkaban and it would have hurt me more and all of you if I'd have had gone in and hurt her."
"My Headmaster helped me understand that point."
Lily turned, looking at Dumbledore: "Thank you, again, Headmaster, for saving me from a horrible mistake. I'll always heed your advice – always."
Dumbledore just nodded his head, smiling, his eyes still had that twinkle about them.
The Healer said harry was well enough to leave, so they all bundled him up and took him back home.
The Burrow was a Joyous home that evening, Molly, Ginny and Lily pitched in to prepare a feast of celebration of their victory, of lessons learned, and that all their family members were all together, safe and sound, and all were well loved.
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The Trip to Hogwarts
"Harry, time to get up, son." Lily knocked on his bedroom door. "Time to get up. Remember, today we go to Hogwarts to arrange for your O.W.L.'s. We'll be seeing Headmaster Dumbledore and your Professors there who'll be giving you your O.W.L. exams. Let's not be late."
Lily went in and looked at Harry, still sleeping, but he was waking up. So, she did what she had to do: she tickled him, real good. He started laughing and giggling. He liked that – those precious moments he had with his Mum that showed she really cared for him, the time she spent in physical contact with him. Lily stopped tickling him and smoothed down his very unruly hair that she knew, like his Dad's, would never lay down, so, she just wrapped her arms around her most precious gift: her son. "I love you, Harry, I really love you, for always and forever." Harry looked at her, knowing something was up, something was bothering her.
"What is it, Mum? What's wrong?" Harry asked.
"Oh, son, nothing, really, It's just that you're growing up so quickly. Time seems to be passing by and you're not the very little guy we used to have around here. You're almost grown, but still a few more years to go yet." Lily explained to him. She just didn't want him to grow up. She really loved that little boy that Harry was. Still, she was the luckiest of Mums': She had him twice! AND, watched him grow up once before. She knew, she KNEW, just what kind of good man he'd become, and to think that she, Lily, was, IS, his Mum carried a lot of weight. She looked at him , smiled and helped him get up and get ready for the Trip to Hogwarts.
James, Lily and Harry stood outside the great doors of Hogwarts. Harry was standing between them. They each had one hand resting on Harry's shoulder, a show of love and support. A feeling came over him just then.
"Mum." Harry said, absently.
Lily looked over at Harry, "Yes? What is it?"
"I've got the funniest feeling about this place.'
"What kind of feeling?
"I don't know, but it just seems like I'm coming home. It feels like I'm home. That's the only way I can explain it."
"Son, you have that feeling because this is where you were born: Right inside these very walls, surrounded by the many students, faculty, staff, ghosts, elves, and a thousand years of history that welcomed you back home where you belong."
Harry looked at his Mum, his forehead wrinkling somewhat.
"Son, that's because you've spent so many happy moments here, so many years with friends, of doing heroic deeds."
"I think I know what you're talking about, Mum, I really do."
"Well son, looks like this is going to be one of your milestones in your life – your O.W.L.'s – think you're ready?" James spoke to Harry.
"Ready as I'll ever be, Dad. Besides, I did it once before and passed." Harry enthusiastically replied while looking at his Dad and grinning.
"That you did, son, and your Mum and I are both proud of you!" James added.
"But, Dad, I'd never have gotten this far without you and Mum helping me. I owe it all to you both. I never thought I'd ever know what it'd be like to have good paraents – before, you know. Molly and Arthur, they're still like parents to me 'cause I remember them from before, especially Molly." Harry cast his eyes downward "I like having a family - a real family who loves me for just me."
"Oh, son,. . . . ," Lily hugged her son right there in front of the Great Doors with all the students looking on, unashamedly. Harry liked this, its' what he missed before.
With that said the family walked inside, the most notable family in all the wizarding world, with much humbleness.
They started to walk up to the front door when they both opened up, by themselves, no magic was used. The Castle was greeting Lily, gratefully acknowledging her. In they all walked greeted by the students, ghosts and faculty alike in the hallway.
Up in Dumbledore's office they were found sitting talking with the Headmaster.
"Well, Harry, are you ready for your O.W.L.'s? Your parents have been providing me and the other professors' with good reports." Dumbledore was happy having him here – once again.
"Yes, Headmaster, I'm ready and anxious, but the rest of the students are all older than I am. Doesn't that put me behind them?"
Dumbledore sighed, deeply and leaned back into his chair.
"Harry, you've got a lot of experience's that none of these students have. In fact, they've all been looking forward to meeting you – young as you are; they understand your youth, and they all know about your background. It's covered in our History of Magic classes."
"Now, about your O.W.L.'s – the Ministry of Magic's Wizarding Examination Authority department head for O.W.L.'s and N.E.W.T.'s, Madam Marchbanks, will be here this afternoon, so you can continue preparing and eating lunch until then. The Exam will be held in the Library since there's only you to be tested. The Ministry of Magic will send your results by owl. Now, any other questions, Harry?" Dumbledore asked delightedly.
"Well, yes. I've not been sorted into a house."
Dumbledore smiled and chuckled a little. He had been wondering when this would be brought up, however he knew which House Harry would be sorted into, as if there would be any question about it. "If you'd like, we can arrange that at lunch."
That's when an unexpected voice spoke up, a very familiar voice they all knew.
The Sorting Hat.
"No need to wait, Dumbledore, I've been following Young Mr. Potter's progress and in remembering how he was sorted, well, previously and what he's done since then, I'll stand by my original decision – Gryffindor!"
Dumbledore smiled – with much satisfaction. "Well done, well done!"
"Now, let us adjourn to the Great Hall for Lunch. Seems your Headmaster is a bit hungry! Dumdledore added with humor.
Down the halls they all went: Dumbledore and James were talking and Lily and Harry were together. She had her hand placed gently on his shoulder, mostly out of habit for she knew that as the moments went by, so too did Harry's childhood and Lily wanted to enjoy and experience it as much as possible. Lily saw that time was a dear and precious commodity.
Lily's Charm
The Potters sat down at the Gryffindor table so that the other students would be able to see he and maybe talk with her, James and Harry.
As Lily was eating and enjoying her meal the students sitting next to her and all around her talked to her, asking her lots of questions, she gladly answered them.
"Lily? Can I ask a question?" one of the girls asked her, shyly, quietly.
Lily looked up at the girl who was very young, no more than a 1st or 2nd year and very small for her age.
Something inside Lily 'clicked' at that moment, and her heart went out to this girl who was so obviously painfully shy, but kind , gentle. But that which was felt on her inside became visible to others on her outside and so Lily radiated her brilliance for all to see. They didn't understand, but those who saw and felt it were at peace. She extended her hand to the girl and dthey clasped hands, she felt Lily's innate goodness flow within her filling her completely in such a way that that shy young girl radiated a smile just like Lilys' Beauty is more than just skin deep – it penetrates a person – completely.
"Thank you, Lily, thank you. Now I understand why you wear white, its very appropriate for you. I can feel you, the real you from the inside; You've nothing to hide, nothing at all." The girl had changed and it was done in that moment of friendship, of just reaching out to help someone, that was all it took.
Lily smiled at her and said, "Now, you do have another question. What is it?"
Surprised, the girl was hesitant, but asked, "Did you have a favorite subject when you were a student here?"
"Yes – Charms, I'm very good at using them. Would you like a demonstration?" Lily asked.
The girl's face fairly well lit up, "Yes, please, I'd like that."
Lily turned to her Headmaster, and was about to get up to ask him permission when he rose up and made an announcement: "Please, may I have everyone's attention? Lily is going to show us a charm, so please pay attention."
Dumbledore nodded to Lily and sat down.
Lily rose up from the bench and still standing right in the middle of the Great Hall she started to lift her arms when she dropped them and turned to the young girl, extending her arm, beckoning her to come to Lily's side.
As everyone's eyes were upon her, she slowly stood up and walked over to Lily. Lily looked at her, smiled "Now, don't move."
Lily lifted her arms and head, slowly spreading her arms wider when her glow of radiant white light burst forth from her. It covered everyone and everything, penetrating even the very walls of Hogwarts itself. When it gradually died away, everyone found themselves in a garden, the school was gone!
The girl, who was standing beside Lily was astonished. "How did you do that? You didn't even use a wand!"
"Well, I do have a wand, but I find it unnecessary anymore. Go and look around, enjoy yourself."
Turning to James, Lily took hold of her husbands' hand and said. "Well, my husband, how does it feel to be back?" She leaned over and kissed him, lovingly, slowly and everyone witnessed it. One of the girls saw and commented "Oh, how I wish to have a husband like him, one day, and be able to love like that!" "I know what you mean." One of the boys replied, more to himself, and all agreed. They knew they both truly loved one another, and it showed.
"I'll always enjoy being here, because it's you who makes it sweeter." James replied.
"Why thank you, my darling husband, thank you."
After everyone looked around for a while, Lily had them all gathered together and had them all returned to the Great Hall.
"Well, how do you like my charm?" Lily asked.
The girl was still amazed at what she saw and just the immense complexity of it all was overwhelming.
"How did you do that, Lily? Harry is fortunate to have you for his Mum, so lucky." The girl cast her head downwards and added almost in a whisper: "I don't have a Mum."
Lily heard what she said and it broke her heart. Stooping down on one knee Lily told the young girl: "All children should have their very own Mum, and it really hurts me to know that you don't have yours with you anymore. But, if you want, you can send me an owl and write to me anytime you'd like. Tell me what's on your mind, what's bothering you and if you need a Mum to talk to, let me know, and I'll come here and we'll talk, just you and me" The little girl looked up at Lily, eyes wide open in surprise at her good fortune.
"Really!"
"Yes, Rachael, really. And, remember: I always keep my promises. And to answer your question on how I do my charms, it is who I am. My abilities were given to me by Father for the purpose of helping the magical community." Lily looked at her new friend, seeing in her her own self many years ago. So Lily gave her a bit of advice: "Study your lessons well, remember all that you learn and you'll be able to take advantage of situations that may arise in your future. You'll be a good witch someday." Lily smiled at her and took her hand, giving the girl a hug. "Keep in touch with me on your progress in school. You'll see me again – soon."
After lunch was over, Lily, James and Harry left to go to the Library, it was time for Harry's Examinations. They walked the hallways, greeted and observed by all the students: a family, all dressed in white, except for Harry, walking the Halls of Hogwarts, both shimmering, casting their glow of the purest while light into each corner, covering all the students they passed. The effect they had was unreal, even in their Magical World for what they stood for and taught to others could almost be seen and felt: friendship, charity, forgiveness, forbearance to others, and the utmost understanding of their faults. James and Lily made many friends that day and changed them all considerably.