CHAPTER FORTY-SIX—LAST YEAR
My summer couldn't have been more interesting. I would've expected it to be a boring one because every one of my cousins had already had a job. I couldn't have been more wrong, however.
On the second week of July, someone sent me a letter in the dead of night. I was alone in the drawing room that night, playing the piano, when a tap on the window broke me from the blissful oblivion the music gave off.
Sighing, I opened the window and retrieved the letter delivered by whom I've known to be Keisha, Des' owl.
Dear Lily,
I've sorry if I've interrupted you this time of night. I've been waiting for Kei to return for hours that's why I've sent this letter late. I would've written in the 'twin-diaries' you made last first year but I'm not sure you still use it.
Anyway, I actually wanted to invite you here at home, tomorrow. Kat wouldn't be able to come; she was helping her mum at the pub. I could do with some company, and my parents said they'd like to see you. I know this sounds quite intimidating, but will you come? I swear my parents don't bite. They're just a tad scary at first, but you could handle that, I'm sure.
Please, come…and I know your house has been boring you since there's no one there but you. Write a reply after you read this. And if you're coming (I know you will) just Apparate outside the house. It's called Zabini Mansion.
Lots of love,
Desiree
I smiled, despite myself. Truth was, I wasn't intimidated in meeting her parents. Why should I? I would probably just need to say 'hi,' 'hello' or 'it's been nice meeting you'. I wouldn't have to hang around with them all day, would I?
So, I scribbled a quick, 'Yes, I'll come', attached it to Kei's leg as she set off for the night. Abandoning the instrument for the night, I went out of the drawing room and walked back to my room.
The next morning, I had a quick shower and after breakfast, informed my parents about where I was going to go.
"Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you?" Dad asked, worry etched on his face.
"I could do manage it all by myself, Dad," I said, trying to sound reassuring rather than annoyed. "And have you ever seen Des' dad accompany her whenever she went here? I'll be fine."
"It's just that…I know who he was and—"
"So what if he was a Slytherin?" I cut in, knowing what he was about to say. "Dad, could you please just, for one moment, forget about Gryffindor and Slytherin? Besides, Slytherins aren't stupid enough to hurt the Head Auror's daughter, are they?"
"Yeah, you're probably right," he sighed. "Be careful."
"Always am," I said.
"Don't stay over there late," Mum added. "Zabini's a prat. That wouldn't change, even though his children are different."
"I know, Mum," I said. "See you later."
I walked out of the front door, walked ahead to the shade of the trees, turned on the spot and Disapparated. I felt slightly like I was being sucked in a rubber tube until—
There I was, standing in front of a set of large, intricately flourished, marble gate. Unsure how to call Des out of the mansion, I felt stupid waiting outside. Then, a stroke of brilliance hit me.
Waving my wand, a silver unicorn appeared and glided noiselessly up through the gates, delivering my message.
A minute later, the front gates opened, to reveal an elegant front garden surrounded with different flowers consisting of roses, sunflowers, orchids, carnations, lilies and many more. The gate closed behind me and directly in front of it was a grassless, flowerless way that led to the front door of a large mansion. By the looks of it, it seemed to be enchanted with magic. It was—literally—glowing.
"Wow," I whispered as I began to walk towards it. Peering on the front doors was Des and she had a radiant beam plastered on her face.
"Hey, Lils," she said, giving me a hug.
"This is…enormous, Des," I said, hugging her back.
She laughed and pulled away. "Your house is not exactly small, Lils."
I shrugged. "It is huge, yes, but this"—I gestured at her house—"is humongous."
She laughed again. "Honestly, how many other synonyms do you have there? Enormous and humongous. Mmm, what else?"
I grinned. "Many, but let's not talk about that. I wanted a tour right away."
"Yeah, but first"—she fixed me a stern look—"you must meet my mum and dad."
I gripped her wrist and pulled her—shamelessly—inside her own house. The sitting room was slightly round, cathedral-like, two spiral staircases that lead to the upper floors. There were also smaller ways that lead to other rooms there, which gave off a Gringotts-like air around it that made me thought wildly of goblins.
"This way," Des said, gripping my wrist in return as I released her. She dragged me to one of the passages on the left. A door was at the end of it, revealing the kitchen where Mr. and Mrs. Zabini sat, looking elegant and intimidating.
"Mum, dad," Des said, "this is Lily. I know you've seen her before; well, I just thought you'd like to meet her personally."
I walked slowly in front of them as Des' parents stood up. Holding out my hand, I plastered a smile on my face and said, "Hello. It's good to finally meet you."
I shook Mrs. Zabini's hand first and she gave a small, stiff smile in return. And then, when it was Mr. Zabini's, I was surprised to see him smirking.
"You look a bit like your mother," she said.
I dropped his hand and raised an eyebrow. "Not so much. I looked more like my father's mum, actually."
"You've got the air of confidence, though," he added with a slight tone in his voice.
I grinned.
"Of course," I said. "I wouldn't be her daughter if I haven't."
"That was quite a patronus you produced," Mrs. Zabini said suddenly and I noted the slightly reluctant admiration in her voice.
"Thanks," I said, still smiling despite myself.
The two seemed confused by my cheerfulness, and lack of fright or intimidation.
"Well, Desiree," Mrs. Zabini said finally, after a few seconds silence, "I think you ought to give your friend—"
"My name's Lily," I interrupted firmly.
Mrs. Zabini seemed stunned at being interrupted but gave in, nonetheless.
"Alright, then," she said, fixing me an odd look. "I think you ought to give Lily a—ah, a tour around the mansion."
"Sure, thing," Des said from behind me.
I followed her outside and closed the door.
"Don't mind them," she said as soon as we were out of earshot. "I've figured they'll try and intimidate you, but, like I said in the letter, you could handle them."
"'Course I could handle them," I said with a shrug. "Where're your brothers, anyway?"
"Brett's early at work. If I didn't know better, I'd believe his cock-and-bull story that his boss needs him."
"What's the real reason, then?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"You."
I sighed. "I figured as much. I thought he was dating that old Slytherin prefect Amelia."
"He was," she said, "but not now anymore. And quite honestly, I still reckon he has a crush on you.'
"Anyway," I said, trying to change the subject, "where's Nate's room?"
"This way," she said and led me to the staircase upstairs.
The day on the Zabini Mansion wasn't at all bad. They also had a grand piano and Des and Nate were stunned to hear me play the music from the pendant. I never told anyone about it, not even Des.
"I thought you preferred guitar," Nate said in awe when I finished. "Honestly Lils, when have you become this good?"
I simply smiled in response and continued playing it.
Just before lunch, I sent a Patronus to Hugo (because it's faster than owls) and sent a message to invite him here. He Apparated in the middle of the sitting room and the twins were startled at his sudden appearance.
"Merlin, Hugo!" Nate exclaimed at his best friend. "You could've Apparated outside!"
"Sorry, I'm—"
"It's lucky our parents set off to work or they'll probably chuck you out of here!"
"Er…I wasn't thinking straight, sorry."
"I wish I could also Apparate," Des grumbled. She and Nate were still underage when the Apparition test was held, so they wouldn't be able to get license until they passed.
"You could take the test this summer, though," I said, shrugging. "Doesn't make much difference, does it? We've only started Apparating and Disapparating after school and quite honestly, it doesn't feel comfortable."
"I still like to pop in and out of places, though," Nate said, waving his wand lazily above him and causing some objects to levitate.
"Anyway," Hugo said, "any bet who're Head Boy and Girl this year?"
"I bet it would be Max and you," Des said, looking nodding at Nate. "Or otherwise, Lily might've gotten the latter."
"I'm better off as Captain," I said with a shrug. "Anyway, where did you say your library was again?"
"There," Des said, pointing at a passage to the right.
"I'll just tamper with your books for a moment," I said and went over there.
"I'll come with you," Des said, hurrying after me. "I don't want to be left with the boys."
Soon enough, I started reading books, or else chatting with Des, and before I knew it, it was time to go home.
I Disapparated back to Grimmauld Place while Hugo went back to the Burrow.
It was the last week of July and the letter from Hogwarts arrived once more. It was breakfast and I opened it lazily at the table while everyone was busy talking to each other. I blinked when a shiny badge went out of it. Surely, I wasn't Head Girl, right? But there was no mistaking of those initials on it. HG…
Someone noticed my difference and snatched the shiny badge from the table.
"Head Girl? Lily, Head Girl?" James exclaimed. "This couldn't be happening!"
"It is," Al said in an awed voice. "Merlin, Lils. I never thought you had a fair share of Rose's blood. Head Girl."
"But I thought…I thought it would be Maxine!" I suddenly exclaimed. "There must be a—"
"There isn't a mistake, if that's what you mean," James interrupted. "It has your name engraved on the back, see?"
"But—"
"Don't you think it's wonderful, Lily?" Mum said, beaming.
"Yeah, it's because it doesn't exactly mean more responsibilities!" I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Honestly, what was McGonagall thinking?"
"Don't talk about the Headmistress like that, Lily," Dad said, his voice stern.
I sighed. "Yeah well, why have she appointed me, then?"
"She will have her reasons," he reassured. "You're a good student by far, Lils. You could hold this responsibility, I am sure."
I sighed, looking at the letter in my hands and decided to read it, for confirmation and sighed in defeat after.
Dear Miss Potter,
We are pleased to say that you have been appointed as Head Girl this school year. Please write a reply on whether you accept or decline the offer. We are giving you a choice, but we sincerely hope that you would accept. We have a great number of reasons for choosing you. You possess the leadership skills and talent that we require.
We await your reply not until a week after you've received this letter. Have a good summer!
Sincerely,
Professor Flitwick
Deputy Headmaster
It was, once again, September the first. It would be the last time I'm going back to the second home I've ever had. Everyone in my family was busy, so I had a solitary travel to King's Cross Station for the first time.
Wearing my Muggle clothes, holding my trunk and Adryll's cage firmly in my hands, I turned on the spot and Apparated at an obscured area by the trees.
Ignoring the odd looks I got from the owl I was carrying, I made my way silently to the barrier between Platforms Nine and Ten and was greeted by the steamy fog that was emitted by the Hogwarts Express. I levitated my trunk and owl cage safely inside the train and began searching for a compartment. It was still early so almost every compartment is available. I decided to pick one near the prefect's carriage. Sighing, I changed into my robes and pinned my Captain and Head Girl badge.
Looking at my abandoned prefect badge, I couldn't help but think that it held more memories than the Head Girl one does, and the act of replacing it is just…astounding.
I made my way to the prefect's carriage and sighed. There was the Head boy, waiting for me. And it wasn't Nate. It wasn't Jonathan either. I couldn't even remember the name of the Hufflepuff prefect.
"Er…hi," I said awkwardly, hovering by the door.
"Hi," he said, smiling and holding out his hand. "You probably didn't remember me. I'm Raymond. Raymond Richardson."
I shook his hand. Then, pulling away, I sat in front of him. "Do I honestly need to introduce myself?" I asked, smiling back.
"'Course not," he said, shrugging. "Who doesn't know Lily Potter, anyway?"
"Nobody, I hope," I said and added, "You must be thinking I've got a bighead, with this bragging sort of talking that I usually do but—"
"'Course I don't," he said. "It was just…honest, that's all."
"You don't mind if I get out, for a moment, do you?" I asked. "I just wanted to see my friends before starting the meeting."
He shrugged. "Nope. Go ahead."
"Thanks."
I stepped out of the carriage to the corridors and out of the train, looking for a familiar face. I found a familiar curly blonde hair immediately and called out, "Kat!"
She turned immediately on my direction and beamed. "Lily!"
Saying something to her parents first, she strode over to me and engulfed me in a hug.
"How are you?" she asked when I pulled away.
"Fantastic," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Everyone in my family has a job and I was mostly left home to do…what? Studies? And I've got to go here on my own for the first time. Really, though, it couldn't be as much interesting as yours."
She rolled her eyes. "Well, we didn't go to anywhere this year," she said in a whining voice. "I was mostly at the Leaky, scrubbing chip mugs and glasses. At least you got to go to Des' house!"
I chuckled. "C'mon, let's get your awful trunk to the train," I said.
Soon, students were starting to swarm all over the place and finally, just when the last whistle blew in the air, Des stepped in our compartment. She, too, hugged us.
"It's our last year, now," she said after pulling. "I wonder what'll happen after."
"I could do with Auror," I said, standing up. Just as I was about to add something up, Des interrupted, her eyes wide.
"You're Head Girl!" she exclaimed in an accusing tone.
I bit my lip. "Er…yep."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Kat said.
I shrugged. "I still find it hard trying to get my head around the fact that I'm indeed, Head Girl."
"Who's Head Boy?" Des asked when I opened the compartment door.
"Raymond Richardson. He's from Hufflepuff," I answered. "Got any idea what he's like?" I asked hopefully.
They both shrugged. "See you in a few minutes then," I said and walked only past a few carriages and reached the prefect's one in less than a minute.
Sitting beside the Head boy, I asked, "Er…Raymond? Is everyone there yet?"
"Nope. We're still waiting for the new Slytherins—and call me Ray."
He smiled.
"Sure thing," I said, smiling back.
"Hey Lils," someone called and I turned to see Max looking at me, beaming. I felt relieved internally, knowing she wasn't upset about not getting the badge. She was sitting beside a similarly grinning Nate. "Knew you'd get the badge."
"I thought it would be you two," I said in light, accusing tones to both Ravenclaws.
"Well, I did get a badge," Nate said, grinning more broadly that, even when I was looking at him, I couldn't help but notice the furtive glances other prefect girls threw at him.
Eyeing his robes, my eyes widened. "You're going to regret taking that badge, Nate," I said, smirking at his Captain's badge.
"At least I've got an extra badge," he said, shrugging. "Bet Gryffindor could hand over the cup to me this year?"
"Never," I said, smiling slyly.
Just then, the last prefects entered and we began the meeting.
"Those of you who are new," I began in a professional voice, addressing everyone of them, "pay attention to what we're going to say."
They nodded seriously, taking in my words.
"And those of you who aren't new," I added, "pay attention. Or otherwise, just shut up if this is boring you."
They nodded and I could see some of them were fighting grins.
"Okay, I'll drop off the seriousness now," I said, beaming around at them all and almost everyone laughed. I let the Head boy continue, occasionally dropping something in between, and finally, it was all over.
"Nice job, Lils," Nate teased as she and Max stood up, holding hands.
"Shut up," I muttered.
Going back to my compartment after exchanging byes with the Head Boy, I chatted with them until it was time to come to the school with the Head boy.
"See you guys, later," I said.
Absentmindedly, I tucked out the necklace from under my clothes and let it lie on my robes. Touching it absently, I felt myself drift into a dazed yet peaceful trance.
I could do this…
Days passed and I hardly had time for myself. Classes were going extra hard, but that wasn't what I was having problems with. It wasn't that easy to schedule a practice one day and do Head duties on another, and do patrols with the Head boy every night, at eleven.
However, Raymond was amazingly helpful and able as Head boy. We've gotten close since we shared dormitories and do homework together and this time was no different.
"Finish on Potions, already?" he asked, sitting on one of the study tables.
"Yep," I said. I was lying with my stomach on the couch, while writing on a piece of parchment propped on a book. I found that position very comfortable.
"How could you think on that position?" Ray asked suddenly, and I looked up at him, grinning.
"You should get used to me by now. I don't do normal."
He chuckled. "I figured as much," he said.
"Anyway, I heard you were going out with the Hufflepuff prefect," I said.
He smiled. "Yeah. Er, you don't know her name, do you?"
"I know her surname," I said, and as usual, bluntly. "Madison, right?"
"Yeah. Samantha Madison."
"If you ever want to spend some time with her," I said, smiling genuinely, "don't be afraid to ask me and use this common room."
He blinked for a few moments, disbelief in his face. Finally, he beamed.
"I don't know how I could thank you enough, Lils. I've been wondering how I could spend time with her this year."
"Don't mention it," I said. "And anyway, I've got a Quidditch practice tonight," I said. It was ten minutes to eight. "See you tonight…on bloody patrols."
He laughed. "See you later!"
It was quite a change to see that no one asked me out yet for a month. October came as smoothly as ever. I thought boys have gotten intimidated of me, somehow, but I don't mind.
I was in the library alone one Saturday, researching about a project for Potions when someone tapped on my shoulder. Turning around, I found myself face to face with a tall boy with slightly tousled black hair and light brown eyes. From the looks of him, despite his leanness, it was apparent that he was younger than I was.
"Is there anything you need?" I asked tentatively.
"Er—I was wondering…er I'm Charles Chadwick you're Lily Potter, right? Of course you are, I mean—I don't know how to…ugh, I know I look stupid I—"
I giggled at his nervousness, despite everything.
"Sorry," I muttered. "Whatever you're trying to say, I'm not going to bite. Go on."
I flashed him a smile.
"Well…I was wondering…whether er—could you help me with Potions? Only, Professor Greencap suggested I should—er, maybe ask for your help and—"
"Sure," I cut in, putting him out of his stuttering. "What year are you in?"
"Fifth," he said, relief evident on his face that he looked slightly taller than before.
"We could begin today, then," I suggested. "I'm doing a project in Potions and it could help me if I've got someone to practice with."
He smiled. "Thanks."
Leading him in a table near the back, I pulled out my Potions book.
"Let's start in…"—I flitted through pages and found an OWL standard one—"…Strengthening Solution. What say you?"
He grimaced. "We did that one the other day," he mumbled, "and I just…I couldn't get it…."
"You seem to need a little confidence boosting," I said, appraising him with a look. "You wouldn't be able to do it without focusing on your work, but well—are you always thinking that you'reu always thinking that you'cusing on your work, but well-are han before. going to do bad?" I asked perceptively.
"U-Uh…sort of, yeah," he said. "I wish I could have your confidence," he suddenly blurted out. "I've been watching you for the past years…and you seem like you could care less what everyone thinks of you, just as long as…well, you're good at everything…"
"No, I'm not," I said, shaking my head. "Really, I just do what I think and—okay, I need to ask you something, Charles. What do you love doing?"
"Er…I absolutely have no idea," he said.
"What's your best subject, then?"
"Charms," he said.
I smiled at him. "If you're good at Charms, you could be good at Potions. Just look at it this way—in Charms, you've got to do the proper wand movement, and say the incantation nice and clear. Potions, on the other hand, require your focus on the instructions, proper stirring, concentration and a stroke of confidence."
He thought for a moment and smiled. "Thanks Po—I mean, Lily. I'd bear that in mind."
"So, shall I test you with the theory now?" I asked, smiling encouragingly at him.
We went on for hours and I found that he was gaining more and more confidence as time passes. I found it refreshing. When we finished, he was no longer looking abashed or anything.
"This really helps a lot," he said when we finished. "Thanks."
"Anytime," I said and added, "maybe not anytime, because I've got a full schedule ahead."
"Right, I forgot. Head girl and Captain…sorry, I feel like I'm messing up with your schedule if—"
"Don't be stupid," I cut in, rolling my eyes. "It just helps me as much as you. You could watch me doing my project in Potions if you'd like. I'm going to try and make a Felix Felicis. I'd be starting tomorrow, so I'd probably get it done by the start of April."
"That long?" he asked, bewildered.
"Yep," I said. "That's me. Anyway, if it went wrong, I could just do another potion, then."
"You could," he said, "but where exactly are you doing it?"
"In the Head's common room," I answered. "If you're coming tomorrow, meet me in the Entrance Hall after breakfast. And I forgot—what house are you in?"
"Hufflepuff," he answered. "So, maybe we shall get going. It's getting late."
"I almost forgot!" I said, standing up quickly and gathering up my things. "Sorry, I've got patrols tonight! See you tomorrow, Charles! Bye!"
And with a surprising speed, I dashed out of the library and up to seven flights to the Head's dormitory.
I muttered the password and the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance stepped aside, admitting me. Closing the door, I looked up to see Ray and Samantha Madison on the couch in a compromising position.
I averted my eyes. They seemed unaware of my presence and I had a mental battle on whether or not I should escape before they notice but then, I heard Samantha gasp and saw their eyes looking at me.
"Er, sorry if I interrupted," I said awkwardly, playing with the twirls of my hair, which have grown a few inches above my elbow.
"This is really…embarrassing," I heard Samantha mutter.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed with," I reassured. "And maybe you two could continue what you were doing in patrols? I wouldn't mind."
Ray smiled. "Thanks Lily."
"Don't mention it. Anyway, I really don't mind skipping patrol for a night. I'm exhausted."
"Thanks."
"Morning," I mumbled to Des and Kat at breakfast the next morning, yawning hugely.
"You look tired," Kat said worriedly. "Don't you think you should just drop off your Captainship?
I glared at her. "If I there would be something I would like to drop off, it would be the Headship boredom," I said. "But since I like having my own dormitory, not that I don't miss my old one, I'd rather not drop off any badges."
"Glad to here you miss our dorm," Des said. "Anyway, you think you should just…relax for a while? How about let's do something on our old spot—the beech tree by the lake?"
I sighed. "I'm sorry, I can't. I'm starting my Potions project today, and well, I'm tutoring someone while doing it and—"
"Who are you teaching?" Des cut in. "You haven't told us you've been tutoring again."
"Someone sought out my help yesterday," I said. "His name's Charles Chadwick, fifth year, Hufflepuff."
"Are you sure it's only Potions he needed helping?" Kat asked pointedly.
I sighed. "Greencap suggested me to help his abysmal Potion skill, that's all. Besides, he's two years younger than me; you don't have to make conclusions."
"Er…did you forget that you dated someone two years older than you?" Des said without thinking and didn't quite catch my eye after.
"I do remember, thanks for reminding me," I snapped. "But it looks awkward if the bloke is younger. Besides, he doesn't seem that type to ask me out."
…he doesn't seem that type to ask me out…
How wrong I was.
Two weeks of tutoring him and he was greatly improving. Whenever I got tired of explaining, and he, tired of listening, we'd just chat and joke about random things, mostly about me. This time, we were sitting on the empty stands and chatting about our plans as Heads.
"…and there'll be a Halloween Ball again this year," I said to him. "Ray and I are planning."
"Mmm…I heard about that," he said and caught my eye. There was something in there that I was astonished to see. I've seen it so many times to be mistaken, and yet, I never thought a fifteen year old would…
"I know you might not want to but well, I really like you and…will you go out with me? Even a dance at the Ball would be fine…"
I thought for a moment. He was younger than me…and yet, he seemed to get more and more older the closer we got to each other…it wouldn't hurt to get to know him more, even though my heart was still yelling someone else's name.
Absentmindedly, I touched the lily-pendant lying on my robes and heard the familiar music of the blond boy that didn't stop entering my mind, even though it had been so long since I've seen him. He wouldn't want me to be miserable, and I was beginning to accept everything around me.
If I was meant to be with him, we'll see each other again, but for now, I've got my own life to live.
"Sure," I said, smiling at the black-haired boy in front of me, dropping my hand from the pendant. "But the ball's not in two weeks, maybe we should go to Hogsmeade next week?"
His face broke into a grin, and for the first time, I noticed that he was good-looking that I'd never actually looked properly.
"You don't know exactly how I love that," he said, leaning his head down, planting a kiss on my lips. I hesitated for a moment, before responding properly back. His lips were soft and felt oddly twisted on mine, as if it were innocent.
Pulling away, I smiled. "Do tell me," I said, chewing my bottom lip, "you haven't kissed girls often before, have you?"
He flushed slightly. "Don't embarrass me. I think you're too much of a good kisser for me—and I'm supposed to be, seeing as I'm a boy."
I giggled. "I think it's endearing." Leaning closer to him, I added, "Besides, you could try improving your snogging skills. Maybe I could teach you this better than Potions…"
And I kissed him the right way, guiding him as I twisted his tongue on mine, and found him responding eagerly back, wrapping his arms around my waist as I put my cupped my hands on either side of his face. Despite the intensity in which we kissed, I still found it very sweet. His lips were soft, and tasted like honey…I felt myself stop and pull away and contented myself with burying my head on his chest.
How could be sure I wouldn't fall for this boy if he would remind me of Scorpius every time we kiss?
It was the night of the Halloween Ball. I was supposed to seat with the prefects and head boy during the Feast, so I only met up with Charles after that.
"Hey," I said, wrapping my arms around his neck as a slow dance starts. "You've finally gotten your one dance, mmm?"
He smiled. "Yeah. I'm so honored to dance with the Captain Head Girl."
"You make me sound like a pathetic super heroine," I said, giggling.
"You are," he whispered. He looked utterly different from the stuttering boy I've first met. "You saved me from Potions…and helped me gain some confidence in me. You really are the most amazing person I've ever met."
I smiled. "Thanks."
"You look beautiful tonight…"
"I could say the same…"
He leaned down and caressed my lips sweetly. I felt intoxicated by the honey taste of his lips and my mind was torn between thinking about him and another person. I pulled away and said, "Let's go to somewhere less crowded."
He flashed me a smile. "Sure."
We strolled by the lake, hand in hand. I didn't lead him to the beech tree, though. It was somewhere only one person I'd rather have memories with. Instead, I lead him to the shades of an oak tree.
We stood there for a while in silence before I decided to break it.
"Why do you like me?" I asked, looking ahead.
He was silent for a moment that I thought he wouldn't answer. But instead, he said, "You easy to talk to…and you're fun to be with…I don't exactly know why you agreed to go out with me. I'm younger than you."
"Age doesn't matter," I said, remembering what my dad had told me the summer after my fifth year. "What matters is what—and who—you choose. It's my choice to go out with you, will know in time if the two of us will work out. But for now…"
I gave him a soft kiss on the lips, relishing the honey taste of it.
Time passed by. We won our first match against Slytherin with a margin of one-hundred ninety points. The holidays was creeping nearer and nearer and when it was a day before returning home, Charles asked me to walk with him in the Astronomy Tower.
"You want to talk about something," I stated as we reached the tower. "What is it?"
He sighed, biting his lip nervously. "I really like you, Lily," he began and I could almost see where this was going. "But I think you're making the wrong decision, going out with me. I may have been dumb in Potions but I could see—I could feel—that you don't exactly feel the way I do."
There was a fire in his eyes now that I've never seen before—determination.
"I'm sorry," I said honestly. "I didn't mean to lead you on. I was hoping I could try being with you. I'm sorry, but you're right. I don't exactly feel that way…"
"Yeah, we don't work out together," he agreed, sighing deeply. "We never really talked about personal things and mostly just snogging. You've never asked me how many girls I've dated, or asked me how many siblings I've got or what my favorite food is. I could feel you still have someone else in your heart and mind."
Closing my eyes, I said, "I told you before. I'm not good at everything. There you go—I'm not good at relationships. Not since my first…"
"You really are still his, aren't you? I've seen you when I was in third year; you and Scorpius Malfoy were the most talked about couple in our House."
Opening my eyes, I met his. He was smiling. "Sorry if I ever lead you on. I didn't intend on doing it."
"It's fine. At least, when I found another girl, I already know how to snog properly."
I smiled. "Just revert from telling her it was I who thought you, or she'll dump you in no time."
He chuckled. "Friends?" he said, holding out his hand.
I gripped it on mine and nodded.
"It's probably for the best," I said. "And don't make my mistakes. Choose wisely."
Days turned into weeks; weeks turned into months; months passed and passed throughout the rest of my seventh year. I received top marks for the Felix Felicis I've done on our Potions project. I won a dueling match in our Defense against everyone in our class during May. Gryffindor won the Cup again this year and six National Quidditch Teams have already sent me an offer to play for their team, including my mum's old team, the Holyhead Harpies.
Still, I sent an application to the Auror Office in the Ministry, thinking ironically that it was my dad who'd either reject or accept me. Charles was now dating a fellow Hufflepuff, and by the looks of it, having better time with her than he did with me. I didn't have another relationship after him. I was just contenting myself with the glory of being single.
At the first day of June, Teddy sent me a letter that Victoire gave birth to their first baby—a girl. Her name was Isla Gabrielle Lupin. From the picture he's sent me that night, Isla was a Metamorphmagus, too.
Meanwhile, NEWTs were reasonably hard, but I would eat a hippogriff if I didn't get at least all 'O' on most of it.
Before I knew it, it was time for graduation. It was held inside the Great Hall, which was quite unrecognizable due to the changes done to it—several chairs were lined in rows and columns by House. One by one, we were called to receive our graduation scrolls and when the celebration was finished, I found myself spending time in my old dormitory with Des and Kat.
"This is it," Kat said, her eyes full of tears. "We're finally going."
I let a single tear slip from my eye. "Promise we'll still have time to get together after this," I said, looking at my best friends.
Kat swallowed and nodded while Des said, "Most definitely."
"What're you planning on doing?" I asked them.
"I'm going to write on the Prophet," Kat said. "And I'm planning to write a book on Herbology."
"That's great," I said, beaming at her, my eyes dry once more.
I turned to Des. "I'm going to have a go on curse-breaking," she said, grinning slyly. "I'm sure Al wouldn't mind."
"Did you tell him that?"
"Nope," she said, grinning wider. "What about you? Quidditch? Or Auror still?"
"Auror, if I got accepted."
"I couldn't see any reason why your dad will reject you," Kat said, shaking her head.
"I've got three years training ahead of me if I passed," I said. "Three years more studying."
"There's no end to learning," Des said, uncharacteristically serious. "We've got loads of more things to learn ahead of us."
"I know."
The three of us stood up simultaneously and went outside to have one last stroll around Hogwarts as students before we encounter a new chapter on our lives.
Next Chapter—Second Chance
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