Crests and Lilies

The letter from her mother sat unopened on the nightstand by her bed. Jane would open it before she went to bed. At least that's what she kept telling herself whenever it came within eyesight as she started settling into her new home. So far she liked Hogwarts. Sure it was still an extravagant castle but it was surprisingly much larger than what she was used to. But at least this one wasn't cold and empty. And while many might have hesitations about sharing a room with others, Jane thought she might prefer it.

The dormitory was pretty quiet. Most of the girls were too tired from their long journey and the feast to really say much. They moved sluggishly around the room preparing for bed. Just as Jane reached for her letter she felt someone jump on her and wrap their arms around her.

"Can you believe it?" Marlene Mckinnon exclaimed. "We're in the same house! And in the same dormitory! Mom and dad will be pleased."

Jane smiled. She opened her mouth to reply but Marlene wasn't finished.

"I thought for sure you'd be in Slytherin or maybe even Ravenclaw." Marlene said.

"Honestly I wasn't expecting Gryffindor either," Jane replied. "But Father will be pleased. Mother too since I'm with you. Speaking of mother…"

She turned back to grab the letter from her mother that she still hadn't opened. She settled on her bed to open it.

"Let me guess?" Marlene started, "Your parents were a no show at King's cross today?"

Jane nodded in confirmation. "Were yours?"

"Mom was," Marlene replied. "My Dad was probably with yours."

"What!?" Mary Macdonald said, confused. "But your parents helped me into the platform."

"That was my aunt and uncle." Jane said. "They're James's parents. Practically mine as well but it quite."

"That's horrible! why wouldn't your parents see you off on the first day!" Lily Evans, the girl Jane recognizes from the train and the last girl in their dormitory, said. "And in your first year too!"

Marlene was quick to respond about the business of their parents. Meanwhile Jane turned her attention back to her letter to read.

My dear Princess Jane,

I am deeply sorry your Father and I are unable to see you on your first day. We wanted to be with you, but unfortunately business couldn't wait. An emergency came up at The Ministry. It's time we told you somewhat of what is going on. We know that you and James have already listened to some of it.

But my dear, you must be careful. There are those who seem to think that our family isn't doing enough to preserve wizarding blood. Your father and the rest of the aurors office have their handsful with this uprising. Masked wizards are causing commotions in the muggle world. No one is really sure who is leading the charge. But the message is clear, they want pureblood houses to return to power.

I can't say much to you now but as the heir to the most ancient and royal house of Le Fey you need to know. Normally I wouldn't put this much in a letter but I trust Fleamont and Euphemia to hand it to you directly.

Just last night I received a letter supposedly from the leader of this group demanding that I join him and assert my power more over the ministry. They also want you. So that you may be raised in their cause.

They want a full return to monarchical rule. But this leader wants to pull the strings from behind while you or I sit on the throne as their figure head and puppet.

Jane felt a rush of cold air at that sentence. She looked up and around to see if perhaps a window had been opened. But none of them were.

I don't mean to put fear into your heart but I must warn you, many of these masked followers appear to be young. I worry that there are students at Hogwarts who might have turned to the cause through influence of graduated friends or family.

While it is unknown who exactly is in support of this group. I have my suspicions. Be weary of the Black family. Orion and Walburga Black are quite outspoken about their disapproval of those who are not pureblood as you very well know. I believe they have a son starting Hogwarts this year and 3 cousins already there. Stay away from them. I have no doubt in my mind that he has been taught dark magic. And no doubt Walburga Black will have him seek you out.

Stay away from Sirius Black. A little too late for that she thought to herself. For a brief moment she wondered if she really should be worried about Sirius. But then she recalled that he had all but thrown her on the train when his family had spotted them together. He even lied to them about who she was. Perhaps she should still listen to her mother and be cautious, but for whatever reason, she wanted to trust him despite having only just met him.

She continued to read the letter.

The Avery's have a boy starting this year as well and the Carrows have someone at Hogwarts. I am unsure if they are in your year or if they'd be second years. Either way you must be weary of those you choose to associate yourself with.

Do not tell anyone about your lineage. Many of the old families might know but the fewer who do, the better. It may be futile as I'm sure the papers will put together your age and no doubt announce in the papers tomorrow that you may have started. However it's best to lay as low as possible for now.

Now enough of that. You are starting your first year and today should be exciting and not full of worry. Your father and I are so proud of you. We know that you will be an exceptional student. Whatever house you will be in, we will love you all the same. You will love your time there. Be sure to stay focused on your studies. Your father wants me to tell you not to take lessons too seriously but please ignore him. Study hard. You are a Le Fay and a Potter. Remember who you represent. If you need anything your father and I are here for you. And do try to keep James in line, you know he gets.

Hogwarts is beautiful, enjoy it. You will find your greatest friends there. Your father might be right after all, try and make the time to have fun whenever you can. The next seven years will be over before you know it.

Remember to keep your head, don't let your crown fall.

With love,

Your mother

Queen Magdelana Le Fay Potter

Jane did her best to hide the tears that threatened to spill. She missed her Mother and Father. She had hardly seen them over the Summer. And sure she hardly saw them before that anyways but usually they were there to put her to bed at night.

She busied herself by getting under her covers. She didn't look at the other girls who were going about their own night time routines. She reached to pull the hangings on her four poster bed shut when a handkerchief was shoved in her face. She looked up to see Lily Evans smiling kindly at her.

"Just thought I would return the favor," she said with a smile. "I think we might have gotten off on the wrong foot on the train, at least our friends did. But that shouldn't affect us, right? Let's start over, I'm Lily Evans."

"Jane Potter," Jane smiled up at the other girl. She took the handkerchief gratefully. It wasn't the one she had given Lily. That one, of course, would need to be cleaned. It had been made of pure silk with her family's crest on it and her initials monogrammed. The one Lily handed her was linen and looked to be hand embroidered with lilies.

"I'll give yours back as soon as I get it cleaned," Lily assured her when she saw Jane examining the handkerchief.

"No need," Jane said. "I have plenty, you can keep it."

Lily smiled at her brightly. "Then you can keep mine as well."

An: sorry that it's been a while I'm currently in the middle of finals. I wasn't planning on posting until after finals. But I write to de-stress so this is the result. But since it is still finals the next chapter wont be out for a couple more weeks. My apologies my finals should be over this week so it shouldn't be to long.