Lily Potter and the Millennium Serpent

by colcustard

Lily Potter managed to survive her first year at Hogwarts. Over the summer, she receives a grave warning: Hogwarts isn't safe anymore. She returns, heedless, and is faced with the menace that is the Chamber of Secrets. Will Lily find the Heir of Slytherin in time, or will she fall victim to the Millennium Serpent? Sequel to Lily Potter and the Enchanted Mirror. Fem!Harry

34. A Duel in the Dark

Somebody was dabbing at Lily's forehead with a cool cloth. She felt a bead of water trickle down the side of her face, passing over her dry lips. She resisted the urge to lick at it. She didn't know if drinking afterlife water was a good idea.

There was light coming through her eyelids. The afterlife was very bright. It also smelled strangely of medication.

Dong. Dong. Dong.

There was a bell ringing, now, and quite a loud one. It almost sounded like the one at Hogwarts, signaling the end of a class.

Wait, Lily thought.

She took the chance and opened her eyes. She had to blink a few times and squint as she got used to the bright light around her. The sun was shining warmly into the room, and she was seated directly under a window. It was a very nice day out. She could almost feel her pale cheeks burning.

She was in the Hospital Wing. She was still alive, somehow, unless this was supposed to be her personal hell. There were definitely worse places to stick her.

"Thank Merlin," she mumbled. Her voice was raw, and it hurt to speak.

"You're up, are you?" the grumpy voice of Madame Pomfrey said. Lily opened her eyes again, just as the elderly matron walked into view. She already had a cart sitting nearby, loaded with the usual potions.

"Yes," Lily answered hesitantly. "How long was I out? I can see again."

Madame Pomfrey scoffed at that. "Noticed, did you? Next time you use the Night Vision Charm, you can dispel it with a simple Finite Incantatum aimed right at the eyes. You'll save us both a good deal of trouble if you do."

Lily let her jaw fall open. "Really? Why didn't the book say that?"

Madame Pomfrey chuckled. "It was an advanced tome you learned that spell from, Miss Potter. It would have been assumed you knew it. You've been asleep four days; more than enough time to restore your sight. Don't go blinding yourself again; it'll be a miracle if your vision is as good as it was. Healing isn't foolproof."

Lily took a glance around the room. She could make out the spotless surface of the floor tiles, the immaculate white of the curtains around each bed, and a painting on the far wall where a man was currently picking at his nose.

"I- I think it is?"

"Good," Pomfrey said. "Good to know you didn't damage everything with your reckless spellcasting."

Lily frowned. Her body still felt sore and stiff, but she otherwise felt like she was intact. She had a new scar on her right forearm, but it didn't hurt.

"What did I damage?"

Pomfrey didn't say anything. She just passed a hand mirror over to Lily. Lily intended to check the entirety of her face, but she never got that far. A gasp escaped from her lips immediately.

"My eyes," she said, spreading her lids just to get a better look.

"Really, now, it isn't that noticeable," Pomfrey said with a tut. "I doubt anybody else will notice."

Lily's eyes were still green, but they were a darker shade, and, if she caught the light just right, there was a reddish tinge to them.

"They were supposed to look like my mum's," Lily said quietly.

"Miss Potter," Pomfrey said with a sigh. "You are lucky they are still the same colorat all. That's two blindings within a year. You're lucky you can see without assistance. I thought for sure you'd need a pair of spectacles."

"I can see just fine," Lily said a bit angrily. She set the mirror down, not wanting to look at herself anymore. There was a lump in her throat that she just couldn't seem to get rid of.

"We'll find out soon enough," Pomfrey said. "The Quidditch Match is next weekend. Thank Merlin you won't be playing in it. Already slept through the last one."

"Why won't I be playing in it?" Lily asked.

Madame Pomfrey gave her a sad look, and Lily remembered everything else. A quick glance to her side showed the green trimmed robes she'd undoubtedly be wearing from this point forward.

"Right," she said. "I- never mind. Has anyone been to see me?"

"Course they have, can hardly keep them out. Can you walk? I'm supposed to bring you to the Headmaster as soon as you wake up."

"I think so," Lily said as she wiggled her toes. She threw the blanket off of herself, and Madame Pomfrey drew the curtains closed around them both, to give her some privacy. She finished examining the rest of Lily's faculties while she dresses, testing to make sure no lasting damage was done. Lily was uncomfortable with it, especially when she reexamined her eyes, but she made no protest.

"We'll be keeping you in here the rest of the year," Pomfrey explained. "No one has survived a Basilisk bite in centuries. We have no idea if there are any lasting effects. Best to be on the safe side."

"I have to sleep in here?" Lily asked. She wanted to ask how she survived, as well, but she figured Dumbledore would be explaining that soon enough. Assuming this wasn't all a trick her brain was playing on her during her final moments, of course. That seemed like just the thing it would do.

"You do," Pomfrey confirmed with a stern nod. "You'll be taking all your meals in here, as well, so I can keep an eye on you."

Lily buttoned her shirt very slowly. Pomfrey couldn't fool her. It was all just an excuse.

"Do I have to change class schedules?" she asked.

"No," Pomfrey said. "Dumbledore thinks it prudent for you to maintain your current one. You will have classes with Gryffindor for the rest of the year."

"Thank Merlin," she whispered to herself.

She adjusted her tie as she exited the Hospital Wing, Madame Pomfrey escorting her ahead. She grumbled herself as she loosened it once more. Somehow, the Sorting Hat had rid the thing of the Self-tying Enchantment, and she couldn't remember how to do it herself. She gave up as they approached the sixth floor, and settled for tucking it into her pocket.

"I have brought her, Headmaster," Pomfrey said as she pushed the door open to Dumbledore's office.

The old man looked up from his desk, set his quill down, and smiled fondly at her.

"Hello, Lily," he said. "Feeling better?"

"Loads," she said with a sigh of relief. Madame Pomfrey closed the door gently behind her as she entered, allowing the two of them some privacy.

"Have a seat," Dumbledore said. Lily took the offer immediately, sitting down in her favorite chair. It felt far more comfortable than it had the previous times. She wondered if he'd give it to her if she asked. She might just be able to fit it into her room if she got rid of the old desk chair.

Fawkes swooped down his perch again, landing directly in Lily's lap. He rubbed his head against Lily's chin, and she pet him softly, trying to hide the surprise she felt from the affection.

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Fawkes has taken a liking to you, I see."

"I noticed," Lily said with her own nervous chuckle. "Professor, is Hermione okay?"

"She is," Dumbledore said happily. "You will also be pleased to know that all the petrified students have been cured, and Mr. Longbottom has returned to his classes and academic life. Mr. Weasley was certainly pleased to see him. I am told the lad shed a rare tear."

"Really? Ron?"

"It was only what I was told. I was busy elsewhere, dealing with the immediate consequences of your own actions."

"Sorry, Professor," Lily said nervously.

"You are aware that what you have done broke a multitude of school rules, Lily?"

Lily squirmed in her seat.

"You realize that by endangering not only yourself, but the lives of your friends, that we have grounds to expel you?"

"I'm sorry, Professor," Lily said sadly.

"I think, given the circumstances, that you shall be awarded a Special Service to the School."

Lily glanced up, noticing the twinkle in the Headmaster's eye for the first time.

"Congratulations," he said. "A job well-done, Lily. I couldn't be more proud."

"Th-thanks, sir," she managed.

Dumbledore gestured to the black diary sitting on his desk, pierced with two holes and covered in dried ink.

Lily gasped. "Tom!"

"Tom," Dumbledore confirmed with a nod. "I am told by Miss Granger that you attempted to notify me of his existence, say, a few weeks ago. Do you have any memory of this?"

Lily squirmed in her seat again. "No, Professor, I- I ran into Lockhart and- and he-"

"You do not need to say any more, Lily," Dumbledore said gently. "I understand that thinking about it must be hard for you. I can only begin to imagine what it feels to be so utterly betrayed. Our memories define who we are, they make us. To have those tampered with by an outsider is a horror beyond my imagination. I apologize deeply. Lockhart never should have been hired on."

"Why was he, Professor?"

"Nobody else applied for the position," Dumbledore said simply. "I had my suspicions, I must admit, but I never once dreamed he would take the risk while present in the castle. You will be pleased to know that I have already found a new professor for the next year. One that I trust completely."

Lily did feel a bit of the tension leave her body at that piece of news. "What happened to Lockhart, Professor?"

"Lost all memory," Dumbledore said. "He couldn't even remember his own name when he awoke. He is in St. Mungo's, now, under strict supervision of the Healers. I highly doubt you'll ever see him again. It'll be decades before he is well enough to leave those walls."

"Professor," Lily said nervously, "I- I've been forgetting things all year."
"Have you?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes, sir. How- how long was he doing it?"

Dumbledore stared at Lily for a long moment. She tried to meet his eyes, remembered the new color of her own, and then looked away. If anybody would notice, it would be Dumbledore, and she didn't know if she could take it so soon.

"I am afraid we will never know, Lily," Dumbledore said. "But I do not think there is any need to worry."

"You don't?" Lily said hopefully.

"I don't," Dumbledore confirmed. "It is possible that it was the fault of Lockhart. More likely, however, I believe it to be a combination of the stresses you have been put through."

"What about after, Professor?" Lily asked. "I've been forgetful since- well, I can't really remember!"

"If I have the timeline correct," Dumbledore said, "Then the memory charm was performed at the beginning of this month. Your mind is still healing from the damage. You will likely remain forgetful, even forgetting things you learned before the charm, for a few months more."

"Really?" Lily asked in horror.

Dumbledore nodded sadly. "I will speak with your professors on your behalf to ensure that you do not fall behind. For now, we need to speak of the Chamber."

Lily glanced back at the diary. "Hermione's okay, now? Really?"

"She is. She is not in trouble, Lily, do not worry. She is currently with her parents. I granted her leave to return home, believing they all needed that comfort. She will return next week."

"That's good," Lily said as the tension left the rest of her body. "That's- that's all I wanted, Professor."

"I know." Dumbledore's tone changed. He was far more somber, now, and Lily thought he was giving her a look of pity. "I'll admit, Lily, that I am very confident in my guesses. I had a feeling that you would be the one to discover the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. I also had a feeling that you would need to go down there. That is why I placed the hat with you. I discussed the issue with him earlier in the year, and while he would not tell me where it was, he did tell me that only a Slytherin could enter the Chamber. I am sorry for putting you in that position."

Lily wringed her hands together, staring at her feet. She really wasn't sure what to say about that. She hated the green poking out from her sleeves.

"You will be joining the rest of Slytherin at the start of next year," Dumbledore continued. "Snape insisted you do so now, but I thought it best you receive a break. You have earned that much."

"Thanks, Professor," Lily said, genuinely meaning it. She wiped at her eyes with her sleeve.

"There was a time, Lily, when I thought that we sorted students too soon. How could the Sorting Hat accurately judge the personality and values of an eleven-year-old? We are hardly a fragment of the person we will become at that age. No, it was far too soon, I thought."

"Professor?"

"I was wrong," Dumbledore said sadly. "The hat was most definitely correct. He could see in, not only you, but every student, what I could not. You are, undoubtedly, a Gryffindor. You proved that over the weekend, when you willingly sacrificed your own life to save that of a friend. When you willingly left those you called friend and family to do so. I tried to convince the hat to place you back, Lily, but he has refused. I am sorry."

Lily stared back down to her hands. "It's fine, Professor, I- I knew what I was- What I was getting into. He- he told me before I did it. I knew there was no going back."

"Even so, Lily, I am sorry. There is one more thing I think you ought to know, although I must ask that you do not tell them that you know."

"Professor?"

"Each of your friends, Weasley, Longbottom, Bell, came to me afterwards, and tried on the Sorting Hat. Each sought to join you in Slytherin, so you would not be alone. Each was denied."

Lily sniffed again. She didn't want to cry in front of Dumbledore, but she didn't know how much longer she could hold it back. She didn't know quite how to process that information; all she knew was that it filled her heart with warmth, made her feel a bit less alone.

"Thanks, Professor," she said as the tears came. She didn't try to hide them. She stared up at the ceiling, at least, so she didn't have to see him looking at her. She could feel Fawkes nuzzling her again.

"If you ever need to talk, Lily, my office is always open. I understand that this change will be hard for you, and I will not force you to go through it alone. If not me, at least approach your friends. They would do anything for you, any one of them, just as you would do the same."

"Why am I alive, P-Professor?" Lily asked. "The B-Basilisk bit m-me, I- I sh-shouldn't be- be-"

"I arrived just in time," Dumbledore answered. "I had a- a premonition, we will say- and I arrived at the castle just as the other Professors entered the Chamber. I was right behind them. I stopped in my office, first, to grab Fawkes. I arrived just as Professor McGonagall was carrying you out of the Chamber, and, with the help of Fawkes, brought you back."

Lily swallowed, trying to take deep, soothing breaths.

"I must admit, Lily, that I feared the worst," Dumbledore continued. "I believed you were beyond saving, but Fawkes proved me wrong."

Lily stroked the bird's head pleasantly. He was singing softly in her lap.

"Now, Lily," Dumbledore continued, "If you do not mind, I have some questions of my own."

"I don't mind, Professor," Lily said in a thick voice.

"Did Tom say anything at all about what his goals were?"

Lily glanced at the tattered journal nervously. "He- he said he was trying to come back, Professor, by- by taking Hermione's life. He said he the diary- it contained his soul, sir, and he was using Hermione to- to get the strength to return."

Dumbledore leaned forward curiously. "His soul? That is what he said?"

Lily nodded.

"Interesting." Dumbledore leaned back into his own chair, hands posed below his chin. "Most interesting."

Lily sat in silence while the Professor thought, doing her best to sit still. She couldn't stand it for a moment longer when the Headmaster finally continued.

"How much did he remember?" he asked. "I have already been told a fair amount from Miss Granger, but he may have told you otherwise."

"Just his school days," Lily answered. "I don't know for sure, sir, he could have been lying."

"And he made no mention of who owned him before Miss Granger?"

Lily shook her head. "He only mentioned his old self, Professor."

"Did he mention how he came into her possession?"

Lily shook her head again. "He said they bought him at Flourish & Blotts, Professor, but I never heard back from them."

Dumbledore smiled ever so briefly.

"Ah, Lily, of course you do not remember. How could you?"

"Sir?"

"You did receive a response," Dumbledore said. "On the very day your memory was modified by Professor Lockhart. You showed it to Miss Granger, in an attempt to persuade her."

Lily felt her face flush. There was so much she still couldn't remember.

"Sir- How- How do I know he didn't change anything else?" She realized, a bit too late, that they'd already talked about it, but Dumbledore smiled kindly and answered the question regardless.

"I'm afraid we'll never know the true extent of his actions, Lily," Dumbledore said sadly. "Not with his own memories missing. Rest assured, I would take a guess that he did not dabble too far. Despite his inefficiencies elsewhere, he was quite proficient at Memory Charms, and he knew not to change too much, lest those who know you become suspicious."

"They were suspicious, Professor," Lily said angrily. "And I- I didn't listen to them, I got mad at them. I'm still mad, with you talking about him, and I- I know the truth now."

"St. Mungo's offers treatment for modified memories, Lily, if you would like to take them. Hogwarts will cover them, of course, as the events transpired on our grounds. I cannot promise they will be able to return you fully to how you were, but it would certainly help."

Lily was drumming her foot on the ground in her anger. She tried to stop that.

"Maybe," she grumbled. "I don't like the idea of- of more people poking around in there, Professor."

"No one could blame you for that, Lily," Dumbledore said kindly. "After all-"

The door to the office suddenly opened as someone shoved it aside. Dumbledore's eyes flickered upwards, and Lily had to fully turn around to spot the intruder, while Fawkes actually hissed angrily.

Lucius Malfoy had arrived, and he was clearly not happy. He kicked the House Elf that was walking with him, and Lily gaped in horror as she recognized Dobby. The poor creature was far worse off than the last time he'd seen him. One of his ears was clearly burnt and wrapped shoddily in gauze, and he was limping on one leg. He tried to avoid Lily's gaze, while gesturing nervously with his head towards his master.

Lily didn't need the hint, though. She'd already figured it out.

"Lucius," Dumbledore said calmly. "I believe our appointment was in an hour. You are early."

"You're still here," Lucius said with a tone full of hate. He stared daggers at the Headmaster, while Dumbledore smiled fondly back at him. Dobby was still trying to get her attention, but Lily kept her focus on the blonde monster in front of them.

"Of course," Dumbledore said. "I believe you and Mrs. Longbottom were the sole votes against my return. Interesting how your fellow Governors came forward with tales of threats and bribery, Lucius."

"Interesting, indeed," Malfoy said snidely. Dobby made a noise, as he was currently beating his head with his own hand, and Lily let out a little whine in response.

Malfoy's eyes snapped over to Lily's, as if he just noticed her presence in the room. He seemed utterly offended by it. Lily could practically her him spitting out that fake name of his already.

"Why did you call me here?" he asked instead. He drummed his cane on the ground again, and Lily cut out her own tapping foot. She didn't want to share anything in common with this man. "I have a meeting with the Minister in just a few hours, Dumbledore, I'll have you know."

"I had a few more questions for you," Dumbledore answered. "Do not worry, Lucius, I will not keep you long. Do you know what this is?"

He gestured to the diary sitting on his desk, and Lily noticed Malfoy's jaw clench at the recognition.

"What is that?" he asked in a cool tone.

Lily couldn't hold herself back. "You know what that is."

Lucius looked at her again, his eye focusing on her scar. "Pardon?"

"You gave it to her," Lily continued, her voice icy, a few memories coming back to her. "She told me she ran into your little monster at Flourish & Blotts over the summer, and he knocked her books out of her hands. She said you apologized to her parents, not her, by the way, and that you picked them up for her. You slipped it in."

Lucius dared to crack a smile at that. "Interesting tale, Harry. Do you have any proof on the matter?"

"My name's not Harry," Lily said.

Dumbledore cleared his throat to grab the attention of both. "Miss Granger's parents have already corroborated Lily's tale, Lucius. And I believe I warned you not to use that name in my office again."

"My apologies," Lucius said snidely. "I'm afraid the word of the ones closest to our perpetrator have no sway on the matter, Dumbledore. You will need quite a bit more."

"We do," Lily said confidently.

Malfoy's head snapped towards her. "Do you now?"

Lily briefly wondered if she should go for it. Dobby was clearly hiding away from sight, but she was already hatching a plan. She needed to take the chance while she still could.

"Over the summer," She said hesitantly, "I received a series of- of anonymous warnings. They kept telling me that- that Hogwarts wasn't safe. If they come forward, I'm sure we'll have all the proof we need."

"Interesting," Lucius said slowly. "And you claim to know the identity of this- this informant?"

Lily did her best to not look at Dobby. She could feel her eyes turning just as Dumbledore saved her by clearing his throat again.

"I'm afraid the identity cannot be shared at this moment, Lucius," He said, "But rest assured that the matter is under full investigation."

"Are we done here, Dumbledore?" Lucius said venomously.

"We are," Dumbledore answered happily.

Malfoy didn't waste another moment and turned quickly, throwing another kick at Dobby to get the elf moving. As soon as the door was closed behind the two of them, Lily moved into action, pulling off her boot.

"Can I borrow that, Professor?" she asked, pointing at the diary.

"Of course!" Dumbledore said with a pleased smile. "I had the same idea, I must admit. We do not need the diary anymore. Feel free to use it however you'd like."

"Mr. Malfoy!" Lily yelled in the corridors as she ran to catch up. "Wait!"

Lucius mumbled something, then turned with a stony face. Dobby tried to hide behind him, but he quickly kicked him away.

"Harry," he said again. "To what do I owe this- this pleasure?"

Lily tried to keep the hatred from her voice as she slowed down.

"You forgot something, sir," she said. She held out her sock. She'd stuffed the diary into it as she ran to catch up.

Lucius hesitated before reaching out for it, but then he snatched it away, ripped off the sock cover, and tossed it over his shoulder. Lily smiled.

"Thank you, Harry," he said in a sickly-sweet tone. He tucked the diary into his robe without sparing it a glance. "If you'll excuse us, we must be off. Come, Dobby."

"Master has given us a sock," Dobby said in awe. He was holding Lily's clean one in both hands, staring at it as if it was the most beautiful item he'd ever seen.

"What?' Lucius said as he turned. "I didn't-"

His face fell in horror as he realized what was happening. That quickly turned to fury as he turned towards Lily. She gripped onto her wand, wondering if he'd really try something in the middle of the castle.

"You cost me my servant," he hissed. He took one firm step forward, and Dobby moved in front of her himself.

"You will not harm Hazel Potter!" he shouted. With a flick of his fingers, his former master was sent flying, landing in a sprawl on the stone floor a few meters away. Lily was impressed, even if she thought she could have done better.

Lucius quickly scrambled up, his face red with rage. Lily thought he would try again, but then he turned, and quickly walked down the corridor, away from the two of them. She supposed she should have expected the father to be a coward, much like the son.

"Don't get too full of yourself, Potter," a familiar, gruff voice said from behind. "He was running from me, not you."

"Moody!" Lily called excitedly. She spun, ran to the man, and threw him into a hug. He seemed genuinely taken aback by it. Lily could hear his magic eye spin in the socket to look at her. She glanced up, just in time to see it get stuck in its rotation. Moody smacked the side of his head to get it moving again.

Lily let him go just as quickly, not wanting to make him more uncomfortable. His face looked amused, although still unfriendly. Lily hoped that was just due to the massive amount of scarring.

"You're better, Professor," she said nicely.

"Not a professor, Potter," Mad-Eye said with a barking laugh. "Just came to give a final report to Dumbledore before I head out. If luck's on your side, you won't be seeing this face again."

"That's a shame," Lily said equally as nicely. "It was nice having you around."

"Glad somebody thinks so," Mad-Eye said as he scratched the back of his head. "You still keeping that wand of yours in your robe? Course you are, I can see it."

"What's the matter with that?" Lily asked as her hand hovered over the pocket protectively.

"Better than your back pocket, I suppose," Mad-Eye admitted, "but it's better to get a holster for it so you have easier access. Matter of fact, you can just have this one."

Mad-Eye dug into his sleeve, and Lily heard something click. A second later, and he pulled out his wand, still contained in the sleek black holster. He drew his wand out of it, tucked it into his other sleeve, and then held the free holster out in his hand.

"Sir?" Lily asked.

"Take it, Potter," Mad-Eye said gruffly, thrusting his hand forward. Lily took it quickly, not wanting to argue with him, then stood there stupidly, holding it in her hands.

"Now what?" she asked.

"Put it on, Potter," Mad-Eye said in an amused tone. "Put it on the opposite arm you use for easier drawing. You can also command it to fall out and grab it with your offhand. I recommend practicing with both. Never know when you might get incapacitated."

"Constant vigilance?" Lily asked nervously.

Mad-Eye smiled at her. "That's the one."

Lily tied the holster around her left forearm, and felt it tighten around it automatically to fit snugly. She put her wand in it, and it felt like a perfect fit, even though it'd been much bigger just a moment ago.

"Take good care of it, Potter," Mad-Eye said as he turned to face Dumbledore's gargoyle. "It was a gift from an old friend."

"I will," Lily said. She was already testing it out, having the wand drop into her left hand, but she couldn't figure out how to catch it yet, and it clattered onto the ground. She blushed as she scooped it back up, but the gargoyle was already back in place, and Mad-Eye was gone. Lily turned to face Dobby again, but he had vanished just as quickly as every other time she'd seen him.

"Must have scared him off," Lily said to herself in the now empty hallway. It was a shame. She was going to ask him to work for her before Mad-Eye showed up. At least that way, she could order him not to try and kill her.

Lily was humming again as she approached the Fat Lady. It felt good to be alive. Sure, she wouldn't get to play Quidditch for the rest of the year, and, sure, she'd have to share a common room with Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson next year, but things were finally looking up for once. Plus, she should probably use the extra time and privacy to study. She was still pretty far behind in Transfiguration and Herbology, and her Potions needed some touching up, as well.

"Godric Gryffindor," she said between melodies.

"No," The Fat Lady said in response. She was sitting at a table, wine glass in hand, swirling it around lazily.

"Pardon?" Lily asked.

"Look at your robes, dear," The Fat Lady said sadly.

"My robes? What's wrong with- oh."

"There you are."

Lily felt her face flush. "Sorry. Is- are the others in?"

"No," The Fat Lady said. "They should be leaving Herbology soon, I think. You might be able to catch them if you hurry."

"Thanks," Lily said. She couldn't believe she'd forgotten that quickly. Merlin, she'd just thought about it!

She walked away as quickly as she could, ignoring the other portraits whispering about her. She ducked behind a tapestry as she went, one that descended all the way down to the Dungeons in just a couple flights of stairs. She didn't like to take it very often; it went very far into them, where they didn't keep any torches lit. As a result, it was always dark and absolutely freezing. Still, though, she was a Slytherin, now, and it was something she needed to get used to. She kept muttering it to herself in an attempt to remember it.

The grounds were far warmer now, although still quite chilly. Lily was shivering, anyway, from the cold of the Dungeons, but at least there wasn't any frost on the grass. That was a vast improvement. She knew there was some spell she could use to warm up, but, much to her distress, she couldn't remember what it was.

Lily hesitated outside the greenhouse. She could see the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors inside, busy at work with some plant she definitely needed to study, but she felt too nervous to head inside. None of them seemed to notice her, and she almost decided to turn back. Ron and Neville were working near the front, Neville clearly going on a spiel about whatever plant was sitting in front of them. That settled it for her; she hadn't seen his smiling face in forever, and she wasn't going to miss this opportunity.

Lily took a gulp, pulled on her gloves (which she really should have worn earlier, come to think of it), and pushed the door open.

There was a brief dip in the chatter as people turned to look at her, but then Ron let out a whoop, and he threw her in a hug, Neville's body following soon after. Before Lily could even process what was happening, the rest of Gryffindor was cheering her and surrounding her on all sides. Even Hufflepuff seemed excited to see her, although they didn't rush to violate her personal space.

"You didn't have to come to class, Miss Potter," Professor Sprout said with a huge smile on her plump face. "But you're welcome anyway! Let her through, you lot, let her through."

"Scared us there, Lily," Ron said as he pulled out Lily's stool for her.

"Really had us worried," Lavender agreed.

"Thought you might not wake up," Parvati said.

"You looked awful when they brought you in," Neville said quietly.

"I'm fine," Lily argued. "Really, I just slept a couple of days, that's all. Nothing unusual, happens all the time."

"Lily," Ron said sarcastically, "You killed a Basilisk. This hardly qualifies as normal."

"What was it like, Lily?' Seamus Finnegan asked. Lily thought that was interesting. He never talked around her.

Lily thought for a moment. "Large. And small."

"Large and small?" Dean Thomas asked. "How's that?"

"It could change sizes," Lily said. "That's how it squeezed through all the school's pipes. It could change different parts, too. Tried to crush me with its head once when I stabbed it."

"You stabbed it?" A horrified Hufflepuff girl asked. She had blonde hair and a cute nose, but Lily had no idea what her name was. She only knew Justin from the Hufflepuffs, and that was just because he clearly hated her. He was currently avoiding her direction, working silently on his plant.

"I did," Lily confirmed with a smile. "Several times, matter of fact. Cut the head off, too, that's how I killed it."

"Why didn't you die?" a Hufflepuff boy asked.

"Couldn't see it," Lily said as she waved a hand in front of her face. "Blinded myself so it wouldn't kill me outright. The Sorting Hat helped me see."

"Alright, you lot, that's enough," Professor Sprout called from the front. "Get back to your Snapping Slatherstems, they're starting to get restless. Potter, you can work with Weasley and Longbottom, they'll catch you up."

"What is this thing?" Lily asked herself as she poked at the rather long appendage of the plant. "Why is the neck so long?"

"It's called a Slatherstem, Lily," Neville said happily. "And try not to touch it, the mucus it secretes will stick your glove to anything you touch."

"Lovely," Lily said with her hand already firmly stuck to the back of her head.

"You're lucky we have sap remover in stock," Madame Pomfrey said shortly after. "We might just save your hair with it."

"Thanks, Madame Pomfrey," Lily said with a sigh. She still had the glove stuck to her head, but at least they'd gotten her arm out of the thing. Professor Sprout promised she'd still get full marks for the day, since she missed all the instructions and warnings.

"I told you not to touch it," Neville said again.

"After," Lily grumbled.

"I got mine stuck to my pants two days ago," Ron said. "Didn't even notice until supper. Fred and George kept the pair, said they wanted to frame it for my birthday."

"Be seeing it soon, then," Neville said. Lily was frantically trying to remember what Ron's birthday was. She had absolutely no memory of the date, and it was causing her a great amount of distress.

"You coming to History of Magic?" Ron asked. "We could just give you our notes after, if you want."

"Might as well," Lily said in a squeaky voice, as if she'd just gotten caught doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing. "Have to catch up anyway, don't I?"

"Hold still," Pomfrey barked as she tilted Lily's head forward. Lily let out a short grunt of pain, but let it drop. She could feel Pomfrey pouring some cool liquid on the back of her head. It dripped down her neck and got her shivering uncomfortably again. With a squelch, Pomfrey ripped something off the back, and tossed the glove to the nearest table. Lily was pleased to see no hairs on it.

"Make sure you shower before bed tonight," Pomfrey said, "And your hair will be back to normal. Would you like me to send for your lunch, now? You'll be late for History, but you need a proper meal."

"Yes, please," Lily said. She rubbed at her neck to wipe away the liquid, giving it a quick sniff. It smelled like simple rubbing alcohol, but it burned her hand slightly. She wiped it on her robe.

"Your taking your meals in here now?" Ron asked as Pomfrey swept into her office.

"They want to keep an eye on me," Lily said with a shrug. "I think they just don't want me sitting with the Slytherins yet."

"Forgot about that," Neville said sadly.

Lily tugged on where her necktie should have been. It was still in her pocket. She scratched at her neck, instead, in an effort to play it off.

"Didn't notice, did you? I think it looks nice, actually. Green really suits me."

"You're taking it well, then?" he asked.

No, Lily thought. Her stomach tightened up every time she thought about it.

"Course," she said. "It's not all bad, really. Least I don't have to climb all those stairs anymore."

"Right," Pomfrey barked. She pushed her door closed behind her with her foot, carrying the laden tray over with both her hands. "You two, out. Potter has to eat, then she'll join you for class."

"And that, students," Binns said as the bell rang, "Is how the third Goblin War ended. Your homework is to read the chapter on the fourth by Friday and write three and a half feet on the causes behind it."

"Bloody hell," Ron groaned, "That's going to take a whole night, that is."

"I'll let you copy mine tomorrow," Lily offered. "I'll get it done tonight. Won't have much else to do in the Hospital Wing."

"She has you sleeping in there, too?' Rona sked. "Just come up with us, you can sleep in the-"

"Can't," Lily said. "Already tried. Fat Lady wouldn't let me in."

Ron's eyes glanced towards her necktie, which Pomfrey affixed for her (with very stern instructions) and went quiet.

"Do you want to have supper with us, at least?" Neville offered.

Lily shook her head again. "Have to eat in the Hospital Wing. Already told you that."

"We'll come with you."

"I don't know if she'll let you," Lily said," But you're welcome to try."

"This is nice," Neville said to break the silence. Lily pushed her carrots around on her plate. She wasn't a very big fan.

"Yeah," Ron agreed. He was pushing his around, too. Pomfrey may have agreed to let them take meals with her, but none of them got a choice on what they were eating. They had an identical plate of roast beef, carrots, and roast potatoes. Items Lily, for the most part, avoided in favor of far better options. At least she got two rolls with hers. Neville and Ron only got one each.

"You coming to join me for breakfast, then?" Lily asked sweetly.

"Maybe," Ron said. Neville elbowed him sharply.

"Yes," he said.

"Yes," Ron agreed as he rubbed at his side.

"This is nice," Lily agreed. She grimaced as she bit into a carrot, a shiver of revulsion going down her spine.

"Miss Potter," Snape said as Lily took her seat at the back next to Ron.

"Professor," Lily called back. The Potion Master was staring at her with his arms crossed, and Lily squirmed from the nerves. She could already see Malfoy and Parkinson smirking back at her, waiting to see what she was being admonished for.

"Welcome back," Snape said after a long pause. He swept towards the backboard afterwards, swiping his wand at it to write the day's instructions.

Lily blinked in confusion, turning towards Ron, who seemed equally baffled by the sentiment.

"What's that all about?" he asked.

"Dunno," Lily said as she opened her book to the proper chapter. "Maybe he missed me? Pass me the Dungleworms, I need to grind them up."

"Instructions say to dice them," Ron argued. He passed the bowl of the foul, white maggots anyway. Lily poured them into her mortar.

"Have I ever steered you wrong, Ron?" she asked. Her pestle felt a bit heavier than she remembered it, but she got grinding away, crushing the disgusting creatures into a thick paste.

"Hate these things," Ron grumbled. "You better work with me next year, I don't know what I 'll do without you."

An hour later, and their Girding Solution was done. Lily thought it'd go well with the Strengthening Solutions they made earlier in the year. This one increased the drinker's endurance for a duration of time. In fact, come to think of it, she was pretty sure the Healers at St. Mungo's paired it with the Strengthening Solutions she was given while building her leg strength back up.

"I'll go turn it in, Ron," Lily offered. The boy already had two flasks in his grasp, but he handed them over without an argument."

"He'll grade you better," he said.

"Exactly," Lily agreed. She hummed as she walked towards the front of the class. It was Double Potions day, and they'd finished far more quickly than everybody else. Malfoy was still working on his prep, and had yet to even start brewing. He scowled at her as she passed, but it wasn't her fault that he didn't heat his dung enough. Not that he could prove, anyway.

"Finished already, Potter?" Snape drawled out. He snatched the vials from Lily's hands before she could confirm, and held them up the nearest light so he could get a better look at them. Lily held back the urge to brag. She felt quite proud at this batch. Truly her best work yet.

"Excellent work as usual, Potter," Snape said with a satisfied nod. "Nice to know you haven't lost your ability over these last few months. At least we have one student who is capable of proving they aren't a complete failure. You may return to your seat until class is over."

Lily blinked in surprise again. She'd really expected to argue for full marks. She glanced back at the rest of the class. Ron had his mouth dropped open, and he wasn't the only one. Malfoy was so baffled that he'd left his dung on the burner for too long this time, as it was currently on fire.

Lily hurried back to her seat, wanting the eyes off her as quickly as possible. The look that Parkinson in particular was absolutely murderous. She'd have to avoid her for the rest of the semester.

"Oh," Snape piped up as Lily attempted to sit. "And Potter? Five points for Slytherin."

"Right," Lily mumbled sadly as she finished taking her seat. "Slytherin. That makes sense."

"Think you're a star, Heiry?" Malfoy said venomously after class.

Lily sighed, but turned to face him in the crowded dungeon hallway. The boy's face was a bright red, and his posse was standing at his sides for support. Lily almost faltered, but she regained her confidence as Ron and Neville stepped up to hers.

"I was a star before all this, Malfoy," she said.

"To afraid to join the rest of us peasants in the common room, then?" Parkinson said with equal hatred in her tone. "Don't think we haven't noticed the new robes, Heiry. We all heard the Sorting Hat before you went in."

"I wasn't hiding it," Lily scoffed. "Madame Pomfrey's keeping me in the Hospital Wing just in case the Basilisk venom caused any damage. I'll be there with you next year."

"Best watch yourself, then, Heiry," Malfoy piped back up. "I think you'll find that Slytherin doesn't take kindly to blood traitors."

"What, Malfoy?" Ron said as he stepped forward. "Afraid the rest of them will turn on you? I think you're forgetting who the Heir of Slytherin is."

Lily didn't like that, but she crossed her arms to support his point. At least it seemed to make Malfoy angrier. Crabbe had to put a hand on his shoulder to keep him from moving forward. Lily was pretty sure Ron would have hit him if he tried it. That wouldn't do when they were in the middle of Slytherin territory. There were already a bunch of first years arriving for their own Potions lesson.

"Watch yourself, Weasley," Malfoy said more calmly. "You won't be around to watch her forever, and the same goes for you."

"I'd like to see you try, Malfoy," Lily said. "You couldn't beat me at the Dueling Club, and you can't beat me now, even with all four of you."

"You want to bet, Heiry?"

"Sure," Lily offered. "Trophy room. Midnight. Meet me there, all four of you, and I'll show you."

"I don't know about this," Parkinson said.

"Weasley and Longbottom can come, too," Malfoy said, "Just to collect your body. Won't be much left when we're done, but they should be able to find most of it."

"We'll be there," Neville said firmly.

"Found your courage, did you, Longbottom?" Crabbe said in a low grumble. Lily was pretty sure that was the first time she'd ever heard him speak.

"If only your father could see you now," Malfoy said with a sneer. "It's a shame he'll never get to see how much of a disappointment you are."

"Rich talk, coming from you, Malfoy," Lily said angrily. "His father's ten times the man yours is. Or did you forget he tried to set a monster loose in the school?"

Malfoy narrowed his eyes. "What are you getting at, Potter?"

"Didn't tell you, did he?" Lily said with a smile. "Can't say I blame him. He clearly didn't trust you enough to tell you the plan. Thought you'd mess it all up, just like you do everything else."

Malfoy's face flushed again, and Lily was sure he'd try to lunge again, but Snape came out of the classroom first, his beady eyes staring down his crooked nose at the whole lot of them. He was too far to hear their discussion, but they all knew better than to continue under his gaze. Malfoy shoved through them instead, doing his best to be a lawful git. Lily barely managed to catch Neville's books before they could clatter to the ground. The rest of the gang pushed through right after, and Lily had to resist the urge to curse their backs.

"Probably shouldn't have done that," Neville said quietly.

"We'll be fine," Lily said with confidence. Her left hand twitched at the thought, as if it wanted to draw her wand right then and there. "He probably won't even show up. You two should take the cloak before you head off to your common room, you can come down and pick me up."

"Got it," Ron said with a nod.

"We should get going," Neville said. "Defense starts soon."

"Who's teaching it now?" Lily asked as she fell into step. "Lockhart's-"

"Potter!"

Lily turned curiously to see who was calling for her. It wasn't a voice she recognized.

A Slytherin first year ran towards her eagerly, waving in a friendly manner. Lily returned it hesitantly, unsure of what was happening. The Asian girl had her hair in a bob. Lily thought she recognized her from somewhere, but she just couldn't remember.

"Can I help you?' Lily asked nicely.

"No," the girl answered, "But I think I can help you. I heard you won't be living in the common room until next year?"

"Yes?" Lily glanced at the two boys at her side, but they seemed just as confused as she was.

"I'll teach you the rules before term starts," the girl offered. She stretched out her hand. "Asari. Sae Asari."

Lily shook the warm hand with her own. "Do all Slytherins introduce themselves that way?"

"Name means everything as a Slytherin," Sae said with a nod. "I'll explain later. Oh, and don't worry about Malfoy, he'll show. He knows we heard, he wouldn't dare to do otherwise. See you around, Potter."

"See you around?" Lily said quietly. The girl was already running back to her own friends, who were giving her the same strange look Lily was.

"Look, Lily," Ron said with a smile, "You made a friend already."

Turns out, Flitwick was teaching the Defense class that day. Lily was surprised, to be certain, but Neville quickly explained all the professors were covering the classes.

"Have to," he said, "While Lockhart is sick. Wonder if he'll ever get better."

Lily frowned at that, exchanging a curious glance with Ron, who was shaking his head.

"We'll tell him later," the other boy said, "They didn't tell the rest of the school what he did."

"And you didn't tell Neville?" Lily asked.

"Tell me what?"

Ron shook his head again. "Forgot about it, to be honest. Had a lot of other things to worry about."

"I don't suppose anybody knows, then," Lily said.

"Knows what? What aren't you two telling me?"

"Later, Nev," Lily said. Flitwick was starting his lecture, and he looked positively delighted to see Lily sitting amongst the others, even if she was wearing a green robe.

They were supposed to be working on the Freezing Charm (Glacius, not Immobolus, to Neville's confusion), but while helping the Professor demonstrate, Lily accidentally let slip that she used it against the Basilisk. After that, it quickly turned into an interrogation for her, as she grew increasingly embarrassed by it all. Flitwick seemed eager to know too, though, so she never tried to stop it.

"And the ice walls worked, Lily?" Flitwick asked in awe. "It couldn't break through?"

"Err," Lily stammered. She didn't want to mention cutting off her own escape route with them. "Yes, Professor. I don't think it liked the cold very much."

"Fascinating," Flitwick said for the seventh time that day. He twirled his moustache with glee, glancing to the rest of the class for more questions. "Oh! Err- keep in mind, class, that to conjure such amounts of ice would take an extraordinary cast after much practice. The most you will be able to manage today is a thin layer, I think."

Lily didn't mention that she'd only cast the charm a few times before entering the Chamber. It was better that way. The class was already impressed enough as it was.

"Tell them about the Reflection Charm, Lily," Ron called out.

"I didn't use it against the Basilisk, though," Lily said. "I used it against- err- you know who."

The class gasped in awe. Even the Ravenclaws seemed fully into it. Lily could hear Lavender's cute squeals from the front of the classroom.

"You fought You-Know-Who?" Seamus asked in wonder.

"Err," Lily stammered again. "Not quite what I meant, but, err-"

Ron was shaking his head in the back again.

"Yes," Lily said finally and proudly. "Voldemort was there. That's who I fought."

The class flinched at the name, and Flitwick almost toppled out of his seat amidst his fright. Lily felt proud of herself again. She hadn't even hesitated, that time.

"And you reflected something at him, Lils?" Lavender asked. Lily wasn't quite sure how she felt about that nickname. Her stomach felt a bit tight.

"Yes," Lily lied confidently. "He was still weak, though. I don't think I could have done it otherwise."

"Show us!" Lavender squealed eagerly.

"Now, now," Flitwick interceded quickly. "Miss Potter is not to show off the Reflection Charm without permission."

"Come on, Professor," Dean called out. More students joined in agreement, even some Ravenclaws, and Flitwick seemed taken aback.

"Very well," he said at last. He seemed a bit too eager about it, Lily thought. He turned to face her with a big smile. "Do you remember the timing for the Disarming Charm, Miss Potter?"

"Yes, Professor," Lily said. "But I already showed that to Ron. Can we try something flashier?"

Flitwick cleared his throat. "I believe I instructed you to not show anybody, Miss Potter."

"Sorry."

"Never-the-less," Flitwick continued, "I believe we can try something else. What about the Dancing Feet Charm?"

"Sure," Lily said with a shrug. She had just been about to suggest Stupefy, but that would have gotten her into more trouble.

"Very well," Flitwick said as he struck his stance. "At your ready, Miss Potter."

Lily drew her wand from her sleeve, striking her own, relaxed stance.

"Ready, Professor."

"Tarantellagra."

"Reddimitto." Lily flicked upwards, sending the bright light back towards Flitwick's own feet. He started laughing as his feet moved, tapping along to an invisible beat.

"Well done, well done! Three points to Gryffindor!"

Lily didn't stop to correct the professor as the rest of the class started clapping happily. She glanced back to Ron and Neville, who seemed to be the only others who noticed, then fussed nervously at her green tie.

"Do you think she'd bring us something else if we asked?" Ron said as he pushed around his soggy sprouts.

"No," Lily said honestly. She grimaced as she bit into one of hers. She normally didn't mind sprouts, but Pomfrey had gotten distracted by a flock of ill students, and forgot to deliver their meals until they'd sat around for far too long. They had the curtains drawn around them to allow for privacy, but they still had to talk softly so nobody could overhear. Quite a few of the "ill" students were Slytherins, and she was pretty sure they were just trying to get a good look at her.

"Figures," Ron grumbled. "I have to get going soon, Wood has weekday practices back on now that we're allowed to move about."

"Oh," Lily said sadly. "Who's playing Seeker now?"

"Me," Ron said darkly. "Angelina's playing Chaser again and they didn't want to try anybody else out. I'm miserable at it."

"You'll be fine," Lily said kindly. "You can borrow my broom if you want. Not like I can use it."

"Are you sure? You won't need it?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Ron, what am I going to use it for? Sweeping?"

"It is a broom," Neville mumbled.

"How do wizards keep the floors so clean?" Lily asked. "I don't think I've ever seen somebody sweeping."

"Lily," Ron said, "We have magic."

They were heading down the stairs shortly after, Lily's broomstick held in awe by Ron. Lily briefly considered sneaking into the Great Hall to grab some more food, but she decided against it. Most of Gryffindor was still sitting in there, even if the Slytherin table was mostly empty, and she didn't feel like bringing any attention to herself. If they had the time after the duel, she'd sneak down to the kitchens later. She didn't know where the entrance was hidden, but she knew approximately where it was from the map.

The sun was mostly set by the time they made it outside, although the Quidditch pitch was clearly lit up (although Lily couldn't have said by what). Lily could feel the cold setting in, and was already beginning to shiver. Ron rolled his eyes at her.

"Just cast your spell, Lily, if you're so cold," he said.

Lily felt her cheeks flush. "Can't. I- err- forgot how."

Ron laughed as if he didn't believe her, and Lily joined in nervously.

"I think Katie's trying to catch up to us," Neville said. He pointed behind them, back towards the castle, and Lily turned. She certainly was, legs moving quickly, arms holding a bundle ahead of her.

"I never gave her scarf back," Lily suddenly realized. It was still at The Burrow, as a matter of fact, sitting in her wardrobe. She hoped it wasn't green, too, but how could the Sorting Hat affect that?

"I don't think that's what she wants, mate."

"Lily!" Katie said excitedly. She doubled over to catch her breath, one arm leaned against her knee while the other brought the bundle forward. "Brought you some food."

"Me?" Lily asked. She took the warm cloth from the girl, gently peeling it back. There were chicken legs, rolls, and even some roasted potatoes.

"You looked hungry," Katie said with a deep breath. "Saw you peeking into the Great Hall, so I hurried to grab you some."

"Katie," Lily said with a sniff, "That is the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me."

"Lily, we fought a troll for you."

"We ran from the troll, Ron, and it was your fault I was there."

"Wait," Katie said slowly (and with a huge smile that she couldn't seem to hide), "You two actually fought the troll? I thought Fred and George just made that up."

"Three of us, actually," Ron said proudly. "Hermione was there, too."

"We just ran from it, Katie, really," Lily said. She grabbed a chicken leg with one hand, holding the bundle with her other as she resumed their walk. "Went right through the railing. Woooooo- splat."

Lily demonstrated the last part with the chicken leg, smacking it dramatically against her leg. She took a bite afterwards.

Bless you, Katie. It was the best thing she'd tasted since before the Basilisk. Katie fell in step on her right, Neville moving to position himself next to Ron. Lily hoped he didn't mind. She felt a bit bad for him. She'd hardly seen him these last few weeks.

"Hope it isn't too cold," Katie said, pointing towards Lily's chicken. "It's awful chilly out here, isn't it?"

"Tepium Tunica," Lily remembered with a brandish of the chicken leg. Katie looked a bit taken a back.

"Meat isn't magical, Lily," Ron said.

"Do it for me," Lily said with another bite. "Hands full."

"It's a spell she found to keep us warm," Ron explained. "And I can't. My wand broke."

Lily stopped in place, almost choking on the food she'd attempted to swallow. Katie gave her a rough pounding on the back, for which she was very thankful.

"What?" Lily said when she could breathe again.

"Did I not tell you?' Ron asked. He seemed a bit embarrassed about it. "I thought I did, back when Lockhart- err- you know."

"Oh!" Lily said as she remembered. "Right. I forgot, Ron, I'm sorry, I, err- had a Basilisk to kill."

"Well, I don't have a replacement yet," Ron continued. "Mum said she'd find a cheap one for now, and we'd go get a proper one over the summer, but she hasn't sent it yet."

"You can borrow mine for exams if she doesn't," Lily offered. "I always go before you, I can just pass it off to you."

"Thanks, but your broom is already enough," Ron said. "Really, it's fine, McGonagall said not to worry about it, that Hogwarts would pay for the replacement since-"

"March 1st!" Lily shouted suddenly with a thrust of her new chicken leg (she kept the bone in the bundle).

Ron stared at her in disbelief for a moment, and then his face lit up with a smile. "Did you- did you forget my birthday, Lily?"

"No," Lily said, hoping it was dark enough to hide her embarrassment. "But I'll get you a new one for your birthday. It'll be a bit late, but we can go together, after the interview."

"Interview?" Katie asked.

"Blimey," Ron said, "You still have to do that, Lily?"

Lily groaned. "Course I do. Lockhart got it in our contracts. They've all already written me about it, I went through it over breakfast. I start August 1st, right after my birthday."

Katie gasped. "Lily, I thought you were going to come visit me?"

"I still can," Lily said quickly. "But- I just, err- I'll have to leave for a few hours every day, is all. You have a Floo, right?"

"Yes! I'll go with you, if you want."

"That's fine," Lily agreed. "Ron can meet us there with his mum, if he wants, I'm sure she won't let him go alone."

"I wish," Ron said with a deep sigh.

"One thing I bet you don't miss about practice," Ron grumbled hours later, "Is the soreness. My legs are killing me."

"I think I'd prefer that over watching," Lily said sadly. "Watching you all just made me realize how much I'm going to miss flying. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the game."

"I think I might have a nice, long bath before bed," Katie said.

Neville yawned to state his agreement, even though he didn't even play

"Well, this is your stop, Lily," Ron said with an equally long yawn. "We'll see you tomorrow morning. I don't think we'll be up in time for breakfast, though."

Lily grabbed him by the arm. "Wait, aren't you forgetting something?"

She was just surprised she remembered.

Ron gave her a strange look. "What? Heading to bed at a decent time?"

"The cloak, Ron," Lily said tiredly. "You're supposed to meet me down here."

"Cloak?" Katie asked.

"Oh!" Ron said loudly. He glanced nervously at Katie, then down the hall, just to make sure nobody else was listening. "You sure you want her to know?"

"She's earned it," Lily said confidently, smiling widely at Katie. "I have an Invisibility Cloak, Katie, and we're sneaking out tonight. Malfoy challenged us to a duel."

Katie's eyes grew wide, but she leaned in closer and lowered her voice. "You sure? You could get into a lot of trouble if you're caught, Lily."

"That's what the cloak is for," Lily said with a smile. "And we have something else, too: a map. Neville will be watching it while I duel, just to make sure nobody is coming. If he sees somebody, he'll give a shout, and we'll make a break for it."

Katie whistled. "Wow, Potter, you've been holding out on me."

"Sorry, Katie," Lily said genuinely. "Just wasn't sure if I should tell anybody before now. Cloak went missing after- after the Welcoming Feast."

She almost said, "after Hermione took it." She didn't want the others to judge her too harshly. She'd be keeping that part a secret. Ron knew, and he exchanged a look with her, but he didn't say anything.

"I get it," Katie said with another big smile. "Thanks for telling me, really, I'll keep it a secret. Do you want me to go with you all?"

Lily shook her head reluctantly. "Can't fit us all under the cloak. Our feet will already be poking out with Ron coming."

"She can have my spot," Ron offered with a big yawn. "Really, I don't mind. I think I'm too tired, anyway."

Lily was surprised by that, and, judging by the looks on Neville and Katie, so was everybody else.

"What?" Ron asked casually.

"You-" Lily stammered out. "You don't want to come? It'll be an adventure, and you don't want to come?"

Ron shrugged. "I've had enough for one year, I think. Besides, no wand, remember? I won't be able to help if something goes wrong."

"You're sure?" Lily asked.

"I'm sure," Ron said. He gave Katie a firm pat on the shoulder. "Katie'll do great. You won't even have to stoop with her under the cloak."

Katie looked torn between refusing and being clearly excited to go, so Lily made the choice for her.

"Welcome to the team, Katie," she said as she pulled the girl into a tight hug. She could feel a heart beating quickly, but she wasn't sure if it was hers or Katie's.

Lily had to lay in the dark for hours, watching the clock on the Hospital Wing walls slowly click towards midnight. Several times she almost fell asleep after forgetting why she was even bothering to stay up. She did her homework by Night Vision Charm to stay awake, quickly shutting it all down if she heard Madame Pomfrey milling about. The matron had yet to check on her, and she likely never would, but it had been a risk Lily didn't consider until she was preparing to sneak out.

At fifteen before, she pulled the Marauder's Map out, and opened it with a whisper. Katie and Neville were already hunched together, making their way down the sixth floor. Ron's dot was still in Gryffindor tower when she checked, although she was a little upset that he wasn't sleeping like he said he was going to. He was chatting with a boy named Peter down in the common room, instead. She had no idea who that was, but she'd also hardly learned anyone's names, especially the boys.

Lily waited until Neville and Katie were almost to the Hospital Wing before slipping out from behind her drawn curtains. One of her toes popped as she snuck across the floor in her socks, and she almost jumped out of her skin when she heard somebody cough, but she managed to slink quietly out of the doors without being noticed, and Katie immediately tossed one end of the cloak over her, as planned, as Lily passed the map onto Neville. She sat on the ground briefly to pull on her boots, and then they were off. Lily was pretty sure she'd put them on opposite feet in her haste, but it was far too late to fix it. She'd have to deal with how uncomfortable they felt.

"This Night Vision Charm works like a charm, Lily," Katie said in an excited whisper.

"That makes sense," Lily whispered back.

Neville shushed the both of them. "There's a Prefect in the next hall, be quiet so we can sneak by."

The two girls hushed up. It was cramped beneath the cloak, and Lily's hand kept brushing Katie's. They were huddled together very closely, and it felt very warm, even in the drafty halls of Hogwarts.

They snuck past the Prefect quickly enough, although they had a bit of difficulty when they ran into Peeves on the fourth floor. Lily accidentally stubbed her toe near him, and he clearly heard them, but Neville managed to scare him off with his best Bloody Baron impression. That was the only ghost Peeves ever seemed to be afraid of. Lily had to agree, and that was one experience she wasn't looking forward to next year; he was Slytherin's House Ghost.

Finally, though, they made it to the Trophy room, after what felt like far too long. Lily was almost positive they were late.

"Are they already inside?" she asked Neville.

"It's just Malfoy," Neville said with a smile. "Looks like Parkinson chickened out, but Crabbe and Goyle are on the first floor, walking with Percy. He must have caught them."

"That'll make this much easier," Lily said happily. "You two wait out here, I'll be back soon."

"Good luck, Lily," Katie said as she squeezed on Lily's hand. That made Lily a bit flustered; she hadn't realized they'd been holding them.

"Th-thanks," she stuttered out nervously. She cleared her throat, then tried again more confidently. "Thanks. I'll be back in a second, this won't take long."

Lily left the cloak, suddenly feeling far less warm without the two bodies pressed against her. She felt like she was forgetting something again, but she brushed it off. She was already having enough trouble with the nerves; she didn't need to add the anxiety over her hazy memories on top of that.

She pushed the door open quietly, slipping in right afterwards. There were no light sources in here, so everything was a plain gray to her vision. She saw Malfoy turn towards her from the middle of the room, where he'd been leaning against a cabinet. He glanced around nervously, clearly unable to see.

"Didn't light your wand, Malfoy?" Lily called out.

Malfoy jumped at the sound of her voice, then relaxed as he identified the speaker. He made that stupid, smug smirk of his before speaking.

"Didn't want the Prefects to find us, now, did we, Potter?"

"Like they found those goons of yours?" Lily asked with a hum.

Malfoy frowned. "How'd you know about that?"

"Does it matter?"

"No," Malfoy said with an annoyed tone. She heard him whisper something else, and his wand lit up. Lily had to squint in the light, but it wasn't bright enough to blind her. She whispered a quick counter to her Night Vision Charm, ridding herself of it. She was pretty sure the flashes from their spells would be able to do it, and she didn't want to risk further damaging her eyes. She lit her own wand so Malfoy would be able to see her.

"Scared, Heiry?" he asked snidely. Lily approached, meeting him in the middle, then bowing as he did.

"You wish," she said as she turned to walk away. She listened closely, waiting to her if he'd try to turn early. She wouldn't be caught off-guard, this time. She was surprised to see him turning at the same time she did. They even both waited ever so briefly for the other to move first.

Lily took the initiative.

"Serpensortia," she cast. A large, black snake erupted from the air between them, and Malfoy jumped back in alarm. "Hide in the dark, attack when you get a chance."

"Not fair, Heiry," Malfoy said. He spun his wand to watch the snake slip off, and Lily took advantage of the opening, slipping behind a cabinet and shutting her wand light off. She crouched in the darkness, watching Malfoy shuffle nervously as he pointed his wand in various directions, trying to keep track of both her and the snake she'd unleashed. She hurried behind another display while Malfoy had his back turned, biding her time.

"Get out here, Heiry," Malfoy commanded.

"You first," Lily whispered from behind him. Malfoy jumped, whirled, just in time to miss a coil of black snap into his shoulder. Malfoy shrieked, Lily jumped out, and quickly shouted her next spell.

"Alarte Ascendare!"

Malfoy shot into the air, snake still attached to his shoulder, screaming. He hit the ceiling hard, then fell to the ground just as hard with a sharp crack. He rolled, trying to wrestle the snake off of him, while Lily couldn't help but laugh at the display.

"Expulso," Malfoy shouted as he thrust his wand into the air. Lily was shot backwards as the blast came out, knocking aside full displays, and shattering glass. She tucked her head under her arms to protect herself, feeling very grateful as the glass hit the cabinet she'd managed to crawl behind.

She was sure somebody must have heard that, and she needed to move quickly.

She jumped out, aimed for the light while Malfoy was still searching, and made her attack.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

Malfoy's arms snapped to his side as he fell backwards, straight onto the floor with a thud. Lily didn't bother to wait. She'd won, and they both knew it. She ran for the door just as Neville threw it open, and she jumped under the cloak, forgetting to reapply her night vision.

"Go!" she whispered loudly. She had to hang onto both of their shoulders as they made a break for it. There was a pale moonlight shining through the windows, but she was mostly running blind. They barely avoided Filch running past them, Peeves cackling and chasing after him while singing. Lily was entirely certain that was the only reason Filch hadn't heard them.

None of them said a word as they quickly made their way to the Hospital Wing, although Lily occasionally let out a giggle. That scared more than a few portraits, as well as Neville and Katie. It even scared her, when she stopped to think about it, but she couldn't help it. She had no idea where it was even coming from.

Lily gave them both a quick, tight hug outside the Hospital Wing, felt daring enough to kiss Katie on the cheek, did the same for Neville once she thought it a bit weird to only do the one, then slipped back into the Hospital Wing. She let out another laugh as she tucked into bed. She just couldn't stop it. The image of Malfoy's face as her snake snapped into him was stuck, and it just really tickled her.

Ron was impatient during Transfiguration the next day. Neville said he'd been asleep on the couch when he got back (and left, but Lily didn't call him out on that), and none of them had the chance to fill him in yet on how the duel went. Neville didn't know either, but she told Katie over breakfast. She'd just been happy that somebody came down to see her, to be honest, and Katie was clearly interested in what she had to say, although she didn't find it as funny.

Thinking about it was giving Lily the giggles again, and she had to fight the urge. Ron kept giving her weird looks. Neville seemed a bit too invested in the lecture to notice. That made sense, though. He was even further behind than Lily was, at this point.

"Now," McGonagall said loudly, "We will move to practical applications. Miss Potter."

Lily groaned, but quickly stood as was expected.

McGonagall cleared her throat before continuing. "Since you are too busy joking with Mr. Weasley, perhaps you would like to demonstrate the spell for us?"

"Sorry, Professor," Lily said loudly. She knew that wouldn't get her out of the embarrassment, though, so she pulled her wand from the holster, cleared her throat, and took aim at the porcupine looking up at her from her desk. It was pretty cute, Lily thought. That'd make this harder.

"Remember, Miss Potter," McGonagall called out, "If your porcupine trusts you, the Transfiguration will go more smoothly. Be sure not to frighten it."

"Yes, Professor," Lily groaned. "Hystrifors."

Looks pretty good to me, she thought. It had the pins. It had the cushions. What more could you need?

McGonagall sighed. Lily hadn't noticed her come so close.

"Acceptable, Miss Potter," she said. "But your pin cushion should not still be moving."

Lily glanced down at the poor thing scurrying across her desk.

"I think it gives it a certain charm, Professor," she said. "Makes it more mobile if you don't have to carry it."

"Two points from Slytherin, Miss Potter," McGonagall said. "And see me after class."

Lily grumbled as she sat back down. Ron and Neville both gave her a pat on the back, although Ron looked like he was holding in a laugh of his own. He kept glancing over at her sorry excuse for a pin cushion.

"I thought it was good," Neville offered.

"Sure," Ron agreed, "If you like it mobile."

Lily stayed at her seat as the rest of the bell rose from their seats, the bell of dismissal ringing far above. She did pack up, though, hoping the scolding would be over quickly enough.

"We'll wait for you outside," Neville said with a hand on her shoulder.

"I'll just meet you at Charms," Lily offered instead. "Who knows when this'll be over?"

Ron exchanged a look with Neville and gave a shrug. "We'll take a stroll, then. See you later."

"Bye," Lily said again. McGonagall was already walking towards her seat. She closed the classroom doors behind the two of them with a wave of her wand to prevent any eavesdropping. Lily fiddled with her thumbs, hoping McGonagall wouldn't be too strict today. She hadn't meant to act smart, really, she was just frustrated.

"Do you know why I asked you to stay behind, Miss Potter?" McGonagall said sternly.

"No, Professor," Lily answered innocently.

"Are you aware that Gryffindor is now in first place for the House Cup?"

Lily looked at her curiously. That wasn't what she expected.

"No, Professor," she said. "I have to eat in the Hospital Wing now, Pomfrey's orders. I haven't seen the hourglasses yet."

"Well, I can assure you they are accurate," McGonagall said. "Three Slytherin students were caught out after hours last night. Imagine my surprise when I heard the story they had to tell."

"Oh," Lily said before she could stop herself. Her mind was racing, trying to think of a cover story before McGonagall could continue. She was too slow, her mind too hazy.

"Perhaps," McGonagall said first, "I should say four Slytherin students snuck out, while three were caught. Any idea who the fourth could be?"

"Parkinson?" Lily tried hopefully.

"Another five points from Slytherin, Miss Potter," McGonagall said with a sigh. "And I will be taking that cloak back, I think."

Lily briefly considered claiming she didn't have it. Instead, she pulled it from her robe with a whispered swear. McGonagall took it quickly, tucking it into her own robe.

"We may not be able to prove you were there, Miss Potter," McGonagall said, "But you will be serving detention alongside Mr. Malfoy none-the-less. The two of you destroyed the trophy room together. You can bloody well clean it together. With no magic."

"No magic?" Lily repeated in disbelief. "How are we supposed to-"

"Mr. Filch will explain it to you later tonight," McGonagall said. "You will take this opportunity to make nice with a future Housemate. You are a Slytherin now, Miss Potter, and you would do well to remember that. Do not make enemies of them. I will not be able to help you in the future."

"Detention?" Ron repeated in disbelief. "Blimey, Lily, what did you do in there?"

Lily laughed again, surprising even herself. She cleared her throat before answering the question.

"I won is what I did," she said. "Malfoy is the one that broke everything. Cast a spell I hadn't seen before. I should learn that, seemed useful."

"What did it do?" Neville asked. "We heard the glass shattering from outside the room, but we couldn't see it."

"Dunno," Lily said with a shrug. "Knocked me back. Broke the glass. Sent the trophies everywhere. Made a lot of noise. Incantation was Expulso, if you've heard of it."

Both boys shook their head, although Ron seemed a bit impressed.

"How long do you think he's been practicing that one?" he asked. "Must have been after the Dueling Club, or he would have used it there. Remember Serpensortia?"

Lily laughed again, then scratched her face in embarrassment. "I remember, alright, used it against him last night. Should have- sorry, giggles again- should have seen the look on his- his face."

Lily coughed from the effort of suppressing them while Ron and Neville exchanged a look.

"What?" she asked with a big smile.

"You three in the back," Flitwick called out, "Pay attention, now, this next part is tricky. Should even give you a bit of trouble, Lily!"

Lily rolled her eyes at the mere thought, but she tried her best to pay attention as Flitwick animated a suit of armor, sending it off on a sprint around the classroom. She had to admit: it was impressive. It also wasn't in the book, meaning she hadn't gotten a chance to practice it yet.

"Blimey," Ron said quietly.

"I don't expect any of you to animate something quite as large," Flitwick said, "But do try your best. We'll be reviewing it again at the end of next year, to show you all just how much you've improved. Pick an item around the classroom, pick a partner, and let's get to work! And, remember, enunciate. It's seven syllables: Iussum Animato."

The suit of armor collapsed into a pile at the other end of the classroom, causing everyone but Flitwick to jump from the fright. Flitwick, instead, just laughed.

"And, remember: Be clear with your orders. You have to think it while you cast, not say it. The object will only move until its duty is complete. I set the armor to run around the classroom one time. You might, for instance, ask a broom to do the sweeping of a room for you. It would stop after finishing."

Lily couldn't help but notice Flitwick wink in her direction.

"Bloody hell," Ron whispered. "He knows about your detention, doesn't he?"

Lily smiled widely. "Ron, I think you might just be right."

McGonagall let out another sigh as Lily sat down across from her. Her office was just as neat as always, with a tin of biscuits set out in front of her.

"Have a biscuit, Potter," McGonagall said in a quiet voice. Lily didn't bother arguing. She took one eagerly. They were quite nice. Wizards certainly had an advantage on this front. Their biscuits could have far more interesting flavors. These were just plain chocolate, though, which was a bit disappointing. Monty wouldn't like these one bit.

"Do you have any idea why I've called you here, Miss Potter?" she continued. Lily reached for a second biscuit.

"No, Professor," she said with a sweet smile.

McGonagall rubbed at the bridge of her nose. Lily hadn't seen that reaction before, and she was starting to feel a bit bad about it.

"I suppose you think this will get you out of your detention?" she asked. "We will find something else for you to do, Miss Potter. And, no, you may not have the brooms or brushes back. I don't even know where you got them from, let alone where you learned to animate them."

Lily chose not to respond to that. As for the brushes and brooms, well, those were supplied via the Weasley twins. Lily didn't ask any questions as to where they got them. They just seemed eager to help out her idea. Even asked to watch her get them started. They were supposed to collect them all before the staff could find them. They must have forgotten. She supposed she couldn't blame them for that.

"Miss Potter," McGonagall said with another sigh. "I understand that your circumstances are very unusual. But they are not an excuse to act out as you have been."

Lily opened her mouth to argue, and then quickly closed it again.

"You may speak, Miss Potter," McGonagall said. "I would like to hear what you have to say for yourself."

"I'm not acting out, Professor," she said. "Malfoy started it! I had to respond, I couldn't just-"

"You easily could have," McGonagall interrupted. "Miss Potter, you must not let people antagonize you so. You have a propensity to act on your urges, and those urges typically spell trouble for you. Need I remind you that you almost got yourself killed just a few days ago?"

"That's not fair, Professor," she argued, "I tried to come to you, to the Hospital Wing, because I didn't want to go down there, but I wasn't let in."

McGonagall frowned at that, and then was quiet for a long time.

"I apologize, Miss Potter. I did not hear the conversation at the time, and I was ordered to remain in the Hospital Wing by the Governors. It was only when Mr. Weasley forced his way in that I became aware of the situation. And, at that point, I immediately acted, against the wishes of the Governors, and moved to rescue you from the Chamber."

A lot of good that did. Lily tapped her foot on the ground as she crossed her arms.

"If an apology was what you were after, Miss Potter," McGonagall continued, "I will do so as many times as you deem necessary. I failed you. Hogwarts failed you. I will never be sorry enough for it."

Lily bit at her lip.

"If you need to talk about it, Miss Potter, I am here," McGonagall said gently. "Just as I will be for Miss Granger, and just as I will be for Mr. Weasley. I may not be your Head of House for much longer, but I am your Professor. You may come to me if you need help."

Lily stared at the ceiling as she choked back the sudden feelings that were coming over her.

"I will cancel your detention," McGonagall said. "And I will return your cloak, under the condition that you do not sneak out after curfew for the rest of the term. After that, you will be under the authority of Professor Snape. He will not be as lenient as I am."

"I know," Lily said thickly.

"Then you understand, no doubt, why I wished you to serve this detention in the first place," McGonagall said. "You are a Slytherin now, Miss Potter. You have been left under my authority for the rest of term, yes, but it does not change that fact. You must consider your future. Mr. Malfoy is an exceptionally popular student amidst his own House. To antagonize him to the degree you have been is, quite frankly, sheer stupidity."

"I know," Lily said again. "I'm sorry, Professor, I- I won't do it again. I'm sorry."

"So long as you understand."

"Can I go now, Professor?" Lily asked. She couldn't bring herself to make eye contact. She was suddenly feeling very ashamed of herself.

"Not quite yet," McGonagall said. "I shall send for your lunch. Pomfrey has given permission for you to eat under my supervision. Consider this your punishment."

"Yes, Professor," Lily agreed quietly.

"You have been an exceptional Gryffindor, Miss Potter," McGonagall said kindly. "And you will make an exceptional Slytherin. What you did in the Chamber of Secrets was unheard of, Miss Potter, and broke every rule this school has. And you did it, willingly, to save the life of your friend. Your parents would be very proud of you."

Lily was still sniffing after their last class, as they went to sit under their usual tree, in front of the lake. The giant squid was lively today, and waved to the three of them before sinking back into the depths.

"You alright, Lily?" Neville asked for the third time.

"Yes," Lily answered in a thick voice. She cleared her throat. "Been a long day, is all. I'm tired."

"Well, you have a bit further to go," Ron said. He stretched out on the ground with a big yawn. Neville pulled out his Herbology book, opening it on his lap.

Lily chose to lay in the sun rather than the shade. They didn't have History of Magic today; Binns needed to cover a Defense Against the Dark Arts class during the session. Lily had no idea what that would be like, and she was hoping the second years wouldn't get one.

She had her eyes closed for a nap, but she was listening to the other two study. They had a test coming up in Herbology. She should be studying, too, but her mind was too busy to focus on anything.

She woke up to the sun shining directly into her eyes. She tried to shut them harder, but it didn't stop the light from peeking through. She had somebody's robe covering her, making her quite comfortable. She was also leaning on somebody's shoulder, their head resting on hers. She'd never been this comfortable before, and she was dreading it ending. She could still hear Ron and Neville studying, although they were on Potions now.

They were also a bit further away.

Who am I leaning on?

Lily's eyes flickered open. She didn't want to move, to disturb the peace, but her curiosity was burning.

Katie was here now. She was reading her Defense book, spread open on her lap. Her right hand was playing with her brown hair, her left was fidgeting with her wand. She chewed her lip when she was focusing.

"What time is it?" Lily mumbled in a dreamy voice.

"A bit past six, I think," Katie answered. Her eyes never left the pages of her book. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes," Lily said. She sat up, rubbing at her eyes. Katie's robe fell to her lap as she moved her arms. Katie finally turned, smiling slightly.

"Want to help me study?" she asked. She shook the book in her lap. "Binns can't do practical displays. Still haven't seen the actual spell."

"Leave it to Lily," Ron said. He was completely distracted from his own work, now that Lily was awake. "She'll figure it out. Should have seen the look on Flitwick's face when she got the suit of armor to juggle."

Katie looked impressed. "You got it to juggle? How'd you do that?"

"Only for three seconds," Lily said. "It wasn't very good at it."

"Still, though," Katie said with a whistle. "I don't think any of us third years could have done that."

Neville looked confused. "I thought you already knew it? He said we'd be reviewing it next year."

"Merlin," Katie said nervously, "Were we supposed to know that?"

"I'll show that to you later, if you want," Lily offered. "But what spell are you working on?"

"Oh!" Katie squeaked. "It's, err- Defodio. It, err- It carves things, I think? Binns didn't explain it very well. He mostly talked about the inventor."

"Who invented it?" Lily asked.

Katie laughed. "Haven't a clue, I fell asleep."

Lily stretched, handed Katie her robe back, then stood.

"What should I carve?" she asked. "We have a tree, but I don't want to ruin it. I like sitting here."

"There's a big rock over there," Ron said. He pointed towards it, sitting on the beach just at the edge of the water.

"Good enough," Lily said. She started walking towards it. She heard the others follow behind, and turned her head just in time to see Katie pulling her robe back on. "What should I do with it?"

"Whatever you want," Katie said with a shrug.

Lily was thankful she didn't have to enter the water to reach the boulder. It was sitting on a mound of smaller stones, right at the lake's edge.

"Anyone else?" she asked.

"Not a clue, Lily," Ron offered.

"I'll wing it," Lily said with a shrug. She crouched into a sturdier position, wand aimed at the rock's surface. She didn't know how much detail she could get with the spell, so she tried to think of something relatively simple.

"Defodio," she said.

There was a hiss as a beam of light emitted from her wand. Sparks flew where it made contact with the stone. Lily had to focus really hard on what she wanted, but after a few seconds, the light stopped, and there was a rudimentary carving of a large troll, with stink lines wafting from his body, falling from the top of a staircase.

Ron whistled his own amazement while Katie clapped a bit too eagerly. Lily didn't mind, though. It made her feel good.

"How'd you do that?" Neville asked. He hurried over, not minding his robes getting wet,

"Just pictured it in my mind," Lily said proudly. "Want to see it move?"

All three turned to look at her. Katie's mouth dropped open in her excitement.

"Can you?" she said.

"Sure," Lily said with a shrug. "Dunno if it works on stone, though. I already put the runes in, though, look."

Lily pointed towards the corners of the relief. Surround the falling troll and the stairs were four runes, each reading the same as "move."

"Where'd you learn to do that?" Ron asked.

"Ordered a book over the Holidays," Lily explained. "Had to order it, didn't think to grab it while I was there in person. It taught me how to get everything moving. You just make those four runes on your work, say the magic words, and voila! Art brought to life!"

"What are the words, Lily?" Katie asked excitedly.

"Arseo Fictitus," Lily chanted. There was a brief flash, and then the images on the stone began to move as the runes faded away. Lily gave an excited laugh at her triumph, and graciously accepted the hug from Katie when the other girl threw her arms around.

"Blimey," Ron said as he moved closer. "Merlin, Lily. That's- that's amazing."

"We should move it," Lily said. "I don't want the water wearing it down. Help me levitate it to the tree."

"I think you can manage it by yourself, mate," Ron said. He pulled his wand out, anyway. It just arrived this morning. It didn't work very well for him, but it was enough to get him through most of his classes.

With the four of them, they managed to get the boulder to the side of the tree, laying it gently in the grass. The other three were sweating from the exertion as they set it down, but Lily was still riding the high. She felt good. She felt proud.

She felt happy.