Title: For Better or For Worse
Author: Tonallan
Disclaimer: Any recognizable character is not mine. Nearly all people and places are property of J. K. Rowling author of the Harry Potter series. I claim rights to my original characters and names.
Summary: Lily Evans attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She makes friends, crushes, and comes into terms with herself as she studies magic and works out some problems.
Authors Note: I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. It's a sucky deal for all of you, long wait and short chapter. I've had a major case of writers block, but the other night I sat down and refused to get up until I had something decent. I leave for camp tomorrow, so don't expect anything from me until at least August 15th, which is when I get back. I hope I'll time to write while I'm away.
Anyway, this chapter is just about the summer, and I hope many of you will be surprised with the ending. I tried using some British terms, which I looked up in the back of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging (fabulous book by the way). Please Review, because I'm inspired by to write by those who give me support. Dedicated to my beta-reader, Ravenclaw's Pride.
No time to think, just to run
The first thing Lily did when she got home was to unpack. Lily simply loved walking into her room, that was so familiar (except for the fact that it was clean! ) with all of her Hogwarts supplies mixed in with everyday tools. She got into the habit of carrying her wand around wherever she went, whether just a trip to the library or a trip to Diagon Alley. It was during one of these trips to the library that she ran into Chase Maddison.
Lily was sitting at a table in the public library reading Hogwarts: A History. She had come to the library to read up on more moon-creatures, but had been distracted, and now had her nose buried in this book.
Chase entered, a book under his arm, and then he spotted Lily. He walked over and sat down opposite her. He glanced at her, and then sat down to read his book. Lily, however, pretended not to notice. Chase looked back at her in a few seconds, and then put his head back down. Somehow, Lily managed to keep a straight face.
They passed this way for about half an hour, until Chase finally broke the silence. "Lily!" He sounded like he had just noticed her, Lily had to give him credit for being a good actor. She looked up, pretending to be surprised. "Do you remember me? Chase Maddison, we went to Primary school together."
Lily smiled innocently. "Yes, of course. You're the asshole who broke my heart." She smiled at him sarcastically, but not unkindly. Chase sighed. "Oh, come on, Lil, aren't you over that? I mean, we were just kids, its been what- a year? Where've you been?"
"Of course I'm over you," Lily snapped. "I have a boyfriend now, we're crazy about each other. And he's older. His fourteenth birthday is only a few months away." Lily failed to mention two things: that Harry's birthday wasn't until November, and that she wasn't entirely over him.
Chase nodded. "Well, it seems you're doing alright for yourself. Where are you going to school now? Heard you got into a prestigious boarding school." Lily nodded, it was true, Hogwarts was rather prestigious. "You are going to boarding school?" Chase looked astonished. "I thought it was only a rumor."
This statement annoyed Lily. Did Chase think she wasn't smart, or something? Well, it didn't exactly take a genius to get into Hogwarts, and Lily wasn't in Ravenclaw, but still! She was third in her year, second only to a Ravenclaw girl, Emily, and James.
Chase asked her a few more general questions about her school, which she tried to answer without giving away where she went to school. She was nervous that she might accidentally hint about Hogwarts, give just a trace of something out of the ordinary, or mention something abnormal. She was careful not to mention anything even remotely related to magic.
"Where do you go to school anyway?" Lily stood up. Her mind spun. Lie? No, she didn't know any boarding schools. She couldn't walk away, he'd ask her again. "Oh, nowhere you've heard of," she said, halfway casually.
Did I answer too fast? she thought in panic, carefully gathering her books and placing them in her messenger bag. "I'll see you, Chase," Lily said, averting her eyes. She draped the arm of her bag over her should and went quickly towards a more private area. She wanted to call the KnightBus.
She had heard about it from Andrea, as a way to visit back and forth between their houses. Lily hadn't had a chance to use it yet. Bring it on! She thought savagely.
She pulled out her wand and held it over the street, hoping it would be enough. A gust of wind and a loud Bang! answered her question. She was startled, but had only backed a few steps. A triple-decker, violet purple bus stared her in the eyes. The double doors opened majestically. Half expecting a theme song, she hovered at the entrance for a few seconds.
"You just gonna stand there? Or are you gonna get on?" Lily climbed onto the bus, feeling in her bag for wizard money. She had a sufficient amount. "You waitin' for a written invitation?" The male voice demanded again.
"How much?" Lily asked. The man- a young adult, mid-twenties perhaps- answered immediately.
"Flat rate is five sickles. But you might like our-" Lily cut him off by shoving the money into his hand, and going to sit towards the back- behind a young boy with blonde hair.
The man called her back up. "Where are you headed?" Lily flushed, how could she had forgotten?
"6 Privet Drive." The man nodded, and jotted it down. Lily hurried back to her seat. The boy in front of her turned around.
"Well that was embarrassing, wasn't it?" The blonde boy spoke with a drawl that was demanding and almost seductive- if the voice hadn't belonged to someone so young. He held out his hand. "Lucius Malfoy, Slytherin Third Year at Hogwarts." He smirked, daring her to top that.
Lily shook his hand. "Lily Evans, Gryffindor Second Year." He seemed not to care.
"I'm fifth in my year- and of course we have some tough competition. Quite a lot from Ravenclaw, but several Slytherins.." Lily couldn't believe she was hearing this- never had someone so openly bragged.
"I'm third in Second Year." She said it plainly.
"Yes-well," he said, grasping at straws, "Slytherin won the House Cup this year, thanks to my performance in the classroom." Lily wasn't impressed. She had heard of Malfoy- all talk and no brains. She vaguely remembered seeing him in the hall and thinking he had been cute- what had she been thinking?
"Oh," She said, hoping to let him down easy. "That's nice." He didn't take the hint. He jabbered on about Slytherin and school and Quidditch till Lily thought she would puke.
When Lucius finally got off, Lily had a glimpse of an extremely large estate with what looked like a castle, before the bus sped off again. The speed was so incredible, it nearly blew her mind. When it was her turn to get off, Lily was practically shoved off the bus, and fell forward, breaking her fall with her hands.
She stood up slowly, preparing herself for the worst, half expecting someone to laugh or hoot or at least notice. But the entire block was extremely quiet. The house that was in front of her, Andreas, was extremely chic. A four-story town house, it was white with blue trim, and flower beds outside of every window. Ivy covered half of the walls, and a balcony brimming with plants stood out from the third story.
She practically ran to ring the doorbell. A heavy woman with dark curls greeted her. Immediately, Lily felt as though this was a woman whom she would like to be friends with.
"Er- is Andrea here?" Lily felt awkward, especially in such an environment. The woman's face relaxed into a smile.
"Oh, of course. I'm her mother, please call me Cheryl. What's your name?"
Lily was put at ease. "I'm Lily, I go to Hogwarts with Andrea." Cheryl led her into the entryway, and instructed her to head up the stairs.
"All the way," she said, "Andrea lives at the top, she loves her privacy."
Indeed she did, Lily thought as she topped the last staircase. She knocked softly on the door at the top of the stairs, and Andrea's voice answered "Come in!" Lily opened the door and poked her head in.
Andrea's room was decently sized, with a full bed and wicker furniture. She had a record player on a table pushed against the wall in a corner. A door led off, but it was closed. Next to it was a full and elaborate vanity, at which Andrea sat, applying mascara. Tubes of lippy were scattered on the floor next to the chair.
"Hey Andrea," Lily said, closing the door. Andrea swiveled around in her chair to face Lily. She was wearing dark lippy and black mascara that contrasted with her complexion, but it looked good, in a gothic sort of way.
"Hi Lily!" Andrea hurried to embrace her and the two girls giggled as they broke apart. "How've you been, how'd you get here, and do you like my make-up?"
Lily started laughing and tried to answer She tried to explain about the Knight Bus, and told Andrea all about Lucius Malfoy, whom Andrea also recalled.
"Oh my gosh, Lily! Lucius Malfoy? He's gorgey!" Lily was amused by Andrea's one track mind. "But Andrea, don't you like Sirius?" Andrea rolled her eyes. "Totally! But, I mean," here she rolled her eyes, "I have no chance with him. Besides, I heard he liked that Ravenclaw slut, Arabella, or something."
Lily raised her eyebrow. "Seriously? I saw her flirting Remus. I thought Remus liked her too." Andrea nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I can't believe that they don't care that they like the same girl. Must be because they're such good friends." Lily nodded and they were quiet for a moment.
"Would you mind if we liked the same guy?" Lily asked Andrea. She shook her head no.
"Nah, why would I? Whoever the lucky guy was, he'd never be able to choose between such gorgeous girls." Lily grinned. "Oh my god, Lily, we have so much to catch up on! You have to spend the night."
Lily smiled again. "Now I know why I'm your best friend. Hand me a phone!"
Lily's mother agreed, but not without complaint.
"What about your nightgown? You have to brush your teeth! Do you need me to call you to wake you up? And you need to take a shower!"
Lily sighed. "I can wear a T-shirt, they have toothbrushes, Andrea has an alarm clock, and they do have running water." Lily rolled her eyes. "I'll be home by noon, love you!" And she hung up before her mother could complain more.
Lily and Andrea talked late into the night, and Lily told her about Chase. Andrea was impressed about how Lily had been so blunt with him, not that she agreed. "Personally, I would have been so valley girl." Thinking back on it, Lily wished she would have done so.
Lily left the next morning around nine. She embraced Andrea, promised to call and owl, then took the Knight Bus home. She practically bounced through the door, and shouted "I'm home!"
Petunia poked her head out of the kitchen, and said, "We're having pancakes, want some?"
Lily shook her head, "I already ate, thanks."
Petunia shrugged. "Whatever. There's a letter for you on your bed." Lily perked up.
She ran upstairs and put her bag of books by the door. The letter, wasn't very long, and was written in a hand that she didn't recognize.
Lily-
We have to talk! Owl me back as soon as possible, we need to get together.
The Marauders
Lily wrote a quick reply, that she would meet them in Diagon Alley on the 3rd of June, by which time she expected to have received her Hogwarts letter. She could kill to birds with one stone, and get her Hogwarts supplies on the same day.
Lily waited impatiently outside the back door of the Leaky Cauldron. Today was the day she was meeting the Marauders, and they were already late. Typical.
When they finally did arrive, they were out of breath, and had to rest against the barrier. Lily laughed. "What have you guys been doing? Wreaked havoc yet? Play any new pranks of the century?"
James grinned. "Get real. We just paid a visit to old Slime-Ball, Snapey-poo."
Hayter joined in. "Yeah, and he had a whole supply of Dungbombs in his room..."
Sirius added his two pence as well. "And they just all of a sudden blew up! We had nothing to do with it!"
Remus smirked. "So now Sevi is slimy and stinky. Good combo, no?"
Lily giggled innocently. She had not a clue who they were talking about. "So what did you need to talk to me about?" She asked them, when they had passed through the barrier and were walking down the street.
The boys sombered. "Lily, we need to talk to you about Remus." The five of them stopped and faced each other.
"But Lily, before we continue, we need to know that we can trust you," Sirius said.
She nodded. "Of course."
James sighed. "What we have to say is really serious, its no laughing matter, and of course...very personal." Remus was looking uncomfortable.
"Lily," he said, "I think I should be the one to tell you. I'm a werewolf."
Lily's jaw nearly dropped. She had researched werewolves of course, but had assumed that Headmaster Dumbledore would never allow a werewolf into Hogwarts knowingly. They changed into their wolf form every full moon, and their bite could be deadly. "Are you serious?"
They nodded. "Does Dumbledore know?" Nod. "And you take...specific safety measures?" Nod. Lily smiled. "Okay, then." The boys stared at her.
"You don't mind?" James said.
Lily shook her head. "Of course not. Remus is still normal, still nice...and as long he's not hurting anyone...its okay."
Hayter was peeved. "You mean you're not going to freak out? No screaming, or jumping up and down, or needing to be protected?"
"Yeah, Hayter was kind of counting on that," Sirius muttered, and Hayter blushed. "Was not."
***
Lily spent the rest of the day with the Marauders, and they all picked up their school supplies together. While James, Hayter, and Remus talked about the possibility of James making the Quidditch team, Lily researched gossip with Sirius.
"Is it true you like Arabella?" Sirius winced. "Why do people keep asking me that?" Lily shrugged.
"Is it true then?" Sirius scratched his head distractedly.
"Well...I guess she is really pretty..." He admitted it grudgingly, and Lily felt a wave of pity for Andrea.
"What about anyone else? Do you like anyone from Gryffindor?" Sirius shook his head no.
The second Lily got home, she owled Andrea, and told her almost everything.
Lily kept a vague contact with Harry over the summer. She had written him a few times, and had received a few owls, but nothing had really been significant. That is, until a few days before school term.
She had been playing Wizard Chess with Petunia, an activity that Petunia found fascinating, when she had received the owl. It went a little something like this.
Lily-
I'm having trouble writing this letter. It's hard for me to write this, and I can only hope that you understand why I have to say this.
I suppose it all started at the end of last term. An evil wizard, who goes by the name of Lord Voldemort, has been wreaking hell all over Europe. You know that my parents are Aurors, that is, they are fighters, and right now their main job is fight Voldemort.
The other night, my parents were sent into Diagon Alley on orders from the Minister of Magic. Voldemort was there, and he was torturing muggle-borns. My parents were killed the other night, and I have to go and live with my uncle in Bulgaria.
For this reason, I will withdraw from Hogwarts and enroll in Durmstrang Academy. Because of this, I think its better if we break up. I think you know that I really care about you, but we both know its ridiculous to keep up a long distance relationship.
The rest of my love,
Harry
Lily finished the letter, stunned. Finally, the letter's message dawning on her, she broke down sobbing.
Authors Note: Well? I'm awaiting reaction, because I need the encouragement.
In the next chapter:
Lily gets pissed off. (At who?)
We find out who Remus likes.
And Lily gets invited to go to a ball. (What's the name? You decide!)
I need suggestions for the ball, please. It's essential to the plot, but I don't know what the theme is. I'll give a cameo to whoever makes the winning suggestion.
Also brownie point level has lowered. I realized that there is no was that people can get 100 points. So, the new level is 25. Replys to:
Nebula Hawk- I'm giving you five brownie points anyway. :) Also, the map isn't finished yet, their still working on it.
Prongs- As I told you in my e-mail, I would recommend you joining FF.N as a member. Then FF.N will write you an e-mail when I post a new chapter.
Serina- Eleven isn't that young. My sister is 9 and in the 4th grade...what area do you live in? But, serious relationships are absurd at such a young age, and, as you can see, I was careful to end it.
Faith- Five Brownie points for you!
Snow Bunny Fuzzy Slippers- Five brownies!
Evil Fiona-Oh, the age factor. Not into high-school yet, I'm only 13.
naavi0- Your right, I lowered the target. Not just for fav. List though, special kinds of reviews too. Speaking of brownies- you get 5!
Harry's Crush- Whats your first name, hair color, eye color, etc.? I have a cameo that I'd like to cast you in. If you don't want to say so on the net (I don't blame you!) you can e-mail me at Tonallan@aol.com
Andrea- I don't know about the Quidditch team. Not anytime soon, I might consider putting her on the team late at Hogwarts- 6th or 7th year maybe. But she will be on the reserve team later, for sure.
Brownie points stand at thus:
Faith: 5
Snow Bunny Fuzzy Slippers-5
Naavi0- 5
Charmsangel- 5
Anne- 3
All right, I'm finished. Reviews are encouraged!
Love Always,
Tonallan
Author: Tonallan
Disclaimer: Any recognizable character is not mine. Nearly all people and places are property of J. K. Rowling author of the Harry Potter series. I claim rights to my original characters and names.
Summary: Lily Evans attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She makes friends, crushes, and comes into terms with herself as she studies magic and works out some problems.
Authors Note: I'm sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. It's a sucky deal for all of you, long wait and short chapter. I've had a major case of writers block, but the other night I sat down and refused to get up until I had something decent. I leave for camp tomorrow, so don't expect anything from me until at least August 15th, which is when I get back. I hope I'll time to write while I'm away.
Anyway, this chapter is just about the summer, and I hope many of you will be surprised with the ending. I tried using some British terms, which I looked up in the back of Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging (fabulous book by the way). Please Review, because I'm inspired by to write by those who give me support. Dedicated to my beta-reader, Ravenclaw's Pride.
No time to think, just to run
The first thing Lily did when she got home was to unpack. Lily simply loved walking into her room, that was so familiar (except for the fact that it was clean! ) with all of her Hogwarts supplies mixed in with everyday tools. She got into the habit of carrying her wand around wherever she went, whether just a trip to the library or a trip to Diagon Alley. It was during one of these trips to the library that she ran into Chase Maddison.
Lily was sitting at a table in the public library reading Hogwarts: A History. She had come to the library to read up on more moon-creatures, but had been distracted, and now had her nose buried in this book.
Chase entered, a book under his arm, and then he spotted Lily. He walked over and sat down opposite her. He glanced at her, and then sat down to read his book. Lily, however, pretended not to notice. Chase looked back at her in a few seconds, and then put his head back down. Somehow, Lily managed to keep a straight face.
They passed this way for about half an hour, until Chase finally broke the silence. "Lily!" He sounded like he had just noticed her, Lily had to give him credit for being a good actor. She looked up, pretending to be surprised. "Do you remember me? Chase Maddison, we went to Primary school together."
Lily smiled innocently. "Yes, of course. You're the asshole who broke my heart." She smiled at him sarcastically, but not unkindly. Chase sighed. "Oh, come on, Lil, aren't you over that? I mean, we were just kids, its been what- a year? Where've you been?"
"Of course I'm over you," Lily snapped. "I have a boyfriend now, we're crazy about each other. And he's older. His fourteenth birthday is only a few months away." Lily failed to mention two things: that Harry's birthday wasn't until November, and that she wasn't entirely over him.
Chase nodded. "Well, it seems you're doing alright for yourself. Where are you going to school now? Heard you got into a prestigious boarding school." Lily nodded, it was true, Hogwarts was rather prestigious. "You are going to boarding school?" Chase looked astonished. "I thought it was only a rumor."
This statement annoyed Lily. Did Chase think she wasn't smart, or something? Well, it didn't exactly take a genius to get into Hogwarts, and Lily wasn't in Ravenclaw, but still! She was third in her year, second only to a Ravenclaw girl, Emily, and James.
Chase asked her a few more general questions about her school, which she tried to answer without giving away where she went to school. She was nervous that she might accidentally hint about Hogwarts, give just a trace of something out of the ordinary, or mention something abnormal. She was careful not to mention anything even remotely related to magic.
"Where do you go to school anyway?" Lily stood up. Her mind spun. Lie? No, she didn't know any boarding schools. She couldn't walk away, he'd ask her again. "Oh, nowhere you've heard of," she said, halfway casually.
Did I answer too fast? she thought in panic, carefully gathering her books and placing them in her messenger bag. "I'll see you, Chase," Lily said, averting her eyes. She draped the arm of her bag over her should and went quickly towards a more private area. She wanted to call the KnightBus.
She had heard about it from Andrea, as a way to visit back and forth between their houses. Lily hadn't had a chance to use it yet. Bring it on! She thought savagely.
She pulled out her wand and held it over the street, hoping it would be enough. A gust of wind and a loud Bang! answered her question. She was startled, but had only backed a few steps. A triple-decker, violet purple bus stared her in the eyes. The double doors opened majestically. Half expecting a theme song, she hovered at the entrance for a few seconds.
"You just gonna stand there? Or are you gonna get on?" Lily climbed onto the bus, feeling in her bag for wizard money. She had a sufficient amount. "You waitin' for a written invitation?" The male voice demanded again.
"How much?" Lily asked. The man- a young adult, mid-twenties perhaps- answered immediately.
"Flat rate is five sickles. But you might like our-" Lily cut him off by shoving the money into his hand, and going to sit towards the back- behind a young boy with blonde hair.
The man called her back up. "Where are you headed?" Lily flushed, how could she had forgotten?
"6 Privet Drive." The man nodded, and jotted it down. Lily hurried back to her seat. The boy in front of her turned around.
"Well that was embarrassing, wasn't it?" The blonde boy spoke with a drawl that was demanding and almost seductive- if the voice hadn't belonged to someone so young. He held out his hand. "Lucius Malfoy, Slytherin Third Year at Hogwarts." He smirked, daring her to top that.
Lily shook his hand. "Lily Evans, Gryffindor Second Year." He seemed not to care.
"I'm fifth in my year- and of course we have some tough competition. Quite a lot from Ravenclaw, but several Slytherins.." Lily couldn't believe she was hearing this- never had someone so openly bragged.
"I'm third in Second Year." She said it plainly.
"Yes-well," he said, grasping at straws, "Slytherin won the House Cup this year, thanks to my performance in the classroom." Lily wasn't impressed. She had heard of Malfoy- all talk and no brains. She vaguely remembered seeing him in the hall and thinking he had been cute- what had she been thinking?
"Oh," She said, hoping to let him down easy. "That's nice." He didn't take the hint. He jabbered on about Slytherin and school and Quidditch till Lily thought she would puke.
When Lucius finally got off, Lily had a glimpse of an extremely large estate with what looked like a castle, before the bus sped off again. The speed was so incredible, it nearly blew her mind. When it was her turn to get off, Lily was practically shoved off the bus, and fell forward, breaking her fall with her hands.
She stood up slowly, preparing herself for the worst, half expecting someone to laugh or hoot or at least notice. But the entire block was extremely quiet. The house that was in front of her, Andreas, was extremely chic. A four-story town house, it was white with blue trim, and flower beds outside of every window. Ivy covered half of the walls, and a balcony brimming with plants stood out from the third story.
She practically ran to ring the doorbell. A heavy woman with dark curls greeted her. Immediately, Lily felt as though this was a woman whom she would like to be friends with.
"Er- is Andrea here?" Lily felt awkward, especially in such an environment. The woman's face relaxed into a smile.
"Oh, of course. I'm her mother, please call me Cheryl. What's your name?"
Lily was put at ease. "I'm Lily, I go to Hogwarts with Andrea." Cheryl led her into the entryway, and instructed her to head up the stairs.
"All the way," she said, "Andrea lives at the top, she loves her privacy."
Indeed she did, Lily thought as she topped the last staircase. She knocked softly on the door at the top of the stairs, and Andrea's voice answered "Come in!" Lily opened the door and poked her head in.
Andrea's room was decently sized, with a full bed and wicker furniture. She had a record player on a table pushed against the wall in a corner. A door led off, but it was closed. Next to it was a full and elaborate vanity, at which Andrea sat, applying mascara. Tubes of lippy were scattered on the floor next to the chair.
"Hey Andrea," Lily said, closing the door. Andrea swiveled around in her chair to face Lily. She was wearing dark lippy and black mascara that contrasted with her complexion, but it looked good, in a gothic sort of way.
"Hi Lily!" Andrea hurried to embrace her and the two girls giggled as they broke apart. "How've you been, how'd you get here, and do you like my make-up?"
Lily started laughing and tried to answer She tried to explain about the Knight Bus, and told Andrea all about Lucius Malfoy, whom Andrea also recalled.
"Oh my gosh, Lily! Lucius Malfoy? He's gorgey!" Lily was amused by Andrea's one track mind. "But Andrea, don't you like Sirius?" Andrea rolled her eyes. "Totally! But, I mean," here she rolled her eyes, "I have no chance with him. Besides, I heard he liked that Ravenclaw slut, Arabella, or something."
Lily raised her eyebrow. "Seriously? I saw her flirting Remus. I thought Remus liked her too." Andrea nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I can't believe that they don't care that they like the same girl. Must be because they're such good friends." Lily nodded and they were quiet for a moment.
"Would you mind if we liked the same guy?" Lily asked Andrea. She shook her head no.
"Nah, why would I? Whoever the lucky guy was, he'd never be able to choose between such gorgeous girls." Lily grinned. "Oh my god, Lily, we have so much to catch up on! You have to spend the night."
Lily smiled again. "Now I know why I'm your best friend. Hand me a phone!"
Lily's mother agreed, but not without complaint.
"What about your nightgown? You have to brush your teeth! Do you need me to call you to wake you up? And you need to take a shower!"
Lily sighed. "I can wear a T-shirt, they have toothbrushes, Andrea has an alarm clock, and they do have running water." Lily rolled her eyes. "I'll be home by noon, love you!" And she hung up before her mother could complain more.
Lily and Andrea talked late into the night, and Lily told her about Chase. Andrea was impressed about how Lily had been so blunt with him, not that she agreed. "Personally, I would have been so valley girl." Thinking back on it, Lily wished she would have done so.
Lily left the next morning around nine. She embraced Andrea, promised to call and owl, then took the Knight Bus home. She practically bounced through the door, and shouted "I'm home!"
Petunia poked her head out of the kitchen, and said, "We're having pancakes, want some?"
Lily shook her head, "I already ate, thanks."
Petunia shrugged. "Whatever. There's a letter for you on your bed." Lily perked up.
She ran upstairs and put her bag of books by the door. The letter, wasn't very long, and was written in a hand that she didn't recognize.
Lily-
We have to talk! Owl me back as soon as possible, we need to get together.
The Marauders
Lily wrote a quick reply, that she would meet them in Diagon Alley on the 3rd of June, by which time she expected to have received her Hogwarts letter. She could kill to birds with one stone, and get her Hogwarts supplies on the same day.
Lily waited impatiently outside the back door of the Leaky Cauldron. Today was the day she was meeting the Marauders, and they were already late. Typical.
When they finally did arrive, they were out of breath, and had to rest against the barrier. Lily laughed. "What have you guys been doing? Wreaked havoc yet? Play any new pranks of the century?"
James grinned. "Get real. We just paid a visit to old Slime-Ball, Snapey-poo."
Hayter joined in. "Yeah, and he had a whole supply of Dungbombs in his room..."
Sirius added his two pence as well. "And they just all of a sudden blew up! We had nothing to do with it!"
Remus smirked. "So now Sevi is slimy and stinky. Good combo, no?"
Lily giggled innocently. She had not a clue who they were talking about. "So what did you need to talk to me about?" She asked them, when they had passed through the barrier and were walking down the street.
The boys sombered. "Lily, we need to talk to you about Remus." The five of them stopped and faced each other.
"But Lily, before we continue, we need to know that we can trust you," Sirius said.
She nodded. "Of course."
James sighed. "What we have to say is really serious, its no laughing matter, and of course...very personal." Remus was looking uncomfortable.
"Lily," he said, "I think I should be the one to tell you. I'm a werewolf."
Lily's jaw nearly dropped. She had researched werewolves of course, but had assumed that Headmaster Dumbledore would never allow a werewolf into Hogwarts knowingly. They changed into their wolf form every full moon, and their bite could be deadly. "Are you serious?"
They nodded. "Does Dumbledore know?" Nod. "And you take...specific safety measures?" Nod. Lily smiled. "Okay, then." The boys stared at her.
"You don't mind?" James said.
Lily shook her head. "Of course not. Remus is still normal, still nice...and as long he's not hurting anyone...its okay."
Hayter was peeved. "You mean you're not going to freak out? No screaming, or jumping up and down, or needing to be protected?"
"Yeah, Hayter was kind of counting on that," Sirius muttered, and Hayter blushed. "Was not."
***
Lily spent the rest of the day with the Marauders, and they all picked up their school supplies together. While James, Hayter, and Remus talked about the possibility of James making the Quidditch team, Lily researched gossip with Sirius.
"Is it true you like Arabella?" Sirius winced. "Why do people keep asking me that?" Lily shrugged.
"Is it true then?" Sirius scratched his head distractedly.
"Well...I guess she is really pretty..." He admitted it grudgingly, and Lily felt a wave of pity for Andrea.
"What about anyone else? Do you like anyone from Gryffindor?" Sirius shook his head no.
The second Lily got home, she owled Andrea, and told her almost everything.
Lily kept a vague contact with Harry over the summer. She had written him a few times, and had received a few owls, but nothing had really been significant. That is, until a few days before school term.
She had been playing Wizard Chess with Petunia, an activity that Petunia found fascinating, when she had received the owl. It went a little something like this.
Lily-
I'm having trouble writing this letter. It's hard for me to write this, and I can only hope that you understand why I have to say this.
I suppose it all started at the end of last term. An evil wizard, who goes by the name of Lord Voldemort, has been wreaking hell all over Europe. You know that my parents are Aurors, that is, they are fighters, and right now their main job is fight Voldemort.
The other night, my parents were sent into Diagon Alley on orders from the Minister of Magic. Voldemort was there, and he was torturing muggle-borns. My parents were killed the other night, and I have to go and live with my uncle in Bulgaria.
For this reason, I will withdraw from Hogwarts and enroll in Durmstrang Academy. Because of this, I think its better if we break up. I think you know that I really care about you, but we both know its ridiculous to keep up a long distance relationship.
The rest of my love,
Harry
Lily finished the letter, stunned. Finally, the letter's message dawning on her, she broke down sobbing.
Authors Note: Well? I'm awaiting reaction, because I need the encouragement.
In the next chapter:
Lily gets pissed off. (At who?)
We find out who Remus likes.
And Lily gets invited to go to a ball. (What's the name? You decide!)
I need suggestions for the ball, please. It's essential to the plot, but I don't know what the theme is. I'll give a cameo to whoever makes the winning suggestion.
Also brownie point level has lowered. I realized that there is no was that people can get 100 points. So, the new level is 25. Replys to:
Nebula Hawk- I'm giving you five brownie points anyway. :) Also, the map isn't finished yet, their still working on it.
Prongs- As I told you in my e-mail, I would recommend you joining FF.N as a member. Then FF.N will write you an e-mail when I post a new chapter.
Serina- Eleven isn't that young. My sister is 9 and in the 4th grade...what area do you live in? But, serious relationships are absurd at such a young age, and, as you can see, I was careful to end it.
Faith- Five Brownie points for you!
Snow Bunny Fuzzy Slippers- Five brownies!
Evil Fiona-Oh, the age factor. Not into high-school yet, I'm only 13.
naavi0- Your right, I lowered the target. Not just for fav. List though, special kinds of reviews too. Speaking of brownies- you get 5!
Harry's Crush- Whats your first name, hair color, eye color, etc.? I have a cameo that I'd like to cast you in. If you don't want to say so on the net (I don't blame you!) you can e-mail me at Tonallan@aol.com
Andrea- I don't know about the Quidditch team. Not anytime soon, I might consider putting her on the team late at Hogwarts- 6th or 7th year maybe. But she will be on the reserve team later, for sure.
Brownie points stand at thus:
Faith: 5
Snow Bunny Fuzzy Slippers-5
Naavi0- 5
Charmsangel- 5
Anne- 3
All right, I'm finished. Reviews are encouraged!
Love Always,
Tonallan