Story two.
A/n: look guys, for all of you who actually read this I must apologize in advance because the first four pages were so much better before they had been ERASED. Devastation ensued and then I regrouped and rewrote it all. I was so disheartened. Anyway, here's the mediocre rewritten crap. Lol. I'm still pissed. Please review it though. Tell me how much it sucked if you want. I won't protest. The original was so much better!! ::Bites hand in rage::
Christmas was a bust. Lily had decided this as she lay on her bed thinking of the day's events. Everything pretty much revolved around Petunia and the fact that her boyfriend of a year had finally proposed. Lily felt she was far too young to marry being only nineteen, but Petunia said she didn't want to set a date this year. At least she would be twenty then. There was a nine year difference between Lily's and her sister's ages. This was quite upsetting to Petunia. Lily was the baby. "Precious Little Lily," was how Petunia had always referred to her sister up until this year. Lily had discovered that she was a witch (all in favor of skipping the long boring recap-everything-even-though-if-you're-reading-this-you-probably-know-the-whole-shpeal stuff? ::raises bitten hand:: good then.). From that point on Lily was henceforth known as "freak" to her sister. Lily's parents didn't seem to care much that she was a witch though. She was still the obvious favorite. This enraged Petunia. Since Lily was the baby and was loved more, Petunia tortured her whenever she could. Now she was expecting her parents to disown Lily and Petunia would take her place as favorite. When this didn't work out she laid the abuse on thickly.
Over the years Lily had been tortured by Petunia and when questioned would promptly tell her parents it was her own fault. They eventually came to the conclusion that Lily was clumsy, what with her many cuts, bruises, burns, etc. After Petunia found she was still not the favorite, she decided Lily wasn't being clumsy enough lately. That's how she ended up with the forearm cast she now sported for another two months. It had been signed by her friends of the magical and muggle persuasion. Her favorite signature was one on the very bottom. It was from her best friend. "Lily, hope it heals fast. -James." Of all the people she had met at Hogwart's James was Lily's closest friend. They had met on the train and since then had been almost inseparable. She squeezed the little teddy bear he had given her for Christmas. It wasn't much, but it was cute. It had a little white Lily embroidered on the front. She smiled at this and her thoughts were suddenly interrupted, by a deafening explosion from somewhere in the house and she was thrown from her bedroom.
Considering her room was on the second floor, she fell pretty far out into the back yard. A bush broke her fall and she sat there, staring at the thing that once was her house. The bush hid her from view so when Petunia rounded the corner looking for someone, anyone who might have survived, she didn't see Lily. "Mom!! Dad!! O god! Someone help me please!!!" she managed between sobs. "Petunia! You ok?" Lily called from the bush. She couldn't exactly move her leg, it was covered by a large piece of debris that had flown from the frame of the house. "Have you seen mum or dad?" Petunia asked frantically. Lily shook her head and Petunia's frightened expression turned into one of anger; livid hatred. "I can't believe this. You survive, but they don't." She ripped Lily off the ground, which hurt her considerably because she was still semi trapped by the large piece of wood. No matter to Petunia though, she just pulled her up. "Help me search for them!" She commanded. They both went through the rubble and ripped pieces up here and there. There came a screech from one side of the yard. Petunia was visibly shaking from fifty feet away. Lily limped over and saw why she had shrieked. Her father was lying underneath some of the roof. He was scorched and a look of pain still painted his face. Right next to him was their mother. She also was scorched and had the same look.
"Why didn't you go instead?" Petunia sobbed as she dropped on her knees. Lily saw something in the rubble, not too far from her parents and limped over to it. It was a little medallion of a skull with a serpent protruding through its mouth. The dark mark. Only the highest in command under Lord Voldemort owned this medallion. They must have dropped it after they had finished. The tears flowed freely from Lily's cheeks and she collapsed with the medallion in her hand as the police showed up.
The next day was a blur for both sisters. Petunia had gone to live with Vernon, her fiancé. She didn't say a word to Lily as she left, but Lily didn't care. It was better that way. Remarkably, Lily's school trunk was fine, it had just been tossed around a bit. All of her school clothes were fine and her books and other supplies were in good condition. Her room was farthest from the blast so her things were still in good shape. Aside from a twisted ankle, she was ok. She would be able to go to school in a week and some days after the funeral services. She didn't want to stay though. She didn't want to see any of the people looking at her with sympathy or, in Petunia's case, anger. She blamed Lily, and Lily partially did too. She decided to write to Dumbledore and ask if she could come back early.
The next day, Lily sat in her dorm. It was empty and she was glad. There was still about a week and a half before everyone came back from holiday. She spent most of the day sleeping, and thinking, looking out her window, and crying. She had never felt the dull, constant ache she was feeling now. It hadn't left since she had found her parents. No one knew she was back early, so no one went looking for her.
She awoke to the sound of the birds outside, chirping to keep warm. There was a letter next to her bed.
Dear Miss Evans,
I am so sorry to hear of the unfortunate event that occurred over your holiday. I would like to see you in my office. There are some things I would like to discuss with you.
Sincerely,
Professor Dumbledore
Lily sighed and got out of bed. She dressed and went out of her room for the first time in 30 hours. There were only two people in the common room. A seventh year and surprisingly enough, James. He looked as tired and empty as she felt. She went over to where he sat and smiled sadly at him. "Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were going home for holidays?" Lily was hoping he would not ask her the same question. "Well, I was at home, I came back early." He was quite choked up for James. Lily sat down, briefly forgetting her own problems, concerned about her friend. "James, are you ok? You don't look so good." She looked at him imploringly. James didn't want to trouble her with his problems, but he couldn't escape her penetrating gaze. "Well, uh, my mum and dad um...were killed a few days ago." James looked away after this. He was on the verge of tears. It was the first time he had said it aloud. It made it all real. Lily just sat there with her mouth shaped like a small "o." "James, I'm so sorry, I don't believe it. I mean..." she trailed off in thought. Both of their parents. Gone. James looked up at her. "What?" Lily gulped. "My house was blown up on Christmas. Both my parents passed on." She stared into space. Now it was James's turn to stare in disbelief. "Wow, Lily, I'm so sorry." He hugged her for a little while before she realized she had to go see Dumbledore. James said he had gotten a similar letter yesterday. "See you at breakfast," she called through the portrait hole and James was left to quietly reflect on what had happened.
"Fizzy Milk," was the password to Dumbledore's office now, so Lily said it and watched as the gargoyle jumped out of the pathway to the stairs. She made her way to the door and before she could knock it opened to reveal the old professor standing behind her. "Ah, Miss Evans, I was expecting you soon. Come sit."
"Why them?" were the first words out of Lily's mouth before she could even stop herself. Dumbledore sat down and calmly explained that it wasn't her fault. That Voldemort had targeted all of the people he foresaw as a problem later on. Lily was lucky to be alive, though it was very unfortunate that her parents passed on. She wasn't the only one who had suffered a loss, as she had previously discovered. Two children, unfortunately were not so fortunate as Lily and had perished with their parents this Christmas. She and James were the only ones who had survived any of the attacks that had taken place during the holidays. They talked for a while longer, and departed amiably. Lily walked down the corridor with her thoughts keeping her company. She must have been a strange sight. Her arm in a cast, scratches healing on her face. Her leg bandaged. Madame Pomfrey had also gone home for the holiday, as Dumbledore had told her he could handle things for a little while. Lily would have to wait to get her ankle fixed. Since she had already had the cast on before she came to school Madame Pomfrey had decided that there was no point in taking it off and braking it again to fix it magically.
She was almost to the house entrance when she bumped into someone. "Terribly sorry, I didn't see you there." She mumbled as she got up and dusted herself off. "You should be." It was Severus Snape. "Filthy mudblood." This last part was mumbled, but someone caught it. "Excuse me? What did you just called her?" It was James. He was angry, to say the least. He walked up to Snape and glared at him, waiting for a response. "James, it doesn't matter. It's fine. Who cares? Let's just go." Try as she might to be heard, Lily was ignored by both boys. " I said, Filthy Mudblood, Potter. If I remember correctly, I wasn't talking to you, so but out." Snape smiled and a bit of oil dripped off his hair (a/n whenever people write Snape, they always describe his hair so that I get the image of literal slime dripping off.). James winced, but answered, "Look, Snape, calling anyone a mudblood, is wrong. The fact that you should call a friend of mine one, involves me almost automatically. I don't want to hear that word come out of your mouth again. Alright?" By now James was advancing on Severus and the latter was slowly backing away. "Potter, I can assure you that your tough-guy act is not going to keep me from speaking the truth. You're lucky I'm late to meet a friend." And with that Snape disappeared around a corner. "Really James, I'm glad you stood up for me and all, but I wish you wouldn't get so worked up. It's just a name. Ever hear the expression, sticks and stones...?" Lily was walking back with James to the portrait hole now. "Yah I know, but still, I hate that kid. I mean, the oil was actually dripping off of his hair. How gross can you get?" They both laughed a little as they entered the common room.
They spent the rest of the holiday venting about their parents to each other and just talking in general. If they were ever close before, it was nothing compared to their relationship after the tragedies. Like Yin and Yang, Abbott and Costello, they were a duo for the rest of the year. They got each other through the hard times and enjoyed the good times together. It was tough at the end of the year when they had to go home.
On the train ride home everyone was quite solemn. Sirius, Remus and James would see each other often, since they lived so close to one another, but Lily had to live with Petunia and her new husband, Vernon in London somewhere. It was going to be a dreary summer. The train came to a stop and everyone piled out. Just as she was grabbing her trunk, Lily heard a voice from behind her. "Hey, Lily, I'll owl you all the time. I know you don't like Petunia, but you'll be able to get through it." James was smiling at her. He didn't know how Petunia treated Lily, and why Lily hated her so much. He then saw Sirius waving him over to his parents, with whom James would me staying and he said goodbye. Soon Remus and even Peter had gone and Lily sat on her trunk, in the rain. Waiting for someone to come and get her.
Approximately four hours later a car pulled up. Out came the horse-faced blonde (we all know too well!!) Lily called Petunia. She instantly picked up her things and scrambled to the car. They made their way back to what would become one of the worst summers of Lily's life.
It was clear to her now, that Petunia blamed Lily, wholeheartedly, for the demise of their beloved parents. Because of this, she had more anger and hatred bottled up in her then Lily had ever seen or experienced. Petunia had increased her torture to full blown abuse. Vernon was indifferent. He didn't care what went on in his house, as long as things appeared normal to the outside. He was away on business trips most of the time anyway. Petunia would keep Lily in her room for days when Vernon went away. She would tie her to her bed and leave her there until the day before Vernon was to come home. He had no idea about the punishment that ensued when he was gone. She would let Lily eat and clean herself the day before Vernon's arrival and she would seem relatively fit when he came home. Nothing so bad as to be questioned. When he was home, Lily ate when they did, was left alone most of the time, unless Petunia had a chore for her. Her favorite thing to make Lily do was to clean and sterilize the pots she would use to make tomato sauce. She would fill them with water and put them on the stove. When they began to boil, Lily was forced to put her hands in and scrub the pan. She had one minute to make the pan clean before Petunia inspected it. If it wasn't clean, or if Lily so much as flinched when she was cleaning, she had to do it again. She came to ignore the burning. Her hands were rough and callused from being scalded so many times. Things were down right miserable in that house. With two weeks left in the summer, she received a letter. It was from James.
Dear Lils,
I hope you are having a good summer, or at least bearable. Mine's been ok. Sirius says hi, by the way. He talked to his mum and dad and they said you could come stay for the rest of the holiday if you like! Isn't that great? I hope you can. Please reply as soon as possible and let us know when it would be ok to come pick you up.
Love,
James
Tears fell from Lily's eyes. She was saved. She would be out of this wretched place soon. She didn't think she would last another week. Over the summer she had dropped fifteen pounds and her bones stuck out oddly. She would be covered in bruises if she hadn't gotten some magical ointments from Madame Pomfrey. Her arm had finally healed, but that just made more work for her to do when she wasn't tied up. Yes that summer was horrid and Lily wanted out.
Dear James,
There is a God! Come get me as soon as you can. I can't last another moment in this house. My summer was horrible, and that is an understatement. I'll tell you more when I see you.
Love,
Lily
She sent the owl out with her reply and dreamt of the time that was to come when she would be out of that place. This didn't last very long. "FREAK! GET DOWN HERE NOW!" A chill went up Lily's spine and she drudged forth, toward her door.
James's reply said that he would come in a day. When she finally told Petunia where she was going, Petunia almost had a fit. She roared at Lily for hours, kicking her around. Telling her not to sneak around and that she wasn't going anywhere. Just around the time Lily was nodding off into unconsciousness, she felt a sharp pain on her stomach. She couldn't tell what was going on, she was far to disoriented and just fell inanimate.
She awoke the next morning tied to her bed, again. It had been a long time since she had wept from this, but today she was supposed to be free. When James came, she knew Petunia would send him home. She tried to move, but the pain on her stomach was too much for her to struggle free. She just lay there, weeping. Suddenly there was a tap on the window. Expecting an owl she looked up and was startled to see James and Sirius. James had a smile on his face until he took in the full scene. He then tried to open the window but it was no use. Sirius pulled out his wand and said an opening charm. The window slid open and both boys came inside. There was blood on the floor from the night before and some on the sheets. They untied her as quickly as they could. Lily tried to sit up but winced in pain. Lifting her dry bloodstained shirt she saw that she had a large bandage basically covering her whole stomach. "What the hell happened?" Sirius finally managed after recovering from the ghastly scene that was quickly unfolding. "Yah, where did you get that?" James complied, pointing at her bandage. "I honestly can't remember. All I can remember before passing out was the unbearable pain on my stomach." Both boys wanted to cry at the sight of her. She was thin and frail and sickly looking. Her hair had blood in it and she had some smeared everywhere. Scratches here and there. She was obviously ready to go. Her things were all neatly placed in a corner of the room, untouched by the disturbing things that had taken place earlier.
"Let's get you out of here." Sirius helped her up and James took her things. He charmed her trunk to be lighter and they were off. Back to Sirius's. No one said anything on the trip there; it was complete silence, from landing until take off. When they did reach his house, though, Sirius took Lily straight to his mother. "Mum, you got to see this." He pushed Lily forward. She lifted her shirt again and tears fell from Mrs. Black's eyes. "O my god. Lily, who did this? Your sister?" A nod was Lily's reply. Mrs. Black shooed the boys away and helped Lily take off the bandage. It stung but when she took it off was when they both gasped. Obviously with something dull, Petunia had carved into her abdomen the word "freak." It was eerily legible. Mrs. Black just looked at Lily and sniffled. She took out her wand and said some words. The red scabs started to fade. "Now, Lily dear, there is going to be a scar for a few years, but it should go away before your even in your fourth year. Don't worry honey, you'll be ok." Even though she didn't know Lily from some girl on the corner, she embraced her as if she were her own child. It felt good.
James and Sirius waited outside, listening to what was audible, worried expressions on their faces. "I had no idea it was that bad. How could someone treat their own flesh and blood that way, honestly." Sirius was starting to get a little angry. "I knew her arm wasn't broken from a fall. I knew she wasn't clumsy. Sirius, we can't let her go back there." Sirius nodded in agreement. Soon, Lily came out of the room with Mrs. Black, half-smiling, because the pain was gone. "No more cuts," she said as she sighed in relief. Mrs. Black left the room to call the magical equivalent to Social Services (couldn't think of anything, sorry), and left the boys to ask their questions.
"How long has this been happening?" James went first.
"Since I was around...five I think. It wasn't too bad up until this summer."
"Were you going to tell anyone?" Sirius now.
"She threatened me daily. Told me she would kill me if I ever told." Lily started to feel tears threatening again and she turned away for a moment. "What did she do to your stomach?" James asked, but both boys were wondering. Lily lifted her shirt slowly until she got to the top of the "f." That ended that conversation.
The next two weeks were spent in recuperation. Lily went to the medi-wizard and had her cuts and newer bruises healed. The hands would have to heal over a period of five visits to him. She didn't care, as long as the rough unfeeling skin would go away. She was fed, clean, groomed, healed and feeling better than she had in weeks. She gained five pounds back instantly and the color had risen in her cheeks again. A few days after the incident occurred, some officials from the Social Services department of the Ministry had come to visit and talk with Lily, Mrs. Black, Sirius and James. Mr. Black was away and wouldn't return in time to see the kids off. The officials took their statements and said that they would get back to them at some time during the year. They went to Diagon Alley and got some new things for school.
Soon they were back in front of the steaming scarlet train. Mrs. Black hugged all of the kids and took Lily aside. "Now, Lily, dear, I know you don't know me very well, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. You can tell me anything. Would you like to stay with us next summer too?" Lily nodded a little and Mrs. Black smiled. "Well, I'm going to talk to those Ministry officials and see if we can arrange it ok? Have fun at school dear." She gave Lily a kiss on the forehead and Lily ran to catch up to the others. They had already found a compartment. She was just about to walk in and take a seat next to James, when a girl a little taller and snootier-looking than Lily walked in and sat in that exact spot. Since it was the only spot there, Lily shrugged. She really didn't feel like fighting with anyone. She started to walk off. "Hey, excuse me, this seat is reserved." Sirius said. "No, that's ok, she can sit there." Peter said as his eyes widened at the overly developed twelve-year-old girl in front of him. "Peter you dolt, shut up. This seat is for Lily. Please get up...whoever you are." James said looking at the girl. "My name is Narcissa Perkins if you don't mind. I am rather comfortable, so I believe I will be staying. I know you mind that much." She said giving James a seductive smile. "James, it's cool, I'll go find some other spot. No big deal. I'll see you at the sorting though." Lily called from the hallway and walked off.
She found the car with the rest of the girls in her dorm and had sat there for a few moments. She then went further down and found an empty car, surprisingly enough. She figured the amount of attacks must have really put a dent into the school population. She sat and read a book of hers for a few hours, until the car door slid open. "Hey, I was looking for you. What's up?" James sat down on the other side, somewhat sprawled out. "Nothing much, just said hi to the girls and came in here and read. How about you and your aggressive new girlfriend?" She winked. James flushed a little. "I know! I mean, honestly, she says she KNOWS I don't mind, not that she THINKS I don't mind. The nerve. Anyway, the conversation was completely downhill from there. What are you reading?" James reached over and read the book title. "Oh, man. What, is that your fourth time reading this?" James joked. "That you know of. Anyway, it's a good book. Leave me alone." She pushed him playfully. At times like this, she would realize how weak she had become over the summer. James didn't even budge when she pushed him. James saw the disappointment that briefly swept across her face. "What's wrong? Thinking about Petunia?" She didn't answer at first. Thinking how she would phrase this. "James, Petunia is my only family. Why does she hate me so much? I know, I shouldn't think like this but, it feels like...there must be a reason, you know? I sometimes think, maybe I am a freak, or there is something wrong with me. Why else would someone hurt their own family so much?" She looked down. She was tired of crying and didn't want it to start again. "I can't believe I just heard you say that. Lily, there is nothing, NOTHING, wrong with you. I can't honestly tell you why Petunia hates you, I'm not her. But I can tell you that you aren't a freak. Petunia does those things because she's a little...unstable. No one should do that to ANYONE, family or not. You can't blame yourself at all for what happened to you." By this time James had crossed to her and was hugging her.
Yet again, the compartment door slid open, and this time Sirius was standing in front of it. "Well, helloooo," he called somewhat excitedly. Remus was behind him and for some reason he looked perturbed. "That's what...five galleons a year...so it looks like you owe me ten galleons Remus, my dear." Grumbling as he counted out the money, he put the ten galleons in Sirius's hand. "What's that for?" James inquired. He secretly knew the answer. "Well, we all placed bets at the beginning of last year. Remus said you guys wouldn't get together at all and I said you would. I, obviously, won." Lily and James both laughed and Lily stated. "Sorry, darling, but James and I are still friends. Looks like Remus gets to keep his money." She smiled. "For the time being..." James said under his breath. The only one who caught it though was Sirius and he smiled. The rest of the ride, and the year for that matter, went along in the same fashion. It was very easy going and fun. Everyone did well that year; even Peter ended the year on a good note. As the summer holiday drew closer, the same dull ache that had been with Lily after her parents had passed on was slowly getting stronger and stronger.
During the last week of school everyone was doing as they pleased since the tests were over and sleeping in seemed to be the latest fad. Lily arose to the beautiful song of a bird outside the window and the sun streaming in. The smell of summer was in the air and it brought a smile to her lips. When she opened her eyes, she found two fairly peculiar things. One; James was sitting on the side of her bed, watching her wake with a smile gently laid upon his features. Two; there was a small, overly excited owl with a letter twice it's size tied to its foot. The owl was hopping around like a madman on the windowsill.
"What are you doing in here? Where's everyone else?" Lily rubbed the sleep from her eyes and blinked repeatedly to clear her vision. "Well, it is eleven and the rest of the girls decided to let you sleep. Don't you want to see who this is from." James's smirk widened. "Um, sure...you must know what's in it. Otherwise you wouldn't be smiling like an idiot." She smiled at this and untied the fidgeting owl. It was no bigger than her hand but was freakishly strong. The owl flew out the window in quite a hurry and Lily opened the letter.
To: Ms. Lily Begonia Evans
James almost peed himself. "BEGONIA? Are you serious?" THUMP! James was suddenly kicked onto the floor. It didn't matter though, tears streamed from his eyes as he ran out of breath from laughing. She continued to read.
From: Department of Muggle/Wizard Relations and
Department of Social Services Under the Minister of Magic.
Dear Ms Evans,
Regarding the claim that was processed in your name, the following decision has been made as to the placement of the underage child, Lily Evans. As of Friday September the fifth, one, Mrs. Anna Black, filed for a restraining order under the justification in the Muggle/Wizard bylaws (a/n: I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. If you are an attorney and your reading this, I don't apologize. I revel in the fact that I have no idea about any litigation terminology.) Sect. 443, Art. 25. The aforementioned claim was processed and brought to court. It was then decided that one, Petunia Lotus Evans, is to stay not within one hundred meters of the underage child, Lily Begonia Evans. This is to stay in affect for an allotted period of one year. At the end of this period, a date will be set to review the case and any objections to the Restraining Order will be heard. Thank you for your time.
Cordially,
Dept. Muggle/Wizard Relations Head
John Weasley
Being only thirteen, Lily wasn't quite sure of all the terminology. There was another letter underneath that one though. It was from Mrs. Black.
Dear Lily,
I don't know whether or not you understand any of that so let me put it in simple terms; Petunia can't come near you. She is require, by law, to stay at least 100 meters away from you. We have to go to court in a year to keep this in affect, but for now, you're safe. I'll be picking you up with James and Sirius at King's Cross at the end of the week. I hope you don't mind coming to stay with us. I've written the boys as well and they know you will be staying. See you then.
Sincerely,
Anna Black
There was the sudden sound of a teardrop splashing onto the paper that broke the silence. James looked up from the paper to find Lily's eyes to be the delta of a steady stream of tears. He smiled slightly and gave her a hug. "She can't hurt you anymore, Lily. It's all over," he whispered to her through her bushy red hair. She smiled, but to her surprise she didn't feel happy. She really did like Mrs. Black, but there was this lingering feeling like she had done something wrong. She mentally shook that feeling away and tried to let it sink in that she wouldn't have to put up with the abuse anymore. Finally, James let go and told Lily to get dressed. "I'll be in the common room," were his last words as he left the second year girls' dorm.
She dressed and went downstairs, thankful that she didn't have to wear those awfully heavy woolen robes. Lily and her friends all spent the day together talking about their summer plans, how they did on their exams and just different topics in general. It was a very lax day, to say the least.
As the sun was coming down and the final rays were making their way through the cotton-ball clouds for one last glorious display, six of the Hogwart's second years were sitting by the lake, watching in awe. Lily sat between James and Sirius with Remus amid two other girls that Lily shared her dorm with. No one spoke; it was a comfortable silence. It didn't last too long though, before long Sirius was leaning in toward Lily and whispered to her, "I'm so glad you're coming to stay with us. I really hope you don't feel like you're imposing because my mum really, really wants you to stay with us. By the way, how's the scar?" She showed him one of the bottom lines so that no one else could quite see. They were fading. They used to be big and pink, outstanding, thick and bumpy lines. Now they were just paling lines of scar tissue. He smiled at her and they both turned back to the gallant array of colors that spilled forth into the sky. This would be there last night at school before they went home for the summer. Home. Lily tilted her head in thought. Did she actually have a place she could call home?
A/n: look guys, for all of you who actually read this I must apologize in advance because the first four pages were so much better before they had been ERASED. Devastation ensued and then I regrouped and rewrote it all. I was so disheartened. Anyway, here's the mediocre rewritten crap. Lol. I'm still pissed. Please review it though. Tell me how much it sucked if you want. I won't protest. The original was so much better!! ::Bites hand in rage::
Christmas was a bust. Lily had decided this as she lay on her bed thinking of the day's events. Everything pretty much revolved around Petunia and the fact that her boyfriend of a year had finally proposed. Lily felt she was far too young to marry being only nineteen, but Petunia said she didn't want to set a date this year. At least she would be twenty then. There was a nine year difference between Lily's and her sister's ages. This was quite upsetting to Petunia. Lily was the baby. "Precious Little Lily," was how Petunia had always referred to her sister up until this year. Lily had discovered that she was a witch (all in favor of skipping the long boring recap-everything-even-though-if-you're-reading-this-you-probably-know-the-whole-shpeal stuff? ::raises bitten hand:: good then.). From that point on Lily was henceforth known as "freak" to her sister. Lily's parents didn't seem to care much that she was a witch though. She was still the obvious favorite. This enraged Petunia. Since Lily was the baby and was loved more, Petunia tortured her whenever she could. Now she was expecting her parents to disown Lily and Petunia would take her place as favorite. When this didn't work out she laid the abuse on thickly.
Over the years Lily had been tortured by Petunia and when questioned would promptly tell her parents it was her own fault. They eventually came to the conclusion that Lily was clumsy, what with her many cuts, bruises, burns, etc. After Petunia found she was still not the favorite, she decided Lily wasn't being clumsy enough lately. That's how she ended up with the forearm cast she now sported for another two months. It had been signed by her friends of the magical and muggle persuasion. Her favorite signature was one on the very bottom. It was from her best friend. "Lily, hope it heals fast. -James." Of all the people she had met at Hogwart's James was Lily's closest friend. They had met on the train and since then had been almost inseparable. She squeezed the little teddy bear he had given her for Christmas. It wasn't much, but it was cute. It had a little white Lily embroidered on the front. She smiled at this and her thoughts were suddenly interrupted, by a deafening explosion from somewhere in the house and she was thrown from her bedroom.
Considering her room was on the second floor, she fell pretty far out into the back yard. A bush broke her fall and she sat there, staring at the thing that once was her house. The bush hid her from view so when Petunia rounded the corner looking for someone, anyone who might have survived, she didn't see Lily. "Mom!! Dad!! O god! Someone help me please!!!" she managed between sobs. "Petunia! You ok?" Lily called from the bush. She couldn't exactly move her leg, it was covered by a large piece of debris that had flown from the frame of the house. "Have you seen mum or dad?" Petunia asked frantically. Lily shook her head and Petunia's frightened expression turned into one of anger; livid hatred. "I can't believe this. You survive, but they don't." She ripped Lily off the ground, which hurt her considerably because she was still semi trapped by the large piece of wood. No matter to Petunia though, she just pulled her up. "Help me search for them!" She commanded. They both went through the rubble and ripped pieces up here and there. There came a screech from one side of the yard. Petunia was visibly shaking from fifty feet away. Lily limped over and saw why she had shrieked. Her father was lying underneath some of the roof. He was scorched and a look of pain still painted his face. Right next to him was their mother. She also was scorched and had the same look.
"Why didn't you go instead?" Petunia sobbed as she dropped on her knees. Lily saw something in the rubble, not too far from her parents and limped over to it. It was a little medallion of a skull with a serpent protruding through its mouth. The dark mark. Only the highest in command under Lord Voldemort owned this medallion. They must have dropped it after they had finished. The tears flowed freely from Lily's cheeks and she collapsed with the medallion in her hand as the police showed up.
The next day was a blur for both sisters. Petunia had gone to live with Vernon, her fiancé. She didn't say a word to Lily as she left, but Lily didn't care. It was better that way. Remarkably, Lily's school trunk was fine, it had just been tossed around a bit. All of her school clothes were fine and her books and other supplies were in good condition. Her room was farthest from the blast so her things were still in good shape. Aside from a twisted ankle, she was ok. She would be able to go to school in a week and some days after the funeral services. She didn't want to stay though. She didn't want to see any of the people looking at her with sympathy or, in Petunia's case, anger. She blamed Lily, and Lily partially did too. She decided to write to Dumbledore and ask if she could come back early.
The next day, Lily sat in her dorm. It was empty and she was glad. There was still about a week and a half before everyone came back from holiday. She spent most of the day sleeping, and thinking, looking out her window, and crying. She had never felt the dull, constant ache she was feeling now. It hadn't left since she had found her parents. No one knew she was back early, so no one went looking for her.
She awoke to the sound of the birds outside, chirping to keep warm. There was a letter next to her bed.
Dear Miss Evans,
I am so sorry to hear of the unfortunate event that occurred over your holiday. I would like to see you in my office. There are some things I would like to discuss with you.
Sincerely,
Professor Dumbledore
Lily sighed and got out of bed. She dressed and went out of her room for the first time in 30 hours. There were only two people in the common room. A seventh year and surprisingly enough, James. He looked as tired and empty as she felt. She went over to where he sat and smiled sadly at him. "Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were going home for holidays?" Lily was hoping he would not ask her the same question. "Well, I was at home, I came back early." He was quite choked up for James. Lily sat down, briefly forgetting her own problems, concerned about her friend. "James, are you ok? You don't look so good." She looked at him imploringly. James didn't want to trouble her with his problems, but he couldn't escape her penetrating gaze. "Well, uh, my mum and dad um...were killed a few days ago." James looked away after this. He was on the verge of tears. It was the first time he had said it aloud. It made it all real. Lily just sat there with her mouth shaped like a small "o." "James, I'm so sorry, I don't believe it. I mean..." she trailed off in thought. Both of their parents. Gone. James looked up at her. "What?" Lily gulped. "My house was blown up on Christmas. Both my parents passed on." She stared into space. Now it was James's turn to stare in disbelief. "Wow, Lily, I'm so sorry." He hugged her for a little while before she realized she had to go see Dumbledore. James said he had gotten a similar letter yesterday. "See you at breakfast," she called through the portrait hole and James was left to quietly reflect on what had happened.
"Fizzy Milk," was the password to Dumbledore's office now, so Lily said it and watched as the gargoyle jumped out of the pathway to the stairs. She made her way to the door and before she could knock it opened to reveal the old professor standing behind her. "Ah, Miss Evans, I was expecting you soon. Come sit."
"Why them?" were the first words out of Lily's mouth before she could even stop herself. Dumbledore sat down and calmly explained that it wasn't her fault. That Voldemort had targeted all of the people he foresaw as a problem later on. Lily was lucky to be alive, though it was very unfortunate that her parents passed on. She wasn't the only one who had suffered a loss, as she had previously discovered. Two children, unfortunately were not so fortunate as Lily and had perished with their parents this Christmas. She and James were the only ones who had survived any of the attacks that had taken place during the holidays. They talked for a while longer, and departed amiably. Lily walked down the corridor with her thoughts keeping her company. She must have been a strange sight. Her arm in a cast, scratches healing on her face. Her leg bandaged. Madame Pomfrey had also gone home for the holiday, as Dumbledore had told her he could handle things for a little while. Lily would have to wait to get her ankle fixed. Since she had already had the cast on before she came to school Madame Pomfrey had decided that there was no point in taking it off and braking it again to fix it magically.
She was almost to the house entrance when she bumped into someone. "Terribly sorry, I didn't see you there." She mumbled as she got up and dusted herself off. "You should be." It was Severus Snape. "Filthy mudblood." This last part was mumbled, but someone caught it. "Excuse me? What did you just called her?" It was James. He was angry, to say the least. He walked up to Snape and glared at him, waiting for a response. "James, it doesn't matter. It's fine. Who cares? Let's just go." Try as she might to be heard, Lily was ignored by both boys. " I said, Filthy Mudblood, Potter. If I remember correctly, I wasn't talking to you, so but out." Snape smiled and a bit of oil dripped off his hair (a/n whenever people write Snape, they always describe his hair so that I get the image of literal slime dripping off.). James winced, but answered, "Look, Snape, calling anyone a mudblood, is wrong. The fact that you should call a friend of mine one, involves me almost automatically. I don't want to hear that word come out of your mouth again. Alright?" By now James was advancing on Severus and the latter was slowly backing away. "Potter, I can assure you that your tough-guy act is not going to keep me from speaking the truth. You're lucky I'm late to meet a friend." And with that Snape disappeared around a corner. "Really James, I'm glad you stood up for me and all, but I wish you wouldn't get so worked up. It's just a name. Ever hear the expression, sticks and stones...?" Lily was walking back with James to the portrait hole now. "Yah I know, but still, I hate that kid. I mean, the oil was actually dripping off of his hair. How gross can you get?" They both laughed a little as they entered the common room.
They spent the rest of the holiday venting about their parents to each other and just talking in general. If they were ever close before, it was nothing compared to their relationship after the tragedies. Like Yin and Yang, Abbott and Costello, they were a duo for the rest of the year. They got each other through the hard times and enjoyed the good times together. It was tough at the end of the year when they had to go home.
On the train ride home everyone was quite solemn. Sirius, Remus and James would see each other often, since they lived so close to one another, but Lily had to live with Petunia and her new husband, Vernon in London somewhere. It was going to be a dreary summer. The train came to a stop and everyone piled out. Just as she was grabbing her trunk, Lily heard a voice from behind her. "Hey, Lily, I'll owl you all the time. I know you don't like Petunia, but you'll be able to get through it." James was smiling at her. He didn't know how Petunia treated Lily, and why Lily hated her so much. He then saw Sirius waving him over to his parents, with whom James would me staying and he said goodbye. Soon Remus and even Peter had gone and Lily sat on her trunk, in the rain. Waiting for someone to come and get her.
Approximately four hours later a car pulled up. Out came the horse-faced blonde (we all know too well!!) Lily called Petunia. She instantly picked up her things and scrambled to the car. They made their way back to what would become one of the worst summers of Lily's life.
It was clear to her now, that Petunia blamed Lily, wholeheartedly, for the demise of their beloved parents. Because of this, she had more anger and hatred bottled up in her then Lily had ever seen or experienced. Petunia had increased her torture to full blown abuse. Vernon was indifferent. He didn't care what went on in his house, as long as things appeared normal to the outside. He was away on business trips most of the time anyway. Petunia would keep Lily in her room for days when Vernon went away. She would tie her to her bed and leave her there until the day before Vernon was to come home. He had no idea about the punishment that ensued when he was gone. She would let Lily eat and clean herself the day before Vernon's arrival and she would seem relatively fit when he came home. Nothing so bad as to be questioned. When he was home, Lily ate when they did, was left alone most of the time, unless Petunia had a chore for her. Her favorite thing to make Lily do was to clean and sterilize the pots she would use to make tomato sauce. She would fill them with water and put them on the stove. When they began to boil, Lily was forced to put her hands in and scrub the pan. She had one minute to make the pan clean before Petunia inspected it. If it wasn't clean, or if Lily so much as flinched when she was cleaning, she had to do it again. She came to ignore the burning. Her hands were rough and callused from being scalded so many times. Things were down right miserable in that house. With two weeks left in the summer, she received a letter. It was from James.
Dear Lils,
I hope you are having a good summer, or at least bearable. Mine's been ok. Sirius says hi, by the way. He talked to his mum and dad and they said you could come stay for the rest of the holiday if you like! Isn't that great? I hope you can. Please reply as soon as possible and let us know when it would be ok to come pick you up.
Love,
James
Tears fell from Lily's eyes. She was saved. She would be out of this wretched place soon. She didn't think she would last another week. Over the summer she had dropped fifteen pounds and her bones stuck out oddly. She would be covered in bruises if she hadn't gotten some magical ointments from Madame Pomfrey. Her arm had finally healed, but that just made more work for her to do when she wasn't tied up. Yes that summer was horrid and Lily wanted out.
Dear James,
There is a God! Come get me as soon as you can. I can't last another moment in this house. My summer was horrible, and that is an understatement. I'll tell you more when I see you.
Love,
Lily
She sent the owl out with her reply and dreamt of the time that was to come when she would be out of that place. This didn't last very long. "FREAK! GET DOWN HERE NOW!" A chill went up Lily's spine and she drudged forth, toward her door.
James's reply said that he would come in a day. When she finally told Petunia where she was going, Petunia almost had a fit. She roared at Lily for hours, kicking her around. Telling her not to sneak around and that she wasn't going anywhere. Just around the time Lily was nodding off into unconsciousness, she felt a sharp pain on her stomach. She couldn't tell what was going on, she was far to disoriented and just fell inanimate.
She awoke the next morning tied to her bed, again. It had been a long time since she had wept from this, but today she was supposed to be free. When James came, she knew Petunia would send him home. She tried to move, but the pain on her stomach was too much for her to struggle free. She just lay there, weeping. Suddenly there was a tap on the window. Expecting an owl she looked up and was startled to see James and Sirius. James had a smile on his face until he took in the full scene. He then tried to open the window but it was no use. Sirius pulled out his wand and said an opening charm. The window slid open and both boys came inside. There was blood on the floor from the night before and some on the sheets. They untied her as quickly as they could. Lily tried to sit up but winced in pain. Lifting her dry bloodstained shirt she saw that she had a large bandage basically covering her whole stomach. "What the hell happened?" Sirius finally managed after recovering from the ghastly scene that was quickly unfolding. "Yah, where did you get that?" James complied, pointing at her bandage. "I honestly can't remember. All I can remember before passing out was the unbearable pain on my stomach." Both boys wanted to cry at the sight of her. She was thin and frail and sickly looking. Her hair had blood in it and she had some smeared everywhere. Scratches here and there. She was obviously ready to go. Her things were all neatly placed in a corner of the room, untouched by the disturbing things that had taken place earlier.
"Let's get you out of here." Sirius helped her up and James took her things. He charmed her trunk to be lighter and they were off. Back to Sirius's. No one said anything on the trip there; it was complete silence, from landing until take off. When they did reach his house, though, Sirius took Lily straight to his mother. "Mum, you got to see this." He pushed Lily forward. She lifted her shirt again and tears fell from Mrs. Black's eyes. "O my god. Lily, who did this? Your sister?" A nod was Lily's reply. Mrs. Black shooed the boys away and helped Lily take off the bandage. It stung but when she took it off was when they both gasped. Obviously with something dull, Petunia had carved into her abdomen the word "freak." It was eerily legible. Mrs. Black just looked at Lily and sniffled. She took out her wand and said some words. The red scabs started to fade. "Now, Lily dear, there is going to be a scar for a few years, but it should go away before your even in your fourth year. Don't worry honey, you'll be ok." Even though she didn't know Lily from some girl on the corner, she embraced her as if she were her own child. It felt good.
James and Sirius waited outside, listening to what was audible, worried expressions on their faces. "I had no idea it was that bad. How could someone treat their own flesh and blood that way, honestly." Sirius was starting to get a little angry. "I knew her arm wasn't broken from a fall. I knew she wasn't clumsy. Sirius, we can't let her go back there." Sirius nodded in agreement. Soon, Lily came out of the room with Mrs. Black, half-smiling, because the pain was gone. "No more cuts," she said as she sighed in relief. Mrs. Black left the room to call the magical equivalent to Social Services (couldn't think of anything, sorry), and left the boys to ask their questions.
"How long has this been happening?" James went first.
"Since I was around...five I think. It wasn't too bad up until this summer."
"Were you going to tell anyone?" Sirius now.
"She threatened me daily. Told me she would kill me if I ever told." Lily started to feel tears threatening again and she turned away for a moment. "What did she do to your stomach?" James asked, but both boys were wondering. Lily lifted her shirt slowly until she got to the top of the "f." That ended that conversation.
The next two weeks were spent in recuperation. Lily went to the medi-wizard and had her cuts and newer bruises healed. The hands would have to heal over a period of five visits to him. She didn't care, as long as the rough unfeeling skin would go away. She was fed, clean, groomed, healed and feeling better than she had in weeks. She gained five pounds back instantly and the color had risen in her cheeks again. A few days after the incident occurred, some officials from the Social Services department of the Ministry had come to visit and talk with Lily, Mrs. Black, Sirius and James. Mr. Black was away and wouldn't return in time to see the kids off. The officials took their statements and said that they would get back to them at some time during the year. They went to Diagon Alley and got some new things for school.
Soon they were back in front of the steaming scarlet train. Mrs. Black hugged all of the kids and took Lily aside. "Now, Lily, dear, I know you don't know me very well, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. You can tell me anything. Would you like to stay with us next summer too?" Lily nodded a little and Mrs. Black smiled. "Well, I'm going to talk to those Ministry officials and see if we can arrange it ok? Have fun at school dear." She gave Lily a kiss on the forehead and Lily ran to catch up to the others. They had already found a compartment. She was just about to walk in and take a seat next to James, when a girl a little taller and snootier-looking than Lily walked in and sat in that exact spot. Since it was the only spot there, Lily shrugged. She really didn't feel like fighting with anyone. She started to walk off. "Hey, excuse me, this seat is reserved." Sirius said. "No, that's ok, she can sit there." Peter said as his eyes widened at the overly developed twelve-year-old girl in front of him. "Peter you dolt, shut up. This seat is for Lily. Please get up...whoever you are." James said looking at the girl. "My name is Narcissa Perkins if you don't mind. I am rather comfortable, so I believe I will be staying. I know you mind that much." She said giving James a seductive smile. "James, it's cool, I'll go find some other spot. No big deal. I'll see you at the sorting though." Lily called from the hallway and walked off.
She found the car with the rest of the girls in her dorm and had sat there for a few moments. She then went further down and found an empty car, surprisingly enough. She figured the amount of attacks must have really put a dent into the school population. She sat and read a book of hers for a few hours, until the car door slid open. "Hey, I was looking for you. What's up?" James sat down on the other side, somewhat sprawled out. "Nothing much, just said hi to the girls and came in here and read. How about you and your aggressive new girlfriend?" She winked. James flushed a little. "I know! I mean, honestly, she says she KNOWS I don't mind, not that she THINKS I don't mind. The nerve. Anyway, the conversation was completely downhill from there. What are you reading?" James reached over and read the book title. "Oh, man. What, is that your fourth time reading this?" James joked. "That you know of. Anyway, it's a good book. Leave me alone." She pushed him playfully. At times like this, she would realize how weak she had become over the summer. James didn't even budge when she pushed him. James saw the disappointment that briefly swept across her face. "What's wrong? Thinking about Petunia?" She didn't answer at first. Thinking how she would phrase this. "James, Petunia is my only family. Why does she hate me so much? I know, I shouldn't think like this but, it feels like...there must be a reason, you know? I sometimes think, maybe I am a freak, or there is something wrong with me. Why else would someone hurt their own family so much?" She looked down. She was tired of crying and didn't want it to start again. "I can't believe I just heard you say that. Lily, there is nothing, NOTHING, wrong with you. I can't honestly tell you why Petunia hates you, I'm not her. But I can tell you that you aren't a freak. Petunia does those things because she's a little...unstable. No one should do that to ANYONE, family or not. You can't blame yourself at all for what happened to you." By this time James had crossed to her and was hugging her.
Yet again, the compartment door slid open, and this time Sirius was standing in front of it. "Well, helloooo," he called somewhat excitedly. Remus was behind him and for some reason he looked perturbed. "That's what...five galleons a year...so it looks like you owe me ten galleons Remus, my dear." Grumbling as he counted out the money, he put the ten galleons in Sirius's hand. "What's that for?" James inquired. He secretly knew the answer. "Well, we all placed bets at the beginning of last year. Remus said you guys wouldn't get together at all and I said you would. I, obviously, won." Lily and James both laughed and Lily stated. "Sorry, darling, but James and I are still friends. Looks like Remus gets to keep his money." She smiled. "For the time being..." James said under his breath. The only one who caught it though was Sirius and he smiled. The rest of the ride, and the year for that matter, went along in the same fashion. It was very easy going and fun. Everyone did well that year; even Peter ended the year on a good note. As the summer holiday drew closer, the same dull ache that had been with Lily after her parents had passed on was slowly getting stronger and stronger.
During the last week of school everyone was doing as they pleased since the tests were over and sleeping in seemed to be the latest fad. Lily arose to the beautiful song of a bird outside the window and the sun streaming in. The smell of summer was in the air and it brought a smile to her lips. When she opened her eyes, she found two fairly peculiar things. One; James was sitting on the side of her bed, watching her wake with a smile gently laid upon his features. Two; there was a small, overly excited owl with a letter twice it's size tied to its foot. The owl was hopping around like a madman on the windowsill.
"What are you doing in here? Where's everyone else?" Lily rubbed the sleep from her eyes and blinked repeatedly to clear her vision. "Well, it is eleven and the rest of the girls decided to let you sleep. Don't you want to see who this is from." James's smirk widened. "Um, sure...you must know what's in it. Otherwise you wouldn't be smiling like an idiot." She smiled at this and untied the fidgeting owl. It was no bigger than her hand but was freakishly strong. The owl flew out the window in quite a hurry and Lily opened the letter.
To: Ms. Lily Begonia Evans
James almost peed himself. "BEGONIA? Are you serious?" THUMP! James was suddenly kicked onto the floor. It didn't matter though, tears streamed from his eyes as he ran out of breath from laughing. She continued to read.
From: Department of Muggle/Wizard Relations and
Department of Social Services Under the Minister of Magic.
Dear Ms Evans,
Regarding the claim that was processed in your name, the following decision has been made as to the placement of the underage child, Lily Evans. As of Friday September the fifth, one, Mrs. Anna Black, filed for a restraining order under the justification in the Muggle/Wizard bylaws (a/n: I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. If you are an attorney and your reading this, I don't apologize. I revel in the fact that I have no idea about any litigation terminology.) Sect. 443, Art. 25. The aforementioned claim was processed and brought to court. It was then decided that one, Petunia Lotus Evans, is to stay not within one hundred meters of the underage child, Lily Begonia Evans. This is to stay in affect for an allotted period of one year. At the end of this period, a date will be set to review the case and any objections to the Restraining Order will be heard. Thank you for your time.
Cordially,
Dept. Muggle/Wizard Relations Head
John Weasley
Being only thirteen, Lily wasn't quite sure of all the terminology. There was another letter underneath that one though. It was from Mrs. Black.
Dear Lily,
I don't know whether or not you understand any of that so let me put it in simple terms; Petunia can't come near you. She is require, by law, to stay at least 100 meters away from you. We have to go to court in a year to keep this in affect, but for now, you're safe. I'll be picking you up with James and Sirius at King's Cross at the end of the week. I hope you don't mind coming to stay with us. I've written the boys as well and they know you will be staying. See you then.
Sincerely,
Anna Black
There was the sudden sound of a teardrop splashing onto the paper that broke the silence. James looked up from the paper to find Lily's eyes to be the delta of a steady stream of tears. He smiled slightly and gave her a hug. "She can't hurt you anymore, Lily. It's all over," he whispered to her through her bushy red hair. She smiled, but to her surprise she didn't feel happy. She really did like Mrs. Black, but there was this lingering feeling like she had done something wrong. She mentally shook that feeling away and tried to let it sink in that she wouldn't have to put up with the abuse anymore. Finally, James let go and told Lily to get dressed. "I'll be in the common room," were his last words as he left the second year girls' dorm.
She dressed and went downstairs, thankful that she didn't have to wear those awfully heavy woolen robes. Lily and her friends all spent the day together talking about their summer plans, how they did on their exams and just different topics in general. It was a very lax day, to say the least.
As the sun was coming down and the final rays were making their way through the cotton-ball clouds for one last glorious display, six of the Hogwart's second years were sitting by the lake, watching in awe. Lily sat between James and Sirius with Remus amid two other girls that Lily shared her dorm with. No one spoke; it was a comfortable silence. It didn't last too long though, before long Sirius was leaning in toward Lily and whispered to her, "I'm so glad you're coming to stay with us. I really hope you don't feel like you're imposing because my mum really, really wants you to stay with us. By the way, how's the scar?" She showed him one of the bottom lines so that no one else could quite see. They were fading. They used to be big and pink, outstanding, thick and bumpy lines. Now they were just paling lines of scar tissue. He smiled at her and they both turned back to the gallant array of colors that spilled forth into the sky. This would be there last night at school before they went home for the summer. Home. Lily tilted her head in thought. Did she actually have a place she could call home?