A/N: I just want to give a huge thank you for the continued support of everyone reading this story, and a HUGE shoutout to Brigade701, who is my beta and helps me with ideas.

Chapter 1

Lily Potter was the youngest of three, and only girl of the famous Harry James Potter and his wife, Ginevra (Ginny) Weasley. Lily was the only one of the three Potter children to get their father's green eyes. She also inherited the trademark Weasley red hair from her mother, however her father remarked a few times that she gets it from both sides of the family as her Grandmother Potter was also a redhead. Her oldest brother, James Sirius was 15 years old and starting his fifth year at Hogwarts, looked like their father in every way, except the eyes which he got from their mother which were brown. Her other brother, Albus Severus was going to be 13 in August and going to be starting his third year at Hogwarts, looked like both parents. He got his fathers black hair, but their mother's eyes along with other features were from both parents.

On June 30, a letter arrived at the Potter household for Lily. Harry knew it was a little early for Hogwarts and he didn't recognize the seal. Lily opened it and quickly read it. She had been accepted to Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the United States. Other than naming the normal stuff like uniforms and books, she was also required to bring her own bedding. The letter also told her when she had to go to get to school and what time the train left. Lily looked perplexed. Why was a North American wizarding school wanting her? Her parents always expected her to go to Hogwarts like the rest of the family.

Harry said, "Ginny, have you heard of this school?"

Ginny said, "I think so, but not sure."

Harry said, "Let's do some research, but I would also like to invite a school representative over so we can learn more about the school. What do you think, Lily?"

Lily said, "I think that is the best way, as long as we can afford me going abroad if I decide to."

Harry said, "Your covered."

Harry never liked to let on to his kids that they had a substantial amount of money. It was their safeguard in case something ever happened to him and Ginny couldn't find work for a while.

A few days later, Lily, James, and Albus got their letters from Hogwarts. James' letter included a surprise. He was made a prefect and the Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Everyone was happy for him.

After dinner, they went over their research on Ilvermorny.

Ginny said, "It seems a little bit more on the modern side of things than Hogwarts."

Just then a knock came at the door again.

Harry had James go answer the door as he, Ginny, and Lily were immersed in their research. James soon returned with an older lady, probably about the age of Grandma Molly Weasley. The lady had the appearance of not much knowledge of muggle clothing. She was wearing pajama pants with a nice shirt. James and Albus had to leave the room before they busted out laughing. Harry made a mental note to talk to them later.

Trinity appeared to take her traveling cloak and to offer refreshments.

Harry said, "Thank you for coming, Professor…."

The lady stated, "Allen and please call me Mrs. Allen. We are not formal as to call the teachers Professors. Thank you for asking me to come to answer any questions you may have."

Harry said, "My name is Harry Potter and this is my wife Ginevra who prefers Ginny. Our daughter, Lily."

Mrs. Allen said, "It's a pleasure to meet you all. What kind of questions can I answer for you?"

Harry asked, "This is our biggest concern. How did Lily's name end up on your list of prospective students? I know we didn't sign her up. Are you familiar with my story, Professor Allen?"

Mrs. Allen said, "Even in America, you are famous, Mr. Potter. I understand your concerns. I can assure you that this matter will be investigated thoroughly."

Harry said, "Thank you. Now can you tell us a little bit about Ilvermorny and how studies are done there?"

Mrs. Allen said, "There are about 20 students per teacher. We have 8 periods in a day. Our regular classes are Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Dark Creatures for years 1 and 2, Defense and Dueling for 3rd year and up, Astronomy, General Studies, and you get a free period to work on your homework. Monday thru Thursday you have your general classes with the exception of History of the Magical and Non-magical world which is on Friday mornings, and your electives you choose in third year will be on Fridays."

Harry said, "What about electives?"

Mrs. Allen went into a small lecture on what electives they had. Which intrigued Harry and Ginny with the amount of elctives offered. They offered Alchemy and healing!

Lily was dumbstruck.

Harry had a few more questions for Mrs. Allen, but Lily was lost in thought.

Mrs. Allen said, "Any questions from Ms. Lily?"

Lily said, "Not at this time, Mrs. Allen."

Mrs. Allen said, "I look forward to hearing from you. I understand that you will need to discuss this as a family. I need an answer by July 17, as classes begin August 17th."

Harry said, "You will probably have an answer in the next day or two, Mrs. Allen."

Harry led Mrs. Allen out.

Ginny was watching Lily. When Harry returned, he sat down beside Ginny, and they both turned to Lily.

Lily said, "That was quite a discussion."

Harry said, "Yes it was. I can tell you this, I wish they did that at Hogwarts."

Lily said, "Its not like that in Hogwarts?"

Harry shook his head. He said, "Nope."

Lily said, "Hmm."

Ginny said, "What are you thinking Lily?"

Lily said, "From what you guys have told me, and what I just heard about Ilvermorny, it seems to me that Ilvermorny is a better school."

Harry said, "Hogwarts probably is just as equally good, but you gotta remember, when your mother and I went there, we had a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher every year. Teaching styles were different. There was no consistency. Things have changed since then. The job is no longer cursed."

Lily giggled. Remembering how her parents said that that job had been cursed by Lord Voldemort when he was denied the position before becoming as powerful as he was.

Harry said, "So what are you thinking?"
Lily said, "Hmm. I think I would love to attend Ilvermorny. I know its different, but it sounds like it'll be an adventure. Plus, if I don't like it, I could always transfer to Hogwarts."

Harry said, "I'm sure Professor McGonagall would accept you. I think its been decided then. Our Lily is going to Ilvermorny."

Ginny got tears in her eyes. Now they just had to tell James and Albus, and not to mention the rest of the family.

Harry penned a letter to Professor McGonagall.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

Lily will not be attending Hogwarts this year. Lily has made the decision which Ginny and I fully support to go abroad for her education. She has been accepted to Ilvermorny in North America. She feels that is where she belongs. James and Albus will still be continuing their education at Hogwarts this year.

Hope you are well,

Harry James Potter

That Sunday, the Weasleys joined them at Grimauld place for Sunday dinner. Molly and Arthur were always welcome. Then Bill and Fleur with their children, Victoire, Dominique, and Louis. Of course Charlie was there with his girlfriend, Antonia and her two children: Adena and Andrei. He would never miss his Sunday dinners with family. Percy and his wife, Audrey and their children, Molly and Lucy. They all knew Fred was with them in spirit. George and Angelina along with their two kids, Fred and Roxanne. And finally, Ron and Hermione, Harry's two best friends with Rose and Hugo. Teddy Lupin was also there as he was Harry's godson and he was also dating Victoire Weasley. Rumor was it, he was going to present her with an engagement ring soon.

When they anticipated everyone coming for Sunday dinner, they all came to Potter Manor, as it was the biggest house of the whole family and had enough room for everyone. Mrs. Weasley and Hermione would always come early and help prepare dinner with Ginny. Fleur, Angelina, and Audrey would bring over their dishes when they arrived. The house elves didn't like this, but they had an arrangement with Ginny for such an occasion.

When everyone was seated, Arthur stood up and said, "It is nice to have all my family gathered here today. Especially since two in our midst are about to start their lovely education at Hogwarts. Good luck Lily and Hugo."

Everyone raised their glasses. Lily and Hugo were the youngest of the Weasley clan.

Harry stood up and said, "I'm very excited to see my youngest off to school. However, Ms. Lily Potter will not be attending Hogwarts like the rest of the family. In late June, we received a letter for her from another school along with a visit from their Headmistress. After much discussion, Lily in agreement with Ginny and I, is going to be attending Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in North America."

Harry noticed the shocked looks on the Weasley's faces. As they began eating, questions started.

Lily fielded them the best she could. Harry answered the ones that she couldn't.

Molly said, "It does sound like a good opportunity. And if Lily wants to try it out. Why not? I'm sure if she thinks it doesn't suit her, Professor McGonagall will be more than likely to welcome her to Hogwarts."

Harry said, "Well said, Molly."

Everyone was also proud of James for become a prefect and Quidditch Captain in year 5. Molly fussed over him on that.

James said, "Grandma…"

Everyone laughed.