The *'s will also separate the different memories, even though they are in italics.

Chapter Two

Memories and Awakenings

*Everything in the magical world was new and different to Lily. She was glad that she had found another girl her age to tell her how to get to the platform. Sitting on the train talking with the new girl Cassandra was far better then being outside. The platform was too noisy and full of odd people for Lily to handle all at once. Cassandra was wizard born; at least she could help Lily adjust.

Suddenly the door burst open, two black haired boys walked in. You would almost swear that they were twins. "Jolly good to see you Cass, and your friend Tiger too! My name is Sirius," this last statement was directed at Lily.

"This is Lily Evans," Cassandra introduced, because Lily was still shocked at their arrival and attire.

The one called Sirius was wearing bright green robes covered in yellow stars, which actually looked good on him with his dark hair and blue eyes. The boy next to him had on red robes with what looked like little brooms flying all over it. He didn't look too bad either, as he had messy dark hair and brown eyes framed by black-rimmed glasses. Out of nowhere two other boys joined them. The first with sky blue robes accented by slow drifting clouds, which matched his blue eyes and complimented his dirty blonde/light brown hair. The last boy had orange robes, which didn't make him look as good as the other boys, because he had light blonde hair and watery blue eyes. Not to mention the fact that he could stand to loose a few pounds.

Cassandra noticed that Lily was staring and laughed. "Sirius, be polite and introduce your other cohorts in crime."

Sirius smiled at Lily. "Well this one here who looks like my twin is James Potter. No we are NOT related, though that would be too bloody brilliant to be true. This stick behind us is Remus Lupin, and the lad next to him is Peter Pettigrew. Pleased to make your acquaintance," with a flourish Sirius bowed.

"Hello," Lily whispered faintly, finally finding her voice. "Are you all first years too?"

"You bet," replied James happily. "So what house do you want to be sorted into?"

Lily was confused. What did James mean by house? She knew it had something to do with Hogwarts because she remembered it being mentioned in one of her books.

"Oh!" Cassandra exclaimed. "Lily is muggle born so she doesn't know what you guys are talking about. See Lily there are four houses at Hogwarts. At the feast tonight we will get sorted into them. There is Slytherin, I don't think you want to be sent there. Those people are sneaky, plus they would call you names for being muggle born. Hufflepuff is for those extremely loyal."

"And have no brains at all," interrupted Sirius.

"Sirius," warned Cassandra, as she continued. "Ravenclaw is for people who are really really smart. Gryffindor is for those brave at heart. Every house also has a teacher in charge of it."

"Oh," Lily sighed. She had so much to learn she would surely be behind everyone else.

"Don't worry Tiger," Sirius smiled reassuringly. "You'll always have us to help you if you need it."

Cassandra giggled, "Is that supposed to be a good thing?"*

*Lily was heading towards the library. She really needed to do some extra studying for Transfiguration. Her grade just wasn't quite up to her personal standards.

Lily whirled around as someone called her name. It was none other then James Potter, most wanted boy in the school. He was adored by girls and loathed by the Slytherins. Lily wondered which of the two groups was after him this time; she greatly suspected the latter.

"Hey Tiger could you do me a favor?" James asked breathlessly as he caught up with her.

What in the world is he up to now, Lily thought to herself. "Depends on what you need this time James."

"Tiger you know I'll do anything for you."

I'm sure he would. He must be really desperate this time.

"It just happens that two certain Slytherin slimeballs want to tear me apart at the moment."

"Why would they want to do that?" Lily asked innocently.

James chuckled, "For some strange reason they don't like the fact that I turned their robes pink and yellow. I think it's an improvement. Oh and did I mention the neon blue hair?"

Lily started to giggle uncontrollably. "Well I suppose I could help you hide. Why don't you transfigure yourself into a book and I'll just add you to my pile."

As James smiled, Lily's stomach did a few flips. "The genius of our Tiger strikes again."

"Just hurry up," Lily warned. "They could be here any minute."

As if it was magic, (and it was), in James's place was a thick black book. Lily laughed at the title, 'Why snakes should stay away from big cats, especially tigers and lions.'

No sooner had James changed, Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape came barreling down the corridor.

"Where did that Potter run off to?" Snape muttered, but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Lily. "Red, where is Potter?"

Lily straightened herself to her full height. "I don't know and don't call me red."

"The filthy mudblood is lying," accused Malfoy. "Tell us now or you will be sorry later."

Lily tried to compose herself as she felt her face flush. She could feel James shaking with rage even though he was in his transfigured form. "I told you I don't know. Go away before I take points from Slytherin."

"I'm so scared," Snape sneered. "But it seems you have a soft spot for Potter."

"Go away," hissed Lily through clenched teeth.

"We're just leaving," replied Malfoy, his voice full of contempt. "Beware of having too many pureblood friends you wench. Someday you'll be sorry that you ever learned that you're a witch."

Lily seethed as Malfoy continued. "I'm sure Potter doesn't need someone like you in his bed. But then he probably feels sorry for a poor mudblood like you."

Lily couldn't take his insults any longer. She slapped him with all the strength that she could muster. He stumbled back from the force of the blow and glared at her. "Watch your back mudblood," he muttered as he and Snape stalked off.

Lily sank back against the wall as soon as they were out of sight, ashamed of what he had called her, but even more so because James had heard it. It was even worse that Malfoy had just as good as said that she had a crush on James, which she did. Lily hadn't wanted James to find out because she was pretty sure that he didn't return the feelings. Lily bit her lip and closed her eyes as she felt tears well up. Moments later, she was enfolded in a reassuring embrace.

"Lily," James whispered as he rocked her back and forth. "Don't listen to that git Malfoy. He's a Slytherin remember, they don't know anything but the dark arts. He was completely wrong about you."

Lily sniffed into James's chest as he tightened his embrace. "Lily those jerks don't even deserve to lick your shoes. Besides he was wrong about us."

Lily stiffened, what was he saying? Were they just acquaintances and not even friends at all? She let him call her Tiger, and that was Sirius's nickname for her.

Sensing her discomfort James let go of Lily and looked straight into her brilliant green eyes. "Lily," he paused to take a deep breath, "I love you as a friend. But what he said hurt me even more because I think that I love you more then I would love a friend."

Lily was stunned; did James Potter just say what she thought he did? He really returned her feelings? After six years he wanted something more then friendship? This was unbelievable.

"Me too," she whispered softly.

At first he didn't seem to hear her, he just continued to search her face, but then he brought her into a smothering hug. Laughing Lily pulled away to look at him. He was positively beaming as he leaned down to kiss her. Lily had never experienced anything like this before.

This kiss, it was full of joy, and love. Lily felt her skin tingle. It truly felt like magic.*

*Lily looked up at the snowy night sky as she sat by the lake. They were gone. They were really gone. Her parents where killed for the sole reason that Lily was a witch. Why was Voldemort doing this to her? Her grandparents had died years ago, but to kill her two favorite Aunts and then her parents. The evil was too unspeakable. Why me? Why does Voldemort have to go after me?

Lily was oblivious to everything around her as she mourned the loss of her parents. She didn't even hear the steady crunch of footprints coming toward her in the new fallen snow.

Her tear-streaked face looked up as James sat down next to her. He was carrying an extra cloak. It was then that Lily realized that she had forgotten one in her rush to be alone. James carefully sat down, wrapping the cloak securely around her.

"I know you don't want to talk, I can just leave if you want."

Looking into his eyes, Lily saw nothing but love and concern. "No, you can stay."

James wrapped his arms around the shivering form of his girlfriend. "How long have you been out here? You could catch pneumonia, I'm sure your parents wouldn't have wanted that."

At the mention on her parents, a silent stream of tears cascaded down Lily's face. Seeing this, James held her even tighter, allowing Lily to bury her face in his chest. "It's not fair."

Several minutes lapsed in silence until James spoke. "I know it isn't fair, but Voldemort never is." Lily shuddered at the mention of the name. "But there is nothing we can do about it now. We need to be strong and face whatever is to come. He isn't done with us yet. But whatever the outcome, we'll experience it together."

Lily's tears subsided as she looked up at James. He was right after all. These recent attacks of Voldemort's were only the beginning. They only had one more year at Hogwarts, and then, maybe they could do something about it.*

Lily's mind was a muddled mess as confused green eyes slowly opened. Immediately a woman in white loomed over her. In a vague awareness of her surroundings, Lily realized that she was in the hospital wing. As her thoughts became less confused, she began to comprehend what had happened. It dawned on Lily that she ached all over. Suddenly thoughts and memories flooded her mind. There had been an attack.

"James," she managed to croak.

Madame Pomfrey looked startled that her charge had spoken. But moments later a head appeared next to hers, a head covered in messy black hair.

"Lily you're up!" James visibly relaxed with relief. "We've all been really worried," he explained as the older witch tried to shoo him away.

Lily gave a slight smile and struggled to sit up. With a little help, she was able to sit. Lily was about to ask James something when Madame Pomfrey shoved a purple potion into her hands.

"Drink up dearie, it will help you get your strength back."

Lily looked at the potion skeptically. Holding her nose she gulped it down all at once. It tasted so vile she almost couldn't keep it down. James handed her a glass of water that she swallowed eagerly. "How long have I been unconscious?"

James moved closer to her as Madame Pomfrey bustled out of the room. "A few hours I think. You missed the feast though."

Lily sighed; there would be others later in the year.

"You also need to talk to Professor Dumbledore."

Lily gaped, what in the world would Dumbledore want to talk about, surely not about the attack. Her friends had probably already told him everything that he would possibly need to know. "When?"

James hesitated, "He said after you awoke if you were well enough. Do you feel alright?"

Lily thought for a moment, she felt perfectly fine besides the ache and her head was clearing rapidly, probably aided by the potion, "We can go now."

James helped her out of bed, holding her arm as she stood. Lily looked down at herself; her cloths were rumpled and dirty.

"I can fix that," James smiled. He quickly recited a special little charm that Lily remembered from fifth year. James looked proud of himself as her robes straightened and the dirt disappeared, charms was Lily's best subject not his. "Ready?"

Lily nodded, and they walked out the door. The trip to Dumbledore's office was relatively short, despite the fact that Lily had to stop and rest a few times. As they reached the gargoyle, it sprang open, as if it knew they were coming and didn't want to bother them with the password.

They found Dumbledore sitting behind his desk in the dimly lit room. He offered them chairs as they entered. As James helped Lily into hers, the elder wizard spoke.

"Lily, I hope that you are feeling better, I'm dreadfully sorry that I had to call on you so soon. But you two need to have some things explained, things that concern Voldemort."

Lily looked at James, confused. She was relieved to note that he was as baffled as she was.

Dumbledore continued, "There are certain prophecies that reveal the coming of a Dark Lord and how the union of two people will stop it. I have reason to believe that you are the ones being referred to."

A/N: Yes an evil cliffie, I know. I thought it was bloody brilliant though. This would have been up sooner, but I'm in a time consuming activity called marching band. Please review! I would be very grateful.