Chapter 2: Gutsy Girl.

'This is…stupid.' Lily thought as she lifted her arms over her head. The lady, Madam Malkin, she said she was called, slipped the black robes over Lily's fiery curls. The plump woman sent a smile at her and started to use magic for certain adjustments. Lily wasn't all too happy with robes, but she'd make her own adjustments later. It had been only a few days that Lily had got the letter from the school. At first, she thought her parents had cracked, and were going insane, but then she had a visit from her Aunt Maple. Her gothic cousin's mother. Lily liked her, she always felt comfortable around her. She had seen her Aunt Maple 'charm' a pillow towards Lily. Lily had been shocked at first, but she snapped out of it as she heard her aunt laugh out loud. She threw the pillow back, which resulted in a huge pillow fight. After that she had been convinced, and she was surprised at how much her parents were pleased with her. Her sister however, being as stuck up as she was, glared at her aunt and at her and left. 'Little bitch' Lily thought as Madam Malkin finished measuring her up. She stepped off the step and her parents paid for her new black school robes.

Lily was amazed by everything in the magical world. She wondered why her parents hadn't told her before, but she didn't care, she was going to go to a school which taught her magic, not the cheap magic that street magicians done, but real magic. 'Real magic' Lily thought. It sounded so right to her, so natural. She had bought her wand, her robes, books, school stationary and she was about to leave when her parents dragged her into one more shop.

"We need to get you a pet!" Her mother exclaimed excitedly.

"What?! But I don't want one! That's Petunia's department!" Lily managed to say.

"Hey, you'll need to keep in contact with us!" her father noted.

"That's why the Royal Mail was started," Lily stated.

"Oh come now Lily! Do you really think the Royal Mail would go to a School of Magic to post letters?" Lily's mother asked exasperated and pulled her into the Magical Menagerie.

"Fine, but how's a pet going to keep us in contact?" Lily said getting a little annoyed.

"Owls," was all her father said. They dragged her to the bird cases and they looked at all the different owls. They had every type of owls, Snowy owls, Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, Eagle Owls; the species of owls were endless.

"Oh that owl looks healthy," her mother pointed at a majestic looking Barn owl with long brown feathers.

"This looks like the best owl here," her father pointed at a beautiful eagle owl with dark brown feathers that had some black spots. Lily rolled her eyes at both the owls, she didn't care. As her parents argued with which owl they would purchase, Lily had a look around at all the other animals, no, creatures in the store. They had two headed cats, circus rats, large sea monkeys, basically every magical animal that was smaller than a human being. 'Well, it looks like I'm only getting an owl, so I'll just have a look.' Lily thought as she rounded the corner of the store and headed to the back. There were many owls, all looked very willing to get out, and very cheerful. Lily turned her head at all of them. She then reached the far end of the Magical Menagerie and thought it was lot quieter here. The birdcages were smaller here. She took a long look at all the bird there. Once she had enough she turned to go, until she caught sight of one owl which looked very menacing. She walked closer to the cage as the owl stared intensely at her. It wasn't like many of the other owls there, for one, it had the darkest black feathers, that when the light shone on them, bluish-silver lights shone off the feathers. It had sharp a beak and talons. A yellow iris enveloped the pure black pupil, and its stare was as cold as ice. This owl intrigued Lily, it was like none other in the Magical Menagerie. Lily looked it square in the eyes, she returned the cold stare at the owl. Then at the same time, Lily and the owl's gaze softened.

"You'd better steer clear of her, she's a nasty little brute," the shop assistant warned Lily as he passed. Lily glared at him as he went away.

"Mum, Dad! Come here, I've found the perfect owl," she called at her parents. Lily's mother and father – who were still arguing about which owl was better – walked to where their eldest daughter stood. Lily stood beside the cage with the black owl and showed her parents the bird.

"This owl, is much more majestic, and more beautiful than the owls you showed me, she is perfect," Lily commented. Lily's parents were a bit anxious about buying such a cold owl, but agreed as Lily seemed to like her.

Lily went on home, feeling happy with all her new things, and she had the coolest owl. She had decided to call her Ravis. She chose it from 'rara avis' which was Latin for 'a rare bird,' and Lily had indeed thought that her owl was a rare bird. The holidays were ending and she was getting excited, but she refused to show her excitement to her parents or her sister. She talked frequently to her Aunt Maple about the Magical World, and she stayed and talked to her gothic cousin, Jules about Hogwarts. But soon enough the holidays ended, and Lily was getting dressed to go to King's Cross Station. She put on a pair of her dark red, flare baggies, and a full sleeved bottle green top. She had put on her spiked dog collar choker, and a few other chains. She put on her beaded bracelets that Petunia hated so much. Her long fiery locks were let down and they flowed to her mid-back. She put on some black eyeliner and her nails had been painted black, she wanted to make a good impression at Hogwarts.

"So, um…where's Platform 9 ¾?" Lily asked her parents who led her inside.

"You just run through the barrier between Platform 9 and 10," Lily's mother replied in a matter-of fact voice and pointed at the barrier.

"Mum, that's pretty solid," Lily stated as she looked at it.

"What? Is big, tough Lily scared to go through?" her little sister said is a mocking voice.

"No you little brat, so shut up!" Lily spat at her sister and towered over her. Petunia cowered back.

"Lily behave! Now, I've watched my sister run through that barrier seven times before, and I'm sure you can do it. Best take it at a run, so you don't chicken out," her father said smiling.

"Hey, I never said I couldn't do it, I just said that it's solid, and I will not chicken out dad, I'm not a wimp like Petunia." Lily argued back and turned to face the barrier.

"Lily!" her mother scolded. But Lily had already started walked in front of the barrier. She took a deep breath and started to run

"Go for it Lily! Work hard," her father called as Lily headed towards the barrier.

"Write to us!" her mother exclaimed.

"Bye you freak!" Petunia nearly shouted from beside her parents. Lily heard of course, and just before she disappeared through the barrier, she stuck up her middle finger at her sister.

As soon as she went through the barrier, she screeched to a halt. Her bright green eyes looked around her. The platform was full of wizards and witches and other children. They all were carrying trunks and were headed into a large red steam engine. It had the words 'Hogwarts Express' printed on it. 'I guess I'm in the right place then.' Lily pushed her trolley into the platform and looked at the train. It was already full of pupils who waved at their parents and were talking to their friends. Ravis wasn't all too happy with the amount of people there and gave them cold looks. Lily was like that as well, and had a cold look to her. She walked all the way down the to the end of the train and lifted her large trunk off the trolley. It wasn't too heavy. Lily then lifted Ravis' cage and hoisted herself onto the red steam engine. She walked right down to the end compartment and opened it. It was empty, so she sat there. She let Ravis out of her cage and she flew to the top of the compartment, and perched herself in the over head baggage space. Lily took out her personal stereo and put the headphones in her ears. She put her legs up on the seat opposite her and looked out the window. The music drifted into her ears and she tapped her hands along with the drumbeat. The train soon started to move slowly, along the tracks. Lily watched as the station was soon replaced with vast countryside fields. The compartment door opened, but Lily didn't pay attention, she continued to look out the window.

"Excuse me, can I sit here?" asked a voice. Lily turned and saw a girl with auburn hair that was tied in a plait. She had hazel eyes and was quite small. A black cat stood by her side and she her trunk was behind her.

"Sure, it's a free world," Lily replied. The girl stepped inside and put her trunk beside Lily's. Her cat jumped to the chair beside her and eyed the black owl above. The girl brought out a book and put on her reading spectacles. Lily continued to listen to her music, until there was some interference.

"Bloody CD player," Lily muttered and put it away. The girl looked up.

"We must be approaching Hogwarts soon. The magic in this area must be interfering with your CD player," she said. Lily didn't reply, she just sat with her feet rested on her trunk.

"I'm Gladys Sullivan, what's your name?" she asked.

"Lily." Lily replied and started to adjust her bracelets. She really didn't feel like talking.

"Nice to meet you," Gladys smiled.

"Yeah, right back at ya," Lily replied.

The compartment door opened again and the two girls looked to see who it was. Just by sight, Lily had a disliking to the person.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Gladys Sullivan." Said the boy, with greasy hair.

"Severus," she replied coldly and looked back at her book. 'Severus? What a stupid name' Lily thought, but she couldn't help but notice that Gladys paled, and her hands were shaking as she held her book. He smirked and noticed it too. He walked into the compartment and snatched the book from Gladys' hands.

"I'm surprised a squib-bitch like you got accepted to Hogwarts. Did your parents have to beg Dumbledore to let you in?" Severus asked with a cold smirk. Lily was officially annoyed with the guy.

"Hey, leave her alone you prick!" Lily snapped from her chair.

"And who might you be?" he asked, in an oily voice.

"You're worst nightmare if you don't piss off!" Lily snapped at him, her fists clenched.

"Ooh, fiery temper, hope to see you in Slytherin with me, we could have fun later on," Severus said and winked, giving her a suggestive look.

"Why you arrogant little bugger!" Lily said. She stood up and punched him square on the nose. Severus was taken aback and held his bleeding nose.

"I never took shit like that at my old schools, and I'm not taking it from you either! Now piss off!" Lily shouted at him. He didn't move, so she grabbed the collar of his robes and threw him out of the compartment. The students from other compartments opened their door to see Severus trembling in front of a fiery rebel.

"And if you ever piss me or my friend off, I'll be dancing on your bloody grave once I have mutilated your pathetic excuse for a life!" Lily yelled from the compartment door. She slammed the door closed. Soon afterwards laughter was heard from the other compartments. Lily turned to look at Gladys.

"Are you ok?" Lily asked at the little girl and put her hand on her shoulder.

"Yeah…I'm…fine, Lily. Just…surprised," Gladys stared up at her. Lily smiled at her, a true smile.

"If he does anything to hurt you, just tell me, and I'll personally deal with him," Lily said. She then rubbed her knuckles; they were starting to bruise a little.

"But, that Serberus or whatever his name is, has one hell of a hard nose!" Lily said, rubbing her knuckles. Gladys laughed a little.

"What's so funny?" Lily asked, not being threatening, just questionably.

"It's just that, no kid, let alone girl, would have the guts to stand up to Severus Snape. You're quite a girl Lily," Gladys commented. Lily smiled.

"Thanks." She replied.

For the rest of the journey, Lily and Gladys talked. They learnt a little bit about the other and they took a liking to one another. The woman with the food cart came along, and bot girls bought some foods to snack on. Lily liked Bertie Bott's Every Flavoured Beans. She liked the different flavours and she spat out the awkward ones. She had also bought Liquorice Wands and she and Gladys happily chewed on the black sweet. When Gladys went back to reading her book, Lily looked out the window and saw the countryside getting wilder and wilder as they went along. It was also getting darker and the September rain started to fall as they went higher up into Scotland. The lights in compartment switched on and the voice of the driver of the train told the pupils that they would be entering Hogwarts in about 20 minutes. Lily opened her trunk and pulled out her new school robes. She slipped it on over her fiery red curls and buckled only one of the buttons. Gladys buttoned up all of hers. Soon enough the train stopped. The window of the compartment opened and Ravis flew on out.

"Don't worry, she's probably going to the Owlery at the school, she'll be ok," Gladys assured Lily.

"I know she will, she's a kickass owl," Lily smiled.

The two girls made their way out into the on to the platform. It was raining heavily now, but neither of them mined too much.

"Firs' Year's this way!" said a booming voice. They turned around and saw the biggest man they had ever seen.

"'Ello there," he greeted to Lily and Gladys. Gladys smiled up at him, Lily didn't do anything. She just walked on passed him where some other first years were going. Gladys ran to catch up with her. They walked towards a huge lake, where many rowing boats were.

"'Tis four to a boat!" the huge man said. Lily slumped down into the nearest boat where two people already sat. Gladys sat beside Lily.

"Well, excuse me, but we were saving these seats for our boyfriends," said the blonde girl in front of Lily in a voice with reminded her of Petunia.

"Yeah, so get off!" said the brunette next to the blonde. Lily glared at the two girls.

"Make me." She hissed in her coldest voice. It sent a shiver down the girl's spine, but the remained defiant.

"We'll call our boyfriends, and they're strong," the blonde said.

"Oh really? I'll meet them then, see if they're man enough to take on me," Lily commented. The two girls in front of them raised their eyebrows and started to mutter something about 'weirdoes.' The boat soon started to sail across the lake, and towards the huge school. There were many gasps when people caught the first sight of Hogwarts. And to Lily's extreme annoyance, the two girls in front of her squealed at the sight. 'Why is it that everywhere I go, I end up finding a Petunia! I hope they are not in the same house as me!' Lily thought and rubbed her head.

"Isn't it beautiful Lily?" Gladys asked.

"Yeah, looks like something out of a fairytale." Lily commented.

"Yeah, except, that this is real," Gladys said.

The rowing boats docked on the other side of the lake, and everyone stepped out. The two annoying girls Lily and Gladys had shared a boat with huffed as they got off and flicked their hair at Lily as the walked away.

"Girls." Lily muttered.

"You are one you know," Gladys pointed out. Lily smirked.

"Yeah, I know. At least I'm not like them," Lily said, tilting her head towards the two.

"You're tomboy, a cool one too." Gladys noted. Lily smiled at her and they made their way up the steps to the front door of the castle. When they reached the top, Lily was soaked to the bone and shivering slightly. Lily could hear Gladys' teeth chattering with cold. Lily rubbed her hands together and blew them to create some warmth. Some of the first years were starting to whine, and Lily was frankly quite annoyed at that. The big man, knocked on the door three times, and after a few seconds, a witch who looked like she was in her late 30's and early 40's opened it. She stepped aside and everyone clambered inside.

"My, look at the state of you," she muttered as they all entered. She whispered a charm, and Lily felt herself get slightly warmed and her clothes no longer stuck to her body, in fact, they were dry.

"Welcome to Hogwarts. The start of term Banquet will start in a few moments, but before that, you will be sorted into your house. The Sorting Ceremony is very important, as it will sort you into your houses. In your years in Hogwarts, your house will be like your family. Points will be given for your achievements, and they will be deducted if rule-breaking takes place." The witch said. She wore robes of emerald green and wore her hair in a tight bun. She wore square spectacles and had a strict aura around her. She led them from the Entrance Hall towards the Great Hall.

"The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few moments. I suggest you smarten yourselves up," she said, looking at the sea of first years. Lily saw her eyes linger on her for a while. 'I thought this outfit would give a good impression.' Lily thought as the teacher turned from her and opened the door to let them in. They were led to the front of the Hall and lined up. The strict witch brought a three legged stool with a ragged hat on it. All eyes were on the hat, and Lily was surprised as it broke into a song. Lily listened as it sang about the houses. Ravenclaw seemed to have all the smart hard workers. Hufflepuff seemed to have the most loyal members. Slytherin seemed to hold the most ambitious of the lot, and Gryffindor held the bravest people and were admired for their courage. After it had finished its song, the whole hall burst into applause. Lily clapped a little and then dropped her hands. The strict witch held a scroll and stood at the side.

"I will call out your names in alphabetical order. You will come to the stool and put on the hat. – Abby, Helen."

Lily saw that it was the brunette girl she had shared a boat with. She walked up to the stool beaming confidently and put the hat on. A few seconds later, it called out "RAVENCLAW!" Lily thought that it was ok. A hat, just picked the house you were in, it was all good. Pupil after pupil went to get sorted.

"- Black, Sirius." The strict witch called. A boy with messy brown hair jogged up to the stool and slipped the hat on. "GRYFFINDOR!" the hat called. He was the first to be put in that house. Lily waited a while longer. She was starting to get bored. She remembered the song she had been listening to on the train and tapped her foot along with it.

"- Evans, Lily." The strict witch said. Lily snapped out of her reverie as Gladys gently pushed her out of the line. Lily glared at her. ' Your name was called out,' Gladys mouthed to her. Lily turned around and walked towards the stool. She didn't like all the eyes on her and she glared at a few people looking at her. Lily sat on the three-legged stool and placed the hate over her curly red hair. She waited, winding her thumb. She nearly jumped when the hat spoke to her.

'Ah, muggle-born I see. Welcome to the Magical World.' The hat welcomed.

'Thanks…I think.' Lily thought. She heard the hat chuckle.

'Now, where should I place you. Your smart, but Ravenclaw doesn't seem right for you.'

'Why not?' Lily wondered.

'Trust me, you wouldn't like it in Ravenclaw, would you like to have shared a room with Helen Abby, the girl who annoyed you on the rowing boat?'

'Ok, point taken, but how'd you know about that?'

'I can read your thoughts Lily.'

'Oh.'

'Hmm, you seem willing to do anything at any cost, maybe Slytherin?'

'HELL NO!'

'Oh?'

'Listen here you crappy little talking object, if you put me in Slytherin, I will personally sew that little mouth of yours and charm it so that the stitches do NOT come out!'

'Perfect Slytherin.'

'Right, that's it! You better say your prayers!'

'I'm only messing with you Lily! You're a tough, gutsy girl, so I think you'd do well in…GRYFFINDOR!' The hat yelled the last word. Lily took the hat off and placed it on the stool. She glared at it as she saw the brim look like a teasing smile.

"Stupid little bugger," Lily muttered under her breath. She stalked to the table who was cheering her on. She sat in a free space next to a boy with brownish black hair. The Sorting Ceremony went on, three more boys joined Gryffindor; a Remus Lupin, a nice looking guy with blonde-brown hair and hazel eyes that shone mysteriously. A Peter Pettigrew who was short, tubby and had watery blue eyes, and a James Potter who had jet-black hair and round glasses which were worn in front of mischievous brown eyes, kind of like Sirius Black, the boy Lily sat next to. He had black-brown hair and shining blue eyes, and a mischievous look on him. Two girls had also joined Gryffindor; an Avril Harriet, a blonde girl with grey-blue eyes and a sweet look on her face and a Rafaela di Somma, who was Italian and with a deep brown hair and sparkling brown eyes. Severus Snape got sorted into Slytherin, and Lily was so glad the Sorting Hat hadn't put her with him. Lily waited anxiously for Gladys' turn. Then it came.

"Sullivan, Gladys."

Gladys smiled at Lily headed on her way towards the stool. She sat for a while, waiting for what would happen. Lily prayed that she could be in Gryffindor with her. She enjoyed the other girl's company, she wasn't a girly girl, but she wasn't tomboyish, she was just plain in the middle. After a few more moments, the hat came to its decision.

"GRYFFINDOR!" out of everyone in the table, Lily cheered the loudest when she came. Lily made space for Gladys to sit next to her, which she obliged to.

"I'm so happy I'm in the same house as you!" Gladys exclaimed as she sat beside Lily.

"Yeah, this is going to kick ass!" Lily grinned. After a few words from the Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore, the banquet began.

Lily had never seen so much food appear from no where. They had everything, traditional food, spicy food, oriental food, everything. Lily feeling quite greedy, helped herself to anything nearby. Gladys and the other two girl's in Gryffindor watched as Lily piled everything onto her plate. They were even surprised at what a messy eater she was.

"Lily, you eat like a guy!" Avril commented. Lily grinned at her.

"Hey! There's nothing wrong with the way we eat!" Sirius, who had sat beside Lily said through mouthful of mashed potatoes.

"You said it!" James, the boy opposite Sirius said and stuffed his face. Lily grinned at them as well. She liked the people in her house. The girls were really nice, and the boys were very funny.

"Hey, Lily, is it true that you beat up Snape today?" James asked the flaming redhead.

"Oh! It is true! You should have seen her, the best right-hook I've ever seen!" Gladys commented.

"Right, take a note guys, be sure never to piss Lily off!" Sirius whispered. Lily heard and laughed.

"Oh come on Sirius, I'm not that bad!" she said and patted him on the back. Sirius who hadn't been expecting that nearly fell face first into his food. The others laughed.

The banquet soon ended and the first years were led through many corridors and to a portrait of a fat lady with a pink dress on. The prefect stopped in front of the portrait.

"Right, the password is, 'Andromeda.'" The prefect said. The portrait swung open. The prefect led Lily and the girls to their room. Lily opened the door to the girl's dorm and saw all her things next to the window. Lily didn't even bother to change, she took off her robes and fell onto the bed. She slept soundly for the rest of the night, a small smile on her face.

*~*~*~*

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed! I can't believe you all actually did that! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I've got a cold again! It's not fair! But it gave me the whole day to write this so, guess it's all good! Right, please R/R!