Disclaimer: If your name is JKR and you're feeling extra generous, you can
give me the money you make off of these characters, because I don't make
anything.
Chapter 9 - Flying
Dear Lily,
I don't know how or if you'll get this, because it's not as if I can tell the postman to go to Hogwarts School, but I felt the need to write to you anyway.
The house is empty without you. I keep hearing your voice, and then I go to see you and you're not here. But I'm sure you're having fun at school, and learning loads. When you do get this, I want to know everything. What are classes like? Did you meet any cute boys? How are your roommates?
We miss you, Lily!
Love,
Dad and Mum
PS-Petunia says she misses you very much, too.
PPS-Right after your father finished writing this, an owl flew through the window and started pointing its foot at us. We do hope you get this, dear.
Lily smiled through her mouthful of orange juice. She doubted that Petunia had expressed any emotion towards her departure-with the exception of possibly glee, but it was nice to know her parents were trying to make her feel better.
"Interesting letter?" a breathy voice asked in her ear.
"Aaah!" Lily half-screamed as she spat her orange juice down the front of her robes.
"You shouldn't have done that!" Lily screeched, looking at James Potter's grin.
"So?" he asked.
"So what?" Lily asked, against her better judgment.
"So, is it an interesting letter?"
"Yes, thank you, it is," Lily said, sticking her nose up in the air and ignoring him.
"Can I see?"
"I don't know if you're capable, but you may not."
"Who's it from?"
"Someone who misses me."
"Oooh, does ickle Evans have a boyfriend?"
"That's not your concern."
"Well, will ickle Evans - I mean, uh, nice, talented, beautiful Evans, go out with me?"
"Only in your dreams." With that, Lily snatched her books into her other free hand, and headed for her first class, Flying.
When Lily arrived out on the front lawn, she was surprised to see two rows of broomsticks set in the grass. Angrily, she stomped over to the nearest one and threw her books in the grass, still fuming.
How dare he? What difference did it make to him if she had a boyfriend or not? That was her business, and her business alone. Why did James think he could humiliate her like that? Yes, he was nice to her when she was confused at King's Cross, but then he threw water on her in the boat and made her fall in the lake, and now this. What had she done to deserve it?
"Lily, are you okay?"
Lily started, then looked into the beaming face of Elie. "Don't worry about James Potter, he's just a show-off. All of us have known it since our first meeting with James. He's just trying to go after you because you're the only witch in our year who hadn't already told him to get lost."
"But James doesn't like me . he threw water on me, he's been harassing me. And even if he did like me, what's to say I'd like him back?"
"Nothing says you have to like him back, Lily. But if you don't, then let him know."
Lily threw up her hands in exasperation. "I thought I did! What was the whole 'only in your dreams,' and stalking out on him, if not that?"
"A way for him to be more intrigued. Sssh, he's coming!"
"I don't care if he is coming! I don't want to see him! I HATE James Potter!"
"I HATE broccoli!" Sirius screamed in a mocking tone. "How about you, Lily?"
"Bugger off, Sirius! Leave Lily alone!" Elie said.
"Yeah, Sirius, leave Lily alone," Peter Pettigrew, a fellow Gryffindor, said, as he flushed scarlet.
"You know, Narcissa, it's beyond me why anyone would attempt to talk with Mudblood filth .. It's not as if they can understand us," Severus Snape said, leading a group of Slytherins. "But after all, it is Sirius," Severus said casually as Narcissa tittered politely behind her hand.
"You . you leave her alone, you evil pure-blood! It's not her fault she's born differently!" James Potter screamed, holding his wand up to Severus as if to duel.
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Snape! Stand in line! It's time for class to begin," an elderly witch said in a harsh tone of voice.
"Good morning, class. As you may know, I am Madam Firebolt. I played Quidditch for twelve years for England, and with my instruction, you may be able to play for them, too."
Elie nudged Lily in the ribs and pointed at James. His eyes were almost bulging out of their sockets, he was so interested in this woman and her teachings. Sirius Black was almost as intrigued.
"Okay, class, now stand next to your brooms, hold out your hand over them, and say, 'Up!'"
The entire class stood next to their brooms and said this. A few people, like James, Sirius, and Severus, had brooms in their hands on the first try, but it took most people more than one go. Lily got her broom at about the same time Elie did - not first, but not last, like poor Peter Pettigrew, either.
When Peter had finally given up and picked his broom off the ground, Madam Firebolt said, "Mount your brooms!"
Lily looked around dazedly. The only thing she'd ever used a broom for was sweeping the floor. But everyone else seemed comfortable with the concept and were, in fact, climbing onto their broom handles. Lily sighed, chewed her bottom lip, and tried to mimic James, since he seemed to know what he was doing.
"Hey, James, for someone who HATES you, someone seems to be staring a lot," Sirius called, a bit too loudly.
"Maybe she doesn't HATE you at all. Maybe Lily LIKES you, James," Peter added.
"I was just copying . oh, never mind. You'll never believe me anyway," Lily finished lamely.
"Lily likes James! Lily likes James!" Sirius and Peter began sing- songing.
"Mr. Black! Mr. Pettigrew! Ten points from Gryffindor! And don't harass this poor girl in my sight again, if you want a chance at making your house team one of these years,"
"Yes, ma'am," both Peter and Sirius said, bowing their heads and looking ashamed. But Lily saw Sirius look up with a glint in his eye and a smirk across his lips.
"No, Miss Evans, like this. Move your legs back, like Mr. Potter over there. See what he's doing? Copy that, and I'll be back to check on you in a minute." Madam Firebolt said as she moved down the line.
"Yes, Lily, please, stare at James. We know you want an excuse. You LIKE - I mean, HATE, him," Sirius said.
"Mr. Black, detention," Madam Firebolt snapped without turning around.
"But I didn't do anything. All I said was that Lily liked James, which is true, so I don't know why you're giving me a det - "
Sirius trailed off, and it was immediately obvious to Lily why he did so. Severus had sent a snake flying towards Sirius. The snake coiled itself around Sirius's mouth, muffling his speech.
"Mr. Snape! Miss Black! Mr. Black! Mr. Potter! Mr. Pettigrew! Miss Evans! Would you all kindly escort me to the Headmaster's office? The rest of you, stay here, with your feet on the ground, or none of you will play Quidditch at this school, I personally guarantee it."
"Come along, Miss Evans. I don't have all day!"
Lily followed the others, puzzled as to why she was being forced to come along. As far as she could tell, neither she nor Narcissa had done anything. But she'd see what the Headmaster had to say. Maybe she'd broken some unknown rule. Maybe she was going to be expelled, in her first week here. A few days ago, that would've suited her fine. But now, part of her wanted to stay, learn more magic with people her own age.
Lily could hear Madam Firebolt muttering towards the front of the line. Lily counted five staircases between the front lawn and Dumbledore's office. She just hoped Madam Firebolt wasn't saying anything too important, because she couldn't have listened if she'd tried. All she heard was a white wash of noise in her ears that sounded like her own heart.
The line stopped suddenly in front of a stone gargoyle.
"Lemon sherbet," Madam Firebolt snapped, and looked at the gargoyle expectantly.
And to Lily's surprise, the gargoyle jumped aside, revealing a rotating staircase. No one moved, as everyone seemed just as surprised as Lily.
"Hurry up, children, I haven't got all day! What are you waiting for? Go up!"
Those words finally did Lily some good, as she forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. The others in front of her did the same, as they all made their way to the staircase. Finally, they arrived at the top, facing a door which Lily knew would be Dumbledore's office.
Once, in primary school, Lily had been sent to the principal's office because she had been late to school due to Petunia's primping for class for too long. Lily desperately hoped Dumbledore's office wouldn't look dark, with cold metal chairs that were several inches shorter than the principal's were.
Madam Firebolt knocked three times, a hollow sound that filled Lily with dread.
"Come in, come in," a voice said jovially.
Lily followed the rest of the line into the room. When she arrived, she gasped. Portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses lined the back wall. Golden, spindly instruments were humming merrily in the background. And sitting on a perch was a bird with the most distinctive markings Lily had ever seen. The bird was glowing red, like a flame that hadn't quite been put out. And when Lily put out her hand as if to touch it, the bird uttered a soft, comforting note.
"His name is Fawkes," Dumbledore said softly. "He's a phoenix."
"He's beautiful," Lily said, forgetting temporarily why she was in the office at all.
"He was a gift from someone very dear to me. He reminds me of her, very much."
Madam Firebolt cleared her throat loudly. Lily looked up to see the others watching them, with mixtures of interest and disgust on their faces.
"But as interesting as this is, Lily, I'm quite sure I'm not paying respect to the honor of your visit. Madam Firebolt, would you care to enlighten me as to the reason for this?"
"Well, Professor Dumbledore," she spat with contempt, "these children were disrupting my class. I assigned detention, but it didn't do any good. Finally, I just brought them up here when I was sick of the interruptions. Flying is a very delicate business, you know. You can't be too careful."
"Truer words were never spoken, my dear lady. Now, if I'm not mistaken, you have more students still outside to be instructed?"
"The students! Oh my stars!"
"Go ahead, run along. I'll be sure that these students are disciplined properly."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," she said, making a little bow as she left the room.
"Now, since that nasty business is over, would anyone like a biscuit?"
No one spoke. Were the rumors true? Was Professor Dumbledore really off his rocker?
"Miss Evans, how about you? Would you like a biscuit?"
Lily hesitated. "They're quite fresh. Daisy the house-elf made them just a few minutes ago."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," Lily finally said, as she accepted a biscuit.
"Would anyone else like a biscuit?"
James, Sirius, and Peter all nodded, but Narcissa and Severus wrinkled their noses.
"Professor, begging your pardon, sir," Severus said with a slight trace of sarcasm, "but aren't we here to be disciplined? I, for one, would like to attend my remaining classes instead of sitting up here in the Headmaster's office eating biscuits!"
"Right you are, Severus. Students need to learn. But by this little offering of food, I think I can guess what happened during your Flying lesson. Shall I go on, or would one of you care to explain for yourselves?"
"I'll tell you, Professor Dumbledore," Lily said, before she could stop herself.
"Thank you, Miss Evans. Please proceed."
"Well, you see, it all started at breakfast, when I got a letter from someone and James was trying to figure out who sent it. Then he asked me out, and I got all mad and stormed off. So then, I went outside to wait for class, and so Elie came outside and we started talking about . people, and then there was just general insults and interruptions between us all."
"Thank you, Miss Evans. Does anyone else have anything else to add?"
"Headmaster, this is ridiculous," Narcissa spoke softly, and Lily looked up to see what she'd have to say. "These were just a few simple infractions between schoolmates. There is no problem between us." Narcissa stared straight into Dumbledore's eyes, as if trying to convince him that he was wasting time.
"There's no animosity between any of you? You all feel that Miss Evans is just as qualified in the wizarding world as you yourself are?"
"Now, Headmaster, Narcissa didn't say that. There is no way to control what Lily is. We just have to accept her inferiority."
"Mr. Snape, please apologize to Miss Evans immediately." Dumbledore's voice was cold, firm, commanding.
"Lily, I'm sorry I said you're inferior," Severus said in an obligatory voice.
"That's better. Now, if all of you will give me your solemn vow not to let silly grudges get in the way of your schoolwork, you're all free to go."
"We promise, Headmaster," they all said in unison, though Lily noticed both Sirius and Severus had their fingers crossed behind their backs.
"Very good. Also, if you could please write me an essay on the importance of getting along with all witches and wizards, to be handed in on two rolls of parchment to your Head of House by Friday morning, I will let you all go. I believe, if you hurry, you will make it to your next class on time, to ensure you don't miss any more class."
Dumbledore smiled jubilantly at Snape, who was looking murderous.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Snape finally said, and gave him a curt nod. "Are you coming, Narcissa? We've got Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Narcissa stood up, gave a slight nod to Dumbledore, and followed.
"All that, and we didn't even get to see Madam Firebolt fly!" Sirius said, outraged.
"There will be plenty of time for Flying lessons, Mr. Black. What you all need to remember is there are plenty of people like Mr. Snape and Miss Black, quick to judge those who they deem less qualified than themselves. If I am not mistaken, and I very much hope I am, there are Dark times ahead. I'd like to ask you all - Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Pettigrew, Miss Evans - to stay alert. Be vigilant in your studies. And most importantly, don't let the actions of others cause you to do something rash."
Peter, James, and Sirius stood to go.
"Are you coming, Lily?" James asked in a concerned tone.
"I'll be along in a minute. I want to ask Professor Dumbledore something. Could you tell Professor Flitwick I'll be late?"
"All right."
"Professor Dumbledore?" Lily said, timidly.
"Yes, Miss Evans? Do you need another biscuit?"
"Actually, sir, I was wondering something. I've heard the word 'Mudblood' used a few times before, but I don't know what it means. I know it's bad."
"Who said that?" Dumbledore's voice was sharper, and he had leaned forward in his chair.
"I don't remember, sir. Someone said it in Diagon Alley, and then Severus said it during our Flying lesson."
Dumbledore looked as though someone had struck him. "Lily, Mudblood is a very offensive word that means someone who is not born to a wizard and a witch. Some witches and wizards think it means that you're not as pure of a witch or wizard. I'm afraid you may be hearing that word more often than you should. Just do your best to ignore it, Miss Evans, and if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to come and find me."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
"You're welcome, Miss Evans. Now I believe you're expected in Charms?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, have a good lesson, and tell Professor Flitwick to come see me if he has a problem with you being late."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
"You're welcome, Miss Evans. Now off to class."
Lily put her feet in front of the other, wandering slowly down to the Charms classroom. So the problem with her was that she was born to Muggle parents? She'd show them, she'd show them all. She'd work harder than ever, become better at every subject than any of them. Then they'd realize that it was no use giving nasty names to anyone.
A/N: Yes? No? I know it may be a bit farfetched, but no less so than any of the other fanfic out there. Feel free to quibble with me if you feel characters are out of character, or just to leave any general comments. Thanks to all who reviewed!
Chapter 9 - Flying
Dear Lily,
I don't know how or if you'll get this, because it's not as if I can tell the postman to go to Hogwarts School, but I felt the need to write to you anyway.
The house is empty without you. I keep hearing your voice, and then I go to see you and you're not here. But I'm sure you're having fun at school, and learning loads. When you do get this, I want to know everything. What are classes like? Did you meet any cute boys? How are your roommates?
We miss you, Lily!
Love,
Dad and Mum
PS-Petunia says she misses you very much, too.
PPS-Right after your father finished writing this, an owl flew through the window and started pointing its foot at us. We do hope you get this, dear.
Lily smiled through her mouthful of orange juice. She doubted that Petunia had expressed any emotion towards her departure-with the exception of possibly glee, but it was nice to know her parents were trying to make her feel better.
"Interesting letter?" a breathy voice asked in her ear.
"Aaah!" Lily half-screamed as she spat her orange juice down the front of her robes.
"You shouldn't have done that!" Lily screeched, looking at James Potter's grin.
"So?" he asked.
"So what?" Lily asked, against her better judgment.
"So, is it an interesting letter?"
"Yes, thank you, it is," Lily said, sticking her nose up in the air and ignoring him.
"Can I see?"
"I don't know if you're capable, but you may not."
"Who's it from?"
"Someone who misses me."
"Oooh, does ickle Evans have a boyfriend?"
"That's not your concern."
"Well, will ickle Evans - I mean, uh, nice, talented, beautiful Evans, go out with me?"
"Only in your dreams." With that, Lily snatched her books into her other free hand, and headed for her first class, Flying.
When Lily arrived out on the front lawn, she was surprised to see two rows of broomsticks set in the grass. Angrily, she stomped over to the nearest one and threw her books in the grass, still fuming.
How dare he? What difference did it make to him if she had a boyfriend or not? That was her business, and her business alone. Why did James think he could humiliate her like that? Yes, he was nice to her when she was confused at King's Cross, but then he threw water on her in the boat and made her fall in the lake, and now this. What had she done to deserve it?
"Lily, are you okay?"
Lily started, then looked into the beaming face of Elie. "Don't worry about James Potter, he's just a show-off. All of us have known it since our first meeting with James. He's just trying to go after you because you're the only witch in our year who hadn't already told him to get lost."
"But James doesn't like me . he threw water on me, he's been harassing me. And even if he did like me, what's to say I'd like him back?"
"Nothing says you have to like him back, Lily. But if you don't, then let him know."
Lily threw up her hands in exasperation. "I thought I did! What was the whole 'only in your dreams,' and stalking out on him, if not that?"
"A way for him to be more intrigued. Sssh, he's coming!"
"I don't care if he is coming! I don't want to see him! I HATE James Potter!"
"I HATE broccoli!" Sirius screamed in a mocking tone. "How about you, Lily?"
"Bugger off, Sirius! Leave Lily alone!" Elie said.
"Yeah, Sirius, leave Lily alone," Peter Pettigrew, a fellow Gryffindor, said, as he flushed scarlet.
"You know, Narcissa, it's beyond me why anyone would attempt to talk with Mudblood filth .. It's not as if they can understand us," Severus Snape said, leading a group of Slytherins. "But after all, it is Sirius," Severus said casually as Narcissa tittered politely behind her hand.
"You . you leave her alone, you evil pure-blood! It's not her fault she's born differently!" James Potter screamed, holding his wand up to Severus as if to duel.
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Snape! Stand in line! It's time for class to begin," an elderly witch said in a harsh tone of voice.
"Good morning, class. As you may know, I am Madam Firebolt. I played Quidditch for twelve years for England, and with my instruction, you may be able to play for them, too."
Elie nudged Lily in the ribs and pointed at James. His eyes were almost bulging out of their sockets, he was so interested in this woman and her teachings. Sirius Black was almost as intrigued.
"Okay, class, now stand next to your brooms, hold out your hand over them, and say, 'Up!'"
The entire class stood next to their brooms and said this. A few people, like James, Sirius, and Severus, had brooms in their hands on the first try, but it took most people more than one go. Lily got her broom at about the same time Elie did - not first, but not last, like poor Peter Pettigrew, either.
When Peter had finally given up and picked his broom off the ground, Madam Firebolt said, "Mount your brooms!"
Lily looked around dazedly. The only thing she'd ever used a broom for was sweeping the floor. But everyone else seemed comfortable with the concept and were, in fact, climbing onto their broom handles. Lily sighed, chewed her bottom lip, and tried to mimic James, since he seemed to know what he was doing.
"Hey, James, for someone who HATES you, someone seems to be staring a lot," Sirius called, a bit too loudly.
"Maybe she doesn't HATE you at all. Maybe Lily LIKES you, James," Peter added.
"I was just copying . oh, never mind. You'll never believe me anyway," Lily finished lamely.
"Lily likes James! Lily likes James!" Sirius and Peter began sing- songing.
"Mr. Black! Mr. Pettigrew! Ten points from Gryffindor! And don't harass this poor girl in my sight again, if you want a chance at making your house team one of these years,"
"Yes, ma'am," both Peter and Sirius said, bowing their heads and looking ashamed. But Lily saw Sirius look up with a glint in his eye and a smirk across his lips.
"No, Miss Evans, like this. Move your legs back, like Mr. Potter over there. See what he's doing? Copy that, and I'll be back to check on you in a minute." Madam Firebolt said as she moved down the line.
"Yes, Lily, please, stare at James. We know you want an excuse. You LIKE - I mean, HATE, him," Sirius said.
"Mr. Black, detention," Madam Firebolt snapped without turning around.
"But I didn't do anything. All I said was that Lily liked James, which is true, so I don't know why you're giving me a det - "
Sirius trailed off, and it was immediately obvious to Lily why he did so. Severus had sent a snake flying towards Sirius. The snake coiled itself around Sirius's mouth, muffling his speech.
"Mr. Snape! Miss Black! Mr. Black! Mr. Potter! Mr. Pettigrew! Miss Evans! Would you all kindly escort me to the Headmaster's office? The rest of you, stay here, with your feet on the ground, or none of you will play Quidditch at this school, I personally guarantee it."
"Come along, Miss Evans. I don't have all day!"
Lily followed the others, puzzled as to why she was being forced to come along. As far as she could tell, neither she nor Narcissa had done anything. But she'd see what the Headmaster had to say. Maybe she'd broken some unknown rule. Maybe she was going to be expelled, in her first week here. A few days ago, that would've suited her fine. But now, part of her wanted to stay, learn more magic with people her own age.
Lily could hear Madam Firebolt muttering towards the front of the line. Lily counted five staircases between the front lawn and Dumbledore's office. She just hoped Madam Firebolt wasn't saying anything too important, because she couldn't have listened if she'd tried. All she heard was a white wash of noise in her ears that sounded like her own heart.
The line stopped suddenly in front of a stone gargoyle.
"Lemon sherbet," Madam Firebolt snapped, and looked at the gargoyle expectantly.
And to Lily's surprise, the gargoyle jumped aside, revealing a rotating staircase. No one moved, as everyone seemed just as surprised as Lily.
"Hurry up, children, I haven't got all day! What are you waiting for? Go up!"
Those words finally did Lily some good, as she forced herself to put one foot in front of the other. The others in front of her did the same, as they all made their way to the staircase. Finally, they arrived at the top, facing a door which Lily knew would be Dumbledore's office.
Once, in primary school, Lily had been sent to the principal's office because she had been late to school due to Petunia's primping for class for too long. Lily desperately hoped Dumbledore's office wouldn't look dark, with cold metal chairs that were several inches shorter than the principal's were.
Madam Firebolt knocked three times, a hollow sound that filled Lily with dread.
"Come in, come in," a voice said jovially.
Lily followed the rest of the line into the room. When she arrived, she gasped. Portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses lined the back wall. Golden, spindly instruments were humming merrily in the background. And sitting on a perch was a bird with the most distinctive markings Lily had ever seen. The bird was glowing red, like a flame that hadn't quite been put out. And when Lily put out her hand as if to touch it, the bird uttered a soft, comforting note.
"His name is Fawkes," Dumbledore said softly. "He's a phoenix."
"He's beautiful," Lily said, forgetting temporarily why she was in the office at all.
"He was a gift from someone very dear to me. He reminds me of her, very much."
Madam Firebolt cleared her throat loudly. Lily looked up to see the others watching them, with mixtures of interest and disgust on their faces.
"But as interesting as this is, Lily, I'm quite sure I'm not paying respect to the honor of your visit. Madam Firebolt, would you care to enlighten me as to the reason for this?"
"Well, Professor Dumbledore," she spat with contempt, "these children were disrupting my class. I assigned detention, but it didn't do any good. Finally, I just brought them up here when I was sick of the interruptions. Flying is a very delicate business, you know. You can't be too careful."
"Truer words were never spoken, my dear lady. Now, if I'm not mistaken, you have more students still outside to be instructed?"
"The students! Oh my stars!"
"Go ahead, run along. I'll be sure that these students are disciplined properly."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," she said, making a little bow as she left the room.
"Now, since that nasty business is over, would anyone like a biscuit?"
No one spoke. Were the rumors true? Was Professor Dumbledore really off his rocker?
"Miss Evans, how about you? Would you like a biscuit?"
Lily hesitated. "They're quite fresh. Daisy the house-elf made them just a few minutes ago."
"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore," Lily finally said, as she accepted a biscuit.
"Would anyone else like a biscuit?"
James, Sirius, and Peter all nodded, but Narcissa and Severus wrinkled their noses.
"Professor, begging your pardon, sir," Severus said with a slight trace of sarcasm, "but aren't we here to be disciplined? I, for one, would like to attend my remaining classes instead of sitting up here in the Headmaster's office eating biscuits!"
"Right you are, Severus. Students need to learn. But by this little offering of food, I think I can guess what happened during your Flying lesson. Shall I go on, or would one of you care to explain for yourselves?"
"I'll tell you, Professor Dumbledore," Lily said, before she could stop herself.
"Thank you, Miss Evans. Please proceed."
"Well, you see, it all started at breakfast, when I got a letter from someone and James was trying to figure out who sent it. Then he asked me out, and I got all mad and stormed off. So then, I went outside to wait for class, and so Elie came outside and we started talking about . people, and then there was just general insults and interruptions between us all."
"Thank you, Miss Evans. Does anyone else have anything else to add?"
"Headmaster, this is ridiculous," Narcissa spoke softly, and Lily looked up to see what she'd have to say. "These were just a few simple infractions between schoolmates. There is no problem between us." Narcissa stared straight into Dumbledore's eyes, as if trying to convince him that he was wasting time.
"There's no animosity between any of you? You all feel that Miss Evans is just as qualified in the wizarding world as you yourself are?"
"Now, Headmaster, Narcissa didn't say that. There is no way to control what Lily is. We just have to accept her inferiority."
"Mr. Snape, please apologize to Miss Evans immediately." Dumbledore's voice was cold, firm, commanding.
"Lily, I'm sorry I said you're inferior," Severus said in an obligatory voice.
"That's better. Now, if all of you will give me your solemn vow not to let silly grudges get in the way of your schoolwork, you're all free to go."
"We promise, Headmaster," they all said in unison, though Lily noticed both Sirius and Severus had their fingers crossed behind their backs.
"Very good. Also, if you could please write me an essay on the importance of getting along with all witches and wizards, to be handed in on two rolls of parchment to your Head of House by Friday morning, I will let you all go. I believe, if you hurry, you will make it to your next class on time, to ensure you don't miss any more class."
Dumbledore smiled jubilantly at Snape, who was looking murderous.
"Thank you, Headmaster," Snape finally said, and gave him a curt nod. "Are you coming, Narcissa? We've got Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Narcissa stood up, gave a slight nod to Dumbledore, and followed.
"All that, and we didn't even get to see Madam Firebolt fly!" Sirius said, outraged.
"There will be plenty of time for Flying lessons, Mr. Black. What you all need to remember is there are plenty of people like Mr. Snape and Miss Black, quick to judge those who they deem less qualified than themselves. If I am not mistaken, and I very much hope I am, there are Dark times ahead. I'd like to ask you all - Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Pettigrew, Miss Evans - to stay alert. Be vigilant in your studies. And most importantly, don't let the actions of others cause you to do something rash."
Peter, James, and Sirius stood to go.
"Are you coming, Lily?" James asked in a concerned tone.
"I'll be along in a minute. I want to ask Professor Dumbledore something. Could you tell Professor Flitwick I'll be late?"
"All right."
"Professor Dumbledore?" Lily said, timidly.
"Yes, Miss Evans? Do you need another biscuit?"
"Actually, sir, I was wondering something. I've heard the word 'Mudblood' used a few times before, but I don't know what it means. I know it's bad."
"Who said that?" Dumbledore's voice was sharper, and he had leaned forward in his chair.
"I don't remember, sir. Someone said it in Diagon Alley, and then Severus said it during our Flying lesson."
Dumbledore looked as though someone had struck him. "Lily, Mudblood is a very offensive word that means someone who is not born to a wizard and a witch. Some witches and wizards think it means that you're not as pure of a witch or wizard. I'm afraid you may be hearing that word more often than you should. Just do your best to ignore it, Miss Evans, and if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to come and find me."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
"You're welcome, Miss Evans. Now I believe you're expected in Charms?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, have a good lesson, and tell Professor Flitwick to come see me if he has a problem with you being late."
"Thank you, Headmaster."
"You're welcome, Miss Evans. Now off to class."
Lily put her feet in front of the other, wandering slowly down to the Charms classroom. So the problem with her was that she was born to Muggle parents? She'd show them, she'd show them all. She'd work harder than ever, become better at every subject than any of them. Then they'd realize that it was no use giving nasty names to anyone.
A/N: Yes? No? I know it may be a bit farfetched, but no less so than any of the other fanfic out there. Feel free to quibble with me if you feel characters are out of character, or just to leave any general comments. Thanks to all who reviewed!
